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Herrick Lake
Bluegill
Best time: Morning 6–9 AM
Use
Tiny Tube Jig
A 1-inch soft plastic tube on a tiny jig head, reeled in slowly
1/64 oz head, white or yellow
How
Fish the weed edge on the north shore early morning. Cast and retrieve slowly just above the weeds.
Black Crappie
Best time: Early morning or after sunset
Use
Live Minnow Under a Float
A small live minnow hooked lightly, suspended under a bobber
Size 4 hook, float set at 6–10 ft near the wood cribs
How
Let the minnow swim near the submerged cribs. Crappie move deeper in summer.
Largemouth Bass
Best time: Before 9 AM or after 7 PM
Use
Frog Lure
A hollow rubber frog that floats and hops across lily pads without snagging
Any hollow-body frog, green or brown
How
Walk the frog across the lily pad mats at first light. When it disappears into a splash, wait 1 second then set the hook.
Channel Catfish
Best time: Evening and night
Use
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver on a hook on the bottom — catfish find it by smell
1 oz egg sinker, 18" leader, 2/0 circle hook
How
Cast to the deeper East Cove, set rod in a holder, wait 15–20 min.
Regulations
Bluegill25 per day
Black Crappie15 per day
Largemouth Bassmin 14–18" slot (keep under 14" or over 18") · 4 per day (max 1 over 18")
Channel Catfishmin 12" · 6 per day
All Illinois waters require a valid fishing license. Check IDNR iFish app for current stockings.