Looking for some lakes to fish this fall.

I usually go to Minnesota in the fall to fish but this year due to some other obligations and money I probably won't make the 12 hour trip. I'm looking for some lakes closer by to fish. Will be late September/early Ocotober. I think I would really like to try Forbes lake and maybe Jacksonville. Both of those look to be about 3 hours from my house. I live about an hour south of Chicago. I have two boats, a Coral fish and ski with a 150 and an aluminum boat with 25 in case I go to a restricted HP lake. I think I'd prefer smaller water. I've fished Shelbyville but have never had much luck there. Any suggestions?

Could try Newton. It has a 25hp limit. I have fished it a couple of times. Not much luck but hell that's just me.

Don't overlook the Miss. river. They usually bunch up and make for some great fishing that time of year.

Newton Lake should be included as one option for you. It is a hp restricted lake and your little boat will be right at home there. A Beautiful fall setting, with good numbers and quantities of fish. It is one of those little lakes that ranks high on the list of favorite lakes, it even gets rave reviews from Denny and Chad. The filmed one of their shows there this past Fall.

You also will not go wrong with Jacksonville. Lots of big fish and a fun lake to fish. If you go there make sure that you have your insurance papers with you as they are strict and will not let you on if you don't have them with you.

In Oct the smallie bite is pretty good on L Geneva.

Bump this, I am interested too. I've only fished Newton in the spring and next to Delavan it's my favorite lake - and I still stupidly use a trolling motor since we've got a big motor. I'd like to get away for a Sunday or two late September/October for some bassin before I hang up the rods though.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Maybe I'll hit Newton and then hit Forbes on the way home. Anyone ever stay at the Newton Outdoor Sportsman Lodge? Might not be bad at $59 bucks a night.

Perhaps another day I'll hit Jacksonville.

Try Lake Springfield...it has been pumping out some great fish all year and that is great time of year to fish it. Plenty of hotels and I believe there is also a campground if you are so inclined http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif . There have been 7 pound plus fish weighed this year and that time of the year they are usually putting the feedbag on.

So I booked a night at the Outdoor Sportsmans Lodge in Newton and will fish Newton for a couple of days. I have seriously thought about going out with the resident guide the first day to lessen the learning curve on the lake. I want my dad and my son to catch some quality fish. Any suggestions on fishing this lake?