Photo by Ron Sinfelt.

Hey, it's catfishing time again! Nothing says summer better than a twisting, hard-pulling channel cat on the end of your line.

Fortunately, Illinois has many great waters to tangle with Mr. Whiskers. Sure, it's easier for you to just mosey on down to the pond to catch a few fiddlers, but this year, why not sample the best channel catfishing our state has to offer?

We used the Department of Natural Resources fisheries regions to break down our review of the top waters to target channel cats this summer. Here's a look at a couple of hotspots in each of the five regions of our state for great channel catfishing.

REGION I
Powerton Lake
One of the traditionally better channel catfish waters in Region I is Powerton Lake just south of Peoria.

This 1,426-acre lake was impounded about 40 years ago and filled with water from the Illinois River. As a result, it was populated with a great catfish fishery from the start. Channel catfish have remained strong throughout the years, although they did see a dip in numbers recently. The amount of good spawning habitat and the addition of threadfin shad have coupled to really boost the catfish fishery. Channel cats are reported to be chunky and healthy.

Anglers have the best success at Powerton in spring prior to early June and then again in August and September. A variety of baits are successful here, including chicken livers, cut shad, cheese bait and shrimp. Look for channel cats near the water intake in summer and near the discharge during the cold months.

There are nearly 11 miles of shoreline here, but the best access is by boat. Powerton Lake is located about one mile southwest of Pekin in Tazewell County. Anglers may also want to check out options at the Powerton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, (309) 968-7135. Traveling anglers needing overnight accommodations can call the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce at (309) 346-2106, or go online to Pekin.

La Salle Lake
La Salle Lake in eastern La Salle County by Seneca is another great channel cat destination in Region I. It is a "perched" cooling lake and covers 2,058 acres. With the warm water available in this cooling lake, the channel catfishery is tremendous. It is often referred to as a "channel catfish factory."

La Salle was initially stocked with about 10,000 channel cats when the lake opened to the public in 1987, and the catfish have been self-sustaining ever since then. Ample spawning areas and great growth rates have been a real boost to the fishery. Channel catfish size is fairly well distributed, and big cats up to 15 pounds are frequently caught. (Continued)

La Salle has ample boat access and there are no motor restrictions. Anglers are restricted to using only two poles and lines. Bank-fishing is possible, and the best shoreline access is available at the La Salle Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area. There is also a handicap-accessible fishing pier at Ivy Point.

To get to La Salle Lake, take your best route to Seneca south of I-80, and then travel through Seneca on Route 170 and across the Illinois River bridge to the flashing caution light. Turn right at the light and continue about 1 1/2 miles until reaching the FWA entrance on your right.

For more fishing information, call the La Salle Lake State FWA at (815) 357-1608. For lodging info, call the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce at (815) 223-0227, or go online to Ivaced.org.