Had to continuously battle the air leakage issue, looking for something more durable.  

Any suggestions for lower back support for Jackson Coosa kayak seat? My inflatable wrap around worked great for a few years but is leaking badly now and need new one.

Kevin Daly and I of the ISA joined approximately 50 volunteers on a beautiful Saturday morning to assist the Bolingbrook Park District in cleaning  up the Dupage River as part of the 2019 Dupage River Sweep. I was extremely excited to meet Forrest Rackmyer, Dan Finn and Amanda Sillwell , Horticulturalists and Arborists of the Bolingbrook Park District and hear about their plans to help restore the river valley along the East Branch of the Dupage River through the Bolingbrook area maintained by the Park District.  The River Sweep volunteers helped clean up liter, refuse and flood debris (a lot of plastic) in an area along the East Branch that stretched from the Royce Road Bridge kayak launch to the Whalon Lake waterfall downstream of the Hidden Lakes Park District trout ponds.  Kevin and I also assisted Dan and Amanda in removing  noxious Orange Day Lilys and in planting Native plugs in scattered areas downstream of the Royce Road Bridge kayak launch where the Park District has launched a major river bank restorative effort.  Forrest is a avid fisherman and recognizes the smallmouth bass are not as plentiful in the East Branch and hopes his restorative efforts will help change this fact.  There are many areas where the ISA can help Forrest and the Bolingbrook Park District in their cause and we look forward to forging a collaborative working relationship in the future.  

We'll plan to meet at Hidden Lake's parking lot at 8:30 am this Saturday for this year's River Sweep.  I have some supplies (gloves, bags and pickers) provided by the Conservation Foundation but feel free to bring your own supplies.  We'll meet the Bolingbrook liaison at the parking lot for directions on areas with the most need and attention.  There may be opportunities to do restoration work as well.  The more the merrier so please come out and join us.  

Hidden Lakes park is adjacent to the East Branch of the Dupage River.  The entrance to the park is on the west side of Schmidt Road one block north of the intersection of Boughton Road and Schmidt Road in Bolingbrook.  There is also a community garden and sign at the entrance.  You have to continue down a steep hill to get to the Hidden Lake parking lot next to the trout ponds,  If any questions let me know.  Hope to see you there!

The Missouri Smallmouth Alliance is doing an outing on Jacks Fork, a tributary of the Current River the weekend of May 17-19.  Anyone that has floated this Ozark stream will attest it is a must do float for adventure lovers and smallmouth fisherman.  Here is some more information on the trip:

Jack's Fork Outing: May 17-19 @ the Bunker Hill Retreat 

Join us for the first outing of the season.  It has something for everyone:   Hard fighting smallies: Check.  Sublimely beautiful surroundings: Check  Affordable & comfortable lodging right on the Jack's Fork but away from the crowds: Check . 

Call 417-934-2333. tell them you're with the MSA then let us know your coming by replying to this email.  

Bunker Hill Retreat is not a livery and they do not shuttle but we always have enough people to self shuttle without difficulty. There are also wade-fishing options.  

Questions:  reply to this email. 

Check out these maps for an overview of your floating and fishing options.  

Unfortunately out of town or would be there for sure.  Don't miss this float if you can make it.  Guaranteed a good time with Paul and the group  and some of the best biscuits and gravy around at Cherry Valley Cafe! Don't be surprised if you catch a big smallie as well.  

The colors on those bows are incredible, well worth the hike in extreme conditions!

Removal of the Dam is a win win for safety and improvement of an already pretty good fishery!

Unfortunately there were two drownings near the Dupage River Hamel Woods dam on Sunday according to the Tribune.   The newspaper article indicates a priority of the Will County Forest Preserve is removal of the dam and it looks like it will be removed soon.

"Coincidentally, Will County forest preserve commissioners this week were expected to review two resolutions regarding the eventual removal of the dam. The district has been working since 2017 with others Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition to find ways to improve water quality and safety on the river, Cain said. After a study of options, removal of the Hammel Woods dam was identified as the highest priority.

The district’s operations committee is expected to vote Wednesday on a resolution for second-phase engineering for dam removal. The study is expected to cost $104,000. Committee members also are expected to vote on a resolution of agreement with the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition for the coalition to fund the study.

The study is expected to be completed later this year. Initial estimates show dam removal could cost $585,000, which also is expected to be covered by the coalition. Dam removal could begin as early as next year, Cain said.

Both resolutions, if approved by the committee, would be presented for a vote of the full Forest Preserve District board at its April 11 meeting, Cain said."

Scott, I'm by no means an expert on this, but I always look for median flow or lower on a river to gauge whether safe for wading.

Both pairs had the Boca tighting system that could have something to do with it but I have to say I do like the Boca system and would like to keep it if possible.  My main concern is they be light, comfortable and durable. Probably not something that is easy to manufacture.   I'm going to check out the brands both Kevins' mentioned.

,

Last two pairs I bought busted at the seams after a season's use.  Any recommendations for a light but durable wading boot that are good to walk/hike in?

Thanks to all that attended the Blowout and helped make it a successful event.  I believe everyone that attended the Blowout had a good time, filled their bellys with bbq and brisket and many left with raffle prizes or guided trips.  We had 5 new members sign ups and 7  membership renewals with most being for 3 year commitments.  

Gordon, let them play hooky to join us  and come out to help clean up the river!  I'm sure we can incorporate a rock music lesson in as well.

Please circle Saturday, May 18th on your calendar this year to work with the ISA and others on this year's Dupage River Sweep.  More information to follow.  

Lets give her a chance first before we hang her out to dry.  I can assure you this administration will do more for conservation and environmental protections and concerns than the last one.  I look forward to meeting and working with her and the new administration.  .  

BTW for those who attended over the weekend you probably noticed the ISA had one of the best booth locations for the show closest to the entry in the main gymnasium.  Some great PR for the ISA .  I was able to catch part of the seminars from former ISA president Jonn Graham and  longtime ISA supporter Mike Milandic  and they were both outstanding.

Thanks Scott for putting in all the time this weekend for what looks like a very well attended event based on yesterday's observations.  Thank you Dick G and Mitchell S for helping out as well!

Scott, you want me there at 8:15 Sunday?

Scott, I can help out let me know if Saturday or Sunday is best.

These new boats look interesting and stable to stand for fly/spin fishing but probably not real nimble for stream fishing.

https://blueskyboatworks.com

Mark said he was outstanding, we are looking to bring him in for future speaking events.

I believe Eric mentioned at one time the Chain of Lakes releases water this time of year, but as you mentioned far northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin did get a good bit of rain this year.

Wasn't one doink enough? Misery to watch, especially in person.  Unfortunately the Bears didn't play their best game and Folks has been there before.

Paul, haven't heard anything on Powerton but I bet that would be a blast.  With a few warm days in a row, and great conditions today, the odds may be good for a winter smallmouth fisherman. Unfortunately, today is out for me as I'm going to Bears-Packers game to see if Bears can clinch the division!.