Illinois
Kankakee River near Wilmington
Location Snapshot
Kankakee River near Wilmington is a northeast Illinois river reach with a strong smallmouth-bass identity and additional coolwater predators. The principal supported target is smallmouth bass, with walleye, channel catfish, and northern pike adding additional species variety to the same fishery.
Current River Rating
Excellent · 91
Conditions look favorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Go
Recommended Window
Tuesday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Why
- Cloud cover is generally suitable for fishing.
- Light to moderate wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 2010 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.5 ft
- Water Temperature
- 55.6 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:45 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 05527500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
41°F
Feels like
37°F
Wind
3 mph E
Wind gust
8 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 4:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 5 AM
Clear
Temp 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 9 AM
Overcast
Temp 43°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 1 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 5 PM
Clear
Temp 66°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 1 AM
Clear
Temp 45°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Fog
High 67°F / Low 40°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Mostly clear
High 69°F / Low 40°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 13 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 72°F / Low 54°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 6 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 73°F / Low 55°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 23 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Kankakee near Wilmington flows through Kankakee River State Park, and a dam at Wilmington pools the river before it joins the Des Plaines.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Kankakee River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Walleye
Sander vitreus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Fly fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Stocking information
- Stocked
Walleye
Stocked · Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Popper-style surface flyGeneral warmwater surface family. Not an insect Hatch event.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral warmwater streamer family. Not a baitfish Hatch event.
- Crayfish-style flyGeneral subsurface family. Crayfish forage is not a Hatch insect.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Will, Illinois
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Will
Management Category
Inland warmwater river
Regulation Scope
Kankakee River near Wilmington.
Regulation Summary
Kankakee River near Wilmington: Illinois inland fishing regulations at Kankakee River State Park. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Northern Pike
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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