Northern Illinois features a number of rivers and watersheds with backwaters, tributaries, creeks and branches which feature excellent smallmouth bass fishing opportunities.  Many of these waters are scenic and don’t receive much fishing pressure.  For Chicago residents, you don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to experience some great fishing, including trophy smallmouth.

These rivers and tributaries in Northern Illinois vary in their character and size and include:

  • Des Plaines River
  • DuPage River
  • Fox River
  • Illinois River Tributaries
  • Kishwaukee River
  • Rock River

FISHING REPORTS
DuPage Fly Fishing Co.  (Contact for information)
Midwest Waters Angling Co. (Contact for information)

FLY FISHING SHOPS
Bass Pro Shops (Bolingbrook)
DuPage Fly Fishing Co.  (Naperville)
Orvis (Lombard)

GUIDES
Midwest Waters Angling Co.

DINING AND DRINKS
Rush Creek Distilling (Harvard, Illinois)
Two Brothers Artisan Brewing (Aurora, Naperville and Warrenville)

Illinois Fishing License