Change ahead for mid-winter routine?

For quite a few lodge owners, resort operators and fishing tackle retailers, the annual winter gathering of outdoors people at the Donald Stephens Convention Center had been the focal point of booking business for the coming spring and summer months.

The East Coast group that had been the operator of what is commonly called "the O'Hare show" has been actively seeking buyers for the event this year.

Now there's word that an out-of-town individual is here to take the pulse of some exhibitors, as well as testing the waters as to the viability of actually picking up the reins. Time will tell if there's a change ahead.

Fishing report:

Lake Michigan: Despite the high winds, anglers have been taking advantage of shoreline spots near Waukegan for trout and occasional kings that have moved closer inland. Some Chicago boaters have been managing to skirt their way in between the high waves and find lake trout in deep water off Chicago.

Fox Chain: Crappie action has begun in earnest on Channel Lake. When the wind subsides, muskies have been spotted on Lake Catherine. Pistakee bluegills are very active in wind-sheltered spots and shallow water.

Fox River: Channel and flathead catfish action slightly improved at the Carpentersville Dam. Smallmouth activity not great, but scattered near Batavia.

• 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.