Looking for a starting spot for big head and silvers on the illinois around peoria...any help is greatly appreciated...

On the peoria side there are two marinas, National and another I can't think of right now. Personally, I'd use National. Downside is I'm not sure if their ramp is open 24 hrs.
On the East Peoria side, there is Spindler Marina (just south of rt 150) and another up in Spring Bay (about 6 miles north of rt. 150). And there is a public ramp at East Gate marina (behind Jona's Seafood) about half way between rt 150 and interstate 74.
Downriver from the lock and dam there is a good ramp at Pekin right below Rt 9 bridge. on the west side is Mendenhall ramp south of Bartonville.
Hope that helps.
Pekin, Bartonville and East Gate are public the others are a small launch fee.

thanks for the info. I am new to bowfishing and heading down to Peoria from the Quad Cities. Really want to get on a spot that will produce some bigheads or silvers.

You will want to put in at Chillicothe.From the time I hit the throttle last week,after work,the silvers were flyin'.

Went catfishing at liverpool last fri. eve and the silvers where jumping everywhere. I think you'll find silvers anywhere near the bank. Bighead are a different story. Water is muddy now and even if you found a hangout, they would be hard to see. Peoria lock and dam can be good for bigheads after the wickets go up. Some days they are there and other days not. (surprised you don't just fish ol miss.)

Thanks a bunch guys for the info. I have some family-in-laws in the Peoria area, and thought of making the most of my time when I am down there.

On another note, does anyone have any honey holes around the Quad Cities areas? I pole fish it quite a bit, and haven't come upon any bigheads or silvers. I see a grass carp from time to time, but nothing real frequent.