169 reports for Illinois — what's biting, water temps, and where to focus.
USGS readings from April 27 show the Illinois River flowing at 43,900 cubic feet per second — well above normal for late April and part of the historic spring flooding affecting the upper Midwest. Per Great Lakes Now, the region experienced 'extreme rain on snow' over April 20–26, forcing evacuations across Michigan and Wisconsin; Illinois waterways are still managing the runoff. Specific angler reports from IL waters in this week's feeds are sparse, but the calendar suggests classic spawn conditions: late April is prime time for largemouth bass and pike to enter shallow flats. Water temperatures aren't available from buoy readings. Walleye activity should be building as the cool freshwater settles — typical pattern for the season. Plan around the elevated flow when choosing access points; lower gradients and backwater areas may offer refuge from main-channel current.
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