Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass anglers visiting Hillside, Illinois, should set their sights on the numerous forest preserve lakes and ponds scattered throughout the area. These smaller bodies of water, often overlooked, can hold surprisingly good populations of bass. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target them, as the fish move into shallower water to spawn. Look for areas with dense vegetation, such as lily pads and cattails, as these provide excellent cover for spawning bass. Summer can be productive early in the morning or late in the evening. Try fishing topwater lures around weed lines for explosive strikes. A key tip is to use weedless presentations, as the vegetation can be thick. Also, be aware of local regulations regarding boat size and motor restrictions, as many of these lakes are restricted to smaller boats or require electric motors only. The largemouth in these urban lakes tend to be well-fed, so don't be afraid to use larger lures.