GregM

Good day everyone! A couple of years ago I started looking for places to fish for smallmouth bass in western and central Illinois, but I broke my back and had to give up a lot of physical activities while I healed up. Thankfully my back has improved a great deal, and I'm ready to start the search again. I live in Macomb and was looking at the Mackinaw River near Peoria. Do any of you have information on where I might access the Mackinaw to fish for smallmouth? I prefer to fish with a fly rod. Thanks for any information you might have for me.

I live in West Central Illinois and need advice on the nearest good smallmouth water. I'd be happy to drive a couple hours if needed. I've fished the Spoon River below HWY 116 with little luck. I managed to catch a nice White Bass below the dam at Bernadotte, IL, but no smallmouth. I've also tried the Mackinaw River east of Peoria again with little luck, a couple small White Bass, no smallmouth. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!