During the first week of December, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to perform scheduled maintenance on Barrier IIA, one of two electric barriers presently in operation on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal constructed to prevent the movement of the destructive Asian carp into Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes. Performing scheduled maintenance is required in order to maintain reliability of the structures and minimize the risk of unplanned outages due to inadequate
maintenance.

During the maintenance shutdown, Barrier I will remain active. However, because of late summer detection of Asian carp near the barrier system and concern that
Barrier I may not be effective in deterring juvenile fish, a fish toxicant called rotenone will be applied to the canal between the barrier and the Lockport Lock and Dam.  The application will allow for the removal of Asian carp and other fish to keep them from advancing past the barrier toward Lake Michigan.  Illinois EPA water quality experts will be monitoring downstream of the application zone to ensure that the waters of the state are protected, and the chemicals do not move beyond the designated application area.

“The barrier is currently the only protection against Asian carp for the Great Lakes and the maintenance shutdown may present an opportunity for the destructive fish to advance up the canal toward Lake Michigan,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Assistant Director John Rogner.

During this process, the U.S. Coast Guard will be enforcing a safety zone and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) will be closed to all commercial and recreational vessel traffic between CSSC Mile marker 291 and CSSC Mile Marker 298.  The waterway is planned to be closed beginning December 2 and last for the duration of operations.

“We understand the impact of this canal closure on commercial and recreational waterway users, but it is necessary to help protect lives, prevent long-term damage to the ecosystem, and facilitate the working group’s application of rotenone and its cleanup, ” said Rear Adm. Peter Neffenger, Commander of the Ninth U.S. Coast Guard District. “We will work closely with our partner agencies to reopen the waterway as soon as operations permit.” 

Asian carp have been detected using environmental DNA testing in the canal below the barrier, and there is consensus among federal, state, and local agencies along with other partners that actions must be taken to prevent these invasive species from reaching Lake Michigan while Barrier IIA is shut down.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in coordination with the multi-agency Asian Carp Rapid Response Workgroup along with the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force, will manage the application of rotenone in the CSSC.  While the toxicant will eradicate Asian carp and other fish in the canal, rotenone does not present a risk to people or other wildlife when used properly.

The application of rotenone is planned for December 3, and crews from the IDNR and other agencies will remove fish from the canal and dispose of them in a landfill.  The fish habitat in the section of the canal scheduled for treatment is made up of mostly non-sport fish with the most common species being common carp, goldfish, and gizzard shad.  Before the application of rotenone, an electro-fishing operation will be conducted to relocate as many sport fish as possible. Rotenone dissipates quickly on its own, but to accelerate that process a neutralizing agent known as potassium permanganate will be used following the application. 

The Asian Carp Rapid Response Workgroup and its partners are committed to implementing the rapid response plan and completing the electric barrier maintenance as quickly as possible to expedite the reopening of the ship canal.

“Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes is one of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s highest priorities,” said Cameron Davis, Senior Advisor to U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on the Great Lakes.  “The plan announced today reflects a difficult, but critical team effort to protect the lakes against a destructive fish that could cause catastrophic damage to the Great Lakes ecosystem.”

Frequently asked questions

Here are frequently asked questions about Asian carp.

What are Asian carp?
There are three species of Asian carp that are considered invasive and a threat to the Great Lakes, the bighead, silver and black carp. Silver and bighead carp are filter-feeding fish and consume plant and animal plankton at an alarming rate.  Bighead carp can grow to very large sizes of over five feet in length and can weigh 100 pounds or more.  Black carp differ in that they consume primarily mollusks, and threaten native mussel and sturgeon populations. They can grow to seven feet in length and 150 pounds.

Where did Asian carp come from?
Asian carp were originally imported to the southern United States in the 1970s to help aquaculture and wastewater treatment facilities keep retention ponds clean.  Flooding throughout the 1990’s allowed these fish to escape into the Mississippi and migrate into the Missouri and Illinois rivers.

Why are they a problem in Illinois?
Asian carp are a problem because of their feeding and spawning habits.

Bighead carp are capable of consuming 40% of their own body weight in food each day. Silver carp are smaller, but pose a greater danger to recreational users because of their tendency to jump out of the water when disturbed by boat motors.  They have severely impacted fishing and recreation on the Illinois River. They can spawn multiple times during each season and quickly out-compete native species by disrupting the food chain everywhere they go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS7zkTnQVaM ” title=“Click here”>Click here to see how they have devastated the Illinois River. 
   
What happens if Asian carp enter the Great Lakes?
Asian carp could have a devastating effect on the Great Lakes ecosystem and a significant economic impact on the $7 billion fishery. Once in Lake Michigan, this invasive species could access many new tributaries connected to the Great Lakes.  These fish aggressively compete with native commercial and sport fish for food. 
They are well suited to the water temperature, food supply, and lack of predators of the Great Lakes and could quickly become the dominant species.  Once in the lake, it would be very difficult to control them.

Where are the Asian carp now?
During 2002 monitoring efforts, Asian carp were detected in the upper Illinois River, just 60 miles from Lake Michigan. In 2009, by using a new method called eDNA testing, silver carp were detected considerably closer, within the Lockport Pool (Des Plaines River, and I&M Canal).
What is eDNA testing/How does it work?
Environmental DNA testing (eDNA) was developed at the University of Notre Dame to improve monitoring of invasive species. All fish, including Asian carp, release DNA into the environment. The presence of individual species can be detected by filtering water samples, and then extracting and amplifying short fragments of the shed DNA.

The objective is to use eDNA testing as an early detection tool to identify Asian carp locations.  For more information on eDNA testing click the link below.
http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/pao/eDNA_FactSheet_20090918.pdf.

Why have no actual Asian carp been found in the areas where eDNA testing has identified them?
Asian carp are still below a threshold of detection using traditional fishing gear. Electro-fishing is successful in detecting bighead and silver carp when they are in high abundance.  The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is, in some places, nearly 30 feet deep, which is another disadvantage to using traditional sampling methods.  In the early spring and late fall, the water is cooler and produces less algae (a main food source of bighead and silver carp diets), and the fish tend to reside a bit deeper than they would during warmer months. With decreased metabolism (not as much food), they are also less active and therefore harder to detect.

How would the fish enter Lake Michigan?
The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) is a manmade waterway that provides a direct connection between the Mississippi River system and Lake Michigan.  eDNA sampling suggests that the carp are already about a mile from the electric barrier located within the CSSC that is designed to deter them from advancing through the canal to Lake Michigan.

Are there other navigation points for fish to swim around the electric barrier?
Other points of possible entry to the CSSC above the electric barrier are the low lying areas of land positioned between the Des Plaines River, the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.  During heavy rainfall events, these areas are prone to flooding. A significant rain could flood the banks, joining the Des Plaines with the CSSC or the I & M canal with the CSSC, and allowing these fish to bypass the barrier and advance toward Lake Michigan.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others are currently investigating potential solutions to these bypass issues.

Why are you taking this action now?
Like all mechanical devices, the barrier system requires periodic maintenance. Barrier IIA is scheduled to undergo routine maintenance every four to six months. The last maintenance was done in April 2009 when Barrier IIA was put into full time operation. 

How can the public help prevent the spread of Asian carp?
• Don’t move live fish from one location to another.  Illinois state law prohibits the transport of live Asian carp. 
• Never use wild-caught baitfish in waters other than where they came from.
• Know the difference between juvenile Asian carp and Juvenile Gizzard Shad which look nearly identical.
• Drain lake or river water from live wells and bilges before leaving any body of water. 

What steps are being taken to prevent them from entering the Great Lakes?
• A group of biologist and response professionals including representatives of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S Coast Guard, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are finalizing a response plan to address the potential immediate threat as well as more permanent long term solutions. 
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has installed two electric barriers in the CSSC to help repel the carp.  A third barrier is scheduled to be complete in 2010. 
• Asian Carp eDNA monitoring has been conducted by the University of Notre Dame and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Des Plaines River, CSSC, I&M Channel and the Chicago River.
• Fisheries biologists from state and federal agencies have increased their efforts to locate the fish using traditional fishing gear and electro-fishing methods.
• A fish toxicant called Rotenone will be applied to the CSSC while the Electric Barrier is down for routine maintenance in November.
• The Rapid Response Team is analyzing where the low water spots on the Des Plaines and the I & M canal are located and where the bypasses to the electric barrier occur.
What is rotenone?
Rotenone is a natural substance derived from the roots of several tropical and subtropical plants in the bean family. Use of this toxicant in North America began in the 1930s in ponds and lakes as a tool to sample fish populations or to completely eradicate undesirable fish populations. Rotenone is approved for fishery uses by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 

How does it work?
Rotenone affects all species of fish, although susceptibility to the chemical varies between species.  The chemical inhibits a biochemical process at the cellular level making it impossible for fish to use oxygen in the release of energy needed for body processes.  Rotenone is non-persistent, so there is no accumulation in the water, soil, plants or surviving animals.  The breakdown process is very rapid.  Ultimately, rotenone breaks down into carbon dioxide and water, two common substances.

What are the benefits to using rotenone?
There are many reasons why using rotenone is the logical choice to prevent the movement of Asian Carp. 
• The use of Rotenone provides the highest level of certainty that Asian carp will not advance past the electric barrier while it is shut down temporarily for routine maintenance. 
• Traditional fishing gear may not work.  Silver carp are very good at avoiding nets and the extensive navigational traffic in the canal makes using nets for bighead carp ineffective. 
• Nets would not remove all the fish and may miss the juveniles, which are of particular concern. 
• The International Joint Commission funded an Asian carp sensitivity project at the U.S. Geological Survey Laboratory in Columbia, Missouri. Researchers determined that Asian carp are more sensitive to rotenone than to other chemicals that were tested.
• The overall quality of the fishery in the canal will improve by eliminating many undesirable species of fish and restocking in the future will improve the fishery.
     
What does recent research say about the use of Rotenone in fisheries management?
In 2007 the U.S. EPA completed a thorough evaluation of the human health and ecological risks associated with rotenone. In that evaluation, EPA concluded that rotenone could be used safely for fish management if used properly.
•   In situations where treated water is likely to move outside of the direct area of application, rotenone must be deactivated with a chemical agent (typically
potassium permanganate) to ensure that fish and aquatic life outside the treatment area will not be adversely affected.
• Applicators must post signs at access points to the affected area to prohibit recreational access during treatment, prohibit swimming for at least three days following treatment, and prohibit consumption of dead fish taken from the treated area.

For more information on the EPA evaluation, you can visit the following website. http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/rotenone_red.pdf.

What other options were considered besides rotenone?
Many options have been considered including heating the water, capturing the fish with nets, herding the fish with noise or lights and trapping them, using explosives, removing oxygen from the water, increasing the flow at the lock, and sonic disruption.  It was determined that the most effective option to control the spread of Asian carp is the use of rotenone in a 5.7 mile section of the canal between Lockport and Romeoville (where the electric barrier is located).  The rotenone will eradicate Asian carp and other fish, only in that confined section of the canal.  The treatment area is an optimal location because there are no tributaries and it is below the confluence of the Cal-Sag Channel and Sanitary and Ship Canal. 

What are the risks of rotenone to people working on or living near the river?
The treatment will not pose any short or long term risk to people or pets. It is safe for other animals, except swine, to consume the fish. Scavengers and birds that eat any floating fish will not be adversely affected.  The Canal will be closed during and after the application period to ensure the safety of workers applying the chemical and to avoid potential hazards posed by collision with any of the vessels used to apply the toxicant. 

Have similar rotenone applications been successful?
Yes.  Rotenone is commonly used for fish management purposes in Illinois and many other states.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has more than 40 years experience using rotenone in lakes and streams.  It is used annually in Illinois on an average of 65 lakes totaling 475 acres of water.

If Rotenone is used, will it kill other living things besides Asian carp?
Yes.  Rotenone affects all gill-breathing organisms. In general, most common aquatic invertebrates are less sensitive to rotenone than fish. There are currently no toxicants that affect only Asian Carp.  If used correctly rotenone does not pose human health hazards or significant detrimental effects to domestic animals, other wildlife, and aquatic or terrestrial vegetation. 

What is being done to mitigate effects on wildlife?
• While the majority of fish in the treatment area are mainly considered rough, undesirable fish.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will conduct electro-fishing operations prior to the rotenone application to remove sport fish that may be present before application.  Any desirable fish caught will be relocated outside the treatment area.
• The IDNR will accelerate the detoxification process by adding potassium permanganate to the water once treatment is complete.
• The area will be restocked with more desirable fish in the future, improving the overall quality of fish in the area.

Is rotenone harmful to humans?
If used correctly rotenone does not pose human health hazards.

a. Can the chemical get into public drinking water systems?
No.  The nearest public drinking water system downstream is 125 miles from the CSSC.

b. Is it safe to eat fish affected by rotenone?
USEPA recommends collecting and burying fish killed by rotenone. The label specifically prohibits the consumption of treated fish. 

c. When will it be safe to eat fish from the river again?
As soon as the canal has been detoxified fish will be safe to eat. Rotenone detoxifies at a rapid rate.  Potassium permanganate will also be added to the treated water to accelerate the detoxification process.

When will the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) be closed, and for how long?
The CSSC will be closed to all traffic beginning on December 2, 2009 (weather permitting) and will stay closed for a period of 4-5 days.

That maintenance is needed about every six months and it requires shutting down the electric barrier for a day or two—but before the power is shut off the canal in front of it needs to be poisoned to keep migrating fish from reaching the lake.

Poisoning costs about $750,000, but despite the millions going into the Great Lakes as part of President Barack Obama’s ecosystem restoration program no one seems to have the money.

Phil Moy is a University of Wisconsin Sea Grant biologist and co-chair of the panel helping the Army Corps manage the barrier. He says it’s “frustrating as hell.”

The barrier is about 20 miles downstream from Lake Michigan on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. It was first activated in April.

Both the Illinois House and Senate approved an increase in hunting and fishing license fees during last week’s veto session in Springfield. All that is required for the increases to become law is a signature on Senate Bill 1846 by Gov. Pat Quinn.

Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller has pushed for the fee increases—$2 for a fishing license and $5 for a hunting license—to help his agency. The increases are estimated to raise an additional $3.5 million for fish and wildlife conservation.

If Quinn signs the bill, resident fishing licenses will increase from $12.50 to $14.50. A deer permit would go from $15 to $25 and hunting licenses would rise from $7 to $12.

Fee increases would go into effect Jan. 1, 2010.

Here is the text of DNR’s interpretation of Senate Bill 1846.

DNR’s take on Senate Bill 1846

IDNR is committed to improving quality recreational opportunities for its constituents, not only in the coming fiscal year but in years to come. In order to secure the future of the agency and its mission, we are asking our constituents to support us through several fee increases. The agency will diligently protect the integrity of dedicated funds that support the mission of IDNR and protect the supportive intent of the individuals who provide those funds, through hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and other fees. These proposed fees will allow the agency to enhance conservation opportunities, improve quality recreation and make critical hires for the agency, all of which lead to a better overall experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Migratory Waterfowl Fee (Increase)

The cost of the State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp would increase from $10.00 to $15.00. The increase will be used specifically to improve and maintain state waterfowl areas. Currently, revenue generated from Migratory Waterfowl Stamp fees do not adequately support Waterfowl operations. Requires Legislative action.

FY10 - $111k FY11 - $243k

Deer Hunting Permit Fee (Increase)

The Resident Deer Hunting Permit Fee would increase from $15.00 to $25.00. The fee was last increased approximately 25 years ago. This fee would support an increase in Wildlife management staff.

Would require legislative action and an administrative rule change.

FY10 - $559k FY11 - $1.118M

Hunting, Fishing, and Sportsman Combination License Fee (Increase)

This proposal would increase all resident hunting and fishing licenses by $7.00.

Resident fishing licenses would increase from $12.50 to $14.50.

A Non-resident 10-day fishing license would increase from $12.50 to $19.50 and a non-resident annual fishing license would increase from 24.50 to $31.50

The fishing license fees were last increased over 10 years ago. Fishing license sales support fish and aquatic management throughout Illinois.

Resident hunting license fees would increase from $7.00 to $12.00. Non-Resident annual hunting licenses would increase from $50.00 to $57.00. Non-resident 10-day hunting licenses would increase from $28.00 to $35.00. Resident hunting licenses were last raised in 1974. Revenue generated from this fee increase will fund an increase in Wildlife program staff as funds become available.

Sportsman combination licenses would increase from $18.50 to $25.50. (Only Illinois residents are eligible for a Sportsman license).

Would require Legislative action and an administrative rule change.

FY10 - $548k FY11 - $1.095M

Environmental Consultation Fees (New)

Currently, local units of government and private entities are required, by statue, to complete an environmental consultation review with the IDNR. This proposal would charge a fee of $500.00 to local governments or private entities seeking this consultation.

This fee will help cover the cost of performing these reviews, including supporting staff and the automated EcoCAT web based system that allows users to get results substantially faster. After getting the review results, cities sometimes charge developers for this information that they currently receive for free from the IDNR.

Requires legislative action.

FY10 - $545k FY11 - $1.190M

Office of Water Resources Permit Fees (New)

Create a series of regulatory fees for the IDNR Office of Water Resources ranging from $400.00 to $5,000 specifically for OWR permits and Lake Michigan water allocations. The proposal also creates an annual fee (TBD) for the use of the Chain O’Lakes, to be collected from boaters. These fees will fund permit and water allocation services, flood control and dam safety programs, and operation of the Stratton Lock and Dam.

Requires legislative action.

FY10 - $394k FY11 - $1.140M

But in Lake Springfield, there are blue catfish that just keep on growing — much to the delight of anglers who have made the local catfish tournament series more popular every year.

Recently, about 65 participants in the Lake Springfield Open Buddy Catfish Tournament Series gathered at the Grandview Municipal Center to celebrate another successful season. Many of the top anglers were competing in other tournaments or the crowd would have been even larger.

Blue catfish weren’t on the menu — it was barbecued beef instead — but they were on the minds of everyone there.

The big fish, native to large river systems such as the Mississippi and at least part of the Illinois River as far north as Peoria, were introduced into Lake Springfield a few years ago.

They’ve been growing ever since.

They’re big enough, in fact, that if a team hooks into one of the behemoths, the fish usually is enough to catapult that team into first place.

Big enough that the tournament director asked the group to consider a rule change that would no longer count the biggest fish toward the team’s total weight.

Big enough that the tournament anglers are asking the public to please release them so more people can have the experience of landing a monster catfish.

Blue catfish are larger cousins of the more familiar channel catfish.
Those blues caught during the tournaments are tagged for identification and then released. If they are recaptured later, their growth rates can be assessed.

“My philosophy is 10 pounds and above, you turn it back,” says Tim Branstetter of Louisiana, Mo. “It can’t do anything but help the fishery.”

Branstetter and Chris Kuchar won the season-ending Willie Buedel Memorial Classic with a two-day weight of 174 pounds, 15 ounces.

The tournament’s big fish, caught by Jerry Cline II and Josh Cline, weighed 65 pounds and all by itself was 12 ounces heavier than last year’s winning two-day total.

This year’s fourth-place team still outpaced last year’s winner.

“Five blue cats were caught, which is outstanding,” says Willie Schrader, the tournament series director for the past 11 years. “Our record just keeps getting shattered. It’s from the introduction of the blue cats. They just keep growing.”

The Clines took second place with 130 pounds, while Jerry Cline and Joe Ludtke were third with 97 pounds, 6 ounces.

Twenty-four competing boats weighed 1,290 pounds of fish that were released back into Lake Springfield. For the season, a staggering 2.49 tons of fish were caught and released.

“We started something when we stocked those blue cats into Lake Springfield,” Schrader told the group Sunday. “And they are growing. We can prove that.”

Local anglers, working with City, Water, Light and Power and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, got permission to relocate some blue catfish from the Mississippi River near Alton to Lake Springfield about four years ago.

Pete Ochs, who helped coordinate the initial stocking, says all size ranges were stocked, from 6- to 8-inch fish to one weighing 53 pounds. About 250 fish in all were brought to Lake Springfield.
Tim Pruitt of Alton caught the world-record blue catfish on the Mississippi River in 2005. It weighed 124 pounds.

Ochs says he thinks the blue catfish in Lake Springfield have been growing five to seven pounds per year.

“That 53-pounder must be near 70 pounds by now,” he says.
Ochs says he would like to see the state get more involved by following up with more stocking efforts.

“To have the state help the local fishermen out with this — it would be a boon,” he says.
There is some concern about whether Lake Springfield has enough current from its incoming creeks to approximate spawning conditions on the Mississippi River.

“I don’t know if they are going to reproduce in these waters,” says DNR district fisheries biologist Dan Stephenson. “I have my doubts, but it will be interesting to see if they do.”

Blue catfish are present in Powerton and LaSalle Lakes, and Stephenson says no reproduction has been noted there yet.

It will be up to anglers — or the blue catfish themselves — to increase their numbers.
Stephenson says state fish hatcheries are too short on manpower and other resources to add another species.

“We’re pretty much limited to what we’ve been doing,” he says.
Permission still is in effect, so more blue catfish conceivably could be relocated to Lake Springfield from the Mississippi River.

Still, anglers from other communities may want to duplicate Lake Springfield’s success, Ochs says.

“If people see the size of the fish being caught, they are going to ask, ‘Can we have this in my lake?’”

In the past few years Sangchris has turned out numerous flatheads over 50 pounds including Mark Blough’s 76.5-pounder that nearly bested the state record of 78 pounds.

Late fall and early winter is a good time for the big cats, as Jon Ruskey of Metamora (pictured above) proved on Oct. 24 while fishing a live bluegill at midnight. Ruskey said his fish weighed 60 pounds.

Proof of that came in the recent Hawk Open tournament held at Lake Shelbyville on Oct. 10.

While things got off to a foggy start, the event showed how successful high school fishing tournaments can be.

Takeoff was delayed by about an hour due to the dense fog on the water. But despite the late start and cold morning (36 degrees at sunrise), temps warmed up to around 60 degrees and dozens of kids got the chance to hit the water in a tournament atmosphere.

The tournament was hosted by Meridian (Macon) High School and the Assumption Bass Club. Organizer Darren Gates reported about 60 kids participated on a total of 27 teams from Atwood Hammond, Monticello, Sullivan, Champaign Centennial, Maine West, The High School of Saint Thomas More, Meridian, Mt. Zion, Okaw Valley, St. Charles North, Dunlap, and Chicago Marist.

Lake Shelbyville played host to one of the IHSA sectional tournaments last school year. First and second place teams from those sectionals advanced to the state tournament at Carlyle Lake. All previous IHSA tournaments had been held in the spring. Gates saw this as an opportunity for kids to get some experience on the lake, as well as enjoy some fall bass fishing in the process. The tournament was open to anyone who is a member of their high school bass fishing team.

Thanks to a DNR waiver on the length restrictions, kids could weigh in fish 12 inches and over. Lake Shelbyville normally has a 14-inch limit. The waiver is also given to all IHSA-sanctioned tournaments, and helps ensure that kids enjoy the experience by weighing in more fish. With the new DNR director focusing on youth recruitment in the outdoors, hopefully regional biologists will continue to give the waivers for youth tournaments like this.

A week of heavy rains, followed by a bitter cold night moved the fish a little deeper, but the kids were able to find the fish once the fog burned off the lake. A total of 18 teams weighed in 53 fish, including 4 teams that brought in 5-fish limits. No dead fish were reported. Big fish honors went to Patrick Tharp of Mt. Zion with a bass that weighed in at 3.52 lbs.

The weigh-in was professionally handled by Mike and Penny Black from the Illini Team Trail. All the teams brought their fish to the front to be weighed in, and received applause for their work. Black worked the microphone to get the crowd of about 100 people energized and entertained.

Volunteers served hot dogs and snacks for all the participants at weigh-in. Donors and sponsors made sure that all the kids walked away with raffle prizes, including several rods, a baitcaster, and a dozen lures. Sponsors included Assumption Bass Club, Illini Team Trail, Triple B Jigs, BassZone.com, Gates Plumbing, Zips Flowers by the Gates, Whites Auto Body, Wall Street Printing & Embroidery, and Limit Lure Co.

Letters from participating schools praised the quality of the tournament and all the hard work that went into it. It’s plain to see that IHSA fishing has a lot of support behind it, as it continues to grow from its inaugural year last spring. Gates plans to keep the fall tournament going next year, and hopes to double the number of entries. Once word gets out how successful this event was, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Congrats to all the kids, and a big thank you to the sponsors, volunteers, boat captains, and parents for getting their kids involved in the sport!

Results are below:

1st Place
Tom Sullivan/Nicholas Engel
Chicago Marist High School
5 fish, 11.25 lbs.

2nd Place
Reid Stephenson/Nick Kohlman/Daniel Ruedi
The High School of Saint Thomas More
5 fish, 8.45 lbs.

3rd Place
Mt Zion High School
Patrick Tharp/Brock Lemmon
3 fish, 7.08 lbs.

4th Place
Justin Siekman
Dunlap High School
4 fish, 7.01 lbs.

5th Place
Creighton Delgado/Anthony Zountas
Maine West High School
5 fish, 6.54 lbs.

The biggest, meanest trophy that swims the waters of the Prairie State is the flathead catfish.

Josh Adkins of Greenville (pictured above and at right) can certainly attest to that. Adkins caught this big flathead on Sept. 30 while fishing from a boat on the Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa. He was using cut Asian carp for bait on a circle hook and 20-pound test line.

Adkins, who is 6-2 and 235 pounds, said “I could barely hold this sucker up for more than two or three minutes. I throw around bushels of corn like they are nothing. But it’s quite an experience to hold one of these powerful creatures.”

Adkins released this fish as well as the other chunk pictured at right that he caught in August. “I let anything over 10 pounds go and rarely keep even fish under that unless I need some meat in the freezer,” Adkins said.

Obviously, the Mississippi River is a prime spot for big flatheads.

So too is Powerton Lake near Pekin, where flatheads over 50 pounds are not uncommon. And last week during routine population sampling at the lake, biologists netted a 56-pound beast that looked even bigger than that. Veteran fisheries biologist Ken Russell is pictured below holding the huge fish.

Give us our choice of anywhere to fish in Illinois right now and we’d pick…

• The Illinois River for sauger.
• Crappie at Rend Lake and Lake Decatur.
• Northern pike on the Pecatonica and Des Plaines rivers.

WALL HANGERS

• Chris Strong of Wee-Ma-Tuk caught this 7-pound bass while fishing the big lake at the complex.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS North of Interstate 80

Fox Chain O’ Lakes
SOURCE: Greg Dickson, Triangle Sports & Marine, Antioch (1-847-395-0813).
Walleye bite good with decent current says Triangle. Minnows or crawlers working best. North River or under bridges best locations. Striper bite good in current on small fatheads, small Mepps spinners or waxworms. Bass tough right now. Crappie should be more shallow.
• Click here to check updates on no-wake status and water levels or call 847-587-8540 .

Lake Michigan
SOURCES: Henry’s (312-225-8538), Vet’s (773-734-6720) and Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• On the Chicago lakefront, not much has changed since last week as salmon still moving in on the lake front says Henry’s. Glow spoons at night or crankbaits best. Snagging season open. Anglers finding some salmon using spawn sacks or spoons at Pastrick Marina says Vet’s. Boat anglers also trolling out deep in 100 feet of water. A few perch biting at 95th Street.
SOURCE: The Salmon Stop (847-244-2525 or fishing hotline 847-244-9876)
• Near Waukegan, anglers snagging at the Government Pier. Salmon being caught on spawn sacks, shad or frozen shiners on the shorelines. Boat fishing nearing an end.
SOURCE: Mik-Lurch (219-989-0575)
• Near Indiana, salmon, steelhead and cohos active on shrimp and spawn sacks at South Creek and Trail Creek. Pastrick Marina, Hammond and the Amoco discharge producing king salmon on crankbaits or spoons.

Shabbona Lake
SOURCES: Guide Jay Angel (815-739-7030) and Denny Sands, Shabbona Lakeside Bait & Tackle, Shabbona (815-824-2581).
Crappie and bluegill still biting good says Shabbona Lakeside Bait & Tackle. Crappie taking crappie minnows in cribs around points. Bluegill can still be found in weedlines or closer to shore when weeds go away. Try small waxworms or leafworms. Water temps at 48-49 degrees. Walleye and muskie should start to come on soon. One bass angler caught a 4-pound and 6-pound bass with a deep diving bomber bouncing off the rocks along the road beds.
• Park hours November to January 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; February to March 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; May to October 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
•Click here for a Shabbona Lake fishing forum

Wolf Lake
SOURCE: Mik-Lurch (219-989-0575)
Crappie biting good in the channels on bobbers and minnows says Mik-Lurch. Some anglers catching walleye trolling crankbaits or using bobbers and minnows.

NORTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 80 and North of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36

Anderson Lake
SOURCE: Site manager Ed Oest (309-759-4484)
Nothing new to report here says site manager Ed Oest. The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 23. After that bankfishing only will be allowed.

Banner Marsh
SOURCE: Adam Jaegle, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
Only a few days left here but crappie still biting on minnows says Keefer. The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 17. After that bankfishing only is allowed. And starting Oct. 31, bankfishing will only be allowed after 1 p.m.

Lake Bloomington
SOURCE: Larry Dozard
Crappie are fair around timber or brush on tube jigs and minnows says Dozard. Stripers are fair to slow on crankaits and jigging spoons. Walleye are slow, most caught accidentally by crappie anglers.

Clinton Lake
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730); Clinton Bait and Tackle, (217-935-3851)
Crappie going good here around bridges. Cheesebaits, minnows and waxworms hottest selling items at Clinton Bait and Tackle. Fishing below the spillway is fair for walleye on minnows and some stripers says Dozard. The easterly area of Clinton Lake between the DeWitt and the 48 bridges is closed through March 31.

Dawson Lake
SOURCE: Leon and Judy Gibson, Moraine View Concession (309-724-8295)
Crappie biting good here, some in the 10-12 inch range, on minnows and crappie jigs says Leon. Walleye and bass also being picked up, with the walleye taking jigs and the bass biting on spinners. Catfish doing good also on shrimp or chicken livers. Concession stand closes Oct. 19 and re-opens Nov. 4.

Emiquon Preserve
SOURCE: Paul Dinkheller, Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); The Nature Conservancy (309-547-2730)
Crappie continue to be on a very good bite here says Keefer. Berkley gulp minnows best. Others report slow fishing for crappie on waxworms and jigs. Bass are good on crankbaits fished 9-10 feet deep. Anglers must obtain a free permit at Dickson Mounds Museum (open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) before fishing here.

Evergreen Lake
SOURCE: Brad Wood, operations supervisor, (309-726-2022) or Larry Dozard
Crappie have slowed and anglers are really having to sort through lots of fish to find keepers says Wood. Dozard suggests fishing up to 20 feet deep for the better fish. Water is in the mid-50s, with clarity of 1-2 feet and down 2-3 feet below normal pool. Saugeye are being caught, but most of them are also small. Muskie are active and being caught by bass and muskie anglers. Bass are running small but are taking spinnerbaits and buzz baits. The bait and tackle shop closes Friday, Oct. 16 for the season. Bowfishing is closed on Evergreen Lake from October 1 through January 17. Also, the north and east sides around Deer Island and all of Six Mile Creek Bay are off limits to gas motors from Oct. 15 to Jan. 1. Trolling motors only will be permitted in this area.
• Click here for up-to-date lake reports.

LaSalle Lake
SOURCE:Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times; Guide Mike Lynch (708-655-7667)
Last day of fishing is today.
• Click here for a LaSalle Lake fishing forum.

Powerton Lake
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 23. The last day to bank fish at Powerton is Oct. 30. Bankfishing will reopen Dec. 28 and boat fishing reopens Feb. 15.

Snakeden Hollow SFWA
SOURCE: Victoria Tackle Shop (309-879-2664)
Muskie have been very active in McMaster Lake with a 48-incher reported last week by the creel clerk. The last day for fishing is Oct. 18.

Spring Lake
SOURCES: Troy Galvin, Galvin’s Spring Lake Market (309-267-6538) and Larry Karnes, Larry’s Restaurant and Family Bar, Manito (309-968-9500)
Overall action is slow says Karnes. Some picking up a few small crappie on minnows or blue and chartreuse jigs. About one in 15 is a keeper, according to Karnes. Anglers are picking up several muskie on the north end using large spinnerbaits.Bass anglers are even catching them on plastics. Water is running about 52 degrees in the north end. The last day to fish from a boat in the hunting zone here is Oct. 23. Starting Oct. 31, bankfishing is closed until 1 p.m. daily in the hunting zone. Boats are allowed north of Maple Island and in the Pike Hole, though the Pike Hole is open to small, portable boats only.

Lake Storey
SOURCE: Al Hayden, Al’s Sporting Goods, Galesburg (309-342-7776)
Crappie are the main talk. The lake is low and there’s very little structure, so they are scattered. Bank anglers are catching some and boaters are finding some too. Occasional walleye being caught by crappie anglers.

Strip Mines
(Fulton, Knox, Peoria and Stark counties)
SOURCE: Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); and Larry Dozard; Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
Good crappie reports coming in says Tim Presley at Presley’s Outdoors in Bartonville. Crappie are in shallow next to brush and easily picked up by bank anglers. Crappie taking minnows or jigs. Pink head jigs or different colored sassy shad on the jigs working says Dink’s. Bluegill also biting on waxworms.

SOUTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36 and North of Interstate 70

Charleston Side Channel Lake
SOURCE: Rick Cuddy, Prairie Outfitters, Charleston (217-348-6770)
Saugeye starting to bite on Rat-L-Traps and a few on jigs and twister tails says Cuddy. Crappie good on tube squirts or jig heads. Catfish, channel and flatheads, biting. Mostly channel being taken on nightcrawlers, cut shad.

Lake Decatur
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730)
Crappie bite picking up on minnows and tube jigs. Anglers catching limits. White bass biting on big dudes, Mepps, rooster tails, gay blades. Below the dam, largemouth bass biting on topwater lures, rapalas. Crappie and asian carp also biting below the dam.

Lake Jacksonville
SOURCE: Tom Holmes, Military Surplus Outlet, Jacksonville (217-243-6161) and Lake Jacksonville Campground (217-479-4646)
Crappie starting to bite but recent rainy weather slowing things down here. Lake closed for fishing Oct. 18.

Mill Creek Lake
SOURCE: Dennis Shiley, Mill Creek Lake Park (217-889-3901)
Bass picking up, some in 14- to 15-inch range, on plastics or crankbaits. Crappie biting on tight-line minnows in tree top laydowns.

Sangchris Lake
SOURCE: Trevor Miller, Big Red’s Bait and Tackle, Springfield (217-820-9674)
Crappie fair here on minnows says Miller.

Lake Shelbyville
SOURCE: Guide Ken Wilson (217-774-5756 or 217-454-2672) at Lithia Springs Guide Service; Margie Oliver, Marv and Kathy’s Bait & Tackle, Sullivan (217-728-4044); Guide Steve Welch (217) 762-7257 or (217) 840-1221
Crappie and white bass best here says Wilson. Crappie on the ledges in the main lake or along lay down trees in 12-15 feet of water. White bass biting on jig rigs or inline spinners on the north end wind blown flats. Bass taking spinnerbaits, top-water baits, or buzz baits. A few walleye being picked up but not much to report on muskies. Water temps at 52 degrees on the south end.
• For a daily report on Lake Shelbyville call (217-774-2020).

Lake Springfield
SOURCE: Trevor Miller, Big Red’s Bait and Tackle, Springfield (217-820-9674) and Tater’s Bait, Springfield (217-528-2208)
Despite rainy weather, crappie starting to pick up on minnows says Miller. Catfish bite good, with 170 pounds needed to win weekend tournament. Shad best bet for bait.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS South of Interstate 70

Baldwin Lake
SOURCE: Site office (618-785-2555)
Bluegill biting on crickets and worms. Bass taking topwaters. Catfish slow and crappie fair.

Carlyle Lake
SOURCE: Buddy Langenhorst, Lavish’s Bait Shop , Carlyle (618-594-4413); Henkel’s (618-594-4818)
Crappie taking minnows and jigs says Lavish’s. Catfish anglers drifting with shad and shrimp. A few white bass biting on the rocks with plastics or crankbaits. Also a few largemouth biting on spinners and crankbaits.
• For the latest water level information call (618-594-4637).

Cedar Lake
SOURCE: Ron Reed, Cooksey’s Bait, Marion (618-993-3366); Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354); Kyle Garner, Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville (618-985-8277)
Bass being caught in 8-14 feet of water. Shad colored crankbaits, Carolina rigs, green pumpkin colored jigs good around grassy areas. Crappie biting 6-8 feet deep in grass points using minnows or tube jigs. Blue and white, red and white or red and chartreuse colors best. Anglers using topwaters for bass in the mornings.

Crab Orchard Lake
SOURCE: Ron Reed, Cooksey’s Bait, Marion (618-993-3366); Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354); Kyle Garner, Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville (618-985-8277)
Small crappie being caught around wood and the bridges says Strobel.

Lake of Egypt
SOURCE: Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354)
Bass spotty but taking jigs and plastics. Shaky heads working. Look in creek channel beds in 8 foot of water. Crappie biting but most small on 1/8 ounce curly tail jigs in weedy points.

Forbes Lake
SOURCE: Site manager Glenn Wegener (618-547-3381); Mike Polcyn, Mike’s Bait & Tackle Shop, Louisville (618-665-3209)
Fishing tough here says Wegener. Crappie and bass were doing good early last week but slowed down. Channel cats are fair drifiting with shad. No reports on hybird striper.

Kinkaid Lake
SOURCE: Janet Graeff, Top of the Hill Bait Shop, Muphysboro (618-684-2923); Guide Al Nutty (618-694-4897)
Muskie had been on a real good bite before recent rains the past two days. Large spinners working. Fish have been weed oriented going on points and back ends of bays, but look for many to move back into bays with the recent rains. Glide baits also good 2-10 feet deep. Trollers also using Jakes, Ernie’s or Believers. Largemouth bass fair to good, with some nice 4-6 pounders caught. Bass are up into the outer weeds. They had been deep but will be heading up shallow. Crappie good toward the back of the creek areas 6-12 feet deep around heavy brush piles. Bluegills fair arond the docks and lay down trees. Catfish remain fair. No walleye reports. Water temps at about 61-62 degrees.

Newton Lake
SOURCE: Ruth Rauch, Rauch’s Bait & Tackle, Newton (618-752-2151)
Three fish, weighing just over 15 pounds, won weekend bass tournament here. Plenty of rains over the last two weeks have put lake in a lull right now but it should be picking up soon says Rauch.

Rend Lake
SOURCE: Todd Gessner (618-513-0520); Bill Hudnall, Rend Lake Sporting Goods, Mount Vernon (618-242-2191)
Crappie excellent on minnows or jigs in 7-10 feet of water says Hudnall. Look under bridges or submerged brush piles. Colored chartreuse jigs oggd but most using lead head jigs tipped with minnows. Bass slow and catfish almost non-existant says Hudnall. Some still picking up bluegill on red wigglers.

RIVERS

• Click here for water level information.

Des Plaines River
SOURCE:Andrew Ragas
Both the DesPlaines River and its creeks are producing for multiple species. First, the DesPlaines has come alive with the cooler weather which in turn has dropped water temperatures in the 50 to 55 degree range. The recent highlights focus on the Walleyes and Sauger which have finally begun their fall move.

Both fish are relating to deeper hard-bottomed pools with current - along with dams where suitable habitat is present (deeper water, current runs, hard bottom). Walleye are averaging 15 to 20 inches, along with Sauger in the same size category. Most of our action is presently taking place during the late afternoon and evening/nighttime hours with the headlamps. Jig and plastics (grubs/ shads/ swimbaits) are catching mostly numbers while minnowbaits are doing much better with fish of some size. If you find and then catch them, expect to lose some as well because they are not hitting very hard at the moment.

As for Pike and Largemouth Bass, both species are offering anglers good action. Pike up to 30-inches are being caught from deeper pools with wood, backwater areas, and backwaters. A six-pounder was caught in the west suburbs last week. Live bait such as creek chubs, suckers, and shiners on jigs or under floats are working best. However, do not neglect jerkbaits, larger sized bucktails, and swimbaits as they will all produce until first ice. Largemouth Bass are also being found in the same places as Pike on the same offerings. Most fish averaging 12 to 16 inches. Crappies too - look for the wood and remaining vegetation in the backwaters, and slackwater areas.

On the creeks (Salt Creek notably), the fishing is almost just as good, but it won’t last for as long like the river will, into late November. Like the river, water temperatures are in the 50-55 degree range, and a lot of fun action-size fish are being found. Pike from 20-25 inches, Largemouth Bass in the 10 to 14 inch range, and some Walleyes in the 15 to 20 inch range. Matching the hatch with minnow imitators (crankbaits, plastics, jerkbaits) have gotten the best response. Afternoons and evenings have proven to be the best times, including overcast days, but since it’s fall, anytime you can go fishing for a period of time can be a really good time!

From now, and with this relatively consistent weather, good river flows, and steady water temperatures, the fishing will keep getting better for all species - and hopefully the bigger ones will begin showing themselves soon.
• Click here for a Des Plaines River fishing forum.

Illinois River
SOURCE: Jim Hardy of Big Jim’s Bait & Tackle in Ottawa (815-434-3921)
• Above the Starved Rock dam, fishing best its been all year says Hardy. Short sauger, white bass, flathead catrs, channel cats and walleye all biting. A few smallies also being picked up. Anglers usinjg different colored jigs and minnows, floaters or just plain minnows on a hook.
SOURCE: Carol Culjan at Cajun Sporting Goods in Utica (815-667-4222)
• Near Utica, striper, crappie and sauger all hitting good says Carol. Water level below normal but water is clear. Some big sauger being caught. Fat head minnows working and stripers also taking shiners. Water temps in low 50s.
SOURCE: Baitshop Bob, Riverview Marine, Spring Valley (815-663-1000)
• Near Spring Valley, sauger phenomenal here says Riverview Marine. Reports of 50-100 fish caught per day with 30-40 percent of those keepers. Anglers using crankbaits, three ways or jigging. Good sized white bass also biting but you have to search for them. In the locks and canals, crappie are hitting but not real strong yet. White bass tournament this weekend.
SOURCE: Marge Hankins, Hankins Riverview, Henry (309-364-3617)
• Near Henry, sauger bite improving as some big fish being caught says Marge. Minnows, nightcrawlers and some crankbaits being used. Fish are biting well at the mouth of Lake Senachwine where water is in the low 50s. Target 10-16 feet of water with jigs and minnows. White bass up to 1.5 pounds are being caught the same way says guide Jay Angel.
SOURCE: Celeste Pollack, Wolf Hollow Archery Bait & Tackle, Chillicothe (309-274-9653)
• Near Chillicothe, sauger biting on nightcrawlers says Celeste.
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tim Presley, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193)
• Near Peoria, some sauger biting on twister tail jigs tipped with minnows says Keefer.
SOURCE: Paul Dinkheller, Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094)
• Near Havana, catfish best on cut baits says Dink’s.
SOURCE: Tom’s Bait Shop in Beardstown (217-323-BAIT)
• Near Beardstown, fishing slowed with recent rains and hunting seasons says Tom.
Kankakee River
SOURCE: Ed Mullady, Sportsman’s Letter (815-932-7285)
Fishing is good overall and the river has been low and clean this week says Mullady.
• From Indiana to Momence, anglers report smallmouth bass up to 3 pounds on jointed plugs, jigs and minnow and crankbaits. Rock bass are good on minnows and crawlers. Walleye are improving on minnows and jigs and crawlers.
• Near the Kankakee River State Park, Nick at Kankakee River State Park Trading Post reports catches of 18- to 20-inch walleye on minnows, jig and crawler and minnow-shaped plugs. Smallmouth bass are good on fly rods using streamers, nymphs and poppers. Catfish still good on cheesebaits and minnows. Check regulations at Kankakee River State Park, as some areas for hunting are closed for fishing, but good amounts of shoreline for fishing available.
• Near Wilmington smallmouth bass aregood on spinners, jig and twister tails and minnows. Catfish good on worms, minnows and cheese baits.

Mississippi River
SOURCE: Iowa DNR

Rock River
SOURCE: Jan Prose at TJ’s Bait/Tackle & Canoe Rental in Oregon (815-732-4516)
• Near Oregon this cold snap has improved fishing. Several nice walleye have been caught including a fish over 8 pounds hooked by Gary Jansen of Dixon. And there are good reports at Lowden Rock (a bluff about 3 mile south of the dam) where walleye and smallmouth bass were biting. A large northern pike was caught at the Byron pit and Tony Dericco caught the 37-inch, 13-pound muskie [pictured above on Oct. 11.
SOURCE: Ray and Irene Hays, Bunny’s Bait Shop, Dixon (815-288-3812)
• Near Dixon, channel cats picking up on cutbaits, crushed minnows or shrimp says Ray. White bass slow. Crappie improving on minnows. Walleye not coming on yet. Drum biting on worms and carp being caught on dough baits or corn. Water low but clean.

The Electric Fish Barrier is the main preventative measure keeping the Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. The barrier is currently operating in the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal at parameters that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard have tested and approved as both aggressive enough to prevent Asian carp from crossing, and safe enough not to harm boaters in certain vessels.

If the fish get beyond the fish barrier in the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal,  they are extremely likely to wreak havoc on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Asian carp have ferocious appetites and may grow to 100 pounds in weight, which will allow them to out-compete animals native to the Great Lakes, decimating the local economies. The carp have, and continue to, injure many boaters by leaping out of the water when startled by vessels.

However, to prevent the carp from bypassing the barrier altogether, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must enact the additional measures stated above. The major threat is that, if the Des Plaines River floods, Asian carp could be carried over the small strip of land separating the two into the canal, which is less than 100 feet away.

The fish could also swim into the Illinois & Michigan Canal, and advance from there during floods through small culverts that connect the I & M Canal to the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal.

Great Lakes Boating strongly recommends that you call your Congressional Representatives and Senators, and the Assistant Secretary of the Army, to request that they ask the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take immediate action to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. To reach your members of Congress, dial (202) 224-3121 and request to be connected to their offices. To contact the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Ms. Jo Ellen Darcy, call (703) 697-8986, or write to 108 Army Pentagon, Room 3E446, Washington, DC 20310-0108.

Eventually, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River must be fully separated to prevent any invasive species, including the Asian Carp, from advancing from one of the bodies of water into the other. Until then, actions must be taken to keep Asian carp from moving forward, and the Great Lakes ecosystem from being destroyed.

“We’re gratified that the lakes are safe, knowing the barrier is keeping the Asian carp at bay. However, our preparedness after a heavy rainstorm is of great concern,” says F. Ned Dikmen, Ph.D., chairman of the Great Lakes Boating Federation. “No single stakeholder on the Great Lakes would be as harshly affected as the 4.3 million boaters who would be navigating among them.”

“Our catchable trout program is very popular and the fall season opener is always a big day for Illinois anglers,” Miller said.  “Trout fishing is also a fun activity for children and taking the kids fishing is a great way for families to spend time together.”

More than 70,000 trout are stocked by IDNR at the locations listed below just prior to the opening of the fall trout season.  Anglers are reminded that no trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from Oct. 1 until the fall trout season opens on Oct. 17 at 5 a.m.

To take trout legally beginning Oct. 17, anglers must have a fishing license and an inland trout stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces.  The daily catch limit for each angler is five trout.

Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite trout fishing location if they plan to go fishing on opening day.  While regulations allow trout season to open at 5 a.m. on Oct. 17, not all locations are open that early.

For more information on fall trout season and other Illinois fishing opportunities, check the web site at http://www.ifishillinois.org.

Illinois fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets.  Fishing licenses and trout stamps can also be purchased by using a credit card through DNR Direct online via the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us or by calling DNR Direct toll-free at 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648).

For more information about site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. The 37 locations are:

Adams County: Siloam Springs State Park, 217/894-6205
Bond County: Greenville Old City Lake (Patriot’s Park Lake), 618/664-2330
Bureau County: Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, 815/454-2328
Christian County: Manners Park Pond in Taylorville, 217/824-3110
Coles County: Campus Pond at Eastern Illinois University, 217/345-2420
Cook County: Axehead Lake - Cook County Forest Preserve District, 847/294-4134
Cook County: Belleau Lake - Cook County Forest Preserve District, 847/294-4134
Crawford County: Crawford County Conservation Area Pond, 618/563-4405
Douglas County: Villa Grove West Lake, 217/443-0529
Jefferson County: Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond, 618/547-3610
Johnson County: Ferne Clyffe State Park, 618/995-2411
Kankakee County: Bird Park Quarry in Kankakee, 815/939-1311
Kendall County: Big Lake at Silver Springs State Park, 630/553-6297
Lake County: Banana Lake - Lake County Forest Preserve, 815/675-2319
Lake County: Sand Lake at Illinois Beach State Park, 847/662-4828
Macon County: Rock Springs Pond - Macon County Conservation District, 217/423-7708
Macoupin County: Beaver Dam Lake, 217/854-8020
Madison County: Highland Old City Lake, 618/651-1386
Marion County: Boston Pond at Stephen A. Forbes Park, 618/547-3381
Massac County: Fairgrounds Pond at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, 618/524-4712
McDonough County: Argyle Lake at Argyle Lake State Park, 309/776-3422
Randolph County: Randolph County State Fish and Wildlife Area Lake, 618/826-2706
Randolph County: Derby Lake at Sparta World Shooting and Recreational Complex, 618/295-2700
Rock Island County: Prospect Park Pond in Moline, 815/454-2759
St. Clair County: Frank Holten State Park Lake, 618/874-7920
St. Clair County: Jones Park Lake in East St. Louis, 618/847-7920
St. Clair County: Willow Lake at Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area, 618/785-2555
Saline County: Jones Lake Trout Pond at Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area, 618/276-4405
Sangamon County: IDOT Lake in Springfield, 309/543-3316
Sangamon County: Washington Park Pond in Springfield, 309/543-3316
Shelby County: Forest Park Lagoon in Shelbyville, 217/345-2420
Tazewell County: Mineral Springs Park Lagoon in Pekin, 309/968-7568
Vermilion County: Clear Lake at Kickapoo State Park, 217/442-4915
Wabash County: Beall Woods Lake at Beall Woods State Park, 618/298-2442
Warren County: Citizen’s Lake in Monmouth, 309/344-2617
Wayne County: Sam Dale Trout Pond at Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area, 618/835-2292
Whiteside County: Coleta Trout Pond just west of Coleta, 815/454-2759

But while their Asian cousins are more impressive on video, common carp are still the most devastating member of family cyprinidae.

Proof of that is obvious in muddy lakes across Illinois, where silt-stirring common carp have held sway since the 1830s. Unfortunately, the carp kingdom now includes Hennepin and Hopper lakes.

Once a testament to the power of wetland restoration, Hennepin-Hopper now bears witness to the destructive abilities of carp. Instead of a diversity of aquatic plants and critters, biologists estimate the lakes just south of Hennepin are home to more than 600 pounds of carp per acre.

That’s not what The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) envisioned when they started returning croplands to their original lakebeds in March of 2001. And that’s not what the federal government envisioned in pledging millions of Wetland Reserve Program dollars to the project.

But that’s reality. Hennepin-Hopper is now a “1,500-acre mud puddle” in the words of veteran fisheries biologist Wayne Herndon. Attempts to net carp from the lake have not worked. In order to bring back the marsh, TWI may have to start over.

“The sooner they bite the bullet and go for the total rehab, the quicker the marsh is going to reappear and all the numerous benefits that go with it,” Herndon said.

That’s expected to be the outcome of a meeting Thursday afternoon in Henry between TWI, the Department of Natural Resources and various federal entities.
Though nothing is final, TWI appears likely to approve a four-step rehabilitation plan that was successfully implemented at Spring Lake in Tazewell County.

One sticking point could be future management. DNR wants more public fishing once the lake is restocked. At present, Hennepin-Hopper is open to the public only on Fridays and Saturdays. Paying members fish the remaining five days per week.

My bet is those details will be worked out and rehab will start soon.

The first step will be to draw down water levels, which is actually already underway. Next biologists will relocate as many native fish as possible. Step three is to treat remaining water with a carp-killing poison. The final step is to restock Hennepin-Hopper with bass, northern pike, crappie, bluegill and other native species.

That’s the same model Herndon successfully used at Spring Lake: the north end in 1981, the south end in 1986. Carp have been kept in check in the years since.

“Even if we have to go back and reset the system every six or seven years, the benefits you get are so innumerable it’s worth doing,” Herndon said. “We’ve got to cherish the few places left we can make into more than mud puddles. Hennepin-Hopper is one of those rare few, like Emiquon, Spring Lake and Banner Marsh.”

The idea is not without critics, including fishing guide Jay Angel. “I fish for bass all over and this is my favorite place to go,” Angel said. “This year my big fish was 6.5 pounds. Last year was 8-1 and I probably caught 20 fish over 6 pounds. This is a unique bass fishery.”

No argument here. And if bass fishing was the lone criteria, there’d be no need to rehab the lake. But that’s not the case.

WRP funds must be used to restore and enhance wetlands — not to provide bass fishing (though big bass are often a welcome benefit of quality marsh habitat).

What made Hennepin-Hopper truly unique from 2001-05 was the abundance of aquatic vegetation that provided habitat sorely lacking elsewhere in the Illinois River valley. At first, response by waterfowl, fish, critters and other bird species was spectacular. In recent years, diversity has been declining.

“As the managers of H-H we think we need to have a wider focus of providing habitat for all species,” said John Sentell, TWI executive vice president. “We believe without addressing the habitat degradation we’re in jeopardy of losing important habitat for all birds and for other species as well.”

A crew of six men four of whom are tribal members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, a Kansas-based American Indian tribe arrived in Shabbona this week to dredge the 5-acre pond, which is adjacent to Shabbona Lake.

Clearing out the sediment will deepen the pond, thus improving the survival rate of smallmouth bass raised there. In shallow waters, young fish can be easily snatched by birds of prey, Shabbona Lake State Park Superintendent Kerry Novak said from the work site Wednesday.

“Shabbona Lake is the most heavily fished lake (among all Illinois Department of Natural Resources lakes) on a per-acre basis,” Novak said.

“We have to keep the quality of the fish up.”

The Potawatomi have teamed up with the state because the tribe has a special interest in the community, said Aaron Chambers, a spokesman for the tribe.

“It’s government-to-government relations,” added Tim Ramirez, director of the tribe’s public works department, which led the project.

“We heard that the last governor cut the budget so bad, and went for the state parks first.”

In addition to clearing sediment, the crew installed a new drain valve and pipe that will allow water and fish to drain from the pond to the lake more efficiently, Novak said.

The Potawatomi donated all labor and equipment for the project, while the state paid for the new valve and pipe.

“The amount of money they’ve saved the state and the taxpayers, I can’t even imagine,” Novak said.

While the public works department mainly works on maintaining roads and bridges within the Kansas reservation, they traveled over 500 miles to Shabbona because of the long history in this area and the proximity of tribal-owned land to the state park.

The land, on University Road, was purchased in 2006 with plans to build a government center and an electronic bingo parlor. But in order to operate the bingo facility, the tribe would have to get a declaration from the federal government that the land is a reservation, a decision that has not yet been reached.

In June, the Potawatomi seeded 125 acres of that land with prairie grass to return it to its native state.

Though they’re on separate soils, the projects on the Potawatomi land and at the state park greatly intertwine: Much of the water flowing above ground to Shabbona Lake flows through the reservation, and the prairie grass helps to reduce runoff of sediment and pollution that would otherwise wash into the lake, Chambers explained.

Give us our choice of anywhere to fish in Illinois right now and we’d pick…

• The Rock River for big walleye.
• Crappie at just about any lake where they are swimming.
• The Indiana side of Lake Michigan for salmon.
• Saugeye at Evergreen Lake.

WALL HANGERS

• Ted Reed of Clinton caught a 57-pound catfish using a No. 10 snagging hook with a minnow Sept. 29
•Dave Bales caught a 6.5-pound walleye out of the Kankakee River near Momence.
• Eric Brown, a member of Catfishacademy.com sent this picture of a walleye pushing 9 pounds that his dad landed on an outing on the Rock River on Wednesday.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS North of Interstate 80

Fox Chain O’ Lakes
SOURCE: Greg Dickson, Triangle Sports & Marine, Antioch (1-847-395-0813).
Plenty of rain has cooled off the lakes. Temperatures are down and the lake water is clearing. Good current flowing through making walleye, striper and catfish fishing good along the bridges and the Fox River. Crappie moving in. Most are small, but bigger ones should be coming soon. Look in channels or close to shorelines. Bass are in shallow around the docks or edge of weeds. Muskie action good in north areas of channel, like Marie or Catherine, 6-12 feet deep.
• Click here to check updates on no-wake status and water levels or call 847-587-8540.

Lake Michigan
SOURCES: Henry’s (312-225-8538), Vet’s (773-734-6720) and Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• On the Chicago lakefront, salmon moving in on the lake front says Henry’s. Glow spoons at night or crankbaits best. Snagging season open, with Jackson Park and Lincoln Park good locations. Anglers finding some salmon using spawn sacks or spoons at Pastrick Marina says Vet’s. Boat anglers also trolling out deep in 100 feet of water. A few perch biting at 95th Street.
SOURCE: The Salmon Stop (847-244-2525 or fishing hotline 847-244-9876)
• Near Waukegan, anglers catching king salmon along the piers throwing spoons. Steelheads and brown trout biting on spawn sacks or nightcrawlers. Snagging season open. Boat fishing slowing down.
SOURCE: Mik-Lurch (219-989-0575)
• Near Indiana, salmon and cohos very active on spinners and spawn sacks at South Creek and Trail Creek. Pastrick Marina, Hole in the Wall and the Amoco discharge producing king salmon casting glow in the dark spoons and Berkley frenzies. Perch showing up along the inland wall on minnows and perch rigs right off the bottom. The Illinois River is “hot to trot” says Mik-Lurch with white bass, crappie and walleye all biting.

Shabbona Lake
SOURCES: Guide Jay Angel (815-739-7030) and Denny Sands, Shabbona Lakeside Bait & Tackle, Shabbona (815-824-2581).Crappie and bluegill on fairly good bite says Shabbona Lakeside Bait & Tackle. Bass slow. Water cooling to 55 degrees, as of Wednesday, and water level going down. With cooler water and water going down, walleye and muskie should be feeding soon. Crappie going up shallow along the points and in creek beds. Bluegill moving into the weed lines. Look for walleye along the road beds and tree lines using minnows suspended 18-19 feet.
• Park hours November to January 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; February to March 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; May to October 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
•Click here for a Shabbona Lake fishing forum

Wolf Lake
SOURCE: Mik-Lurch (219-989-0575)
Crappie starting to come into the channels and feeding voraciously says Mik-Lurch. After the cold front, walleye should also be moving into the channels.

NORTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 80 and North of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36

Anderson Lake
SOURCE: Site manager Ed Oest (309-759-4484)
Fishing remains slow here says site manager Ed Oest. The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 23. After that bankfishing only will be allowed.

Banner Marsh
SOURCE: Adam Jaegle, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
Crappie moving up even more shallow, in 5-6 feet, and taking minnows says Keefer. A few bass also biting, but not many big ones, aside from the 23-incher (above) caught by Zac Edwards, 12. Minnows working. The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 17. After that bankfishing only is allowed. And starting Oct. 31, bankfishing will only be allowed after 1 p.m.

Lake Bloomington
SOURCE: Larry Dozard
Crappie are fair to good in 1-6 feet of water on plastic tubs and Marabou jigs says Dozard. Striped bass are fair on crankbaits and grubs throughout the lake. Bass are also fair on plastics, jigs and crankbaits on wood and grass lines. Catfish are slow and bluegill are fair on waxworms.

Braidwood Lake
SOURCE: Del Colvin, Bert’s Bait, Essex (815-365-2103); Jon Meder, Jon’s Bait & Tackle, South Wilmington (815-237-2822)
Bass bite good around the old part of the lake says Colvin. Carolina rigs working as are crankbaits and jig and pig. Last day of fishing is Oct. 13.

Clinton Lake
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730); Clinton Bait and Tackle, (217-935-3851)
Crappie biting good shallow, mostly on minnows but a few on jigs, says Clinton Bait and Tackle. Larry Dozard suggests targeting main-lake brush in 10-12 feet of water, especially on the west side off the cove points and by Mascoutin near the fish attractors. A few catfish also biting on shrimp, shad guts or nightcrawlers. Smaller fish this week. Walleye and white bass being picked up below the spillway. The easterly area of Clinton Lake between the DeWitt and the 48 bridges is closed from mid-October through March 31.

Dawson Lake
SOURCE: Leon and Judy Gibson, Moraine View Concession (309-724-8295)
Crappie biting good here on minnows and jigs. Catfish doing good also on chicken livers or shrimp. Walleye and bass fair. Concession stand closes Oct. 19 and re-opens Nov. 4.

Emiquon Preserve
SOURCE: Paul Dinkheller, Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); The Nature Conservancy (309-547-2730)
Bass fishing is good with catches of 30-50 fish more common these days. Bass and crappie continue to be on a very good bite here says Keefer. Bass taking Berkley gulp minnows or tube jigs tipped with waxworms. Fish are still relating to ditches but have started moving into the shallows more reliably. Bluegill are deeper, though. Anglers must obtain a free permit at Dickson Mounds Museum (open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) before fishing here.

Evergreen Lake
SOURCE: Brad Wood, operations supervisor, (309-726-2022) or Larry Dozard
Saugeye are biting well here according to Wood, who says most are being caught off of points on the lake and at the pumping station. Crappie like always are on the small side with plenty of sorting being done to get the keepers. A 7-ounce, 8.25-inch bluegill was caught from the pumping station on Monday on a minnow. Bass reports from last weekend were fair. Numbers were being caught, but most fish were small. Bass fishermen are still reporting muskie hitting well. So if you want to catch Muskie try Bass fishing. A recent night electroshocking survey conducted by the IDNR showed hope for the future of bass and saugeye on Evergreen Lake. For the 2009 survey we had 356 bass per hour, the next highest catch rate was in 1998 with 126.5 Bass per hour! The majority of the fish surveyed were under 10 inches and represented two very large year classes. Much of the credit for the high numbers in 2009 can be attributed to the aquatic vegetation project being conducted in the past few years. FYI – The Evergreen Lake Bait Shop will be closing Friday, October 16. Until then it is open from 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. daily. Clarity is 2 feet and temperatures are in the mid-60s.

Bowfishing is closed on Evergreen Lake from October 1 through January 17. Also, the north and east sides around Deer Island and all of Six Mile Creek Bay are off limits to gas motors from Oct. 15 to Jan. 1. Trolling motors only will be permitted in this area.
• Click here for up-to-date lake reports.

LaSalle Lake
SOURCE:Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times; Guide Mike Lynch (708-655-7667)
Last day of fishing is Oct. 15. In October, lake is open Wednesdays through Sundays.
• Click here for a LaSalle Lake fishing forum.

Mazonia Lakes
SOURCE: Del Colvin, Bert’s Bait, Essex (815-365-2103)
Crappie biting on minnows at Ponderosa. Reports of big pike being spotted at Eagle. Last day of fishing is Oct. 13. Monster Lake at Mazonia South stays open year round.

Powerton Lake
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 23. The last day to bank fish at Powerton is Oct. 30. Bankfishing will reopen Dec. 28 and boat fishing reopens Feb. 15.

Snakeden Hollow SFWA
SOURCE: Victoria Tackle Shop (309-879-2664)
Muskie have been slow. The last day for fishing is Oct. 18.

Spring Lake
SOURCES: Troy Galvin, Galvin’s Spring Lake Market (309-267-6538) and Larry Karnes, Larry’s Restaurant and Family Bar, Manito (309-968-9500)
Best thing here lately has been muskie on the north end using muskie jigs or Rat-L-traps says Karnes. Bass and catfish both slowing. Crappie picking up but most small. Minnows best. Others using pink jigs with white curly tails tipped with waxworms or black and chartreuse tube jigs. The last day to fish from a boat in the hunting zone here is Oct. 23. Starting Oct. 31, bankfishing is closed until 1 p.m. daily in the hunting zone. Boats are allowed north of Maple Island and in the Pike Hole, though the Pike Hole is open to small, portable boats only.

Lake Storey
SOURCE: Al Hayden, Al’s Sporting Goods, Galesburg (309-342-7776)
Muskie fishing slow but bass are active says Chef Todd.

Strip Mines
(Fulton, Knox, Peoria and Stark counties)
SOURCE: Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); and Larry Dozard; Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
Bass on an upswing says Tim Presley at Presley’s Outdoors in Bartonville. Most on jigs and slow moving spinners, but the occasional spinner bait working also. Not much to report on catfish or white bass. Crappie bite good on minnows and jigs. Crappie moving in brush piles about 6-8 feet deep in clear water says Dink’s. White twister tails with a pink head jig working also.

SOUTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36 and North of Interstate 70

Charleston Side Channel Lake
SOURCE: Rick Cuddy, Prairie Outfitters, Charleston (217-348-6770)
Saugeye starting to bite on Rat-L-traps and a few on jigs and twister tails says Cuddy. Crappie good on tube squirts or jig heads. Catfish, channel and flatheads, biting. Mostly channel being taken on nightcrawlers, cut shad.

Lake Decatur
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730)
Crappie bite picking up on minnows and tube jigs. Anglers catching limits. White bass biting on big dudes, Mepps, rooster tails, gay blades. Below the dam, largemouth bass biting on topwater lures, rapalas. Crappie and asian carp also biting below the dam.

Lake Jacksonville
SOURCE: Tom Holmes, Military Surplus Outlet, Jacksonville (217-243-6161) and Lake Jacksonville Campground (217-479-4646)
Lake closed for fishing Oct. 18.

Mill Creek Lake
SOURCE: Dennis Shiley, Mill Creek Lake Park (217-889-3901)
Bass picking up, some in 14- to 15-inch range, on plastics or crankbaits. Crappie biting on tight-line minnows in tree top laydowns.

Sangchris Lake
SOURCE: Trevor Miller, Big Red’s Bait and Tackle, Springfield (217-820-9674)
Crappie starting to come on here in 6 feet of water and taking minnows says Big Red’s. Catfish deeper on shad. Bass taking soft plastics, green pumpkin or black shad colors. Bluegill “going crazy for crickets.” Larger bluegill in 10-12 feet of water.

Lake Shelbyville
SOURCE: Guide Ken Wilson (217-774-5756 or 217-454-2672) at Lithia Springs Guide Service; Margie Oliver, Marv and Kathy’s Bait & Tackle, Sullivan (217-728-4044); Guide Steve Welch (217) 762-7257 or (217) 840-1221
Recent two-day tournament produced 15 muskie from 28 boats, with largest catch 45 inches. Bucktails and topwaters best baits. Crappie going good on main lake brush piles and ledges says Wilson. White bass can be found on wind blown flats. Walleye slow. Below the spillway, some white bass and crappie being picked up. Very few walleye and muskie biting. Bass also on points, laydowns in shallow says Welch. Bass taking white spinner baits. Pearl white crappie jigs working for crappie.
• For a daily report on Lake Shelbyville call (217-774-2020).

Lake Springfield
SOURCE: Trevor Miller, Big Red’s Bait and Tackle, Springfield (217-820-9674) and Tater’s Bait, Springfield (217-528-2208)
Catfish biting good on shad or liver says Big Red’s. Crappie taking minnows in 12 feet of water. A 59-pound blue catfish caught by a Decatur angler Saturday.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS South of Interstate 70

Baldwin Lake
SOURCE: Site office (618-785-2555)
Catfish good on nightcrawlers or stinkbaits. Bluegill pretty good on waxworms or crickets. Bass good on a variety of baits. Crappie poor.

Carlyle Lake
SOURCE: Buddy Langenhorst, Lavish’s Bait Shop , Carlyle (618-594-4413); Henkel’s (618-594-4818)
Crappie taking minnows and jigs says Lavish’s. Catfish anglers drifting with shad and shrimp. A few white bass biting on the rocks with plastics or crankbaits. Also a few largemouth biting on spinners and crankbaits.
• For the latest water level information call (618-594-4637).

Cedar Lake
SOURCE: Ron Reed, Cooksey’s Bait, Marion (618-993-3366); Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354); Kyle Garner, Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville (618-985-8277)
Bass being caught in 8-14 feet of water. Shad colored crankbaits, Carolina rigs, green pumpkin colored jigs good around grassy areas. Crappie biting 6-8 feet deep in grass points using minnows or tube jigs. Blue and white, red and white or red and chartreuse colors best. Anglers using topwaters for bass in the mornings.

Crab Orchard Lake
SOURCE: Ron Reed, Cooksey’s Bait, Marion (618-993-3366); Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354); Kyle Garner, Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville (618-985-8277)
Crappie biting around beaver huts or brush piles. Look 4-6 feet deep says Garner. Crappie taking tube jigs (orange, pink or black and chartreuse) around the Route 13 bridge or in brush piles 8 feet deep along the spillway. Bass taking spinner baits and buzzbaits along the laydowns and weed beds.

Lake of Egypt
SOURCE: Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354)
Bass scattered and chasing bait here. Shaky head jigs working. Crappie moving up into grassy points.

Forbes Lake
SOURCE: Site manager Glenn Wegener (618-547-3381); Mike Polcyn, Mike’s Bait & Tackle Shop, Louisville (618-665-3209)
Crappie are biting here says Polcyn. Anglers trolling with jigs. warmouth and bluegill also can be found.

Kinkaid Lake
SOURCE: Janet Graeff, Top of the Hill Bait Shop, Muphysboro (618-684-2923); Guide Al Nutty (618-694-4897)
Muskie bite very good says Top of the Hill. Anglers trolling spinning lures or sub-surfaces lures along grass beds. Jerk or glide baits good, with Hellhound “hot” says Nutty. Walleye slow at best trolling deep water lures. Bass action dropped with not many numbers or size. Bass should begin to pick up again soon. Crappie biting but also not good in numbers. Minnows and a few jigs working. Crappie about 10-12 feet deeper over a 15-18 foot bottom and around heavy brush piles. Bluegill taking waxworms, mealworms or crickets. Look around docks at the marina or most of the lake around outer weed edges in 4-12 feet deep says Nutty. A few catfish being caught on nightcrawlers, cut shad or chicken livers.

Newton Lake
SOURCE: Ruth Rauch, Rauch’s Bait & Tackle, Newton (618-752-2151)
Things are beginning to pick up here says Rauch. Catfish biting on nightcrawlers and shrimp, with some anglers still trying stinkbaits. Bass biting but most on the small side. Crankbaits and plastics being used. Some trolling deep running crankbaits but Rauch expects bass to come in more shallow.

Rend Lake
SOURCE: Todd Gessner (618-513-0520); Bill Hudnall, Rend Lake Sporting Goods, Mount Vernon (618-242-2191)
Crappie and bass best here says Gessner. Crappie taking jigs or minnows. With cooler weather, more jigs will be used. Bass taking about anything shad colored, crankbaits, spinners.Look around rocks with deep diving crankbaits, shad colored, or 6-7 feet deep around old stumps in the middle of the lake says Hudnall. Some still picking up bluegill on crickets and red wigglers.

RIVERS

• Click here for water level information.

Illinois River
SOURCE: Carol Culjan at Cajun Sporting Goods in Utica (815-667-4222)
• Near Utica, striper biting good and plenty of smaller sauger being picked up says Cajun’s. Look anywhere around structure or drop offs. Jig and minnows good or blade baits. Crappie also biting on jigs. The picture above is from the Illinois Walleye Trail event last weekend, when sauger were biting well. Many were small. Frank Zator and Barry O’Flynn hand-lined upstream from Henry for six sauger weighing 12.94 pounds. Most of their fish came out of 9-11 feet of water. Big fish honors went to Robert Jones and Scott Anzulas with a 3.66 Sauger worth $260.
SOURCE: Baitshop Bob, Riverview Marine, Spring Valley (815-663-1000)
• Near Spring Valley, white bass biting toward the dam and sauger being caught up river.
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tim Presley, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193)
• Near Peoria, sauger biting on minnows and jigs says Keefer. River crappie biting along the tributaries, especially in Bath and Havana areas says Presley.
SOURCE: Paul Dinkheller, Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094)
• Near Havana, catfish best on cut baits says Dink’s.
SOURCE: Tom’s Bait Shop in Beardstown (217-323-BAIT)
• Near Beardstown, catfish slowing but anglers still catching them on shrimp or cheesebaits. Crappie biting good in the backwaters on jigs or minnows, mostly on minnows. Bass can also be found around the marina near stumps.

Kankakee River
SOURCE: Ed Mullady, Sportsman’s Letter (815-932-7285)
• From Indiana to Momence Mullady says smallmouth Bass good on spinners, top-water baits near shorelines, minnows. Catfishing good. Largemouth Bass fair on plastic worms, spinnerbaits, nightcrawlers and minnows.
• From Kankakee Dam to the state park, smallmouth bass good on top-water baits in slower pools, minnows, crankbaits, jig and twister tails and for fly-rod anglers on streamers, nymphs, small spinners and poppers. Rock bass good on worms, spinners and flies. Nick at the Kankakee River Trading Post reported weighing a recent catch by a local fisherman of a 17-pound catfish in the state park area.
• Near Wilmington, fishing is improving for smallmouth bass, catfish and walleye. Best from Wilmington Dam through end of Island Park.

Mississippi River
SOURCE: Iowa DNR
Mississippi River Pool 13
River level in Bellevue is 4.81 feet and is forecast to rise to 5.2 feet over the next week.  Water temperatures are in the mid 50s and water clarity is good.  Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish are still being caught around snags and wing dams on stink bait and cut baits.  Crappie - Fair: A few fish being caught off of brush piles in side channels and backwaters on small jigs or minnows.  Reports of fair fishing in Middle Sabula Lake, as well.  Sauger - Fair: Sauger are starting to move into the tail waters.  Sauger are coming on three-way rigs or jigs tipped with minnows.  The action should only get better as water temperatures drop.  Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are coming off of wing dams with good current on three-way rigs tipped with leeches or on crankbaits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Fish crawlers on the bottom in areas with moderate current.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The river level in Camanche is 9.50 feet and is forecast to rise to 9.8 feet over the next week.  Water temperatures are in the mid to high 50s and water clarity is fair.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are still biting on stink bait and cut shad.  Crappie - Fair: Crappie coming off of snags in side channels and backwaters on minnows or jigs.  Larger crappie are coming from deeper water (+6 feet).  Sauger - Fair: Sauger are starting to move into the tail waters.  Sauger are biting on three-way rigs and jigs tipped with minnows.  The action should only get better as the water temperature drops.  Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are coming off of the wing dams on three-way rigs tipped with leeches, jigs, or crankbaits.  With low water levels, target dams that have good current or focus on the tips of the dams.  A few are being caught in the tail waters by sauger anglers, too.

For information about fishing Pools 12 to 15 of the Mississippi River, call the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976.

Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.32 feet.  Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfishing has slowed down but some fish are being caught on night crawlers, shrimp, crawdads, and stink baits around wing dams and log piles.  White Bass - Fair: There have been some reports of white bass being caught in Sylvan Slough casting jigs and twisters or small crankbaits.  Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow.  Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing in the backwaters is starting to pick up. Some crappies are starting to be caught around the Andalusia Islands fishing brush piles with small minnows or tube jigs.  Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams by Credit Island on three-way rigs. Most of the fish have been caught towards the ends of the wing dams next to the main channel. Some fish are also being picked up on jigs and minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 17
River stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.13 feet.  Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfishing has slowed down but some fish are being caught on crawlers, dip baits, and chicken liver fished around wing dams and log piles.  White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in the backwaters fishing shallow water around brush.  Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Big Timber fishing around brush piles along the bank on minnows and tube jigs. Some crappies are also being caught in the Muscatine Harbor.  Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow.

Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 5.16 feet.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats are being caught on night crawler and shad fished above the wing dams and at the mouth of the Iowa River.  White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being picked up fishing jigs and small minnows around brush piles in the backwaters.  Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in shallow water around brush using small minnows or tube jigs.  Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams using three-way rigs. Some fish are also being caught on jigs and minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.43 feet.  Channel Catfish - Slow: Fishing for channel catfish has been slowing down. Some fish are being caught on night crawlers and cut shad fished above wing dams and log piles in the main channel or side channels.  White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill - No Report:  Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are starting to be caught around brush piles in the backwater areas on minnows.  Walleye fishing has been slow on the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pools 16 to 20: River levels have risen some due to recent rains and water clarity is fair. River levels are forecasted to slowly rise over the next few days. Main channel water temperature is around 57 to 59 degrees. For more information on fishing Pools 16 to 20 of the Mississippi River contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

Rock River
SOURCE: Jan Prose at TJ’s Bait/Tackle & Canoe Rental in Oregon (815-732-4516)
• Near Oregon, walleye are on a good run.
SOURCE: Ray and Irene Hays, Bunny’s Bait Shop, Dixon (815-288-3812)
• Near Dixon, things beginning to break though after a few slow weeks says Ray. Channel cats decent to good on cheesebaits. Flathead slow on chubs and bluegills. Nice size crappie being reported taking minnows by the dam. A few carp and sheephead biting, with carp takind dough balls or worms and sheephead taking worms. A few walleye biting but more expected in the area next week.
SOURCE: Guide Matt Jones (815-537-5506 or 815-590-1469 cell) and Doc at Kodiak Outdoor Sports in Dixon (815-284-3075)
• Out of Prophetstown Matt Jones reports that flathead fishing is just about done for the year. Water temps are down into the low 50’s and after this weekend, they will be in the 40’s and the flathead bite will be over. The good news is the channel cats are feeding like crazy. Cheese baits and shad are excellent choices still and the cats are not being shy when they hit it. A sure sign of the fall is when us catfisherman start hanging into these giant pesky walleyes.

Fall, in my opinion, is a great time to be a river fisherman.  Heck, I feel fall is a great time just to be outside, whether you are an angler or not.  What’s not to like - cool temps., no bugs buzzing about your head, beautiful foliage, very few other anglers (hunting season occupies many would be fisherman), and hungry, hard-charging bronzbacks makes this season, without a doubt, my favorite time to be on the water.  I just love how in the morning you need a jacket, but by noon, a short or long-sleeved shirt is in order. 

Or, how the morning’s coolness causes the surface of the river to emit a eerie fog signaling a water temperature decline.  I could go on and on about my fondness for the fall period, but one statement sums it up - fall is Illinois’ finest and shortest season!
 
When it comes to the riverine smallmouth bass, fall is a time of transition.  Of course, that transition is from the summer “boom” period, where food and water conditions were prime;  to the upcoming winter “swoon”, where food will be scarce and the river smallmouth bass’ energy levels are at yearly lows.  Luckily for the smallmouth stalkers, the river bass sense the oncoming rough, winter season and provide fishermen one last fall feeding foray.  In fact, for my money, fall is the number one time to tangle with a truly giant riverine bronzeback.  Most of my largest stream specimens have been caught during the month of October.  It really seems that fall smallies are much like a whitetail buck in rut in that they throw care to the wind and are just plain easier to find and capture. 
   
When I think of fall, I divide the season into three different time periods - early, mid, and late fall.  While these three divisions often overlap, there does seem to be a definite difference in the way the bass generally act in each fall subdivision.  For instance, what I term early fall (September) is usually marked by an inability to tell that fall has really begun.  Early fall is marked by continued warm weather during the daytime hours, but a gentle cooling effect at night. 

In the early fall smallmouth generally act the same way they did during the summer months.  One slight difference, when it comes to smallie locations, is the fact that the early fall period quite often finds smallmouths in shallower haunts chasing down finned forage (minnows).  Many trips during this time of the year will not find smallies hunkered in the holes but out “cruising”, looking for an easy mark.  These “cruising” escapades prove that riverine bronzebacks are still incredibly active during this time period.  Because of this I spend alot of time chasing river bronze with quick, flashy topwaters.  Buzzbaits, poppers, and walking baits are my favorites. 

Also, when the calendar reads September, I bulk up my baits.  Gone are the small buzzbaits and two and three inch walking baits, I prefer a bait that is at least 3.5 inches long and four inches or longer is not out of the question.  Included in this philosopy are my bottom baits (jigs) as well.  Throughout much of the year I utilize a small tube (2.75 inches), the four inch slider worm, and a few other various plastics that normally never measure longer than 3.5 inches long.  But in the fall, I like to throw larger plastics all the way up to five inches.  My belief is, one, the fish are actively searching out food in order to add weight for the oncoming winter, and, also, the bigger smallies are definitely on the prowl during this time period.  BIG BAIT = BIG FISH!  This old adage really is true when it comes to riverine brown fish - especially in the fall!
 
Mid-fall marks the initial movement and change in the bass’ overall behavior.  This period usually begins around the early to mid part of October and lasts as long as mother nature does not flip on the deep freeze switch.  By this time the water has cooled to around fifty-five to sixty degrees as a result of cold nights and cool daytime temps.  Quite often this period is marked by a good afternoon bite - better many times than the morning/evening bite.  Smallmouth locations during this time period can be perplexing. 

A cold mid-fall will push them into deeper water (wintering haunts) and slow their aggressiveness.  But many times a warm spell sandwiched in between colder temps will bring the smallmouths out of the deep for a late season snack.  Fishing during this period involves some searching and the search changes daily.  When it comes to mid-fall baits, the angler must be versatile.  If a warming trend is going on, or if the bass are just supercharged for some reason, then larger topwaters and big soft jerkbaits can clean up.  But if the fish are deep and sluggish, then many times using smaller jig and plastic combos are the only way to get a bite.  I must say that during this time period I am normally on the big fish hunt.  I have forgotten about catching numbers of smallmouths, but am fishing for that one late-season trophy. 

Because of this, I often keep with the motif of big bait equals big fish.  I am sure it probably hurts my success a little during this mid-fall time, but I am a gambler, much the same way a deer hunter passes on a nice doe and gambles that the big buck will move into range any second.

 
By late fall (end of October/early November) things have definitely changed.  Gone are those balmy fall days (in most cases).  Those days are quite often replaced with cool, rainy weather during the day, and down-right cold nights.  This is definitely a tough time for all those who love to chase riverine bronze.  The glory season has come to an end and winter is just around the bend.  Fishing can be tough to say the least.  Perseverance really pays off now!  In other words, the more time you can spend on the water casting, the better your chances of finding, patterning, and catching the bass. 

By now, water temps. are below 55 degrees and may be much colder depending on which flow you are fishing.  The smallmouth, as you probably have guessed, have moved into their wintering areas where deeper water and slower current speeds prevail.  The bass’ metabolism has slowed down, which, in turn, has made them feed less frequently.  Timing really starts to become important now.  Being on the right spot when the bass are feeding is tough but imperative. 

Speaking of timing, mid-day for me has always been the best time to be on the water during this late fall period.  Noon to three o’clock is usually prime.  Of course, any warming trends will tend to increase activity levels, but a common cold front will lock their jaws as well.  When it comes to late fall baits, I abandon the big bait - big fish mentality.  With fish activity levels so low it takes a smaller bait that can stay in the strike zone to elicit any postivie response from ol’ Mr. bronzeback. 

I prefer a small 1/32 to 1/8 ounce hair jig either fixed under a float (float n fly) or simply cast into a likely smallmouth lair and then slowly reeled back or dragged on the bottom.  In addition, small tubes and grubs can be effective as well.  Also, livebait can really save the day during these lean times.  Small minnows affixed on a jig and fished slowly on or near the bottom can ring the dinner bell when nothing artificial will.
 
In conclusion,  the maple tree is a great indicator of impending change.  The changing leaves mark an exciting, pleasant period here in Illinois we call fall.  For my money, nothing beats the fall season here in the Land of Lincoln.  Not only is the weather pleasant and the scenery breathtaking, but also the big, hard-charging river smallmouths put on the feedbags and, in many cases, throw care to wind and bite with a renewed gusto not seen since early spring.  If the outdoorsman can fight the urge to put away the rod and pick up the gun, he or she can be rewarded with some of the best angling of the year. 

Don’t be afraid to throw a few larger baits and remember as fall progresses, and the water temperature drops,  change your fishing tactics accordingly.
 
AS ALWAYS…................HAIL TO THE SMALLIE  

He has an 8-pound, 7-ounce largemouth bass and a 44-inch muskie hanging in the basement of his Peoria home. Zikus has also dabbled in deep-sea fishing and has a 62-inch king mackerel to his credit.

But none of those trophies battled as hard as the grass carp Zikus hooked last Saturday at the New Windsor Sportsmen Club southwest of Victoria. In fact, the carp Zikus released back into one of the larger New Windsor lakes may well have been a state and North American record, though we’ll never know for certain.

As is true of so many big-fish stories, Zikus had no intention of catching a monster. Instead he was bankfishing in a shallow bay for panfish, using a light rod and spinning reel and 10-pound test line.

“I don’t fish as often as I used to,” Zikus said. “Most of my old fishing buddies have gone. I just go now and then do a little fishing for bluegill and crappie.” That includes his long-time fishing partner the late Chuck Friday, who is pictured below with Zikus in 1971 with a stringer of bass caught from strip mines west of Canton.

After catching several panfish, Zikus hooked into something big. At first he thought a catfish had bit on the piece of worm he baited on a No. 8 hump-shanked panfish hook that was fished 3½ feet deep under a slip bobber.

“As it headed for deep water and rolled over, its shape and size showed it was more than a big catfish,” Zikus said. “For the next 20 minutes it was give and take as my drag was set just right.”

Eventually Zikus managed to bring the carp to a seawall surrounding the lake. There fishing partners John Ambrosch and Bob Hill of Peoria were waiting with landing nets.

“The first net only fit over the head and half of the fish’s length. When the second net was placed over the tail section the fish rocketed through the first net and took off for deep water again,” Zikus said.

In the process, the big carp broke his rod tip and nearly straightened the light hook. That left Zikus to fight the fish with a damaged rod and with line running through a net.

Even so, he managed to bring the carp back to the seawall, which stands 2 feet above water level. Zikus and Hill reached through the gill covers and Ambrosch grabbed the tail and they wrestled the fish to shore

“It was a gut buster for the three of us to get it up over the seawall and onto the ground,” Zikus said. “The scales that were left on the ground off of that fish looked like half dollars.”

The grass carp was 48 inches long and had a girth of 38 inches. Hill and a neighbor took pictures with cell-phone cameras. Unfortunately, that’s where the photos remain.

“I’m hoping we can get one printed,” Zikus said.

Doubt also surrounds the exact weight of the fish, since Zikus and friends did not have a scale. Based on length and girth measurements, there’s a good
chance Zikus’ catch was heavier than the state record of 69 pounds, 8 ounces caught by Daniel McDougall out of Lake Petersburg in 2000.

McDougall’s grass carp — also caught on a nightcrawler — was 52 inches long but had a girth of only 32 inches. Based on various fish weight calculators available on the Internet, Zikus’ fish likely weighs from 77 to 86.6 pounds.

At that weight, the fish might even rival the North American record of 78 pounds, 12 ounces caught in 2003 out of Georgia’s Flint River.

Then again, those same calculators estimate McDougall’s fish at 72 to 84 pounds. That’s why a fish must be weighed on a certified scale to be declared a record.

No matter the weight, there’s no disputing the fish was huge. “It was two-thirds the size of my body,” Zikus said.

Grass carp, or white amur as they are also known, are a non-native species brought to the U.S. from eastern China and Siberia to control aquatic vegetation in lakes and ponds.

I’ve never met anyone who offered up a grass carp recipe. Nor has Zikus. That’s one reason he didn’t hesitate to release the fish. In hindsight, Zikus has some regret about that decision. But not much.

“I wasn’t even thinking about a record and I had no use for it. We weren’t going to eat a grass carp,” he said. “Besides, the only thing a guy can accomplish from that is bragging rights.

“But it was an experience. I’ll tell you that.”

Give us our choice of anywhere to fish in Illinois right now and we’d pick…

• Kinkaid Lake for largemouth bass.
•Snagging for salmon on Chicago’s lakefront. No, the action isn’t great yet, but snagging is fun and salmon sure eat better than Asian carp.
• Walleye on the Fox Chain O’ Lakes.
• Muskie fishing at McMaster Lake (Snakeden Hollow), Kinkaid Lake, Fox Chain O’Lakes or just about anywhere else the toothy rascals are swimming.
• Saugeye at Charleston side-channel lake.

WALL HANGERS

• Brad Remington (pictured below) caught and released this big tiger muskie at Apple Canyon lake on Monday while fishing a jointed X-Rap in 15 feet of water over weedbeds. Remington estimated the fish weighed in the high 20s in pounds.

• Jake Calvin caught this 10-pound, 29-inch striped bass on Sept. 24 bass near Chillicothe along the Illinois River while fishing a Panther Martin lure.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS North of Interstate 80

Fox Chain O’ Lakes
SOURCE: Greg Dickson, Triangle Sports & Marine, Antioch (1-847-395-0813).
Walleye are excellent on fathead minnows and Lindy rigs says Triangle. Some fish reported on crankbaits. Good sizes being caught. Crappie are starting to improve but are still spotty. Best results are in the mouths of coves. Fish are still deeper. Bluegill are good and moving shallow. Muskie are active. Try bucktails. Target windy shores for white bass.
• Click here to check updates on no-wake status and water levels or call 847-587-8540 .

Lake Michigan
SOURCES: Henry’s (312-225-8538), Vet’s (773-734-6720) and Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• On the Chicago lakefront snagging season opens today for chinook and coho salmon at the following locations: inner and outer harbors at Jackson Park, Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon, Winnetka power plant discharge area and Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only). No snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted. Snagging season ends Dec. 31. In other action, Dale Bowman reports that salmon have been spotty while boaters were catching 2- and 3-year-old kings and lake trout in 120-150 feet of water.
SOURCE: The Salmon Stop (847-244-2525 or fishing hotline 847-244-9876)
• Near Waukegan, shore anglers have been catching king salmon, brown trout and steelhead off the government pier says Salmon Stop. Nice fish out of the harbor include the 17.4-pound king (pictured below) caught by Ben Mikrut during the Salmon Unlimited Kids Shore Fishing Derby last Saturday. Mikrut is shown with his son Nicholas, 8, and earned Fish of the Week honors from the Chicago Sun-Times.
SOURCE: Mik-Lurch (219-989-0575)
• Near Indiana salmon are biting well in deeper water and trollers are also catching fishing at Burns Ditch says Mik-Lurch. Creek anglers are catching cohos, steelhead and chinook salmon.

Shabbona Lake
SOURCES: Guide Jay Angel (815-739-7030) and Denny Sands, Shabbona Lakeside Bait & Tackle, Shabbona (815-824-2581).
Crappie fishing is fair with most of the fish being caught over deeper brushpiles using minnows under bobbers says Guide Jay Angel. You need to have the minnow just ticking the top of the brush in order to catch fish. Water temperatures are in the high 60s. The larger crappies were caught over the rockpiles on the roadbed using minnows. This time of the year you need to move around a bit in order to put numbers of fish in the boat
• Park hours November to January 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; February to March 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; May to October 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
•Click here for a Shabbona Lake fishing forum

NORTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 80 and North of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36

Anderson Lake
SOURCE: Site manager Ed Oest (309-759-4484)
The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 23. After that bankfishing only will be allowed.

Banner Marsh
SOURCE: Adam Jaegle, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
The lakes are producing some nice catches of big white crappie, but numbers are not there yet says Merle Keefer. Bass are fair and bass anglers report muskie are active and following baits. The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 17. After that bankfishing only is allowed. And starting Oct. 31, bankfishing will only be allowed after 1 p.m.

Lake Bloomington
SOURCE: Larry Dozard
Crappie are fair but many small fish are being caught on jigs and minnows around brush or timber says Dozard. Bass are fair on plastics, jigs and spinnerbaits along points. Walleye were slow last weekend, with best results along points and breaks at about 9-12 feet of water.

Braidwood Lake
SOURCE: Del Colvin, Bert’s Bait, Essex (815-365-2103); Jon Meder, Jon’s Bait & Tackle, South Wilmington (815-237-2822)
Last day of fishing is Oct. 13.

Clinton Lake
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730); Clinton Bait and Tackle, (217-935-3851)
Nice eater-sized channel catfish are biting all over the lake. Some crappie, though they are spotty. White bass are decent says Lowe. Bass are fair to slow says Larry Dozard, with best results on plastics and crankbaits off points at coves. He rated crappie as fair to slow on jigs and minnows and just coming into the shallow timber. The easterly area of Clinton Lake between the DeWitt and the 48 bridges is closed from mid-October through March 31.

Emiquon Preserve
SOURCE: Paul Dinkheller, Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); The Nature Conservancy (309-547-2730)
Fishing remains very good for bass, with best action along the sides of the old ditches in 6-8 feet of water. Crankbaits are working very well and white or silver are good colors. Rat-L-Traps are also good and fish will take plastics. Water clarity is improving and weeds are starting to die back. Most bass are still ranging 12-15 inches. Merle Keefer reports good catches of bluegill in deeper water. Some crappie also reported, though action has slowed for them. Anglers must obtain a free permit at Dickson Mounds Museum (open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) before fishing here.

Evergreen Lake
SOURCE: Brad Wood, operations supervisor, (309-726-2022) or Larry Dozard
The report is similar to last week, with crappie doing well on tube jigs and minnows says Wood. Several keepers being caught, with a lot of sorting. Fish still seem to be holding in 10-15 feet of water around brush. Saugeye are really turning on. Many reports of Saugeye in the 10- to 16-inch range. Anglers reporting catches around the Pump House, point by the Boat Rental/Bait Shop, and other main points around the lake. Saugeye are being caught on crawlers, minnows, and gulp artificial minnows. Bass reports have been pretty good lately. One angler reported he and another caught about 20 in an outing, with a couple of them being keepers. Another gentleman caught a 20-inch lunker on buzz bait. Many anglers have been out trying their luck with the muskies lately with the cooler weather. Many follows and a few being caught. A 42-inch muskie was caught last week by a gentleman crappie fishing. Haven’t heard too many reports on how the Catfishing has been in the last week. Bluegill continue to be caught with very little size to them, mostly on wax worms and crawler pieces. Water clarity is 1-2 feet and water level is about 3 feet down with temperatures in the 70s. Bowfishing is closed on Evergreen Lake from October 1 through January 17. Also, the north and east sides around Deer Island and all of Six Mile Creek Bay are off limits to gas motors from Oct. 15 to Jan. 1. Trolling motors only will be permitted in this area.
• Click here for up-to-date lake reports.

Heidecke Lake
SOURCE: Don Stephens, Greybeards (815-941-1504); Guide Mike Lynch (708-655-7667); Guide Greg Heath (815-258-9136)
The last day of fishing is Oct. 6.

LaSalle Lake
SOURCE:Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times; Guide Mike Lynch (708-655-7667)
Last day of fishing is Oct. 15. In October, lake is open Wednesdays through Sundays.
• Click here for a LaSalle Lake fishing forum.

Mazonia Lakes
SOURCE: Del Colvin, Bert’s Bait, Essex (815-365-2103)
Last day of fishing is Oct. 13. Monster Lake at Mazonia South stays open year round.

Powerton Lake
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
Good reports on largemouth bass in the past week, but very few reports on smallmouth bass says Keefer. Channel catfish are biting well. The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 23. The last day to bank fish at Powerton is Oct. 30. Bankfishing will reopen Dec. 28 and boat fishing reopens Feb. 15.

Snakeden Hollow SFWA
SOURCE: Victoria Tackle Shop (309-879-2664)
The last day for fishing is Oct. 18.

Spring Lake
SOURCES: Troy Galvin, Galvin’s Spring Lake Market (309-267-6538) and Larry Karnes, Larry’s Restaurant and Family Bar, Manito (309-968-9500)
Anglers are starting to catch some crappie on the south end. No great big ones but they are starting. The bass are picking up some on the south end. Better than they were. The north end has been more consistent. Very few bluegill reported, though. Channel catfish have backed off some too, thought that might be due to fewer anglers being out. The last day to fish from a boat in the hunting zone here is Oct. 23. Starting Oct. 31, bankfishing is closed until 1 p.m. daily in the hunting zone. Boats are allowed north of Maple Island and in the Pike Hole, though the Pike Hole is open to small, portable boats only.

Lake Storey
SOURCE: Al Hayden, Al’s Sporting Goods, Galesburg (309-342-7776)
The lake has been dropped pretty low and clarity has improved some. Crappie are still biting and a few walleye have been reported of late. Crappie are on jigs and minnows both, some jigs tipped with waxworms and fish are fairly shallow. Walleye are hitting crankbaits fished by bass anglers and on minnows. Bass are just so-so. No reports of big muskie. Bluegill are fair but mostly smaller.

Strip Mines
(Fulton, Knox, Peoria and Stark counties)
SOURCE: Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); and Larry Dozard; Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
Crankbaits and spinnerbaits (on windy days) are producing some nice bass as they feed up for fall. Sizes have been better in the past week with some up to 8 pounds reported. Bluegill are fair to good but are running small in many lakes. Bigger bluegill are still in deeper water. Crappie have slowed some but anglers are still catching a few here and there on minnows. The bite should rebound soon.

SOUTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36 and North of Interstate 70

Charleston Side Channel Lake
SOURCE: Rick Cuddy, Prairie Outfitters, Charleston (217-348-6770)
Saugeye have turned on here on Rat-L-Traps, quarter-ounce to half-ounce chrome sided are best. A 26-incher was caught the other day that weighed about 6 pounds. Crappie are also better on white-colored twister tails and some live bait. Catfish are also good on nightcrawlers. The cooler weather has helped out.

Lake Decatur
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730)
It has been poor all year even for white bass. They are starting to catch some crappie, with a few reports of a good day last Saturday. Fish are moving shallower. Most anglers are still going below the dams for catfish, white bass, hybrid stripers and crappie. Top-waters will catch plenty.

Lake Jacksonville
SOURCE: Tom Holmes, Military Surplus Outlet, Jacksonville (217-243-6161) and Lake Jacksonville Campground (217-479-4646)
Bass fishing was slow last weekend during an Illini Lunker Hunters bass club tournament when Bill Steele of Mapleton managed just five bass of 10.79 pounds as the winning weight and the big fish was a 3.49-pounder caught by Ryan Maddox. Lake closed for fishing Oct. 18.

Mill Creek Lake
SOURCE: Dennis Shiley, Mill Creek Lake Park (217-889-3901)
Crappie are good. Bass remain elusive as they have been for much of this year. Channel catfish are still good.

Lake Shelbyville
SOURCE: Guide Ken Wilson (217-774-5756 or 217-454-2672) at Lithia Springs Guide Service; Margie Oliver, Marv and Kathy’s Bait & Tackle, Sullivan (217-728-4044); Guide Steve Welch (217) 762-7257 or (217) 840-1221
White bass and crappie are good and anglers have also been picking up walleye on occasion. Crappie have moved shallow into the trees big-time. Joanne Lowe says this is one of the best years at the lake in a long time. Dozard says bass are fair on plastics, crankbaits and jigs on points or near deep structure. Walleye are fair to slow on jigs and crankbaits with some on spoons along breaks off wind-blown flats or points.
• For a daily report on Lake Shelbyville call (217-774-2020).

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS South of Interstate 70

Carlyle Lake
SOURCE: Buddy Langenhorst, Lavish’s Bait Shop , Carlyle (618-594-4413); Henkel’s (618-594-4818)
Catfish and white bass are very good says Henkel’s. Cats taking cheesebaits or nightcrawlers from the banks or shrimp, cut bait drifting. White bass moving into the rocks, with early morning and late afternoon best. Crappie good. In the spillway, white bass and catfish also very good. Whites taking a combination of curly tails. Cats taking cheesebaits. Crappie and sauger both fair in the spillway.
• For the latest water level information call (618-594-4637).

Cedar Lake
SOURCE: Ron Reed, Cooksey’s Bait, Marion (618-993-3366); Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354); Kyle Garner, Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville (618-985-8277)
Crappie are good in 6-12 feet of water on the edge of grass on blue and white, red and white, orange and chartreuse and pink and chartreuse. Fish are also coming off weedbeds and flooded treetops. Dorothy Simkins caught a 3-pound, 4-ounce crappie out of the lake back on Sept. 9.

Crab Orchard Lake
SOURCE: Ron Reed, Cooksey’s Bait, Marion (618-993-3366); Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354); Kyle Garner, Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville (618-985-8277)
Crappie are fair but there are fewer anglers out says Reed. The fish at Crab are in brushpiles in 6-8 feet of water on orange and chartreuse tube jigs. The west end of the lake has been good, with the dam area very good. The refuge has closed to fishing as of Oct. 1, so catfishing has slowed. That’s one of the prime areas for catfish.

Lake of Egypt
SOURCE: Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354)
Crappie have picked up at Lake of Egypt says Reed.

Kinkaid Lake
SOURCE: Janet Graeff, Top of the Hill Bait Shop, Murphysboro (618-684-2923); Guide Al Nutty (618-694-4897)
Muskie had been good but the recent cool front slowed things some says Al Nutty. Fish had been good on bucktails, also shallow crankbaits like the SS Shad were producing. A 49.5-incher was caught three days ago by Jeff Hodges from Springfield Mo. A 50.5-incher was reportedly caught two weeks ago by Ray Simms, father of Colby Simms. Largemouth bass have been good on deep-diving crankbaits off main-lake points and Carolina rigs. The better fish have still been in the 10-14 foot range, occasionally shallow. Walleye have been fair in 14-18 feet of water, and trolling diving-crankbaits has been the best method. Bottom bouncing a crawler will also work. Crappie are good and starting to head up some, but still best in 10-16 feet deep around heavy brushpiles on minnows. Catfish remain good. There’s word of a few flatheads being caught.

Newton Lake
SOURCE: Ruth Rauch, Rauch’s Bait & Tackle, Newton (618-752-2151)
Bass are fair on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and on baits being trolled.

Rend Lake
SOURCE: Todd Gessner (618-513-0520); Bill Hudnall, Rend Lake Sporting Goods, Mount Vernon (618-242-2191)
Report here

RIVERS

• Click here for water level information.

Des Plaines River
SOURCE:Andrew Ragas
The fishing is now starting to get a lot better on the Des Plaines River and its main tributaries. Last week, the rainfall came, this week the fish started moving again, and the cooling off in weather and water temperatures is finally signaling a good period of change for both, fish and the fisherman. Pike and Bass are providing anglers with the most consistent catches throughout the wooded forest preserves in Lake, Cook, and Will counties. Time of day does not appear to be a factor but rather location and presentation. Pike up to 30″ (long but skinny) are responding well to smaller bucktails, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, jig and big plastics, and roaches worked through mid-river pools and shoreline cover such as wood and weedbeds. Most fish averaging around “action size” up to 25 inches, and white/silver seems to be the hot color of late. Likewise, Largemouth Bass are relating to similar areas as the Pike, but are being more frequently found in slackwater areas and deeper pools. Swimbaits, white/gold or chartreuse Spinnerbaits, minnowbaits, and anything resembling the forage species of fish are providing anglers with the best results. Lastly, Walleyes and Sauger will be soon to follow. It’s still not their time as water temperatures are in the 65-70 degree range and few reports have been coming in with not many trying either. Give it at least another week before things become more predictable. As for the creeks and tributaries, with Salt Creek being one notable to name, Northern Pike are quite active in the Cook and DuPage co. preserves. Use thin wire leaders with your offerings, because I had three quick bite-offs on an assortment of jig & plastics in a span of 15-minutes of fishing over the weekend. Two of them appeared to have size. Water levels are safe for wading, and temperatures are dropping at an almost-daily rate. As a result, the fish are responding.
• Click here for a Des Plaines River fishing forum.

Illinois River
SOURCE: Carol Culjan at Cajun Sporting Goods in Utica (815-667-4222)
• Near Utica sauger are better and the jig bite is also improving says Darrell “Buster” Culjan. Best results have been reported by those pulling three-ways or jigging in 8-10 feet of water along channels. Overall the river is low and clarity is good. White bass are good when there is water flowing through the dam, slow when the plant is not generting power. Blade baits are still the ticket. Cooler weather should improve the white bass bite.
SOURCE: Baitshop Bob, Riverview Marine, Spring Valley (815-663-1000)
• Near Spring Valley, last Saturday’s white bass tournament had 11 pounds for 10 fish as the top weight. Sunday the Chicago walleye tournament out of Spring Valley took 12 pounds to win. So sauger are still good. The bigger fish are from Hennepin and on down. Water should help the white bass bite. There are good numbers of 11-12-13 inch crappie from around the pilings. Trolling live bait is working for catfish, which are still biting.
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tim Presley, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193)
• Near Peoria and downstream toward Havana Keefer reports largemouth bass are biting well. Channel catfish have slowed some this week but should pick back up on flats and along channel edges. A frustrating season of snagging at Peoria Lock and Dam winds to a close with few large fish being snagged according to “Photo Joe” Egli. “It’s been simply terrible. I have not seen fins up near the dam yet this year.” Pictured below is Kurt Karnes with a 16-pounder Egli snagged last Wednesday from the rocks on the Peoria side.

Kankakee River
SOURCE: Ed Mullady, Sportsman’s Letter (815-932-7285)
• From Indiana to Momence, Mullady says largemouth bass are good on plastic worms, Mepps No. 3 Spinners, imitation crawfish, jointed lures, nightcrawlers and top-water baits. Smallmouth bass are good on chug bugs, imitation crawfish and spinners, Walleye are fair on jig and minnows, crankbaits and Rattlin’ Rogues.
• Near Kankakee from the dam through Sawmill Creek, walleye are fair on crankbaits, jointed minnow-shaped lures, Rattlin’ Rogues and jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on cheesebaits, minnows and chicken liver. Smallmouth bass are good on chug bugs, Mr. Twister weighted keeper hooks and twister tails, minnows and imitation crayfish.
• Near the Kankakee River State Park smallmouth bass are good in pools around islands, rock riffles, creek mouths on chug bugs, weighted keeper hooks and double twister tails, Mepps No. 2 or 3 spinners. Fly fishermen are doing best on nymphs, streamer flies and poppers.
• Near Wilmington walleye are fair on jigs and minnows, minnow-shaped baits and jigs and crawlers. Smallies are good on spinners, minnows, jigs and twister tails and Rattlin Rogues.

Mississippi River
SOURCE: Iowa DNR
Mississippi River Pool 13
River level in Bellevue is 3.56 feet and is forecast to remain stable over the next week.  Water temperature is in the low 60s and water clarity is good.  Crappie - Fair: A few fish being caught off of brush piles in side channels and backwaters on small jigs or minnows.  Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are coming off of wing dams with good current on three-way rigs tipped with leeches or on crankbaits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Fish crawlers on the bottom in areas with moderate current.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The river level in Camanche is 8.82 feet and is forecast to remain stable over the next week.  Water temperature is in the low 60s and water clarity is fair.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are still biting, but have slowed compared to last week.  Crappie - Slow: A few crappies coming off of snags in side channels and backwaters on minnows or jigs.  Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are coming off of the wing dams on three-way rigs tipped with leeches, jigs, or crankbaits.  With low water levels, target dams that have good current or focus on the tips of the dams.

For information about fishing Pools 12 - 15 of the Mississippi River, call the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976.

Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 4.06 feet.  Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfishing has slowed down but some fish are being caught on night crawlers, shrimp, crawdads, and stink baits around wing dams and log piles.  White Bass - Slow:  Bluegill fishing has been slow.  Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing in the backwaters is starting to pick up. Some crappies are starting to be caught around the Andalusia Islands fishing brush piles with small minnows or tube jigs.  Walleye fishing has been slow but a few fish are being caught on wing dams using three-way rigs tipped with half a night crawler or a leech. Some fish are also being caught casting crankbaits on the wing dams. With the low flow, look for wing dams with deeper water and fish more towards the tip of the dam.

Mississippi River Pool 17
River stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.30 feet.  Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfishing has slowed down but some fish are being caught on crawlers, dip baits, and chicken liver fished around wing dams and log piles.  White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill fishing in the backwaters has been slow.  Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Big Timber fishing around brush piles along the bank on minnows. Some crappies are also being caught in the Muscatine Harbor.  Walleye fishing has been slow but some fish are being caught on the wing dams using three-way rigs tipped with half a night crawler or leech. Some fish are also being caught casting crankbaits to the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 3.84 feet.  Fishing for channel catfish is slowing down. Some fish are being caught on night crawlers, cut shad, dip baits, and chicken liver fished above wing dams and around log piles in the main channel or side channels.  White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being picked up fishing jigs and small minnows around brush piles in the backwaters.  Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught on jigs and small minnows fished around brush piles in the backwaters.  Walleye fishing on the wing dams has been slow.

Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.67 feet.  Fishing for channel catfish has been slowing down. Some fish are being caught on night crawlers, cut shad, dip baits, and chicken liver fished above wing dams and log piles in the main channel or side channels.  White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill - No Report:  Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are starting to be caught around brush piles in the backwater areas on minnows.  Walleye fishing has been slow on the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pools 16-20: River levels are low so take caution when boating. Main channel water temperature is around 65-66 degrees. For more information on fishing Pools 16-20 of the Mississippi River contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

Rock River
SOURCE: Jan Prose at TJ’s Bait/Tackle & Canoe Rental in Oregon (815-732-4516)
• Near Oregon walleye have been good with a few 5-pounders caught last week and the 6-12, 27-incher pictured above, caught by Holly of Rochelle. She caught her fish at the dam on the west side of the river at mid-day. Black jigs and twister tails are good. Tip them with a minnow. Rooster tails and countdown Rapalas are also working well. There have been some nice catfish on worms lately. Flatheads are good on big suckers, particularly north of the dam.
SOURCE: Guide Matt Jones (815-537-5506 or 815-590-1469 cell) and Doc at Kodiak Outdoor Sports in Dixon (815-284-3075)
• Elsewhere, Jones said flatheads are starting to winter up and channel cats keep hitting on cheesebaits and cut shad. Pictured below is Catfish Academy member Dan Raney with a flathead that went well over 40 pounds and was released back into the Rock.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Monday that because the young of the two relatives look alike, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to declare the shovelnose a threatened species in areas where both exist - the Mississippi River downstream from Alton, Ill., and the Missouri River from Montana to the Mississippi.

The service will accept public comment on the proposal until Nov. 23.

The plan could be problematic for commercial fishermen who sell the shovelnose sturgeon because their eggs can be made into caviar. The newspaper said Missouri has about 260 commercial fishermen, and Illinois has about 1,200.

Commercial harvest of shovelnose sturgeon is on the rise in the Mississippi. The Fish and Wildlife Service said 6,600 pounds were harvested in 1995; 23,000 pounds were harvested in 2007. The river is the world’s most abundant fishery for the shovelnose, according to Rob Maher, commercial fisheries biologist for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Demand for domestic roe, or eggs, rose as European fisheries became nearly depleted about a decade ago.

Commercial fishing of shovelnose is “a lucrative business for a very few people,” Dave Herzog, a resource specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, told the Post-Dispatch. The state issued 18 licenses for harvest of shovelnose roe last year, he said.

The Endangered Species Act allows for protection of a species if its appearance is so similar to a protected species that enforcing the law is difficult.

Adult pallid and shovelnose sturgeon don’t look that similar - the pallid can live for more than 40 years and weigh up to 65 pounds, while shovelnose live about 20 years and rarely exceed 5 pou nds.

But the young of both sturgeon look alike. Shovelnose are believed to outnumber pallid 80-to-1.

Commercial fishing of sturgeon is substantial along the Mississippi from Wisconsin to Tennessee, and on parts of the Ohio and Wabash rivers, the Post-Dispatch said.

Maher wonders if the federal action is really necessary because commercial fishermen already must attend certification classes and prove they can distinguish between the sturgeon. Strong penalties exist for fishermen who harvest pallid sturgeon, including loss of eligibility for a state permit for three years, as well as federal penalties.

“There’s a lot at stake,” Maher said. “These guys are making pretty good money, and it would be foolish for them to jeopardize that.”

But Jim Garvey, director of the Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, has studied the sturgeon and believes the numbers of both types have dropped sharply as fishing has increased.

He believes poaching of pallid sturgeon is rare.

“I think most people are honest and conscientious,” Garvey said. “There are a few people who aren’t and they make it more difficult for everyone.”

She was fishing on the Illinois side along the Kentucky border.

Give us our choice of anywhere to fish in Illinois right now and we’d pick…

• The Illinois River for sauger.
• The Emiquon Preserve for bass and bluegill.
• Kinkaid Lake for muskie, with honorable mention to Lake Shelbyville and Shabbona Lake.
• Crappie at Lake Lou Yaeger, Lake Sara, Evergreen Lake and Lake Shelbyville.
&bull: Channel catfish at Carlyle Lake, Rend Lake or Lake Springfield.

WALL HANGERS

• Mike Reed of Pekin (below) caught a 7.4-pound largemouth bass Sunday during a Peoria Park Anglers tournament at Schuy-Rush Lake. He was fishing a jig in the grass and combined with brother Darin Reed for six plump bass weighing 24.4 pounds to win the tourney.

• A 47-inch muskie was reported at Shabbona Lake, two over 49 inches came out of Kinkaid Lake and John Forsyth caught the 39.5-incher pictured below.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS North of Interstate 80

Apple Canyon Lake
SOURCE: Tom Calam, Tom’s Bait & Tackle, Freeport (815-232-3337)
Real good weekend here, with anglers finding bluegill and crappie. Waxies, minnows, little jigs all being used.

Lake Carroll
SOURCE: Tom Calam, Tom’s Bait & Tackle, Freeport (815-232-3337).
Fishing turning on this past weekend. Anglers trolling for walleye. Crappie, bluegills, smallmouth bass all hitting good says Calam.

Fox Chain O’ Lakes
SOURCE: Greg Dickson, Triangle Sports & Marine, Antioch (1-847-395-0813).
Bass good here along the weedlines says Triangle. Bluegill, panfish biting along the weed edges in 4-14 feet of water. Some are suspended, others on the bottom. Walleye are on the move in the river and by bridges. Some white bass biting in the river. Anglers looking for muskie. Says Bowman: “Largemouth are decent on edges of weeds and points with tubes, jigs or plastic worms. Muskie are starting, mainly deeper. Panfish are shallow. If you find current (Route 12 bridge for instance), you can find walleye.”
• Click here to check updates on no-wake status and water levels or call 847-587-8540 .

Lake Michigan
SOURCES: Henry’s (312-225-8538), Vet’s (773-734-6720) and Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• On the Chicago lakefront salmon and steelhead fishing is sporadic around the lakefront, but some are being picked up around the harbors such as Montrose, Diversey and Burnham. Glow-in-the-dark spoons are good, as is anything that is reflective during the day. Bass also spotty in areas around weedbeds. Perch can be found by boaters in about 30-60 feet of water.
SOURCE: The Salmon Stop (847-244-2525 or fishing hotline 847-244-9876)
• Near Waukegan Salmon Stop reported some kings (most are silver) on spoons off south rocks and the government pier or steelhead on shrimp on a bobber. Boaters can hug the shore for kings and trout, but better fish are far deeper, as far out as 220 feet.
SOURCE: Mik-Lurch (219-989-0575)
• Near Indiana, recent rains and northeast winds slowing things down here. Boaters are picking up a few kings trolling when they can get out. Along the shoreline, perch hit and miss around piers in Michigan City.

Shabbona Lake
SOURCES: Guide Jay Angel (815-739-7030) and Denny Sands, Shabbona Lakeside Bait & Tackle, Shabbona (815-824-2581).
A weekend muskie tournament produced 10 muskie, seven that were reported in the tournament. Bass have been cashing schools of shad and biting on crankbaits or Rat-L-Traps. Catfish are taking chicken livers. Bluegills are biting on leafworms and crappie are still on their cribs biting on minnows. A 47-inch muskie was caught here Tuesday. Overall fishing very good says Denny Sands.
• Park hours November to January 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; February to March 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; May to October 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
•Click here for a Shabbona Lake fishing forum

Wolf Lake
SOURCE: Mik-Lurch (219-989-0575)
Anglers are trolling for walleye after dark here. A few crappie have started to bite at the Maze O Channel.

NORTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 80 and North of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36

Anderson Lake
SOURCE: Site manager Ed Oest (309-759-4484)
Trotliners are doing fairl well for catfish says Oest. Few anglers fishing for bluegill. The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 23. After that bankfishing only will be allowed.

Banner Marsh
SOURCE: Adam Jaegle, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
A few crappie are starting to bite and fish have been ranging up to 14 inches says Grider. Not good numbers, but some nice sizes. Fish are still scattered and have been best early in the morning. Trolling has been working best. The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 17. After that bankfishing only is allowed. And starting Oct. 31, bankfishing will only be allowed after 1 p.m.

Lake Bloomington
SOURCE: Larry Dozard
Crappie are fair around brush and timber and bass are fair on plastics and spinnerbaits fished off shallow points and around wood says Dozard. Walleye were slow to fair on live-bait rigs along breaks.

Braidwood Lake
SOURCE: Del Colvin, Bert’s Bait, Essex (815-365-2103); Jon Meder, Jon’s Bait & Tackle, South Wilmington (815-237-2822)
Bass bite OK says Colvin. Anglers finding bass using rubber worms, with purple or red colors working. Last day of fishing is Oct. 13.

Clinton Lake
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730); Clinton Bait and Tackle, (217-935-3851)
Anglers drifting for channel cats using shrimp or shad. Not many big fish. A few crappie biting shallow on minnows and jigs. White bass taking rooster tails, curly tails or tubes. Clinton anglers Ted Teed caught a 23-pound flathead cat Saturday using shad. The easterly area of Clinton Lake between the DeWitt and the 48 bridges is closed from mid-October through March 31.

Dawson Lake
SOURCE: Leon and Judy Gibson, Moraine View Concession (309-724-8295)
The catfish bite is going good here on chicken livers, shrimp or stinkbaits says Leon. Crappie beginning to be caught in shaded areas around the boat dock on crappie jigs. Walleye and bass both fair on jigs. Concession stand closes Oct. 19 and re-opens Nov. 4.

Emiquon Preserve
SOURCE: Paul Dinkheller, Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); The Nature Conservancy (309-547-2730)
Here’s the broken record report: Bass are excellent. White crankbaits. Spinnerbaits. Jigs. Rat-L-Traps. Those are probably the best bet right now but just about anything is catching bass. Dan Cahill of Chicago (below) visited Emiquon last week and had “the best bass fishing day of our lives. We counted 200 fish between the two of us.” Click here to see his full report. The Farmer was out last weekend and also had an excellent trip and caught many more fish from 15-17 inches long. Of interest is that bluegill and pumpkinseeds are biting better. Merle Keefer at Pekin Bass and Bow has heard of several nice-sized bluegills caught on tube jigs tipped with waxworms. You still have to weed through bass, but the panfish bite is much better. Anglers must obtain a free permit at Dickson Mounds Museum (open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) before fishing here.

Evergreen Lake
SOURCE: Brad Wood, operations supervisor, (309-726-2022) or Larry Dozard
Crappie are biting well with the cooler weather says Wood. Some are shallow but most are still in 10-15 feet of water. There were several reports of saugeye (12-16 inches) caught on crawlers off points this past weekend. Catfish in the past week have been hitting crawlers and chicken liver. Bluegill are good on small pieces of crawler or waxworms along weed edges and rip-rap. A 43-inch muskie was caught last week and there have been numerous reports of muskie follows. Water is in the low 70s and clarity is 1-2 feet. Bowfishing is closed on Evergreen Lake from October 1 through January 17. Also, the north and east sides around Deer Island and all of Six Mile Creek Bay are off limits to gas motors from Oct. 15 to Jan. 1. Trolling motors only will be permitted in this area.
• Click here for up-to-date lake reports.

Heidecke Lake
SOURCE: Don Stephens, Greybeards (815-941-1504); Guide Mike Lynch (708-655-7667); Guide Greg Heath (815-258-9136)
Fishing is picking up a little here says Greybeards. A few walleye biting on nightcrawlers. Catfish taking stinkbaits and crawlers. A few smallmouth and white bass but mostly drum also being caught says guide Greg Heath. A variety of baits used by Heath including jerk baits, deep diving crankbaits, swim baits, jigs, grubs, twister tails. Drum caught using Rat-L-Traps. Water temps at 73 degrees Tuesday. The last day of fishing is Oct. 6.

Hennepin Canal
SOURCE: Ann Downey, Northside Bait & Archery, Kewanee (309-852-4760)
Catfish best here, with stinkbaits working says Downey.

LaSalle Lake
SOURCE:Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times; Guide Mike Lynch (708-655-7667)
Last day of fishing is Oct. 15. In October, lake is open Wednesdays through Sundays.
• Click here for a LaSalle Lake fishing forum.

Mazonia Lakes
SOURCE: Del Colvin, Bert’s Bait, Essex (815-365-2103)
Crappie moving up here says Colvin. Last day of fishing is Oct. 13. Monster Lake at Mazonia South stays open year round.

Powerton Lake
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
The lake was closed Sept. 21-23 for levee repairs and maintenance and reopens today at 6 a.m. so there is not much to report yet. Last Saturday an angler caught and released a 31-pound blue cat. He was fishing with live bluegill. Extra-large shiners are also working well. The last day to fish from a boat here is Oct. 23. The last day to bank fish at Powerton is Oct. 30. Bankfishing will reopen Dec. 28 and boat fishing reopens Feb. 15.

Snakeden Hollow SFWA
SOURCE: Victoria Tackle Shop (309-879-2664)
Catfish are biting in the big lake and walk-ins. Crappie have been fair on the west-side walk-ins. Muskie are active and this should be a good week to catch a big one. Walleye are also improving. The last day for fishing is Oct. 18. Victoria Tackle Shop will also be closing that day and, barring a new buyer, will likely remain closed thereafter.

Spring Lake
SOURCES: Troy Galvin, Galvin’s Spring Lake Market (309-267-6538) and Larry Karnes, Larry’s Restaurant and Family Bar, Manito
(309-968-9500)
Catfish are still pretty good and a few crappie are being caught says Karnes. Most of the crappie are still small but at least they are starting to bite. Evenings are best. Bluegill are still slow. Bass have been funny. They’re starting to bite better on the north end but have remained slow on the south end. Hard to say why there’s a difference, but there is. The last day to fish from a boat in the hunting zone here is Oct. 23. Starting Oct. 31, bankfishing is closed until 1 p.m. daily in the hunting zone. Boats are allowed north of Maple Island and in the Pike Hole, though the Pike Hole is open to small, portable boats only.

Lake Storey
SOURCE: Al Hayden, Al’s Sporting Goods, Galesburg (309-342-7776)
Chef Todd reports numerous muskie follows on Sunday but said water is still very dingy. Dozard says while bluegill and crappie were fair, bass were slow on plastics and crankbaits early or late off points along remaining weeds.

Strip Mines
(Fulton, Knox, Peoria and Stark counties)
SOURCE: Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); and Larry Dozard; Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
Crappie have been biting well in many mines on bright days 12-15 feet deep and on overcast days 4-8 feet deep says Grider, who has been selling plenty of minnows of late. Bass are better than last week most places. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are working well, but there’s a wide variety of options with jigs and top-waters also working.

SOUTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36 and North of Interstate 70

Carlinville Lake
SOURCE: Gwen Gilmore, Gilmore Bait & Marine, Carlinville (217-854-8136)
With rip-rap complete, anglers are finding bass chasing shad and biting on bandit lures or weedless lures. White or black and green colored lures working best. Lake 2, crappie biting on small shiners. Lake 2 last day for fishing Sept. 31.

Charleston Side Channel Lake
SOURCE: Rick Cuddy, Prairie Outfitters, Charleston (217-348-6770)
Crappie hitting good on jigs and tubes or twister tails says Cuddy. Crappie about 4-5 feet deep. Catfish also still taking cheesebaits. Bass slow but some being caught on soft plastics.

Lake Decatur
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730)
A few crappie being caught shallow around the docks using minnows and jigs. Crappie bite should pick up here over the weekend with cooler weather says Lowe. Channel cats biting on shrimp and shad arond the docks in the evening. Below the dam, anglers finding success catching crappie, striper, catfish, bluegill a few gar and asian carp. Slab spoons, Mepps, rooster tails, blue foxes all working.

Lake Glenn Shoals
SOURCE: Jack Rebman, Kink’s Corner, Hillsboro (217-532-5442)
Crappie still best here using jigs or a few biting on minnows. Chartreuse, red or white with a red stripe colors working well. A few crappie in 10-11 inch range. Bass fair on the points using plastic worms, shallow running crankbaits or spinnerbaits. Catfish slow on shad, shrimp or dipbaits.

Lake Hillsboro
SOURCE: Jack Rebman, Kink’s Corner, Hillsboro (217-532-5442)
A few smaller crappie biting here, in 8-9 inch range, on jigs. Some bass being daught, in 2-3 pound range, using plastic worms, shallow running crankbaits or spinnerbaits. An ocassional catfish can be found here using shad, shrimp or dipbaits.

Lake Jacksonville
SOURCE: Tom Holmes, Military Surplus Outlet, Jacksonville (217-243-6161) and Lake Jacksonville Campground (217-479-4646)
Fishing continues to be very slow here as season winds down. Bass reports are good, though. Lake closed for fishing Oct. 18.

Lake Lou Yaeger
SOURCE: Denny’s Bait Shop, Litchfield (217-324-2628)
Crappie and catfish both biting good here says Denny’s. Crappie moving into the shallows and taking minnows, nightcrawlers or jigs. Catfish biting on just about anything, including minnows and shad.

Lake Mattoon
SOURCE: Rick Cuddy, Prairie Outfitters, Charleston (217-348-6770); Joel Pittman, Mattoon Parks Department (217-254-6680)
Some crappie action here in 4-5 feet of water using jigs and tubes.

Mill Creek Lake
SOURCE: Dennis Shiley, Mill Creek Lake Park (217-889-3901)
Crappie are biting on minnows.

Sangchris Lake
SOURCE: Trevor Miller, Big Red’s Bait and Tackle, Springfield (217-820-9674)
Catfish biting here on shad or liver. Crappie taking minnows in about 12 feet of water.

Lake Sara
SOURCE: Tony Niebrugge, Anthony’s Acres Resort, (217-868-2950)
Good-sized crappie biting good here on minnows says Anthony’s. Bluegills also biting on waxworms or pieces of nightcrawler. Some decent bass being picked up on buzzbaits.

Lake Shelbyville
SOURCE: Guide Ken Wilson (217-774-5756 or 217-454-2672) at Lithia Springs Guide Service; Margie Oliver, Marv and Kathy’s Bait & Tackle, Sullivan (217-728-4044); Guide Steve Welch (217) 762-7257 or (217) 840-1221
White bass and crappie bite going good here says Wilson. Crappie can be found shallow and deep in the main lake, with some shallow in the flats. White bass best early and in evening, with main lake ledges best during the day. Largemouth bass good on buzzbaits, small crankbaits or worms. Early morning buzzbait bite good around rocks. Muskies beginning the turnaround. Seven muskies caught in weekend IMTT tournament. Below the spillway, crappie bite very good on chartreuse twister tails. Wilson estimates a 1-4 ratio on keepers. Water temps in low 70s with normal pool. In the muskie tournament John Phillips and Tim Garner took first place by catching three fish (37”, 36.25”, 37.5”). Mike Witowski and Jim Beaty caught two muskie (34.5”, 36”) to earn second place. John Forsyth (39.5”) and Jim Kelly, took third place, edging out Tom Humrickhouse (38”) and Don Gibbs. Forsyth’s 39.5” beauty was the largest fish caught in the tournament and is pictured below.
• For a daily report on Lake Shelbyville call (217-774-2020).

Lake Springfield
SOURCE: Trevor Miller, Big Red’s Bait and Tackle, Springfield (217-820-9674) and Tater’s Bait, Springfield (217-528-2208)
Catfish biting good on shad or liver says Big Red’s. Crappie taking minnows in 12 feet of water. A 59-pound blue catfish caught by a Decatur angler Saturday.

Lake Taylorville
SOURCE: Lindsey’s Bait & Tackle, Taylorville (217-287-7550)
Catfish still good here on nightcrawlers. Bluegill starting to slow down but some are taking crickets. Bass good on soft plastics or crankbaits.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS South of Interstate 70

Baldwin Lake
SOURCE: Site office (618-785-2555)
Catfish still good here on nightcrawlers. Bluegill starting to slow down but some are taking crickets. Bass good on soft plastics or crankbaits.

Carlyle Lake
SOURCE: Buddy Langenhorst, Lavish’s Bait Shop , Carlyle (618-594-4413); Henkel’s (618-594-4818)
Catfish and white bass are very good says Henkel’s. Cats taking cheesebaits or nightcrawlers from the banks or shrimp, cut bait drifting. White bass moving into the rocks, with early morning and late afternoon best. Crappie good. In the spillway, white bass and catfish also very good. Whites taking a combination of curly tails. Cats taking cheesebaits. Crappie and sauger both fair in the spillway.
• For the latest water level information call (618-594-4637).

Cedar Lake
SOURCE: Ron Reed, Cooksey’s Bait, Marion (618-993-3366); Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354); Kyle Garner, Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville (618-985-8277)
Bass being caught in 8-14 feet of water. Shad-colored crankbaits, Carolina rigs, green pumpkin colored jigs good around grassy areas.

Crab Orchard Lake
SOURCE: Ron Reed, Cooksey’s Bait, Marion (618-993-3366); Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354); Kyle Garner, Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville (618-985-8277)
Crappie spotty here says Garner. Some being caught on brush piles by the spillway in 8-12 feet of water on red chartreuse tube jigs, or electric chicken colored or black and chartreuse in the morning. Bass also spotty in the weedbeds. Frogs, buzzbaits or spinner baits good in the morning. White and chartreuse, black and chartreuse or red shad working. Some anglers using black and blue jigs flipping the weed beds in the afternoon for bass.

Lake of Egypt
SOURCE: Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354)
Bass scattered in 4-6 feet of water in weed beds and around bait fish. Bigger ones deeper using crankbaits or big spinnerbaits. Those shallow taking shaky heads.

Kinkaid Lake
SOURCE: Janet Graeff, Top of the Hill Bait Shop, Muphysboro (618-684-2923); Guide Al Nutty (618-694-4897)
Muskies still on a good bite, though not quite as good as a week ago says Nutty. One angler hauled in a 49-incher and another 49 1/2-inch muskie. Largemouth bass taking deep diving crankbaits or Carolina rigs. Two weeks ago, a 9-pound bass was caught using a spinner bait and another 9.1 pounder was also brought in. Bass biting deep. Crappie fair to good, with most of the larger ones biting 18-22 feet deep around heavy brush piles on minnows. Cats remain active on cut shad, nightcrawlers or large minnows. White bass on a pretty good bite using small deep diving crankbaits or inline spinners. A few walleye being picked up on rapala tail dancers or storm hot-n-tots.

Newton Lake
SOURCE: Ruth Rauch, Rauch’s Bait & Tackle, Newton (618-752-2151)
Things are beginning to pick up here as the water cools down. Catfish and bass biting better off the points and in the shallows. Stinkbaits good for cats. One angler found success trolling crankbaits for bass.

Rend Lake
SOURCE: Todd Gessner and Jason Johns (618-513-0520); Bill Hudnall, Rend Lake Sporting Goods, Mount Vernon (618-242-2191)
The bass are eating at Rend Lake on square-billed crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps and spinnerbaits in shallow water wherever you find shad. Those shad are moving into the back of the coves. Crappie are just now starting to bite good. They are hitting on jigs and minnows on shallow laydowns and brushpiles and stake beds. They’re still a little bit of work, but you can catch them. And you know what? Yesterday we caught bluegill at Rend Lake. That’s unbelievable. Nice bluegill. Three-quarter pounders to half-pounders. We don’t see that very often. Catfish are still tearing up the water as usual.

RIVERS

• Click here for water level information.

Des Plaines River
SOURCE:Andrew Ragas
We finally got that much-needed rainfall that I predicted last week and water levels are finally back to normal, or close to it, as evidenced by the USGS in Riverside - flowing at 380/ under 440. Water temperatures are still in the 70-degree range and the fishing remains to be a hit or a miss for most species. I got the invite to join my pal, Dan Sims, on the river this evening after class but I elected to stay in and get some work done. He text-messaged me following the outing, proclaiming, “One Channel Cat. 2.5lbs at the most. Sucked!” However, Pike, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Crappies remain to be the most active at this point. Pike anglers have been both wading and working the shores with 15 to 25 inch fish being the most common catch. Water clarity is brown since the recent rainfall and anything in the way of giving off vibration or larger profile should be used. Spinnerbaits - bucktails - minnowbaits - rattle shads - jerkbaits are the most notable things used now. Contrasting colors would be a safe bet. In addition, Channel Cats are also somewhat active and this may be their final push of the season before it all shuts down. Bottom rigs with some meat or live bait being drifted through current with depth are yielding best results.

Largemouth Bass are being found mostly on the southern sections of the river in Will co. Backwaters, log jams, mid-river weed beds, rip-rap, and slackwater areas holding most fish.

Lastly, Crappies are finally showing themselves for a change. Slackwater areas and eddies have been holding small schools of fish. Minnows under a float, or jig and small plastics have been working as of late.

It’s almost that time of season for the Walleyes and Sauger, but still very few reports to be found and not many are trying as of yet (including myself). Give it a few cold spells and by first or second week of October we should be at the start of the beginning stages of the fall run. (60-degrees or colder is my magic number for most rivers).

• Click here for a Des Plaines River fishing forum.

Fox River
SOURCE: Jim Hardy, Big Jim’s Bait & Tackle, Ottawa (815-434-3921)
Not much happening near Ottawa as anglers just are not getting out says Hardy. A few sheepshead being caught off the banks but that’s about it.
• Click here for a Fox River fishing forum.

Illinois River
SOURCE: Jim Hardy of Big Jim’s Bait & Tackle in Ottawa (815-434-3921)
• Above the Starved Rock dam boat anglers might be able to pick up some striper or smallmouth but not many people out fishing here says Hardy.
SOURCE: Carol Culjan at Cajun Sporting Goods in Utica (815-667-4222)
• Near Utica water is 74 and the river is low and clean. Crappie are still biting up and down the river. Move around from snags to rip-rap and rocks. Stripers are up and down. When they are generating power at the dam, the white bass bite well on blade. Catfish are slow. Anglers are catching lots of 10- and 12-inch saugers on crankbaits or pulling three-ways. The jig bite is still slow. That should change with cooler water.
SOURCE: Baitshop Bob, Riverview Marine, Spring Valley (815-663-1000)
• Near Spring Valley good numbers of sauger being caught pulling crankbaits using a No. 5 rapala trolling a lead core. Others being caught on jig and live bait. Some being caught up to 24 inches. Mostly males being caught. Walleye good also. Fish have been concentrating into pockets. Some anglers stumbling into crappie, with a few between 12-14 inches. White bass has been good along the rip raps areas around Peru and the bridge pilings. Catfish slowing down.
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tim Presley, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193)
• Near Peoria largemouth bass are biting well on tube jigs says Keefer.Catfish are fair along channel edges and in holes. River levels remain low. White bass are fair in creeks if you can get into them.
SOURCE: Paul Dinkheller, Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094)
• Near Havana there’s not much to report with few anglers out.

Kankakee River
SOURCE: Ed Mullady, Sportsman’s Letter (815-932-7285)
• From Indiana to Momence Mullady says fishing is good for smallmouth bass on spinners, imitation crawfish, Mr.Twistr Jigs and Double tail twisters and minnows. Largemouth Bass good on No. 2 or No. 3 spinners, imitation frogs (weedless preferred), top-water baits and jointed plugs.
• Near the Kankakee River State Park, smallmouth bass good around Carly, Rex and Gordon Island on streamer flies, nymphs, imitation crawfish on fly rod. For spinning rods try jointed plugs, crankbaits, No. 3 Mepps Spinners and jigs and twister tails. Catfish are good on minnows, crawlers and cheesebaits. Crappie are biting along shorelines and quieter pools on pinkie jigs, minnows and crawlers.
• From the Wilmington Dam through Island Park, cafish are good on crawfish, crawlers, cheesebait and floating hamburger. Smallmouth bass are fair on No. 2 or No. 3 Mepps Spinners and imitation crawfish.

Kishwaukee River
SOURCE:Bob Rhodes, Rockford Bait (815-226-3515)
Smallmouth good here if you want to wade for them says Rhodes. Catfish also biting on stinkbaits.

Mississippi River
SOURCE: Iowa DNR
Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 3.87 feet.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers, shrimp, crawdads, and stink baits around wing dams and log piles.  White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing has been slow in Sylvan Slough. Some white bass are being picked up while fishing walleyes on the wing dams on three-way rigs or casting crankbaits.  Bluegill - Slow:  Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Some crappies are starting to be caught around the Andalusia Islands fishing brush piles with small minnows or tube jigs.  Walleye fishing has been slow but a few fish are being caught on wing dams using three-way rigs tipped with half a night crawler or a leech. Some fish are also being caught casting crankbaits on the wing dams. With the low flow, look for wing dams with deeper water and fish more towards the tip of the dam.

Mississippi River Pool 17
River stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.11 feet.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on crawlers, dip baits, and chicken liver fished around wing dams and log piles.  White Bass - Slow:  Bluegill fishing in the backwaters has been slow.  Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Big Timber fishing around brush piles along the bank on minnows.  Walleye fishing has been slow but some fish are being caught on the wing dams using three-way rigs tipped with half a night crawler or leech. Some fish are also being caught casting crankbaits to the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 3.20 feet.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats are being caught on night crawlers, cut shad, dip baits, and chicken liver fished above wing dams and around log piles in the main channel or side channels.  White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegills are being picked up fishing jigs and small minnows around brush piles in flowing backwater sloughs.  Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are being caught on jigs and small minnows fished around brush piles in flowing backwater sloughs.  Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing on the wing dams has been slow but some fish are being caught on three-way rigs tipped with half a night crawler or leech.

Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.27 feet.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers, cut shad, dip baits, and chicken liver fished above wing dams and log piles in the main channel or side channels.  White Bass - Slow: Bluegill - No Report:  Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are starting to be caught around brush piles in the backwater areas on minnows.  Walleye fishing has been slow on the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pools 16-20: River levels are low so take caution when boating. Main channel water temperature is around 72-74 degrees and water clarity has improved. For more information on fishing Pools 16-20 of the Mississippi River contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

Pecatonica River
SOURCE: Tom Calam, Tom’s Bait & Tackle, Freeport (815-232-3337)
Catfish bite hot over the weekend here says Calam. Cutbait dipbaits working. Northerns also being caught.

Rock River
SOURCE: Tom Calam, Tom’s Bait & Tackle, Freeport (815-232-3337)
• Near Rockford, a few channel cats biting as well as northerns and walleyes says Calam.
SOURCE: Ray and Irene Hays, Bunny’s Bait Shop, Dixon (815-288-3812)
• Near Dixon catfish are fair. Anglers are catching some bigger fish and even some channel below the dam. Cheesebaits and crushed minnows are best. Shrimp and chicken liver have slowed. Some big flatheads reported below the Oregon dam, but action is slow near Dixon. Walleye are scattered with just an occasional fish biting below the dam. Water has not cooled enough. The drum are really slow and even carp and sucker are slow.
SOURCE: Guide Matt Jones (815-537-5506 or 815-590-1469 cell) and Doc at Kodiak Outdoor Sports in Dixon (815-284-3075)
• Channel cats have slowed some but some real big flatheads have been caught this week up to 50 pounds says Jones. The latest tourney here was won by a cut bait team but 5 of the next 6 teams all used cheesebait. The river is at its lowest levels since 2007 and has cooled some to 67 degrees. Pastor Nathan (below) caught this nice channel cat double Wednesday. Notice the Big Green J and N dip Worms. Sometimes color makes a difference, even with catfish.

“It is a sign that opening days for fall hunting are near when thousands of outdoor recreation enthusiasts and families enjoy the festivals at Silver Springs and at John A. Logan College,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller.  “National Hunting and Fishing Days celebrate the heritage of hunting and fishing that we treasure here in Illinois.  The festivals are opportunities to sample all that outdoor Illinois has to offer, and assist us with our goal of engaging more children and families in outdoor traditions.”

Northern Illinois

The Northern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27 and features free admission.

The festival includes all-day free activities for children and families, including a fish pond where rods, reels and bait are provided; a kids’ casting area; and, Voyageur canoe rides and a chance for participants to paddle their own canoe.  Practice ranges for archery, BB gun and trap will be open.  Living history demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day.  The festival will also feature demonstrations on field dressing deer, deer hunting techniques, turkey hunting, goose hunting, upland bird hunting, trapping, wild game management, dog training, and bowfishing. More than 75 vendors will have displays featuring outdoor gear and accessories. 

Detailed information and schedules for the Northern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days event are available online at http://www.huntingandfishingdays.org.

Southern Illinois

The Southern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days event at John A. Logan College in Carterville is from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 26 and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27. Admission and parking are free.

The southern Illinois event features hunting and fishing demonstrations throughout both days; Brody the 1,600 pound grizzly bear; dock dogs; retriever dog demonstrations; an outdoor art and heritage show; and, kids’ fishing, BB gun, archery, and casting opportunities.  Visitors can also take part in archery and five-stand competition, goose calling contests, and a variety of outdoor and wildlife programs. 

For more information on the Southern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days event and schedule, check online at http://www.sihfd.org.

Here’s the Corps official release.

DNA testing indicates Asian carp presence less than one mile from electric barriers

CHICAGO—As part of its ongoing Asian carp monitoring program, the Army Corps of Engineers is continuing to work with the University of Notre Dame to use eDNA genetic testing of water samples to monitor the presence of bighead and silver carp in the Sanitary and Ship Canal, the Des Plaines River, and the I&M Canal.

On Sept. 16, 2009, the university notified the Corps of Engineers that six of 99 water samples taken from the area between the Lockport Lock and the electric barriers tested positive for the presence of silver carp. The northernmost of the positive samples was from an area less than one mile south of the electric barriers. Other recent eDNA results indicate the likely presence of Asian carp in the Des Plaines River north of the barriers and near the confluence of the Des Plaines River and the I&M Canal.

There are no Asian carp north of the barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. All results from samples taken in the canal north of the electric barrier have been negative. Additional information about the recent sampling efforts is available on the Army Corps’ website at http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil.

“The Army Corps does not intend to alter the operating parameters of the barriers based on this new sampling information,” said Col. Vincent Quarles, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District. “We are confident that the barriers are now operating at the optimal setting needed to deter both adult and juvenile fish.”

The electric barrier system in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal reduces the risk of Asian carp migrating into the Great Lakes along the most direct pathway, but other pathways do exist and need to be addressed.

The Des Plaines River is one such known potential by-pass to the electric barrier. In the event of heavy rainfall, it is possible for water from the Des Plaines to overflow into the Sanitary and Ship Canal north of the barrier location. This can potentially transfer nuisance species into the canal.

“The Corps of Engineers is already investigating potential by-passes to the barrier system, and as part of that study will work closely with our federal, state and local partners to identify workable solutions and develop conceptual designs,” Quarles said. “At this time we don’t have any authority that would allow us to construct any preventive measures, but we are continuing to investigate other options within existing Corps authorities.”

Just days after genetic tests proved Kent’s 0.41-pound fish was a pure pumpkinseed, Pat Crumrine of Washington caught a larger fish.

Fishing Tuesday at the Emiquon Preserve, Crumrine caught an 0.64-pound pumpkinseed on a worm while fishing a weedline.

“If you got it to the bottom you could catch pumpkinseeds and bluegill. Otherwise it was all bass,” Crumrine said. “But we also caught bass after bass. So we ended up switching over and fishing for bass instead.”

Crumrine said he and friend Mike Marsh had read of Kent’s record and decided to go out to Emiquon to catch a larger fish.

They were fishing in 10-foot one-man kayaks with fish baskets tied to the side.

Crumrine’s apparent pumpkinseed weighed 0.64 pounds on a certified scale at Presley’s Outdoors in Bartonville — the same scale used to weigh Kent’s fish.

Emiquon is one of the few central Illinois public lakes with a viable population of pure pumpkinseeds. Many anglers also mistake the oft-larger redear for the pumpkinseed, though that does not appear to be the case in this situation.

“We knew we were going out there to catch (pumpkinseeds) and we looked them up before going,” Crumrine said. “So we had a pretty good idea of what we were looking for.”

Fisheries biologist Rob Hilsabeck agreed.

“Looks like a pure pumpkinseed to me,” said Hilsabeck.

Give us our choice of anywhere to fish in Illinois right now and we’d pick…

• Crappie at Mill Creek Lake.
• Kinkaid Lake and the Kankakee River for bass.
• The Emiquon Preserve for bass, bluegill or state-record pumpkinseeds.
• Bluegill on the Fox Chain O’Lakes.

WALL HANGERS

• Jon Gilbert of Momence caught and released a 9-pound, 29-inch walleye on Sept. 11 while fishing an X-Rap on the Kankakee River near Momence.
• Cousins Jaci Clark of Normal and Joe Goskusky of Tonica (pictured below) caught these two bass in an Adams County farm pond. They weighed approximately 6 and 7 pounds, respectively. Both also caught 16-inch crappie on bass baits.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS North of Interstate 80

Apple Canyon Lake
SOURCE: Tom Calam, Tom’s Bait & Tackle, Freeport (815-232-3337)
Fishing slow here overall says Tom. Anglers have been picking up good numbers of bluegill but most very small.

Lake Carroll
SOURCE: Tom Calam, Tom’s Bait & Tackle, Freeport (815-232-3337).
Fish biting, with bluegill, crappie, white bass all being caught, but most rather small. Fish are available you just have to hunt for them says Calam.

Forest Preserve Lakes
SOURCE: Lee’s Bait and Tackle of Elk Grove Village (847-593-6424); Henry’s (312-225-8538)
Panfish are biting at Powerdorn on golden roach minnows says Vet’s. A few small northerns also biting on bee moths.
• Click here for a Cook County Forest Preserves lake fishing forum.
• Here are links to information on various forest preserve lakes. Cook County, DeKalb County, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County, Lake County, McHenry County and Will County

Fox Chain O’ Lakes
SOURCE: Greg Dickson, Triangle Sports & Marine, Antioch (1-847-395-0813).
White bass are best in 8-12 feet of water says Triangle. Bluegill have come on strong and are biting well in the shallows and near docks. Walleye are good in the channel on fatheads or nightcrawlers. Crappie are also very good. Muskie are fair.
• Click here to check updates on no-wake status and water levels or call 847-587-8540.

Lake Michigan
SOURCES: Henry’s (312-225-8538), Vet’s (773-734-6720) and Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• On the Chicago lakefront, anglers awaiting cooler weather as they prepare for the salmon run in the harbors says Henry’s. Steelhead also being caught in the harbors. Action rather slow says Vet’s. Some salmon being caught in the shorelines around 63rd Street, 67th Street, 39th Street and Montrose Harbor. A few also being caught at Edison. Says Bowman: “Shoreline action has slowed, though there was one good night last week at 63rd Street.
SOURCE: The Salmon Stop (847-244-2525 or fishing hotline 847-244-9876)
• Near Waukegan, anglers finding king salmon using spoons off the government pier and Waukegan Harbor. Brown trout and steelheads taking bait. Nightcrawlers, spawn sacks and spoons working. No perch around the piers as they have all moved to deeper waters. Boat anglers can look for perch in about 60 feet of water. Salmon boaters should look 70-120 feet of water straight out and south of Waukeegan Harbor using flies and dodgers and bigger size spoons.
SOURCE: Mik-Lurch (219-989-0575)
• Near Indiana, boat anglers catching 2-3 year old Kings in about 110-140 feet of water says Mik-Lurch. Steelheads biting in 160 feet. No perch to speak of now.
Shabbona Lake
SOURCES: Guide Jay Angel (815-739-7030) and Denny Sands, Shabbona Lakeside Bait & Tackle, Shabbona (815-824-2581).
Weekend muskie tournament Saturday from 6-9:30 a.m. No registration fee. A $100 prize for largest fish. Last of season tournaments here. As for fishing, the crappie are in the shallow cribs in 6-10 feet of water and are taking minnows. The Bluegills are in the edge of the weedlines and biting on waxworms or leafworms. Water temps at around 70 degrees.. Bass taking plastics or live bait around the weeds. Walleye can be found in the raod beds about six feet down or in the tree lines using nightcrawlers or large sucker minnows. Catfish biting on chicken livers, nightcrawlers or stink baits around weeded areas.
• Park hours November to January 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; February to March 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; May to October 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
•Click here for a Shabbona Lake fishing forum

Wolf Lake
SOURCE: Mik-Lurch (219-989-0575)
Fishing overall slow here, with a few crappie biting in the Maze O Channel. Catfish have been taking crabs, crawlers or leeches says Vet’s. Bluegill biting on bee moths.

NORTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 80 and North of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36

Argyle Lake
SOURCE:Site manager Robin Hinchee (309-776-3422); The Deck II Bait and Boat Rental shop (309-776-4275)
Crappie best on the lake using minnows says Deck II. Not much happening around the docks. Some catfish and walleye being caught here also. Still decent bass biting says Hinchee. Saugeye also but nothing extraordinary.

Banner Marsh
SOURCE: Adam Jaegle, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
A few crappie are biting on minnows in about 4-5 feet of water says Keefer. A few good reports here on bass on topwaters, jig and pig or crankbaits says Grider. Main access best for bass says Jaegle. Senko-style baits working

Lake Bloomington
SOURCE: Larry Dozard
Bass are fair on plastics, jig/plastics and spinnerbaits around the docks, timber and weeds says Dozard. Crappie were fair to slow on jigs and waxworms or minnows around brush or timber.

Braidwood Lake
SOURCE: Del Colvin, Bert’s Bait, Essex (815-365-2103); Jon Meder, Jon’s Bait & Tackle, South Wilmington (815-237-2822)
Water temperatures at 89 degrees on Tuesday. Some anglers finding success on catfish. Two-day bass tournament this weekend. Anglers finding bass using rubber worms, with purple or red colors working. Last day of fishing is Oct. 13.

Clinton Lake
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730); Clinton Bait and Tackle, (217-935-3851)
Small channel cats — in 19-22-inch range — being caught on shad guts, shad, or shrimp says Joanne. Crappie running shallow and biting on jigs and minnows or on slider grubs.

Dawson Lake
SOURCE: Leon and Judy Gibson, Moraine View Concession (309-724-8295)
Not much action here says Leon, but some anglers still doing good on catfish using shrimp, dough baits or chicken livers. Some bass biting on lures. Said Dozard: “Wain at Old Man River Bait and Tackle in LeRoy says bluegills are fair-good as he has went through lots of waxies.” Bass slow.

Emiquon Preserve
SOURCE: Paul Dinkheller, Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); The Nature Conservancy (309-547-2730)
Good reports here on crappie and bass says Keefer. Anglers catching good numbers of crappie and bluegill using sassy shad with twister tail jigs. A pink head best for the jig head says Dink’s. Bass being caught in good numbers and good size. White spinnerbaits working just inches into the water. North end best location. Troy Jackson reported 91 bass with his father using primarily crankbaits. Anglers must obtain a free permit at Dickson Mounds Museum (open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) before fishing here.

Evergreen Lake
SOURCE: Brad Wood, operations supervisor, (309-726-2022) or Larry Dozard
Crappie fishing still fair this week, with several keepers being caught in deeper water. Look for them around brush in 10-15 inches water. Most still hitting jigs and minnows. Saugeye in the 12- to14-inch range have been reported in the last week. Bluegill fishing has been good with most fish being caught along weeds and rocks. Bass reports have been fair in the past week with several bigger fish being caught. Catfishing has been slow in the last weeks with very few reports coming in.
• Click here for up-to-date lake reports.

Heidecke Lake
SOURCE: Don Stephens, Greybeards (815-941-1504); Guide Mike Lynch (708-655-7667); Guide Greg Heath (815-258-9136)
Fishing either fantastic or horrible says guide Greg Heath. Fall season has yet to kick in, with water temps in low 70s. Some catfish being caught as well as a few walleye, striper or smallmouth. Some fish biting toward the banks again but most off shore around humps. Catfish have come closer to the shore and are taking nightcrawlers says Greybeards. Walleye taking worms and leeches. Yellow bass and striper biting on nightcrawlers. The last day of fishing is Oct. 6.

LaSalle Lake
SOURCE:Dale Bowman of the Chicago Sun-Times; Guide Mike Lynch (708-655-7667)
Last day of fishing is Oct. 15. In October, lake is open Wednesdays through Sundays.
• Click here for a LaSalle Lake fishing forum.

Mazonia Lakes
SOURCE: Del Colvin, Bert’s Bait, Essex (815-365-2103)
Crappie being caugh both north and south on minnows with a bobber says Meder. Decent-sized redear also biting at the Ponderosa. Last day of fishing is Oct. 13. Monster Lake at Mazonia South stays open year round.

Powerton Lake
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
Catfish still best here says Grider. Blues taking shiners or live bluegilles. A 26-pound blue cat caught last week. The lake will be closed Sept. 21-23 for levee repairs and maintenance and will reopen Sept. 24 at 6 a.m.

Snakeden Hollow SFWA
SOURCE: Victoria Tackle Shop (309-879-2664)
Last day for fishing is Sept. 31.

Spring Lake
SOURCES: Troy Galvin, Galvin’s Spring Lake Market (309-267-6538) and Larry Karnes, Larry’s Restaurant and Family Bar, Manito (309-968-9500)
Catfish still biting on nightcrawlers, shrimp and a few on dipbaits around the turn offs on the south end says Karnes. Bass had been really slow but they are starting to pick up. Anglers going back and forth between topwaters, Rat-L-traps or spinners. Bluegill slow.

Lake Storey
SOURCE: Al Hayden, Al’s Sporting Goods, Galesburg (309-342-7776)
Draw-down started last Thursday. Bluegill and crappie good says Hayden. Look for blueills along weed edge pockets and crappie on minnows around ends of laydowns says Dozard. Shoreline muddy for bank fishermen. Best ramp for boaters to put in is on west end of lake says Hayden. Not many people going out here. Bass slow on plastics early or late off points along any remaining weeds says Dozard.

Strip Mines
(Fulton, Knox, Peoria and Stark counties)
SOURCE: Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193); Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094); and Larry Dozard; Tom Grider, Riverside Bait, Pekin (309-347-3793)
Bass biting on jig and pig, top-waters and crankbaits says Grider. Bluegill biting, with the bigger ones being caught deep says Grider.  Crappie moving up and taking minnows and tubes says Jaegle. Crappie also taking jigs around ends of laydowns with some on small crankbaits says Dozard. Evening good time for bass with shallow running crankbaits says Dozard.

SOUTH-CENTRAL ILLINOIS South of Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36 and North of Interstate 70

Carlinville Lake
SOURCE: Gwen Gilmore, Gilmore Bait & Marine, Carlinville (217-854-8136)
Work on rip-rap around Lake 1 finally completed and area angler found success Wednesday catching bass near the rip-rap. Crappie still biting on Lake 2 using small shiners about 7-8 feet deep. A few bass also being picked up. Lake closes Oct. 1 for duck hunting season.

Charleston Side Channel Lake
SOURCE: Rick Cuddy, Prairie Outfitters, Charleston (217-348-6770)
Crappie hitting good on tube jigs or grubs says Cuddy. Catfish also still taking cheesebaits. Hybrid stripers being caught on live baits or chicken livers. Bass good in the river on jigs or soft plastics.

Lake Decatur
SOURCE: Joanne Lowe, Mike’s Tackle World, Decatur (217-423-0730)
A few crappie being caught on the lake by boaters in the evening hours. Channel cats and white bass both running small. Bluegills good here on waxworms says Lowe. Around the big and little dams, crappie best.

Lake Glenn Shoals
SOURCE: Jack Rebman, Kink’s Corner, Hillsboro (217-532-5442)
Crappie best here in 5-6 feet of water using minnows says Rebman. Catfish also biting on shrimp or cut shad. A few tot-liners still out. Bass spotty.

Lake Hillsboro
SOURCE: Jack Rebman, Kink’s Corner, Hillsboro (217-532-5442)
A few small size crappie biting here, but not as big as Glenn Shoals. Catfish decent on shrimp and cut shad. Some bass being taken, with a few in 1-2 pound range.

Lake Lou Yaeger
SOURCE: Denny’s Bait Shop, Litchfield (217-324-2628)
Crappie bite starting to pick up, with minnows best. Catfish hit and miss. Overall fishing slowing here.

Lake Mattoon
SOURCE: Rick Cuddy, Prairie Outfitters, Charleston (217-348-6770); Joel Pittman, Mattoon Parks Department (217-254-6680)
Action slow here with not much happening.

Mill Creek Lake
SOURCE: Dennis Shiley, Mill Creek Lake Park (217-889-3901)
Crappie are biting good here. Shiley says the bait shop can’t keep enough minnows in stock, so you might want to bring your own if fishing for crappie here.

Sangchris Lake
SOURCE: Trevor Miller, Big Red’s Bait and Tackle, Springfield (217-820-9674)
Crappie biting deep, around 10-12 feet, by the dam on rocks using minnows says Miller. Small catfish being caught.  Bass were fair on spinnerbaits and shallow crankbaits fished in lily-pad stalks says Dozard.

Lake Sara
SOURCE: Tony Niebrugge, Anthony’s Acres Resort, (217-868-2950)
Good numbers of bluegill being caught on waxworms says Anthony’s. Smaller size crappie biting around the docks on minnows. Not many reports of bass. Catfish biting here and there on minnows from crappie anglers.

Lake Shelbyville
SOURCE: Guide Ken Wilson (217-774-5756 or 217-454-2672) at Lithia Springs Guide Service; Margie Oliver, Marv and Kathy’s Bait & Tackle, Sullivan (217-728-4044); Guide Steve Welch (217) 762-7257 or (217) 840-1221
Crappie bite very good here with limits being caught says Wilson. Crappie are shallow, in about 6-8 feet of water, and taking cork and jig around the main lake flats. White bass also biting. Muskie and walleye are both slow.
• For a daily report on Lake Shelbyville call (217-774-2020).

Lake Springfield
SOURCE: Trevor Miller, Big Red’s Bait and Tackle, Springfield (217-820-9674) and Tater’s Bait, Springfield (217-528-2208)
Catfish good here says Miller. Bass fair on waky worms under docks. Crappie starting to hit. Some anglers also picking up good numbers of sauger. A Springfield angler caught a 26.5-pound flathead using a pig and jig.

Lake Taylorville
SOURCE: Lindsey’s Bait & Tackle, Taylorville (217-287-7550)
Crappie beginning to bite in 5-6 feet of water says Lindsey’s. Minnows best with some using jigs. Bluegills taking redworms or waxworms.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS South of Interstate 70

Baldwin Lake
SOURCE: Site office (618-785-2555)
Catfish good here on cut bait, shad. Crappie fair on minnows. Bass pretty good on crankbaits. Bluegill fair on crickets.

Carlyle Lake
SOURCE: Buddy Langenhorst, Lavish’s Bait Shop , Carlyle (618-594-4413); Henkel’s (618-594-4818)
White bass good on jigs says Lavish’s. Whites moving into the rocks with the cooler weather, with early morning or late afternoon best bite says Henkel’s. Catfish very good on shad says Lavish’s. From the banks, try cheesebaits or crawlers says Henkel’s. Drift fishing with shrimp or cutbait is producing well. Bluegills good fishing the rip rap with eaxworms, redworms and crickets says Henkel’s.
• For the latest water level information call (618-594-4637).

Crab Orchard Lake
SOURCE: Ron Reed, Cooksey’s Bait, Marion (618-993-3366); Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354); Kyle Garner, Crappie Pro Shop, Carterville (618-985-8277)
Crappie good in about 10-12 feet of water says Reed. A few catfish also being caught but not many fishermen out.

Lake of Egypt
SOURCE: Guide Matt Strobel (618-922-0354)
Bass scattered in 4-6 feet of water in weed beds and around bait fish. Bigger ones deeper using crankbaits or big spinner baits. Those shallow taking shaky heads.

Forbes Lake
SOURCE: Site manager Glenn Wegener (618-547-3381); Mike Polcyn, Mike’s Bait & Tackle Shop, Louisville (618-665-3209)
Crappie fair to good here, with most anglers using minnows says Polcyn. Jigs also working. Catfish also biting and a few stripers, in 15-18 pound range, being picked up as well. Overall, channel cat still best bite says Wegener. Chicken livers and stinkbaits working. Largemouth bass starting to move a little shallower and taking crankbaits or plastic worms around points and brush piles and laydowns. Bluegill, walleye/sauger both fair says Wegener. Crankbaits working for walleye/sauger and hybrid stripers, crickets or red wigglers for bluegill.

Kinkaid Lake
SOURCE: Janet Graeff, Top of the Hill Bait Shop, Muphysboro (618-684-2923); Guide Al Nutty (618-694-4897)
Weekend bass tournament winner needed five fish weighing 22.5 pounds. Largemouth bass biting on diving crankbaits in main lake points, humps and bars says Nutty. Most bass being caught in lower half of the lake in 14-16 feet of water. Walleye fair around the outer edges of weed beds using nightcrawler or spinner rigs. Most trolling crankbaits a long way behind the boat, about 35-40 yards says Nutty. Catfish good on nightcrawlers, cut shad, lare minnows, chicken livers or some on stinkbaits. A few bluegills biting, but nothing of any size, around the docks in the marinas on bits of nightcrawler or crickets. Muskie also biting. A 47-inch muskie landed trolling SS shad bait. Standard muskie baits working. Most are being caught on the cast off weed edges using shallow crankbaits.

Newton Lake
SOURCE: Ruth Rauch, Rauch’s Bait & Tackle, Newton (618-752-2151)
Very quiet here says Rauch. Some anglers fishing at night for catfish. Water temperatures still warm but beginning to cool off. Rauch believes thing should be picking up here soon.

Rend Lake
SOURCE: Todd Gessner (618-513-0520); Bill Hudnall, Rend Lake Sporting Goods, Mount Vernon (618-242-2191)
Report here

RIVERS

• Click here for water level information.

Des Plaines River
SOURCE:Andrew Ragas
Fishing has been poor as of late and this includes the creeks and smaller tributaries as well. Warm sunny weather (high pressure) mixed with season-low water levels lead to some not-so-good fishing, which is typical of early September. Very few reports of anything have been coming from the river. We just need some rainfall and more water flowing through the system to get these fish moving again. Flood or not, I just want to see some rainfall within the next week that is capable of raising water and flow levels back to normal. If anything, I would try deep pools with immediate current. Small Pike and a rough fish or two should be expected. Water temperatures still sitting in the 70-75 degree range and water is flowing at a cubic rate of 198/ under 470 in Riverside.If new to the Des Plaines River, right now would be the perfect time (and safe) to explore the river by wading or even making a paddle by canoe. You might even be lucky and find a few fish then. Beware, however, this river and its creeks are difficult at times to wade with many unseen underwater obstructions and fluctuating depths. Know your limits and where the holes are at.
• Click here for a Des Plaines River fishing forum.

DuPage River
SOURCE: Click here for a DuPage River fishing forum.

Fox River
SOURCE: Jim Hardy, Big Jim’s Bait & Tackle, Ottawa (815-434-3921)
Not many anglers out here says Hardy. A few catfish are being caught around Dayton. One angler had success finding crappie and walleye.
• Click here for a Fox River fishing forum.

Illinois River
SOURCE: Jim Hardy of Big Jim’s Bait & Tackle in Ottawa (815-434-3921)
• Above Starved Rock, not much happening. Anglers are catching some smallies off sandbars rusing spinner baits. A few white bass have been caught.
SOURCE: Carol Culjan at Cajun Sporting Goods in Utica (815-667-4222)
• Near Utica, fishing slow but some white bass being caught early morning on blade baits near Starved Rock lock and dam. Water temps at 75 degrees. Catfish and drum both slow.
SOURCE: Baitshop Bob, Riverview Marine, Spring Valley (815-663-1000)
• Near Spring Valley, good numbers of sauger being caught pulling crankbaits using a No. 5 rapala trolling a lead core. More walleye than the last few years also being picked up pulling crankbaits. Most of the bigger walleye and sauger coming from down south. White bass has been good along the rip-rap areas around Peru and the bridge pilings. Catfish doing pretty good on chubs and bass, both smallies and largemouth, good in most harbors.
SOURCE: Marge Hankins, Hankins Riverview, Henry (309-364-3617)
• Near Henry, sauger and striper starting to hit but most on small side. Crankbaits best. A few catfish taking nightcrawlers.
SOURCE: Celeste Pollack, Wolf Hollow Archery Bait & Tackle, Chillicothe (309-274-9653)
• Near Chillicothe, crappie biting in the backwaters and sauger being caught on the river. Small and large minnows best baits.
SOURCE: Merle Keefer, Pekin Bass & Bow (309-347-3334); Tim Presley, Presley’s Outdoors, Bartonville (309-697-1193)
• Near Peoria, white bass and catfish going good at the locks. Early morning best. White bass taking white twister tails and cats catching on dipbaits.
SOURCE: Paul Dinkheller, Dink’s, Lewistown (309-547-1094)
• Near Havana, Catfish biting good on stinkbaits says Dink’s. Anglers also snagging asian carp. Bass biting on spinners, jig and pig in the backwaters where there is not much current.
SOURCE: Tom’s Bait Shop in Beardstown (217-323-BAIT)
• Near Beardstown, catfish biting good on cheesebaits, shrimp or crawdads says Tom. A few bass biting and sauger hitting at the locks.

Kankakee River
SOURCE: Ed Mullady, Sportsman’s Letter (815-932-7285)
• From Indiana to Momence catfish are good on cheesebaits, minnows and crayfish says Mullady. On Sept. 11, Jon Gilbert of Momence caught and released a 9-pound, 29-inch walleye on the Kankakee River near Momence while fishing an X-Rap. Dave Zach, Momence, reported many fishermen catching both smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing east of Momence this past week end.
• Near the Kankakee River State Park, Nick at the Kankakee River Trading Post reports catfish good on minnows, cheesebaits and crawlers.
He also reported that Andy Wilkins caught several crappie ranging from around 11 to 14,15 and 16 inches in size. Caught on minnows. Smallmouth Bass good on *crankbaits, spinners, minnows, live and artificial crawfish.
• Near Wilmington Mullady says catfish are good around the damto north end of Island Park on *minnows *crawlers *cheesebaits. Smallmouth Bass fair on *crankbaits *minnows *Mepps #2,#3 Spinners.

Mississippi River
SOURCE: Iowa DNR
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage at Bellevue is 3.4 feet and is forecast to drop to 3.3 feet then remain stable over the next week.  Water clarity is good and temperature is in the low 70s.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are coming on stink bait, leeches, crawlers, and cut bait fished around wing dams and in side channels around rock and/or wood throughout.  Bluegill - Slow: Reports of a few bluegills coming around snags in the side channels and backwaters.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw crankbaits along rocky shorelines with current or below the dam in Bellevue.  Crappie - Fair: Reports of a few crappie coming from off of snags in sloughs and side channels.  Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are on the wing dams on three-way rigs tipped with leeches.  Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a night crawler on the bottom in areas of moderate current.

Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage at Camanche is 8.84 feet and is forecast to remain stable over the next week.  Water clarity is fair and the main channel water temperature is in the low 70s.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish are coming on stink bait, crawlers, or cut bait around wing dams and snags.  Crappie - Fair: Reports of crappie starting to bite in backwaters and side channels around brush piles and snags.  Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are coming off the wing dams with three-way rigs with floaters tipped with leeches, crankbaits, or jigs.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Fish a piece of crawler on the bottom in areas with moderate current.

For information about fishing Pools 12 - 15 of the Mississippi River, call the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976.

Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 4.1 feet.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers, shrimp, and stink baits around wing dams and log piles.  White Bass - Slow: Some white bass are being picked up while fishing walleyes on the wing dams on three-way rigs or casting crankbaits.  Bluegill fishing has been slow.  Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow.  Walleye fishing has been slow but a few fish are being caught on wing dams using three-way rigs tipped with half a night crawler or a leech. Some fish are also being caught casting crankbaits on the wing dams. With the low flow, look for wing dams with deeper water.

Mississippi River Pool 17
River stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 2.98 feet.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on crawlers, dip baits, and chicken liver fished around wing dams and log piles.  White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill fishing in the backwaters has been slow.  Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Big Timber fishing around brush piles along the bank on minnows.  Walleye fishing has been slow but some fish are being caught on the wing dams using three-way rigs tipped with half a night crawler or leech.

Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 3.57 feet.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats are being caught on night crawlers, cut shad, dip baits, and chicken liver fished above wing dams and around log piles.  White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being picked up fishing jigs and small minnows around brush piles in flowing backwater sloughs.  Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught on jigs and small minnows fished around brush piles in flowing backwater sloughs.  Walleye fishing on the wing dams has been slow but some fish are being caught on three-way rigs tipped with half a night crawler or leech.

Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.46 feet.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers, cut shad, dip baits, and chicken liver fished around wing dams and log jams.  White bass fishing has been slow.  Bluegill - No Report:  Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are starting to be caught around brush piles in the backwater areas on minnows.  Walleye fishing has been slow on the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pools 16-20: River levels are low so take caution when boating. Main channel water temperature is around 74 degrees and water clarity has improved. For more information on fishing Pools 16-20 of the Mississippi River contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

Rock River
SOURCE: Tom Calam, Tom’s Bait & Tackle, Freeport (815-232-3337)
• Near Rockford, catfish about the only thing being caught here and even cats have been slow.
SOURCE: Ray and Irene Hays, Bunny’s Bait Shop, Dixon (815-288-3812)
• Near Dixon, catfish picking up a little bit but most small. Cheesebaits, shrimp and chicken livers best baits. Some large flatheads being caught around Oregon and Prophetstown but most are small near Dixon. Chubs and goldfish working. Crappie and white bass slow but the few that are biting are nice size. Carp good on corn, worms or dough baits.

Word out of Presley’s Outdoors in Bartonville is that staff weighed a pumpkinseed on Tuesday that weighed 0.64 pounds and was caught by Washington angler Pat Crumrine at the Emiquon Preserve.

That certified weight is better than the 0.41-pound pumpkinseed that Peoria angler Kent recently had certified as a state record after genetic testing. Emiquon is one of the few central Illinois public lakes with a viable population of pure pumpkinseeds. Many anglers also mistake the oft-larger redear for the pumpkinseed, though that does not appear to be the case in this situation.

Fisheries biologist Rob Hilsabeck is going to inspect the fish and has spoken with Crumrine, who has apparently been catching good numbers of bluegill and pumpkinseeds in the past few weeks.

“Looks like a pure pumpkinseed to me,” Hilsabeck said.

Some of the bluegill reportedly have been weighing up to 1.5 pounds.

Genetic testing has confirmed that the fish caught by “Chef Todd” Kent of Peoria on July 21 at the Emiquon Preserve was indeed a pure pumpkinseed. The fish measured 7 3/4 inches long, had a 7.5-inch girth and weighed 0.41 pounds.

Kent, who caught the pumpkinseed on an orange-and-yellow jig, was excited after learning news of his record.

“Dude, when do I get my plaque?” he asked. “Now it’s time to go out and get that record longear (sunfish).”

No previous entry was on the books for pumpkinseed, a native sunfish found in a few scattered locations around Illinois. Prime public pumpkinseed destinations include the Emiquon Preserve, the Mississippi River (particularly Potter’s Marsh), the Illinois River above Starved Rock, Little Sister Lake in the Fulton County Camping and Recreation Area (with a fish from there pictured below), Mount Olive New City Lake and the Fox Chain O’ Lakes.

Click here for another account of Kent’s quest to set the pumpkinseed record, which incidentally came while I was also in the boat.

Pumpkinseed are members of the sunfish family and are found in most states. 

The world record pumpkinseed weighed 2 pounds, 4 ounces and was caught in South Carolina on the North Saluda River in 1997 by Scitt Hart of Greenville, S.C.

Pumpkinseeds prefer shallow water with some weed cover, which is abundant in Emiquon.

Pumpkinseeds also reproduce rapidly and eat a variety of insects, including mosquito larvae, along with small molluscs and crustaceans. They also feed on smaller fish, including smaller pumpkinseeds.