Bay Creek
Big Bay Creek winds through the countryside near Reevesville, Illinois — a landmark in local stories, a fishing hole for generations, and the setting for more than a few tall tales.
The Bay Creek Bridge, 1930s
The Bay Creek as it was in the 1930s. Pictured on the Bay Bridge is Lowell "Jughead" Carter.
Fishing the Bay
Bay Creek has long been a favorite fishing spot for Reevesville residents. Bass, catfish, and the elusive bowfin (locally called "grinnel") have all been pulled from its waters over the years.
1992 Illinois State Record — Bowfin (Grinnel)
A 16 lb 6 oz Bowfin came out of Bay Creek in 1992, setting an Illinois state record. For more information and to see catches from the Bay by TeresaH and others, visit the Bowfin Anglers Group:
bowfinanglers.com/il.html
Brandon C fishing Bay Creek in the fall of 2007. No luck on this trip, but the time before caught 2 nice bass and learned a lot about fishing for grinnel.
Reevesville Bigfoot
I am sure there have been many untold sightings, some of which have not been reported and others that have been covered up. Jennifer Rigsby has documented two 1989 sightings near the Bay Creek area. For a full account of these reports, see the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization database:
BFRO Report #3474 — 1989 Johnson County, Illinois SightingsBay Creek Reporter
Have a Bay Creek story, fishing report, or sighting to share? We need some help filling in the history of this creek. A Google search on some local lore has resulted in no information — if you know the story, please get in touch.
Send your Bay Creek stories to: [email protected]