JULY
Mississippi River Largemouths
River pools 12, 13 and 14 hold incredible numbers of largemouth bass. River level drives bass location, with these fish more nomadic than lake-dwelling brethren.

If the river is falling, start by probing the backside of wing dams and riprap near the main channel. If the river is on the rise, target backwater areas, running sloughs and structure along migration routes between backwater areas.

One key is at least 7 feet of water close to shallower structure or cover near current. Bass in the feeding mode tend to concentrate around a small area. If action slows, don't leave, just change your presentation.

Be aware of your surroundings. Watch for gulls and bass busting baitfish, and for other boaters and water hazards, too.

Contact: www.in-depthangling.com.

Otter Lake Channel Cats
DNR surveys indicate a dozen year-classes of channel catfish present in this 723-acre Macoupin County lake, with specimens from 2 to 18 pounds noted. A six-daily bag limit is in place. Fishing pressure is almost nil. Target points and wind-swept coves, especially south of Highway 12. The night bite is best.

Kankakee Smallmouths
This northeastern Illinois river is a perennial smallmouth bass producer, with a canoe float trip the best way to get hooked up. Some current areas are swift, so look ahead and plan your cast close to structure, which is notoriously unforgiving. Weedless rigging or single-hook lures like spinnerbaits will save a lot of downtime.

AUGUST
Apple River Smallmouths
I've been fishing this pristine Jo Daviess County stream for more than 40 years. It remains Illinois' top smallmouth river, even after occasional fish kills over the years.

There is good fishing within the confines of Apple River Canyon State Park. But the action borders on incredible on private lands. Small in-line spinners like the Vibrax in copper color work well. You won't believe the ultimate weapon here: An X-5 yellow Flatfish with red and brown spots. I'm serious.

Contact: Tri-Lakes Sporting Goods, (815) 369-5520.

Carlyle Lake White Bass
The tailwaters of this vast reservoir can provide incredible action for scrappy white bass during the summer months. Small blade baits or the basic white twistertail on a jighead are all it takes to get hooked up when fish are active here. Dawn and dusk usually offer the best fishing.

Lake Michigan Salmon
Huge 4-year-old chinook salmon move inland to tributaries in late August through mid-September in an attempt to spawn before they die. Although these behemoths aren't actively feeding, they will strike small crankbaits, spoons and spinners. Once hooked, the combat is brutal.

SEPTEMBER
Lake Shelbyville Muskies
Our current state-record muskie came from the Lake Shelbyville tailwaters, which are always a good place to check out. Come September try the rocks above the dam as well and other riprapped areas like the Lithia Springs Marina.

Shelbyville is not a "classic" muskie lake. But it has been the DNR's top muskie priority for many years, with activity increasing through October and the arrival of seriously cold weather.

Contact: Lithia Springs Marina, (217) 774-4121.

Lake Springfield Channel Cats
Target the backs of coves and main-lake points with dip bait and fresh chicken liver. Most fish are perfect eating size, about 1 to 3 pounds, but be prepared for a tussle with fish in double digits.

Pistakee Lake Largemouths
The "T" channel is the heart of bass country in this fertile lake in the Fox Chain-O-Lakes. The key is throwing something the bass likely haven't seen -- like the Chompers Techno-Tube in black/blue colors -- fished weightless around deadfalls and other wood.