Largemouth Bass

Carterville, Illinois, puts you in prime position to target Largemouth Bass in the heart of Southern Illinois. The star of the show here is Crab Orchard Lake, a sprawling reservoir known for its healthy bass population and diverse habitat. What makes Crab Orchard unique is the abundance of flooded timber, rocky points, and weed beds, offering bass plenty of ambush points. Spring and fall are the peak seasons, with pre-spawn and post-spawn fishing being particularly productive. A local tip: focus on the numerous coves and creek channels, especially those with submerged structure. Also, be aware that Crab Orchard is a large lake, and wind can be a factor, so check the forecast before heading out. Bass in Crab Orchard range from smaller, more abundant fish to genuine trophy-sized specimens, so be prepared with a variety of lures and techniques. Consider using crankbaits and jigs around deeper structure or topwater lures in the shallows during low-light conditions. Don't forget your Illinois fishing license!