Fishing Peabody River King FWA

[Bob]

FishingPeabodyRiver King FWA
Aug. 7, 2006 Bob Rutkowski
Big lakes, with loud boats not for you? You may want to take a drive up to the New Athens area, and do some exploring in the Peabody River-King FWA. This area has around 20 fishable lakes, on 2200 acres with about every game fish available.



It is a great place for the experienced angler, or for a family to come have a picnic and dunk some worms for bluegill and maybe even some nice bass or catfish.
Two of the lakes (Eagle and Levee) have decent boat ramps and have 10 hp motor limits. These are the biggest lakes, and get fished frequently by those with bigger boats. All the other lakes are either bank fishing only, or trolling motor only depending on size.
For the adventurous angler there are numerous lakes to be found by walking and exploring the roadless areas of the park. There are lakes out there tucked in hollows, and surrounded by trees and weeds. These may be a hike, but can produce some great action and big fish due to lack of pressure. Maps can usually be picked up at the sign as you enter the park.



A small boat, canoe, kayak, or float tube can get you into some really good out of the way water with a little work to get them in there. Spring bass and crappie fishing can be great, and come summer you can find willing fish through out the park early in the day and late evenings.
I personally enjoy going after bass with my fly rod and canoe. A decent 9 foot pole in 6-8 weight with a bass bug taper line is best, but 4-6 weights will work. I throw big flies, deer hair mice, poppers, sliders and clouser minnows all produce well. I've caught numerous 5+ pound bass with this set up, and don't plan quitting on it anytime soon. Smaller flies and poppers can produce some huge bluegill at Peabody as well.
For spin fishermen your typical bass or bluegill setups and favorite baits will produce for you here. I find that chartreuse, yellow, green, and white are all good colors in the clear waters of most of the Peabody lakes.
So head out by yourself, with your family, a friend, or your dog and explore Peabody River-King FWA. I don't think you'll be disappointed.