Those other fish

I live in an area that has great fishing for numerous species of fish. This is due to different types of lakes that are found in southern Illinois. They range from large shallow lakes that are incredible crappie and catfish factories to deep clear lakes that support a year round population of rainbow trout. I love to fish for sportfish, but I also love to chase species of fish that a lot of people don't fish for. Here are a few fish species that most people don't see that often in southern Illinois.

Bowfin--these are found in nearly every creek and river in SO ILL, and in the spring time they can be absolutely beautiful.



Grass carp


Spotted bass--An invasive species in these waters, and expanding
it's range.


Smallmouth bass--recently stocked in a southern Illinois reservoir, they are starting to show up more frequently and I can not wait until the population starts to expand!


Hybrid striped bass--They make "spawning" runs up tributaries from the mississippi, and pull harder than almost any other fish I have caught.


Paddlefish--Prehistoric creatures that are in trouble throughout most of they're range. They're eggs can be used as caviar, so they are in even more trouble.