Largemouth Bass

Targeting Largemouth Bass near McCook, Illinois, means exploring the diverse waters of the Chicago area. While the Des Plaines River offers some opportunities, focus on the smaller lakes and ponds within the forest preserves and park districts for more consistent action. These smaller bodies of water often hold surprisingly good numbers of bass. Spring and fall are peak seasons, as the bass are more active in cooler water temperatures. During the summer months, focus on fishing early mornings and late evenings. A practical tip is to explore the many retention ponds and smaller lakes that can be found within the industrial areas surrounding McCook – these often receive less fishing pressure. Use lures that imitate local forage, such as bluegill or crawfish. Largemouth Bass in these waters are generally healthy, and while trophy-sized fish are not common, a dedicated angler can certainly land some quality bass.