Shabbona Lake is sizzling when it comes to big fish. A muskie angler, who didn’t leave his name boated, a 49½-inch muskie Monday at the only public lake in Illinois built specifically for fishing.

As prime fishing season approaches, here are some of the Rockford region's best spots for reeling in bass, catfish, bluegill and even northern pike among other fish. Located in Rock Cut State Park, ...