Outdoors notes: Dove hunting season starts

The start of the Illinois dove hunting season was viewed by some as just so-so in various places around the state.

In the north, there were quite few birds flying in and out of sunflower fields. Central section hunters did fairly well, though.

Official reports on the early Canada goose hunting activities have yet to surface, but the warmer weather has kept quite a few birds out of the sky.

Teal hunting will start in Illinois toward the end of the month with an opening set for the 23rd.

Fishing report

Fox Chain: No-wake restrictions are still in place, but despite that angling is excellent, especially for crappie, bass and catfish. Right out of Barnacle Bob's on Lake Marie, you can find schools of crappie in 10-16 feet of water. Bass action on Channel Lake has picked up in major-league fashion. Muskies are slow.

Lake Michigan: Perch activity has resumed full-steam ahead with decent action right outside Wilmette Harbor. The same holds true for the regular Lake Forest hot spots. King salmon improved out of Chicago's Diversey Harbor in 60 feet of water.

Bangs Lake: Good for largemouth in early-morning periods. Bluegill action greatly improved in the weed pockets.