Largemouth Bass

If you're heading to Sleepy Hollow, Illinois, for largemouth bass, you're in for some classic Midwest fishing. The area is dotted with smaller lakes and ponds, many of which hold surprisingly good populations of bass. These smaller bodies of water warm up quicker than larger lakes, making for an earlier and longer spawning season. Look to the weed lines and submerged timber in the spring and fall – these are prime ambush points. Summer can be productive too, especially during early morning or late evening hours around lily pads and other surface cover. A local tip: many of these ponds are accessible only by foot, so pack light and be prepared to do some walking. Also, remember that water clarity can vary greatly depending on recent rainfall, so having a range of lure colors from natural to bright is a good idea. The bass here tend to be opportunistic feeders, so don't be afraid to experiment with different presentations.