Evergreen Lake has excellent parking and launching facilities. Camping is available, as are restroom and picnic facilities. There is a user-fee for boating anglers. For more information, contact Comlara Park Visitior's Center, (309) 726-2022. Traveling anglers should contact the McLean County Chamber of Commerce at (309) 829-6344.

SHABBONA LAKE
Once dubbed the Muskie Capitol of Illinois for its history of producing blue-ribbon muskies, Shabbona Lake in De Kalb County has lost some of its spotlight to other fisheries that have caught up in the muskie race. But this aside, it still is one of the best places in our state to lock into a toothy critter, perhaps even produce its fifth state record. Landmeier said Shabbona still has some really good fishing.

"On a good day it's not hard to find a fish or two," he said. "For the larger fish, try trolling big shad imitators in the submerged creek channel from the no-motor area to the flooded trees."

In this area, there are a few snags and enough structure to attract fish. In the rest of the lake, look for muskies to be relating to inundated timber and deep weedlines. The breakline extending along the shallow flat of the north shore area by the campground is especially productive in the late summer because it provides a sharp contrast between deep sanctuary and the food-rich shallows. The depths around the levee are another consideration, especially for anglers who like to troll. The numerous sunken brushpiles and cribs around the earthen piers and deep shorelines are other options.

Shabbona muskies will react to a number of offerings, including bucktails, glide baits such as Suicks and even topwaters. Landmeier said most Shabbona muskies fall somewhere within 32 to 40 inches, but many fish over 40 inches call this lake home.

For more information, contact Shabbona Lake State Park at (815) 824-2106. Traveling anglers should contact the De Kalb Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 756-6306.

LAKE GEORGE
Located in Rock County about 20 miles west of Rock Island, 167-acre Lake George is a small impoundment, but for what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in muskie fishing potential.

"The locals don't talk much about the muskie fishing here," said Landmeier, "and as a result, Lake George tends to be somewhat of a sleeper for muskies."

A superb shad population here has attributed to a population of fat fish, and as a result as year-classes come into maturity, Landmeier fingers this as an area that will soon have the potential to give up fish pushing 50 inches.

"Most muskies average in the mid-30-inch range, but fish in the 20-pound class are not unheard of," said park superintendent Mike Murrin. "We had one 47-incher caught last year."

According to the 2003 Status of Muskie Fishing in Illinois, several muskies were collected pushing the present state record.

As for presentation, Murrin said that most of the fish seem to come from big shad-imitating crankbaits.

Landmeier suggests anglers target the weedlines that encompass the shorelines. Watch for disparities in shoreline contour, inside and outside bends, and abrupt drops in depth. Lake George is 62 feet at its terminal depth, and muskies have a tendency to relate well to the deep/shallow threshold.

A boat launch is available. Camping with electricity and excellent picnic facilities are available, as well as concession and boat rental. For more information, contact Loud Thunder Forest Preserve at (309) 795-1040. Traveling anglers should call (309) 757-5416.

CARLTON LAKE
Back in the late 1980s and early '90s, Carlton Lake in Morrison-Rockwood State Park was the talk of northern Illinois muskie anglers. Today, it is still spoken about in wide circles, and for good reason.