Fishing hasn't gone under

Companies have shut down, and jobs have gone by the wayside. But not all is so glum, especially in the fishing business.

Despite the sluggish economy and cutbacks in consumer spending, there are strong indications that fishing remains one of the largest outdoor recreational activities in the nation as well as one of the most solid industries in the United States. Annually, nearly 40 million anglers generate more than $45 billion in retail sales, with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for more than 1 million people.

"People want a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively, and from what we're being told; anglers are heading outdoors and putting a line in the water," said American Sportfishing Association President and CEO Mike Nussman. "Although anglers, just as the general public, seem to be deferring higher end purchases, it's clear that people are going fishing and purchasing tackle."

On the angling front:

Fox Chain: We may not like the weather scenario, but the additional area rainfall has spurred muskie and walleye fishing on Lake Catherine; Channel Lake, and Petite Lake.

Deep Lake-Lake Villa: Excellent bluegill and crappie fishing in 6-8 feet of water.

Cooling lakes: LaSalle Lake a good bet this weekend for bass and jumbo bluegills. Heidecke Lake could be a big surprise for walleye and big stripers this weekend.

Fox River: Water murky in many areas but smallmouth fishing can be a treasure if one works the shoreline areas near outflow pipes and deadfall trees.

Lake Michigan: The perch bite seems to be better in Chicago on the far south side but not quite as good at Montrose Harbor. Coho salmon are down around 75 feet and hitting flies off the Chicago shoreline. Decent salmon action right on the Wisconsin state line at 75-95 feet.

• 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.