Bart Durham

If your in the area today stop by the Orvis Store in Yorktown Mall in Lombard  between 11 am and 1 pm today, as ISA will be hosting a booth along with Drift and Midwest Angling to talk with Orvis customers about our organizations.  Should be a lot of fun with great smallmouth talk.  Hope to see you there!.  

Deanna Doohaluk of the DRSWC, recently provided an update on this stream restoration project and provided a copy of the Concept Plan Report prepared by Interfluve.  Attached is a copy of their detailed Interfluven Report with cost estimates.

Deanna mentioned that due to the current budget, the plan is to work on Reaches 2-4 as phase 1.  To secure additional funding needed for completion of the project, application has been made with Army Corp of Engineers to secure potential funding available as part of infrastructure bill.  Hopefully the additional funding will be provided so the entire project can be completed.  I will keep you posted as additional information is obtained. If anyone has questions about the project we do our best to get them answered.

Attachment4_LowerEastBr_03222022.pdf

Here is the link for the Supreme Court oral argument in the Holm vs. Kodat case that proceeded on March 22nd. 

https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/oral-argument-audio-and-video/

You can listen to or watch the proceeding, by hitting the icon next to the Holm vs. Kodat listing. 

I thought Holm's attorney, Zac Pollard, did a great job with a difficult subject.  I was encouraged by the line of questioning from the Jurists, but we will see what happens. I noted the attorneys referenced our Amicus Brief in their argument so it was considered by the Court!

I also learned that depending on what happens in this case, Illinois State Representative Janet Wang Rohr, will be introducing a bill to make the Dupage River open to the public.   So, some great  news on that front!

Its unfortunate we didn't know about the case when Holm's attorney filed his initial  brief with the Supreme Court, but we tried the late filing anyway.  

There is certainly no delay in the court of public opinion.  Let your media and local politicians know what you think about this issue and the outrageousness of the Third District ruling.  

Unfortunately the Supreme Court denied the ISA's Motion to file our Amicus Brief.  The Kodat attorney objected to our filing and the Court agreed with their position.  

At least the Court will know there are other groups interested in the outcome of this case and what is at stake.  Oral arguments were set before the Supreme Court today.  It doesn't look promising but we'll see where the Court rules.  

Really appreciate you demonstrating the Shannon Streamer for us Rich!  We had 15 members participate live and via zoom.  Your grandson Tony is an impressive tier already.  

This looks like a killer spring season smallmouth  fly and I'm breaking out the vice to tie up a few for my local river!

John, thanks for letting us know about this.  I would also check with Stephen McCraken or Deanna Doohaluk at the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW) whose jurisdiction I believe covers Naperville portion of DuPage River.  They work with the Conservation Foundation and can be reached at 630-428-4599.

This week we were able to complete and file our Motion and Supporting Amicus Brief for the ISA and Friends of the DuPage River with the Illinois Supreme Court. Attached are copies of the pleadings we filed.  The first few pages include the Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief and proposed orders.  The most important  pleading, the Supporting Amicus Brief is in the last 12 pages of the attachment.  

The Supreme Court has yet to rule on our Motion for Leave to file the Amicus Brief.  We should hear something soon as oral argument has been set for March 22nd.  If the Court doesn't allow our filing hopefully the Court will at least read our brief for whatever persuasive effect it may have.  We will keep you posted on all developments in the case as they are learned.  

I want to thank attorney Pat Anderson of the Shannon Law Group in Woodridge/Chicago for his tireless pro bono work, assistance and help in preparation of the pleadings in this case.

316388884_MotionforLeavetoFileBriefasAmicusFinalFileStamped.pdf

We are excited to announce as our next Zoom event, an evening with ISA member and Wisconsin fishing guide Gordon Patriarca, on Tuesday, March 29th at 7:00 pm via Zoom.  Gordon will give us a review of this past year's fishing season on some of the World's best smallmouth waters in the Wisconsin Northwoods and will give us an update on his guiding service.  It promises to be an fun, educational and entertaining event as it always is with Gordon.  Here is the Zoom link for the seminar:

Topic: ISA Zoom Seminar with ISA member and guide Gordon Patriarca
Time: Mar 29, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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Are there any ISA members out there that own non navigable riverfront or creekfront property in Illinois on such rivers as  Dupage, Kishwaukee, Mazon or Vermillion Rivers (Wabash or Illinois) or creeks?  If so,  please let us know.  It could help the ISA in their efforts  in the Holms case. You can pm me if you like or post here.  Thanks.

The Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) has filed an Amicus Brief in the case siding with the landowner and requesting the Third District ruling against river access be upheld.  If you would like a copy of their brief let me know.

A quick update on the Supreme Court Case status.  Oral arguments have been set for March 22nd in Springfield.  

There may be some timing issues making it difficult for the ISA to file an Amicus Brief in support of river access rights in this case but we are still going to try. We believe we have until March 9th to file our Motion.

We will also be seeking to join in the Amicus Brief filed by the Will County Forest Preserve  as part of our filing.

Friends of the DuPage River (FOTDR)  have indicated a desire to join in our efforts in this case. 

Once our filing are complete I will post copies here for our members  to review.

We're pleased to announce that Rich McElligott with be tying his new version of the Shannon Streamer fly on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 6:30 pm at Run-A-Way Restaurant located at 120 Butterfield Road, North Aurora, Illinois.  The fly tying session will be presented both in person for those that want to attend the event at Run-A-Way Restaurant and on Zoom for those who want to attend via the internet.  Here is a quote from Rich about the fly he will be tying:

"I'll be tying a newer version of the shannon streamer fly.  Materials  needed for the fly are:

mustad 34007 size 1 or gamakatsu b10s in 1 or 1/0;

3/0 white thread;

blood quill marabou feathers;

lion brand go for faux sparkle yarn[fur] from hobby lobby white or silver;

domed stick on eye in 5/16

glue or scribbles t shirt paint in crystal "

The original shannon streamer can be seen on flyfishohio.com. This newer version is lighter to cast and is more realistic in feel and looks "

The Run-A-Way Restaurant is located just east of the Fox River and Route 25 on the south side of Butterfield Road in North Aurora.  Please feel free to arrive at the restaurant early for dinner or drinks and meet with Rich and other ISA members.  We look forward to seeing you there.  Attached is the Zoom link for the event for those who want to attend via the internet.   If you have any questions about the event, please post below.

Topic: ISA Zoom Link for Rich McElligott Fly Tying Session
Time: Mar 14, 2022 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Excellent work Travis!  I believe the fly that Alan Sherman will be demonstrating tonight at the zoom fly tying session, the "Fuzzy Bug" was inspired by the "Harry Fodder" fly,  but I'm sure Alan will be addressing this tonight.  

We're looking forward to tonight's zoom fly tie with Alan Sherman at 7 pm.  Hope to see you tonight!  Here is the zoom link for tonight's tying session:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83840680282?pwd=My9LSmRqN0E1dk1IdEg5RHpIU0FUZz09

Welcome aboard Brandon, I like your chances for landing a 20" with this group, we look forward to meeting you !

Attached is link to ABA Journal article entitled "Troubled Waters" that outlines the current battle between  the publics' river access rights and landowner's rights in Illinois.  The article references the Dupage River landowner issue as well as  a lawsuit involving the Mazon River in Grundy  County entitled Holm vs. Kodat, in which the Illinois Third District Appellate Court upheld a Grundy County trial court ruling adverse to river access rights .  Also attached is a copy of the Holms Third District Case.  The Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to take up and  hear this case and it is currently under a briefing schedule with oral argument date to be set.  This case will dictate public access rights to Illinois rivers for years to come absent legislative intervention which will be difficult at best.  The Will County Forest Preserve District has filed an Amicus Brief in support of river access rights in the current Holms Supreme Court case.  The ISA is looking into doing this as well and I will keep you posted on developments on this issue. Please let me know  your thoughts on this  important issue that could significantly impact Illinois Smallmouth fishermen, kayakers and outdoorsmen for years to come. 

https://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/troubled-waters

https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/8a3521b6-1262-45b4-ba39-bcd15807b6aa/Holm v. Kodat, 2021 IL App (3d) 200164.pdf

Welcome aboard Jesse, and look forward to meeting you! Hopefully you'll catch that "Brutus" this year!

Please join fellow ISA member and Treasurer Alan Sherman on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 7:00 pm for a Zoom fly tying session where Alan will tie and demonstrate the "Fuzzy Bug" smallmouth fly he created.  In addition to showing us how to tie the fly, Alan will also talk about its creation, best ways to fish and present the fly and streams where he has had success with the fly.  Materials needed for the fly will be posted shortly.  It promises to be a fun and relaxing evening, so please join us at this Zoom link for the fly tying session:

Topic: ISA Fly Tying Session with Alan Sherman
Time: Feb 15, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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We received word last night that the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo has been cancelled this year due to the continuing Covid issues.  The scheduler's advised that next year's show is planning to move forward and will be conducted from January 23rd through January 26th of 2023 at the Schaumburg Convention Center..  Thank you to the members that volunteered to work this year's  show.   We look forward to next year's show.  

Join us on Wednesday, January 12 @ 7:00PM, as two smallmouth alliances unite for an evening of smallmouth fun.  Ryan Walker of the Ozarks Smallmouth Alliance (OSA) will tie us up a favorite fly and talk of the OSA and their efforts in protecting the smallmouth bass.  It should be a hoot.

Fly: OSA MadTom                                                                              
Hook: Gamakatsu B10s
Shank 15mm jig shank (or a 15mm straight shank, either or.
Head: Small sculpin helmet
Under Body: Pearl, olive or black estaz (I use medium)
Over Body: Magnum zonker strip (brown, olive, sculpin olive etc)
Belly: Senyos laser dub ( silver minnow belly, tan, olive etc)
“Legs”: Barred silly legs (x2) (obj, olive, or whatever matches)
I’ll use 210 or 140 UTC thread in corresponding color.

Here is the zoom link for the seminar:

Bart Durham is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Zoom Seminar with Ryan Walker of Ozark Smallmouth Alliance
Time: Jan 12, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83511866756?pwd=YTFqcDJzNlIzcFN6THdGd1plUUxVQT09

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Here is good pointer for float and fly fishing taken from a article written by Tim Holschlag:

“Precise depth control and the ability to work the fly extremely slowly are the key components of the float-and-fly concept. When the fish are suspended at specific depths, when they are sluggish and holding tight to the bottom or even when you want to fish subsurface in very shallow water, being able to keep your fly at an exact depth comes in mighty handy. This is possible with a fly suspended directly below a large indicator.” 

A neat article from Jeff Lampe of Peoria Star Journal about fishing Illinois smallmouth  streams with Tim Holschlag:

https://www.carbondaletimes.com/x1714407476

Here it an article about Tim using the "float and fly" technique on Sugar Creek, with some helpful tips:

https://driftwoodoutdoors.com/articles/2020/08/smallmouth-bass-guru-touts-sugar-creek-as-top-fishing-destination/