MIDWEST FISHING REPORT
LICENSES: On Sunday, new licenses are needed for the four Lake Michigan states.
HEIDECKE: Reopens Sunday. Open daily at 6 a. m. ( 6: 30 shore fishing) and closes at sunset. See main column for prospects.
SMELT: Netting opens Sunday night in Chicago. Park district rules are no open fires, no enclosed tents, no alcoholic beverages, no parking or driving on grass or sidewalks, don’t destroy property, dump hot coals in appropriate receptacles. Netting begins at 7 p. m. Must be out of the park by 1 a. m.
FLY FISHING TROUT: Catch- and- release fly fishing season is open at nine sites around Illinois, including at Rock Creek, Kankakee River State Park; Apple River, Apple River State Park; and Pine Creek, White Pines Forest State Park. Those 16 and older need a fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp. AREA RIVERS: CHICAGO: Capt. Pat Harrison: Said a fishermen reported some perch and crappie along the Riverwalk. DES PLAINES: Ken “Husker” O’Malley: Finding warmer water at discharges is key to active bass. ILLINOIS: As the MWC showed, decent conditions for sauger, winning team vertical jigging around the Peru flats. KANKAKEE: Kyle Lund: Water remains a bit high ( and rain hitting the watershed); walleye should be at peak of spawning, but catching is more variable.
CHAIN: Triangle: Greg Dickson said, “Fishing is good, water is low.’’ Crappie good in channels, but watch water levels; better fishing the flats and main lake points for walleye with the lack of current. COOLING LAKES/ STRIP PITS: BRAIDWOOD: Rob Abouchar: Bass on cool side best on moving baits ( squarebill crankbait in sexy shad best) around the rocks. Open daily 6 a. m. to sunset daily. HEIDECKE: See above. LaSALLE: Wind limited boaters. Open daily 6 a. m. to sunset. MAZONIA: Open daily 6 a. m. to sunset.
GREEN BAY: Howie’s: Walleye ( couple in 13- pound range) improve the longer ice holds on; whitefish still going on bayside, but ice could change quickly.
LAKEFRONT: Park Bait: Water improved Tuesday; powerliners taking a mixed bag, mostly coho. Capt. Scott
Wolfe: Boaters not out in the last week, but limits of coho and browns in Indiana. Water remains under 40 degrees.
N. WISCONSIN: Kurt Justice: Ice still 20- inches- plus on most lakes, but conditions are sloppier; perch remain very good deep on mud flats on wigglers morning or afternoon.
N. W. INDIANA: Slez’s: Shore anglers OK on coho with crawlers, shrimp or squid under a bobber at Port; same at Michigan City; some steelhead in Trail and Salt on spawn sacs or Voodoo jigs tipped with waxies.
SHABBONA: Water remains in the 40s. Lakeside — ( 815) 824- 2581 — officially opens Sunday, 6: 30 a. m.- 6: 30 p. m. ( but people are working and bait is generally available.) Park hours are 8 a. m.- 8 p. m., going to 6 a. m. to 10 p. m. on Sunday.