jmcghee

I've caught probably 10 or so in the Mack on a Spit n Image, but they've always sucked it in gently off the surface... never had one clobber it like that.

No, I joined about four years ago. I didn't get the magazine at first for some reason, so I emailed one of the board members (can't recall exactly who). I wound up getting two or three issues, and they stopped again. I just gave up on it, but then this one showed up. I've even moved since I got the last issue a few years ago... I have no idea how this one got to me.

Out of the blue, the first Bronzeback Bulletin I've gotten in roughly 3 years showed up in my mailbox today... I'm assuming that's not supposed to happen?

If I can insert a little bit of optimism, I've had by far my best spring ever on the Mack. Much of it likely has to do with the river actually being not only fishable, but wadeable this year, but the smallies definitely aren't gone that I've noticed. The only thing that I've found troubling is that I'm catching slightly lower quantities, but mostly quality (15"+) fish. There just don't seem to be any dink 8-12" fish, which I'd imagine has at least something to do with little to no spawning the last two years.

Thanks Jonn! I'm selling it because after two years, I figured out that I really just prefer to wade. I've done quite a few float trips and while I do enjoy them, I always seem to enjoy my wading trips more.

I was finally able to grab a few pictures.

Anchor locks and window weight anchors:

Seat:

"Deck":

Rod Holder:

I have an Old Town "Pack" solo canoe for sale. This is a fantasic fishing canoe that I've used many times to float the Mackinaw and DuPage. At 12 ft. and around 35lbs. it's perfect for one person to handle to and from the water. I've added front and rear anchor locks (I'll include two anchors with it) a rear rod holder (holds 4 rods), custom lowered aluminum seat cradle with "sitbacker" seat, and a wooden "deck" that I use to strap my backpack/ tacklebox to. Set up the way it is, you can fairly easily paddle upstream in normal summer flows with a kayak paddle (also included) and drift back down to your vehicle. I fished out of it 3 weeks ago, and it is ready to go right now. It's in good shape, with only the normal cosmetic blemishes from beaching on gravel bars etc. It's really a great canoe for Illinois river/ stream smallmouth fishing, and is a lighter weight alternative to a kayak... only it holds way more gear. It's priced at $600 with all the bells and whistles, and I'd be willing to deliver/ meet anywhere in central Illinois, and possibly Chicagoland. I also have a like new Yakima roof rack with load stops that retails for $285 that I'd throw in for an extra $150. Feel free to email or call at any time, and thanks for taking a look!

-James McGhee

dutchallison00@yahoo.com

(847) 385-8839

I'll be there on Sunday; The CHS is one of the largest and most well known herp societies in the country, and some of the world's most respected herpetologists are members. It's a fantastic show, and a huge portion of the proceeds go to conservation.

I'm going to be in St. Louis tomorrow afternoon, and I'd like to get out and wade for a few hours in the evening. Any suggestions on a stream relatively close with wading access?

I floated probably the same stretch you guys did with similar results on monday. 3 smallies up to about 14 and a white bass... and chocolate milk colored water. I think it's finally getting close though.

Just checked my "Paddling Illinois" reference book of canoe and kayak trips in our great state, and there are a couple options for a full 8-hour float, depending on your paddling abilities . . .

 

- St. Charles Road bridge --> Mack Road bridge (8 miles)

 

- Hammel Woods below dam in Hammel Woods Forest Preserve --> Channahon at Route 6 bridge . . . a wide area along the shoulder accommodates several cars. This is a better take-out spot than a bit downstream before the dam which can be tricky if you were to get caught in the current and swept over the dangerous spillway!

 

Trust you have someone available to pick you up at the take-out point.

That's very helpful... thanks!!

Can anyone suggest a section of the Dupage to float for a full day (8 hrs. or so). All I'm looking for is a put in and take out, no honey holes or anything. You can PM me if you'd like. Thanks!

How much?

I'm in Peoria but am willing to travel... let me know what you've got!

Wow, I didn't expect so many responses so quick! Thanks everyone! Those Orvis shoes look pretty slick, I think I'm going to try them out. Thanks again!

Ok, so I'm tired of emptying 10lbs. of sand out of the old Nike's every time I get out of the river, so I'd like to get some decent boots for wet wading. Something that dries quickly, and of course, keeps the sand out. Any suggestions?