SKollmann

Thanks, Mike (and Norm) . . . appreciate your input.

Thanks . . . how do I get promotional materials about the event? In the past the sponsors have mailed me flyers and registration forms automatically . . . but to date, I have receive no info this year.

Norm . . . I distincly remember Kankakee sponsoring an annual "fishing derby", including an entry fee, whereby the city tagged and released lots of different fish species. Those adults and youth who were lucky enough to catch a tagged fish received a prize. Is this the "K3 Derby" you're referring to . . . or was this program discontinued owing the faltering economy?

Mark . . . typically, a selected number of smallies as well as other game fish that claim the Fox River as "home" do migrate up the Nip to spawn in the Spring, after which they return back to the Fox. Couple of problems fishing the Nip tho . . . much of the land adjacent to the creek is private. Also, the depth of the Nip is too shallow for fishing boats. This opens an opportunity for those of us with canoes to floatfish the Nip. With that in mind, touch base next Spring . . . happy to float the Nip with you or any other interested ISA members.

I generally limit the number of bluegill I bring home, lest I spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning them.

Would be happy to lend you a hand, Jim . . . except for the fact I'm experiencing tennis elbow pursuant to playing three times weekly this summer. Maybe I should temper my tennis involvement and fish more . . . oh, well.

I now know who I want to fish with when wading 3K. So far over the past three years I've slipped and fallen in both the Kank and Fox. That's why I endorse John Graham's approach of floatfishing in my canoe. Paddlin' Man (aka "Klutz Kollmann")

Just checked my "Paddling Illinois" reference book of canoe and kayak trips in our great state, and there are a couple options for a full 8-hour float, depending on your paddling abilities . . . - St. Charles Road bridge --> Mack Road bridge (8 miles) - Hammel Woods below dam in Hammel Woods Forest Preserve --> Channahon at Route 6 bridge . . . a wide area along the shoulder accommodates several cars. This is a better take-out spot than a bit downstream before the dam which can be tricky if you were to get caught in the current and swept over the dangerous spillway! Trust you have someone available to pick you up at the take-out point.

Well, John . . . as an ISA member who also teams up with my wife paddling rivers with Prairie State Canoeists, I have quite a few paddling resources, one of which has a two-page write-up on Kyte River (aka Kytes Creek). This waterway is a small tributary that enters the Rock River from the east two miles upstream of Castle Rock State Park in the community of Daysville. It's navigable as far up as the town of Rochelle (if you don't mind paddling on an urban sewer). Not as nice as the Dupage. If you forward to me your e-mail address via PM, I'll be happy to scan these two pages and forward them to you. Should provide you with more info about the Kyte than you really want to know.

Congrats on your new kayak, Jude . . . anyone who catches smallies from a yak or canoe is "Star Quality" in my journal !!! That said, still looking forward to bringing my canoe out to the Kish and having you join me. I have plenty of Chug Bugs in my arsenal as well. Of course, now that you have a top notch kayak, you may not want to lower yourself to floatfishing in a canoe . . . then again, you would sit higher in my canoe that on your SOT yak.

You're a poet, and you don't know it . . . or do you?!?

Ron . . . to your final question, I've only been out twice so far this Spring due to high water and cold temps. Once with 17 other ISA members fishing off Northerly Island (understand no cathes were made) . . . and again for an hour yesterday at a local pond with only a nice crappie to show for my 1-hour outing + the near catch of a 12-14 inch largemouth bass that threw the small crappie hook I was using (no surprise). I do plan to join you for the outing on the private lake you're sponsoring in June . . . and as soon as the conditions improve, will have my canoe and trolling motor out. You're free to join me anytime . . . perhaps on the Nipp when it settles down. Steve

Thanks to all of you for your valuable feedback . . . will take under advisement and make decisions accordingly.

Having a quality floating fly line for my 6-weight reel, I just received a gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop from my kids in anticipation of Father's Day. Now want to purchase a sinking fly line on an additional reel for the same rod. I understand there are different densities of sinking lines that will cause the line to sink at different speeds. Since I'm still relatively new at this sport, but loving every minute of it so far (including fly tying), would appreciate your input on the correct sinking line for smallmouth bass as I don't plan on purchasing multiple lines. If it makes a difference, I will typically be fishing the Fox, Kish and 3K rivers. Thanks.

Thanks, Guys . . . will give it another shot with Cabela's.

I recall seeing a post that mentioned a spinnerbait with a portion of it's title being "Thumper" that one could purchase at Cabela's. Well . . . I stopped by Cabels's today, and from this description, there were of no help. So I turn to my fellow ISA members for help . . . please.

Not exactly. What I do have is a 17' Wenonah Spirit II kevlar canoe which my wife and I paddle with members of the Prairie State Canoeists (when the water levels are more moderate). When I want more stability for fishing, I attach a set of 4-foot sponses which creates a tri-hull watercraft with super stability + a trolling motor. Yes . . . this allows me to stand up to cast lures and flies, but only in calmer water.

Applause to those who made the effort in a "Star Quality" manner. Regrets for my absence . . . was assigned to sit with my two very young grandsons all day. The good news . . . these two + my third grandson who were all presented with Skobie Doo rod and reels at the hospital the day each was born will not only be future fishermen and members of ISA down the road, but will also inherit the inordinate amount of fishing gear that I've purchased over the years (and still buying).

Just me the "High Sign" when the crappies are hitting, the weather is warmer, and the water at Shabbona Lake is 55 degree, Rich . . . and I'll bring my canoe and trolling motor out, and we'll do some serious crappie fishin'. In the meantime, while there are still rain clouds in the sky, the rivers are overflowing, and there's still a chill in the air, I still have time to tie a few flies in anticipation of the river smallie fishin'.

Ooops . . . I see that I should have submitted my request to Stuart.

Looks very appealing . . . if I were a smallmouth bass. That said, Corey . . . how about passing along a step-by-step pattern for tying this fly!?!

I do have a water thermometer that I alway take along to check the temps of the lake or river. Was hoping to learn of a website that would provide me with current data before departing for a fishing trip.

Been meaning to ask . . . is there a good website that publishes the current temperatures of lakes and rivers? I was reminded by the May 2nd outing at Shabbona Lake . . . interested in knowing the current lake temperature. That said, I would also like to know temps of other lakes and rivers that we fish. Thanks.

Better yet, why limit yourself to paddlin' the Dupe?!? Join the Prairie State Canoeists (PSC) and enjoy the fellowship of paddlers on many other beautiful rivers in the area. Suggest interested paddlers with canoes and kayaks check out our website . . . http://www.prairiestatecanoeists.org. You'll find innumerable opportunities to paddle local and more distant rivers during 2009. Unfortunately, with the consistent episodes of high water, a number of our outings have been cancelled for safety reasons. If you choose to join, the cost of membership is quite reasonable . . . only $20.00 per year for an entire family. You will receive a new member packet, 6 newsletters, and a member directory. Nice thing about paddlin' with PSC . . . provides an excellent opportunities to scout out smallie habitats for future floatfishing outings.

Jason . . . as a member of Prairie State Canoeists, I checked my paddlin' records and found the following info that should be helpful to you and your paddlin' colleague. DuPage River Water Trails The DuPage River is a small-to-medium-sized stream flowing north to south through DuPage and Will counties and ending at its confluence with the Des Plaines River in Channahon. The DuPage consists of east and west branches which meet south of Naperville. Together, they make up eighty-four miles of waterway that drain a watershed of 326 square miles. The East Branch is largely channelized and the West Branch is mostly natural and meandering. Scenery along its East and West branches is mostly suburban with low grassy banks, while the DuPage itself is mostly rural. The lower part of the West Branch has several developed canoe launch sites. However, both branches are shallow in their upper stretches and occasionally difficult to paddle doe to low water in the summer months. The upper stretches of both branches run through residential neighborhoods. The upper East Branch resembles a channelized drainage ditch more than a potential recreational resource. Therefore, the upper sections of both branches are not recommended for development as water trails. West Branch—Beginning at Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve, near Bartlett, the West Branch flows through a number of DuPage County Forest Preserves. The Forest Preserve District is developing a greenway along its banks protecting the river from development and providing a peaceful, wildlife rich experience for paddlers. Log jams across this narrow stream and shallow stretches are occasional obstacles. Lions Park on Beecher Road in Winfield is the first developed canoe launch. It is followed downstream by at least three more developed launch sites before the DuPage’s confluence with the East Branch making this section very easy to develop as a water trail. East Branch—The usually canoeable part of the East Branch begins south of Warrenville Road in Lisle. A narrow stream through most of its length, the river flows through a city park in Lisle and Greene Valley Forest Preserve between Woodridge and Naperville making development of access on existing public property possible. There are no developed launch sites on the East Branch. DuPage River—The confluence of the two branches is approximately one-half mile downstream of the public landing in Knoch Knolls Park, on the south side of Naperville. A Will County forest preserve is planned for a site at 111th St. (the old Zion Church) and may include boat access. However, a long stretch of approximately thirteen miles of private, mostly rural property follows between 111th St. and the Riverside Parkway Canoe Access (just south of Caton Farm Road). Hammel Woods Forest Preserve in Shorewood provides an access site at the dam on the north side of Route 52. Downstream, a short section (approximately one-half mile) located between I-80 and Shepley Road, west of Channahon, has a gradient of ten feet per mile which at higher water levels creates an exciting set of rapids for white water enthusiasts. During the development of this plan, the dam at Channahon was under reconstruction. A portage route will be needed around the finished structure. The DuPage River Water Trail would end at the I&M Canal State Trail parking lot in Channahon; however, development of a launch site at this location could also serve as access to the I&M Canal and as access to and from the lower Des Plaines one half mile downstream. Lions Park to McDowell Grove Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced or Beginner (with an experienced guide) Length: Approximately 8.5 miles Directions: This stretch can be divided into three sections, each one safe and easy for those with some paddling experience. The first section lies between Lions Park, on Beecher Avenue, 2 blocks west of Winfield Road, in Winfield; and Blackwell Forest Preserve canoe launch, on the south side of Mack Road, approximately 0.2 miles east of Route 59, in Warrenville. This shallow, quiet water trail flows through Blackwell and West DuPage Woods forest preserves. The second section continues another 2 miles from the Blackwell Forest Preserve canoe launch, at Mack Road, to Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve, in Warrenville. Expert paddlers can safely run the chute around the right side of the dam during periods of high water. Otherwise, the portage on the right is recommended. The last section, a 2-mile stretch between Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve and McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, is located on the east side of Raymond Drive, approximately 0.3 miles south of Diehl Road, in Naperville. Notes: Please respect the privacy of riparian landowners and don't land on private property. Paddlers are advised to avoid this water trail during periods of extreme low water levels. "This trip is best paddled when the Warrenville gage reads between 2.2 and 2.7 feet," according to paddler Allie Mouche. McDowell Grove to Knock Knolls Park Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced Length: Approximately 8.1 miles Directions: McDowell Grove Forest Preserve is located on the east side of Raymond Road, at McDowell Avenue, in Naperville, just south of the I-88 tollway. Take-out at Knoch Knolls Park, located 1 mile west of Washington Street, on Knoch Knolls Road, in Naperville, near the confluence of the two branches of the river. Notes: Paddler Allie Mouche reports, "The first half of this trip includes McDowell Dam (portage left), Fawell Dam (portage right), and the popular downtown Naperville Riverwalk and its covered bridges. Some sections of the river here are filled with riffles and will be too shallow to paddle during the driest times of the year. But put-in just after a moderate rain and you're in for a pleasant trip because this stretch is very scenic, even in the heavily settled areas of Naperville. The second half of the trip is mosly secluded, but very shallow. Check your water levels before canoeing. This trip is best paddled when the Naperville gage reads between 6.0 and 7.0 feet." Knock Knolls Park to Eaton Preserve Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate Length: Approximately 6.7 miles Directions: Take I-55 to Weber Road. Exit north to Naperville Road (left), cross the river and turn left at Ring Road, left again at Knoch Knolls Road, and go less than a mile to the park entrance and the canoe launch. Eaton Preserve is located at 135th Street (Pilchen Road) and just west of Route 59, in Plainfield. Notes: This trip was made possible in 2003, when the Plainfield Park District completed the public access at 135th Street. This scenic trip is a popular destination for great blue herons, feeding and relaxing from their nesting activities at nearby Lake Renwick. Eaton Preserve to Riverside Parkway Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate Length: Approximately 7.5 miles Directions: Eaton Preserve is located at the intersection of 135th Street and the DuPage River, near the northern edge of Plainfield. Riverside Parkway boasts the only canoe launch sign visible from busy I-55. Get there by exiting the interstate at Route 30 (west) and following the frontage road south, across Caton Farm Road. Continue alongside I-55 until you reach the right turn into the park and canoe launch area. Notes: This trip through Plainfield passes within a few hundred yards of the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery. The high concentration of birds on this stretch of the river will please avid birders and paddlers alike. Riverside Parkway to I & M Canal, Channahon Access Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced Length: Approximately 12.9 miles Directions: Riverside Parkway is located west of the I-55 frontage road, just south of Caton Farm Road. Exit the interstate at Route 30 west, and follow the frontage road south, along the highway. Channahon State Park access to the I & M Canal is located just south of Bridge Street and just below the large dam where the canal and the river join. Take either the Route 6 west exit or Bluff Road west exit from I-55, and turn left onto Canal Street, then right onto Bridge Street. Notes: A favorite of early-season thrill-seekers, this stretch produces Class II rapids after a good rain. Many whitewater beginners practice surfing in the standing waves near Shepley Road. There are two dams to portage on this trip, and the take-out is awkward, but this is some of the best intermediate paddling northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region has to offer. DuPage River Greenway Skill level: Beginner Length: Approximately 1.1 miles Directions: This short trip follows the DuPage River Greenway Trail, in Bolingbrook. Put-in just south of Royce Road, west of Route 53. The take-out, at Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, is approximately 0.3 miles north of Boughton Road, 1 mile west of Route 53. Notes: Recently improved by the Bolingbrook Park District, this stretch offers a scenic float trip for families with young children. The trail still has a few low-hanging branches to avoid, and the take-out “sneaks up” on the left, just before a pedestrian bridge over the river. Beyond the bridge and below the take-out area are several obstacles, including a large pipe across the river, making the downstream section of trail difficult and potentially unsafe for use by novice paddlers.