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Steve Butler

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About Steve Butler

  • Birthday 02/10/1980

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  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    Urbana, IL
  • Interests
    Fishin', Huntin', Paddlin'

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  1. Rob - Wasn't planning on any night paddling. This is an "overnight float" in the sense that it's a 2-day trip, i.e. we'd be camping out overnight. Not that we'd actually be paddling in the dark. Phil - Thanks for the tip. Is there usually someone at the Untouchables to talk to on weekends? Not sure about portaging the dam. The last person I talked with that tried that got a talking-to from the Danville police. I guess they're a bit sensitive about people getting near the dam with a canoe, given recent events there. - SB
  2. Hey, does anyone know of anywhere to access the Vermillion River at or below the dam in Danville? I've got this idea of doing an overnight float trip from Danville all the way down to the Wabash sometime this fall after my work schedule settles down. I already know where to camp for the night, and where the take-out is, but I'm not sure about where to put in. -SB
  3. I'd say at this point that this coming weekend isn't going to work out for a float on the river. As of yesterday, all the parking lots at the access sites were underwater. All the gates on the roads leading down to the river are probably going to be closed soon as well. Lake Shelbyville is also rising quickly, and will probably soon inundate a lot of the area that is now river habitat. On a positive note, during periods of high water, the fishing is usually excellent on the upper end of the lake. We usually pick up lots of white bass, crappie, largemouths, catfish, and even some walleye out of the flooded willows. So if anyone is itching to get out, you might consider a day of fishing on flatwater rather than on the river. -SB
  4. I'll send you a map with some of the access points marked. The area I fish is in Moultrie County, upstream of Lake Shelbyville. -SB
  5. The white bass are now officially running strong on the Kaskaskia. And the morels are up. Get out and get 'em if you get a chance. -SB
  6. I don't think this current proposal is going to go anywhere, but I think state park fees are going to be a reality soon enough, whether we like it or not. My thoughts: I'd be fine with the annual pass, but keep the daily fee affordable for goodness sake! Definitely no more than $5, maybe $1-3 would be acceptable. We want to be able to afford to operate the parks, but its all a moot point if no one goes to visit the parks anymore! People with hunting & fishing licenses, sportsmans license plates, etc. should get in free or at a reduced rate. We're already ponying up.... -SB
  7. I definitely like the idea of having an option as to bulletin format, and I'll be happy to help with this. I have some questions similar to Mike G, though. My biggest interest in getting electronic versions of newsletters, magazines, etc. is often to save the organizations that I donate to a few bucks that I hope will ultimately go toward conservation activities. Cutting down on all the magazines that are scattered around my man-cave is just an added benefit. So what is the average per-member cost of the hard-copy ISA bulletins? And given that, how many members would have to opt for the electronic version to realize a meaningful cost savings to ISA? Now, the cost alone might not be the only reason to offer an electronic version, as some folks might even prefer getting their bulletin that way, but if this could actually benefit the organization, it might be one incentive. On that note, where would any realized cost saving go? There might not be any 'right' answer to that question, but that might be a good discussion point. -SB
  8. No two rods of the same weight are created equal. I have a very soft 7-weight that wont cast a Clouser to save its life, and I also have a very fast 7-weight that could probably throw a tarpon fly 70 yards! Likewise, I have multiple 4-weights that all handle very differently. For very small streams with little back-casting room, I really like my soft little 6-foot 4-weight more than anything. But it can't cast even the smallest nymph more than 25 yards on open water. You really don't know a rod until you cast it a few times.... -SB
  9. I'd be happy to help with this. Shoot me a PM and let's discuss how to go about this.... -SB
  10. My last trip out on the Middle Fork last year, I took some of my "city friends" fishing....I was helping one of them unhook a decent rock bass when somehow I ended up with 2 treble hooks lodged all the way to the hook bend in my upper arm. There was a lot of blood involved, and I was darn close to passing out, but finally we got the darn things out. I immediately thereafter got out my pliers and mashed the barbs down on every single hook that was in my tackle box! -SB
  11. One idea for the bulletin....What if when ISA sends out membership renewal notices each year, members have the option of selecting between a hard copy or an electronic bulletin? Although I certainly prefer a paper copy, I'm more than happy to get an electronic version if it cuts down on costs and trees...I already receive a number of newsletters and magazines from my other conservation affiliations through electronic means nowadays. Give folks the option, and I bet there might be a pretty even split between the PDF and the hard copy. That might at least be a way to start the transition. -SB
  12. I'd be up for a December session. I've been one busy dude this year! Haven't had a chance to tie anything for several months. What am I supposed to fish with in the spring!? I've got a bunch of turkey feathers and some squirrel tails that are in the process of drying that I'd be willing to donate to a tying event....
  13. I've floated just about all of the Middle Fork from way up in Champaign County all the way to the confluence with the Salt Fork. During really low flows, it can definitely turn into a death float. I always go online and check the USGS gauge before going out; it's number 03336645. As long as it's above 150, you should be able to do a float; 200 is preferable. Floating downstream of the park is an option, too. When the water's low, the canoe rental place sometimes runs trips downstream and picks you up in Danville. There's usually more water in the channel in the lower stretches, and after you hit the confluence with the Salt Fork, it's almost never a problem. The Middle Fork is also one of the best rivers downstate for wade fishing, though. Lots and lots of access points. -SB
  14. Just beware of false morels: Note the different texture of the cap. Some people do actually eat these (after boiling numerous times to remove the toxins, and throwing out the water after each boil), but I would strongly advise against this. These things have killed more than a few misguided people over the years. -SB
  15. I only pick the morels. They're kinda hard to confuse with anything else: I know other folks collect some other types, but I follow the "if in doubt, don't touch it" rule. -SB
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