Illinois Crappie Fishing Charters

17 Fishing Charters

The best out of 17 charter fishing deals in Illinois - enter dates to check availability

Top Crappie Fishing in Illinois

    This morning trip will take you fishing for Crappie on Rend Lake with your guide Fred Mooney. All the necessary gear, tackle, and bait will be provided for the trip. You will need to bring a valid fishing license, food, and appropriate clothing.

    Half Day Trip (AM)
    :
    US $300
    • Fox Chain Musky

    Multi-Species on the Fox Chain. Walleye's, Whitebass, Panfish, Catfish, Drum.

    Half-Day Morning Walleye, Bass, Pan
    :
    US $480
    +2

    This is Rambling Rose Guide Service's bread and butter package. Tactics will vary depending on the time of year, but you can expect five full hours of fun! All the tackle, bait, and fish cleaning are included in the price and both morning and afternoon outings are available.

    5 Hour Trip – Crappie Fishing
    :
    US $425

    Your trip will take place on a 17' Lund aluminum fishing boat powered by a 70-horsepower Suzuki 4-stroke outboard. The boat uses a GPS, and Fishfinder, and is equipped with a livewell and wireless trolling motor for convenient fishing and a multimedia system for a more fun trip. We will primarily be fishing for Catfish but also Walleye, Largemouth, Crappie, and an assortment of others.

    Half Day Trip
    :
    US $325
  • Angler's Choice

    The 4 hour bass/ panfish fishing the Chicago river trip is not an intense fishing trip. We will travel from Montrose harbor to the Chicago river. From Chicago locks to Franklin St. Cast baits under all the iconic bridges as the others can eat food and drink wile taking in the great sites of the city. From here we pack up the fishing gear and make our way back to the harbor. This trip keeps you safe near shore.

    Chicago River Fishing 5am
    :
    US $985

    Catfish noodling trip! This trip is one for the bucket list. Come catch big Flathead Catfish with your hands!!

    8 Hour Trip – Hogging/Noodling
    :
    US $235

    The Fox Chain of Lakes has some of the very best multi species fishing in Northern Illinois however, most commonly known for pleasure boating. The typical day of fishing will bring catches of Vass, Crappie, Sheepshead, Bluegill, Perch, Walleye and the occasional Muskie and Northern Pike. We will provide all top quality rods, reels, tackle and bait. Your captain will also have cold water and gatorade on board for you. Please dress for the weather and feel free to bring any other drinks and snacks.

    Half Day Trip
    :
    US $350
    +5

    300$ total for up to two people, 50$ additional for third person. ? SOUTHERN ILLINOIS GUIDED FISHING TRIPS ? Looking to put fish in the boat and make some memories? We offer multi-species guided fishing trips on some of the best lakes Southern Illinois has to offer: ? Lake of Egypt ? Rend Lake ? Carlyle Lake Target your favorites or mix it up — we guide for: ? Crappie (Spring & Fall) ? Bluegill (Late Spring & Early Summer) ? Largemouth Bass (Spring & Summer) ? White Bass (Summer)

    Half day trip
    :
    US $300
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Recent Crappie catches in Illinois

Illinois Crappie Fishing Seasons

Crappie
Size
0.25 to 0.5lb
Food Value
Excellent
Game Quality
Low

Calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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Oct
Nov
Dec
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Crappie fishing in Illinois, United States is all about steady action and tasty Panfish. Anglers come for Black Crappie and White Crappie that thrive in the state’s fertile lakes and river backwaters. Spring and fall bring fast bites, while summer and winter still produce with the right plan.

Most anglers cast light jigs or minnows under a bobber around brush, docks, and timber. Slow trolling, often called spider rigging, spreads several light rods to cover water. In colder months, ice fishing with tiny jigs and waxies works when fish school tight. Ultralight spinning gear with four to six pound line is ideal.

Charter trips keep things simple. Your captain supplies tackle, bait, and local know-how, so you can focus on reeling them in. Trips suit beginners, kids, and seasoned anglers who want numbers and steady fun. Dress for the weather, wear soft-soled shoes, and pack snacks, sun protection, and a small cooler for fillets if allowed.

Illinois has many productive Crappie waters. The Fox Chain O’Lakes offers easy access near Chicago with strong spring bites. Central Illinois lakes like Lake Shelbyville produce quality fish year-round. Southern waters, including Rend Lake and Kinkaid Lake, hold big slabs and reliable action. The Illinois and Mississippi River backwaters also shine when levels and clarity line up.

Before you go, check Illinois fishing rules for licenses, permits, seasons, and harvest limits. Regulations can change by water body and time of year. Your captain can explain local guidelines, but each angler is responsible for following current laws.

Habitats
River
Lake
Techniques
Light Tackle
Fly Fishing

What anglers said about Crappie Fishing in Illinois

  • 5.0
    /5
    (Half Day Trip (PM))

    All around great experience.

    My grandson and I came home with a bunch of nice crappie, bass, and catfish. Jeff is a pro who really delivers for his customers. Beautiful filet work too! Highly recommended.
    Rob W.
    Rob W.
    Reviewed on May 28, 2026
  • 5.0
    /5
    (3/4 Day Trip)

    Great day fishing for crappie!

    Had a great day fishing on Rend Lake today with Captain Jeff. Experienced guide, nice boat and good equipment - we caught a mess of crappie! Jeff knows where to go to catch fish! AND he and his wife cleaned them all for me! I recommend Lakeside Guide Services and plan to book with them again. Larry Kinzer P.S. Jeff and Teresa have an Airbnb in Ina that they rent if you need overnight accommodations.
    Larry K.
    Larry K.
    Reviewed on Nov 14, 2025
  • 5.0
    /5
    (Half Day Trip (AM))

    Fred was awesome!

    Fred was fantastic! We caught lots of crappie. Great guy to talk to and knowledgeable about fishing many lakes. We will definitely use Fred again.
    Jocelyn J.
    Jocelyn J.
    Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025
  • 5.0
    /5
    (4hr ChainoLakes MultiSpecies M-F pm)

    Great day on the water!

    This trip was a surprise for my kids birthday and he had a blast. We were able to catch a good amount of bass and crappie. Patrick was very informative and knowledgeable about locations to fish and techniques used to catch them. We will be back!
    Matthew N.
    Matthew N.
    Reviewed on Aug 30, 2025
  • 5.0
    /5
    (Half Day Trip (AM))

    Crappie haven

    Our trip with Jeff was really great! He is fun to be around, and a very nice guy. His experience on the lake is evident, as he got us unto the fish even in the middle of the summer heat. We had a great day and went home with plenty of fish. His Airbnb right next door is also very comfortable and very handy if you want to get an early start and get on the water quickly. I would definitely recommend Jeff to anyone who wants to fill the boat with nice slab crappie!
    Don M.
    Don M.
    Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Fish Species Similar to Crappie in Illinois