Fishing the Chain
Fish the lakes and channels for walleye, muskie, bass, and more.
Top fish to target
Walleye
Best: March to May, October to November
Try: Pistakee, Grass, Channel
Skill: Intermediate to advanced
Northern pike
Best: May to June, September to October
Try: Grass, Pistakee, Fox
Skill: Beginner-friendly
Largemouth bass
Best: April to October, peaking June to July
Try: Grass, Marie, Nippersink
Skill: Beginner to intermediate
Crappie
Best: March to May, October to November
Try: Channel, Marie, Petite
Skill: Beginner-friendly
Channel catfish
Best: Summer nights, May to September
Try: Pistakee, Channel
Skill: Beginner-friendly
What you can catch
The Chain supports more than 40 fish species. Popular catches include walleye, muskie, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and white bass.
Good to know
You don't need a boat to get started, though one opens up much more water. Spring and fall offer some of the most consistent action, and weekdays can be quieter than busy weekends.
Licenses and rules
The Chain has site-specific fishing regulations, and limits can change. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and any posted signs before you fish.
Inside Chain O'Lakes State Park, only electric trolling motors are allowed on Turner Lake.