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Posts: 259
Location: Alexandria, MN | Well, after 20 years of Muskie Fishing, I am actually going to try fishing outside of MN. Not to say that MN doesn't do it for me, I just can't wait until June to go Muskie Fishing.
I am trying to plan an April trip down to Illinois. Just thought I would start with everyone here, and see which lakes you would recommend? Bringing down a big boat with a 90Hp, but could run electric all day on the smaller waters, as long as the launch will handle a big rig.
I would appreciate any info, lakes for numbers? Size? This will be a Strict CPR trip. We just can't wait till June, with out a fix in the Spring. No real area has been picked yet, so any part of the state would be fine.
How busy do the lakes get in April? We plan on a couple of weekdays so the crowds shouldn't be too bad.
Thanks, and don't be affraid to ask for any help in return. 20+ years in MN with plenty of information, I am willing to share.
Steve Sedesky
[email protected] (in case you don't want to post something here, or if you have any MN questions) |
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Location: Illinois-Indiana | Steve,
The Fox Chain can be very good in the Spring.
If you want to travel a little further east about 2 1/2 hours, you can't beat Indiana Muskies. |
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Posts: 259
Location: Alexandria, MN | Thanks Ralph!
I have thought about the IN fishing also, but I know a couple of guys in central IL and would like to have the chance to visit or fish with them if their schedules permit. They are both diehard Muskie Hunters and should be able to point us in the right direction. But it's always nice to here others ideas.
Thanks Again!
Steve |
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Posts: 5230
| Shelbyville I canot give you numbers or size but this lake has plenty of both.0723 Bill Ramsey |
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| The first Lake I would start with is Kinkaid in southern Il, it is the prettiest musky lake in Illinois around 2700 acres, you have a shot at numbers and even a 45 inch plus, a great guide that will keep you in stiches would be Al Nutty phone 618-985-4105 plus he gives no BS information even if you don't take him out. The second lake is Shelbyville, it is 11,000 acres it can be a very tough nut to crack at times. Motels are about 8 miles away and cost 55.00 to 60.00 a night for Kinkaid, there is no developement on Kinkaid, but real good boat ramps. At Shelbville motel is right across the road from the lake 48.00 to 54.00 per night. I hope this gives you some information to begin with. Al |
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Posts: 20281
Location: oswego, il | Since you are talking central illinois, I would fish shelbyville, evergreen and north spring. Kinkaid is good and the fox chain is good in april if you want a road trip. |
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Posts: 391
| I second what everyone else has mentioned,
Why don't you hit Evergreen, then Shelby, and end the trip at Kinkaid.
Good bodies of water with some serious piggies.
Kly |
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Location: Minneapolis, MN | If you have friends in Central IL, I would go to Shelbyville in April. |
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Posts: 259
Location: Alexandria, MN | Thanks! You guys are great. My friends tell me about these "lakes" down there that are 300, 150 and 60 acres. It's going to be hard to change from fishing lakes that have islands in them bigger than these lakes.
Looking forward to more ideas. Anyone familar with these smaller lakes?
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Location: Illinois-Indiana | Give us the names and maybe we can help you out with them. |
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Posts: 5874
| Pretty slick, Ralph! hehehe |
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Posts: 358
| That a boy Ralph, always working the angles! A trait no musky angler should be without! I'm still chuckling as I am writing this! LOL!
Fish, if it were me, I wouldnt fish any waters north of Shelbyville in April. Depending on water temps, even then you may want to consider heading down to Kinkaid. April can be a great month to fish Kinkaid. If you are considering a guide, there are two very good ones that way. Al Nutty & Chad Cain, I dont have phone numbers handy, but they shouldnt be too hard to get a hold of. All the best to you! |
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Location: Minneapolis, MN | Many of these lakes you are probably thinking abour in central IL have HP restrictions. Some 25hp but most 9.9hp. At least one won't even let you launch your boat if you have a big motor on it regardless of whether or not your run it. |
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Posts: 20281
Location: oswego, il | I know of those lakes you mention and they are well kept secrets which is why I did not mention them sice i was told in confidence. |
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Posts: 259
Location: Alexandria, MN | Ok, Ralph -- I like the smooth delivery. 
Mike, you mention not going north of Shelby in April? Water still too cold?
LC thanks for the heads up on the HP restrictions. We have a few electric only lakes here in the Metro, and we just need to keep the Outboard trimmed up and out of the water. I will keep that in mind, and do some checking.
ToddM, exactly! I didn't want to just start tossing names around. My friends have not really named many of the smaller lakes anyway. They have talked about Shabbona, Evergreen, Shelbyville and Kinkaid -- I don't think any of those would be called 'secret' lakes.
Thanks to all, for the information and the fun. I plan to finish my season this weekend and put everything away until April. MN lakes are starting ice over and my 'honey-do list' is longer than my new lure list.
Good Luck to all and I will let you know in the Spring how it goes. |
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Location: Illinois-Indiana | You guys are KILLING me.
I didn't ask for the names to go fish them, YOU WERE THE ONE WHO ASKED FOR INFO ON THESE LAKES, it's kind of hard to give info if I don't even know where you are fishing.
Believe me, I'm not going to go fish any of your SECRET lakes, was JUST TRYING TO HELP OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have more than enough action on the lakes I fish now, just ask Joe aka Luke, I'm not that way.
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Posts: 259
Location: Alexandria, MN | Ralph, not trying to beat you up. Just having fun.
I wasn't sure if you asked for the names in jest, or to be helpfull. Thanks for the help so far.
I honestly don't know the names of these smaller lakes. I have just been told about these 'small lakes' while we were fishing on Vermilion in northern MN, which is 40+ miles long from end to end.
I know they claim Shelbyville is a 2 1/2 or 3 hour drive south of where they live. So I guess NORTH Central is a better description of where we will be starting. Shelbyville and Kinkaid are still options.
Thanks Again!
Steve |
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Posts: 6
Location: Villa Park, IL | The lakes mentioned are all good ones . However the muskies stocked by the IDNR are all listed either at here web site, or by the Illinois Muskie Alliance ( they are then listed in the Outdoor Notebook or in Muskie magazine. They become secret because most guys do not want to fish small water. Case in point Lake Sule by Rochelle 57 acres. Iam not giving away secrets you still have to find them and make the correct casts and presentations. Shabbona in dekalb is another such lake most ofd the pressure is from bass fisherman yes I know on the weekends you can walk the entire lake from boat to boat and never get your feet wet. Just remember when Lake Shelbyville is listed as an unknown hot spot for muskies in Illinois by Illinois Gaame and Fish muskie fishing as a whole in state is not very well known except by those who live here and spend time fishing for these wonderful and aggravating creatures. The link for the Illinois Game and fish article was on the muskie fishing news site by muskie central. |
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Posts: 358
| HI Steve,
Yes, you are right about the water temps on Shelbyville. I am by far no expert on that lake, far from it. I fish it early in the year just to get rid of the winter shakes from not being out on my boat. A very healthy, well fed population of muskies is in that body of water. If your talking late April, you probably will be fine, early April can be a little tricky. Best bet, probably would be Kinkaid no matter what part of April your going. All the best to you! |
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