Largemouth Bass

Head to Des Plaines, Illinois and you'll find some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing opportunities within the urban landscape. The Des Plaines River itself holds bass, especially in areas with slower current, submerged structure, and vegetation. Busse Woods (Ned Brown Preserve) is another popular spot, offering several lakes and ponds known for their bass populations. Spring and fall are peak seasons, as the bass are more active in moderate temperatures. For river fishing, focus on eddies and backwaters. In the lakes and ponds, target weed lines and drop-offs. A local tip: use weedless lures, as there can be a lot of vegetation. Also, pay attention to water levels in the Des Plaines River. After heavy rains, the river can become muddy and difficult to fish. The bass in this area tend to be pressured, so try using finesse techniques and natural-looking baits.