It’s blistering hot outside and almost everyone is seeking shelter from the heat. On the other hand, die-hard anglers are looking for ways to quench their angling fever. Trouble is, many species of fish are suffering from the heat as well and are not very cooperative. However, now is a great time of year to load up the gear and head to a nearby lake for some hot summertime catfish action!

Catfish, especially channel cats, are a favorite target of hot-weather anglers. Channel cats are the most widely distributed catfish and also the most receptive to anglers’ attempts. They also have the least discriminating palate and will bite on a variety of baits -- even some that make anglers cringe to actually put them on the hook.

“We consider catfish to be our bread-and-butter fish,” said Joe Ferencak of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “When other fishing slows down, you can always count on catfish.”

With the exception of the glacial lakes, a great majority of our lakes are manmade. The largest of these have self-sustaining catfish populations. Others are supplemented with stocking. The DNR has an excellent catfish stocking program to supplement our natural populations. Around 287,000 catfish are stocked annually into Illinois waters. Ferencak said this gives anglers a bonus fishery and one that is great for providing action during the summer months.

Illinois anglers have a wide array of lakes, rivers and other waters that are loaded with catfish. In the hot months, some of the smaller waters are actually the best to target because the fish are easier to locate and angling success is usually more consistent. Most everyone in this state has at least one lake close by that provides good catfishing. Here’s a look at five lakes around Illinois with great channel catfishing opportunities. There’s one lake for each region of the state, so you can still be home in time to make fried catfish for dinner!

REGION I ARGYLE LAKE
Even at just 92.7 acres, Argyle Lake is home to an excellent catfish fishery and has been popular with anglers for over 50 years. Argyle is located near Macomb in McDonough County. DNR district fisheries biologist Ken Russell said the lake has been consistently good for catfishing, and the average angler can go there and expect good results.

The lake relies on stocking and does not have a self-sustaining population. The DNR stocks the lake annually with a goal of around 50 fish per acre. The fish are in the 8-inch range and are referred to as “non-vulnerable size.”

Recent surveys have shown the lake to have a very good channel cat fishery. Fish have been recorded ranging from 11 inches to 26 1/2 inches and up to 9 1/2 pounds. The average size caught usually ranges from 1 to 1 1/2 pounds, but catches of 4 1/2-pound fish are not uncommon.