Fishing Tips
REELFOOT BOAT
Due to the abundance of submerged trees and stumps in Reelfoot Lake, necessity is the mother of invention. Early on the Calhoun Reelfoot Boat became a reality. The craft is a rather nifty local product […]
Small Lke Fishing
Fishing News - Fresh
TAILWATER ADDICTION
A summer of record rainfall has resulted in high water situations in most of Illinois lakes and rivers. As a result many fish washing over dams creating rejuvenated fisheries n the tailwaters downstream. Tailwaters are […]
Fishing News - Fresh
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BANK FISHING AND STREAM WALKING
There is a natural evolution from bank fishing to stream walking. It is probably due in part to someone getting bored bank fishing when the fish are not biting. Early angling literature almost always focuses […]
Fishing Tips
CRAYFISH – THE ANGLERS FRIEND
From Lake Michigan salmon to the popular catfish, the aquatic version of sirloin steak is the crayfish. Virtually all fish species like to eat them but bass and perch are particularly fond of this crustacean.
Fishing News - Fresh
HAPPY HOURS – FAMILY FISHING
Economic conditions in recent years have forced people to make hard decisions on the use of their discretionary income for recreational fishing trips. Family responsibilities demand we do better and more efficiently add to the […]
Fishing News - Fresh
FAMILY FISHING LOCATION IN CHICAGO AREA
Living in Chicago area for some 30 years still provides surprises in terms of family fishing locations. The best fishing seems to come in the forest preserves and along the lakefront. There are several rivers […]
Boat News
Reduction of Sounds in Boats
An often over looked part of fishing is the noise factor. Whether on shore, in a boat or wading, sound plays an important part of fishing success. Most of us have no realization of the […]
Panfish Fishing
FISHING ILLINOIS STRIP PITS
Time was when strip mined land was a story of environmental devastation. Now they have become successful habitat restoration. The woodlands, healthy grasslands and abundant water provide outdoor recreation for the public. Most of the […]
Trout/Salmon Fishing
TACKLE FOR ILLINOIS TROUT FISHING
Fishing for Midwestern trout is usually a little different than in western or eastern waters. This is due to the fact that most Midwestern trout are hatchery raised and often found in ponds as opposed […]
Fishing News - Fresh
THE OVERLOOKED OPPORTUNITY OF WATERSHED LAKES
Are you looking for a fishing location with little fishing pressure and yet presenting the challenge of any other more well-known body of water? In addition to being somewhat remote, most watershed lakes also present […]
Trout/Salmon Fishing
HOW FEE FISHING FITS IN THE OUTDOOR SCENE
To many the idea of fishing a fee pond is like fishing a swimming pool. To them it is not even fishing. To others fee fishing is a necessary addition to their fishing scene. Who […]
Panfish Fishing
CRAPPIE FISHING AND THE DOGWOODS
The blooming of the Dogwood trees signals the crappie spawning period. The rest of the forest is full of dark shafts of wood rising toward the sun. On them are small buds and the beginnings […]
Panfish Fishing
Spot and Stalk Crappie Hunting
One of the late winter rites of passage is ice out crappie fishing. Locating the ice out crappie is a matter of going where they should be and going where they are. The latter probably […]
Fishing Tips
Finding Fish In The Winter Zone
While anglers in northern Illinois are fishing through holes in the ice, anglers in southern Illinois are still fishing open water lakes and ponds. Mild winters allow southern Illinois anglers to fish all year around. […]
Fishing Tips
Ice Out Patterns For Cold Fish
Some fishermen mistakenly seem to think fish are like bears and go into hibernation. Large game fish often turn up at this time of the year. The fish are not as aggressive when water temperatures […]
Trout/Salmon Fishing
Illinois Catchable Trout Program Starts Friday
Catchable trout fishing takes place in some 50 lakes and ponds across Illinois beginning on October 18th. For a complete listing of the sites check the website for Illinois Department of Natural Resources at http://www.dnr.iillinois.gov. […]
Fishing News - Fresh
Fish Action In August
Summer sunshine in August is often a sure sign that the fish will not bite during the day. Most anglers switch to night fishing or at least early morning and late evening. That is not […]
Catfish Fishing
Slip Bobbers and Catfish
My introduction to fishing came at the end of some black nylon line with a wine cork tied above a worm-baited hook. Between the two was tied a bolt. It was pretty rudimentary but functional. […]
Panfish Fishing
Around The Gills
The Bluegill is easily recognizable by the blue or yellow green coloration, six to eight dark vertical bands down the sides and dark opercula flap behind the eyes. During spawning season a male may also […]
Panfish Fishing
Family Fun Had With Bluegils
The return of warm weather inspires anglers to dig out the rod and reel. The entire family can all take part in bluegill fishing. The many public fishing areas of southern Illinois provide ample space […]
Fishing News - Fresh
Two In A Day Fishing
When it comes to a good day, two Illinois public fishing areas are a good bet. Located about an hour southwest of St. Louis, Pinkneyville City Lake and the many lakes found in Pyramid State […]
Fishing News - Fresh
Fishing Unfamiliar Waters
High fuel costs and other boat expenses mean that many of us are fishing water closer to home and or perhaps areas we neglected in the past. Fishing a new lake, or seldom fished lake, […]