Rend Lake is already known as a grinders’ lake. Come fall, anglers may need to grind themselves into some out-of-the-way places to find the winning fish for the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Illini Division Super Tournament on September 7-8.
Tournament details
Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Illini Division
Sesser, Ill.
Sept. 7-8
About the fishery
Big, flat, and stump-filled – that sums up Rend Lake in a nutshell.
Stretching more than 20,000 acres at full pool, the south-central Illinois reservoir has plenty of water, and the average depth of the lake is a mere 9 feet, with most the whole northern half being a giant, shallow stump field that is prime territory to lose a lower unit for anyone not well versed in navigating it. That becomes extra treacherous come fall with the lake drawn down near winter pool.
On the southern end, there’s still miles and miles of buck brush and plenty of rip rap around the various bridges and shorelines. Those tend to be the key players, as there’s really no vegetation to speak of in the fishery.
What to expect
Anyone able to catch a limit both days is probably going to be in contention in this derby. But to do that, they’ll probably need to get creative, according to former Rend Lake guide Toby Corn.
“It’s going to be won in one of four areas,” said Corn. “The extreme backwaters of Gun Creek or Atchison Creek, around the railroad track up the Big Muddy Arm on the north end or fishing main-lake riprap. And for those first three, guys are going to need aluminum boats to get there.”
Those areas can be tough to access even at summer pool, but with the water drawn down, Corn says it’s going to be extra hairy to get through all the stumps for two days. That said, he says the lack of pressure on a lake that doesn’t handle pressure well is going to be worth the risk for anyone really wanting to contend.
In terms of techniques, it will be straight power fishing, according to Corn.
“Jigs and crankbaits, and maybe a spinnerbait way up in the backwaters,” Corn said. “Nothing fancy.”
And as for weights, it might be a race to 20 pounds for two days. For reference, the last Super Tournament held on Rend in 2022 didn’t see anyone catch a limit both days, and winner Garrett McDowell came in just under 20 pounds with 19-14.
“I think it could be a little better than that, but not much,” Corn said.