Later in the summer, big bluegills tend to go deep where they can be caught with jigs and pieces of worms or wax worms fished over the side of the boat. Fifteen to 20 feet is a good depth to target along weedlines or through timber areas to find suspended fish.

Devils Kitchen is about 10 miles south of Carbondale in Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. There is a $2 user fee. Boat launching is available at Devils Kitchen Campground. For more information, call (618) 457-5004.

A-41 LAKE
Anglers interested in getting in on a sleeper population of bluegills will want to consider little A-41 Lake in Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. This small 52-acre dandy in Williamson County is a seasonal fishery from March 15 to Sept. 29, but according to biologist Bickers, it, too, has a considerable population of big bluegills.

"Adult bluegills in the 7- to 9-inch range are common in A-41," Bickers said. "The lake, however, is accessible by walk-in only."

Thus for anglers who take the appropriations to hike in and carry their gear, excellent fishing awaits. The best fishing occurs around the shorelines where the biggest bluegills spawn. Bobber rigs with worms or wax worms fished on a small hook or ice-fishing jig are effective.

A-41 is located just west of Devils Kitchen Lake. It's shore-access only -- no boats or flotation devices are allowed. A $2 user fee is required. For more information, call (618) 997-3344.

* * *

In Illinois, there are hundreds of potential waters where anglers can expect to be kept busy while battling big bluegills and redear sunfish this season. With research and current management, we should have outstanding fishing for years to come.

(Editor's note: For more information on fishing in Illinois, go to www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt, and also www.visitifishillinois.org.)