Marys River

Running through Illinois, United States, Marys River is the kind of river that fishes well at the right water level. Drop a lure or fly into the bubble line at the head of a pool and let the current swing it past holding fish. Long, slow glides at Marys River hold the bigger fish; the broken water above and below holds the smaller, more aggressive ones. Stay quiet on the bank — river fish are easily spooked.

Location

38.0173, -89.7124 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Blue catfishAmerican eelLargemouth bass

Fishing Techniques

• For Blue catfish

  Target areas with current breaks and structure, like submerged timber or ledges, as blue catfish often ambush prey in these locations. Use a fish finder to locate schools of baitfish, as blue catfish are likely to be nearby.

• For American eel

  Fish for eels during low light conditions or at night, and target areas with structure such as rocks, docks, and submerged vegetation, as they provide cover.

• For Largemouth bass

  Vary your retrieve speed and lure presentation until you find what the bass are keying on, as their preferences can change daily based on weather and water conditions.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Marys River.

Plan Your Trip

Before fishing Marys River, make sure your licence covers Illinois, United States and that any species-specific seasons are open. Local regulations change year to year, so check the current rules rather than going from memory.

Nearby Spots in Illinois

See all fishing spots in Illinois →

Other Fishing Regions in United States