"Lincoln Trail Lake has excellent bluegill fishing," said Mike Mounce, local district fishery biologist. "This is basically a result of a high-density largemouth bass population, periods of excessive vegetation control eliminating escape cover and low fishing pressure. Fish in excess of 9 inches are a good possibility. The redear sunfish population is excellent as well."

The docking facility includes a launching ramp and parking for boat trailers. Boat and seasonal dock rentals are available at the concession stand. Outboard motors are limited to 10-horsepower.

Two Class A campgrounds, Plainview and Lakeside, offer something for every type of camper. For those who like the beautiful sights and sounds of the great outdoors but prefer the amenities of home, both areas offer electricity, showers, tables, fireblocks, playground equipment, water, toilet facilities and a sanitary dumping station. For those who wish to be attuned to nature without the distractions of modern conveniences, Lakeside Campground also includes a Class C camping area for tents. All campers must obtain camping permits before entering the campground. Site office number is (217) 826-2222.

This fishing gem just south of Chicago requires fit anglers because many good spots are found deep in rugged, hilly terrain. If you are part billy goat and adventurous, bluegills up to 9 inches are waiting for you. The DNR recommends visiting lakes No. 3, No. 10 and Ponderosa.

Call the site office for more information on fishing this unique site at (815) 237-0063.

Rowboats, canoes and paddleboats can be rented, and there is a launching ramp for private craft. Only electric motors are allowed, no outboards.

"If I was to mention a lake in District 12 that maintains reasonably good bluegill populations, I would have to say Siloam Springs," said Mike Jones of the spring-fed fishery. "I would like to say good management has provided this fishery, but I believe it's the character of the lake. The deep (38 feet), clear water with nice cuts and coves that provide food, some vegetative cover and protection from predators provide excellent conditions for the fishery. Adults as large as 8 inches are common pre- and post-spawn."

If you want to spend a night or two under the stars, there are 98 Class A campsites featuring restrooms, showers and electricity, 84 Class B campsites featuring showers and restrooms and four backpack campsites, in addition to a special group campground. There is a centrally located shower facility available to all campers. Call (217) 894-6205 for more information on camping reservations.

"Walnut Point Lake has had a good bluegill fishery," said biologist Mounce. "An 8-inch minimum length limit and 10-fish creel limit allowed protection for a significant number of fish to grow to sizes above the size limit. A high-density largemouth bass population and low-density vegetation eliminates escape cover. Also, high levels of water fertility and low fishing pressure have helped this fishery. A redear sunfish fishery is developing nicely in this lake after a recent reintroduction."

The many-fingered lake is stream-fed and formed by an earthen dam located on the south side of the area. The dam was built in 1967 and water filled the basin to spillway level by the fall of 1968.

There are two Class A camping areas with tables, stoves, electricity and a sanitary dump station. Class C - walk-in tent camping - and Group Camping - youth or adult - are also available. A shower building with flush toilets is open on a seasonal basis. Campers are required to have their camping unit and equipment with them when they register. Normally, only one camping unit is allowed per site. Site office number is (217) 346-3336.

Bluegills range up to 9 inches and can be found along weedbeds, downed trees and amongst Christmas tree brushpiles. The lake also has sizable redear sunfish.

Named by Family Circle magazine as one of the Top Twenty Campgrounds in America, Weldon Springs' campground offers a quiet and friendly atmosphere for a relaxing camping experience.

The traditional Class A campground has 77 campsites with electricity, water service, vehicular access, sanitary dumping station, shower building, cooking grills, picnic tables, pit toilets and playground equipment. Weldon Springs' campground is open year-round, but the shower building closes Nov. 1 and reopens in the spring. Reservations are accepted for dates between May 1 and Sept. 30 for 10 Class A sites, one Class C and the Rent-A-Tent. Five of the reservable Class A sites are pull-through. Areas for tent, backpack, large group and youth camping are also available. Primitive backpack campsites are located along Salt Creek. Please call ahead for conditions, because these sites could be flooded in spring.

Black Locust Group Camp can accommodate up to 300 campers at one time. Long Point is for youth groups only and can accommodate up to 90 campers. This group tent camping area is lakeside and located near the main campground. Amenities at Long Point include a shelter with electricity, water, fire rings and picnic tables.

Disabled campers are also served. Three campsites designed for special needs offer a large hard-surfaced pad. Privies and water are easily accessible.

The site office number is (217) 935-2644.

The limited access prevents many bass and bluegills from leaving the lake, keeping populations in balance. The low fishing pressure also allows bluegills to grow to exceptional sizes. Older bluegills in the population means there is a lot of social pressure on younger bluegills to grow large and defend nesting territories. Stunted populations are composed of many fish that mature at a young age. Anglers should show some moderation and exercise some restraint, especially on smaller lakes where a few anglers can significantly impact a population. To that point, it is a good idea to release larger bluegills and keep the smaller ones. This will help maintain the social balance and keep larger fish in the population.