Fishing develops strength, concentration and precision, and is a great sport for staying active outdoors. In Illinois, dozens of lakes and rivers make it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts, and the state is home to several resorts and lodges dedicated to anglers. Whether you are looking for trophy catfish on a private, spring-fed lake or bass fishing in the Shawnee National Forest, you'll find a lodge or resort to accommodate you.
Lodges and Resorts
Though many rivers and lakes in Illinois have nearby lodging, five resorts in particular cater specifically to anglers. Pine Lakes Resort in western Illinois, River House Bed & Breakfast to the north, Lick Creek Lodge in the middle of the state, and Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast and Rend Lake Resort to the south all provide a full fishing experience, each with its own flavor. These resorts offer other recreation as well as fishing, except for Lick Creek Lodge, which is purely fishing and hunting oriented.
Fishing
Pine Lakes Resort features a 45-acre stocked lake and fishing pier for private, license-free fishing. River House is close to Rock Cut State Park and is located on the banks of Rock River for convenient fishing. Lick Creek Lodge features a 55-acre lake stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie. Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast is located on the banks of two-acre Hidden Lake and a short drive from Little Grassy Lake and Crab Orchard National Forest. Hidden Lake itself is catch-and-release only. Rend Lake Resort offers fishing guides and packages on Rend Lake, Lake of Egypt and Kinkaid Lake, and specializes in bass, catfish and crappie fishing.
Amenities
Pine Lakes Resort offers tent or RV camping, rustic log cabins or fully furnished cottages. River House Bed & Breakfast features two lodges, one with romantic suites and an award-winning breakfast, and the other more suitable for groups, families or events. Lick Creek Lodge is located on a 1,000-acre game preserve and also offers camping during fishing season. Membership is required. Hidden Lake Bed & Breakfast offers luxury suites with private entrances and Jacuzzi tubs, plus a three-course breakfast. Rend Lake Resort features a hotel, cabins and "boatels," -- on-the-water units with private decks.
Other Activities
When it is time for a break from fishing, most resorts offer plenty of other things to do. Pine Lakes offers boating, swimming, a sand beach, volleyball, basketball and horseshoes. River House is located near award-winning golf courses as well as the town of Rockford, which features antiques, galleries, museums and historic neighborhoods. Hidden Lake is on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail with 12 wineries and within 30 minutes of seven state parks. Rend Lake is a full-service resort offering golf, boating, hunting, swimming, tennis, hiking, horseback riding, water skiing and trap shooting.
Licenses
Resorts with private lakes offer permit-free fishing, but most require fishing licenses for anglers age 16 and over. Purchase licenses through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources by phone or online. Fishing licenses are also available from sporting goods stores and many other retail outlets.
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