Peoria area fishing report published July 21

Around the area

Most bait and tackle shops reported that fish are biting, but the oppressive heat and humidity this past week led to few fishermen.

Anderson Lake: Trotlines have produced good eating-sized catfish, mostly on cut bait such as Asian carp.

Illinois River: Tim Presley said 3- to 4-pound catfish are biting and plentiful above the Peoria Lock and Dam, mostly on the edges of the channel. Bullheads are as big as he’s seen in years. Dink’s in Lewistown reports good catfishing near Liverpool, with most of the success coming on stinkbait. For handfishermen, flatheads are in the holes. Pekin Bass and Bow reports good catches of white bass on blades near the mouth of the Mackinaw River. Near Spring Valley, most of the cats are being caught on cut shad or carp. Fair catches of white bass from near the mouth of the Vermillion River.

Snakeden Hollow: Nellie at the Depot in Victoria said diehards have been catching bluegill and crappie, but for most folks it’s just been too hot to fish.

Spring Lake: Larry’s in Manito said in the evening shade from the bank, with dipbait or nightcrawlers, you can catch catfish.

Anglers and archers

Several area bait shops report a spike in bowfishing for Asian carp. All you need is a fishing license and proper gear.

Tip of the week

From larrysfishinghole.com: Hybrid stripers (cross between striped and white bass) are less sensitive to heat variances than many other game fish. Stripers go after baitfish, so use shad or minnows and look for schools of those fish. Stripers are strong and aggressive and require heavier tackle and gear than when fishing for crappie or bluegill. Stripers like to congregate near areas of quicker moving water, such as dams or bridge abutments.

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