Montrose harbors some good early spring fishing

Hang in there - our time is just about here for soft-water angling.

Look to the harbors, especially Montrose, for perch and rainbow action in Chicago. And at Waukegan, pier fishermen are seeing some brown trout grabbing spawn sacks. No significant reports on coho action yet.

The Fox Chain still has plenty of ice. In fact there's well over 12 inches in many places and quite a few fishermen taking advantage of the crappie bite on Channel Lake.

Keep your gear handy because trout fishing in the Cook County Forest Preserve ponds starts April 5.

• Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, and catch his radio show 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM and live-streamed at www.mikejacksonoutdoors.com.