Largemouth Bass

Shelbyville, Illinois, is a fantastic location to pursue Largemouth Bass, primarily due to Lake Shelbyville. This large reservoir offers diverse habitat, from shallow weedy flats to submerged timber and rocky points, all holding bass. Spring is explosive as bass move shallow to spawn, making them aggressive targets. Fall is another excellent time, as bass feed heavily before winter. Summer can be productive too, but requires fishing deeper structure during the day. A local tip: focus on the flooded timber in the upper ends of the lake, particularly near the mouths of the Kaskaskia and Okaw Rivers. These areas often hold good numbers of bass. Also, be aware of the lake's fluctuating water levels, which can significantly impact bass location. Lake Shelbyville's bass population is healthy, with good numbers of fish in the 2-5 pound range, and the occasional lunker. The lake has numerous boat ramps and access points, making it easily accessible to anglers of all skill levels.