Illinois - Lake Jacksonville
Intensive management and a 15-inch minimum-size limit have created Illinois's very best largemouth action at this 475-acre municipal reservoir. Chug an XCalibur Xz2 Zell Pop next to deadfalls along the shoreline and over coontail grassbeds. Buy a pass from the city of Jacksonville; the money is used to maintain boat ramps and other facilities. City of Jacksonville Parks & Lakes, 217-479-4613; jacksonvilleil.com

---

Guide's Tips
Species: Bass
Guide: Wade Davis; jacksonvilleil.com; 217-479-4613
Rig Specifics: A 7 1/2-foot, medium- action graphite rod with 17-pound-test works best. Carolina rig a dark black plastic worm with a chartreuse tail.
Quick Tip: Be on the water right around daybreak. The best days are 85 -"degrees and overcast.
Where to Fish: The sweet depth in the lake seems to be around 25 feet.

---

Photo From Lake Jacksonville