Walleye

Walleye anglers looking for a change of pace might consider the Illinois River near De Pue. While not a walleye hotspot, this section of the river does hold a population of these tasty fish. The best time to target walleye is during the spring and fall, particularly during the post-spawn period in spring and as water temperatures cool in the fall. Focus your efforts around deeper holes, current breaks, and rocky structure. Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers are classic walleye presentations that work well here. Trolling crankbaits can also be effective, especially when covering larger areas. A local tip: pay attention to the current. Walleye often hold in areas where they can ambush prey while expending minimal energy. Access to the river is available at various public access points. The walleye population in this area is sustained through natural reproduction and stocking efforts, so practicing catch and release can help maintain the fishery.