In addition to channel catfish, big flatheads prowl the Kaskaskia. Fish from 10 to 20 pounds are common.

Before making a trip, anglers should call (217) 774-2020 for a recorded message about the amount of water released from the Shelbyville Dam and subsequent river levels.

The best run here is from Shelbyville to the town of Cowden. Canoe and boat launching is available at Kaskaskia River Bait & Campground, (217) 774-4721. Travel and lodging information can be had from the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce at (217) 774-2221.

BIG MUDDY RIVER
If you're looking for a trophy catfish, you may want to consider the Big Muddy River that runs through the Shawnee National Forest in Jackson County.

"The Big Muddy River has an excellent population of channel catfish," said DNR biologist Jana Hirst. "There are a number of flatheads, too, and access is good."

Terry Graeff of Top of the Hill Bait in Murphysboro agreed.

"Every year, there are a number of 40- to 50-pound blue and flathead catfish that come out of the Muddy," Graeff said. "Plenty of big channel catfish, too."

On this slow, winding stream, target catfish around shoreline brush and tree debris that is washed up. Channel catfish can be caught on everything from minnows to stink bait. Blues are commonly taken on either live or cut shad, and flatheads prefer large live shad, small 7-inch carp or drum on a heavy slip-sinker rig.

"The Des Plains River upstream from its confluence with the Chicago Ship & Sanitary Canal is loaded with quality channel catfish."

Boat launching is available at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, Turkey Bayou and Rattlesnake Ferry. Passage for most any river craft on the Big Muddy is generally unhampered. For additional information, call Top of the Hill Bait at (618) 684-2923, or contact the Shawnee National Forest at (618) 253-7114. For travel and lodging information, call the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce at (618) 684-6421.

MORE HONEYHOLES
One would need to write a book to comment on all the catfish opportunities to be found in the small streams of the Prairie State. Here are a few more productive waterways.

"The Des Plains River upstream from its confluence with the Chicago Ship & Sanitary Canal is loaded with quality channel catfish," biologist Bob Rung said. Catfish here run between 1 and 2 pounds. For more information, contact the Lake County Forest Preserve District at (847) 367-6640, or the Cook County Forest Preserve District at 1-800-870-3666.

The North Vermilion River from Streator to the Illinois River through La Salle County is another unsung gem. Tons of channel catfish up to 6 pounds and a few flatheads can be expected. Access can be had in Streator, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve and Matthiessen State Park, (815) 667-4868.

The Spoon River in Knox and Fulton counties twists through a mixture of forest and meadow, and has a considerable number of big channel and flathead catfish. Channels exceeding 10 pounds and flatheads surpassing 30 pounds draw adventurous souls each year. Access is difficult though. There is a launch in London Mills, but most float trips are limited to bridge accesses. For more information, contact Region 1 Fisheries at (815) 625-2968.