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Fishing in Charleston, IL

Illinois, United States

Best fishing spots in Charleston, IL

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Want trophy-size catches? These Charleston spots deliver

Top fish species in Charleston

Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Channel catfish
Channel catfish
White crappie
White crappie
Bluegill
Bluegill
Black crappie
Black crappie

Latest Charleston fishing reports

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Channel catfish

Lake Shelbyville

length · weight

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Channel catfish

length · weight

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Channel catfish

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Twin Lakes

23 in · 8 lb

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Channel catfish

Lake Shelbyville

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

Twin Lakes

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Twin Lakes

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

Lake Charleston

length · weight

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Spotted bass

Embarras River

12 in · 1 lb

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Striped bass

Twin Lakes

12 in · 1 lb 2 oz

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About Charleston fishing

Check out the best fishing spots in and around Charleston, Illinois. Anglers using Fishbrain have logged: 1,398 catches for Largemouth bass, 452 catches for Channel catfish, and 271 catches for White crappie.

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Fishing regulations in Charleston

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Illinois can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Largemouth bass as of May 14th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Largemouth bass

Seasons

Open

Bag limit

6

Aggregate

6

There is no statewide size limit. Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site-Specific Regulations. Only statewide regulations are shown herein, but you can access Site-Specific Regulations online.

Micropterus nigricans

Regulations for

39°29′3.1″N 88°10′41.2″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ about Charleston fishing

Anglers in Charleston, IL recommend these top fishing spots: Kaskaskia River, Lake Charleston, and Embarras River.
Most commonly caught species around Charleston, IL:
Download the and see today's Fishing and Weather Forecast for Charleston, IL. We give you weather trends and help you find the perfect window to catch your next personal best. With Fishbrain Pro, you will get the following capabilities:
  • Plan smarter: Get hour-by-hour fishing weather conditions.
  • Fish at peak times: Use BiteTime™ predictions to maximize catches.
  • Stay ahead of the weather: Get hyper-local, real-time updates.
The biggest Largemouth bass (by length) reported in Charleston, IL was a 3 ft / 19 lbs caught by Fishbrain user @masoncraig at Brushy Fork on September 20, 2018.
The biggest Channel catfish (by length) reported in Charleston, IL was a 35 lbs caught by Fishbrain user @jsauce82 at Lake Shelbyville on April 21, 2017.
The biggest White crappie (by length) reported in Charleston, IL was a 5 lbs caught by Fishbrain user @mattw27 at Asa Creek on June 5, 2015.

Other cities near Charleston

Janesville

8.3 miles away

Mattoon

9.8 miles away

Westfield

9.9 miles away

Humboldt

11.2 miles away

Trilla

11.9 miles away

Kansas

13.6 miles away

Oakland

14.4 miles away

Toledo

15.0 miles away

Arcola

15.2 miles away

Casey

16.1 miles away

Gays

17.1 miles away

Neoga

18.4 miles away

Martinsville

18.8 miles away

Allenville

19.9 miles away

Redmon

20.2 miles away

Camargo

21.8 miles away

Tuscola

22.2 miles away

Arthur

22.2 miles away

Windsor

22.5 miles away

Newman

23.9 miles away

Montrose

24.4 miles away

Sigel

24.6 miles away

Strasburg

25.4 miles away

Villa Grove

26.3 miles away