Target the various bridges, submerged creek channels and the area around the dam. Minnows on a jig or below a float -- and trolling crankbaits -- are top presentations.

Good crappie fishing is available for serious slab hunters who know how to pattern fish in reservoirs. Early season and the spawn are prime times to find decent fishing in the brushy coves. Crappies average about 10 to 12 inches.

White bass are up, with numerous fish in the 12- to 14-inch range. Hybrid striped bass pushing 10 pounds are taken on blade baits, hair jigs, twistertails, lipless rattlers and big minnows. And Clinton is perhaps the best catfishery in central Illinois, with numbers of channels up to 15 pounds and flatheads topping 50 pounds. The best early-season cat action is around the buoy line by the power plant's warmwater discharge.

Clinton Lake is located in De Witt County and open year-round. Boat launching facilities surround the lake. More information, contact Clinton Lake SRA, (217) 935-8722.

COFFEEN LAKE
Coffeen Lake SFWA site superintendent Brad Tedrick said Coffeen is a "bass magnet." Approximately 50 to 60 percent of the fish are over the legal size limit of 15 inches, the lake is well known for producing some respectable fish.

"A 4-pounder is pretty common here," revealed Tedrick, "and fish up to 8 pounds are possible." Target bucketmouths with crankbaits, Carolina-rigged worms and topwaters.

Coffeen is also a pretty decent crappie hole. "We don't have the numbers, but we have some sizeable fish," said Tedrick. Crappies here run about 13 to 16 inches, and can be taken with minnows and jigs.

If you like catfishing, Tedrick says that Coffeen is home to a good channel cat population, and 20- to 30-pound flatheads are common. Tedrick suggested winter anglers focus on the warm portion of the lake south of the railroad trestle.

Coffeen Lake is located in Montgomery County near Hillsboro. It's open all year, with the exception of the firearm deer seasons. Two boat launches, concession and excellent facilities are on the premises. Motors are restricted to 25 horsepower or less. More information is available at (217) 537-3351.

HEIDECKE LAKE
Known locally as "Striper Alley," Heidecke Lake in Grundy County near Morris is a cooling lake in tradition only. Collins Station has been inoperative for the last year, but this 1,300-acre gem is still a premier destination for spring anglers.

Greg Heath of Fish Finder Guide Service (815-258-9136) said that Heidecke is by far the best hybrid striped bass water in the northern half of Illinois.

"In 40- to 50-degree water, I destroy the hybrid striped bass," said Heath. "My first two clients last year caught 135 stripers, with 10 over 10 pounds." Heath suggested casting or trolling chrome-colored crankbaits or lipless rattling lures along the rocky shorelines and wind-swept banks.

Walleyes are up at Heidecke this year. "Last year we boated over 300 walleyes," said Heath. "Most of these fish were between 16 and 18 inches." Heath catches walleyes in the same areas he fishes for stripers. Anglers specifically targeting walleyes drift night crawlers or minnows over humps or submerged trenches. Bank-anglers find success around the bridge area of the interior dike.

Serious smallmouth bass anglers should also get excited about this lake. "Seventeen inches is an average smallmouth in Heidecke," said Heath. "And there's plenty of 3- and 4-pound fish available." Target riprap banks with chrome or shad-imitating crankbaits. Early April to mid-May is when the best fishing occurs.

Heidecke is also home to numbers of big channel catfish and a sleeper population of muskies. This year, the lake opens April 1 for fishing. A three-slip launch, excellent parking, bank-fishing, boat rental and concessions are on premises. For more information, contact Heidecke Lake SFWA at (815) 942-6352.