Walleye

Walleye fishing near St. Charles primarily revolves around the Fox River. While not a walleye mecca, the Fox does hold a population of these tasty fish. The best times to target walleye are during the spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler and they move into shallower areas to spawn or feed aggressively. Focus on areas with current breaks, such as below dams, near bridge pilings, and along rocky shorelines. Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers are classic walleye presentations, as are crankbaits and trolling. A local tip is to fish during low-light conditions, such as dawn, dusk, or on overcast days, as walleye tend to be more active then. The Geneva Dam, located north of St. Charles on the Fox River, is a popular spot, but be cautious of strong currents. Public access is available at several parks and boat launches along the river. Walleye in the Fox River are typically smaller, ranging from 1-3 pounds, but patience and persistence can yield larger fish.