how has northern Illinois been?

[steve cleinmark]

Just curious if anyones been getting on anyfish at shabbona fox chain or the fox river. I have been working down by st.louis so have not had much time to fish. Also was wondering if anyone has fished otter lake I was thinking of trying it since it is pretty close to me. Thanks

[justin schlottman]

been fishing shabbona, its been slow at best

[steve cleinmark]

Yeah it hasn't been to good for me there all year..early summer was hott for nice fish following but then once the water warmend up over 80 then cooled i have only caught a couple smaller fish..but i might give her a shot next weekend or just take the longer drive to the chain

[justin schlottman]

we got a few fish on shab over the summer, but nothing big. i agree after the water got warm the action cooled off. its always hit or miss, espeasially on shabby.

steve cleinmark said:

Yeah it hasn't been to good for me there all year..early summer was hott for nice fish following but then once the water warmend up over 80 then cooled i have only caught a couple smaller fish..but i might give her a shot next weekend or just take the longer drive to the chain

[Dale Jacobson]

Very tough in Northern Illinois, I got 5 fish in October and so far nothing but lazy looks and follows for November. Big goose egg on the last 5 outings. Did better on Walleyes/Pike.
I hope cold snap next week allows me a few more fish before the holidays!

Dale J.

[Matt Schultz]

Fished Shabbona Friday 11/20/09. Lake appeared to be turning over. Surface temp 46. Water was Tea Colored. Fished with suckers. No takers.

[muskymaniac]

After fishing Shab for the past several years I have finally given up on it. Only one small fish the past 3 years. I think it is way over fished. I think you will have a better chance out on the Chain or even Pierce, which isn't as heavily fished. I hit Pierce the last two years first thing in the spring because Wisconsin is closed. Had one fish but I think the scenery is much better and there are a lot less people fishing it, and you can use your big motor on it. I have only been there twice so far and I think next spring will fish it more often.

[Matthew Gunkel]

Muskymaniac-
Shabbona is a very hot and cold lake. More than any other lake I have fished, out there I get a "feeling" on how the day is going to be based on the first couple of hours fishing. I can definetly see why guys hate it...hp limit, overcrowded, small, deep water, etc. I had some very "good luck" out the in the last couple weeks of May and beginning of June, when from what I heard was the best muskie bite of the year. The lake does not have the trophy potential (although some people like to claim it is going to produce another state record....doubt it) that other lakes in Illinois has, such as the Chain, Shelbyville, Kinkaid, or even Evergreen. The prespawn bite out there is usually tough, with a few small males caught by walleye, crappie, and bass fisherman. After the spawn give trolling a try and I have popped a few fish just trolling in between spots. Once the water hits 60 degrees fish DCGs, SS Shads, and other bucktails.

[justin schlottman]

i agree of all the lakes i fish on a regular bases, shabbona is the most hit or miss. you never know what kind of situation your going to have on shabb until you get there. one day the fish will be all over it, the next day you cant even get a follow. i also think water clarity is a big factor, if it rains alot during the week, we usually stay away from it.