Photo by Michael Skinner

There are many experiences that leave an indelible mark on the soul, but few can equal the thrill of hooking up with a big striped bass. For many people, the first time a big striper slams their rod and tests the limits of their strength, they're hopelessly addicted.

Whether you are a seasoned striper fanatic or you're looking to do battle with your first one, these Illinois striped bass waters are the places to go this year.

HEIDECKE LAKE
The best hybrid striper hotspot in the Prairie State could be little 1,300-acre Heidecke Lake in Grundy County. This former cooling lake has what it takes to produce numbers of fish, and some real lunkers, too.

"This past year, striper fishing was up for both numbers and overall size," said Greg Heath, owner of Fish Finder Guide Service, (815) 258-9136. "Most every time we went out we caught a few fish over 8 pounds. Our largest hybrid this year was about 13 pounds, and we had days where we caught 10 to 15 fish that were over 10 pounds."

Impressive numbers are common reports from Heidecke. According to the Department of Natural Resources' 2006 Status of the Striped Bass/Hybrid Striped Bass Fishery in Illinois, the spring trap-net survey revealed numerous year-classes. Fish ranging from 19 inches to 30 inches were prominent. The average size was an impressive 8 1/2 pounds.

DNR biologist Rob Miller concurs with Heath's observation.

"Our 2006 collection surpassed the previous survey by 300 percent, far exceeding the 10-year fall survey average. Hybrids collected in the fall ranged up to 28 inches."

Heath said the wind is the main factor for striper location.

"Throughout the spring and summer we find most of our big hybrids on windward banks," Heath said. "The bigger the waves, the better the fishing is."

On days when the wind isn't blowing, Heath likes to troll the abyss for hybrids.

"Later in the summer, we'll watch for schools of shad on the surface and troll around them, or we'll troll over mid-lake humps, or the old inundated roadbeds."

Heath said a shad- or chrome-pattern No. 4 Shad Rap is best, but this past year he found himself using larger 4- to 6-inch shad swim baits. Other tactics include slow-trolling live shiners or roaches, casting Zara Spooks into where stripers are boiling the surface, and casting flashy tail spinners or blade baits.

Heidecke Lake opens annually on April 1. There is a boat rental and concession on site. For more information, call (815) 942-6352. For lodging information, call the Morris Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 942-0113.