Hello everyone, I'm a new member to the site and I want to start fishing for flathead catfish. I live in Chicago and would like to find the closest place possible for a chance at some big cats (20+). Unfortunately I do not own a boat so I would have to fish from shore. I'll take info on rivers or lakes, as long as I get a chance to do some fishing. Thanks a lot.
I have never fished there myself. but in my last issue of one of my IL newsletters, it was a showcase of Braidwood lake. It is a cooling lake, so there should be some pretty big cats in there. I am thinking about heading up that way sometime before it gets too warm to try it out. If anybody else has fished it, can you give us some info?
Welcome to the BOC David. I'm not familiar with your area, but I'm sure there is a flathead with your name on it close by.:wink:
Welcome aboard sorry not much information on your area...I am sure some one will chime in soon with some news in your area...There are 3 rivers up your way that I know of...Kankakee,Illinois, and Des Plains all 3 have the fish you are looking for but not sure of any locations for you to fish...
Besides the places that were already mentioned the Fox River has some decent flatheads. Its probably the closest place to you where you can get into them. My biggest is a 25 pounder, but I know guys who have gotten them bigger. It gets a lot of pressure so just make sure to let them go so we can all enjoy them!
If I was to try it would be the rock river, over by the rockford area. I have seen some 30 pound plus fish been caught out of there. Good luck:big_smile:
I'm from east central IL. I travel to chicago often for training. Although I've never fished it. I drive by a nice river every time that i want to fish. It's the desplaines river. and there's a state park just south of chicago in wilmington.I'ts a nice river. Lots of barge traffic, so i know it's deep enough. attached is a link of the park if you want to check it out..http://http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/I&M/EAST/DESPLAIN/PARK.HTM Use this link, or copy and paste. --->>http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/I&M/EAST/DESPLAIN/PARK.HTM
