***Originally published in The Kewanee Voice Summer Adventure Guide 2025
Fishing isn’t just about catching fish-it’s about the thrill of the chase, the peace of the water and the stories created along the way. Experienced anglers or those simply looking for a serene spot to escape, are sure to enjoy casting their lines in these seven nearby fishing locations.
A peaceful retreat for outdoor lovers, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area offers a picturesque lake ideal for fishing. The lush surroundings and calm waters make it a haven for both serious anglers and those looking to relax.
The 58-acre lake at Johnson-Sauk Trail SRA has a maximum depth of 21 feet, and features populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and bullhead.
In addition, muskie and northern pike have been released in recent years, providing visitors with an exciting new fishing opportunity.
Fishing is permitted by boat and along the shoreline. Fishing hours are the same as regular park hours. Night fishing is not allowed. The park is open only to campers after park hours.
Running through multiple counties, the Hennepin Canal provides excellent fishing opportunities along its winding waters. Anglers can expect to find bass, catfish, and bluegill in abundance, making it a rewarding location for a day on the water.
The linear park spans five counties of Rock Island, Henry, Bureau, Lee and Whiteside. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, construction began on the canal in 1890 and was completed in 1907. The canal became a state park in 1970. The Visitor’s Center is located south of Interstate 80 just off Highway 40.
The Canal is 925 acres with an average depth of 5 feet, is 104.5 miles long, and averages about 90 feet wide. The majority of the canal is accessible to bank angling.
All boats should try to operate with “no wake” to protect the shoreline from wave erosion. The Hennepin Canal has 10 concrete boat ramps and 1 gravel boat ramp. There is no concession on the canal, however there are many cities near the canal that offer bait, food and supplies.
For those looking for a diverse fishing experience, Mautino State Fish & Wildlife Area is an excellent choice. Home to multiple ponds and varied fish species, it offers an adventure for every type of angler.
From the IDNR website, “a former strip mine site of 900 acres that is now home to a total of 16 ponds and lakes, making it an idyllic location for kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Located south of Sheffield and west of Buda in Bureau County, the site is named for former State Representative Richard “Dick” Mautino, who served in the Illinois General Assembly from 1975 until his death in 1991. It is open year-round and operated by the staff of the Hennepin Canal State Park.”
The bodies of water at Mautino’s range in size from 0.4 acres to 15.5 acres and are deep, measuring 35 to 45 feet at their lowest points. Shoreline access is limited on many of the lakes due to their steep banks, requiring visitors to use caution. Fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie. The two largest lakes, Boss Lake and Osprey Lake, have boat ramps, and Osprey Lake also has a fishing pier. Only electric trolling motors are allowed at this site.
If variety is what you’re after, Snakeden Hollow is the place to be. With numerous lakes scattered throughout the area, anglers will find an array of fishing options to test their skills.
According to the IDNR, Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area is located near the town of Victoria, Ill. The wildlife area covers more than 2,500 acres of land and water bodies. There are approximately 34 bodies of water on the site over one acre in size, not including Lake McMaster. These small ponds and lakes total over 198 acres of water. They can be reached from parking areas that surround the perimeter of the property. These parking areas connect to an internal gravel road system that allows public foot traffic or bicycle use.
Most of the ponds on the site are composed of a sportfish population that is dominated by Largemouth, Bluegill, redear Sunfish, Black Crappie and Channel Catfish.
Nestled in scenic landscapes, Prophetstown State Recreation Area offers excellent fishing access along its waterways. It’s a fantastic spot to reel in your next big catch while soaking in the beauty of nature.
The recreation area is located on the northeast edge of Prophetstown along the south bank of the Rock River in Whiteside County, is a scenic and historic area offering a variety of recreational facilities. Once the site of an American Indian village, the 53-acre park derives its name from the Native American prophet Wa-bo-kie-sheik.
Prophetstown State Park can be reached by I-80 or I-88 and exiting onto IL Rt. 78 then heading south from I-88 or north from I-80. After reaching Prophetstown, watch for directional signs. The park is located on the south side of the Rock River within the city limits of Prophetstown.
Anglers will find largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bullhead, carp, sauger and walleye in the Rock River. You also can throw a line in Coon Creek. A concrete boat ramp is available for easy boat launching. There is no horsepower limit on boat motors.
A favorite among anglers, Lake Storey provides plentiful fishing opportunities near Kewanee. Stocked with a variety of fish species, this location is perfect for a relaxing fishing trip.
Lake Storey is a medium-sized watershed type impoundment owned by the City of Galesburg and managed for fishing by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
According to the city of Galesburg website, Lake Storey is 132.5 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 32 feet. It has a shoreline length of 5.8 miles and is 1.5 miles in length from east to west. A boat ramp and parking lot is provided on each end of the lake. Other facilities provided at Lake Storey Park include camping, swimming, golf, picnic areas and a 2.65-mile paved trail.
Lake Storey was constructed in 1928-29 by the Atchison, Topeka and Sante Fe Railroad as their water supply reservoir. In 1952, the lake and surrounding land was gifted to the City of Galesburg for the
Additional species found in low density include Carp, Golden Shiners, Green Sunfish and Yellow Bullhead.
Windmont Park is one of Kewanee’s most scenic settings, making it a unique fishing destination. The park’s lagoon, surrounded by vibrant trees and shrubs, offers a peaceful fishing experience. The picturesque iron footbridge adds charm to the scene, while the nearby walking path and fountain make the surroundings even more inviting. For Kewanee residents, making it even better is that it’s just a quick trip down the road.
Tranquil waters, diverse fish species and scenic landscapes can be found at each of these locations and brings something special to the table. So, grab your fishing gear and cast your line—you never know what tales the water will bring.
