DNR fisheries biologist Rob Hilsabeck said these lakes are home to "quality catfish in the 10- to 12-pound range, with bigger fish present."

The Banner Marsh complex provides a good opportunity to go catfish hunting when there is no wind and waters haven't been clouded by recent rainfall. By cruising quietly with an electric trolling motor and wearing polarized sunglasses on a sunny day, it is sometimes possible to see these big cats waiting in the weeds in ambush, lying perpendicular to the shore in scattered weedbeds. A bluegill or shiner hooked under the dorsal fin and plopped on the inside of the weed edge in front of that ugly nose will sometimes prompt this omnivore to ease forward, flare her gills and rock your world.

If you can see fish but they won't cooperate, the immediate area is a good place to set up on toward dark and switch to cut shad or dip bait.

Shovel Lake on the southwest end of the Banner Marsh complex holds the greatest concentration of fish, according to DNR surveys. A 25-horsepower outboard limit is in effect on this project.

Contact: Banner Marsh FWA, (309) 647-9184.

WINDY CITY OPTIONS
While the most laid-back catfishing experiences are at least two hours' drive away from Illinois' most densely populated area in the northeastern part of our state, there are several lakes just a short commute away where you can experience consistent success on whiskerfish.

There are an infinite number of hiding places for catfish in the sprawling Fox Chain-O-Lakes. According to DNR fisheries biologist Mike Jones, the greatest concentration of forktails is in the south end of the chain, swimming in Pistakee Lake where you can catch eaters with the shot at a horse up to about 10 pounds. Pistakee's 1,700 acres are very fertile. There's plenty of access at numerous points around the lake. Some of the best cat action can be found near two of the most popular boat launches off of Bald Knob Point and essentially across the lake near Eagle Point on the lake's east side. Don't overlook waters around the Highway 12 bridge at the north end and on the southeast side of Coon Island. For more information, contact Triangle Bait at (847) 395-0813.

Busse Lake between Elk Grove Village and Interstate 290 has a solid population of 2- to 4-pound fish thanks to annual stocking. There is a good boat launch, with electric motors-only permitted. Contact the Busse Woods Forest Preserve at (708) 366-9420.

The Monee Reservoir is only 43 acres, with poor access along its two miles of shoreline in Will County near the town of Monee. The best way to get at these fish is via a rental boat, targeting the main basin and the channel south of the island. Monee is at the opposite end of the spectrum from isolated waters in the heart of Shawnee National Forest at the opposite end of the state.

No matter where you live in Illinois, there is catfish action within an hour's drive from your home. Some folks take catfishing seriously. For others, it's just an excuse to sit without appearing idle on a warm summer afternoon. Either way, it is beauty in an ugly package, and rightful heir to the state-fish designation!