Outdoors notes
It’s showtime Thursday in Rosemont, with the opening of the Chicago Outdoor Sportsmen Show at the Donald Stephens Convention Center.
This year’s event runs through Sunday. For details on all the goings-on, visit the website at www.chicagosportsmenshow.com
Ice time: And the ice derby crowds are ready to go again. The sixth annual Ice Fishing Derby and Meat Raffle is Saturday, Feb. 4, at Bangs Lake. The event will be run out of Lindy’s Landing, 115 Park Street in Wauconda.
Combo licenses: Illinois fishing, hunting and sportsman combination licenses for 2012 were available starting Jan. 16 from DNR Direct license and permit vendors, online through the IDNR website or by calling 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648). The system is available 24 hours a day. The 2012 licenses purchased beginning Jan. 16 will be valid through Mar. 31, 2013, unless otherwise noted.
Fishing report
Fox Chain: The sudden walleye activity on Petite and Fox Lakes has brought out the hearty, dedicated ice souls.
Fox River area: Good bluegill action on Nielsen’s Channel, right off the river.
Lake Michigan: Still not safe for ice anglers.
Ÿ Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, and catch his radio show 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM and live-streamed at www.mikejacksonoutdoors.com.