Mike Jackson on the outdoors

It was a dreary day that prompted me to hit the road and find some solace in what northwest Illinois had to offer in the way of peace and plenty.

I have always been a big fan of the Rock River. And because of a recent conversation with Outdoor Notebook publisher Bob Maciulis, my thoughts about fishing expeditions to different sections of this river went into high gear. That's why I came to the Rock — to dream a bit.

Because of my relentless passion for smallmouth bass, I had in the past spent an inordinate amount of time plying the shallows of the upper and lower Fox River.

Despite always having a heavy schedule, when the caller ID on my telephone indicated the late Buck Squancho wanted to talk, I had a fairly good idea what he wanted.

“Let's hit the river,” he suggested, meaning the Fox.

I dropped everything and grabbed my gear.

Buck and I would often wade the river just after the high-water part of the season. We were always anticipating catching fish, even when it took quite a bit of time to locate them.

After Buck passed away I continued my Fox exploits, but also included jaunts to the Rock River as well.

Maciulis and I agreed that the Rock is a vastly under-fished stream with unlimited possibilities.

I can honestly say it would take well over a couple months to adequately fish this river from just south of Rockford down to Sterling.

Charlie Ingles once asked me if there was anything besides catfish and sheepshead in the river.

When I spoke to Charlie on the telephone I asked him if he ever cruised the river in a jon boat or had a chance to wade the shallow sections? He said no.

I went on to educate Charlie to the point where he went out and bought a set of waders and boots.

I have seen but never caught muskies from the river, and my quest will continue.

At Oregon, just below the dam, I was able to tie into a school of average-size walleyes using snagless jigs and minnows. The submerged trees and massive rock formations eat up a lot of terminal tackle there. And on the west side of the river in that same town I was fortunate to have been shown how to locate and catch some very nice crappies.

Downstream, near the high bluffs and ultra-shallow water one can find schools of smallmouth bass, walleye and a few pike. But it's above the dam at Oregon, a few miles to north at Byron is where the smallmouth have a tendency to congregate and can be readily caught on both live bait and artificial lures.

Going back to the Rockford area for a moment. Ted Peck once told me he encountered muskies right near the downtown area. I've seen walleyes there as well, plus huge flathead catfish.

The question remains: Why is the Rock River mainly ignored by anglers in this area? I say it offers as much excitement as any other body of water, and with my love for streams and river, I can honestly say I will pay more attention to it this year.

Laugh if you will, but I am the kind of guy who enjoys battling big white drum (sheephead), jumbo carp and monstrous flathead catfish as a change of pace. Sure, smallmouth bass are my No. 1 choice, but the other species that swim in the same water are just as much a sought-after target as the more popular species.

If you ever decide to wade any river and even a trout stream, in my opinion the two most important items to have long are a personal flotation device and a wading staff. Both accessories can save your life when you step into a deep hole.

Ÿ Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, and catch his radio show 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.