Mike Jackson on the outdoors
Not every angler in this state has a desire to chase muskies.
In fact, muskie hunters can be considered a minority faction while the majority of other fishermen fall into the category of panfish, bass, and walleye.
I recently received the 2011 status report from the Illinois Muskie Alliance, and because of the encouraging information in this report I wanted to share it with my readers.
And by the way, it's not too late to say “thanks” to the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources and the Illinois Muskie Alliance. Because of the dedicated efforts of this partnership we here in Illinois can find out what it is to catch a hefty, toothy critter on a number of the state's lakes.
When I returned to the Chicago area in 1973 I was surprised to learn that the old Illinois Department of Conservation (IDNR) planted muskies around the state.
And there's more to this story, mostly with happy endings. But first a look back in time.
I caught my first muskie in the Crivitz, Wis., area. When that strike came on a surface lure I thought a whale had invaded the lake my father and I fished. The fish hit so violently I imagined “electricity” shooting through the line to my arms.
From then on I was mesmerized by this kind of angling. I went on to catch dozens more on the lakes around the Hayward area. And back then I thought I had enough smarts as a wet-behind-the-ears kid to guide Chicago-area fishermen to the muskie spots I stumbled upon on those very same Hayward lakes. I worked hard to find fish while trying to keep my successes a secret from the local guides. After all, no one likes an upstart kid taking business away from the full-timers.
Anyway, when I returned here I was astonished to discover we had backyard muskie action.
I caught my first Illinois muskie on the Fox Chain in 1984. Even though it was a mere 30 inches in length, I knew right then and there the Chain would be a focal point for muskie hunters.
From the very far north lakes (Pierce and the Fox Chain), down to the southern edge (Kinkaid Lake), the muskie story has continued to elicit rumors as well as true stories about fishermen's encounters with the toothy Esox.
The muskie story continues to improve every years, thanks in part to dedicated biologists at the state's hatcheries working with the Alliance, which is made up of local and area muskie clubs.
The members of these clubs ask for nothing, except a chance to witness the burgeoning fishery and the opportunity to welcome new members to their fold.
I was aware of this but it is still noteworthy about Busse Lake. The Alliance report talked about the planting of 200 muskie fingerlings in 2007. So far test netting brought a 31.2-pound fish in for examination. Just last year the DNR planted another 800-plus muskies, and these fish are expected to thrive. In fact, the report indicates the Busse plantings are expected to grow quicker than those stocked in the Chain.
On the down side the poaching that goes on constantly in Busse could be a factor that will negatively impact the overall muskie fishery there.
But again, the real story is about the work the IDNR is doing with the help of the Alliance and dedicated anglers.
Wisconsin coffers fill up with Chicago greenbacks every year because anglers make the trek to that state's northern lakes and reap the rewards.
Back here, we are slowly opening the eyes of Illinois anglers that local thrills will not cost two tanks of gas and an out-of-state license.
Ÿ Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@att.net, and catch his radio show 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.