Lithia Springs Marina - Fishing Report

Fishing Report

This fishing report is presented as a service of LITHIA SPRINGS MARINA on beautiful Lake Shelbyville. It will be updated as conditions change and fishing success varies. The report is composed by our fishing guide, Walt Watts, who has 30 years experience fishing this lake. For more information on our fishing guide service, troll our web site.

July 10, 2008

The lake level is 15 ft above summer pool with the recent rains that we have had. The level is dropping slowly moving the fish out away from the banks. The water temperature is in the seventies with warmer temps back in the shallow end of the coves. THERE IS LOTS OF FLOATING DEBRIS. PLEASE WATCH FOR LOGS AND SUBMERGED TIMBER!

Crappie have been found in some of the deeper water, 8-12 ft deep around standing timber but scattered. There are also some moving up into the newly flooded grass and brush. Use minnows, yellow, chartreuse, or pearlized tinsel jigs. The ratio of keepers is small but some nice ones are being caught also. There have been reports of some nice catches in the back of the coves on the south end and on the north end of the lake around Sullivan and Camfield Creek.

The limit on Crappie has been changed! As of April 1, 2008, you may keep 10 fish over 10 inches and 5 fish below 10 inches.

The largemouth bass are moving into deeper water with the warmer temperatures. Use spinner baits in the back of the coves or in shallower water. Try plastic worms and deep running crank baits on the main lake points and deeper structure. They will also be moving into the newly flooded structure. Try some small minnow type baits - Rapalas, small crank baits, in towards the shore in the shallower ends of the coves.

White Bass are beginning to break top water early in the morning and late afternoon and evening. Use shiny baits - spoons, Gay blades, silver or chrome shallow running crank baits.

Walleye are sporadic. They are moving onto the rocky and concrete areas that have been flooded. Fish the flooded ramps, rip rap and harder rocky banks with small crank baits or jigs with a nightcrawler.

Muskie are somewhat active. Fish the rocky areas and rip rap with spinner baits.

Guide Service

Want to catch the big one or would you just be thrilled with catching a fish? Either way, plan for success when fishing Lake Shelbyville. Go to the hot spots for bass, walleye, crappie, and muskie. Use the right baits and fish the right depths when you get there. Why waste time, take advantage of 30 years fishing Lake Shelbyville. Enjoy a day with either Walt Watts or Ken Wilson while finding just that right spot for a memorable fishing experience.

They provide the boat and experience - you provide the gas, bait, and one companion - all for just $200.00 per day. Give Walt a call at 217-423-0167 or Ken a call at 217-454-2672 to schedule your day or get the latest information on the hot spots.

To help you plan your fishing trip, below is a chart of the most productive times for the various species.

Blue Gill	Crappie	Catfish	White Bass	Walleye	Muskie	Large Mouth Bass	Carp
April	POOR	GOOD	POOR	GOOD	POOR	GOOD	POOR	POOR
May	GOOD	BEST	GOOD	GOOD	GOOD	GOOD	GOOD	GOOD
June	BEST	BEST	GOOD	BEST	BEST	GOOD	BEST	GOOD
July	BEST	GOOD	BEST	BEST	BEST	BEST	BEST	BEST
August	GOOD	GOOD	BEST	BEST	GOOD	BEST	GOOD	BEST
September	GOOD	GOOD	BEST	BEST	POOR	GOOD	GOOD	BEST
October	POOR	BEST	GOOD	GOOD	POOR	GOOD	GOOD	POOR
November	POOR	BEST	POOR	GOOD	POOR	GOOD	POOR	POOR

Come enjoy the great fishing and beautiful scenery
on one of Illinois' most gorgeous lakes!

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