BillKreznor

I kinda see N'Orleans on Fat Tuesday: Mardi Gras

Ron and I waded/shore fished below that crazy dam for about an hour after lunch. Tried a few areas that looked like they should hold fish, but nothing brought to hand. We returned to the race for a short while afterward. I had a bite-off (pike?), and landed something I never seen before that I think might have been a drum. Rolled it up about 3:30. Thanks, Paul, for showing us around. The one and only photo I took is you bringing in a smallie while Ron looks on.

It's not such a long drive, considering the reason for the event and the folks you get to work and fish with. That knife cleaned up rather nicely. When I saw Bill C.'s photo of that recliner, I had to check in my basement to see if my chair was missing.

Greg: Send me a PM if you (and your son) would like to hook up sometime. The South Branch is one of my favorite flows. I'd be happy to put you on some good access points.

I'm looking to be there. Haven't been on the water in over 2 weeks!

My son has made that trip a couple of times with his Scout troop. Early to mid- August. They caught some nice walleye and smallmouth on 1/4-3/8 oz. jigs with 3-4" twister tails. White, black and yellow all produced. He also took some 1/4 -1/2 oz. in-line spinners (Mepps, Blue Fox) that they would troll behind the canoe. The boys got a few nice pike that way.

Mine arrived Tuesday 2/10. 60098.

Had a great time talking with prospective members and meeting current members who dropped by the booth to say hello. Spring is not too far off. Working the shows is a great way to make some preliminary plans to get together with members on their waters and yours.

I can help out Sunday morning. Can be there at 9, but will have to leave by 11-11:30.

I plan to be there. Ken has a wealth of knowledge. And GAT's stocks items for stream fishing you'd be hard-pressed to find in other haunts.

Took a look at 2 of the 3 locations where ISA members and others planted water willows earlier in the year. These photos were taken today just downstream of the bridge. I recall about 40-50 plants were placed here. Had a couple of toad stranglers soon afterward. Today I found 9 plants that survived. They looked pretty healthy. Another area 1/8 to 1/4 mile downstream received about 20 plants. I found no survivors there. Didn't have a chance to visit the area that was planted upstream of the bridge.

Arlington Sports Show about 7 or 8 years ago. Don't remember who was working the booth, but I appreciate the gentle twist of the arm.

I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous. (OK, someone had to repeat that old joke). Say, will this put your swim jig production on hold? Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Jonn. Bill K

Jude: Let Karen know I'm signing on for a second tour of duty. Helped out on this project for a day last year. What a remarkable experience! The IL DNR folks are great to work with, and a treasure trove of information on local flows. I fished with ISA member Pat M a few days ago, and mentioned I would be volunteering for a day. Pat jumped right in. So we'll ride together and meet up with the IL DNR crew Wednesday 16 July on Keith Creek and Leaf River. And we'll save a few bucks on gas. All you Northwest members (and, for that matter, those further east and south) - this is an opportunity not to be missed. Bill Kreznor

Kevin: My experience on this flow mirrors Paul T's assessment. I waded the area from Colored Sands to the Yale Bridge in September a few years back. Bottom almost entirely sand with some silt. One very short stretch adjacent to the bluff had some gravel. Didn't get a single strike in the 3 or 4 hours fished. Saw a few large suckers. Spent alot of time climbing over downed timber. I got my exercise. Bill Kreznor

Jude: Any truth to the rumor that Monsoon Dells was back in town over the weekend? Bill K

Don: I'd like to help out Sunday morning 9AM-1PM shift. Bill K

I should be able to make it tonight. Bill K

Gregg, Caught your discussion with Steve Sarley this morning. Very enjoyable. Your and Steve's remarks regarding the introduction - that the book is not a "how to" or tale of survival, but rather a collection of stories describing things that can (and do) happen to any number of regular guys enjoying the outdoors. It caused me to think back on times spent with family and friends that may not have been too pleasant when they occurred. Yet, as you have written, in hindsight, are the memories that will certainly cause one to smile and treasure. Bill K

Amen, brother. I'll include it with my usual prayer that I don't overtop my waders. Bill K

I'll be downstate all weekend. Maybe next time ... Bill K

I'm looking to help out on this project for the first time. Won't make breakfast, so I'll see everyone at 8AM. Bill K

I've been wearing polarized bifocals for about 5 years. I wear the progressive bifocal type - the lens changes gradually from distance seeing to reading as your eye moves downward on the lens, rather than the abrupt type Ben Franklin invented. Up until 3 months ago, I wore a large, relatively flat aviator type lens. A large lens is nice on the water because it reduces the amount of light and glare coming in from the side. Well, about 3 months ago I needed new specs so I upgraded my old polarized bifocals with a more stylish looking wrap-around type. Big mistake. The combination of the progressive bifocal on a curved lens makes for some interesting distortion. When I wear these glasses, I feel like I'm 5'6" instead of 6'2". Wading has become a real adventure. Is that rock on the stream bottom 12" deep or 18"? Where should I place my foot? So I'm back to wearing the old flat-lens polarized bifocal, especially in rocky streams. I'll use the newer curved ones for driving or boat fishing. Bill K

Kevin, Thanks for your determination to get the NW region going and all the great habitat improvement work you organized and accomplished. You're a wealth of information and I always learned something each of the few times we fished together. Best wishes to you and your family on your move. Bill Kreznor

In addition to the important research and habitat restoration and improvement work, ISA will reap some additional benefits. Every time these researchers publish or present their work at a professional conference, the Alliance will be listed or acknowledged, often prominently, as a sponsor/grant provider. Second, looks like ISA has started a network supplying potential speakers for the Blowout and/or regional meetings. Thanks to all those who brainstormed this program and worked to get it going! Bill K.