Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper Fishing In Illinois

Guide To Fishing For Stripers & Hybrid Striped Bass

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes.

Illinois offers exciting opportunities for striped bass fishing, particularly with the presence of hybrid striped bass in several major lakes across the state. Hybrid stripers, a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass, are known for their hard-fighting nature and impressive size.

One of the primary lakes in Illinois where anglers can target hybrid striped bass is Lake Shelbyville. This reservoir, located in central Illinois, is renowned for its hybrid striper population. Anglers can enjoy trolling, casting, or jigging for these feisty fish, which often gather in schools and provide exciting angling opportunities. Lake Shelbyville has produced impressive catches of hybrid striped bass, with many anglers targeting them specifically for their fighting ability and delicious meat.

Another popular lake for hybrid striped bass fishing in Illinois is Clinton Lake. Located in DeWitt County, Clinton Lake is home to a healthy population of hybrid stripers. Anglers can target these fish using a variety of techniques, including casting with lures, trolling, or drifting with live bait. The lake's structure, including submerged brush piles and drop-offs, provides ideal habitat for hybrid stripers, making it a prime location for anglers seeking these exciting game fish.

When it comes to state records, Illinois has seen some impressive catches of hybrid striped bass. The current state record for hybrid striped bass stands at around 21 pounds, caught in Lake Of Egypt. These records showcase the potential for anglers to land trophy-sized hybrid stripers in Illinois waters.

In addition to hybrid striped bass, Illinois also offers opportunities to target pure striped bass in certain lakes and rivers. Lake Michigan, particularly near its tributaries, provides chances for anglers to catch striped bass during their seasonal migrations. These fish can reach impressive sizes and offer thrilling battles when hooked.

Overall, striped bass and hybrid striped bass fishing in Illinois provide anglers with exciting opportunities to target these powerful game fish. Whether it's casting for hybrids in Lake Shelbyville or pursuing stripers in Lake Michigan, Illinois offers a range of options for anglers looking to experience the thrill of striped bass fishing. With its diverse fisheries and the potential for trophy-sized catches, Illinois is a fantastic destination for striped bass enthusiasts.

Striped Bass Fishing Lakes In Illinois

Anglers in Illinois have several options for landing a big striper, or hybrid striped bass. Try your luck at Cedar Lake, Clinton Lake, Coffeen Lake, Governor Bond Lake, Heidecke Lake, Lake Decatur, Lake Mattoon, Otter Lake or Sangchris Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Illinois State Record Stripers

The state record striped bass was caught from Sangchris Lake.

The state record hybrid striped bass came from Lake Of Egypt.

Fishing for Stripers in Illinois

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Illinois fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.