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Illinois River

River fishing  Oklahoma · 07:04 - 19:26

Illinois River is a stretch of moving water in Oklahoma. Anglers here fish mainly for Flathead Catfish, Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish.

Good 60% The bite right now
Top bet: Flathead Catfish Active through the night, water near its preferred 26 degrees.

Best day to fish

Tomorrow
79%
97°
Fri
82%
96°
Sat
83%
97°
Best day
Sun
78%
96°
Mon
79%
95°

The bite over the next days, scored at dusk. Based on the weather forecast, so it is guidance, not guarantees.

Conditions right now

Weather
Clear sky
Water temp (est.)
78°F
Air temp
92°F
Wind
9 mph
Pressure
29.96 inHg ↑ rising
Clouds
6.0%

Water temperature is an estimate based on weather and season.

Best times today

Dusk 18:11–20:11 Night 20:11–06:19

Local time at the spot, from the most likely species' daily rhythm.

Feeding times today

Waxing crescent 23% lit
Major period 16:17–18:17 Major period 04:17–06:17 Minor period 11:45–13:15 Minor period 21:20–22:50

Solunar times are a traditional guide based on the moon's position, separate from the live ranking above. Local time at the spot.

Next hours

19:00
92°
20:00
89°
21:00
87°
22:00
86°
23:00
85°
00:00
84°
01:00
83°
02:00
83°
03:00
82°
04:00
81°
05:00
80°
06:00
80°

Likely catch now (11 species)

Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
60%
Active through the night, water near its preferred 26 degrees.
Tap for details
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
58%
Active through the night, water near its preferred 26 degrees, a fishy ripple on the water.
Tap for details
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
56%
Active through the night, water near its preferred 26 degrees, bright sky slows things.
Tap for details
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
34%
Slow during the night, water near its preferred 26 degrees, peak season, bright sky slows things.
Tap for details
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
31%
Slow during the night, water near its preferred 26 degrees, peak season, bright sky slows things.
Tap for details
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
18%
Slow during the night, bright sky slows things.
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About the fishing here

The usual catches here are Flathead Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and Striped Bass.

Flathead Catfish fishing is usually best around Jun-Aug. The best windows are usually dusk and night.

A state fishing license is required to fish here. Napp ranks the species above from the live weather, water temperature, season and time of day, so the order changes through the day.

Guides for this water

Tips right now

Technique Start with a deadbait for flathead catfish, the most likely catch right now.
Timing This is a prime window for flathead catfish at night. Fish hard now.
Colour Low light: try live bait, scent and movement for flathead catfish.
Lure Deadbait for flathead catfish: Live or whole baitfish.
Depth The water temperature suits the fish. Fish actively at normal depths and edges.

Fishing permit

A state fishing license is required to fish here. Licenses are issued by each state:

About this water

The Illinois River is a principal tributary of the Mississippi River at approximately 273 miles (439 km) in length. Located in the U.S. state of Illinois, the river has a drainage basin of 28,756.6 square miles (74,479 km2). The Illinois River begins with the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers in the Chicago metropolitan area, and it generally flows to the southwest across Illinois, until it empties into the Mississippi near Grafton, Illinois. Its drainage basin extends into southeastern Wisconsin, northwestern Indiana, and a very small area of southwestern Michigan in addition to central Illinois. Along its banks are several river ports, including the largest, Peoria, Illinois. Historic and recreation areas on the river include Starved Rock, and the internationally important wetlands of the Emiquon Complex and Dixon Waterfowl Refuge.

Read more on Wikipedia →

Map

More waters nearby

Common questions

What fish can you catch at Illinois River?

Popular catches here include Flathead Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill and Black Crappie.

Do you need a fishing license at Illinois River?

Yes. A state fishing license is required; see the link on this page for the state's rules.

When is the best time to fish Illinois River?

Flathead Catfish fishing is usually best around Jun-Aug. The best windows are usually dusk and night.

What is biting at Illinois River right now?

Right now Flathead Catfish is the most likely catch, at about 31%.