Readers worried IDNR's future looking very bleak

As I have stated countless times, Illinois could have been the "cash cache" ready for mining.

Of course, I am referring to the outstanding fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and other assorted outdoor goodies established over the years by hard working employees with the state's Dept. of Natural Resources.

Make no mistake about it. These are very tough times, with a state legislature tip-toeing around their sacred pork-barrel projects. This state is in deep financial trouble, and its residents have seen their jobs disappear. And yet the wheeling and dealing in Springfield continues like there's no tomorrow.

My e-mail correspondence seems to have a common thread. With an area economy gasping for air, residents (who happen to be taxpayers) look to avenues whereby they can relax a bit and catch a few fish. With state budget cuts becoming a normal routine, the IDNR has seen its key people either retiring or moving on to jobs where they don't have to bow and scrape to state lawmakers.

Elgin outdoorsman Carl Walters believes the "DNR will be decimated by lawmakers who embrace outlandish priorities."

I keep shaking my head every time people complain that DNR enforcement people are nothing more than game wardens. Fact: IDNR police officers have the same arrest and enforcement powers as regular state police.

Take the case of Florida Fish and Wildlife Officer Vann Streety, a 10-year veteran. He was shot several times during a traffic stop in Brevard County, Fla. He was attempting to arrest a person wanted for multiple traffic violations. The officer's bullet-proof vest saved the FWC officer's life.

Fishing update

Lake Michigan: If smallmouth bass fishing is on your dance card, try the rocks right outside Calumet Harbor on the city's far south side. Another probable spot is just off the rocks at east Chicago as well. Coho fishing has slowed somewhat due east of Diversey, but the king and steelhead activity has taken an upward turn for anglers heading out two miles from North Point.

Fox Chain: Excellent largemouth action on Lake Catherine while the walleye activity continues in current areas on Petite and Nippersink lakes. Trollers on Pistakee Lake are picking up small walleyes and decent channel catfish.

Forest preserves: In Cook County, Skokie Lagoon bluegill action very good on the north shorelines while bass fishing has slowed.

• Mike Jackson can be reached via e-mail at: angler@mikejacksonoutdoors.com