Bart Durham

James Luckey of Prairie Research Institute mentioned to me this summer this was in the works. Relocating the Warrenville bridge and re routing the river will be an enormous project.

Mark, looking forward to the January tie, maybe we can work on the Tequilly fly we've been talking about? Did I spell that right?

While it was difficult to understand Mr. Fritz, he seemed apologetic in the clip. Perhaps it was taken after receiving papers from the Will County States Attorney, who the broadcaster indicated has filed charges against Mr. Fritz. Hopefully this will put a stop to the dumping.

Terry, don't forget the fnf!

There is a log jam on the east branch of the Dupage River at Hidden Lakes park in Bolingbrook that has accumulated a ton of garbage and desperately needs attention. Anyone willing to help clean it up please meet at Hidden Lakes parking lot located just north of intersection of Boughton Road and Schmidt Road at 11 am this Saturday, November 8th. I'll bring my kayaks and garbage bags. We can grab some grub afterwards.

Thanks Tom and Ed for a great evening! The food as always was phenomenal.

Nice audible!

Catching a 17" smallie is worth a kayak river baptism any day.

A delicious smallmouth appetizer!

Thanks Dan. Hope to get by there soon. A good idea to partner with them to help promote the smallmouth population in the DuPage.

Scott's rosy summary may have been correct about the fishing but not a complete picture of our float on Saturday. We arrived at the 135th takeout to set up shuttle at 6 am got on the water by 7 am to start out float: The conditions were great, clear water, good flow, 70 degree temps, low wind and overcast skies: I threw top water with my spin tackle and subsurface crayfish streamers with the fly rod. For some inexplicable reason the bite was not on. What fish we did catch were on the smaller size but still feisty. We really had to work for the fish that we caught. I think Mark's theory regarding sunny skies my be right. Kip and I both lost large fish on topwater strikes after the sun came out toward the end of the float. It would have been nice to have landed them but it wasn't meant to be. I know other local rivers are not producing smallmouth in numbers like previous years and am chalking this summer up as a poor fishing summer for smallmouth. The lack of fishing success given the conditions in yesterday's float left us scratching our heads but the near perfect weather conditions made the poor fishing much more bearable. The calmness and serenity of being on the river in a kayak is always great for the soul whether you catch fish or not. Catching smallmouth while dong it is an added bonus. After the float and securing our floating devices on our vehicles we all got together at Nevins Brewery for some much needed nourishment and to share our days stories. Thanks Scott, Kip and Mark for joining in the float. Look forward to doing it again soon.

Tomorrow is the day for the big float! The stars are lining up for great floating and fishing conditions. River is at near perfect level, low 80s temps, low wind and cloudy skies are in the forecast. The possible rain is supposed to hold off until late afternoon and we should all be off the river well by then. Please come out and join us at the 135th street boat ramp at 6 am if you can. I have an extra Coosa kayak if anyone is interested in using, but would need to know before tonight.

Just got back from visit to the river and noted its still a little stained but clearing. Should be clearer by Saturday. Dupe is currently at 90 cfs and heading lower. River should be in perfect shape by Saturday morning. After meeting at 135th Street ramp on Saturday at 6 am and setting up shuttles hope to get on river by 7 am to start catching smallmouth. Looking forward to seeing old and new faces on Saturday. Fishing could be really good, so try to make it if you can. The more the merrier.

Following the Naperville gauge which is closest to area we will be fishing, now at 120 cfs and going down. A little overcast conditions will only help the bite. Canoes, drift boats and waders welcome to join

Dupe is currently at 142 cfs and dropping fairly rapidly and clearing. No rain that I see in the forecast between now and Saturday. Should be between 80 and 100 cfs and clearing by Saturday which will be darn near perfect for a Dupage float!

If rain stays away we could have great conditions for Saturday's float. Weather is supposed to heat up and hopefully so will the smallie bite. The reason for early start, 6am, is the float I have planned will take 5-6 hours. If we get 10 or more to show we'll do two separate floats, one downstream of 135th and one upstream, both nearly equidistant in length. If less than 10 show we'll probably all do the same float. Plan to bring plenty of water and a snack/lunch. Still plan to meet afterwards at Tommy Nevins to discuss our day's stories, good and bad. Even if the bite isn't on, which I doubt will be the case, we'll still have a great time so come out out and join us. We will meet at 6 am at the 135th Street boat ramp on the southeast side of the Dupage river off 135th Street north of Plainfield and about a quarter mile west of Naper-Plainfield, or 1 mile east of Rt 59. For those who would be interested in joining but don't have a kayak or anyone who has a general question please let me know. Here is a smallie I caught on topwater a few weeks ago on same stretch we will float on Saturday:

One week from today, meet at 135th street boat ramp north of Plainfield at 6 am to set up shuttle.

In the tradition of Ed B, "Ten more days"! Get your topwater baits ready.

Looks like one mean fly fishing machine!

Tim, thanks for showing me the harbor. With all the fishing opportunities in our area I should never get bored regardless of the conditions. I may have got skunked on my initial trip but you landed a beauty of a drum.

Assuming the water levels are reasonable we will meet at the boat ramp on 135th Street in Plainfield at 6:00 am and set up shuttles from there. Depending on turnout we may break off into groups and do different stretches. Could be some good topwater/hopper fishing. Plan for a post float drink and eats at Tommy Nevins Brewery, not far from the 135th street ramp for those interested. Let me know if you can make it so we can plan accordingly.

Looks like a quality publication and free! I subscribed. Like that its focused on Midwest fly fishing. Some great smallie photos Tim.

What an Illinois smallmouth! Way to go Rob!

Tim, if still available I'll buy it. What reel would you recommend to pair it with? Looking for it to become my steelhead and musky rod.

The new Jackson Big Rig, looks like an enhanced version of the Coosa, I'll definitely be checking it out.