Walleye

While not as renowned for walleye as some other Illinois locations, the Des Plaines River near Berwyn does offer a chance to hook into these tasty fish. The best opportunities arise during the spring and fall migrations. Walleye will move upstream to spawn in the spring and then back downstream in the fall, offering predictable patterns. Focus your efforts near dams, current breaks, and deeper holes within the river. Access to the Des Plaines is available through various forest preserve access points along the river. Check water levels before heading out, as the river can be prone to flooding after heavy rains. Local anglers often find success using jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers, especially when fished near the bottom. Walleye in this stretch of the river tend to be on the smaller side, but they are still a welcome catch.