Fox system boating restrictions lifted

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has lifted the boating restrictions it authorized on the Fox River from the Montgomery Dam north to the outlet of Pistakee Lake in Lake, McHenry and Kane counties.

IDNR officials have been continuously monitoring the situation and believe conditions have improved to the point of reopening the river to recreational watercraft.

Of course, this news comes on the heels of heavy rains Wednesday.

Fishing report

Lake Geneva, Lake Delevan (Wis.): Some outstanding smallmouth and large mouth action happening now. It appears the best activity runs from 15-20 feet with anglers using crankbaits. In the meantime on Lake Delevan, the bluegill and largemouth activity is excellent in shallow water.

Fox Chain: Look to Channel Lake for some of the better crappie action this week. Lake Marie bluegills are very cooperative, while Petite and Pistakee Lake continue to offer good walleye and white bass fishing.

Fox River: With high water still prevalent, anglers can still take advantage of the smallmouth bite right up close to the shorelines.

Lake Michigan: The better coho salmon bite appears to be out of Waukegan in about 50 feet of water. The perch action has slowed up north and shore anglers in Chicago are having a tough time picking up fish.

Cooling lakes: Striped bass and a few walleye reported on Heidecke Lake. LaSalle Lake has come alive again with largemouth taking whacky worms near the rocky shorelines.

• Mike Jackson can be reached via e-mail at angler@mikejacksonoutdoors.com, and you can catch his radio program 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.