Hey guys,
My brother in law is moving to the area and I'm trying to do a little leg work for him and find some areas for him to fish. Anything from catfish, to crappies, to bass...possibly walleyes or northern pike would be great if I could get a couple lakes/rivers to start with. Any information would be GREATLY appreciated!

Just a few to start with. Mississippi River for just about anything that swims! Mark Twain Lake (Mo.) for crappies, cats and bass. Lake Carlyle (Il) for walleyes, cats, white and L.M. bass (watch out for the wind), Lake Shelbyville (Il.) for walleyes, white and L.M. bass, cats, crappies, gills and muskies.

For the lakes search the Army Corp of Engineers website. Lots of good info there.

Does your brother in law use a boat or shore fish?

He just bought a boat last summer.
Thanks for the info!!!!!!!

You're welcome.

You can e-mail me if you need any more info. My e-mail addy is in my signature.

Lotsa smaller flows with in 2 hours of the city. But may not be suitable for most boats.

I second the vote for Carlyle or Shelbyville but my favorite lake has to be Kinkaid. It's only and hour and a half from STL and is the most under rated muskie lake in Il not to mention lots of walleyes. Granted I haven't been down there in almost ten years but I caught lots of nice fish. Don't forget about the old Miss, a guy from Alton caught a 100 pound blue not to long ago.