Looking forward to more big crappies this summer. This one was caught over the campground brushpiles using a minnow and a small bobber.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Illinois River 2-26
Water temperatures were in the high 30's. Water clarity is good and the river is down about 2 feet. Now, having said that, I went out of Spring Valley's Bartos Landing today and did not even get a bite. We jigged for a couple of hours in water that was 8 - 26 feet deep. I never ever got touched by a fish.
The good news is that by next weekend the river should be down anohter 4 - 5 feet as long as we don't get another huge snow or rain storm and the fishing should be good.
The good news is that by next weekend the river should be down anohter 4 - 5 feet as long as we don't get another huge snow or rain storm and the fishing should be good.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tommorow on the Illinois River
Since we didn't get all the snow that we were supposed to get, I am getting out on the river tomorrow. I am going to try to launch out of Bartos, I hope that big ice chunk has either melted or moved on.
The plan is to motor out just upstream of hte bridge and jig the deep hole with jigs and minnows. The saugers should be thick in there.
I will let you know how we do.
The plan is to motor out just upstream of hte bridge and jig the deep hole with jigs and minnows. The saugers should be thick in there.
I will let you know how we do.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Illinois River Tip
If you do get out this weekend, I would recommend vertical jigging in the deeper holes. I would not go out on the river this time of the year without minnows. Keep your minnows close to the bottom of the river. Do not be afraid to use a heavy jig if you are having trouble keeping your jig on the bottom. Look for the deepest water you can find because that is where the fish are going to be.
But....don't you dare back down that ramp if you think it is slippery. I have seen lots of boats, trailers, and trucks damaged while attempting to back down Bartos landing boat ramp and they began sliding. I like to bring kitty litter and spread it out on the ramp before I back down. Another good tip is to always back down in neutral gear, then you are not fighting against your reverse gear when you want to stop. The best advice is, if you think it is dangerous, it is!
But....don't you dare back down that ramp if you think it is slippery. I have seen lots of boats, trailers, and trucks damaged while attempting to back down Bartos landing boat ramp and they began sliding. I like to bring kitty litter and spread it out on the ramp before I back down. Another good tip is to always back down in neutral gear, then you are not fighting against your reverse gear when you want to stop. The best advice is, if you think it is dangerous, it is!
This weekend
The tournament this weekend that was scheduled to go out of Starved Rock has been changed to Ottawa. I don't know, with 6 - 9 inches of snow forecasted to fall tonight, I just don't feel safe backing my Trition down the ramp. Don't get me wrong, I love saugers, but I also love my boat and truck!
I can't wait to get out!
I can't wait to get out!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Bad Weather Again
Feb 23, 2010
Tommy's talk last night really got me excited about getting back out on the river again. But it got cold today. I mean the kind of cold that could even make one of us Illinois River boys cold. I need to get back out fishing. After spending a whole weekend at the Tinley Park Sports Show, and last night listening to Tommy Skarlis, now I really need to get out.
Tommy's talk last night really got me excited about getting back out on the river again. But it got cold today. I mean the kind of cold that could even make one of us Illinois River boys cold. I need to get back out fishing. After spending a whole weekend at the Tinley Park Sports Show, and last night listening to Tommy Skarlis, now I really need to get out.
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