WABASH
RIVER FISHING OPPORTUNITIES
The Wabash River which got it's name from the Miami Indian word
"wah-bah-shik-ki" meaning "pure white" originates
near Fort Recovery, Ohio. It flows southwest for 500 miles through
Indiana and forms the boundary between Indiana and Illinois until
it meets the Ohio River above Old Shawneetown, Illinois. It has
a total drainage of 33,000 square miles of which about two-thirds
is agricultural . Approximately one-fourth of it's drainage comes
from Illinois. The Wabash is one of the largest free flowing river
east of the Mississippi River. It flows unimpeded for over 400 miles
from the Huntington Dam in Indiana to it's confluence with the Ohio.
The Wabash does not have commercial navigation.
Illinois portion of the Wabash River which is over 200 miles long
starts about 9 miles above Darwin, Illinois or about 15 miles below
Terre Haute, Indiana. It continues it's course south picking up
drainage from the Embarrass River south of Vincennes, Indiana. At
Mt. Carmel, Illinois the White River which drains a large portion
of Indiana enters the Wabash. At this point the Wabash nearly doubles
in size and continues it's course receiving drainage from the Little
Wabash near New Haven, Illinois. From this point the Wabash flows
another 15 miles and ends at Wabash Island on the Ohio.
Because of it's unique qualities for a large river in Illinois
the Wabash supports a diverse fishery. Fish species range from small
endangered darters to large paddlefish. Sport species present include
blue cat, channel cat, flathead, white bass, striped bass, hybrid
striped bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, white
crappie, black crappie, bluegill, freshwater drum and sauger. Common
carp, the exotic grass, bighead, grass and silver carp are also
present.
Catfish provide the best opportunities for the angler and can
be found throughout the river's entire length. Smallmouth bass are
found in the upper 100 miles of the river and spotted bass throughout
it's length. Late summer and fall are the best time to seek black
bass when river levels are low and the water clarity is improved.
The white, striped and hybrid striped bass can be found throughout
the river's length but are more numerous in the lower 100 miles.
Best times to seek these fish seem to be in the late spring early
summer times around the numerous sandbars found in the lower river
and near the fast water riffle areas. Sauger can be taken from throughout
the river's entire length. The best time to find sauger is late
February through early April off the numerous sandbars and around
the fast water riffle areas. Largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill
although present in the river provide anglers better fishing opportunities
in the oxbow lakes along the river. These lakes were formed when
the river cut off large bends and still serve as the boundary between
Indiana and Illinois. A large oxbow lake accessible to the public
can be found at Grayville, Illinois.
Angling success can occur anywhere on the river but a few places
known for their fishing include the following areas. The stretch
of river around Darwin, Illinois. The area along Vincennes, Indiana.
The stretch of river at Mt. Carmel, Illinois. The area at New Harmony,
Indiana . The area at the mouth of the Little Wabash River near
New Haven, Illinois and the stretch of river below Maunie, Illinois.
The mouth of the Wabash River above Old Shawneetown, Illinois is
also a good area to check out.
Boat access to the river can be found at the public boat ramps
on the Illinois and Indiana sides of the Wabash. Public ramps on
the Illinois side can be found at Hutsonville, Westport, St. Francisville,
Mt Carmel, Grayville, Brown's Pond near Maunie, and New Haven via
the Little Wabash River.
The Wabash River is unique and has no navigation channel like other
large Illinois rivers. The depth of the water depending on river
stage can vary from 6 inches to 50 feet and can be rather challenging
to boaters not familiar with the river. There are areas on the river
at lower river stages that cannot be traversed by boat.
The uniqueness of the Wabash River and it's diverse fishery will
provide the angler with many rewarding experiences that cannot be
found on other Illinois waters.
