FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are down a little with surface temperatures from the mid to upper 60's; some rainfall received this past week; angling success on the river is picking up a little.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair to Good; Smaller sized fish are being taken with minnows from 4 to 5 feet of water; anglers using mostly minnows and a few fishing with jigs; the cooler temperatures are improving success.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Lots of fish to catch! Offer wax worms, crickets, or red wigglers near the weed lines.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Good; Look for fish in 4 to 5 feet of water during the daytime and come in closer after dark near the weed lines; cheese bait continues to be popular.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait. Archery Deer season began October 1st.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are good with surface temperatures from the mid to upper 60's; several fishing and enjoying the weather.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair; Fish are starting to wake up and coming up into 4 to 5 feet of water; anglers using mostly minnows; a few jigs; smaller sizes on the lake and larger ones from the river.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Lots of fish to catch!
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Good; Cheese bait continues to be popular;look for fish along the weed lines.
NOTES: A benefit catfish tournament will be held at Mill Creek Lake on Sept. 27th; call for information.
NOTE: Catfish tournament being held at Paris Lake this weekend.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait. Archery Deer season begins October 1st.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are normal with surface temperatures from the mid to upper 60's; water clarity is stained; 2 1/2 inches of recent rainfall has slowed fishing activities. A few are fishing.
FISH: Crappie ... Slow to Fair; Cooler temperatures have improved angling success.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Fair; Cheese bait continues to be the bait of choice.
NOTES: A benefit catfish tournament will be held at Mill Creek Lake at the end of the month, Sept. 27th; call for information.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are normal and at 69 degrees; recent rainfall has slowed fishing activities. Area pond fishing is successful.
NOTE: Fishing activity has been very slow, but should pick up with cool temperatures arriving.
FISH: Crappie ... Slow to Fair; 7 to 9 inch sized fish are being caught in the lake, but the fish have been thin. Finding them in the river is a challenge since high water changed the sand bars.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Red worms and wax worms are producing near cover, weed lines, docks, and structure in shallower water.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Fair; Cheese bait continues to be the bait of choice.
NOTES: Mill Creek Lakes has been producing nice sized crappie this past week.
NOTES: A benefit catfish tournament will be held at Mill Creek Lake at the end of the month, Sept. 27th; call for information.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels continue to be normal; several out on the lake and a few fishing; the cooler temperatures should improve fishing success.
NOTE: Fishing activity has been very slow, but should pick up with cool temperatures arriving.
FISH: Bluegill ... Fair to Good; Smaller sizes are biting on crickets and wax worms near cover, weed lines, docks, and structure in shallower water.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Slower; Look for fish along the banks and weed beds while fish are feeding during later evening hours with cheese bait.
NOTES: Sam Parr & Mill Creek Lakes have been producing bluegill and white crappie this past week.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels continue to be normal; the weather is forecast to be nice for the Labor Day Holiday weekend.
NOTE: Fishing activity has been very slow, but should pick up when cool temperatures arrive.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Crickets and wax worms are getting bites near cover, weed lines, docks, and structure in shallower water.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Good; Cheese bait is producing from along the banks and weed beds while fish are feeding during later evening hours.
FISH: Flathead Catfish ... Good; Cheese bait is working for the anglers almost everywhere.
NOTES: Sam Parr Lake has been producing a few white crappie this past week along with the bluegill.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are normal; the weather has been beautiful this past week.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair; A few smaller sized fish are being picked up now that the weather temperatures have cooled off.
FISH: Bluegill ... Excellent; Crickets and wax worms are producing over bedding areas. An angler reported catching 70 nice sized 7 to 8 inch fish from a private pond recently with crickets.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Good; Cheese bait is producing from along the banks and weed beds while fish are feeding during later evening hours.
FISH: Flathead Catfish ... Good; Put cheese bait in deeper water and the deep holes.
NOTES: Sam Parr Lake has been producing white crappie this past week
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are fine; dog days are gone; enjoyable cool nights have replaced them. Plan a fishing trip before school starts next week.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair; Look for them in 15 to 18 feet of water suspended near brush and cover and hanging around drop offs; drift a jig and/or a minnow by them.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Crickets and wax worms are producing over bedding areas as fish spawn. Fishermen are doing pretty good.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Good; Best results during early morning and later evening hours with cheese bait on your hook.
FISH: Flathead Catfish ... Good; Put cheese bait in deeper water.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are normal with a good stained color; temperatures are in the mid 80's. Some rainfall was received this past week. Fishing is slower due to the hot summer temperatures; it's hard for the bait shop to keep minnows alive.
FISH: Crappie ... Slow; Fish have moved deeper and are suspended near brush and cover as water temperatures increase; drift a jig and minnow in 12 to 18 feet of water.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; 6 to 8 inch sized fish are biting on crickets and wax worms; some on night crawlers near shore cover and along the weeds.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Good; Cheese bait is the bait of choice; best results during early morning and later evening hours.
FISH: Flathead Catfish ... Good; Anglers are getting bites with cheese bait in deeper water.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are normal with a good stained color; temperatures are in the mid 80's. Nice rainfall was received this past week. Get ready for the hot summer temperatures "Dog Days" to begin.
FISH: Crappie ... Slow; Fish have moved deeper near brush and cover as water temperatures increase; offer a jig and minnow.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; 6 to 8 inch sized fish are biting on crickets and wax worms; some on night crawlers.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Good; 1 1/2 pound and up sized fish are biting on cheese bait; best results during later evening hours when fish are feeding.
FISH: Flathead Catfish ... Good; 5 to 6 pound average sized fish are biting mostly on cheese bait.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: River Water levels are o.k. and warmer; temperatures are in the mid 80's. Fishermen are catching fish.
FISH: Crappie ... Slower; Fish are a little harder to catch, but they are still there. Fishermen are still fishing for them. Look for them deeper near brush and cover with a jig and minnow.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Offer wax worms or red wigglers under a bobber in fairly shallow water. Fun to catch!
FISH: Bass ... Fair to Good; An angler caught a 6 pounder this past week during later evening hours with a spinner bait.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Very Good; Fish are biting all over the lake; Put cheese bait in fairly shallow water near the weed beds in the back of coves and creek coves; best results during later evening hours.
FISH: Flathead Catfish ... Good; Fish are biting on cheese bait, medium sized minnows, and chicken livers in deeper water. An angler reported a 30 pounder this past week.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: River Water levels are still up a little; the lake clarity is good; Lots of fishing activity. The river is up and murkey; Enjoy the nice weather temperatures.
FISH: Crappie ... Slower; Fish are a little harder to catch, but they are still there. Fishermen are still fishing for them. Look for them deeper near brush and cover with a jig and minnow.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Offer wax worms or red wigglers under a bobber in fairly shallow water. Fun to catch!
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Very Good; Put cheese bait in fairly shallow water near the weed beds; best results during later evening hours; average sizes of 3 to 5 pounds being caught.
FISH: Flathead Catfish ... Good; Fish are biting on cheese bait, medium sized minnows, and chicken livers in deeper water. Enjoy the full moon light while fishing at night this week.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his great homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: River Water levels are up a little; the lake is good; Lots of fishing activity. Nice weather temperatures forecast for this weekend.
FISH: Crappie ... Slow; Lots of fishermen fishing for them but success is questionable; several are catching catfish while fishing for crappie.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fishing is good; put wax worms or red wigglers under a bobber; 1 1/2 pound size fish; lots of fun.
FISH: Saugeye ... Fair to Good; A few fish are being taken with minnows and jigs by following along the rip-rap.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Very Good; Best results during early morning or late evening hours; fish are working in shallow water along the weed beds; no problem to catch them with cheese bait and worms.
FISH: Flathead Catfish ... Very Good; Lots of activity! Fish are biting aggressively on medium sized minnows; an angler caught a 63 pounder this past week on chicken livers; a 37 pounder was also reported this past week. Best results during early morning or late evening hours.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: River Water levels are up a little and muddy; the lake is good; Fishing is steady and good. Nice weather temperatures this past week.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fishing is good; put wax worms or red wigglers under a bobber; 1 1/2 pound size fish; lots of fun.
FISH: Saugeye ... Fair to Good; A few fish are being taken with minnows and jigs from along the rip-rap.
FISH: Catfish ... Very Good; Fish are in the spawning mode along the weed beds; no problem to catch them with cheese bait.
NOTE: Mill Creek and Sam Parr Lake has good bluegill fishing; anglers using minnows and worms.
NOTE: Red, White, and Blue Days celebration and fireworks at Coles Co. Airport.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up a little and stained; Lots of fishermen! Fishing is good.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair; A few fish are being caught from 10 to 18 feet; some also in shallower water.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fish have spawned out; fishing is good; lots of fun.
FISH: Saugeye ... Good; Live bait and spinners are producing as fish come up on sand bars to feed.
FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fish are active near the weed beds; no problem to catch them; fish are ready to spawn; average size is 3 to 5 pounds; cheese bait is the bait of choice.
NOTE: Mill Creek and Sam Parr Lake has good bluegill fishing; anglers using minnows and worms.
NOTE: Walnut Point has good bluegill and crappie fishing; leaf worms are a favorite there.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are headed towards normal; river levels are up a little with temperatures in the low 70's. Lots of fishermen!
FISH: Crappie ... Fair; A few fish are being caught from 10 to 18 feet; some fish have spawned, some haven't and they are close to shore.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fun to catch near the shorelines on beds with wax worms.
FISH: Catfish ... Good; Going nuts! fish are aggressive up in the weeds; an angler reported catching ten 2 to 3 pounders with cheese bait during an outing this week.
NOTE: The Kids Fishing Derby was a success with 60 to 70 participants; they had fun catching bluegill.
NOTE: Sam Parr Lake has good crappie fishing.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are above normal; river levels are high. lots of rainfall received in this area; slower fishing activity due to muddy water; water conditions also shut down the spawning activities.
FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fish are aggressive anywhere you throw a hook; anglers successful with mostly cheese bait; a few being taken with night crawlers; an angler reported fishing for 1 1/2 hours and catching the 12 fish limit; most fish averaged 3 pounds.
FISH: Kids Fishing Derby this Saturday, June 14th.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake and river levels are normal and stained; Warmer water temperatues have increased fishing success. Fishing is strong! Take advantage of Free Fishing Days June 6th - 9th.
FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish are spawning; nice size from 10 to 14 inches are being caught.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fish are spawning; Nice sized fish are biting on crickets and red worms.
FISH: Hybrid Stripers ... Good; Some are spawning, some have completed their spawn; fish continue to bite near the rip-rap in shallow water on a variety of everything.
FISH: Saugeye ... Good; Run the rip-rap with little bluegill.
FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fishing success is wide open! Look for them along the banks in the weed beds with cheese bait and chicken liver.
FISH: Carp ... Good; Fish are spawning; lower a worm in shallow water areas.
FISH: Fox Ridge also has good fishing.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake and river levels are normal; water temperature is in the 60's. Lots of fishermen; ordered extra bait to sell.
FISH: Crappie ... Good; Some fish have spawned, some haven't; some females still have eggs; look for them 4 to 5 feet deep; nice size from 10 to 14 inches being taken.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Not on beds yet; Nice sized fish are biting on wax worms under a bobber in shallower water depths; fish will move up soon if the water temperature warms.
FISH: Hybrid Stripers ... Good; Females are looking to spawn; fish continue to bite near the rip-rap in shallow water on liver.
FISH: Sauger ... Fair; A few are biting on minnows or a jig and minnows in deeper water; best to move the bait.
FISH: Catfish ... Good; Look for them along the banks in the weed beds with cheese bait and chicken liver; an angler caught the limit in 1 1/2 hour; fish size was 1 to 1 1/2 to 3 pounds.
FISH: Fox Ridge is producing catfish; fishing is good.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information and his homemade cheese bait.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake and river levels are normal; at good levels for fishing; lots of fishermen. Water temperature is in the 60's.
FISH: Crappie ... Good; Pre spawn conditions; females have small eggs; temperatures are still too cold to promote the spawn; nice sized fish are near the rip-rap in 3 feet of water.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Nice sized fish are biting on wax worms under a bobber in shallower water depths.
FISH: Bass ... Slow; Only one fish caught during the tournament this past week.
FISH: Stripers ... Good; Females are ready to spawn; 10 to 12 pounders are being caught near the rip-rap in shallow water with liver.
FISH: Catfish ... Good; Cheese bait is producing from along the banks; work the weed edges.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information. Plan a fishing trip during the Memorial Day Holiday.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake and river levels are normal; lots of angling activity. All species are close to their spawn, just running a little late due to the chilly weather and water temperatures.
FISH: Crappie ... Good; Pre spawn conditions; lots of black crappie being caught; males in the brush close and females are out in 5 feet of water; need warmer water for the spawn.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Look for them out a little with wax worms under a bobber.
FISH: Bass ... Good; Some fish are on beds near cover in shallower warmer water areas.
FISH: Stripers ... Good; 4 to 5 pound fish are being taken from the rip rap with jigs and minows.
FISH: Saugeye ... Good; Fish are scattered, but running near the rip-rap; Good sizes from 3 to 6 pound are being taken with minnows and jigs.
FISH: Catfish ... Good; Anglers are getting bites with stink bait, shad guts, and chicken liver.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake is normal and the river is at normal levels; lots of angling activity; going good. Take your mother fishing for Mothers Day.
FISH: Crappie ... Good; Lots of black crappie being caught; males in the brush close and females are out in 5 feet of water.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Look for them out a little with wax worms under a bobber.
FISH: Stripers ... Good; Anglers are getting bites along the rip rap with liver.
FISH: Catfish ... Slow; Fishermen are picking up a few with stink bait, shad guts, and chicken liver.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake is normal and the river is at normal levels; lots of angling activity; fishing is good. Need warm temperatures to stay around.
FISH: Crappie ... Good; Lots of 10 to 11 inch sized fish being caught; don't fish too close; work from the bank out to find them usually in 5 feet of water; mostly males around logs. Nice sized fish are also being caught in the river.
FISH: Stripers ... Good; Starting to run and moving in; 17 to 20 inch sized fish are being taken with jigs and chicken livers.
FISH: Catfish ... Good; Cheese bait is the bait of choice this week.
FISH: Carp ... Good; Pre spawning conditions; offer a night crawler on the bottom in 4 to 5 feet of water.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake is normal, clear, and good; lots of angling activity; fishing is good.
FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish are biting on minnows; fish from both boat and bank from near cover and brush in 3 to 6 feet of water.
FISH: Bluegill ... Fair to Good; A few were taken from the lake this past week.
FISH: Stripers ... Fair; Fish are starting to bite near the rip rap; minnows and chicken liver are produing; the lake should offer good sized fish for the anglers as the season progresses.
FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair; A few fish were caught with plastic worms; lots of fishing activity.
FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; 2 to 3 pound fish are being taken with cheese bait and chicken liver; they are holding close to the brush.
FISH: Carp ... Good; Put night crawlers on the bottom in 4 to 5 feet of water.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake is full and normal from controlled measurements. Only a few fishermen this past week; activity should pick up and continue to be good.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair to Good; Smaller sizes of fish are being caught this past week with minnows and jigs, both boat and bank from near cover and brush in 3 to 6 feet of water.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; An angler caught 40 big ones from an area farm pond this past week.
FISH: Stripers ... Fair; The lake should offer good sized fish for the anglers as the season progresses.
FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Slow to fair; Area ponds are producing; fishermen are using a variety of baits.
FISH: Catfish ... Fair; Fishermen are starting to catch a few 14 to 15 inch fish with minnows around the brush along shorelines.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake is full with more rainfall received this past week. Lots of fishing activity. Signs of spring are emerging with tiny crab apple tree leaves, magnolia buds, and blooming flowers in the area.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair to Good; 8 to 10 inche fish are being taken with mostly minnows and some jigs, both boat and bank, near cover and brush in 3 to 6 feet of water.
FISH: Bluegill ... Fair to Good; Big bluegill are being caught from area farm ponds.
FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Slow to fair; Area ponds are producing; fishermen are using a variety of baits.
FISH: Catfish ... Slow; Warmer weather is needed for increased activity; very few are being caught.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information.
FISHING AREA: Lake charleston Upper Side Channel is 346 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet and 5.6 miles of shoreline. Boat fishing with motors is allowed. Lake Charleston is located on the south-east side of Charleston in Coles County off Illinois Route 130.
WATER CONDITIONS: The lake is full; Lots of fishing activity. The weather seems to be in a cool and wet pattern, but the fish are biting.
NOTE: The 2008 spring trout fishing season in Illinois opens at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5th. The spring trout opener is always a big day in Illinois. It is a great way to begin the new fishing season. More than 60,000 rainbow trout will be stocked in more than 40 bodies of water where spring trout fishing is permitted. The trout-stocking program in Illinois is made possible through the sale of inland trout stamps to those anglers who participate. The stamps are available for $6.50 each at DNR directlicense and pemit vendors, IDNR offices in Springfield, Chicago, Alton, Benton, Clinton and Sterling, and may be purchased with a credit card through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us. To legally participate in the trout fishing program, anglers must have a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair to Good; Anglers are successful catching a few fish between 8 and 10 inches with minnows and/or jigs, both boat and bank, near brush; some places up closer in 3 feet of water. An angler reported catching a 1.5 pounder with a lure, so he hurried and bought some minnows.
FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Slow to fair; Anglers have reportedly caught a 6 pounder and two 3 pounders in area ponds recently.
FISH: Saugeye ... Slow; try fishing off the points with minnows in medium water depths. One reported being taken this past week.
NOTES: Reported by John Cook - Cook's Bait Shop. Stop by and get current fishing information.