Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing in North Riverside, Illinois, centers around the Des Plaines River and its associated canals and backwaters. While the urban environment presents challenges, the river system surprisingly holds a decent population of bass. Targeting areas with structure, such as docks, fallen trees, and bridge pilings, is key. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best fishing, as the bass are more active in moderate water temperatures. A practical tip: access to the river can be limited, so look for public parks and boat launches along the Des Plaines River Trail. Using weedless lures is essential due to the abundance of vegetation in the river. The bass in this urban fishery tend to be opportunistic feeders, so a variety of lures can be effective. Be aware that the water quality in some sections of the river can fluctuate, so check local conditions before heading out.