Largemouth Bass

Spring Valley, Illinois, offers some solid largemouth bass fishing, especially if you're willing to explore beyond the obvious. While the Illinois River is nearby, focus your efforts on the smaller lakes and ponds scattered around the area. These often hold surprisingly good bass populations. Spring (pre-spawn and spawn) and fall are prime times. Look for lily pads, docks, and other shoreline cover. Flipping jigs or throwing soft plastics into heavy cover is a classic approach. The local strip mine lakes can also be productive, but often require a small boat or kayak to access the best fishing. Check local regulations for size and creel limits, as they can vary from lake to lake. A good starting point is Lake Thunderbird; there's a boat launch and decent bank fishing access.