12 Best Fishing Lodges In Illinois, USA - Updated 2024

Martina
Martina 
Updated
| 5 min read

Situated in the midwestern part of the US, the state of Illinois is also known as “The Prairie State.” You can find Chicago here, which is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. While you are in the city, you can check out Navy Pier and the world-renowned Millennium Park. Besides, the state has a plethora of accommodation options to offer, from farm stays for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to treehouse hotels and vacation rentals for those who want to reconnect with nature. Illinois is also a wonderful destination for anglers seeking a peaceful fishing trip. If this is what you are looking for, head to Rend Lake or Lake Springfield. Both are abundant in bass and catfish. To know more, check out the best fishing lodges in Illinois, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and a location with easy access to fishing spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.

1. Airy abode with a movie theater, Mazon

If you’re looking for cozy fishing cabins in Illinois, this spacious rental is perfect for you. With an area of 1,000 square feet (92.90 square meters), it features an airy living room, two adequately equipped kitchens, and a game room. There’s no room for boredom in this unit since you can spend time playing darts, pool, poker, and board games.

If you want to relax, hang out at its indoor movie theater and watch a great film with your loved ones. Anglers will certainly be delighted by the private fishing pond available on the premises.

If you have fur babies, you can bring them here for a 50 USD pet fee. Going around the area is convenient too, as this place is accessible to numerous dining options. You can try Mexican delights from El Patron Mexican Kitchen and appetizing American dishes from Honest Abe’s Tap & Grill.

Stayed at this property?
Mazon, Illinois, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 20 Guests 5 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house was filled with fun activities -- pool ping pong poker darts cards etc
the pool table ping pong table and dart board were terrific for our rainy day
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2. Quaint cottage with a patio, Lakewood (from USD 90)

Venturing to Illinois for its best fishing lakes with cabins? Make sure to book your stay in this cottage situated near Lake Shelbyville. This accommodation offers plush linens, a washer, and a dryer for its guests. To keep yourself entertained, you can watch your favorite show on its flat-screen TV or surf the web with the WiFi provided. The property has two stocked fishing ponds, so fishing enthusiasts will have a blast during their stay here.

If you want to take a breather, there are also points of interest you can visit. Forest Park is located 5.2 miles (8.37 kilometers) from the property and is an ideal spot for those who want to go for a quick run to stretch some muscles. For history buffs, Dr. Charles M. Wright Mansion is a historic site in the area you must visit.

Stayed at this property?
Lakewood, Illinois, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
this property is very very clean
clean cozy and close to shelbyville lake
so much better than a hotel very clean the location for us was perfect
Host:
owner was very responsive to questions
the hosts were excellent
the owners are great to deal with
Location:
great location near lake shelbyville
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3. Three-bedroom cabin for six, Vienna (from USD 238)

Ideal for a small group of six, this cozy and colorful cabin comes with three bedrooms and one full bathroom. This rental is conveniently situated right by the lake, where you can enjoy water-based activities such as fishing. Enjoy angling right on the back porch.

Note that if you intend to go fishing, you will have to secure a permit. During your stay, you can also spot some wildlife species, including deer, elk, and ram. This property is gated, so you can rest assured that your stay here will be a safe one.

Stayed at this property?
Vienna, Illinois, United States
173 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 3 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
living room had a tv love seat and chair
the upper beds were fun and they loved the deck over the water
Cleanliness:
clean and decorated pretty
place was very clean and the treehouse cabin is beautiful
the cabin was clean and has everything i needed
the cabin was very cozy and extremely clean
the home was clean and kitchen stocked with everything you need
Host:
the staff was super helpful
fast friendly responses and a fun decor
jerry was a wonderful host and answered my questions even though it was late in the day
the owner:amazing they responded so quickly and were great with all of my questions
he is quick to respond and so very helpful with any questions that i had
Location:
it's a very cute cabin in a very cute place
the pictures don’t even come close to doing this property justice
nice place to stay cabin was unique and interesting
great place we rented this cute cabin for the night to go to the winery‘s
awesome location great scenery and the animals were a great addition
Read more reviews

4. Tranquil house with a fire pit, Oregon (from USD 184)

Offering guests a tranquil place to stay right on Rock River, this spacious and vibrant house for eight is equipped with two bedrooms and one full bath. This beautiful property boasts a large deck where you can directly fish for some walleye and white bass. There is also a boat ramp nearby for your convenience.

Barbecue facilities are available on site, so you can enjoy grilling your fresh catch on a lovely evening. This rental comes with a well-equipped kitchen where you can prepare delectable meals as you take in panoramic views of the nearby river. Gather by the fire pit at the end of the day while you savor some hot beverages.

Stayed at this property?
103 reviews  
House 8 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were very comfortable and the updated kitchen was great
nice cozy place for our family of 4
Cleanliness:
we had to clean the patio chairs and table and there were ton of bugs under the umbrella
everything about the property was great very clean and happy with the location
Location:
very cute place with board games and books available
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5. Family-friendly property near a pond, Griggsville (from USD 531)

Situated next to a man-made 3-acre (1.2-hectare) pond, this family-friendly property is ideal for guests who wish to indulge in a peaceful fishing trip. There is a deck that offers breathtaking sunset views, perfect while you enjoy a refreshing beverage after a day on the water.

This property also has a dock where anglers can have a good time fishing for trout. With a well-equipped kitchen on the premises, you can conveniently prepare delicious meals for the group. Other activities that you can enjoy here include boating, paddling, and kayaking.

Stayed at this property?
Griggsville, IL, US
40 Guests 8 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms
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6. Pet-friendly cabin with a spacious deck, Ellsworth (from USD 92)

This pet-friendly rental is an ideal option for guests who want to enjoy a retreat by the water. Located in Ellsworth, this roomy cabin is right in front of Dawson Lake, where you can try your luck in catching saugeye (sauger and walleye hybrid) and catfish.

Nearby, you can also enjoy other fun water-based activities such as boating, kayaking, and canoeing. There is a deck on the premises where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage while you spot some wildlife. Prepare some of your favorite dishes in the fully equipped kitchen after a day in the lake.

Stayed at this property?
Ellsworth, Illinois, United States
cabin 5 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed in the loft was so comfortable thanks for the stay
Cleanliness:
the property was very clean and for the most part had everything we needed already there
clean and nicely located next to the state park
Host:
the owner was very friendly and accommodating
easy communication with the owner through vrbo
Location:
the state park nearby was super cute
great walks in the park plus nice little drive to leroy if you need supplies
lovely out of the way location and definitely worth the price
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7. The Redbud Cottage, Effingham (from USD 145)

Set in the scenic city of Effingham, The Redbud Cottage is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom property that can comfortably accommodate large groups of 12. Lake Sara is just in front of the rental, which is abundant in bass, crappie, and catfish.

If you are staying here solely to enjoy fishing, the best time to rent the place is during spring or fall. The property’s spacious deck is equipped with cozy seats and a table, making it an ideal spot to relax during sunset. There is a fireplace to keep you warm on especially chilly evenings.

Stayed at this property?
313 reviews   Wifi Available
cottage 12 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 12
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and nicely stocked house
everything was very clean
clean quiet and serene
great and clean lake
clean house nice new appliances
Host:
hosts are very communicative and thoughtful
owner is very easy to work with
thanks david for being an excellent host
from the point of reservation to check out david is a thorough and friendly communicator
the host was very easy to communicate with and accommodated an early check in
Location:
very nice location on the lake
great place and great location
it was the perfect location for our kids to each find something to do
the house is situated in a great location and is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature
a great place to relax with family or friends
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8. Simple cabin for seven, Nason (from USD 61)

Located in Nason, this simple yet cozy cabin offers guests direct access to Rend Lake. Anglers will find this rental delightful as the lake is one of the best places to catch crappies. Other fish species that can be found here include bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. You can also have access to a boat ramp nearby for convenience.

The kitchen is fully equipped for easy meal preparation. You can enjoy peaceful mornings on the front porch as you sip on your coffee. Barbecue facilities are also available on the premises for delightful evenings with your loved ones.

Stayed at this property?
Nason, Illinois, United States
cabin 7 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
air conditioning is fantastic full kitchen and it does have wifi
window air conditioner in living room and bedroom worked good
the beds were very comfortable
big fire pit and shelter with a picnic table went great with a decent sized yard
Cleanliness:
house extremely clean and well stocked with dishes and cook ware
nothing fancy but clean peaceful and rustic
house was clean plenty of room for a couple or small family
Host:
the owner was good for communicating
the owners were very friendly and responsive
neighbors are friendly and the drive around rend lake was wonderful recommend this place anytime
Location:
they loved the location
great small town atmosphere close to the lake
we did enjoy the location that being said it is very remote
this cabin is always very clean and is in a great location relative to rend lake and shopping
what a charming and quiet place
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9. Pond Shore Lodge, Lakewood (from USD 119)

This spacious mobile home can comfortably fit a maximum of six guests, featuring two airy bedrooms with four cozy full beds. Just a few steps away from the property, you will find two ponds that are ideal for fishing. Lake Shelbyville is also nearby, where you can catch some walleye, bass, muskie, and crappie.

With a parking space for boats, you can conveniently explore the lake. For your convenience, this rental comes with laundry equipment. There is a fire pit where you and your loved ones can gather in the evening.

Stayed at this property?
30 reviews   Wifi Available
mobile home 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
well kept and very clean
great place and very clean
beautiful property clean homey and comfortable
stayed two nights the property was exceptionally clean
everything was beyond clean and this place has everything you need
Host:
owners were very nice and helpful
very nice accommodations hosted by wonderful people
very friendly and responsive owners
vicki and mark were great hosts
she is so considerate and helpful we will definitely stay here again
Location:
close to good fishing with great accommodations
location is great fire putt was great and ponds were full of fish
for a family reunion in pana it was a perfect place to stay
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10. Conveniently located lodge with an indoor pool, Mount Vernon (from USD 485)

Offering an indoor pool and access to a pontoon boat for exploring the nearby lake, this family-friendly property is an ideal place for guests who wish to indulge in an enjoyable fishing trip. This 5-bedroom rental can comfortably house up to 24 guests. You can try your luck fishing for bluegill and largemouth fishing while you are here.

Note that the lake is for catch-and-release fishing. In the afternoon, you and your loved ones can spend time in the picnic area and enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings.

Stayed at this property?
Mt Vernon, Illinois, United States
lodge 19 Guests 5 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the endless pool is so relaxing and you have a cool view of the sunset from it
Host:
everything was perfect and the hosts were amazing
tom and bev are wonderful and responsive hosts
they were also responsive informative and so helpful
Location:
we drove 8 hours to get there and this is our second stay the place is a private paradise
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11. Well-lit cabin on the lake, Galena (from USD 350)

This well-lit cabin on a private lake offers guests the opportunity to indulge in recreational activities, such as fishing for bluegill and swimming. A rowboat and a canoe are available for guests who want to explore the lake.

This property boasts a lovely balcony where you can catch gorgeous views of the waters as you sip on your morning coffee. You can spend time outdoors by gathering around the fire pit with your travel companions on a chilly evening. Free parking is available for convenience.

Stayed at this property?
75 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cabin was comfortable and rustic with all the necessary amenities and a great porch
the cabin is rustic but had all the amenities to keep us comfortable and make things convenient
Cleanliness:
very clean and private
the cabin itself was charming and very clean and inviting
cabin was clean cozy and nice layout
the cabin is lovely and clean
the weather was great and the cabin was spotless
Host:
wonderful host and property
the host was super accommodating and the property manager was excellent
the owner was lovely and responsive
the owner is lovely and responsive as is the property manager
the owners / manager have been quick and so kind with communication
Location:
beautiful location the cabin was great
we could not say enough about how amazing the location of this house is
amazing location in the hills of the illinois driftless area
i think it would be a perfect place to use a paddle board
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12. Quiet cabin with stunning views, Marion (from USD 250)

Offering clear views of the Lake of Egypt, this quiet cabin is suitable for 10 guests who want to enjoy a peaceful fishing trip. Bluegill, catfish, bass, and crappie are some of the species you can try catching here.

During your stay, you can conveniently access the boat slip that can park up to two water vessels. You can also directly fish from the dock if you do not feel like exploring the waters. This property is near wineries, so you can enjoy other activities while in the area.

Stayed at this property?
Goreville, Illinois, United States
cabin 10 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
super nice living room and comfy furniture
Cleanliness:
property is nice and clean
the cabin was clean well equipped and comfortable
very comfortable and clean
the property was cozy clean and quiet and so accommodating
the ability to bring one's fur baby is also great - but it is a clean rental property
Host:
honest and helpful owners
the owners were very friendly and helpful
the homeowners were very responsive and checked in on us to make sure we had everything we needed
this property was wonderful and the owners were great to work with
they took us out on a boat ride and showed us the lake which was super helpful
Location:
the place and the location was awesome
delicious the location is really close to a dollar general as well
if you need a quick get away not a bad place to go
if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy each other this is the spot
Read more reviews
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Enjoy a lovely fishing trip in Illinois

Offering plenty of stunning locations for the best fishing experience, Illinois is a must-visit state for anglers. Check out the best fishing lodges in Illinois, USA, for an amazing trip.

Frequently asked questions about fishing lodges in Illinois, USA


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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An avid traveler, Martina aims to visit as many countries as she can. This caféphile admires things that can take her to different places, hence her love for books, baking, and writing. She is...Read more

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