Rend Lake fishing report

Water level is about 408 and water temp is about 54!!!

Crappie :

The crappie bite has been good lately. Because of our mild winter, water temps are warmer than normal. Most fish are in the 6-14 foot range. Fish are being caught in stake beds, brush piles, under the sail boat harbor 154 bridge, big muddy bridge, and the Gun creek 154 bridge.  With the warm weather forcasted for this week watch for fish to begin moving shallow. Jigs are the way to go right now. My jig of choice on Rend Lake is a 1.5 - 2 inch red/chart jig. A good tip is to fish about 1 foot off the bottom. If you are in 10 feet of water fish 9 feet deep. If you are in 11 feet of water fish 10 feet deep. 

If fishing from the bank, fish are being caught from the sailboat harbor wall,  the docks at the sailboat harbor, and the docks at the rend lake resort.

Catfish:

With the warming water catfish are starting to bite. Trot lines and jugs in 3-5 feet of water have been producing fish. Several have been caught in the Gun creek neck the last two days. Drifting works almost year around. Rend lake is a GREAT catfish lake. I would argue the best in the state. 

Shad gut is my favorite bait, however several baits will work. Some of the most popular are night crawlers, liver, shrimp, and shad gut.

Bass : 

Coming soon..

Bluegill:

No report at this time.

Rend Lake IL crappie guides.
http://www.crappiextreme.com