jim bielecki

I was recovering from a cold but managed to help out. It was good to get out and participate in the cleanup. The morning was perfect and the rain held off. I don't fish the Kankakee River but once or twice a year. It's a great river with a lot of scenery. I believe in the Adopt-a-River Program and what it represents. I think if we keep at it the program may take on a new life...I'll be out again next year. It was great talking to you Norm. I took your advice and used some larger rattle traps....guess what? I really do believe in Karma....I got out this afternoon and caught the biggest smallie I have ever landed from the Fox River! It wasn't a 20 incher but a nice fish overall! (Took some work to find 'em though.) As time goes on I hope the river continues to improve.

I read the responses to that blog. I agree that lead should be banned. I don't have the answers on how that should be done...that's not my call. However, my opinion is this...lead is a drop in the bucket when you look at the other sources of pollution. Lead is a problem but a very small problem compared to other point and non-point pollutants we face. I suppose every little bit helps, so if lead is banned I'll accept it. Same goes with the bait containers dilemma....it's a small problem in the grand scheme of what is actually polluting the waters....fish are becoming sterile, some male fish are developing female "parts", you can't swim safely in the water, spawns get washed away or covered with sediment and many places it's not safe to eat the fish.....all these problems are not because of lead or bait containers. I continue to stand by my belief that every little bit helps, so if lead is banned, that's ok with me. I use lead myself, I should use something else but it's what I have....I have so much crap I don't buy anything anymore unless it's something that wears out like fishing line, fishing poles or reels. Most lead I use are jigheads which I tie into hairjigs...it wouldn't affect me so much if I had to dump all the lead I have....it's not much. I suppose the ban would affect other anglers who have been collecting gear and equipment for years.

I thought I'd post this...I plan on taking my wife and daughter...something new for us to check out: "Get the picnic basket ready, hitch up the horses, and straighten your bonnet — the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago invites you to a country fair! Join the fun on Sept. 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are not needed for this free event."Explore a re-created old-fashioned fair at the farmstead. See Professor MacRae show displays of artifacts and oddities in the Tent of Wonders at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Experience Professor Marvel’s Amazing Flea Circus at 11a.m. and 2 p.m. Watch gun spinner Garret Popek’s wild west moves at noon and 3 p.m. In the 1890s, a local fair was an important social and economic event. Family members spent the summer preparing various projects to show, squeezing the work in among their regular chores. Imagine making thousands of meticulous stitches in a quilt, putting up the perfect jar of pickles or training a calf for the show ring, all to impress the judges and your neighboring farm families.

I did it last year...I plan to be there again. Jim

Wish I can go, but I'm going to be out of town. I'm looking forward to the reports. Good luck. I know this lake is tough when there is a lot of pressure, I would recommend using live bait...leeches work great...just be sure to set the hook quick. You can tell if there's a gill...they nibble and pull....just slowly pull it away from them and the leech will stay on the hook. The activity may draw in a smallie.

I fished the backside of an island and got 2, missed 4. I too tried several baits...I lost one on a popper, lost one on a craw crank, had a follow on the craw crank and lost one on a jig...I don't think any were hooked. The two I got were a 10 and a 12. All hits were in slack water...nothing in fast water, and nothing near the water willows. The jig I used was a white hair jig. I use it a lot on the Dupe...I thought I'd give it a try on the Kank...this was my first time fishing the Kank. The hair jig works well when you're working upstream if it doesn't fall too fast. Nice day to be out...water was clean and stable. Thanks again Chris for driving; it was great to meet you and share the drive. I was hoping to get some numbers today....Lots of work for two fish. The fish I landed were very agressive, I saw one come and hit the jig and the other exploded on the popper. Seems like the fish are scattered. Either that or piled up in a deep hole somewhere...the water was very warm. Later in the evening the water seemed to cool a degree or two in the shaded west side of the river. With all of us fishing we covered a lot of water. I wish we got into numbers because then you can build confidence by knowing that you're doing something right. Thanks for setting up this outing Ed. I too liked the p.m. outing....I'm not much of a morning person.

"The initial process to determine the cause of a fish kill is likely the same in each case, but what is ultimately done with the results is anyone's guess in our urban, sub-urban and agricultural society." .....So I guess that's where we are at with the process of protecting the resource then; what can we do with the results? Government agencies have seen this before several times....you would think they would know what to do and implement a plan to prevent fishkills like this. If you think about it, road construction is no different...it's done to prevent accidents. That brings me to another idea...millions of people use the roads and the government takes care of it and fixes it...why should the rivers be any different?...millions of people use them therefore, they should be taken better care of. Granted there isn't a risk to life, however, clean water benefits everybody. Water in our state is truly taken for granted, life can't flourish without it...you would think it would be treated like a precious metal like gold. Instead it's pushed aside and not really considered a priority. My other idea addresses what Norm said....I know there is Rockfest every year on Shabbona...is there a way we can plan to do just one area per year on the Fox River and place some rock piles? I'm also curious about a stocking plan...channel cats....it would improve the fishery and attract more fisherman to the sport. The populations are just too low due to the pressure put on the fishery...why not stock them like other bodies of water that recieve a lot of pressure? Just an idea.

Two beavers get home and both walk into their house. One leaves the door open and the other one says shut the dam door.

Hi Mike, I'm not familiar with how much oxygen algea consumes but I suppose hot temps coupled with decreasing Oxygen would pose a threat. I always thought moving river water absorbs enough oxygen all along the river...sucking it up and pushing it downstream. Did the fish have no other place to migrate...up river or into deeper holes? I'm asking because I'm wondering about methods to prevent fishkills like this. Are there methods the DNR uses to mitigate the effects of an algea bloom?

Wish I could make it, but I'll be in Michigan. Every year I miss this. I wish it could be split into two days.

If this goes through that would be a great accomplishment. It would also indicate that Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack is responding to those who are advocating for the environment and outdoor, recreational interests. In another post, Tom Vilsack needed pressure to stop using tax money to support factory farms. I'm not sure if he changed his stand on that issue but at least he is acknowledging some of the issues that are brought to his attention. I can only hope that the political climate changes even more to put more emphasis on environmental issues, especially in light of the oil spill in the Gulf.

I don't know what other people may think about fees, but it's my opinion that they should be higher. I don't mind paying more as long as it goes to the resources and the environment. (Using the money for projects like building docks and slips for Chicago marinas is an example of poor use of IDNR fees. Or using the money to build bike paths. Those types of projects should come from other funding sources). I think if the money comes from outdoorsman the money should go back to the outdoors...DNR personnel, land acquisition, environmental repair projects, endangered species reintroductions ect. I believe the DNR is on the right track which is why I am in favor of higher fees. More needs to be done at a faster pace. Urban development infringes on the quality of the envronmental opportunities we have which should be balanced better with preservation. I also think that more people are using our state parks than ever before, they need to be be maintained as a result. Higher fees should result in better quality experiences for all of us. I also think that in order for the DNR to be more successful, politics must be removed from the process. I think more can be done efficiently if politics were to be separated from environmental programs we have. It should be self regulating due to the professionals the DNR employs to make educated decisions regarding our resources. Those decisions are best made without additional influences that impede positive progress. They are on the right track...we should all do our part to volunteer when we can. It can be as simple as adopting a local stretch of river or stream to pick up trash. If you think about it, if there are less funds for the DNR, we should all do what we can to contribute by volunteering to help out. This results in offsetting the discrepancy. Being proactive and being positive demonstrates to others that we can all make a difference. Even though there are several areas that are polluted where we fish...each time I go out I pick up trash...over time, each time I go back the area gets better and better. You can't do it all at once and it's not realistic...this mind set is very discouraging...you need patience and goals. For example, each time I go back to a local pond, I clean up a different stretch of shoreline. I make simple goals for specific areas. By doing this, I can reflect on the progress I've made and stay positive. One piece at a time adds up over time. It's funny to say this but sometimes I think the wildlife in the area are thanking me when they honk, quack, or croak when I'm out there. I'm not embarassed to say "your welcome".

I may be able to help.

I came across this article which is only 5 years old but more still needs to be done...http://www.ledgersentinel.com/article.asp?a=3633 I cut and paste some of the highlights. Study: Fox River condition deteriorating Lack of intergovernmental coordination also cited as problem by Roger Matile 1/6/2005 A major contributor to the declining quality of the river is string of dams along its length. “There is a lack of coordination within and between government agencies to solve the well-documented problems that the fox River faces, and several organizations are pursuing policies that will further perpetuate the deteriorating condition of the Fox River,” the report contends.The report lists a number of suggestions that could help increase the Fox River’s water quality, including increases in state funding to purchase and restore habitat along the river, establishing state-wide standards to protect all Illinois watersheds from common threats such as nutrient discharges that promote harmful algae growth, requiring all new construction meet international standards for discharges into watersheds, and offering incentives for counties, townships, and other agencies to acquire and protect open space. Although the article is only 5 years old, there is always more that needs to be done. Some of the follow up questions that I would have since the publishing of this article are: 1. Is the Fox River being funded by tax payers to improve habitat? 2. Is the IDNR providing funding to improve water conditions? 3. Are there plans to remove any more dams? 4. Has there been new statewide standards put in place to protect from nutrient discharges. 5. Are there plans to buy and protect the Fox River Shoreline? I can say that Aurora is working on a large stretch of the shorline to improve it. I also know the ISA funds waterwillows but what contributions do tax payers and the DNR make? Since the publishing of this article, does anyone have further information to answer some of these questions?

Vintage 3 ½ in Buck Perry Spoon Plug Frog….new 5 inch original is going for $7.25….Ive got one used that Im selling for $3.00. Vintage 3 ½ in Buck Perry Spoon Plug 3 line tie Brass….going for 8.99 used….Im selling mine for $6.00. Little cleo (silver/green) ¾ oz …new; 3.99….Im selling mine for $2.00 3 ½ inch (silver green) Krocodile made by Luhr Jensen…new $4.29……..selling mine for $2.00. 3 ½ in Glow in the dark Krocodile….$2.00 Vintage Flasheye Spoon from Paul Bunyan Bait Co. going for 5.50….selling mine for $2.00. 3 inch Johnson Silver minnow gold and silver….$2.00 each. 3 ½ inch Daredevils….new…6.49….selling 5 used ones (yellow, red/white, blue/silver, red/wht/green, dark green w/ jagged lines of yellow) $3.00 each. 4 ½ inch Red White Daredevil 700 series; Huskie Jr. …new $10.99….Im selling my used one for $6.00. 4 ½ inch Yellow 5 of diamonds Daredevil….used….selling for $5.00. 11 snap leaders of various lengths…..$3.00 New in package 8inch 18 lb eagle claw snap leaders 3 in package; $2.00 Erie Dearie ¾ oz gold…$1.00 Fishing Net (like new); 2 feet in diameter with a four foot long handle…$10.00 This is a great gift set for any Pike Fishing Enthusiast!!! Total; $62.00

Cleaned up some of the Fox today. Pulled out a truck tire, some carpeting, cans, bottles...the usual. I saw an ISA sign missing that I put up...I plan to go back and replace it. I was able to talk to a fisherman about ISA. I think it's great when people join ISA; in other cases I think it's also important to do P.R. work....be seen and make an impression. In the future those people will do more the next time they are out fishing. One fisherman saw me picking up and when I came towards him he picked up a few items to add to my trash bin! That's the point in making an impression and being seen in field working. Sometimes I question if the little bit of trash I collected made a difference. When I think about it further the answer is yes. People are interested in what I am doing and when I talk to them they are receptive to the effort I'm putting forth....the result of what I do may be the difference in what others choose to contribute later on. One person can make a difference.

I know many are upset about this case and similar abuse to our resources. Unfortunately, history seems to repeat itself over and over again. ISA is an organization that provides members with volunteer opportunities to help the resources we care about. I urge ISA members to do what they can to volunteer to help our resources whenever the opportunities are available. Environmental improvements take time, effort, and most importantly, volunteers. River clean-ups, supporting legislation that benefits the environment, contacting your local congressman, volunteering for kids' events, participating in group activities, completing river watch training, sign postings....there are many ways to fight back! Water willow planting is scheduled this month. I too was upset about the dumping...in response I urged my congressman to increase the minimum fine for dumping, asked him to support the EPA and communicated my personal disappointment with the $50.00 slap on the wrist.

Not a great turn out of volunteers today, there was just me. I was hoping to meet up with some volunteers from Friends of the Fox River but I never crossed paths. I focussed on the east side shoreline above the Montgomery dam. 4 bags of trash, 2 dead birds (from fishing line), one dead carp and one dead dog sort of animal...too decomposed to tell for sure . I also caught a catfish with no gear at all! I was pulling in some fishing line tangled along the shore and at the end of it in the water was a tug! It turned out to be a 14 inch channel catfish! I safely unhooked him and let him go. The Montgomery area needs lots more work. Stay tuned for other events scheduled. I have a 16 foot boat I may use for cleaning up some of the islands if I get extra help. I'll keep you posted.

Is anyone coming out? If so, lets meet for breakfast. http://www.friendsofthefoxriver.org/calendar/

Action on H.R. 185 has been dormant for over a year...when you are contacting your congressman and women, ask them to support H.R. 185. Mike has been working to get HB6072 passed as well...please support these actions. (Recreational liability act). Both actions are important steps to increase awareness. Landowners need to know they are protected, and consumers need to know sludge (common from cafo's concentrated animal farms) is used to grow their food. For me...every time I contact a congressman I indicate there should be a ban on CAFO's and any future development. If that doesn't happen, at the very least people should know sludge is used on producing their food.

House Bill 6072 has not passed yet. If I am correct in reading this HB 6072 limits the liabilities of landowners if their land is accessed by others. HB6072 also allows public passage on private property to gain access to a public park or waterway. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=76&GA=96&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=6072&GAID=10&LegID=51980&SpecSess=&Session= "Recreational or conservation purpose" means: .... (2) "entry by the general public onto the land of 14 "nother for any activity undertaken for conservation, 15 resource management, education, hiking, climbing, cycling, 16 picnicking, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, bird 17 watching, sight-seeing, skiing, ice skating, sledding, use 18 of non-motorized watercraft, and the use of an easement to 19 permit public passage across such land for access to a 20 public park, historic site, trail, water area, or other 21 public recreational area. " Although this bill would permit access to public areas, it does not specifically state what areas are considered public...that would be great if it stated all waterways, regardless of depth or size!!!! Does this mean that if I am walking through someone's yard to get access to the river (which I know is a public waterway), the land owner cannot charge me with tresspassing?

There is a clean up scheduled for June 5th in the Villa Park area; here is the website for who to contact for more information.......http://www.theconservationfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=266:dupage-river-sweep&catid=56:current-events&Itemid=200053

It looks like Friends of the Fox will be having a clean up this Saturday June 5th. in Montgomery. I am getting information regarding this tomorrow. I talked to one of the coordinators with Friends of the Fox...paddlers will be putting in and cleaning up along the way starting around 9 a.m., and shoreline volunteers will be working several areas beginning around 10 a.m. I plan to do some shoreline work. Hope to see you there! http://www.friendsofthefoxriver.org/calendar/

I intend to be out there to help. Jim