Bart Durham

Winner was a young man from Stevens Point, Wisconsin!

Due to a scheduling conflict on my part we have to reschedule this outing to Saturday, September 10, 2022. Same plans as before, on Saturday, September 10, 2022, we'll meet at Riverview Farmstead Shelter in the southern tip of Naperville at 7 am to set up our shuttle. Following the float we'll meet back at the Riverview Farmstead picnic shelter for a post float grilled lunch and drinks. Please mark your calendars accordingly. If you have any questions about the float trip post here or contact Bart Durham. I'll post more information on the trip as the September date approaches.

Murphy's law was definitely in effect on Saturday with great fishing weather all week until Saturday morning and our outing. I kept out hope that the light rain wouldn't effect the water quality but the light rain turned into a steady rain for most of the morning clouding the water substantially and dampening our hopes. On the good news side the area desperately needed the rain and Terry graciously showed us several terrific fishing areas on the Kish I had never fished before. It was great meeting new ISA member Spencer as well. Thanks Terry for showing us some great water despite the bad weather.

Just got clearance from boss to attend tomorrow. Wet wading conditions on Kish look optimal. Looking forward to it. Are we meeting at the pin drop location above at 8 am? Terry, do you need me to pick you up?

Here is print out version of Sun Times Editorial on this. I am meeting next week with State Rep Janet Yang-Rohr and other local leaders to discuss moving forward with proposed legislation on this topic. I will keep everyone posted on developments.

I don't have subscription to Suntimes but they published editorial today voicing opposition to the Illinois Supreme Court ruling in this case: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/6/19/23172860/kayak-canoe-illinois-waterways-navigable-illinois-supreme-court-editorial If anyone has access to article please post.

After a long delay the Supreme Court finally issued its ruling in this case and unfortunately ruled in favor of the landowners. You will note in the concurring opinion from Justice Neville and Burke suggesting the State Legislature adopt the Recreational Navigation Doctrine and redefine Navigability to include recreational use. I believe this would take care of the problems this decision creates for kayakers and fishermen. https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/resources/8d41be95-6dc9-42ba-82b5-f2ffe8aed7a2/file

ISA will be hosting a float/wade outing on the Dupage River on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Depending on the river levels at that time we will do either a float or wade outing. Depending on the number of people that show we will have alternative float/wade routes. We will meet at Riverview Farmstead Preserve Shelter in south Naperville at 8:00 am to meet and set up our shuttle. We would like to get an early start to avoid the weekend public kayak onslaught that usually starts late morning. Following the float we will have a picnic at the Riverview shelter with drinks, grilled hot dogs and chips with promised stories about our catches and the big one that got away! The entrance to the Riverview Farmstead Preserve Shelter is located at the south side of the intersection of Book Road and 111th street in Naperville. Any questions please post here or contact Bart Durham.

Thanks to everyone that showed up at Saturday's Extravaganza Picnic. It was great seeing everyone after a long hiatus on public gatherings due to covid. The ISA hats given to all members that attended looked spectacular. I enjoyed seeing our old members and the many new members that attended. The food was delicious and a lot of members won some great prizes and trips. Even though the weather was a little off, the shelter worked well and we all mingled under the roof and had a great time! Thanks again for coming out and supporting the ISA!

Jay, can you show us one of your blockhead poppers? Are they easy to tie?

It's not too late to make plans to attend this Saturday's ISA Summer Extravaganza Picnic at the Whalon Lake outdoor pavilion in South Naperville. No tickets are required to attend, just show up by yourself or bring your friends and family! It looks like the weather is going to be great, with temps predicted to be in the upper 70s under partly sunny skies, with light wind. The event runs from 12-3 with festivities scheduled as follows: 12 noon; Greeting and social hour, ISA update on upcoming events, viewing of raffle prizes and silent auction; 1:00 Lunch (Salad, grilled hot dogs, chips and fruit, chocolate sheet cake); 2:00 Raffle & Silent Auction Feel free to arrive early and bring your fishing gear, boat, kayak or canoe as Whalon Lake has a boat launch near the pavilion. Whalon Lake also has a walking/bike trail that circles the lake so shore fishermen can access the entire lake. The East Branch of Dupage River runs next to the lake and is known to hold smallmouth bass and is also available to fish. All paid members that attend the event will receive a free ISA hat. We have some tremendous prizes for the raffle including custom ISA Chippewa River Spinning Rods and Fly rod donated by Jeff Tallis and assortment of great spin and fly fishing prizes. We will also have a silent auction for several guided trips. The entrance to Whalon Lake is located at the intersection of Royce Road and Lisson Road in Naperville. Follow the entrance on the south side of Royce Road road down the hill, past the dog park to where the road ends at the boat ramp to Whalon Lake. The pavilion is located next to the boat ramp. You will see the ISA signs near the Pavilion. We look forward to seeing you there. Any questions, feel free to post here or call me at 630-399-8266.

On May 21, 2022, ISA members joined approximately 50 volunteers at the DuPage River Greenway trail in Bolingbrook to help clean the area around the 2.5 mile trail that parallels the East Branch of DuPage River in Bolingbrook. The rain stayed away for the most part allowing us to complete our mission. Volunteers spent the morning cleaning trash from the area and removed toxic invasive species plants, like garlic mustard and purple/yellow mustard plants, from the riverside area. Thanks to the ISA members, and the many volunteers and corporate employee/volunteers from Amazon, Orbus and Ulta that participated in the event.

Looks like rain will hold off this morning so come on out, but still bring rain gear in case.

Bring your rain gear!

Kevin, that's it, you can see the trail head parking lot from Route 53, after meeting in Royce Road parking lot at 9 am, and listening to Dan Flinn's instructions, we'll play it by ear but may take a car load over to Indian Head Park and start the work from that end. Wear socks, long pants and longs sleeves and hat for sure.

Quick update, instead of meeting at Hidden Lakes Park the Bolingbrook team is meeting this year at 9 am at the Royce Road trailhead parking lot which is located 1/10 mile west of Rt 53 and Royce Road intersection.. Bolingbrook Coordinator Dan Finn mentioned cleanup work will be performed all along East Branch trail that runs from Royce Road to Indian Head Park along the river. Dan mentioned a lot of mustard grass needs removed. So bring long pants, long sleeves , hat and gloves.

Only three weeks away, this outdoor event should be a blast with great prizes, food and free ISA hat to all members. Bring your fishing gear: Whalon Lake holds smallmouth, largemouth bass and walleye. The East Branch of DuPage River is located next to Whalon Lake and also holds smallmouth and other species. Bring your walking shoes and/or bikes, as a scenic bike trail loops around the lake. Looking forward to some great smallmouth talk as well. Hope to see you there! Please post here with any questions about the event.

For any ISA members that would like to participate in next Saturday's DuPage River sweep (Saturday, May 21, 2022) please join me at 9:00 am at the Hidden Lakes Trout Farm parking lot in Bolingbrook (located off Trout Farm Road). River clean up supplies such as gloves, waist bags, and pickers will be provided. In addition to river clean up activities there will also be opportunities to participate in habitat restoration work. You may want to bring some waders and boots in the event we need to get in River. We can also visit other areas along Dupage that need help. Let me know if you have any questions.

Excellent job Terry, thanks for helping promote the ISA in central Illinois.

I know a couple of spots for Yellow Signs there.

Appreciate the insight Mike. The stream is small enough that you can reach most parts of river by wading in shallows, so you don't have to wade to middle of stream. May try same your technique with a hair jig. The restoration work will soon begin on the east branch and should help with the silt and bottom problems I mentioned. I'm excited to see the project once completed.

Thanks Jeff, enjoyed meeting you and your family as well. I enjoyed discussing our favorite smallmouth river. Look forward to seeing you at future outings.

Customer named Alan dropped off this flyer at Orvis Days last Saturday and thought some of our members might be interested:

Mike, I'd would be interested to hear about some of your winter fishing techniques on the East Branch. In its present condition, with silt pockets and deep drop-offs, I find it difficult to wade fish. Are you mostly shore fishing?