Illinois Fishing Forecast | Week of November 2, 2026
Week of November 2, 2026 · Freshwater · Illinois
The Illinois fishing forecast for the week of November 2, 2026 covers smallmouth bass, walleye, chinook, muskellunge, yellow perch, largemouth bass, sauger, channel catfish, crappie, and hybrid bass. Open your region for a 7-day read on Rock River, Lake Michigan, Illinois River, and Mississippi River, and the other waters people actually fish.
Each day shows whether the bite looks worth the drive, plus the best window and the wind. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
Illinois fishing regions
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Northern Illinois fishing
Northern Illinois fishing forecast
Anglers seeking rewarding opportunities in Northern Illinois will discover a wealth of options across the region’s diverse waters. For those wondering where to fish, the Rock River and the Chain O’Lakes offer excellent walleye fishing, alongside impressive Muskellunge that challenge any angler. Smallmouth Bass thrive in the currents of the Fox River, while the expansive Lake Michigan shore provides thrilling chances to hook powerful Chinook salmon. These well-known lake names and rivers represent a robust fishery for a variety of species.
This week, expect clear skies but cold temperatures across Northern Illinois, with a consistent north wind making conditions brisk on open water. The best bite for Walleye and Smallmouth Bass will likely be found in deeper, more sheltered areas where the wind’s influence is minimized. Occasional snow flurries are possible mid-week, which could temporarily slow fish activity but might also trigger a brief feeding window just before or after the heaviest snow.
Where to fish: Rock River, Chain O’Lakes, Fox River, Lake Michigan shore.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:48 PM). With the glass dropping on the Rock River and a moderate south wind, the smallmouth were lethargic near any current seam, especially in that cold rain.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Dawn (6:32 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:46 PM). The Chain O’Lakes, with its falling air and a gentle southerly push, gave up a few fish around structure edges, despite the light precipitation.
Water is too cold for bass and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 4:45 PM. A moderate southwest wind and unmoving air pressure made for an exceptionally tough outing on the Fox River for anglers hoping to land a trophy.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is rising.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 4:44 PM. Put in at Lake Michigan shore for smallmouth bass. The day rates poor. Fish rock points. Pause the bait on the rock. Cold smallmouth eat on the sit, not the hop. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is rising.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:43 PM). smallmouth bass at Rock River: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish rock points. Stay tight to the bank early, then work out to the first drop.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (6:37 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:42 PM). Start at Chain O’Lakes if smallmouth bass is the target. Poor day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Walleye fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:48 PM). On the Rock River, that falling pressure with a moderate south blow and a dreary sky had the walleye smashing jigs in the deeper holes, despite the chilly 7.9 degree water.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Dawn (6:32 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:46 PM). The Chain O’Lakes saw a decent bite, with a steady south breeze and a light drizzle pushing fish into the shallower bays where the 9. 6 degree water was just right for a minnow under a slip bobber to attract a hungry bass.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 4:45 PM. Slow walleye fishing if you put in at Fox River. Fish points and inside turns. A slow drag along the inside turn beats a fast retrieve on a still evening. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Pressure is rising.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 4:44 PM. Put in at Lake Michigan shore for walleye. The day rates slow. Fish points and inside turns. If the first point is empty, move. Walleye rarely sit on every point the same night. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Pressure is rising.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:43 PM). walleye at Rock River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish points and inside turns. Keep the bait near bottom on the break. They are not chasing far this week.
Light wind.
Dawn (6:37 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:42 PM). Start at Chain O’Lakes if walleye is the target. Fair day. Fish points and inside turns. Give each spot twenty minutes, then leave. Cover water until one point loads up.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on walleye days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Chinook fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:31 AM and 4:48 PM. The Rock River offered up some feisty kings today, with that southerly breeze and dropping glass making for active fish in the warmer 7.9-degree water, especially near the deeper bends before the snow started.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:32 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. A light drizzle and continued pressure drop on the Chain O’Lakes kept the salmon somewhat interested in the balmy 9.6-degree current, though we had to work for every strike near the inlets.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The Fox River proved a tough grind today, with a steady glass and a moderate southwest blow making the 7.7-degree water feel cold and keeping the king salmon glued to the bottom structure near the deeper pools.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:34 AM and 4:44 PM. Fishing the Lake Michigan shore was a real challenge with the rising glass and the frigid 6.1-degree water, as that moderate southwest wind pushed the kings deeper offshore, making them hard to tempt.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:36 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Back on the Rock River, the bite was practically nonexistent, as the continuing pressure rise made fish inactive.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Chain O’Lakes if chinook is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on chinook days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Muskellunge fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:31 AM and 4:48 PM. On the Rock River, a welcome southern breeze and a dropping glass with the water at 7.9 degrees Celsius had us slinging big baits near submerged structure, anticipating the coming rain to ignite a feeding spree.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:32 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The Chain O’Lakes warmed to a promising 9.6 degrees, and with the gauge still falling and a steady south flow, we aggressively worked the deep weed edges, expecting a strong bite despite the persistent light drizzle.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A stubborn southwest wind on the Fox River and the pressure holding steady made for a tough grind with the water at 7.7 degrees, prompting us to slow-roll bucktails through known deep eddies, hoping to coax a reluctant strike.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:34 AM and 4:44 PM. The frigid 6.1-degree water off the Lake Michigan shore, combined with a rising indicator and a brisk southwest current, had us fan-casting heavy presentations, knowing these conditions often mean a very tight-lipped bite.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:36 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Back on the Rock River, the biting east wind and a continually climbing gauge made for a brutal day with the water just a hair above freezing at 5.4 degrees, demanding painstaking retrieves near any current seam for a glimmer of activity.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. On the Chain O’Lakes, a surprising "fair" bite materialized despite the numbing 4.8-degree water and gentle northern air, so we probed suspected wintering holes with vertical jigs, aiming to entice any lethargic ‘skies.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on muskellunge days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Chicago / northeast fishing
Chicago / northeast fishing forecast
Anglers in the Chicago region find diverse opportunities across popular lake names and river systems. Many pursue impressive Chinook salmon in Lake Michigan, while the Des Plaines River offers excellent Smallmouth Bass action. For those seeking Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch, the expansive Fox Chain is a prime destination, known for its consistent bites. The Calumet River also provides solid opportunities for Smallmouth Bass. People often search for walleye fishing and pike fishing in these waters, always keen to discover where to fish for the best bite on their favorite species.
This week brings cold temperatures and a brisk wind across the area. Expect some snow flurries, though many days will remain clear, offering bright conditions on the water. These cold conditions mean fish will generally be less active, often holding tighter to structure or seeking deeper thermal refuges. The strong wind will challenge boat control for anglers and can create choppy waters, but it might also concentrate baitfish, potentially leading to a good bite if you find the right sheltered spots. Clear skies mean sunlight penetrates deeper, so consider targeting shaded areas or working deeper contours.
Where to fish: Lake Michigan, Des Plaines River, Fox Chain, Calumet River.
Chinook fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:24 AM and 4:43 PM. Monday on Lake Michigan was a prime opportunity; the steady south wind and sinking air made the 8.2-degree C thermal edges off the shore a prime spot for actively feeding chinook.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:25 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Heading to the Des Plaines River on Tuesday, a consistent south blow and a further dip in the air meant the 9.9-degree C pockets of current were worth working, expecting a decent pull from the kings.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Wednesday morning.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:28 AM and 4:39 PM. Put in at Calumet River for chinook. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:29 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. chinook at Lake Michigan: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Des Plaines River if chinook is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on chinook days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:43 PM). On Lake Michigan, with falling pressure and the water at a decent 8.2 degrees, the smallmouth should be active, so I’d start by probing rocky points where the moderate south wind pushes bait.
Pressure is falling.
Dawn (6:25 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:41 PM). The Des Plaines River bite looked fair today with the water nearing 10 degrees and pressure still dropping, suggesting fish might be feeding in current seams or behind structure.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 4:40 PM. Fishing the Fox Chain was a slow grind as fish simply weren’t biting.
Water is too cold for bass.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 4:39 PM. Put in at Calumet River for smallmouth bass. The day rates poor. Fish rock points. Pause the bait on the rock. Cold smallmouth eat on the sit, not the hop. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is rising.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:38 PM). smallmouth bass at Lake Michigan: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish rock points. Stay tight to the bank early, then work out to the first drop. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (6:30 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:37 PM). Start at Des Plaines River if smallmouth bass is the target. Poor day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Yellow Perch fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:24 AM and 4:43 PM. The falling air pressure on Lake Michigan had the perch actively feeding in the south winds, so we started jigging the drop-offs near the harbor for a solid morning bite.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:25 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite the continued pressure drop, the warmer water in the Des Plaines River meant the perch were still holding in slower current breaks, responding well to small minnows under a float.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A steady glass and a mix of snow and rain made for a sluggish day on the Fox Chain, requiring a patient approach with tiny presentations in the deeper channels where the fish were hunkered down.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:28 AM and 4:39 PM. The colder 6.5 C water in the Calumet River, combined with a steady air, kept the perch tight-lipped; we had to meticulously work the pilings and bridge abutments with vertical jigs to coax a strike.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:29 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. A rising air and westerly breeze on Lake Michigan, coupled with the chilling 5.9 C water and light rain, pushed the perch deeper; searching for them on the outer reefs with a heavier spoon was the only option.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The biting chill and steady air over the Des Plaines River, with water barely above freezing, made for extremely tough perch fishing; hugging the warmest eddies and presenting micro-jigs was barely enough to entice a nibble.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on yellow perch days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:24 AM and 4:43 PM. On Monday, a steady south breeze on Lake Michigan had the smallmouth looking up, so I started working drop-offs near baitfish schools.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:25 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. With the Des Plaines River water nearing ten degrees, that continued pressure drop pushed me to target current seams where the bass were ambushing forage.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A day of steady pressure and a chilly mix of snow and rain on the Fox Chain meant a tough bite, so I slowed down and picked apart deeper docks and weed edges.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:28 AM and 4:39 PM. The biting cold on the Calumet River with unchanging conditions made for a grind, requiring precise jig presentations into sheltered backwater pockets to tempt any bites.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:29 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Friday’s rising trend in atmospheric weight, coupled with a west chop on Lake Michigan and icy rain, demanded a deep vertical presentation near structure to coax a strike.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The Des Plaines River was frigid on Saturday, and a light northwest air movement meant working ultra-slow baits right on the bottom of deeper holes was the only play.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Central Illinois fishing
Central Illinois fishing forecast
For anglers exploring Central Illinois, diverse opportunities await across many popular lake names and river systems. Many people looking for where to fish often target the productive waters of Lake Shelbyville for excellent Largemouth Bass and Crappie action. The Illinois River is a prime destination for Sauger, offering consistent walleye fishing for those who know its currents. Clinton Lake provides a good challenge for Largemouth Bass, while the Sangamon River is a reliable spot for robust Channel Catfish, and while pike fishing isn’t a primary focus in this region, the variety of other species ensures a rewarding experience for any angler.
This week’s fishing conditions in Central Illinois are shaped by a clear sky and persistent cold air. A steady wind is expected across the open waters, which might create choppy conditions on larger lakes like Shelbyville. With recent snowmelt and continued cold, water temperatures remain low, often pushing fish into deeper cover or slower-moving sections of the rivers. Anglers should focus their efforts on these sheltered areas, as a slower presentation is often key to finding the best bite under such circumstances. The clear water, however, can make fish more cautious, so subtle approaches will be most effective.
Where to fish: Illinois River, Lake Shelbyville, Clinton Lake, Sangamon River.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:30 AM and 4:53 PM. On the Illinois River, the falling air pressure with a moderate south breeze made those warmer shallows a prime spot for a good bite today.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:31 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite the moderate rain and falling pressure on Lake Shelbyville, working the points where the wind pushed baitfish yielded a fair number of strikes.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The rising pressure and a moderate southwest wind made for a slow bite on Clinton Lake, with bass hunkering down deep near structure.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:33 AM and 4:49 PM. On the Sangamon River, the cold 6.3 C water and steadily climbing air pressure meant a tough grind, requiring slow presentations around submerged timber.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:34 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The Illinois River bite was sluggish today with water temperatures dipping to 6.1 C and continued rising pressure, making finesse tactics near current breaks essential.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Lake Shelbyville, with its chilling 5. 3 C water and steady air flow are essential.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Sauger fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:30 AM and 4:53 PM. On Monday, the Illinois River gave up some nice sauger, with that falling air and a good southerly push making the current seams active.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:31 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. We found a fair bite on Lake Shelbyville Tuesday, jigging deeper holes as the rain fell steadily and the air pressure continued to drop.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Clinton Lake was a grind on Wednesday, with the rising atmospheric weight and a stiff southwest breeze making the sauger lethargic near the thermal discharge.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:33 AM and 4:49 PM. The Sangamon River proved tough Thursday as the water cooled further and that steady rise in pressure kept the sauger tight to the bottom, refusing most offerings.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:34 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Friday on the Illinois River was slow going, the light southwest air barely rippling the surface, and the continued high air pressure meant we had to really work those deep current breaks.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Lake Shelbyville offered a fair return Saturday, as we finally coaxed a few sauger from the deeper channels with a subtle jig presentation, despite the very cold water and a light north breeze.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on sauger days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:30 AM and 4:53 PM. Down on the Illinois River, those falling glass conditions with a southerly breeze and a gray sky brought the cats out of their winter slumber, making the deeper bends a hot spot for bait.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:31 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite the steady rain and a steady southerly blow on Lake Shelbyville, the continued dropping pressure had those catfish hitting hard in the shallower coves, likely chasing runoff.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. At Clinton Lake, the bite was tough as nails with the glass on the rise and a stiff southwest breeze, forcing us to really slow down our presentations near any submerged timber.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:33 AM and 4:49 PM. The Sangamon River proved challenging today; that rising pressure coupled with the cold water and a westward gust made the fish lethargic, hugging the bottom in the deepest pools.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:34 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Back on the Illinois River, the rising mercury and the chill in the water made for a frustrating day; we had to practically drop the bait on their noses in the slack water to get any attention.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Lake Shelbyville surprised us with a fair bite given the frigid water and a light northerly whisper; the steady pressure seemed to keep a few active in the sun-warmed shallows, if you could find them.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:30 AM and 4:53 PM. The crappie were biting good on the Illinois River, with a steady south wind pushing baitfish and a falling glass making the slabs hungry, especially when we hit those slack water eddies near structure.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:31 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Lake Shelbyville produced a fair stringer of crappie, as the falling air and a consistent south wind pushed them shallower into the timber, even with the steady rain coming down.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Clinton Lake was a grind today with strong winds and few bites.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:33 AM and 4:49 PM. Put in at Sangamon River for crappie. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:34 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. crappie at Illinois River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Lake Shelbyville if crappie is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Western Illinois fishing
Western Illinois fishing forecast
Western Illinois offers diverse options for anglers seeking where to fish. The mighty Mississippi River is a prime spot for Sauger and robust Channel Catfish, providing exciting action for those exploring major river systems. Further inland, the Illinois River is renowned for its abundant Crappie populations and impressive Largemouth Bass, attracting many who consult various lake names for their next trip. For a different experience, Lake Springfield holds excellent Largemouth Bass opportunities, while the La Moine River also presents fantastic angling for various species. While some might specifically search for walleye fishing or pike fishing, the region’s waters deliver plenty of thrilling catches.
This week brings cold temperatures across Western Illinois, with clear skies dominating the forecast. A brisk wind is expected to pick up, particularly on larger open waters, making a warm layer essential. Anglers might encounter some lingering snow cover along riverbanks, but the water itself remains unfrozen. These colder, clear conditions often mean fish like Largemouth Bass and Crappie might move to deeper structures or slower currents for the best bite. Channel Catfish can still be active, though they may be less aggressive, while Sauger often respond well to slower presentations near the bottom.
Where to fish: Mississippi River, Illinois River, Lake Springfield, La Moine River.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:36 AM and 5:01 PM. The Mississippi River showed some life today under gray skies, with a south breeze pushing bait into the current seams, and a falling glass often sparks a good bite in that 8-degree water.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:37 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite the steady rain and a persistent south wind on the Illinois River, we picked up a fair number of bass, with the falling air pressure and slightly warmer water encouraging them to hug the submerged cover.
Pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Lake Springfield was a real grind today but we still caught some fish.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:39 AM and 4:58 PM. Put in at La Moine River for largemouth bass. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:40 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. largemouth bass at Mississippi River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Illinois River if largemouth bass is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Sauger fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:36 AM and 5:01 PM. Falling pressure and a southerly breeze on the Mississippi River should have sauger active in current seams, so I’ll hit the eddy lines hard with a jig.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:37 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite the steady rain and southerly gusts on the Illinois River, the dropping pressure and slightly warmer water might push the sauger into shallower feeding lanes, making vertical jigging near structure worthwhile.
Pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The rising pressure and cooler water on Lake Springfield likely put the sauger in a funk, so I’ll be methodically working deeper breaks with a slow retrieve, hoping to coax a bite.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:39 AM and 4:58 PM. With the pressure continuing its upward trend and the water temperature chilling at La Moine River, the sauger are probably tight to bottom, requiring a very subtle presentation in the deepest holes.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:40 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The brutal northwest wind and persistently rising pressure on the Mississippi River mean these sauger will be hunkered down, so I’ll be dead-sticking baits in slack water behind current breaks.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A light northerly breeze and stable pressure on the Illinois River, despite the chilly water, might just concentrate the sauger in predictable wintering holes, making for a decent jigging opportunity.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on sauger days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:36 AM and 5:01 PM. On the Mississippi River, a good day was had with the pressure dropping and a southerly breeze pushing baitfish, so we anchored near a deep scour hole hoping for active channel cats.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:37 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The Illinois River offered a fair bite amidst the rain and a continuously falling pressure trend, so we drifted cut bait along the channel edges, figuring the increased water flow might stir up some feeders.
Pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Lake Springfield proved tough going with the pressure on the anglers.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:39 AM and 4:58 PM. Put in at La Moine River for channel catfish. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:40 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. channel catfish at Mississippi River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Illinois River if channel catfish is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:36 AM and 5:01 PM. On the Mississippi River, the falling air pressure and a steady south breeze really turned the crappie on, making for a solid bite in the deeper channels.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:37 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite the soaking rain and falling air, the crappie were still hitting decently on the Illinois River, especially near submerged timber where the warmer water was.
Pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The rising air and cooler 7.5-degree water on Lake Springfield made for a tough crappie bite, with only a few takers holding tight to the brush piles against the southwest wind.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:39 AM and 4:58 PM. A persistent west wind and rising atmospheric pressure kept the crappie hunkered down on the La Moine River, barely nudging a jig despite probing every bend and log jam.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:40 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The frigid northwest wind and continued rising pressure shut down the crappie completely on the Mississippi River, making it a struggle to even locate a school in the 6.4-degree current.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. With the northern breeze finally calming and the air holding steady, the crappie on the Illinois River started to show some life again, hitting minnows near structure in the 5.6-degree water.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Southern Illinois fishing
Southern Illinois fishing forecast
Anglers searching for fishing in the Southern Illinois region will discover excellent opportunities across several key lake names. For those wondering where to fish, Rend Lake, Crab Orchard, Kinkaid Lake, and the mighty Ohio River are prime destinations offering diverse experiences. While some might search for walleye fishing or pike fishing, these waters consistently produce outstanding Largemouth Bass, abundant Crappie, robust Channel Catfish, and hard-fighting Hybrid Bass for a memorable day on the water.
This week’s conditions show a clear sky but a steady cold wind sweeping across the region. With recent snow having melted, the water temperatures remain quite low, influencing the best bite. Anglers should anticipate fish to be holding tighter to structure in deeper pockets, requiring a slower presentation. The cold means fish activity will be subdued, so patience and precise lure placement are key to success on the water.
Where to fish: Rend Lake, Crab Orchard, Ohio River, Kinkaid Lake.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:23 AM and 4:56 PM. On Rend Lake, with the south wind pushing a falling glass and that good overcast, I’d hit those main lake points early, expecting a solid bite before the front truly settled in.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The warm rain and south breeze on Crab Orchard should keep those big girls feeding shallow, so pitching a jig to submerged timber would be my first move.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. After that front, the rising glass and cooler rain on the Ohio River means slowing down and jigging deep eddies or current breaks will be key to coaxing a strike.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:26 AM, or the last hour before 4:53 PM. With Kinkaid Lake’s clear water and the post-front calm, a slow presentation on deep humps or channel swings is the only way to tempt a lethargic bass.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:27 AM or 4:52 PM. On Rend Lake, the chilly northwest puff and rising glass after a cold night suggests tight cover; I’d focus on sun-exposed laydowns in the shallow bays, hoping for a sunning fish.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:28 AM and 4:51 PM. Given the crisp clear morning and frigid water on Crab Orchard, targeting the deepest rock piles or creek channel bends with a subtle finesse bait might just spark a reaction bite.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:23 AM and 4:56 PM. Monday at Rend Lake, with the sky grey and the pressure dropping, a moderate south wind stirred the 8.3-degree water, making the crappie hit hard near submerged timber.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Tuesday on Crab Orchard, the steady south breeze and dropping air pushed the 10.1-degree water, bringing a decent bite in the deeper channels despite the mixed precipitation.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. On Wednesday, the Ohio River was stingy, with little water.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:26 AM, or the last hour before 4:53 PM. Put in at Kinkaid Lake for crappie. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:27 AM or 4:52 PM. crappie at Rend Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:28 AM and 4:51 PM. Start at Crab Orchard if crappie is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:23 AM and 4:56 PM. The falling glass and a good southerly breeze on Rend Lake had the channel cats biting well, so we hit the main lake points where the warmer water might be pushing bait.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite a bit of a spitting mix falling from the heavily covered sky, the slightly warmer water in Crab Orchard Lake kept the channel cats active enough to pick up a few from the protected coves where the south wind created a current.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The rising sun.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:26 AM, or the last hour before 4:53 PM. Put in at Kinkaid Lake for channel catfish. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:27 AM or 4:52 PM. channel catfish at Rend Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:28 AM and 4:51 PM. Start at Crab Orchard if channel catfish is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Hybrid Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:23 AM and 4:56 PM. Monday on Rend Lake, a good day with water around 8.3 C, I’d hit those wind-beaten main lake points, as the falling atmospheric pressure and southerly breeze ought to have those hybrids actively feeding beneath the heavy sky.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Tuesday at Crab Orchard, a fair bite expected with the water at 10. 1 C and snow or rain moving in, so I’d focus on the south-facing slope.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Slow hybrid bass fishing if you put in at Ohio River. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:26 AM, or the last hour before 4:53 PM. Put in at Kinkaid Lake for hybrid bass. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:27 AM or 4:52 PM. hybrid bass at Rend Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:28 AM and 4:51 PM. Start at Crab Orchard if hybrid bass is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on hybrid bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Eastern Illinois fishing
Eastern Illinois fishing forecast
For anglers searching for fishing in the Eastern Illinois region of Saskatchewan, understanding where to fish among the various lake names is key to a successful outing. Lake Shelbyville is a prime destination for Largemouth Bass and Crappie, offering expansive waters for various techniques.
Where to fish: Lake Shelbyville, Clinton Lake, Embarras River, Lake Charleston.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:23 AM and 4:48 PM. On Lake Shelbyville, the falling pressure and steady south breeze had those big bass hitting spinnerbaits near the submerged timber, making for a solid start to the week.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Clinton Lake offered up a few respectable fish today, as the warmer water and a continued drop in atmospheric pressure encouraged a shallow crankbait bite around the riprap.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The Embarras River bite was tough with the steady pressure and a cold mix of snow and rain, forcing us to crawl jigs painstakingly slow along deep bends for a meager offering.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:27 AM and 4:45 PM. Lake Charleston proved to be a grind; despite the lack of precipitation, the frigid 6.6-degree water and constant atmospheric pressure kept the fish tight to structure, demanding a finesse approach.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:28 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Back on Lake Shelbyville, a rising pressure system combined with a biting northwest wind and plummeting water temperatures meant only the most stubborn bass would even sniff a dropshot rig.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Clinton Lake was a real challenge today; the light northerly breeze and frigid 5.4-degree water had every bass glued to the bottom, requiring patient jigging on the steepest breaks.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:23 AM and 4:48 PM. On Lake Shelbyville, the falling atmospheric pressure and mild 7.7 degree water had those slabs hitting jigs near submerged timber, though the steady south breeze made boat control a bit of a chore.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The crappie were somewhat active on Clinton Lake, with the air still dropping and the water a warmer 9.9 degrees, but the moderate southerly gusts pushed us off the deep ledges where we expected to find them.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Slow crappie fishing if you put in at Embarras River. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:27 AM and 4:45 PM. Put in at Lake Charleston for crappie. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:28 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. crappie at Lake Shelbyville: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Clinton Lake if crappie is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Muskellunge fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:23 AM and 4:48 PM. Monday on Lake Shelbyville saw a decent bite with the dropping pressure and low sky, so we focused on wind-blown points where the moderate southerly pushed warmer 7.7 C water, yielding some promising follows.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Heading to Clinton Lake on Tuesday, the shifting skies and dropping air made the 9.9 C water prime for working transition areas where the south wind created a current, and we had a couple of lookers.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Slow muskellunge fishing if you put in at Embarras River. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:27 AM and 4:45 PM. Put in at Lake Charleston for muskellunge. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:28 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. muskellunge at Lake Shelbyville: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Clinton Lake if muskellunge is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on muskellunge days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:23 AM and 4:48 PM. On Lake Shelbyville, with that south breeze and falling glass, starting shallow near structure was key, as the slightly warmer 7.7 degree water had those cats looking up.
Pressure is falling.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Clinton Lake’s warmer 9.9 degree water and a steady south blow meant probing deeper channels near points could coax a strike before the changing air pressure settled the bite down.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The Embarras River bite was tough with the 8.1 degree chill and a southwest gust, so anchoring in current seams proved futile as the steady atmospheric weight and wet weather kept the whiskers hunkered.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:27 AM and 4:45 PM. Lake Charleston’s frigid 6.6 degree depths, coupled with a consistent southwest breeze, made for a sluggish day, requiring patience and bait presentation on the bottom in the deepest holes to entice any interest.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:28 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. A northwesterly chop on Lake Shelbyville and the rising air column, combined with the bitter 5.9 degree water, pushed the bite way down, demanding a slow drag near main lake drop-offs for any hope of a take.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Clinton Lake was a real challenge with the water dipping to 5.4 degrees and only a whisper of a north wind, making any action contingent on finding thermal refuge in the deepest basins and leaving baits absolutely still.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Illinois fishing forecast questions
Where should I fish in Illinois this week?
Start with the region closest to you. This page covers Northern Illinois, Chicago, Central Illinois, Western Illinois. Named waters include Rock River, Chain O’Lakes, Fox River, Lake Michigan shore. Open that region for the 7-day read.
What are people fishing for in Illinois?
The forecast is written for smallmouth bass, walleye, chinook. Each region names the water to start on, including Rock River.
When is the best time of day to fish in Illinois?
Use the day card, not a fixed hour. Walleye and smallmouth often bite in the hour before sunset. Lake trout are a midday fish in deep water. Rock River prints sunrise, sunset, and the solunar periods in local time.
How do I read the Illinois fishing forecast?
Each day shows the bite label, wind, pressure trend, cloud, and precipitation. A falling barometer is marked because it often pulls fish up. A wind over 30 km/h means fish the lee shore.
Which Illinois water should I start on?
If you are near Northern Illinois, start at Rock River. The next named water on this page is Chain O’Lakes. Open the region for the 7-day bite, not a guess from the map.
Do I need to worry about ice in Illinois this week?
No. This week’s forecast does not show a freeze. Fish open water. The ice question only appears after at least two nights at or below freezing.
What does the Illinois fishing forecast use?
Each Illinois day uses pressure trend, wind, cloud, precipitation, sunrise and sunset, moon phase, and solunar times. Water temperature is estimated from the air and the season. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
More forecasts: Freshwater Fishing Forecast map · View Illinois’s bug forecast
About this forecast
Weather comes from OpenWeather at a representative point in each region. Water temperature is estimated from the week’s air temperatures and the season. It is not a buoy reading. Moon phase is calculated from the date. Solunar periods are the dawn, dusk, moonrise, and moonset windows, not a minute-by-minute table. Pressure trend compares the first and last reading of each day. A falling barometer with light wind and broken cloud is treated as a better bite than a rising barometer and a hard wind.