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Illinois River Valley Full of Color and Fish by Don Dziedzina
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What a beautiful time of year it is to be out on the water. To me, there’s no better place to be than on the Illinois River. Being lined with so many colorful trees along the shores, it’s definitely the place to be right now.

My favorite section of the River for fishing is the Lower Peoria pool, more commonly know as the Starved Rock area.

Sitting in my boat, looking up at Starved Rock, and seeing all of the brilliant colors of the trees is really breath taking. If you would ever have problems with getting the wife or kids to come along on a trip during the month of October, talk them into joining you this weekend and they would be hooked for sure.

One way to keep the whole family interested in the outdoors this fall is to get them out doing a number of things. Fishing, of course is something that can’t be beat on the Illinois River now.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself catching crappies, sauger, stripers and even catfish. Choose your target and you’ll find the fish. Wetting a line just below the Rock is a good place to start. You can launch at the Starved Rock State Park and start just below the dam. Work your way down river and you’ll find one spot after another.

Fish below log jams and in current breaks and use live bait like jigs with big minnows. Throw blade baits like Zips in shallow flats. If you don’t get a fish after a dozen casts, move out a bit deeper toward the main river channel. Fish the mouths of creeks leading into the river and try dipping baits around downfall logs.

You’ll find fish and the whole family should keep occupied for a good part of the day. But if they want more to do, put the boat on the trailer and head up to the Starved Rock Lodge.

At the lodge, you can take them for lunch on the veranda and believe me; everyone will love the view of the Illinois River Valley from there. If you have binoculars, bring them along.

After lunch, let the kids walk it off on one of the many trails, many of which start right at the lodge. From the edge of the veranda, they can walk down one of the many valleys then up to the top of Starved Rock. Now there is a great view for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re running out of time, take them over to the Visitor’s Center. A lot of neat things can be seen there including a small museum, a short film in the theater on the Starved Rock State Park, and a gift shop. It’s a great place to get an ice cream cone or a light bite.

There’s plenty of parking up by the lodge so you should have no problem at all trailering your boat up there after a morning of fishing for an afternoon of fun the park.

Fall fishing is the best time of year. The catch is good and the sights are fantastic. The whole family will enjoy getting out on a nice warm Indian Summer day so take them over to the Illinois River. For information about the Starved Rock State Park, visit www.StarvedRockStatePark.org. You can also learn about many of the activities offered at the Starved Rock Lodge by visiting www.StarvedRockLodge.com.

Fall colors are here now so don’t let the leaves fall before you get there. Bring along a fishing pole too because great fishing is not that far away.

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