Alright, let’s talk about catching them trouts in Illinois, you know, the best places and all. I ain’t no fancy fisherman, but I’ve been around long enough to know a thing or two about where them fish like to hang out.
First off, you gotta know, Illinois ain’t exactly known for its trouts like them mountain states out west. We ain’t got no fancy mountains, but we got some good spots, ya hear?
Apple River Canyon, that’s the place to be. I hear tell the DNR, them government folks, they stock that river real good with rainbow trouts, spring and fall. You go ’round that Apple River Canyon State Park, that’s where you’ll find ’em. Pretty place too, with them hills and rocks all around. Makes for a nice day out, even if you don’t catch nothin’, which ain’t likely if you go to the right spots.
Now, some folks like them crappies, say they’re the best eatin’ fish in Illinois. And that might be true, they’re good, alright. You find them white and black ones all over the state, in them lakes. But we’re talkin’ trouts today, so let’s stick to that.
You see, when most folks think about trouts, they think about them clear mountain streams. Like them Rocky Mountains, out in Montana and Colorado and all them places. We ain’t got nothin’ like that here, but we got rivers, and that’s where the trouts are.
- Apple River: Like I said, this is your best bet. It ain’t no big, wide river, more like a tricklin’ stream, comin’ down from Wisconsin. But it’s got trouts, that’s for sure.
- Other Spots: Now, I ain’t gonna lie, I don’t know every single spot, but I hear tell there’s other lakes and rivers where they stock trouts too. Them DNR folks, they got a program, the Catchable Trout Program they call it. You gotta buy a stamp, a little sticker, to help pay for it. That’s how they keep stockin’ them fish. So if you see a spot that looks fishy, might be worth a try.
The thing about trout fishin’, it ain’t like catchin’ them catfish down in the pond. Trouts, they’re a bit more picky, ya know? They like clean water, cold water. And they like them little bugs and flies and such. Some folks, they use fancy rods and reels, and them little fake flies, they call ’em. Fly fishin’, they call it. Me? I just use a regular ol’ hook and worm, and that works just fine.
Now, if you’re plannin’ on goin’ trout fishin’, you gotta make sure you got your license and your stamp. Don’t want no game warden catchin’ you without it, that’ll cost you a pretty penny. And you gotta be careful out there, them rocks can be slippery, and that water can be cold. Don’t want nobody fallin’ in and gettin’ all wet and cold.
And speaking of bein’ careful, I heard tell there’s hunters ’round sometimes. So, if you see them signs about centerfire rifles and such, pay attention. Don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, that’s for sure.
So, there you have it, my two cents on the best trout fishin’ in Illinois. Head on over to Apple River Canyon, that’s your best bet. And remember, be patient, be quiet, and keep your eyes open. And who knows, you might just catch yourself a nice big trout. Good luck, and happy fishin’!
One more thing, remember to respect the land and the water. Don’t leave no trash around, and don’t go messin’ with the wildlife. We gotta keep these places nice and clean, so we can keep comin’ back to fish for years to come. That’s just common sense, ain’t it?
Alright, I’m done talkin’ now. Go get them trouts!
Tags: [Trout Fishing, Illinois Fishing, Apple River Canyon, Rainbow Trout, Illinois DNR, Catchable Trout Program, Fishing Tips, Outdoor Recreation]
