Jig (Casting & Pitching) Fishing on Rend Lake
Rend Lake · Illinois · Midwest
Rend Lake is a large, well-developed reservoir in southeastern Illinois created by a dam on the Big Bend River. The lake's extensive shallow bays, creek channels, and submerged timber make it an ideal bass fishing destination with populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Known for producing quality fish and providing accessible fishing for anglers of all skill levels.
A lead or tungsten head with a weed guard, skirt, and soft plastic trailer. Fished on the bottom by pitching, casting, or slow-rolling. The jig imitates crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage. More big bass have been caught on jigs than any other lure category — it's the lure that separates serious anglers.
Jig (Casting & Pitching) Setup for Rend Lake
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass) |
| Weight | 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse |
| Hook | Built-in, typically 4/0–5/0 |
Seasonal Tactics on Rend Lake
Lake: Spring brings active largemouth bass to shallow spawning areas around the northern bays and creek channels. Crankbaits and jigs targeting emerging vegetation produce excellent results as water temperatures climb into the 60s.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
Lake: Summer bass move to deeper structure including channel ledges and submerged timber in the main lake body. Early morning topwater and deep-diving crankbaits around depth transitions are most productive during hot months.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
Lake: Fall is peak season at Rend Lake as cooling water temperatures trigger aggressive feeding throughout the lake. Shad-imitating crankbaits and swimbaits work well around points, flats, and the creek channel as bass prepare for winter.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
Lake: Winter bass become concentrated near deeper channel ledges and the deepest holes in the main lake basin. Slow presentations like drop shots and jigging spoons near structure hold the best chances for cold-water success.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Best Conditions
All seasons, all depths, all cover types; most effective in 50–70°F water; excellent in pre-spawn and when fish are on hard bottom
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques for Rend Lake
Ready to fish Rend Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →