Thanks for the report and tips, Topwater. At least you got out for a bit 
7/18 Lake Opeka FYI
I got over for about 15minutes this morning. Nada. However, if you've thought about fishing Opeka and have been waiting for a good day, the conditions as of this writing (noon) are what I would consider favorable for Opeka from a boat or the southern shore. A bit difficult to handle the craft and cast, but the western shoreline and southern drop off should produce quantity, though quality may not be hitting as easily. Just FYI
Of course, today I am too busy to get out :evil:
Of course, today I am too busy to get out :evil:
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Ok, here's the scoop. Shore fishing at Opeka has limited 'spots'. If you check out the lake map at www.ifishillinois you'll figure out where they are. Unfortunately, the golf course side would be pretty much entirely fishable from shore. But its off limits. Some old timers I have met there say during the off season when the golf course is closed you can fish that side, but thats unofficial and probably frowned upon. Though I think you could get away with it. So legally, there is the south/southeast shoreline and the northern bay/marina that produce on senkos, maybe spinners but I have targeted LM Bass only. I haven't gone after the northern, walleye, carp, crappie and cats that are reportedly in there. No doubt there is more 'fishable' shoreline if you go after crappie and cats, and even northern as there are weedbeds on the northeast corner. I will likely start expanding my target, but wanted to get good at bass and senkos before going up north again in a few weeks so I've been limited.
Boat fishing at Opeka is usually very productive and there are some good honey-holes on the western shoreline that any reasonably good angler will find right away. But again, the north bay is I think often overlooked due to being relatively shallow and very rocky bottom. I've lost a lot of hooks/senkos in there! Actually, be prepared to lose a bunch of hooks/lures until you get to know the shoreline, they put rocks, bricks and concrete all around and the kids toss em in to see them go 'splash', which means you've got about ten feet of random debris to watch out for. Also, boat access is very limited: 11am ish to 7:30pm ish until the end of August, then weekends only through October if they feel like it. I say ish because its up to the old man who works there whether or not he feels like opening and closing at the posted hours :roll:
Anyway, Opeka can be difficult from all angles. But, if your patient it also can be very rewarding! I've caught more fish there in the past month and a half than in all my trips to Beck, Busse and Big Bend last year and this year combined. (I know, Big Ben is dead anyway!) Please practice catch and release! Who knows when or if they will restock the bass! Also, if you see a fat guy with an orange bucket come walking up, get outta MY SPOT!!!! (just kidding. well, sorta kidding. you don't have to, but it would be real nice of you )
Boat fishing at Opeka is usually very productive and there are some good honey-holes on the western shoreline that any reasonably good angler will find right away. But again, the north bay is I think often overlooked due to being relatively shallow and very rocky bottom. I've lost a lot of hooks/senkos in there! Actually, be prepared to lose a bunch of hooks/lures until you get to know the shoreline, they put rocks, bricks and concrete all around and the kids toss em in to see them go 'splash', which means you've got about ten feet of random debris to watch out for. Also, boat access is very limited: 11am ish to 7:30pm ish until the end of August, then weekends only through October if they feel like it. I say ish because its up to the old man who works there whether or not he feels like opening and closing at the posted hours :roll:
Anyway, Opeka can be difficult from all angles. But, if your patient it also can be very rewarding! I've caught more fish there in the past month and a half than in all my trips to Beck, Busse and Big Bend last year and this year combined. (I know, Big Ben is dead anyway!) Please practice catch and release! Who knows when or if they will restock the bass! Also, if you see a fat guy with an orange bucket come walking up, get outta MY SPOT!!!! (just kidding. well, sorta kidding. you don't have to, but it would be real nice of you
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