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Ohio River

Right now, out of the places I guide on, the Ohio River is definately the place to be. Look for fish in the creeks off the main river fishing any structure you can find in the depth ranges of 2 - 8 feet of water. Jigs and/or jigs tipped with minnows have been working well as of late. As of today the bite on the river is great and with fall in the near future and the weather cools, the bite will only get better!!

Information last updated: 8/31/10

Kinkaid Lake

Kinkaid, like the other lakes I guide on has slowed a bit from their prime in the summer. This is very typical for this time of year. Towards the end of the summer as the weather cools slightly the fish will scatter and search out for their fall staging areas. The water temp two weeks ago was right at 90 degrees, as of today it was 78. That is enough of a drop in temp to get them on the move. Fish can definately still be caught. The limit on Kinkaid is a 9 inch length limit and that class of fish is still pretty easy to find. So, if you are just interested in a fish fry, look for fish in depth ranges of 12 - 25 feet of water fishing 12- 18 feet deep. As the thermocline breaks up towards the end of the summer, some fish will actually go very deep before moving shallower in the fall. Minnows has still been the best, but the jig bite has improved a bit. Like I said, this little slow period in late summer is typical and brief. Look for fishing to improve very soon!

Information last updated: 8/31/10

Rend Lake

Rend Lake has alot of anglers puzzeled this summer. Rend, usually, is one of the best summer lakes in Southern Illinois. This year has been a little different. Although there has been some successful days on the lake, for the most part fish have been spotty. Some fish can still be found in the depth ranges of 9 - 15 feet of water over structure on main lake points, creek channels, and ledges. Soon, as the weather cools, crappie will begin heading to there fall feeding areas. On there way, the bridges will be a good spot to try. Like all lakes during a transition, the fishing will improve!

Information last updated: 8/31/10

Crab Orchard Lake

Crab Orchard is probably my, all around, favorite lake to fish. You may not have as good a chance at a trophy, as on Kinkaid, but good quality crappie are abundant on Crab!! Alot of fish anually around the pound to pound and a quarter mark are found there. With that said, Crab is no exception from Kinkaid and Rend Lake. The fish, like usual, this time of year will tend to become scattered as the water temps drop. There will still be successful days on Crab as this transition occurs. As fish become scattered, don't be afraid to try a wide range of depths and tactics this time of year. Spending time on the water, experimenting, is your best bet for the transition from summer to early fall.

Information last updated: 8/31/10