Illinois River
This Ozark stream runs north through northwest Arkansas near Prairie Grove and Siloam Springs, crosses into Oklahoma, and swings south past Tahlequah into Tenkiller Ferry Lake before meeting the Arkansas River.
Weather at the Illinois River (National Weather Service) ↗
River facts
| Length | 145 miles |
|---|---|
| Source | Spring-fed Ozark headwaters southwest of Fayetteville, Arkansas |
| Mouth | Arkansas River below Gore, southeast of Muskogee, Oklahoma |
| State | Oklahoma |
The river is dammed to form Tenkiller Ferry Lake south of Tahlequah; it also flows through Lake Frances.
Boat ramps and launches
No boat ramps are mapped yet for this river. Check the state wildlife agency for access points.
Closest bait shops
Blue squares on the map. Tap a name to open the shop's website, or its location in Google Maps if it has none listed. Bait and tackle shops closest to the river's ramps, from OpenStreetMap. Call ahead for hours and live bait.
- Gearhead Outfitters 608 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville +1 479 439 6146
- Uncle Sam's Safari Outfitters 1494 North College Avenue, Fayetteville +1 479 521 7779
- Gearhead Outfitters, Inc 2203 Promenade Boulevard, Rogers +1 479-877-2541
Fishing regulations
Check the state agency for river-specific rules, seasons and limits before you fish:
Lakes on or near the Illinois River
Lakes in our guide on or near this river:
Facts from Illinois River (Wikipedia) ↗ · Boat ramps and bait shops: OpenStreetMap contributors · River course: U.S. Geological Survey