Eric Johnson

Thanks for all the info, everyone! I really appreciate it! I live on the Northwest side of the city, so I guess that I should concentrate my efforts on the big lake. However, I really love fishing rivers so I'm sure that I'll be hitting those that have been listed. Jude- You're right! I did join ISA at the Chicago Fly Show. You gave me one of your Jude Bugs. I just got back from a business trip to Michigan and I'm happy to let you know that your bug works well across state lines. I had a really good day using your bug on a small smallmouth stream. I'll be sending you a PM soon. I also wanted to say that I recieved my members packet last night. Whoever came up with yellow card with the info. to turn in poachers deserves a pat on the back!

Hi all! I'm new to ISA and just wanted to post a message to introduce myself. I've been flyfishing for 20 years now, but have little (ok....really no) experience fishing smallies in Illinois. I have fished for smallmouth in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan....just nothing close to Chicago, which is where I live. I recently got married and bought a house, so time to travel to the fertile fishing grounds of my past has evaporated. Can anyone share locations that I can fish for smallies close to Chicago that are wade-able? I'm not looking for any secret spots, just maybe some spots that everyone else in the world knows but me. Also, if there is anybody out there that is interested in carpooling to save gas on trips, send me a message.