John Loebach

I agree about the dams, Eric but I think the plantings deserve credit for doing something that has a small but positive effect. Bob Rung told me years ago that the Fox rivershed was imperiled by development in the long run, perhaps small habitat improvements can help the resource while we fight to save it.

Ron, I feel the same way about my early 90's Sage 7wt RPL & 6wt RPL+. Some newer rods are responsive, fast effective casting tools but I still prefer to fish with something a little slower. A sign of age & resistance to change? Maybe, just don't get me started on the glass rods from the 60's, slow full flexing & fun.

I plan to go & talk about our ongoing water willow planting.

John

Orvis rods this Saturday:

Recon 9' - 7wt.

Orvis Fullflex glass 8-6 6wt.

New Orvis H 3 9' 5wt.

Doug Taylor has promised to bring new rods from Sage rep Dave Gellatley.

I'll have some Fisher, Phillipson, & Silaflex glass rods to try, all older.

Bring a rod or two for others to try & I'll have lines to test on your rod if you like.

John

Cast & Compare 2017
Saturday 9/09/17 - 8:00am to 12 noon
Glenwood Forest Preserve
1644 S. River St., Batavia, IL. 60510

Bring one or more of your new or favorite rods to compare to others. This is a great chance to try other rods on the water to see what you like. If you are new to fly fishing come out & learn!

Test new gear from Dupage Fly Fishing & Orvis Yorktown, plus Doug Taylor - Sage Pro Staff & spey instructor are in with more to come.

We’ll also have a raffle of donated gear during lunch to cover expenses.
Come join us for this free event – stick around & we’ll grill & then go fish!




John Loebach
Fly Fishing Director, ISA
630/251-5904

Craig - I'll help with casting.

Thank you, Forrest. Please ask volunteers to rsvp if coming as once we are out on the river we will not be easy to find.

We will meet at Glenwood FP in Batavia this Sunday 8AM to plant. Most of the plants will go downstream at Lippold park but we will return to Glenwood for lunch. Water levels are getting better, 1300 CFS at Montgomery, & dropping slowly. Short notice but I will email a reminder.

John

^{Ed & I checked the planting site yesterday & it looks like we may be able to plant on the 19th or 20th. I'll have a better idea by Monday.}

There is a county plat for sale if you inquire. It lists boundaries & taxpayer of record which might be the resident owner or a trust.

I'll be there. I'm bringing fruit salad.

Mark, you should fish the3K with me sometime - I use some of Craig's flies regularly & he has a number of highly effective patterns. The receding hare worm is one of them, the family of Wee Willy,Willy& Big Willy Wigglers subs for plastic worm fishing but durable enough to cast on the fly rod. I don't tie them as pretty as Craig but I'd be glad to share some.

Yes, I've fished it some. Craig tends to mimic the triggers from traditional spinning baits. This one reminds me of the articulated crankbaits with multiple sections. Lots of action when jigged.

Thanks, Forrest.

Fox gauge at Montgomery is almost 7000CFS - it will likely be two more weeks so tentatively 8/6/17 before this will happen. More to come closer to that date. Hope to see many of you at the picnic on the 29th.

John

Thanks Scott - I just went tonight & the bars we want to plant on are under a foot or more of water. Its supposed to rain again tonight in Wisconsin. Long range forecast looks promising for Sunday 7/16.

Water levels are high but coming down. We will confirm that this is going by Thursday. Please check back in case we delay the date.

Thanks Ed for posting & twice that for the great coverage, Dale Bowman.

Formal waders? Is that like the tux tshirts?

Austin Adduci - Grab Your Fly Charters if you are interested in the Kankakee. 630/886-1964 or amadduci@yahoo.com. he guides on some of the best water in the area.

OC made nice reels although heavy by modern standards. Perfect to balance a fiberglass rod & the outfit will be durable. Definitely try fishing your Gramps reel I think you will like it.

Its too shallow for most motors up by five islands. Further down in the St. Charles pool there will be some but behavior is good from my experience. Boaters share the space & water. I can't say the same once you get up on the Chain or below by Fox river grove, too many boats & way too much wake to deal with. The rest of the middle & lower Fox is mostly paddle only & the fishing is good. Check out the Batavia to North Aurora pool you won't believe you are in the metro area. We are planting water willow there on 7/9 come help & you will have a morning to talk Fox fishing plus you'll see some prime river. Unless the temps are brutal fishing after lunch is the norm.

John

I'll be there with sign.

Come join us at Glenwood Forest Preserve on Sunday 5/7 10am to 4pm as Jeff Fox hosts area bamboo builders & collectors for a day of testing, comparing & learning about bamboo fly rods. Come out & bring your bamboo to share. We'll grill some dogs for lunch. No worry about high water as there is ample room to cast on the grass.

John L

Its tonight - Bob Davenport will demo a marabou deceiver. See you there.

John