Terry Dodge

It's dropping fast! I think we're going to be okay. Remember, most of the rain that moved through the area last night was isolated. What Jude said about the level dropping and then going back up is true, but I don't believe I've ever seen it drop this much (4 inches) and then go back up. We're lucky that it was as low as it was.

Well last nights (5/27) rain is probably gonna cause us some problems. Keep an eye here for updates.

This coming Saturday, May 31st. The list above is what I'm going by. I made the reservation for 15 @ 7:30am. Anybody else that plans to attend, please let me know.

All I know is a "gentleman" would never toss a Chug Bug. End of story.

I would have to go with #2, " fish further up tributaries". But I'm kind of luck with the Kish. A person could float from Belvidere to Cherry Valley and not have to deal with a lot of traffic. Cherry Valley down stream is the stretch popular with the tubers. Then we have the south branch which usually gets minimal traffic since it's so shallow. Usually people that float the south don't return because there are areas where one has to portage, and most don't like to do that.

We have a 60% chance of rain on Monday, May 26th. Other than that the weather looks good for the week. If we can get through Monday without a great deal of rain the Kish should be just about perfect for the float on Saturday.

Welcome! Glad to have another "conservation-minded angler" on board. Makes us stronger. Be sure to attend some of our outings and meet more like yourself.

Here's the list thus far.... 1) Myself (Terry Dodge) 2) Tim Goodman ii 3) Jude 4) Jim S 5) Eric G 6) Allen Rupp (+1?) 7) Ben 8) Vernon P

May 23, 2014; As of this date we are sitting on 7 boats with a possible 8 anglers and another boat and angle that's a maybe. I'll make the Cafe reservation for 15. If anybody else would like to make this outing, please try to let me know by the end of this holiday weekend. Enjoy the weekend.

So sorry to hear. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

We are probably going to have to break-off into groups. I have concocted 3 routes.... 1) North Branch, Belvidere/Appleton to Cherry Valley (approx. 7.5 miles) 2) Main Branch, Cherry Valley to Atwood (approx. 8.5 miles) 3) South Branch/Oak Ridge F.P. to Atwood (approx. 8.5 miles) View map > https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=z6gw9Etw7_28.kWRXhL4ORRl4 Also.... The extended forecast looks great! Very little rain over the next couple weeks with a high near 80 on the day of float. Keep your fingers crossed. (that last little bit I posted should damn the trip. )

I keep rearranging fishing stuff! I can't stop! Help! Is this an OCD thing?

You are counted. Please refrain from using the "S" word on the Forums this time of year. Thank you.

I'm "planning" on counting you.

You are counted. "Chugbugology"?! Sounds like an article Jude needs to write for the BBB.

Congrats to Frank on the PB!

Received this email from Jamie on Friday..... ~ I would like to invite ISA to host a display/information table at the Get Outside! kick-off event on Saturday, June 7th from 12;00 -3:00 at Hononegah Forest Preserve. I would love to have you bring your ISA information, kayaks, banners, etc., and also distribute some general information about fishing and local rivers. The purpose of the kick-off event is to offer some previews and background information on all the various activities scheduled for Get Outside, and also to create excitement. We will have free refreshments and door prizes, so I think that will draw people. I imagine we will have some media coverage, as well. Other stations at the kick-off will be highlighting birds/bird watching, camping, wild life, paddling, golf, etc. I hope someone from your organization will be able to bring some materials and man a station at this fun event to generate interest in ISA’s A River Within on July 26th. Please let me know if you can join us so I can provide a picnic table and sign, and anything else you might need for your display. Thanks so much for being part of Get Outside! Jamie B. Johannsen Director of Marketing and Community Relations Winnebago County Forest Preserve District ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I will be attending and will be bringing my kayak, not only to display, but also to float the sugar river afterwards. Have never fished the Sugar River. Sugar River F.P. is about 10 to 12 miles from Hononegah F.P. Camping is available at these forest preserves, so I'm thinking I'll be pitching a tent also. Anybody else up for it?

Do you really think I'm going to mark you as counted after that remark?

I really doubt that.

What was the cat caught on?

You are counted.

You are counted.

I have to agree with Jude. 15# should be more than enough. I have also used a hand clamp attached to a cord to hold me in an area. Clamp it on to a tree branch, root, rock, or whatever. Not sure what people might think of the safety of that, but I have yet to see any problems with it.

I like the idea of ISA Headquarters. I'm just worried about how much the cost might be to put a huge ISA sticker on that lower overhead door. And we'd have to hirer somebody ti level off that damn birdbath.

Saturday, May 31 at 8am. (host Terry) Float Outing We'll start with breakfast at 8am. sharp at Cherry Valley Cafe, 216 E State St. Cherry Valley, IL. After breakfast we'll hit the Kishwaukee River from Belvidere to Cherry Valley. This is an all day float so you might want to pack a lunch or bring something to snack on. In the past we have had problems with the water levels this time of year. Keep an eye on the Forums. Please let me know as soon as possible if you plan to attend. If we have a large group, then we will split up and hit a different stretch. You might want to bring a ChugBug along. Let me know. I also need to reserve tables at the Cafe if we have a large group. Contact Terry for more info. http://illinoissmallmouthalliance.net/forums/index.php?showuser=877