One more May report to get caught up and this outing was another shot at Lake Storey. It marked my fifth trip to the old fishing hole as part of my commitment to fishing the extended drawdown. The bite was tougher, but I still landed five keepers to complete my Top 5 for the day. However, it was my lowest Lake Storey Top 5 of the month. Read on for the results.

7:46am – Top Bass #3 at 1-7 (14.5″) on a chatterbait

7:51am – Top Bass #5 at 1-2 (12.5″) on a chatterbait

Stats
Date: May 26
Location: Lake Storey, Knox County, IL
Time: 7:40am-2:55pm
Totals: 10 bass
Weather: Partly cloudy/calm to windy,
Water temperature: Not available
Lures: Z-Man Chatterbait (sexy shad) with BPS Speed Shad (sight fish) – 5 bass, 5” Yamasenko wacky rig (watermelon/black flake) – 3 bass, Strike King KVD 2.5 Squarebill Crankbait (natural pumpkinseed) – 2 bass
Top Bass: 1-10 Chatterbait
Top 5 Weight: 7-2 (1-10,1-8,1-7,1-7,1-2)

Starting lineup

8:36am – Top Bass at 1-10 (14.5″) on a chatterbait

Notes and Nonsense

Path construction is progressing and the lake is on the rise

Rising Water – Lake Storey’s annual fall drawdown has reached a record duration as the typical routine involves the lake refilling from winter and spring runoff. For 2026, construction on extending a walking path around the lake has resulted in the lake remaining lowered. Recently, I’d read that the target date for putting the plug back in was June 1. Apparently construction is ahead of schedule, as the lake has been on the rise since late May.

1:14pm – Top Bass #4 at 1-7 (14″) on a crankbait

Bank Bound Boon – Nearly the entire shoreline of the lake has been accessible due to the prolonged drawdown. Bank anglers have certainly taken advantage of the additional spring access. On many of my Lake Storey outings this year, I have had to skip over several of my target areas that were occupied by folks on the shore. As a result, I have also invested additional time on less visited spots and they have paid off this year.

Winning lures

Variety – The crazy chatterbait bite streak that began the year has tapered off as other lures have come into play as conditions change. The chatterbait did lead the way on this day with half of my catches but I also had success with a crankbait when targeting some deeper water. In addition, I gave the Senko wacky rig a shot which is a presentation that I rarely use on Lake Storey. It rewarded me with three catches and will likely get more casting time on the lake as we head into summer.

1:28pm – Top Bass #5 at 1-8 (14″) on a chatterbait

It is now June as I am making this post which means that I need to get back on the water to meet my goal of a monthly Lake Storey trip from March through November. Plenty of month remains but I also would like to hit the lake at least one more time before the water reaches full pool. Stay tuned and talk to you later. Troy