It's true that the Prairie State has no shortage of catfish water, and likewise, no shortage of places to pursue the whiskered critters. But scattered throughout Illinois, many of our greatest catfish treasures go practically unnoticed. Almost every small river and stream in our state has a good population of catfish, and for anglers willing to do a little research and planning, our flowing waters offer excellent opportunities with little competition.

The following waterways comprise the best the Prairie State has to offer in the line of river catfishing. Some are well-known rivers, while others are underfished catfish waters. In either case, if you are the kind of angler who enjoys running rivers with a canoe or small boat and catching scores of catfish in a day, then the following destinations are for you.

KANKAKEE RIVER
For its proximity to Chicago and its ease in access, anglers will be hard-pressed to find a stream with a better catfish population than the Kankakee River.

"For its entire length in Illinois, the Kankakee supports a large population of channel catfish," said Department of Natural Resources biologist Bob Rung. "From Wilmington to its confluence with the Illinois River, it also has some big flathead catfish."

Perhaps the most striking thing is the average size of the catfish.

"Most fish average between 3 and 5 pounds, and 8- to 10-pounders are not uncommon," said Lanny Chouinard, owner of Lanny's Bait Shop. "Catfish in the Kankakee are caught with everything from stink bait, livers, crayfish, leeches and minnows. From my experience, the biggest catfish are caught on big minnows."

When floating "the Kank," Chouinard suggested targeting catfish around holes, current breaks and brushy shorelines.

The entire river through Illinois offers excellent fishing and unabated access. Canoes can be rented from Reeds Rent All in Kankakee at (815) 939-3117. For up-to-date river information, contact Lanny's Bait Shop at (815) 935-1661. For travel and lodging information, contact the Kankakee Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 933-7721.

LOWER FOX RIVER
From the town of Yorkville to Wedron, the lower Fox River is a float-fisherman's dream. Easy access, excellent scenery and plenty of catfish make this a definite must-see this summer.

"For its entire length, the Fox supports a very large population of channel catfish," biologist Rung said. "Flatheads are found throughout the river as well, but are considerably less numerous than channels. Many get up to 20 pounds though."

Greg Freeman of Freeman's Sports in Yorkville concurs.

"The river is full of channel catfish," Freeman said. "Most average about 2 pounds, but we see a lot of fish up to 7 or 8 pounds. Night crawlers and minnows are the best baits."

The lower Fox has also become a premier destination for the whiskered recluse.

"We've been seeing many flatheads lately," Freeman said. "Many of these are taken from the dam and bridge area in Yorkville, or around the broken dam at Millhurst. Suckers and bluegills are the top baits."

Access can be had in Yorkville, Silver Springs State Park, the town of Sheridan and Ayer's Landing in Wedron, (815) 434-2233. Canoes can be rented from Freeman's Sports in Yorkville, (630) 553-0515. For travel and lodging information, contact the Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce at (630) 553-6853.