Tim Lesmeister.

October
Lake Shelbyville Walleyes
Lake Shelbyville walleyes are running in good sizes. Taking fish as long as 24 or 25 inches is possible, but most will be less than 20 inches.

Trolling deeper water is the way to find these wandering fish once the water starts to cool down from the summer temperatures. Their eyes provide exceptional low-light vision and they take advantage of being able to see better than prey fish during nighttime hours and stormy, overcast weather.

Tossing beefed-up crankbaits and soft plastics is more productive in the fall than using the tiny lures associated with warm-weather ‘eyes.

Daytime fishing centers around the deeper bottom pockets and the outside edges of weedbeds.

Crappies, bluegills and white bass are also available in good numbers.

Lake Shelbyville covers over 1,100 acres of water east of Shelbyville in Shelby and Moultrie counties.

Contact the DNR at (217) 345-2420 for additional information.

NOVEMBER
Shabbona Lake Muskies
Once the water cools, muskies begin stocking up for the lean winter months ahead in Illinois’ premier muskie lake. A last-minute bite can sometimes be the best of the year, as muskies slash at anything that moves. On other autumn days, they’re typically tight-lipped and downright picky.

Muskies are looking for big meals without having to expend energy to catch them. Try the bigger crankbaits with wide, rolling action that can be trolled or cast slowly.

Fall muskies will be structure-oriented around the submerged manmade fish attractors, stumps, rockpiles, standing timber and weed edges.

Two state records have been taken from Shabbona Lake. One monster muskie weighed in at 34 pounds and the next was a whopp er-sized fish weighing 37 pounds.

A 48-inch minimum length restriction is in place. A steel leader and heavy tackle are definitely called for.

Muskies are looking for big meals without having to expend energy to catch them. Try the bigger crankbaits with wide, rolling action that can be trolled or cast slowly.

Shabbona Lake covers 318 acres in DeKalb County two miles south of the town of Shabbona.

Call the Region 1 office at (815) 625-2968 for more information.

DECEMBER
Lake Le-Aqua-Na
Northern Pike
Lake Le-Aqua-Na is a relatively small destination, but there aren’t many pike anglers fishing it. Ice-fishing for northerns can provide plenty of fun with numerous smaller pike available and an occasional lunker-class fish. Some of these northerns have reached into the 35-inch-plus range.

Pike remain aggressive throughout the hard-water season and can readily be taken from under the ice. Pike roam freely under the ice and can be taken in just inches of water throughout the daytime hours.

Tip-ups and spinning rods work well. Use a steel leader to prevent bite-offs.

When you pull a northern up through the ice, be sure to avoid its teeth. A pair of pliers is still risky business if the hook is imbedded in the pike’s throat. The teeth are razor sharp and can easily slice a finger or tow. The nickname “water wolf” is well deserved.

Lake Le-Aqua-Na covers 43 acres three miles north of Lena in Stephenson County.

For additional information, contact Region 1 at (815) 625-2968.

Find more about Illinois fishing and hunting at: IllinoisGanmeandFish.com