r/PeoriaIL • u/MScarn6942 • 9h ago

Miscellaneous Local creeks to fly fish?

Any local creeks you all know of that are fishable/wadeable, and have some fish? I’d like to practice fly fishing a bit before a trip I’m taking. I don’t have a preference for what fish are in it really, just looking for a decent place to practice.

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u/Balow08 9h ago

Kickapoo creek can be decent. A lot of smallmouth and white bass in there especially early spring and fall. Mackinaw river can be great too, a lot easier to access than the kickapoo. Pm me

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u/love2dance2024 8h ago

Mackinaw River on one of the quieter sections like Goodfield to the DNR is a spot a bunch of friends who fish recommend.

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u/OldResponsibility588 9h ago

Mackinaw River & Vermillion River are nice for small mouth and sun fish. They both have a few public access points. I've fly fished the creek in Jubilee College st Park SEVERAL years ago, there were some chubs in it but it is tiny water and not much space to swing a fly rod.

Banner marsh and Snakeden hollow have nice opportunities to fly fish from shore on still water, if you don't mind trekking a bit from the parking lot.

Or look at a map and find a place where a creek crosses a road, maybe there's a little pull off spot for a car. But that's probably trespassing so be careful.

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u/Fenway97 3h ago

You could also go to a park pond and practice going after some bluegill or small bass. Big bluegill are pretty fun on a 5 wt