Springlike conditions coming to end
There's good and bad news to be had this week:
The good news is that our local weather has allowed quite a few anglers to take advantage of the excellent muskie and walleye fishing, mixed in with superb crappie and bluegill fishing as well.
The bad news, of course, is that springlike conditions are rapidly coming to an end with some of the harsh, fall weather moving in. But the good news here includes the potential of migratory waterfowl coming in to our area and providing duck and goose hunters with improved bags.
Deer permit deadline: The last day to apply for 2008 firearm and muzzleloader-only season deer permits is Friday, Nov. 7.
Hunters may apply online through DNR Direct (you can click the DNR Direct button on the IDNR home page at dnr.state.il.us).
Permit application forms are also available on the IDNR Web site at dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems.
The Illinois firearm deer season is Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7. The Illinois muzzleloader-only deer season is Dec. 12-14.
• Hunters in Boone, DeKalb, McHenry and Winnebago counties and the portion of Kane County west of Illinois Route 47 can participate in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) deer season to help control deer densities and the spread of chronic wasting disease. That takes place Jan. 16-18.
Attention teachers: Illinois DNR Urban Fishing Program coordinators will go to schools and conduct programs aimed at getting kids interested in fishing and the outdoors while promoting environmental stewardship.
One part of the program involves taking kids fishing during May and September, if a nearby lake is accessible. The program is appropriate for any grade level.
Teachers can continue the program on their own after the initial session, with the assistance of IDNR personnel.
Contact the Urban Fishing Program Coordinator in your area. In Chicago, call Brenda McKinney at (847) 294 4137. In the suburbs, call the IDNR staff at (847) 294 4137
Fishing report
There are excellent angling conditions right now.
Fox Chain: Muskies are very active on Lake Catherine and Channel Lake. Walleye action is considerably better now on Lake Marie and Petite Lake. Look for bigger bluegills in shallow water. There's excellent crappie angling on Pistakee Lake in 7 feet of water.
Fox River: Smallmouth bass are available just downstream from the Kimball St. Bridge in Elgin.
Forest Preserves: Mark Higgins reports he's had the best bass and bluegill fishing all year at Skokie Lagoon.
Lake Michigan-Waukegan: There are brown trout in the shallows right outside the harbor. A few perch are being taken in Wilmette.
• Mike Jackson's radio program can be heard Sunday mornings 6-7 a.m. on WSBC 1240-AM.