Man, let me tell you about the Illinois River – this place is stupid good for fly fishing. Like, stupid good. Doesn’t matter if you’re some weekend warrior or a hardcore angler who ties their own flies at 3 AM (we’ve all been there), this river’s got something for you. Stripers? Check. Rainbow trout? Oh yeah. Smallmouth bass, those tank-like buffalo fish, catfish… honestly, the list goes on. Fun fact: the lower Illinois holds some absolute monsters – we’re talking a 47.8-pound striper that probably fought like a freight train. And rainbows? Don’t get me started.

Speaking of rainbows, here’s the kicker: trout stocking happens year-round. None of that seasonal nonsense. The designated trout zone runs about… eh, call it 8 miles from Tenkiller Ferry Dam down to the US 64 bridge near Gore. That dam pool right below the generators? Chef’s kiss. Even when they’re blasting water, trout stack up there like they’re waiting for a dinner reservation.

Access spots – okay, so the Watts Unit (Simp and Helen, if you wanna get formal) is your main squeeze. Take Highway 100 north of Gore, hang a left onto this dirt county road (E0990 or whatever, you’ll see the sign), and bam – mile later, you’re parking near a sweet stretch of trout water. Walk-in only, which keeps the crowds down. But hey, there’s like… four? Maybe five? Other sneaky-good entry points along the river. River Road’s about six miles downstream – decent for camping if you wanna make a weekend of it. Gore Landing’s got ramps too, but shh, locals hog those.

Now, regs. Pay attention, because game wardens don’t play. Rainbows: six a day, no size limit. Browns? One fish, 20 inches minimum. And in that Watts Unit stretch (gauge to Gravel Pit Road), it’s one trout total, same 20-inch rule. Flies and lures only, barbless hooks – yeah, even when your hands are numb and you’re cursing at tangled line. But if you’re after non-trout? Size 3/0 or bigger single hooks with bait are fair game. Treble hooks too, but only for the bass and stripers.

Oh, and pro tip: those buffalo fish fight like they’ve got a personal grudge. Hook one, and you’ll think you’ve snagged a log… until the log starts peeling drag. Seriously, this river’s stacked. Just don’t forget your waders. And coffee. Always coffee.