Where did that bear come from?

Either it pranced its way over the wooded trails or some numbskull dumped the carcass.

Regardless of how the body of a fairly large black bear wound up in Douglas County recently, it's still a mystery for biologists and officials in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

It's estimated the carcass that was discovered near Hugo, Ill., weighed between 150-200 pounds.

Back in the spring, an area resident notified sheriff's officers that either a black cougar or bear had riled his dogs, but nothing was ever substantiated.

Some officials have speculated the bear may have been from Pennsylvania.

Fishing report

Lake Michigan: Even though it's been a so-so year for Lake Michigan perch fishing, some of the better big lake angling is going on now.

Quite a few jumbos are being taken from the "old reliable" Lake Forest hot spot in around 50 feet of water. Anglers are using jigging spoons to nail the big ones.

In the meantime, the salmon picture is as pink as it can be with excellent catches of coho and kings happening right off Chicago and Waukegan. The steelhead activity has greatly improved as well straight out from Waukegan.

Fox Chain: The recent rain storms have given the Chain a greatly needed shot in the arm. Crappie fishing on Lake Marie is spectacular with lots of big fish taken from 8-10 feet of water. The walleye bite has improved on Marie, Channel, and Pistakee Lakes. And the bluegill news is very encouraging, with jumbo 'gills being taken from Fox and Pistakee Lakes.

Fox River: The smallmouth activity below the Algonquin dam is good, especially for anglers using live bait. The same is true in Elgin. And lo and behold, the walleye action below the McHenry Dam has started to attract anglers.

Deep Lake: One of the best crappie and bluegill bites of year is happening now along the west shoreline.

• Mike Jackson's radio program can be heard Sunday mornings at 6-7 a.m. on WSBC, 1240-AM.