Illinois River, Peoria Pool Fishing
A navigation pool of the Illinois River in Marshall County.
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The Illinois River Peoria Pool, measured out for Illinois anglers
The navigation pool known as Peoria Pool of the Illinois River borders Marshall County. Its IDNR listing shows 33,364 acres. Allow under a mile to reach Creve Coeur.
The IDNR ramp layer maps 9 boat ramps on it. Flow is logged by 1 USGS gauge. Bluegill get a good from IDNR on this water.
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026. Census 2023 places.
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- Location (IDNR)The Peoria Pool of the Illinois River extends from the Peoria Lock and Dam at mile 157.7 to the tailwaters of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam at mile 231. Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Putnam, Bureau and LaSalle counties border this reach.
- Description (IDNR)The Illinois River is formed at the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers near Channahon in northeastern Illinois. It flows southwest for 273 miles across the state to enter the Mississippi River at Grafton. There are five dams along the Illinois forming pooled reaches named (upstream to downstream) the Dresden Pool, Marseilles Pool, Starved Rock Pool, Peoria Pool and La Grange Pool. The downstream …
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
IDNR-rated fish swimming in the Illinois River Peoria Pool
| Species | IDNR rating | IDNR survey note |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Good | Bluegill and other sunfish catch rates were high in the Peoria Pool in 2025 with (107/hour electrofishing). Sunfish catch rates also show an increasing trend over the last ten years in the Peoria Pool. Many bluegill… |
| Smallmouth Bass | Good | Smallmouth bass catch rates show an increasing trend over the last 10 years in the Peoria Pool. About 14 smallmouth bass per hour of electrofishing were collected in the Peoria Pool annual survey, which is above average… |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | The 2025 fish community survey resulted in a catch rate of 27 largemouth bass/hour of electrofishing with fish ranging in size between 3-16 inches weighing up to 2.8 pounds. The Peoria Pool had the second highest… |
| Crappie spp. | Good | Both black crappie and white crappie are present in the Peoria Pool, but black crappie are more abundant. Crappie catch rates were average in 2025 with a catch rate of 5/hour electrofishing and show and increasing trend… |
| Channel Catfish | Excellent | Channel catfish are one of the primary game fish of the Illinois River. They are very abundant in the quality – preferred size of 16-24 inch size range and fish over 24 inches weighing 7 – 10 pounds are common. A… |
| Flathead Catfish | Excellent | Flathead catfish are abundant in the Peoria Pool and trophy-sized fish exceeding 36 inches and 30 pounds can be found. Flatheads between 28 and 36 inches are not uncommon. The 2023 targeted hoop net survey resulted in… |
| Sauger | Excellent | Sauger and walleye are most dense in the upper end of the Peoria Pool, with sauger being more abundant. The Illinois sauger fishery is a world class fishery bringing anglers from all over the country to fish the… |
Species on Peoria Pool of the Illinois River come from IDNR pages and tables only.
IDNR fishing outlook ratings and survey notes as printed on the IFishIllinois page, read November 4, 2026. IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026.
What IDNR sampling says about the Illinois River Peoria Pool
- IDNRWhen the first European settlers arrived the Illinois River supported one of the most productive freshwater fisheries in the world. The reversal of the Chicago River in the early 20th century brought an influx of pollution that tainted the river all the way to Peoria. Water quality has rebounded dramatically since institution of the Clean Water Act in 1977 and the fish community has rebounded as well. …
IDNR fishery text, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
How high and fast the Illinois River Peoria Pool is today
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois River At Henry, Il | 4,900 cfs, 14.40 ft gage height | Nov 13 1:30 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 13, 2026 2:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
The panel uses Illinois River at Henry, IL, the nearest USGS sites.
USGS instantaneous values, provisional; site list read November 4, 2026.
NOAA stage readings for the Illinois River sit on the main river page; none is named for this pool.
IDNR-mapped ramps along the Illinois River Peoria Pool
- Illinois River – Peoria Peru Boat Ramp on Illinois River, Peoria Poollaunch, LaSalle County
- Illinois River – Peoria Barto Landing Boat Ramp, Spring Valley on Illinois River, Peoria Poollaunch, Bureau County
- Illinois River – Peoria Hennepin Boat Ramp on Illinois River, Peoria Poollaunch, Bureau County
- Illinois River – Peoria Henry Boat Ramp on Illinois River, Peoria Poollaunch, Marshall County
- Illinois River – Peoria Lacon Boat Ramp on Illinois River, Peoria Poollaunch, Marshall County
- Illinois River – Peoria Chillicothe Boat Ramp on Illinois River, Peoria Poollaunch, Peoria County
- Illinois River – Peoria Detweiller Marina Boat Ramp on Illinois River, Peoria Poolfee noted, Fee required to launch, Peoria County
- Illinois River – Peoria East Peoria Boat Ramp on Illinois River, Peoria Poollaunch, Tazewell County
- Illinois River – Peoria Creve Coeur Boat Ramp on Illinois River, Peoria Poollaunch, Tazewell County
Other ramps when Illinois River Peoria Pool is crowded
- Powerton Lake Boat RampPowerton Lake, 9 miles
- Skyranch Boat Ramp on Spring Lake (North)Spring Lake (North), 15 miles
Public ramps and state sites are the sure way onto Peoria Pool of the Illinois River.
IDNR IFishIllinois map, boat ramp and launch layer of October 2025 (KML; name, waterbody and notes as printed), read November 5, 2026.
IDNR stocking across the Illinois River Peoria Pool pools
| Year | Species as listed | Number | Size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Northern Pike | 1,032 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2026 | Sauger | 4,799,000 | Not Specified |
| 2026 | Sauger | 142,525 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2026 | Smallmouth Bass | 25,068 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Black Crappie | 20,892 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Northern Pike | 25,286 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Northern Pike | 2,297 | NonVulnerable (8 – 10") |
| 2025 | Sauger | 7,999,000 | Not Specified |
| 2025 | Sauger | 138,317 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Smallmouth Bass | 31,541 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026.
Creel and length rules on the Illinois River Peoria Pool
| Species group | Daily limit | Statewide rule as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Alligator Gar | 1 per 24 hours | Harvest limit is 1 Alligator Gar per 24 hours. |
| Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Other Sunfish | no limit | There are no harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Crappie (White, Black or Hybrid Crappie) | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Lake Sturgeon | no possession | Protected; No possession. |
| Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass | 6 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. In rivers and streams and their tributaries statewide, except for the Mississippi, Ohio (including Golconda Marina), and Wabash Rivers, the d |
| Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and their Hybrid | muskellunge 1, northern pike 3 | All Muskellunge and Muskellunge hybrids (Tiger Muskie) taken must be 36" in total length or longer, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. No more than 1 Muskellunge or Muskellunge hybrid (Tiger Muskie) may be taken per day, except as specified u |
| Paddlefish | 2 | Daily harvest limit is 2 Paddlefish. Please refer to Site Specific Regulations for the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa and the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri. |
| Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their Hybrids | no limit under 17 inches; 3 at 17 inches or longer | There are no daily harvest limits or minimum size limits for Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their hybrids, which are less than 17" in total length, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. For these fish 17" in total le |
| Trout and Salmon | 5 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 5 trout or salmon, either singly or in the aggregate. |
| Walleye, Sauger, or their Hybrid | 6 (combined) | All Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid (Saugeye) taken must be 14" in total length or longer, except in the Mississippi River, Wabash River, or except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. Daily harvest limit is 6 Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid, either |
The statewide rows are the default on Peoria Pool of the Illinois River.
Digest lines that single out the Illinois River Peoria Pool
- Bowfishing is allowed in the river and connected waters wholly
- accessible by boat, with some exceptions as listed in the Illinois
- Fishing Information booklet.
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 12" minimum length limit; 6 fish daily limit with no more than three Smallmouth Bass
- Walleye, Sauger and Hybrids: 14" minimum length limit; 6 fish daily limit
Site-specific regulations on the IFishIllinois page, as printed, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
IDNR 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR), read November 4, 2026.
Neighbouring pools of Illinois River Peoria Pool
Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool sits near 57 miles away, the closest listed.
| Water | Distance | USGS gauges | Mapped ramps | First IDNR-rated fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois River, Peoria Pool | 1 | 9 | Bluegill | |
| Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool | 57 miles northeast | 1 | 2 | Flathead Catfish |
| Illinois River, Marseilles Pool | 64 miles northeast | 3 | 1 | Smallmouth Bass |
| Illinois River, LaGrange Pool | 68 miles southwest | 2 | 10 | Channel Catfish |
| Illinois River, Dresden Island Pool | 86 miles northeast | 0 | 0 |
USGS gauges, IDNR boat ramp layer and IDNR outlook lines; read November 4, 2026.
Around the Illinois River Peoria Pool shoreline
Other lakes an Illinois Tollway exit or two from Illinois River Peoria Pool
- Glen Oak Lagoon5 miles
- Mineral Springs Park Lagoon6 miles
- Lakewood Park Pond8 miles
- Charter Oak North Lake9 miles
Buy bait on the way to Illinois River Peoria Pool
- Bass Pro Shops East Peoriasporting goods store, East Peoria, 3 miles
- Presleys Outdoorssporting goods store, Bartonville, 4 miles
- Detweiller Marinamarina, Peoria, 4 miles
- EastPort Marinamarina, East Peoria, 4 miles
- Wharf Harbor Sales Incmarina, Peoria, 5 miles
Prairie State towns that sit near Illinois River Peoria Pool
- Creve Coeurunder a mile
- Marquette Heights2 miles
- North Pekin3 miles
- Bartonville3 miles
Illinois counties along Illinois River Peoria Pool
- Marshall County
Piscifun picks ahead of a trip to Peoria Pool of the Illinois River
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Lakes and river bends close to Illinois River, Peoria Pool, in pictures
Photo: Ron Frazier, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Scott Tranchitella, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: David Wilson, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Paul Sableman, CC BY 2.0
Illinois River Peoria Pool: what Prairie State anglers want settled
Which Illinois counties does Peoria Pool of the Illinois River touch?
The Peoria Pool of the Illinois River extends from the Peoria Lock and Dam at mile 157.7 to the tailwaters of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam at mile 231. Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Putnam, B Look around Marshall County.
What stage is Peoria Pool of the Illinois River showing this week?
Illinois River at Henry, IL report it; see above.
Does the IDNR layer show a ramp on Peoria Pool of the Illinois River?
Illinois River – Peoria Barto Landing Boat Ramp, Spring Valley on Illinois River, Peoria Pool is one of 9 boat ramps.
Is there a length limit on Peoria Pool of the Illinois River?
Statewide digest row for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass: Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. The same row adds a separate rule for rivers and streams, quoted in the limits band. Extra digest rules apply, listed above.
Which permit do I carry on Peoria Pool of the Illinois River?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
Which fish does IDNR expect anglers to find in Peoria Pool of the Illinois River?
The IDNR outlook gives bluegill a good, with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish and sauger also listed.
Where are crawlers sold on the way to Peoria Pool of the Illinois River?
Nearest in our shop file: Bass Pro Shops East Peoria, about 3 miles away,.
Is Peoria Pool of the Illinois River on private land?
Public access points are the safe bet.
What river page covers more than Peoria Pool of the Illinois River?
The Illinois River has 6 pool pages; this is one.
Load the jon boat for Peoria Pool of the Illinois River
Every fee and limit is a click away.