Fly fishing inIllinois

Surprising trout streams in the driftless region and quality bass fishing statewide.

Illinois waters

7 rivers, lakes and creeks with fly picks and reports.

Classic Midwest river running through suburban and rural country that fishes well for smallmouth, muskie and panfish.

Fast, structure-rich warmwater river that's one of Illinois' best fly-fishing destinations for smallmouth bass, walleye and muskie.

A warmwater river in northern Illinois noted for healthy smallmouth populations and trout in upper headwaters.

Great big-lake fly fishing from shore and boats for salmonids — Chinook/Coho salmon and steelhead are prime targets in spring and fall.

A clear gravel-bottom tributary of the Illinois River with long wadeable stretches and quality smallmouth and warmwater fishing.

A spring-fed freestone river in east-central Illinois valued for clean water, runs and diverse warmwater species.

Long freestone/tailwater mix that supports strong populations of smallmouth bass, walleye and sauger — excellent for streamer and nymph tactics.