High winds, cold temps kick start waterfowl season

Get the wild rice ready, because the prospects for duck l'orange continue to look better each day.

High winds and dropping air temperatures have caused a major kickstart for migrating waterfowl in to northern Illinois. Duck hunters have been scoring big time on mallards and Canada geese.

Fishing report: When it comes to the area fishing scene, conditions are pretty good, especially on inland waters.

Fox Chain: Improved muskie action on Lake Catherine. Some anglers are using jumbo suckers to tease the fish out of the shallow weeds. The walleye department is very active, especially in current areas around bridges, including Channel Lake and the Grass Lake Road bridge. Bluegill activity continues to surprise fishermen on Pistakee Lake. Look to Bluff Lake for improved white bass and crappie activity.

Fox River: Smallmouth action has slowed, but some fish have been taken south of Elgin's Kimball Street bridge.

Forest preserves: Anglers have been surprised by decent catches of largemouth bass at Skokie Lagoon. Busse Lake crappie are very cooperative.

Lake Michigan-Waukegan: Brown trout decent on live and frozen bait. Steelhead action improved at Waukegan.

• Mike Jackson can be reached via e-mail at angler88@comcast.net, and you can catch his radio program 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.