Mike Clifford

Try HERE

...and I just noticed they come in RED.

That site has the best prices on them that I've been able to find.

Interesting topic- now you have me searching, Tim.

The mink is a carnivorous animal. It always hunts around nighttime. From dusk to dawn, they hunt animals to bring back to their den. Much of the minks' food is stored for later because it has a habit of killing more food than what is needed to survive. A mink can sometimes go out and kill so many animals in one hunt to store food in its den for a whole month. Minks hunt for and eat mice, rabbits, squirrels, earthworms, waterfowl, domestic poultry, chipmunks, crabs, clams, crayfish, snakes, cottontails, meadow voles, all kind of insects, and shrews. The minks' all time favorite animal to eat is the muskrat. They like to eat the young the most. Even though some of the animals listed above are not animals of the wetland areas, the mink travels to get them. Males are the ones that usually hunt and kill the larger animals and females tend to stick to hunting and killing the smaller animals. On the other side, many animals hunt minks also. Some of the animals that eat minks are foxes, the lynx, great-horned owls, snowy owls and sometimes bobcats.

http://www.twingroves.district96.k12.il.us...inkFoodWeb.html

Minks eat their young when there is too much noise. See Lahar v. Barnes, 353 Mich. 408 (1958); Kellogg v. Village of Viola, 67 Wis.2d 345 (1975). Your correspondent is not sure exactly what this means.

Clear Creek Streamside Hip Pack

$15.95 -Was $50.00 - Save 68% Item #70059

# Closeouts. The Clear Creek hip pack can help you get organized for fishing. Inside divided compartment secures with a hook-and-loop closure foldover flap. Outer mesh and organizer pockets

# Fold-out fleece fly patch for easy access

# Handy neoprene bottle pouch

# Pack converts with strap for over the shoulder wear

# Size:6-½x10x2-½"

# Weight:1 lb. 4 oz.

# Fabric:Nylon

# Closeouts. China.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/4305,70...e-Hip-Pack.html

Looks very cool.

So, you send off an email for a Blowout prize yet? = )

You could stand in the river and model it for a magazine ad Jim.

(On second thought- maybe not)

Does it measure like micro-units?

Say, from my front door to the mailbox?

Can't remember the last time I waded.

But hey, I did just get a new mountain bike! LOL

Yeah, I do listen to Flyfish Radio when I think of it, and also run a feed from it on my Outdoor Bloggers Network.

Here is a great resource for podcasts as well-

http://www.podcast.net/

I will have signs with me.

Will grab some hardware as well.

Steve Jordan and myself will be assisting the office of the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn once again this year on Saturday, August 19th at the Illinois State Fair.

We will be conducting our very special ISA Kids Casting clinic and helping with the booth.

If you happen to be at the Fair on this day, be sure to stop by and say hello!

Our traditional Kankakee River clean-up (which involves a couple hours of picking up trash, preceded and followed by Smallmouth Fishing) is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2.

We'll be meeting at the concession building in the State Park at 8 a.m., and disperse in groups from there.

What I'd like to know is how many that are reading this can make it a point to attend.

Chime in here, send a Private Message or Email me at isaconservation@comcast.net

I'd prefer to see a response in this post so we can discuss specifics, but whatever works for you is fine.

Thanks!

An online companion to my monthly article in the Outdoor Notebook:

The Mississippi Rolls On

By Mike Clifford

Wikipedia online describes the Mississippi River watershed as the third largest drainage basin in the world, exceeded in size only by the watersheds of the Amazon River and Congo River. It drains 41 percent of the 48 contiguous states of the United States. The basin covers more than 1,245,000 square miles, including all or parts of 31 states and two Canadian provinces.

Major watershed tributaries to the Mississippi include:

• Red River in Louisiana

• White River in Arkansas

• Arkansas River in Arkansas

• Ohio River in Illinois and Kentucky

• Big Muddy River in Illinois

• Kaskaskia River in Illinois

• Missouri River in Missouri

• Illinois River in Illinois

• Des Moines River in Iowa

• Skunk River in Iowa

• Rock River in Illinois

• Maquoketa River in Iowa

• Wisconsin River in Wisconsin

• Chippewa River in Wisconsin

• St. Croix River in Wisconsin

• Minnesota River in Minnesota

Some fun facts and statistics to consider regarding this magnificent watershed before we get to the heart of the matter and the purpose of this article:

In 1848, the Illinois and Michigan Canal was built to connect the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan via the Illinois River near Peru, Illinois. In 1900, this canal was replaced by the Chicago built Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to link the Great Lakes to the Mississippi. The canal allowed Chicago to address specific health issues (typhoid, cholera and other waterborne diseases) by sending its waste down the Illinois and Mississippi river systems, rather than polluting its water source Lake Michigan. The canal also provided a shipping route between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi.

The sport of water skiing was invented on the river in a wide region between Minnesota and Wisconsin known as Lake Pepin. Ralph Samuelson of Lake City, Minnesota created and refined his skiing technique in late June and early July of 1922. He later performed the first water ski jump in 1925 and was pulled along at 80 miles per hour (128 km/h) by a Curtiss flying boat later that year.

In the spring of 1927 the river broke out of its banks in 145 places during the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and inundated 27,000 square miles to a depth of up to 30 feet.

On October 20, 1976 the automobile ferry MV George Prince was struck by a ship traveling upstream, as the ferry attempted to cross from Destrehan, LA, to Luling, LA. Seventy-eight passengers and crew died; only eighteen survived the accident. This is the last major loss of life on the Mississippi River.

The Great Flood of 1993 is considered the most devastating flood to occur in the U.S. in modern history.

A river with such credentials steeped in history and folklore deserves to be protected, as it serves as the lifeblood of the Midwest for so many. According to Illinois’ Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn “The Mississippi River is not only a tremendous economic and recreational asset, but it is crucial to our state and country's identity.” A new initiative by the Lieutenant Governor has resulted in the creation of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council.

Modeled after the successful Illinois River Coordinating Council (IRCC), the Mississippi River Coordinating Council (MRCC) will bring together citizens, river organizations, and state and federal agencies to coordinate and implement policies on the intertwined environmental and economic health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries within the State of Illinois.

Citizen input and involvement is highly encouraged and necessary for the success of the IRCC and the creation of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council. One of the consistently dynamic portions of each quarterly meeting of the IRCC is the public comment section.

Members of the public have brought items to the attention of the IRCC, which resulted in victories for the Illinois River, and agenda items have sparked the creation of new programs or activities to benefit the watershed.

This involvement and interaction between state and federal agencies and members of the public will be a hallmark of the new Mississippi River Coordinating Council. Meetings will begin after January 1, 2007.

In setting out to create the MRCC, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn asks for your ideas, comments, and concerns, and encourages you to participate in our on-line survey.

To access this survey, please point your internet browser to the following address:

http://www.standingupforillinois.org/cleanwater/mrcc.php

This grand old river deserves to hear what you have to say, and is listening intently right this moment- so please consider giving her five minutes after all she has given in her glorious journey.

Until next time, I’ll leave you with this:

"We call upon the waters that rim the earth, horizon to horizon,

that flow in our rivers and streams, that fall upon our gardens

and fields, and we ask that they teach us, and show us the way."

American Indian, Chinook Blessing Litany

Photo credit: ecology.info

Photo credit: chbb.com

Photo credit: lmrcc.org

Photo credit: mississippiriverchallenge.org

Great stuff Joseph.

I found this article and thought I'd share it here to get your thoughts.

http://www.mgfalaska.com/catch-release.html

Money Quote:

"Wet your hands when handling the fish and always support it beneath the abdomen as hanging a large fish by a boga tool can and will tear the fish's internal organs."

Are you guys in these watersheds taking the survey? = )

Buying that new William Joseph, are we?

I'll be there, and will consult with Craig on which aspect and when.

It's late July, and it sure seems like the summer patterns have taken hold in our local rivers and streams.

What are you finding to be most successful right now?

I need to get through the next week or so of work to find out for myself.

I ran across this article on the Field and Stream website.

Unless I'm mistaken, I thought there were a few smallie addicts 'round here with an insatiable "rodent fetish".

This should satisfy your craving until you can get out there on the river:

The rest of the collectibles shown are rather interesting as well, to say the least!

Rare Fishing Lures: Rodents, Reptiles, Crustaceans, and Other Collectible Critter-Shaped Baits

The Lt. Governor's staff contacted me and would like for our stakeholders in the following watersheds to take their Online Survey.

Mississippi River corridor;

Rock River (including Green, Sugar-Pecatonica, Kishwaukee Rivers);

Kaskaskia River

Big Muddy River

Cache River

Other?

As the first chairman of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council (MRCC), Lt. Governor Pat Quinn is asking Illinois residents to help protect the great Mississippi River by contributing your comments and ideas to the Lt. Governor’s office.

Your comments will help provide direction to the newly formed Council, will be held confidential. Please provide an email address below so that we may notify you of meetings and other events regarding the Mississippi River.

To participate in the online survey CLICK HERE

Mississippi River Coordinating Council

 

“The Mississippi River is not only a tremendous economic and recreational asset, but it is crucial to our state and country's identity. The Mississippi River Coordinating Council will work with the river's stakeholders to develop solutions to protect the health and viability of this national treasure.”

 

- Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn

 

A new initiative by Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn has resulted in the creation of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council. Modeled after the successful Illinois River Coordinating Council (IRCC), the Mississippi River Coordinating Council (MRCC) will bring together citizens, river organizations, and state and federal agencies to coordinate and implement policies on the intertwined environmental and economic health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries within the State of Illinois.

 

Citizen input and involvement is highly encouraged and necessary for the success of the IRCC and the creation of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council. One of the consistently dynamic portions of each quarterly meeting of the IRCC is the public comment section.

 

Members of the public have brought items to the attention of the IRCC, which resulted in victories for the Illinois River, and agenda items have sparked the creation of new programs or activities to benefit the watershed.

 

This involvement and interaction between state and federal agencies and members of the public will be a hallmark of the new Mississippi River Coordinating Council. Meetings will begin after January 1, 2007.

 

In setting out to create the MRCC, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn asks for your ideas, comments, and concerns, and encourages you to participate in our on-line survey.

We look forward to your participation and involvement in the months ahead.

http://www.standingupforillinois.org/cleanwater/mrcc.php

Wow- kind of spooky to be going outdoors at night with those bears prowling, huh? Nice smallies though!

I'll be there as well (provided I'm not called in to work) with camera in hand, and maybe a short video of the process before heading out to plant.

Got something in mind to use the video for if it turns out right.

Here is an interesting collection of "before and after" photos from a streambank stabilization project.

Follow the link below to read all about it.

A very thought-provoking case study.

Streambank Stabilization Project

That's pretty cool....and ironic that you posted it.

Just the other day I was attempting a field repair on mine with a Bic lighter.

...and yep- dipped it in the river to cool and hasten hardening.

Now that thing would look great and function very nicely on a Gamakatsu weighted worm hook.

= )

The river is about as optimal as it gets Steve.

Clearing up very nicely, but we don't need it to get any lower- though we know when the rains stay away it is going to get ridiculously low as it does most summers.

That won't be long now.

Forget about Rock Creek or the mouth unless you are wading up into some of the deeper holes for dinks. There is no water there, and dropping by the minute....and the big fish know it, causing them to head for the river long before they get trapped.

I always get a kick out of folks that go to various local fishing websites and ask "How's Rock Creek doing?".

It's late June, how do you think it's doing??

Bring the camera there and leave the gear in the truck, walk or ride the trails- whatever.

I can sum it up by saying:

If you have some favorite places to wade in the main stem- why are you sitting there reading this? It doesn't get any better than it is right now. = )

This is the first time I've ever seen a giant turtle hanging out on my favorite boulder in the whole river.

Found this old-timer this morning:

Did somebody mention turtle lures?

I'll take mine with 10/0 or larger Gamakatsu (red) treble hooks- but I can put my own on if necessary.

Let me know if you find any!

Ducks and turtles.

Added to my list...thanks! = )