Outdoors notes

I recognize that our long winters here in the rust belt can sometimes be frustrating for those of us who love to fish, but when soft-water season rolls around, we have some pretty good angling on our lakes and rivers.

But that's not the way the illustrious editors of "Field and Stream" see it.

The glitzy magazine has compiled a list of the top spots to live for fishermen, and Illinois didn't even make the bargain basement.

Glenwood Springs, Colo., tops the list of the best 10 places, while Moorehead City, N.C., fills in at No. 10.

And I'd bet a double cheeseburger from Kathy's Lakeside Inn on Forest Lake that the highly astute editors of that magazine never dropped a fishing line in our waters, let alone sampled some of the best steaks and Italian food between here and Rome, Italy.

Oh, really? From the "Mike Jackson Who Cares Department," I guess food is food to different segments of the nation's population. According to a story in a recent issue of "Texas Fish and Game Magazine," it is legal to hunt, kill, and eat porcupines, armadillos and badgers in Texas.

It's showtime: Still plenty more to attend on the show schedule:

• Jan. 24-27: at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, it's the Chicago RV and Camping Show.

• Jan. 26-27: Adventures in Travel Expos, also at the Stephens Center.

• Jan. 31-Feb. 3: Strictly Sail at Navy Pier.

Fishing report

Fox Chain: Guide Darrell Baker (847-337-5559) said this weekend should be outstanding for walleyes, crappie and big catfish on the lakes he works. Safe ice is expected in many areas of the Chain, but use caution near current areas, especially the Spring Lake Channel.

Bangs Lake: Expect good bluegill and crappie fishing this weekend on the north and east sides of this lake.