PONDEROSA LAKE
Clear, weedy and deep, Ponderosa Lake in Kankakee County is a spectacle to see, and it has one of the best populations of big bluegills and redear sunfish in all of Illinois.

"Ponderosa has a good population of big bluegills, and fish up to 8 inches are common," said biologist Rob Miller. "But with fishing pressure, this is a fragile fishery."

Because of its proximity to Chicago, Ponderosa is not a well-guarded secret, but most anglers have no trouble finding their 10-fish limit.

As a strip-mine lake, look for most fish to be in the backs of the long, narrow fingers on the south end. Look for spawning fish building their circular nests atop gravel spoil heaps and in the backs of coves.

The best bait here is an unweighted half night crawler fished on a small hook. Four-pound-test line and an ultralight rod are necessary to make long casts to wary fish.

Ponderosa Lake is 150 acres and located in Mazonia/Braidwood SFWA. 'Gill for 'gill, this is one of the best in our state. A gravel ramp is on site, and there's good parking. For more info, call (815) 237-0063.

SHABBONA LAKE
De Kalb County's Shabbona Lake supports a big bluegill population. Most fish here are between 6 and 8 inches, but larger fish are present.

Areas of particular interest are the weedy east, north and southwestern bays. Bobber rigs fished shallow with worms will find enough fish to make anyone happy, but the sheer numbers here also make this a popper angler's dream come true.

Boat launching, excellent shoreline access, picnicking, concessions, a restaurant and superb camping facilities are available. For more information, call (815) 824-2106.

FULTON CAMPING & RECREATION AREA
Just west of the Illinois River near the town of St. David lies the little-known reclaimed strip-mine lakes, and according to biologist Rob Hilsabeck, this is a bluegill angler's heaven.

"The site consists of 150 acres of water and has four main lakes and some smaller ponds," Hilsabeck said. "Lake No. 3 and Lake No. 3.5 have quality bluegill and redear sunfish populations, and each year we sample many fish over 1 pound."

Water tends to be clear, and during summer, look for bluegills and redears to be doing the propagation thing in the shallows. Worms on jigs or below a float will catch plenty of fish around shoreline cover. There is a 25-fish limit for the aggregate of bluegills and redear sunfish.

The site has gravel boat ramps on each lake. Only electric motors are allowed, and there is a $5 fee. For more information, call the park office at (309) 668-2931.

POWERTON LAKE
Bluegill enthusiasts in central Illinois will want to check out Tazewell County's Powerton Lake near Pekin. This angular cooling lake has come into its own as a big-bluegill factory.

"Powerton has a great population of bluegills in the 7- to 8-inch class," said DNR fisheries biologist Wayne Herndon. "Anglers fishing off the riprap usually have no trouble finding half a bucket of fish."