Waiting on winter's end (I swear): Chicago fishing

Opening night of smelt netting at Burnham Harbor in 2016.
Credit: Dale Bowman

OK, every time I think spring might be walking in, say Saturday, it seems to snow again the next day; welcome to this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report. And it looks like more of the same for much of the next week.

The MFR appears in a condensed form Wednesdays on the Sun-Times newspaper outdoors page.

The sprawling raw-file report is posted here online on the Sun-Times outdoors page.

The photo is “Bobby Bridgeport” and Scott Kane at the north end of Burnham Harbor getting ready for opening night of smelt netting.

HEIDECKE

The former cooling lake near Morris reopened Friday with fair catches of hybrid striped bass. Winds, obviously, limited boating since then. Hours are 6 a.m.-sunset.

Here is what the preview is. For those who find them, crappie have become the glamour fish, both in numbers and size. Walleye were expected to be the star fish last year, but that never really panned out, fisheries biologist Rob Miller wonders if that might happen this year. But he is making no predictions on walleye this year. I know it would make a lot of people happy if walleye became the fish. He said bass continue to limp along. When Heidecke became an ambient lake, Miller expected aquatic vegetation to take off and the bass to explode. It never happened except in “some isolated pockets.” He said, “We did find some emergent Illinois pond weed on the west, maybe the size of a couple boats together. That is a good sign. As to muskies and hybrid striped bass, expect about the same. A couple site details. There is no concessionaire. The off-limits area remains the same. The trestle is not and will not be coming out. Boaters will need to continue to monitor water levels.

SMELT NETTING

Netting for smelt runs through April 30 on the Chicago lakefront. Only heard of one netted Friday on opening night. Regulations are the same for the Chicago Parks. Nets may go in at 7 p.m. Netters must be out of the parks by 1 a.m. Prospects are as poor as recent years. Smelt are not around.

SPRING TROUT IN ILLINOIS

Inland spring trout season opened Saturday. If 16 or older, you need a fishing license and an inland trout.

Here is the key information from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

For more information on trout seasons and other Illinois fishing opportunities, check the website at 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. For a location near you, check the IDNR website at this link: http://dnr.illinois.gov/DNRDirectMonitor/VendorListing.aspx Fishing licenses and trout stamps can also be purchased by using a credit card through DNR Direct online via the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov, or by calling DNR Direct toll-free at 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648). For more information about all site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. The 50 locations that will be open for spring trout season are listed below: 2016 Illinois Spring Trout Locations (** Denotes Sites Open for Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing-Only Early Season) North — Boone County — Mill Race Ponds, Belvidere North — Bureau County — Hennepin Canal Parkway North — Cook County — Wolf Lake at William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago North — Cook County — Green Lake in Calumet City, Cook County Forest Preserve District North — Cook County — Axehead Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District North — Cook County — Belleau Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District North — Cook County — Sag Quarry East, Cook County Forest Preserve District North — DuPage County — Silver Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District [ADD: Grove and Pickerell to the DuPage list] North — Jo Daviess County — Apple River, Apple River State Park ** North — Kankakee County — Bird Park Quarry, Kankakee North — Kankakee County — Rock Creek, Kankakee River State Park ** North — Kendall County — Big Lake, Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area North — LaSalle County — Illinois and Michigan Canal, Utica North — LaSalle County — Lake Mendota, Village of Mendota North — Lake County — Sand Lake, Illinois Beach State Park North — McHenry County — Lake Atwood, McHenry County Conservation District North — McHenry County — Piscasaw Creek, McHenry County Conservation District North — Ogle County — Pine Creek, White Pines Forest State Park ** North — Rock Island County — Prospect Park, Moline North — Stephenson — Waddams Creek, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area North — Stephenson — Yellow Creek in Krape Park, Freeport North — Whiteside County — Centennial Park Pond, Rock Falls North — Will County — Lake Milliken, Des Plaines Conservation Area North — Winnebago County — Four Lakes, Winnebago County Forest Preserve District Central — Adams County — Siloam Springs State Park Lake ** Central — Cass County — Gridley Lake, Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA ** Central — Champaign County — Lake of the Woods, Champaign Co. Forest Preserve Dist. Central — Christian County — Manners Park Pond, Taylorville Park District Central — Coles County — Eastern Illinois University Campus Pond, Charleston Central — Hancock County — Horton Lake, Nauvoo State Park ** Central — Macon County — Sportsman’s Club Pond, Macon County Conservation District Central — McLean County — Miller Park Lake, Bloomington Central — Morgan County — Morgan Lake at Nichols Park, Jacksonville ** Central — Moultrie County — Wyman Lake, Sullivan Central — Pike County — Kings Park Pond, Pittsfield Central — Sangamon County — Southwind Park, Springfield Central — Sangamon County — IDOT Lake, Springfield ** Central — Sangamon County — Washington Park Pond, Springfield Central — Shelby County — Forest Park Lagoon, Shelbyville Central — Vermilion County — Clear Lake, Kickapoo State Recreation Area South — Jefferson County — Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond South — Johnson County — Ferne Clyffe State Park Lake South — Marion County — Boston Pond, Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area South — Massac County — Fairgrounds Pond, Fort Massac State Park South — Randolph County — Derby Lake, Sparta (World Shooting and Recreational Complex) South — St. Clair County — Frank Holten State Park Main Lake South — St. Clair County — Jones Park Lake, East St. Louis South — Willow Lake at Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area ** South — Wabash County — Beall Woods Lake, Beall Woods State Park South — Wayne County — Sam Dale Trout Pond, Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

AREA LAKES

Other than the inland trout season, crappie continue to lead the local reports, especially with the return of winter.

Though “The Dizz” Mr. Blackful sent this on a visit opening day of trout to Millikin:

Just wanted to give you a heads up. I had the chance to hit Miliken Lake Saturday morning and as usual it was a nice bunch of fishermen out there. The fishing over all was slow and spotty at best I think the crazy weather ran the fish down deep but I did catch a couple of nice trout for breakfast. The interesting thing was I saw quite a fewLargemouth Bass caught on spinners one of them was close to 4lbs. For a lake that suffered a major fish kill a few years back its good to see that the bass population seems to be coming back.Mr Blackful

“Johnny Sunshine” Pajak sent this on fishing DuPage lakes:

Dale, Actually was able to get out last week for the first time in a long time. I was only out for about an hour with my nephew but managed to get several bass on the windy side of the lake slow dragging plastic craws along the bottom. Lost several fish too. Soon as it starts getting warmer the fishing will heat up for sure!Hope you are well!Johnny Sunshine

Staff at Fishtech said there are some good walleye being caught at Busse, both in the lake and the creek.

AREA WATER LEVELS

Go to http://water.weather.gov//ahps2/index.php?wfo=lot to check area water levels and projection. To get to more specific gauges, even on creeks, in Illinois, go to http://waterdata.usgs.gov/il/nwis/current/?type=flow

BRAIDWOOD

Site staff emailed Monday that it was 76 on the hot side, 67 on the cool. Continue to receive decent bass reports. Hours are 6 a.m.-sunset daily. NOTE: Exelon’s Fishing for a Cure is May 7. Click here for info and to register.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA

Art Frisell at Triangle Sports & Marine said crappie are good, but with the weather, they are moving in and out of the channels, changing almost daily; walleye continue fair, though some quality fish are being caught in currents areas; bluegill are fair, moving back and forth between shallow and deep, try ice jigs, such as Ju-Ju, with waxies or spikes.

Check updates at Fox Waterway Agency or by calling (847) 587-8540.

CHICAGO RIVER

No update.

DELAVAN/LAKE GENEVA AREA, WISCONSIN

Brian Gatesat Geneva Lake Bait & Tackle said that on Delavana, bluegill are good, there’s a few crappie in the channels; on Geneva, bigger crappie are on the northeast end of Williams Bay, the beach and north at Fontana and some in Geneva Bay on small shiners or Rosie Reds.

DES PLAINES RIVER

No update.

DOWNSTATE NOTES

HENNEPIN-HOPPER: The Wetlands Initiative will have the fishing season at the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge (Hennepin-Hopper) from May 15 to Labor Day. Regulations will be the same as last year, with an emphasis on reminding fishermen there may be no large motors on boats. LAKE OF EGYPT/REND: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing. POWERTON: Boat and shore fishing is open, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. EMIQUON: Because of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s shutdown, fishing and boating permits will be done at the launch. Call (309) 547-2730. SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Ken Wilson Guide Service.

EVERGREEN:Mike Steffa sent this update on bait shop and boat rental:

EVERGREEN LAKE BAIT SHOP & BOAT RENTAL OPENS SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2016 BAIT SHOP HOURS: MONDAY-THURSDAY FROM 8-4 AND FRIDAY-SUNDAY FROM 6-4 BOAT RENTAL HOURS: FRIDAY-SUNDAY FROM 6-4 EXPANDED HOURS BEGINNING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! QUESTIONS? CALL THE COMLARA PARK VISITOR CENTER AT (309) 434-6770.

DuPAGE RIVER

No update.

FOX RIVER

No update.

GREEN BAY/STURGEON BAY

Lance LaVineat Howie’s Tackle in Sturgeon Bay sent this on Monday:

Good afternoon guys. Sorry, but this will be a quick one…I am flying solo and have been quite busy. Here it goes Brown Trout action continues throughout the county both on the Lakeside and bayside of the Peninsula. Generally, fishermen concentrate in waters less than 20 feet, but on occasion, especially on the bay side, you can find pods of Browns in some deeper water like out to 50 feet. Mauler spoons, Rapalas, Thundersticks and some smaller Husky Jerks have been good Stream fishermen are still finding some fresh run Rainbow Trout in the Door County Lakeside tributaries and that run should continue right up until May especially after some rain showers. Drifting spawn sacs and casting small spinners always a good option Pike action has been good and should continue to stay good especially once the post spawn bite really kicks in. Casting and trolling large crank baits has been the best methods. Sturgeon Bay, Sawyer Harbor and Little Sturgeon all good spots to try Walleye action is still a bit slow with the extremely cold water temps. As of right now, those fish are still pre-spawn so the chances at catching on of those Super Giants is still very good. Once the spawn is over Is when the action really heats up for big numbers of fish. Troll or cast steep shoreline drops with Rippin Raps, Clackin Raps, Paddle Tails, Blades and troll with large suspending crank baits and you should have it covered Thanks; Lance LaVine Howie’s Tackle 1309 Green Bay Rd Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 Ph: 920-746-9916

The Wisconsin DNR posts a report, typically updated on Tuesdays at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/OutdoorReport.html

ILLINOIS RIVER

The Illinois River Walleye Classic on Sunday showed good sauger action, with many females still egg-laden. Illinois Valley Outdoors–(815) 663-1000–is open in Spring Valley.

INDIANA STREAMS

Access points for Trail Creek can be found on the Trail Creek Access Map.

KANKAKEE RIVER

NOTE: The Route 102 bridge over Rock Creek is undergoing work, which means access to the state park and Warner Bridge will require some driving around.

River remains fishable, though somewhat high and stained.

LAKE ERIE

The Ohio DNR has general Lake Erie info and a fishing report.

LAKE KOSHKONONG, WISCONSIN

No update.

LAKEFRONT

Problem is the problems caused by wind and the resulting dirtied water.

CHICAGO: When weather allows, there are good coho and browns being caught.

WAUKEGAN: Capt. Augie Ralph at the Salmon Stop said small Cleos worked very slow are best from shore for coho while bait on the bottom is best for browns; he had one report of good perch action in 65-45 feet last week before the heavy weather.

LaSALLE LAKE

Like other places, the winds are biggest issue, especially for boaters. Darryl Turner continues to catch very good blues from the east shore. The cooling lake south of Seneca is open daily, 6 a.m.-sunset.

District fisheries biologist David Wyffels expects blue catfish to be “historically good;’’ fishermen have caught blues heavier than 50 pounds and biologists surveyed them heavier than 30. Expect the usual on bass and hybrids. Bluegill should be good on the east bank. I plan to be there, waiting in line Monday night.

MADISON CHAIN, WISCONSIN

Go to Facebook for the latest updates from Gene Dellinger at D & S Bait.

MAZONIA

Open daily, 6 a.m.-sunset. Heard my first outstanding reports last week for big bass, but that was before the big cold snap.

MENOMINEE RIVER, WISCONSIN

Check with Mike Mladeik at Mike Mladenik Guide Service.

MILWAUKEE HARBOR

No update.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

MINOCQUA: Kurt Justice of Kurt’s Island Sport Shop sent this on Monday:

Despite cold temps (18 degrees this morning when I opened), lakes that opened up to some extent are NOT safe to access. Reports in our area show only the south end of Big Arbor Vitae having enough ice (aprox 8″) to fish and even that should be approached with extreme caution!Crappies: Good. When conditions allow. Slow drop plastics or waxies, or try tip-downs with minnows.High winds and cold made for tough conditions. With the exception of Big Arb, can’t really recommend ANY ice fishing.Kurt JusticeKurt’s Island Sport Shophttp://www.kurtsislandsports.com

EAGLE RIVER: No update, other than waiting on open water, from B+L, from interviews with guides George Langley, Muskie Matt and Colin Crawford, for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce

NORTHWEST INDIANA

I did not get an update from Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station.

ROCK RIVER, WISCONSIN

Brian Gates at Geneva Lake Bait & Tackle said that some legal walleye are being caught around Fort Atkinson and Jefferson; some catfish starting for the good fishermen.

ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN

The Wisconsin DNR Root River Report is generally posted on Tuesday.

ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN

With the conditions, I did not check in with Phil Schuman at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor.

ST. JOSEPH RIVER, INDIANA

Click herefor reports from the Indiana DNR.

SHABBONA LAKE

Staff at Lakeside said the weather has limited effort, but a few muskie are being caught and some crappie in the north-end brush piles.

For more information and reports from Lakeside, go to shabbonalake.com or call (815) 824-2581.

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN

The Wisconsin DNR posts a report at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/OutdoorReport.html. It is usually posted by Tuesday afternoon. Stream flow info is at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/current?type=flow.

WOLF LAKE