Largemouth Bass

If you're looking for largemouth bass near DeKalb, Illinois, you'll want to explore the Kishwaukee River and its associated backwaters, as well as several smaller lakes and ponds scattered throughout the county. The 'Kish' offers some surprisingly good bass fishing, especially in the spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Focus on areas with submerged timber, weed beds, and rocky outcroppings. Summer can be tougher as the water warms, pushing bass deeper and making them less active. For pond fishing, look to public access points in local parks. A practical tip: water levels on the Kishwaukee can fluctuate significantly, so check conditions before you go; low water concentrates fish but can make navigation tricky. The bass around DeKalb tend to be relatively pressured, so downsizing your presentation and using finesse techniques can be very effective. Consider using weedless soft plastics or smaller crankbaits to entice strikes.