The River is alive and the tournaments are getting ready to start,, go reports of sauger being caught. The Illinois can provide you with a ton of action. Best bet is to call Buster Cajuns bait shop before you go,, also if you launch at the State park ,, the docks are not in yet. I perfer to drive over to Spring Valley, the launch is off the river , its nicer and I think safer. They even have a salt barrel there incase the ramp is icey. Just remember to let your trailer "drain" before starting up the ramp !!!