illinois river

[bobber]

i float this river alot, but the rules are you must buy an arm band to float. (oklahoma) you can get them at the ranger station right on the hwy the cost is $ 1.00 the fishing is better in the lower section..... just befor the turnpike take old hwy 412 or 68 to hwy 10 in little kansas go south the outfitters are all up and down the road .the upper parts in arkansas are the areas that the CHICKEN FARMERS HAVE FIXED... WITH THE ARK AND OK LAW SUITES.... WITH CHICKEN LITTER RUN-OFF (NO FISH) AND DON'T PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE WATER!!

[Zach Bearden]

Well Sadly for me I live on Paradise Hill and I have never gotten over on the upper part just to fish for smallmouth and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for them and what gear was involved.

Thanks!

[bobber]

i use spinning rod 4 lbs test 1/8 ounce jigs ,or tubes ,small worms , watermellon or pumkin with red and black flakes but thats me!!

[Ironhorse Outfitters]

[HEY Bobber...

First time on...never have fished the Illinois. Reason for the "arm-bands"?

I know during the Summer months there are alot of canoes. On the Lower Mountain Fork/S.E. Okla. some of the people in the rental canoes will row right over you...no respect...and then grin when they drift bye!!! Is it for indentification or keep track of how many Fly-fishermen enter the river that day?? Just curious...Thanks

[bobber]

not sure?... IF it's state law! or part of the illinois river watershed scenic river trail.... and NO STYROFOAM COOLERS OR COFFEE CUPS!! it may be only for floaters! not for fishing off the bank but i'd make sure befor i go

[Rainstein]

In defense of both the upper reaches of the Illinois River in Arkansas, as well as of chicken farmers, who, despite what you may hear, have done business on the Oklahoma side of the line for quite a while too, I'll say I've spent a lot of time floating the river between Fayetteville and Siloam Springs, and its full of fish. Been on that stretch of river a million times in canoes and kayaks for the last ten years or more. Water is by no means crystal clear, but neither is it in any other warm water fishery in the region. I've tipped canoes into that river a million times, and I've only grown one extra eyeball, which was quite easily removed Its a pretty stretch of water.

[Zach Bearden]

I realize that this has been dead for a while but what kinda topwaters do you guys fish up here?