Walleye

Clinton, Illinois, might not be the first place that comes to mind for walleye, but the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers some surprisingly good opportunities. This power plant cooling lake maintains warmer temperatures year-round, which can extend the walleye bite. Look for walleye around the riprap along the dam and causeways, as well as near submerged structure in the main lake basin. Spring and fall are generally the best times, as the walleye move shallower to spawn or feed aggressively before winter. A local tip: the warm water discharge area near the power plant often holds walleye throughout the winter, even when other parts of the lake are slow. Be sure to check the current fishing regulations for size and creel limits on Clinton Lake. The walleye here tend to be well-fed and healthy due to the lake's consistent temperatures and abundant forage.