Perch and waiting on ice: Chicago fishing/Midwest Fishing Report

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iceshanty01_25_13.jpg

Eventually, this scene inside an ice shanty will be repeated, perhaps in the next week up in northern Wisconsin.
Credit: Dale Bowman

The first talk of ice fishing in northern Wisconsin comes, though it is more likely next week, and perch reports around southern Lake Michigan lead this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

The MFR for Chicago fishing 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.

ICE FISHING

Those headed north for Thanksgiving or the end of Wisconsin’s gun deer season have a chance of ice fishing.  thought it was more likely early next week. When I called “Ranger Rick” Krueger of Guide’s Choice Pro Shop in Eagle River Monday, he didn’t think there was until he walked out to check. “Wait a minute, we have been making ice all day,’’ he said. “They could be ice fishing Thanksgiving.’’ Obviously, in limited spots on limited ice. “They could be after walleyes in the shallow bays and weeds; northern pike,’’ Krueger said. “Bet there is a good inch or two by Thanksgiving.’’ Kurt Justice of Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua was more cautious Monday. “The pond behind the shop just froze last night,’’ he said. “Typically the big lake freezes 10 days later. Early next week, they will be fishing in some of the shallow places. . . . There’s open water for muskies, still guys going at it. And they’re still catching [open-water] walleyes.’’

PERCH

Looks like there will be the traditional Thanksgiving perch fishing, at least in some places. Arden Katz said he sorted through more than 100 perch for a dozen keepers, using a weight on the bottom with double Mini-Mites with spikes a foot above at 89th.  Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports and Bait said perch fishing is “getting better and better,” especially around 89th, but also other spots on the Cal and especially the southern lakefront. Capt. Rich Sleziak  at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted that there were a lot of small perch, but some decent ones at 87th, 89th and 95th; but there are also some perch well up the Cal. Lori Ralph at the Salmon Stop texted that fatheads are taking some perch off Johnson Pier. Stacey Greene at Park Bait said it was slow with the weekend weather, but some quality perch, along with a many smaller ones were being caught inside Montrose.

PIER PASSES

The pier passes for legal access to fish select piers at Jackson, Burnham, DuSable, Diversey, Belmont and Montrose harbors in Chicago are available at Henry’s ($6 cash, one per valid fishing license).

AREA LAKES

Conditions changed dramatically, as Ken “Husker” O’Malley well notes in this report:

Hey Dale, Area lakes have slowed dramatically after the cold front hit. Prior to the front, bass were being caught on lipless crank baits and jigs worked along the outside weed edges. Stable weather may bring the bite back prior to ice up. TTYL— Ken Husker O’Malley Huskeroutdoors Waterworks fishing team

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

Closed for the season.

CALUMET SYSTEM

No update.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA

Art Frisell at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said water levels are down, so use caution navigating or launch on the lake you’re fishing; walleye are going, best on Marie; crappie are best on Bluff or Marie; muskie are fair, though many trying or a bit of early skim ice mornings.

For updates, check with Fox Waterway Agency or call (847) 587-8540.

CHICAGO RIVER

Capt. Pat Harrison (click here for his site) posted this:

CHICAGO RIVER FISHING REPORT 11/12 – 11/18, One trip last week weather was a bit tough for clients. Surface temps were 49 to 53 degrees and a bit warmer at discharges. We caught fish Bass in the 12 to 16 Crappie Gils Sunfish a few cats. Downsizing baits is the trick for this time of year fish are putting on the feed bag for winter and will take a small bait quick because it’s easy no energy needed. Start to think about the baits that catch fish through the ice small and easy. I am planning on headed south a bit to 95th street and chase some Perch this week then would like to head up toward Evanston heard about some good fishing up there. I am planning on fishing the Chicago and Illinois rivers all winter in different spots. If you’re looking a Great gift for the angler in your family thinking about getting them a gift certificate for a Great River Trip. Have a Great Thanksgiving till next week tight lines and big fish. www.patharrisonoutdoors.com Thanks Capt. Pat

DELAVA

N/LAKE GENEVA AREA, WISCONSIN

GENEVA: Mark O’Neill, who posts fishing reports at http://www.structure-fishing.com/Lake_Geneva_Fishing_.html has this for his latest:

11/20/16 Only fished for a few hours today, was testing a new Lowrance unit which kept me pretty busy. All quality fish today, between 18 and 20 inches but the bites were very light and one really had to be patient, except for the largest one that just nailed the bait! Fish were scattered throughout the water column, but all my catches were in the 20-24 foot range. Water temperatures were in the 51-52 degree range, which is definitely above what it should be they should be this time of year. Air temperatures when I started were at 26 degrees and when I got off the water it was 32 degrees out, still it was a pleasant day without any high winds. Water temperatures will continue to drop, but unfortunately the piers will be pulled shortly. As of today, the docks were still in at Williams Bay, but based on history, they will be removed within the next week or so.

DELAVAN: No Update

DES PLAINES RIVER

No update.

DOWNSTATE NOTES

LAKE OF EGYPT/REND: Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing said crappie fishing was excellent, especially in 10-14 feet by Route 154. SHELBYVILLE: Ken Wilson of Ken Wilson Guide Service said crappie were going on the north end in 8-10 feet with jigs around isolated stumps or the tops of brush piles. EVERGREEN: Bait shop and boat rental are closed for the season. HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed for season.

The updates on Downstate sites below come from Larry Dozard of larrysfishinghole.com:

        – RICE LAKE –. . , will Re-Open at end of Duck & Goose season..

– BANNER MARSH – Will CLOSE TO BOAT FISHING on Oct. 12th with last day to boat fish being Oct. 11th AND BANK FISHING ONLY ALLOWED AFTER 1PM but NO FISHING ALLOWED in EAST POINT ACCESS AREA, which is CLOSED TO ALL FISHING to provide a GOOSE REFUGE AREA during season till Feb. 1st– DOUBLE T STATE FISH and WILDLIFE AREA – . . . remains Closed till Feb. 1st– EMIQUON PRESERVE – No boating, fishing or ice skating access before 12:00 pm during waterfowl season.– EVERGREEN LAKE – the SOUTHERN PART OF LAKE, AROUND DEER ISLAND and ALL OF SIX-MILE CREEK BAY IS CLOSED TO GAS MOTORS from Oct. 15th through JAN. 1st to allow resting areas for migratory waterfowl. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO STILL RUN A TROLLING MOTOR IN THESE AREAS ONLY.– SNAKEDEN HOLLOW & McMASTER LAKE – closed– SPRING LAKE (South & North) – WILL BE CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING in Waterfowl Hunting Area ON OCT. 15th with Last Day to Boat Fish being Oct. 14th with BANK FISHING ALLOWED ONLY AFTER 1pm– & AREAS THAT REMAIN OPEN TO BOATS ARE NORTH OF MAPLE ISLAND with ramp at north end at the Sky Ranch Road launch and IN PIKE HOLE with carry in boats – and Shore Fishing is allowed in entire lake after 1pm in Hunting areas or at boat ramps all day.– POWERTON LAKE – REOPENS TO SHORE FISHING ONLY ON DEC. 19th AND NO BOAT FISHING till FEB. 15th– SANGCHRIS LAKE – THE WEST and EAST ARMS OF LAKE and Small AREA NEAR DAM ARE CLOSED DURING WATERFOWL SEASON to boat traffic effective Oct. 12th (last day to boat fish will be Oct. 11th) through Jan. 31, 2016 (during this time fishing boat traffic is permitted in the center hot arm only).– PRAIRIE LAKE in Jim Edgar/ Panther Creek State F&W Area – Lake is CLOSED from Nov. 1st to Jan. 15th to Fishing until after 12:01 PM on Wednesday & Saturday.– ANDERSON LAKE – THIS AREA Will be CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING in Main Lake from Oct. 15th (with last day to boat fish Oct. 14th) through Dec. 20th during waterfowl season with bank fishing Only allowed.– CLINTON LAKE – an easterly area of Clinton Lake (The Waterfowl Refuge Area) between the DeWitt Bridge East (CH14) and the Rt. 48 Bridge will CLOSE be on October 10th and will re-open on MARCH 31st…

FOX RIVER: WESTERN SUBURBS

Pete Lamar sent this:

Hi Dale, This report was obsolete before I’d even gotten home on Friday afternoon due to the weather change. The rain quit long enough for me to go after smallmouth and rock bass on the Fox tribs. For awhile, I thought about stopping at home to grab the 8 weight rod, a box of bass flies and fishing the local forest preserve. But on the drive out the sky cleared and the rain stopped so I kept going out to Sugar Grove/Big Rock/Hinckley. It was still in the 60s at the time with a howling wind-water was actually moving upstream in the high winds. Fish were feeding actively, including some near the surface. Lots of rock bass; some smallmouth to hand; several others missed when I was distracted watching suckers on the stream bottom. Then came a solid thump that could only be a nice smallmouth. It measured 17 inches from a stream not much wider than a sidewalk. By the time I got home, it was in the 40s; I expect the fish are now sulking in deep holes. Pete

I like that turn of phrase, “I expect the fish are now sulking in deep holes.” And I suspect he is correct or will be.

FOX RIVER: WISCONSIN

No update.

GREEN BAY/STURGEON BAY

No update from Lance LaVine at Howie’s Tackle in Sturgeon Bay (I think he is deer hunting). The Wisconsin DNR report is usually posted Tuesdays and includes reports from both the bay and lake sides.

HEIDECKE LAKE

Closed for the season.

ILLINOIS RIVER

Thom Matejewski at Illinois Valley Outdoors in Spring Valley said walleye and sauger have been spotty. The last day for Illinois Valley Outdoors, which is closing is Saturday, Nov. 26.

INDIANA STREAMS

Access points for Trail Creek can be found on the Trail Creek Access MapCapt. Rich Sleziak  at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted that some steelhead are starting to trickle in, beest on jigs tipped with wax worms or small spawn sacks.

KANKAKEE RIVER

Walleye bite is on, though few trying in this weather.

LAKE ERIE

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

LAKEFRONT

See perch at top. SALMON SNAGGING: Here is the word on snagging legally on the Illinois lakefront from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:

4) Snagging for chinook and coho salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted: A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon. B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only). C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area. D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).

LAKE VERMILION,  MINNESOTA

Check Jarek Wujkowski of Rodsbent Guide Service.

LaSALLE LAKE

Closed for season.

MADISON CHAIN, WISCONSIN

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

MAZONIA

Closed for the season, but Monster Lake at Mazonia South remains open year-round. Check with Jon Meder at Jon’s Bait Shop–(815) 237-2822–in South Wilmington. Open daily, 6 a.m.-sunset.

MENOMINEE RIVER, WISCONSIN

Check with Mike Mladeik at Mike Mladenik Guide Service.

MILWAUKEE HARBOR

Check the Wisconsin DNR Lake Michigan Report, which generally comes out Tuesdays for updates.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

Ice prospects at the top. Muskie season ends Nov. 30.

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

Is there ice? Yes. Is it safe? No. Four nights of temps in the teens, with the last two very calm has forced water temps into the close to freezing ranges. Some small ponds, edges of shallow lakes and bays of flowages have locked up. The pond behind our shop froze yesterday (11/21) which typically means that Minocqua will follow in 7-10 days. Forecast of night temps in the 20’s with high of mid 30’s means we should see some fishable ice as early as next week. Musky: Good. The weekend was rough with high, cold winds relegating the few hardy souls to trolling. That proved successful for one particular crew who boated an ugly 47 on Saturday evening. Calmer temps allowing for more casting now, suckers overall still best. Musky season ends November 30. Walleyes: Good. Few participants over the weekend due to wind. Prior and since, good below dams and along windward shores towards dusk on chubs, suckers and large fatheads. Waiting to get some lake temps, but overall cold weather putting us in good conditions for early December ice fishing. Kurt Justice Kurt’s Island Sport Shop http://www.kurtsislandsports.com

EAGLE RIVER: No update this week from B+L, from reports from Colin Crawford, for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce.

NORTHWEST INDIANA

See perch at top. Capt. Rich Sleziak  at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted that when conditions allow, some lake trout are being jigged off the reef by Burns Ditch; also some good crappie in Burns Ditch and Deep River on structure. NOTE: Slez’s Bait is open until noon on Thanksgiving.

ROCK RIVER, WISCONSIN

No update.

ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN

The Wisconsin DNR Lake Michigan Report is generally posted on Tuesday and includes a Root river section. Click here for the stream flow update, which can be really important for how good the fishing is.

ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN

Phil Schuman at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said some steelhead are starting to build in the lower sections of the river; and whitefish are beginning off the piers (South Haven has been slightly better for whitefish).

ST. JOSEPH RIVER, INDIANA

Click herefor reports from the Indiana DNR.

SHABBONA LAKE

Lake hours are now 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Lakeside  is closed until ice fishing. The restaurant is closed for the season. 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.

WISCONSIN RIVER

No update.

WOLF LAKE

No update.

WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN

Bill Stoeger said walleye are improving as the water cools in 12-20 feet, most of the deeper channels, move until you find active fish, jigging is best but river rigs will soon work.

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