Maine ice fishing, ice fishing Maine, hardwater fishing, ice fishing gear, ice fishing safety, Maine ice conditions, ice fishing hotspots, trout ice fishing, togue fishing, ice augers, tip-up fishing
Maine ice fishing, ice fishing Maine, hardwater fishing, ice fishing gear, ice fishing safety, Maine ice conditions, ice fishing hotspots, trout ice fishing, togue fishing, ice augers, tip-up fishing
local hotspot maps, gear reviews, and safety tips for catching trout, togue, and perch through the ice.
3-5 wt rod, floating line.
6-8 wt rod, intermediate/sinking line for streamers.
7-9 wt rod, strong tippets.
Mr. M
The Illinois River offers excellent fly fishing for striper, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, buffalo, catfish, and other species. The natural look of the river creates an excellent fishing environment for the occasional as well as the serious fisherman.
Many fishing records have been set on the lower Illinois including a 47.8 lb striped bass, rainbow trout, and redhorse.
The Lower Illinois River Public Fishing and Hunting Area, specifically the Simp and Helen Watts Management Unit, provides public access to nearly one mile of the trout stream and 320 acres of public hunting land (refer to the map for details). This area is located about four miles north of Gore on State Highway 100. Turn east onto county road E0990 and continue for about a mile to reach the entrance. Parking is available in designated areas, and the unit is primarily managed for walk-in access.