Dick G

Last night I heard a guy talking about water quality in Illinois ponds and lakes and he had some interesting things to say about the prevalent algae that has appeared in our rivers the last few years. He said that because of the drought the last 2 years, the soil has an abundance of nitrogen in it. The crops and lawns were stressed and did not take as much nitrogen from the soil as usual. Fertilizer was used in the normal amounts. The more concentrated nitrogen levels worked their way into lakes and rivers and led to a spike in algae growth. This year with expected normal rainfall amounts (that's what farm forecasters are predicting) the rivers and lakes should flush out and we should see a lot less algae this year. Of course all of this excess fertilizer runoff will end up in the Gulf of Mexico. Down at Lake Sara in Effingham, there is a tremendous amount of algae this year. I have never seen it look like this before. Even casting a spinner bait in some areas required cleaning off the slime after every retrieve. In the last few days the algae has already started to diminish. I hope the same thing happens to our streams in Illinois. I probably don't have the scientific explanation down correctly, but this is the gist of what I heard from a water quality-erosion expert speaking before the Effingham Water Authority.

The falls are called Cataract Falls. Believe it or not, the stream is not even a river. It is Mill Creek, a branch of the Eel River. Big Walnut Creek is also in the same watershed.

There are plenty of options for fishing in Illinois, but every state around us has some great looking rivers that hold smallmouth. Here are a few pictures from Easter Sunday taken in Indiana. The famous Indiana limestone creates a lot of dramatic streams. This looks like it could be from Wisconsin or the UP.

Jim, I purchased a Santee Sport 116 from the Aurora store after the Float Your Boat outing and before the River Bassin tournament. I guess that would make it around the third week of July.

I got to work both shows at Rosemont and Schaumburg last Friday and Saturday. Here are a few impressions about both venues. The Rosemont show was a ghost town at times on Friday. There were more hunting and resort booths than there were fishing focused ones. I saw a few minutes of presentations at the big fish tank, and they were sparsely attended. The best part of the Rosemont show was Dan Basore's historical fishing gear display. Dan said he was having a very productive show. The Schaumburg show on Saturday was really jumping. The aisles were very busy with foot traffic and the seminars were standing room only. Another popular spot was the big tank where you could try out different kayaks. Here, the emphasis was definitely on fishing gear with a lot of different manufacturers represented. I wish the two shows could be combined into one super event. Did anyone else attend both shows and have any comparisons or contrasts to comment on?

Scott, Put me down for Saturday 10 to 7pm if you still need help. I can't do Sunday because of prior commitments.

Scott, I can help on Saturday.

Friday is fine! I can do the whole day if needed.

Scott, I can help either Thursday or Friday at either show.

I struggle with this this problem all the time. One approach to help work a variety of lures into your day is to make your first cast with a seldom used lure when you come upon a proven honey hole. Many times it is the first cast that produces a nice fish. Say you are at your favorite bridge where you just know there will be some fish caught before you move on. Put away your go to bait and rig up something you rarely throw. For me that would be tossing a topwater, spinnerbait, crank or buzzbait instead of my old reliable plastics. Chances are that topwater will pop a nice fish. Do this a few more times during your wade at premium spots and you may end the day thinking, "Man that topwater bite was really on today." Once you have made that first cast with something you are reluctant to throw, whether or not a fish has been caught, you can now finish with several follow ups with your old faithful.

What a great fishing family- all 3 generations. That is one serious fisherman game face in that second photo.

Had a good time at the outing. Seven members attended and a few small fish were landed. Everything was great except the catching. The river was still low but the visibility was terrible due to a big rain that muddied up the water a few days ago. Thanks to Harold for the cookout and his wife for the woderful pie! Also, kudos to Dana for organizing the event. I look forward to trying the Mack again with clear water.Finally, the breakfast at the restaurant was as advertised. Where else can you get a western omelette served on top of hash browns and smothered in melted cheese and then covered with gravy.

I will be coming down for the outing. I live up north, have a place down south and grew up in central Illinois, so I guess I qualify for a mid state event.

The picnic was a very pleasant event. The food was excellent and the fishing chatter was informative. If you are an ISA member and have never participated in an ISA outing, you are really missing out. Whether it is a fishing trip, a cleanup, working an outdoor show, a winter meeting or a breakfast get together, this is where you can pick up some solid fishing tips. Gazatteers, pictures and fishing tackle usually become the focal points of lively exchanges with other members. At the picnic there was even some fly casting instruction going on. Thanks to all who worked so hard to put this together. The entertainment was an unexpected treat. Was that really Steve Earle?

John L in the Big Tuna. [

There was a nice selection of kayaks to try out. It was good to experience the differences in weight and maneuverability of the different watercraft. I really liked the new light weight Tarpon. It scoots across the water with very little effort. Also, the high seat position on the Jackson kayaks was really comfortable.

The bridge is Route 178 by Lowell.

With the recent drought conditions in Illinois, many rivers are at near record low flows. Here are two pictures of the Vermillion River taken on May 30th and July 11th. As others have said, this is the time to get out and study river structure without water obstructing your view.

Scott,I think the cover picture is of the Middle Fork of the Vermillion River between Urbana and Danville.

I have been working on improving my photo skills. I think I have produced the perfect picture that does not compromise any pertinent information to internet lurkers. This photo reveals no shoreline, no water, no fishing gear, and no fish! I hope this can serve as a guide to any newbies worried about how much to show in their fishing reports.

I will join the South group at Hammel.

I heard a rumor that Tim U might be at the breakfast meeting and have some spinner baits to sell. If this is true, I will be there with my piggy bank. Any info on this?

I also have a picture or two if needed.

I urge all members to try to get to the America's Outdoor Show in Rosemont this week. Of special interest are the fine group of speakers that are featured throughout show's run. Each day Jim J will be repeating the fine presentation he gave on Wednesday evening. In 30 minutes Jim will detail how anyone can consistently catch large fish on any of our Illinois smallmouth streams - especially if they are willing to put in 15 years of on the water experience.

I'll be there with some goodies for the raffle!