Wilderness and tranquility much closer than you think

Reality is a paycheck and a few bucks in the bank.

Some may hang their hat on the weekend down time and steaks grilling in the backyard while others prefer an unfettered landscape thick with evergreens and platoons of wildlife.

I miss those days when airboat guide Tony Mamanos would steer his shallow-draft in to smallmouth-laden pools on the lower Fox River. South of Montgomery is where one could escape into a world of tranquility. The Fox is slowly returning to a more pristine stream thanks to the public demanding it be more than just a place sewage called home.

And there are other waterways like the Fox, perhaps more picturesque and clear, within easy drives from the suburbs.

Even though a canoe is not my No. 1 choice of watercraft these days, it is still the best mode of transportation in places where silence is preferred over a two-stroke gas burner.

The Kishwaukee River is a prime example of scenery coupled with a good fishery.

Not too long ago a friend and I glided past stands of trees and homes. When I blinked my eyes twice the view switched to strictly forest and a field or two. We came across mink quenching their thirst, a rather rare site during daylight hours.

When the tiny Panther Martin spinners went sailing out to the side of the canoe, we didn't know whether the enticement would create a rush hour of fish action.

It did. The first bass was a mere 8 inches long, but had the genetic strength of its big brothers and subsequently leapt into the air like a circus performer. The smallmouth got larger as we silently cruised our way downstream.

And then, on one cast, the line shot to the right. A couple of huge swirls and splashes told me it was a pike, and it was. After registering 6 pounds on the electronic scale, I slid the battle-bruised northern back into the river.

There's a section of the Kishwaukee that goes underneath the former I-90 Northwest Tollway (now the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) near Belvidere. It was here we got out and looked around, soaking in the fullness of our experience. True, this wasn't the Boundary Waters Canoe Area north of Ely, Minn., but it was a little bit of paradise nevertheless.

Even though I occasional have to get on an airplane and hate the rigors of airport security and surly airline employees, I would much prefer to arrive at my destination with four wheels under me. And with the plethora of great spots within an easy drive, I have once again become enamored with fishing spots offering enough action to hold my attention.

Take, for example, the Wisconsin River at Poynette north of Madison, and at Sauk City, west of Madison. Here are two sections of water that give the impression that one is in a far-off place with lots of fishable water, plus plenty of solitude to trigger one's imagination.

For decades the Wisconsin River had been the bane of outdoors people because it smelled terrible while also containing all the elements of a semi-toxic soup. The culprit effluent reportedly came from pulp mills near Wausau. Now you could swear this stream was literally born-again, with a healthier complexion and a user base that welcomed and applauded a restoration job well done.

There are plenty of days left to get into a canoe and see these places for yourself. Make sure you take a fishing rod along to complete the quest for pure relaxation.

Soon I'll share with you how intrigued I've once again become with big catfish.

Already, it's fishing like fall

For me, there hasn't been much time to savor summertime angling. There even are signs now that the fall period is running head-on to us at breakneck speed.

Reports out of west central Wisconsin tell me that walleye, smallmouth, and largemouth bass fishing is excellent with cooling water temperatures now in play.

Hatching a plot: Is it strictly a fantasy or could it become a reality again? Spring Grove Village President Mark Isenberg is hoping to "resurrect" the once vital Spring Grove fish hatchery near the Fox Chain.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources closed the facility after it deemed the place far too expensive to operate.

The hatchery was the "feed point" for the Chain for stocking walleyes there as well as other lakes needing an infusion of Illinois' big-dollar fish. Isenberg told me his village will have a Taste of Spring Grove this Saturday in hopes of attracting volunteers to help bring the once productive hatchery back on line. Call (815) 675-2121 for information.

The fishing report

Lake Michigan: The king of Lake Michigan fish has decided to grace us with its presence, in a grand fashion more or less. King or Chinook salmon have moved very close to Chicago shorelines and have caused a fishing frenzy at Montrose and Belmont Harbors. Mmm, more autumnal signs, you say? Perching appears to have slowed considerably.

Fox Chain: If a muskie is in your game plan, try working the shallows on Lake Catherine (even in the rain), and go with topwater lures. The Route 12 bridge area is giving up some very decent walleyes, as are spots in the Spring Lake Channel. Pistakee Lake bluegills are a safe bet now in 8 feet of water.

Fox River: Be careful if you plan to wade the river looking for smallmouth. Some current areas have seen an influx of drifting logs and debris, but smallies can be taken at South Elgin and Batavia.

• 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.