Off and on. The winter makes you really work for it. I think the winter really tests your desire for the sport of fishing. If you dare go out in the cold temps to fish, then it may just be a passion that is woven into your identity as a person and not just some hobby. I have fished this winter in temperatures that I would think twice about taking my trash out.
Illinois Winter Fishing Spots:
1. Baldwin Lake - This lake is a cooling lake for a power plant. You have an edge here because that water isn't going to freeze over and the temperatures are above other bodies of water this time of year. My buddy Brian and I caught tons of catfish and bluegill in January in 17˚F.
2. Rivers - Get out on a river when the water flow is good.
3. Local Ponds - I have been rewarded with winter largemouth bass at my local ponds in Belleville, IL.
Get some gumption stirred up and get outside this winter season. Why wait for the Spring? Start catching fish now.
