For a change of pace, try current fishing

It has been a very long sleep, figuratively speaking.

When I "barned" my fishing boat at the end of November, I went through an extended period of anxiety. I knew full well I might not get on the ice for angling, nor would I be hunting big bass in South Florida's canals and lakes or sight-fishing for the Key's elusive bonefish.

I had to mentally blanket myself with last season's expeditions. It didn't help when I measured close to 20-inches of snow on my back deck.

So I went through the weekly batch of emails, and there was one that kept popping up week after week. It pertained to columns I had written about fishing streams and rivers here and in Southern Wisconsin. The writer seemed to be reluctant about stepping into a stream or a river with very little current to try to catch some fish.

So, I started with the basics for this chap in order to possibly allay his doubts.

An inexpensive set of waders; a long spinning rod or fly rod; some tiny lures; that old set of thermal long underwear that had been put in corner of the closet; and a mindset to try something different any day now. I'd also suggested a staff, or something akin to AJ. Paul's trademarked, hand-carved walking sticks as a safety device to probe bottom, depth and obstacles afoot.

I am not suggesting you get in the water now because you would probably injure or freeze parts of your body, and in turn create a situation whereby you'd blame me for your possible infirmity.

But what I am selling here is something different on the menu of life and the new fishing season.

Just after I turn the ignition key to start my truck, I make it a point to drive to a couple of tackle shops and see if there are any zombies roaming around.

Never to be disappointed, I spot a few souls staring at the rod and spinner bait racks. I am sure these coma-like conditions prevail until these wayward anglers actually reach down to catch and probably release their first fish.

I sometimes spend an inordinate amount of time just driving through the Southern Wisconsin countryside. I'm always exploring. And just as important is lunch at the Brat Stop.

I look for small streams with relatively easy access - but because the spring runoff has just started some of these streams are unfishable.

Now, to answer the annual question that stands out more than others - what lake(s) would I choose for my first outing?

Bangs Lake in Wauconda has always been my favorite starter for crappies. Pistakee Lake can be just as good for early crappie and walleyes.

I'd also like to lump in Geneva Lake for crappie, especially when they're bunched up around docks and seawalls. And when the sun bakes the northern shorelines of some of the Cook County Forest Preserve District ponds in Hoffman Estates, I'd consider these spots for both crappie and bass.

Get set friends, we are just about ready to again celebrate life in its grandest form.

Fishing update:

• Lake Michigan coho catches stretch from East Chicago and Gary to Montrose Harbor. Also toss in some brown trout action. Spring has arrived on the big water.

• Cook County Forest Preserves trout fishing lakes will be closed for stocking March 30 to April 4. Once the stocking is finished, on April 4 anglers may fish Axehead Lake (Park Ridge), Belleau Lake (Park Ridge), Sag Quarry East (Lemont) and Green Lake (Calumet City).

You must have an Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp.

• Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, catch his radio show 7-9 a.m. Sundays on WGCO 1590-AM (live-streamed at www.1590WCGO.com) and get more content at mikejacksonoutdoors.com.