Largemouth Bass

Chebanse, Illinois, offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing in its local waterways. While not a trophy bass destination, the Kankakee River and its associated backwaters and sloughs provide excellent habitat for decent-sized largemouth. Spring and fall are prime times. As the water warms in spring, bass move into shallower areas to spawn, making them accessible to anglers using spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Fall sees bass actively feeding before winter, so target weed lines and submerged structure with similar lures. A local tip: focus on areas with lily pads or other aquatic vegetation, as these provide cover and ambush points for bass. Public access to the Kankakee River is available at several points near Chebanse, but be aware of varying water levels and potential for strong currents, especially after rainfall. The bass population tends to be healthy, with good numbers of fish in the 1-3 pound range.