Hungry bucks are on the move
With local temperatures starting their downward spiral, I have seen more big-bodied white tail deer roaming the shoulders of area roads.
In fact, I had to stop and watch several 8- and 10-point bucks stuffing their faces with leaves and grass.
Extra caution is the rule now as you drive around the area during the dark hours.
Up and at 'em: It's not just the deer showing good activity, it's area angling that has fishermen scrambling to partake in a red-hot bite.
Fox Chain: It's muskie time in a grand way on the Chain's northern lakes. A few legal fish (48-plus inches) have been taken from Channel Lake and Lake Catherine. The walleye bite is excellent on Lake Marie, Pistakee Lake and Channel Lake, especially where anglers find some moving current. Crappie activity is very good on Petite Lake.
Fox River: The anticipated smallmouth bite started again in grand style, especially near South Elgin and Geneva. Once again, the walleye action below the McHenry Dam is keeping some anglers glued to that area.
Lake Michigan: Steelhead activity out of Waukegan is good right now, as is the coho and king bite.
Forest preserves: In Cook County, Busse Lake bluegill activity is excellent. A few walleyes taken from the main dam area. Beck Lake crappie action just started.
• Mike's radio program is 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM. You can e-mail him at angler88@comcast.net.