Central Illinois Lakes that are decent

[Mudsport96]

So I have Snakeden (McMaster Lake) north west of me and Evergreen South East of me, each about an hours drive. And Banner Marsh south of me about 30 minutes. Any one know of any lakes that dont show up on the DNRs page that are less than 2 hours away from the Peoria area?
Driving doesn't much bother me, but when the wife wants to go, anymore than about a 90 minute drive and I'm ready to turn around before I even get to the ramp. Don't get me wrong, she loves fishing, and she is decent at it. But, doesn't have the patience to wait to get in the water.

[duncankopprichardson]

not sure if it falls into decent but clinton can be decent.

[Hoffy1337]

Sounds like we fish some of the same lakes. Have you tried Sangchris near Springfield? Spring Lake near Manito can yield some big fish.

[schmidte]

Mautino state fish and wildlife area near Buda. My best day there was 21 bass, nothing big, but fun

Hennepin Canal at the Visitors Center. Our club fishes this, takes between 12-14lbs. to win. Usually takes a 3-4lber to win big bass. Shallow. Have had several days with over 30 bass.

[Mudsport96]

Don't know how I forgot about Clinton Lake. But, I will look into the others for sure. Not sure about Hennepin if you say shallow. I am sure it is good fishing, but depth worries me a bit. Unless I plan to troll the whole trip or buy a 10 or 25 horse kicker. My 115 will hit bottom in waist deep water.

[tommoorehouse]

Back in my college days I had some good days fishing spring lake just north of macomb, il. While I have not fished it in years it would be on my list.

[bkirch]

Sangchris looks to be about an hour and a half from Peoria. It's a "no wake lake", meaning 25hp and below can run wide open. Anything above 25hp can idle the entire lake.
The plant is off more than it's on, so it's best to wait until things warm up some.

[Mudsport96]

Back in my college days I had some good days fishing spring lake just north of macomb, il. While I have not fished it in years it would be on my list.

This would be a decent one if we camped, luckily she does like to camp so I could turn it into a day and a half trip I think.

[willwork4fish]

Is Jacksonville in your drive window?

[tommoorehouse]

This would be a decent one if we camped, luckily she does like to camp so I could turn it into a day and a half trip I think.

If you end up going check out http://www.larryaspizza.com/ in macomb. Great pizza, lunch buffet is worth it.

[Mudsport96]

Is Jacksonville in your drive window?

It would be on the long end probably, but may be doable. I'm seeing a Mauvaise Lake and Lake Jacksonville. And a Campground at Jacksonville, so that may be the key.

[saugers2]

check out Prairie Lake - Panther Creek at Jim Edgar State Park. Big lake is very good, has a great ramp. 1.5 hours from Bass Pro in East Peoria, and has an excellent campground if needed.