JOHN SCHENCK

Niiiice Paul. I hope we have some decent days Christmas week I can take advantage of. 

On 12/13/2018 at 9:49 AM, Paul Trybul said:

I love the winter fishing passion. It's tough in winter conditions but the peace and tranquility can be worth the effort. There could be a window this weekend to fish in milder conditions. You don't have to worry about other people in your spots.

Your right Paul. It takes a true passion for it and The peace and quiet of being out there alone with only Mother Nature is unmatched.

On 12/12/2018 at 11:25 AM, Kev-mo said:

 

I don't think we are going to get dumped on so you should be good for Friday.

Btw I'll be off for Christmas break, lmk if you want to hang.

Welp work took over my Friday and I never got out maybe between Christmas and new year I’ll hit you up. 

On 12/6/2018 at 11:48 AM, Philf said:

 

The canoe or kayak helps on the rivers near me. Tough to walk the shoreline with hills and hunters. The bigger rivers like the Kankakee are easier from shore.  Once you know what to look for. Small slack water spots. You can hit a bunch and have coffee and sandwiches in the car. Just recovering from the flu I decided to skip getting a shot this year. I should be back on the water in a week or so.  I’ve spent a lot of time winter fishing so if you have any questions let me know. 

Yes I was thinking of getting out Friday but not sure what the scheduled rain will do to that idea. I’ll play it by ear.... I was thinking of covering some water during Christmas break looking for spots I can drop anchor and pick apart slowly.... I’ll be in touch before with some questions as I don’t winter fish much bit would like to more. 

Thanks for the feedback 

On 12/6/2018 at 8:53 AM, Kev-mo said:

Best thing I've found to keep my hands warm/warmer is the the blue nitrile gloves. I think Joe R. was the first one I saw sporting them. A "no throw away" but more expensive option are the R1 gloves from Patagonia. I'm sure there is something similar by other companies.

John, if you haven't already done so check out  Jeff Littles Youtube videos on coldwater fishing.  Lots of good info on baits etc. but also a lot of safety tips. 

Oh most definitely I’ve seen his videos fishing  rivers in horrible conditions! Love his passion for it.  

Solid! High flow + cold water = tough but extra rewarding if you can land a biggun. You kayak fish a lot During cold months? 

Cool idea.... I’ve been plotting for a winter float on the kayak this winter. Gathering all the data I can to find wintering areas and ways to stay warm while doing so. I need a January smallmouth yet. 

On 11/29/2018 at 9:46 AM, mannym said:

The Vermillion went way up. Hope it comes back down to wading levels. I have some winter flies to drown. 

They are all up now.... hope you can get out later this week but a cold spell is coming....

On 11/25/2018 at 10:04 PM, rich mc said:

ok   we got about 6inches of snow here in lee,  and its 10pm and still piling up.  its a report anyhow 

Snow storms are especially rewarding to catch fish during. Thanks for the reports guys 😆👍

Nice job! 

Thanks for the tip!

With the fish mostly near wintering holes and an uptick in temps I’m hoping to see some fisherman reporting this weekend! I have too many family obligations to get out myself but I’d like to live through some of your reports! Be safe out there. 

On 11/22/2018 at 2:25 PM, Andy C said:

I think it presents the bait in a much more natural way.  I find it more enjoyable as well.

Very cool, Thanks for all the feedback! 

14 hours ago, Andy C said:

I use both, but the fly rod sees a lot more action these days.

Why the discrepancy between the two... more rewarding to catch on the fly?? 

7 hours ago, Andy C said:

Egg patterns and wooly buggers are what I have the most success with.

Gatcha :... do you fly fish exclusively for them or use traditional gear? 

1 hour ago, Andy C said:

 

 

Kings are dead by now.  There will be steelhead and browns in the river all winter though.  If you want kings, it seems early to mid September may be prime time.  I much prefer catching the big browns and steelhead to salmon.

Thanks for the heads up Andy! Do you have more success with egg patterns or casting lures? 

9 hours ago, joshw said:

Tom is spot on as always! Spawn sacks, beads or small crappie tubes (pearl white is a good color) tipped with a waxworm under floats are usually the ticket in colder water of December/January. If you want to throw hardware, inline spinners in nickel, brass or orange blades in size 2-4 can also be effective at times slow rolled through holes and on the swing in  runs.

Great info for a novice going after these species. Much appreciated!  I’ll report back how we do. 

Thanks! 

9 hours ago, Tom L said:

I'd seen some gear guys fished with a spawn sack or a bead under a float with good success.  The kings and the cohos would mostly be dead by then, but the browns and the steelheads would still be around.

Very cool, thanks for the info. The window for Kings is closing then soon I assume? 

I’ve been discussing a trip with a friend of mine to target Kings, bows and or any other species that might be a viable option on this river this time of year. Thinking of going second week of December with traditional gear. I thought I’ve seen reports in the past from some members that have had success on this river. Any advice on presentations would be much appreciated as I have very little experience targeting these species. Thanks in advance! 

On 6/29/2018 at 6:59 PM, rich mc said:

its been approved   4 30 -5pm fish handling gloves are good too.  rich

We good to go tomorrow? It’ll be my son & I. Let me know. Thanks!

I’d like to help with this and bring my son along. Please post the meeting details. I’ve only been there once......

thanks! 

Thanks for the heads up on that. Looks like a crazy deal! 

If I didn’t have a family trip planned I’d be in.... good luck! 

Thanks for the heads up Mike! They look great and must sell so quick.