Carbondale, IL Fishing Trip — May

Your Carbondale, IL Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip
High 72°F / Low 57°F6.4" rain · 14 rainy daysGreat weather for fishing — light layers and sunscreen recommended.

What’s Biting in May

5 species
Largemouth BassExcellent
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting
Northern PikeExcellent
Northern Pike
Various
WalleyeExcellent
Walleye
Various
Smallmouth BassExcellent
Smallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing
CrappieExcellent
Crappie
Jigging · Live Bait Fishing

May Weather in Carbondale

72°F
Avg High
57°F
Avg Low
6.4"
Rainfall
14
Rainy Days

Great weather for fishing — light layers and sunscreen recommended.

1 in Carbondale + 2 Nearby

Prepare for Your Trip

Gear recommendations and packing list for your trip. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Bring

Check with your guide about gear. Here's a recommended packing list:

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Polarized sunglasses
Hat or visor
Weather-appropriate clothing
Non-marking shoes or deck shoes
Water and drinks (stay hydrated)
Snacks or lunch
Cooler for your catch
Motion sickness medication (if needed)
Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)
Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)
Bug spray
Rain gear
$910
Estimated total for 2 people
$455
per person
Charter $500
Tip $100
Licenses $60
Food $100
Lodging $150

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

Things to Do in Carbondale

Activities for your non-fishing days

Illinois Fishing License

License Cost
Resident$15
Non-Resident$31.50
Requirements

Required for ages 16+. Inland trout and salmon stamp additional.

Buy License Online — Illinois

Species Regulations

Largemouth Bass
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:6 per day
Size Limit:14-inch minimum

Largemouth Bass regulations may vary by location. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for site-specific regulations.

Northern Pike
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:3 per day
Size Limit:24-inch minimum
Walleye
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:6 per day
Size Limit:14-inch minimum

Walleye regulations may vary by location. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for site-specific regulations.

Smallmouth Bass
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:6 per day
Size Limit:12-inch minimum

In the Illinois River and its tributaries, there is no length limit.

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