Illinois River - Marseilles Pool
Location 5620 acres
The Marseilles Pool of the Illinois River extends from mile 247 to the tailwater of the Dresden Island Lock and Dam at mile 271.5. LaSalle and Grundy counties border this reach.
Recent Stocking History
| 2025 | Sauger | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 29101 |
| 2025 | Sauger | Not Specified | 952000 |
| 2025 | Smallmouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 3165 |
| 2025 | Smallmouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 29504 |
| 2024 | Northern Pike | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 1039 |
Contact
Description
From its beginning where the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers enter to Ottawa, the Dresden and Marseilles Dams, Sheehan Island and Covel Creek south of Ottawa and Ballard Island north of Marseilles are considered the best fishing spots. There are ramps available at Ottawa, Wm. G. Stratton State Park at Morris and Illini State Park near Marseilles. The latter also provides campgrounds with electrical hookups.Fishery History
When 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. Diversion of water from Lake Michigan into the Illinois River, levee construction and isolation of the floodplain, changes in land use and construction of locks and dams has resulted in aquatic habitat degradation. Additionally, Asian carp and other exotic species have invaded the river. Despite these negative impacts, a diverse fish community remains in the Illinois River evidenced by the collection of 66 native fish species during annual electrofishing surveys in 2024.Site Regulations
Bowfishing is not permitted in this reach of the river.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- 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
- White, Black and Hybrid Crappie: 10 fish daily limit
Additional Information
River Access: The Starved Rock Pool is wide with slower velocities at the lower end and swift waters upstream to, and including the Marseilles Pool. Public lands bordering the pools include Starved Rock State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park, Illini State Park, Gebhard Woods State Park, Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, and Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area. Of these sites boat access to the river is available at Starved Rock and Illini State parks. Public boat access is also available at South Ottawa and Morris. Public boat access areas also offer good bank fishing opportunities.