WEEKLY FISHING REPORTS

WATER ..... Fox River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 06-27-08 ---- River levels are higher than normal, and slowly falling due to rain in uppper watershed. Fishing activity has decreased due to weather conditions. Water temperatures are warming (lower 70's). Fishing success is moderate as the water levels rise.
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. Time to go fishing. Prime season when water gets to normal levels.

Click on the hyperlinks below to see more info on water levels:

(Illinois Department of Natural Resources Water Levels...realtime... http://il.water.usgs.gov/nwis-w/IL/datasum.components/owrtable.cgi
(Rock Island Corps District Water Levels)...realtime............ water_mvr_usace_army.htm
(USGS Water Levels)...realtime.................................. USGS water conditions.htm

FISH: Walleye ... rated fair, patience is a virtue, search below the dams and along rocking shorelines jigging and bouncing yur bait off of the bottom to attract attention, try using bait that produces vibrations and flash to attract the fish with life like movement. smaller sized fish are biting on jigs tipped with a minnow as they slowly drift down through the fish's feeding zone.

FISH: Crappie .... rated fair, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass .... rated good on jigs and pork and sitick baits, locate a promising area that offers the right conditions and toss your bait in, buzz baits allow for long casts and fives the angler the ability to cover a large area of water, spinner bait and lures are also triggering bites for the anglers. Search near cover and maneuver around areas such as old tires, barrels, brush, stumps, lilly pads, and downed trees. Both boat and bank fishing can be rewarding.

FISH: Bluegill ... rated fair in backwater areas, wax worms and crickets are providing results for the anglers, look for them in 4 to 6 feet of water near weed cover, it's fun to watch your bobber dive.

FISH: Catfish ... rated fair, put your sinker on the bottom with the hook a foot or so up the line baited with stink bait, chicken livers, shrimp, shad or cut shad. Hold the line tight which holds the bait slightly off the bottom making it easier for the fish to bite and spreading the smell downstream. Find the honey holes. Areas close to creek channels, hard bottoms or log jams are ideal.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated fair, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated improving, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are best bet to produce results, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 06-13-08 ---- River levels are higher than normal, and slowly rising due to rain in uppper watershed. Fishing activity has decreased due to weather conditions. Water temperatures are warming (upper 60's). Fishing success is moderate as the water levels rise.
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. Time to go fishing. Prime season when water gets to normal levels.

FISH: Walleye ... rated good, patience is a virtue, search below the dams and along rocking shorelines jigging and bouncing yur bait off of the bottom to attract attention, try using bait that produces vibrations and flash to attract the fish with life like movement. smaller sized fish are biting on jigs tipped with a minnow as they slowly drift down through the fish's feeding zone.

FISH: Crappie .... rated fair, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated fair, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated improving, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are best bet to produce results, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 06-06-08 ---- River levels are higher than normal, and slowly rising due to rain in uppper watershed. Fishing activity has decreased due to weather conditions. Water temperatures are warming (upper 60's). Fishing success is moderate as the water levels rise.
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. Time to go fishing. Prime season when water gets to normal levels.

FISH: Crappie .... rated fair, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated fair, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated improving, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are best bet to produce results, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-30-08 ---- River levels are near normal, and slowly falling. Fishing activity has increased due to weather improving weather conditions. Water temperatures are warming (mid 60's). Fishing success is picking up as the water levels fall to more seasonal levels.
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. Time to go fishing. Prime season when water gets to normal levels.

FISH: Crappie .... rated fair, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated fair, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated improving, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are best bet to produce results, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-23-08 ---- River levels are near normal, and slowly falling. Fishing activity has increased due to weather improving weather conditions. Water temperatures are warming (low 60's). Fishing success is picking up as the water levels fall to more seasonal levels.
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. Time to go fishing. Prime season when water gets to normal levels.

FISH: Crappie .... rated fair, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated fair, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated improving, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are best bet to produce results, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-17-08 ---- River levels are near normal, and slowly falling. Fishing activity has slowed due to weather conditions but warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Water temperatures are cool (low 60's). Fishing success is picking up as the water levels fall to more seasonal levels.
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. Time to go fishing. Prime season when water gets to normal levels.

FISH: Crappie .... rated fair, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated fair, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated improving, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are best bet to produce results, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-10-08 ---- River levels are higher than normal, but slowly falling. Fishing activity has slowed due to weather conditions but warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Water temperatures are cool (low 50's). Fishing success will pick up in the next few weeks as water levels fall to more seasonal levels.
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. When the river levels come down...go fishing. Prime season when water gets to normal levels.

FISH: Walleye ... rated improving, patience is a virtue, search below the dams and along rocking shorelines jigging and bouncing yur bait off of the bottom to attract attention, try using bait that produces vibrations and flash to attract the fish with life like movement. smaller sized fish are biting on jigs tipped with a minnow as they slowly drift down through the fish's feeding zone.

FISH: Crappie .... rated improving, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass .... rated improving on jigs and pork and sitick baits, locate a promising area that offers the right conditions and toss your bait in, buzz baits allow for long casts and fives the angler the ability to cover a large area of water, spinner bait and lures are also triggering bites for the anglers. Search near cover and maneuver around areas such as old tires, barrels, brush, stumps, lilly pads, and downed trees. Both boat and bank fishing can be rewarding.

FISH: Bluegill ... rated improving in backwater areas, wax worms and crickets are providing results for the anglers, look for them in 4 to 6 feet of water near weed cover, it's fun to watch your bobber dive.

FISH: Catfish ... rated improving, put your sinker on the bottom with the hook a foot or so up the line baited with stink bait, chicken livers, shrimp, shad or cut shad. Hold the line tight which holds the bait slightly off the bottom making it easier for the fish to bite and spreading the smell downstream. Find the honey holes. Areas close to creek channels, hard bottoms or log jams are ideal.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated improving, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated slow, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are best bet to produce results, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-03-08 ---- River levels are near flood stage but slowly falling. Fishing activity has slowed due to weather conditions but warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Water temperatures are cool (high 40's). Fishing success will pick up in the next few weeks as water levels fall to more seasonal levels.
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. When the river levels come down...go fishing. Prime season when water gets to normal levels.

FISH: Crappie .... rated improving, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated improving, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated slow, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are producing, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 04-25-08 ---- River levels are near flood stage but slowly falling. Fishing activity has slowed due to weather conditions but warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Water temperatures are cool (mid 40's). Fishing success will pick up in the next few weeks as water levels fall to seasonal levels.
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. When the river levels come down...go fishing. Prime season.

FISH: Crappie .... rated improving, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated improving, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated slow, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are producing, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 04-18-08 ---- River levels have risen due to the recent rains. Fishing activity has slowed due to weather conditions but warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Water temperatures are cool (mid 40's).
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river. When the river levels come down...go fishing. Prime season.

FISH: Crappie .... rated improving, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated improving, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated slow, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are producing, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 04-11-08 ---- River levels have risen due to the recent rains. Fishing activity has slowed due to weather conditions but warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Water temperatures are cool (mid 40's).
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river.

FISH: Crappie .... rated improving, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated improving, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated slow, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are producing, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa

FISHING REPORT DATE: 04-01-08 ---- River levels have risen due to the recent rains. Fishing activity has slowed due to weather conditions. Water temperatures are cool (40's).
The first few and last few hours of the day present the most encouraging fishing results for anglers. Hunt for the deeper holes where fish are concentrated. Also search below dams at the head of riffles. Don't miss out on an opportunity to enjoy the river.

FISH: Crappie .... rated improving, fish are hanging out in backwater areas Their favorite meal consists of minnows or selected jigs. Place your bait just above them and wait for a bite.

FISH: Northern Pike ... rated improving, use live bait or suckers for best results, fishing success is spotty.

FISH: Muskie ... rated slow, fish in deeper water with small baits. suckers are producing, bucktails, jerkbaits and top water baits are also working.

Information provided by Emerald Bait and Tackle in Elgin, Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch and Big Jim's Bait in Ottawa