A few have been catching channel cats from the bank or crappie in the backwater ditches, but overall fishing is spotty. Fishing is better from Henry to Starved Rock. White bass are still going strong in that stretch and anglers are catching sauger off the clam beds or on the Peru flats according to Jim Collins of Starved Rock Bait and Tackle. Pulling crankbaits has been the best bet for sauger, though some fish are coming on jigs. A bank angler also caught a 6-pound striper this week at the mouth of the Vermilion River.
Channel catfish are good.
Water is slightly dirty and 58 degrees. Crappie fishing has also been good. On the main lake channel catfish and bullheads are going strong. Try the shallower water near the river levee. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits have worked well and some anglers are reporting success early on buzzbaits.