Chillicothe, IL Fishing Trip — April

Your Chillicothe, IL Fishing Trip

April2 peopleFamily Trip

High 64°F / Low 45°F2.9" rain · 9 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in April

Brown Trout

Excellent

Brown Trout

Various

Largemouth Bass

Excellent

Largemouth Bass

Spinning · Baitcasting

Smallmouth Bass

Good

Smallmouth Bass

Casting · Fly Fishing

April Weather in Chillicothe

64°F

Avg High

45°F

Avg Low

2.9"

Rainfall

9

Rainy Days

Mild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

1 in Chillicothe + 3 Nearby

Hills guide service

Hill's Guide Service LLC is the premiere charter fishing service for central Illinois. Jason Hill specializes in catching huge blue catfish, flathead catfish, and channel catfish amongst other freshwater species.

Blue CatfishBluefishCatfish

Decatur, Illinois

INNovation STUDIO LLC

4.9(11)Top Rated

Innovation Studio LLC is a service network focused on finding people with unique passions and ideas bringing their knowledge, dedication, and service to the client. We offer landscaping, organizing, photography, and fishing guiding services but are always ready to expand if new services come available.

St. Charles, Illinois

Peoria Carp Hunters

USCG certified Captain-EMT. Your biggest problem will be deciding which Asian Carp to shoot first. 7 years operating and specializing in pure fun!

Lacon, Illinois

River Valley Charter Service

Chillicothe, Illinois

River Valley Charter Service LLC, provides guided fishing charters on the Illinois River in Central Illinois for walleye, sauger, crappie, and white bass. We also offer river tours, for eagle watching and other wildlife viewing.

freshwaterSaugerWhite Bass

Chillicothe, Illinois

Prepare for Your Trip

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

For Your Target Species

Trout Fly Assortment

Adams, elk hair caddis, pheasant tail — proven patterns

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Ultralight Spinning Rod

Sensitive ultralight rod perfect for stream trout

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For Freshwater Fishing

Walk-the-dog frog for explosive bass strikes in heavy cover

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Baitcasting Reel

Accurate casting reel for flipping jigs and throwing crankbaits

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For the Season

Waterproof Backpack

Keeps electronics and gear dry in downpours and spray

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Anti-Fog Sunglasses Spray

Keep polarized lenses clear in humid and rainy conditions

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Trip Essentials

Saltwater-resistant pliers with split ring tool and line cutter

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Waterproof Dry Bag

Roll-top bag for phone, wallet, and keys — keeps everything dry

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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

Chillicothe from ~$150/night

Pickup in Chillicothe

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

Things to Do in Chillicothe

Activities for your non-fishing days

Boat Tours & Cruises

Snorkeling & Diving

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Wildlife & Nature Tours

What's Biting By Month

Peak

Brown Trout

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

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

Brown Trout

Season:Year-round

Bag Limit:5 per day

Size Limit:No more than 3 fish may exceed 17 inches

Some areas may have specific regulations; consult the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for details.

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.

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.