At 214 acres, this lake is just small enough to fish in a day. The areas by the bridge and dam tend to be hot in late summer. Most anglers report good luck by running small to medium shad-colored crankbaits next to deadfalls and shoreline brush. Tubes and plastic worms worked through weedbeds can be productive, and for the largest bass in the lake, try dragging a 10-inch black curlytail worm over some of the brushpiles or sunken trees.

For more information, call (618) 937-3291. For lodging info, call (618) 932-2121.

VERMILION LAKE
Just north of Danville is a beautiful 647-acre lake that appears to have been built with all bass anglers in mind. With a complement of weeds, wood, docks and rocks, Lake Vermilion can cater to the way you like to fish. And according to DNR biologist Mike Garthaus, the bass aren’t too bad either.

Garthaus said recent surveys on Vermilion have turned up a good population of largemouths, with catch-per-effort rates hovering around 60 or 70 fish per hour. There are good numbers of 2- and 3-pound fish, and many in the 5- to 7-pound class.

Fishing is good this time of year around the bridge and island area in the lower third of the lake. Spinnerbaits, plastic worms and jigs pitched around cover do well. Early and late in the day, try running buzzbaits and other topwaters near docks and shoreline brush.

Vermilion Lake is managed by the city of Danville. The launch is on the west side off Denmark Road.

For more information, call Vermilion County Conservation at (217) 442-1691.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER & HANOVER LAKE
Amazingly, the Mississippi River accounts for only 8 percent of all the fishing trips taken in Illinois. That is baffling when you consider the superb population of largemouths, the thousands of acres of water and the excellent access. The walleyes, saugers and catfish are also overlooked here, but why?

Perhaps it is the imposing nature of Old Man River. However, you need to know that DNR chief stream biologist Jim Mick said the upper stretches of the Miss have shown excellent numbers of bass, and angler reports confirm that. Most bass caught are between 13 and 16 inches, but 5-pounders are possible.

Pool 12 and Pool 13 are two areas to focus on. Both have myriad backwater sloughs, weed patches, lotus fields, stumps and channels. Bassers report good success when burning bright spinnerbaits, flipping jigs into heavy brush or running buzzbaits through standing weeds.

Public launches are located in Savanna, Fulton and Blanding west of Hanover. For more information on the Miss, call Savanna Harbor Marina at (815) 273-2955.

Speaking of Hanover, DNR biologist Dan Salee said there is a newly acquired lake just south of that village. Hanover Lake is still being developed, and is somewhat of a walk. But bass for bass, it can provide anglers with a load of fun, especially if the largemouths are uncooperative on the big river. Hanover is 20 acres and only bank-fishing is allowed. Few people fish it, but largemouths up to about 5 pounds are swimming there. If you happen to be in the area of Pool 12, stop and give Hanover Lake a try. For more information, call Region 1 Fisheries at (815) 625-2968.

It’s no secret we have some great largemouth bass fishing waters in Illinois, even too many to fish in one season. But do yourself a favor and be sure not to overlook these waters before the leaves turn colors.

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