Largemouth Bass

East Alton, Illinois, offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing, especially in the sloughs and backwaters connected to the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. These areas provide the ideal habitat for bass, with plenty of cover in the form of submerged timber, lily pads, and vegetation. Spring and fall are prime times to target largemouth here. In the spring, focus on pre-spawn and spawning bass in the shallows, while the fall sees bass actively feeding before winter. A key tip is to pay attention to water clarity; after heavy rains, the rivers can get muddy quickly, so targeting smaller, clearer backwaters can be productive. Boat access is available at several public ramps along the rivers, but be prepared for fluctuating water levels, especially in the spring.