Illinois is nearly 400 miles long from the Wisconsin border to Kentucky. As a result, fishing conditions vary accordingly with the weather. Bass in one area may be just starting the spawn, while they have completed spawning in another. There can be ice on the northern lakes in the winter, while the southern third of the state rarely freezes over. Fishing is available all year if one just looks for it.

Most fuel conscious anglers can find great fishing within a short distance from home. Illinois' history of quality water resources and a battery of topnotch state fishery biologists have produced first-class fishing locations for everyone.

We surveyed anglers, biologists, outdoor writers and guides to bring you a list of some of the best locations for each month of 2010.

Here is our annual year-round look at Illinois' best fishing. Chances are one is near you.

JANUARY
Fox Chain Of Lakes: Bluegills
Located about an hour's drive northwest of metropolitan Chicago, the Fox Chain of Lakes is a popular location for ice-fishing. The six lakes and connecting Fox River provide bluegills with great forage and protection from predators. With 7,100 acres of lakes and 15 miles of river, there is no shortage of places to fish.

Winter anglers need only look for other fishermen in the coves and near bridges to find fish. Submerged weed growth attracts fish to those locations and fishermen quickly learn where the bluegills are to be found. Many fishermen will drill multiple holes and use electronic fish locators to find the good spots. Usually the bluegills are found in the same or similar locations, as is the case in summer.

Patience is important. If you fish the regular spots, the fish will be on a feeding schedule. Use that schedule to increase your chances of catching fish. Although bluegills, and other tasty panfish, can be found throughout the lake system, January bluegills are most common in the south end of Channel Lake. Your second choice is the north end of the same lake.

FEBRUARY
Powerton Lake: Hybrid Stripers
A power plant lake, this 1,426-acre water has hybrid stripers that begin biting during the latter half of this month and will continue to do so into March. Powerton Lake is located just south of Pekin off state Route 29 and Manito Road.

The elevated temperatures of the water from the power plant create an extended active feeding period. The result is a healthy supply of hybrid stripers.

There is an abundant green sunfish and gizzard shad population in the lake upon which the hybrids feed. The shad like to roam the open-water areas in search of zooplankton. That in turn makes them a prey of opportunity for the hybrids. A jig with a big fathead minnow is a good starting point.

The lake is limited to day fishing only. There is a concrete ramp to launch boats. Gates are open only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A parking lot will hold 40-plus vehicles with trailers and another 50 to 60 vehicles for shore-bound anglers.

MARCH
Lake of Egypt: Largemouths
Bass action heats up early as water warms from the power plant at the north end of lake. The lake is about 7 miles southeast of Marion in Williamson County. You will find three full-service marinas on the east side of the lake. There are other boat launches available, which are both public and private. A good lake map will show you their locations.