The best fishing for blues and flatheads is by drifting with the current and using cut bait or large minnows. Channel cat anglers make nice catches using prepared stink baits. If drift-fishing isn't your thing, there are a number of backwater lakes with good shore-fishing opportunities for channel catfish.

Pere Marquette Lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Its great room features a 700-ton fireplace and a life-sized chessboard. The lodge has 72 rooms, or you can stay in one of the stone cabins adjoining the historic building. The lodge dining room is known for its family-style meals, plus there's a cocktail lounge, indoor swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and exercise room, video room, gift shop and tennis courts.

Located 20 miles west of Alton, the park has a number of hiking/biking trails, visitor's center and small museum, a large campground, picnic areas and playgrounds, and a riding stable. Nearby Grafton has numerous antique shops and a water park, plus you're 45 minutes from downtown St. Louis.

You can get more information and/or make a reservation by calling (618) 786-2331.

The bass are found throughout the lake, along riprap, in coves, near standing timber and in brushy areas. The fish average about 2 1/2 pounds, but 6- and 7-pounders aren't uncommon.

The lake's walleye population continues to improve. Look for 2- to 3-pound fish near the islands and along riprap.

The white bass population is good, with fish averaging 3/4 pound, but 1 1/2-pounders are common. Fish near the islands, around riprap areas and off points.

Crappie fishing is only fair, but those who fish around brushy structure find fish from 1/2 to 1 pound.

The lake is full of big catfish. Channel cats are from 1 1/2 to 2 pounds on average and found in creek channels and around bridges. Flatheads range from 5 to 20 pounds and are caught using live bait near riprap and along channels.

Eldon Hazlet also has the state's newest cabins, and they're located alongside the big lake. There are more than 20 cabins already built, and each will sleep up to six people. Each has a living room with sleeper sofa, fireplace, furnished bedroom and a loft with two twin beds. Amenities include microwave ovens and a small refrigerator, plus housekeeping items.

There is a camp store/restaurant offering limited dining, camping supplies, groceries and bait. There is a nearby golf course, swimming pool and beach, plus the park includes a playground, picnic shelter, campground and hiking/biking trails.

More information is available by going to www.carlylelakecottages.com or by calling 1-877-342-8862.

The largemouth bass population is on an upward swing. Fish average between 1 1/2 and 3 pounds, but 7- and 8-pounders come out of the lake each year. The lake is full of brushy areas, standing timber and riprap, all of which hold fish.

Rend also is a great hybrid striped bass lake. Fish average about 2 pounds, but you'll also hook into 6- and 8-pound fish, and an occasional 10- to 12-pounder comes out of the lake. Look for fish on flats near dropoffs and near bridges.

Rend is a powerhouse crappie lake. The average catch is 2/3-pound, but 1 1/2-pound fish are often taken. Look for fish in brushy areas, standing timber and around fish attractors.

Located just five miles north of Benton, Rend Lake Resort is a waterside resort featuring 105 units of first-class accommodations, including cabins and brand-new suites looking out over the lake. All of the units have balconies or decks, most with lakefront views, and some of which hang out over the lake so you can actually fish from your balcony. Rooms have all the amenities, and some have fireplaces. A few feature sleeping lofts and some include spas. The cabins have refrigerators but no cooking facilities.

There's a full-service restaurant, lounge, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, stables (with carriage rides available), a nearby golf course, shooting area, convenience store, gift shop, boat rental, paddle boat rental and guide service. Guests also can check out miles of hiking/biking trails found in the park.

You can learn more about the resort at www.rendlakeresort.net or book a reservation by calling 1-800-633-3341.

Largemouths average about 2 pounds, but 5- and 6-pounders are common. The pool also holds Kentucky spotted bass and smallmouth bass. Look for the largemouths in creeks, on flats and near stickups and deadfalls, while spotted bass and smallmouth bass are found in the main river, especially where creeks empty into it.

Crappies average 2/3 pound and are found in most major creeks and smaller streams by fishing near brush and stickups.

Striped bass average 8 pounds, but 12- to 15-pound fish are common. Look near the rocky areas, at creek openings, and ahead and below river islands.

Cave-in-Rock's name comes from the large cave along the river that was used as a hiding place for pirates preying on river travelers in the 1700s and 1800s. The park's restaurant is on the bluff overlooking the river, and specializes in catfish dinners. There are four duplex cabins with eight suites, each accommodating up to four people. Each room has a patio deck overlooking the river.

The park has a campground, playground and picnic shelters. Garden of the Gods and other scenic wonders are found in nearby Shawnee National Forest.

You can get more information or reserve a stay by calling (618) 289-4545.

White Pines State Park has a stone and log lodge that includes a lounge, gift shop and full-service restaurant. The park has 25 one-room guest cabins scattered in the piney woods, each with queen-sized beds and full-sized trundles, the usual amenities, plus gas-log fireplaces. The park is located in northwestern Illinois west of Oregon, and more information about the lodge and cabins is available at www.whitepinesinn.com. Reservations can be made by calling (815) 946-3817.

Located south of Carbondale, Giant City State Park Lodge is in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest, and features a rustic lodge surrounded by 34 cabins in a wooded setting with giant rock outcroppings. In addition to a full-service restaurant known for its family-style dinners, there's an outdoor pool, stables and gift shop. Call (618) 457-4921 for information or reservations.