The lower end of Lake Centralia also has siltation issues, but there is still more than 20 feet of water near the dam with one long hump here that can hold plenty of fish in April.

After the water begins to warm, water willows may be found all over the lake from the shoreline to a depth of 3 feet. Probe the outside weed edge with chrome and black or shad pattern crankbaits, especially lipless vibrating ones like the Rat-L-Trap.

Much of the shoreline is highly developed with little natural structure to fish. When serious summer arrives, try flipping green pumpkin pepper tube jigs or Senko-style baits under boat docks and along the inside weed edge using tackle with enough muscle to move larger fish quickly to open water. For more information, call (618) 547-3610.

OTHER WATERS
It's been a long winter for northern Illinois bassers. By month's end, upstate anglers may be successful probing lakes like Hennepin-Hopper, Kakushka and Milliken in the Des Plaines FWA and some very secluded lakes in the Mazonia FWA.

A shorter road trip south can put you in touch with whopping big bass on Lake Sangchris, another cooling lake not far from Springfield, or places like Pinkneyville, Staunton or the Gillespie New City reservoirs a little farther down the road.

But once you've hooked up the boat and traveled two or three hours, what are a couple more hours on the road? The lunker lairs profiled in this article have the potential to produce a Prairie State fish of dreams.

Don't forget to check your outboard and grease the trailer bearings before you start a new bassin' year.

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