Fall fishing holds steady in Rockford despite dry weather challenges

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Fall fishing is holding steady across the Stateline, but anglers targeting big game fish like muskie, northern pike and walleye say the dry weather is making things more challenging.

Long stretches without rain have pushed larger fish into deeper waters, where they’re feeding and staying largely out of reach. Still, local lakes and rivers are seeing plenty of activity, especially from those casting for panfish and bass.

“I’m usually using like a bobber and a red worm on a size 8 hook,” said Machesney Park resident Mark Swartout, who fishes regularly at Pierce Lake inside Rock Cut State Park. “I went yesterday and caught some bluegill.”

Swartout said the largemouth bass have been biting this fall. His biggest bass this season measured about 21 inches and weighed around five pounds.

While trophy fish have been pulled from Stateline waters this fall, Swartout says a good rain could change the game.

“It would be a little better fishing,” Swartout said. “Mix things up a little bit, knock some bugs into the water and stuff like that for the fish to consume.”

The uptick in fishing activity has also been good for local bait shops.

“We are still selling a lot of bait,” said Jacob Reid of Rocktown Adventures, which operates the bait shop and concessions at Rock Cut. “We’ve got live minnows as well as various types of worms, leeches, chicken livers — things like that. Mostly nightcrawlers are the biggest purchase.”

Channel and flathead catfish have also remained active this fall, giving anglers more options as they wait for cooler, wetter weather to bring big game fish closer to shore.

For many, though, the experience is about more than just the catch.

“It’s just the weather,” said Sydney Bruckner, a regular at Pierce Lake. “It’s so much nicer. I don’t want to be out here sweating. I’m out here like every day. I love it out here.”

Amber Pirrie, another Pierce Lake regular, agreed.

“I love it. It’s so peaceful out here,” she said. “The leaves are just starting to change. The weather’s nice, so it’s not too hot. You can comfortably fish all day.”

Top 10 fall fishing spots near Rockford, Illinois

1. Pierce Lake (Rock Cut State Park)
Arguably Rockford’s crown jewel for fishing, Pierce Lake is stocked with walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, muskies and panfish. It’s shallow, at just 11 feet deep, but boasts one of the highest walleye harvest rates per acre in Illinois.

2. Rock River (Fordham Dam & Atwood Park)
The Rock River is a go-to for channel catfish, walleye and smallmouth bass. The Fordham Dam area downtown and Atwood Park are popular access points. Fall fishing here can be especially productive for catfish and bass. 

3. Shabbona Lake (Shabbona Lake State Park)
Located about 50 minutes south of Rockford, Shabbona Lake is known for its healthy populations of walleye, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. It’s a favorite among anglers looking for a quiet fall getaway. 

4. Lake Summerset (Northwest of Durand)
This private lake has logged hundreds of largemouth bass catches and is a hotspot for fall fishing. While access may be limited to residents and guests, it’s worth the trip if you can get in.

5. Apple River Canyon State Park
A scenic spot near Scales Mound, this stream is stocked with trout but also offers smallmouth bass, crappie and sunfish. The rugged terrain and fall foliage make it a great destination for both fishing and hiking.

6. Belvidere Park (Below Belvidere Dam)
This location is a hidden gem for smallmouth bass. Local anglers report consistent catches below the dam, especially during the cooler months.

7. Pecatonica River Forest Preserve
A peaceful spot with access to the Pecatonica River, this preserve is ideal for catching bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. It’s also a great place to enjoy fall colors and birdwatching.

8. Stillman Creek
A lesser-known tributary of the Rock River, Stillman Creek has produced solid catches of channel catfish and largemouth bass. It’s a good option for anglers looking to avoid crowds.

9. Levings Lake
Located within Rockford, Levings Lake is a convenient spot for largemouth bass and panfish. It’s popular among local anglers and families looking for a quick fishing trip.

10. Four Lakes Forest Preserve
Four Lakes Forest Preserve is in Pecatonica, just west of Rockford. It spans 186 acres and includes four small man-made lakes. The preserve is known for trophy-size largemouth bass (catch-and-release only) as well as redear sunfish, bluegill, channel catfish, trout and northern pike.