WEEKLY FISHING REPORTS

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 06-27-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are dropping a little this week in the Golconda area and raised slightly near Olmstead. Southern Illinois offers wonderful fishing opportunities; plan a fishing trip and enjoy nature.

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
(St.Louis Corps District Water Levels).......................... http://mvs-wc.mvs.usace.army.mil/
(USGS Water Levels)...realtime.................................. USGS water conditions.htm

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have dropped to a little under pool; it's currently at 29.6 feet; .3 under pool. Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. Area ponds are producing. Need more fishermen.

FISH: Striped Bass ... Very Good; Lots! Anglers easily catching fish; they are eating machines; most using lures.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Good; Look for fish behind the islands and in the creeks. Another tournament is being held this weekend.

FISH: Channel & Blue Catfish ... Good; Fish are biting along the shorelines on night crawlers as they feed on creek and shoreline banks.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. Check out your favorite fishing hole and enjoy the warmer weather.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are down to 25.7 feet and slowly dropping; Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. It's been another good fishing week with the nice weather temperatures.

FISH: Crappie ... Fair; Fishermen continue to use minnows while fishing from a boat or from the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fish are biting on crickets and red worms.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Night crawlers are getting bites; fishing is pretty good.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Anglers are using night crawlers, shad guts, and shad by mostly bank fishing.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. See them for bait and fishing supplies.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are up a foot this week to 42 feet. A few out fishing.

FISH: Crappie .. Fair; Minnows are being used by the fishermen in a little deeper water.

FISH: Bluegill .. Good; crickets and wax worms are working for the anglers.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; Night crawlers, shad sides, and stink bait are being used in the backwaters areas.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Very nice weather to enjoy and plan a fishing trip.

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 06-20-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up and rising. Southern Illinois offers wonderful fishing opportunities; plan a fishing trip and enjoy nature.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are at 32.9 feet. Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. Area ponds are producing.

FISH: Crappie ... Slow; Fishermen are few fish with minnows.

FISH: Bluegill & Redear ... Good; Anglers are fishing in the embayments with red wigglers and crickets.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Good; Look for fish behind the islands and in the creeks. The chamber tournament is being held this weekend.

FISH: Channel & Blue Catfish ... Good; Fish are biting along the shorelines on night crawlers as they feed near newly covered ground.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. Check out your favorite fishing hole and enjoy the warmer weather.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are 28.1 feet and rising during mid week; Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. It's been a good fishing week with the nice weather temperatures.

FISH: Crappie ... Spotty; Fishermen continue to use minnows while fishing from a boat or from the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fish are biting on crickets and red worms.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Night crawlers are getting bites in area creeks.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Anglers are using night crawlers, shad guts, and shad sides.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Super Man Celebration in Metropolis last weekend was successful.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are at 41 feet and rising.

FISH: Crappie .. Fair; Anglers are using mostly minnows.

FISH: Bluegill .. Good; Fishermen are catching them with crickets and some with wax worms; a couple of red wigglers also sold at the bait shop.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; A few night crawlers were being used in the backwaters this past week.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Very nice weather lately.

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 06-13-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up and rising. Southern Illinois offers wonderful fishing opportunities; plan a fishing trip and enjoy nature.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are 5 feet plus above normal pool at 34 feet and rising. Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. Water is muddy. It's been windy lately.

FISH: Crappie ... Spotty; Fishermen are successful catching a few bigger fish with minnows and jigs, but they are hard to find.

FISH: Bluegill & Redear ... Good; Look for fish in the embayments with red wigglers and crickets.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Good; Good turn out for the last tournament; most boats caught 3 fish; 14 pounds won the tournament; big fish weighed 4.5 pounds. Fishing in the creeks only.

FISH: Channel & Blue Catfish ... Good; Fish are biting along the shorelines on night crawlers. Any newly covered ground where fish are feeding.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. Check out your favorite fishing hole and enjoy the warmer weather.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are jumping up! Mid week levels were at 28 feet and rising; Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. Fishermen are still buying a good bit of bait.

FISH: Crappie ... Spotty; Fishermen are using minnows; fish from a boat or from the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fish are biting on crickets and red worms.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Look for them in area creeks with night crawlers.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Night crawlers, shad guts, and shad sides are producing.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Super Man Celebration in Metropolis this weekend, June 12th - 15th. Bring your fishing pole along.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels have raised to 42 feet. It's been windy. Fishing success is best in the backwaters.

FISH: Crappie .. Fair; A few fish are being caught with mostly minnows.

FISH: Bluegill .. Good; A few fish are being taken with crickets.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair to Good; Fishermen are casting tube jigs, night crawlers, and soft plastics in the creeks.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; A few fish are being caught with night crawlers in the backwaters.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Enjoy the beauty of Southern Illinois.

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 06-06-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are falling, but remain higher than normal for this time of year except in the Golconda area. Southern Illinois offers wonderful fishing opportunities; go fishing and enjoy nature during this weekend FREE DISHING DAYS this weekend - June 6th-9th.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have fallen and are at normal pool which is 29.0 feet. Water temperatures are 73.4 degrees. Rivers are clear; creeks are muddy. Catalpa trees are blooming, the worms make great bait.

FISH: Crappie ... Fair to Good; Fishermen are successful catching a few fish from the shallows and in the creeks with minnows or jigs; look for clearer warmer water.

FISH: Bluegill & Redear ... Good; Look for nice sized fish right up against the banks with red wigglers and crickets.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Good; Good turn out for the last tournament.

FISH: Striped Bass ... Excellent; Nice sized fish are hitting on inline spinners such as Mephs and Rooster tails.

FISH: Channel & Blue Catfish ... Good; Look for quiet water near the banks and fish with Sonny's dip bait. Trot lines are also producing.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. Check out your favorite fishing hole and enjoy the warmer weather.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are slowly dropping from 19.7 mid week to 18.4; Water temperatures are 73.4 degrees. Anglers are catching a little of everything.

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish are biting on minnows; fish from a boat or from the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fish are on beds; offer crickets, red worms, or meal worms under a bobber close to the shoreline.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Night crawlers are producing close to the shore near brush and cover.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fishermen are successful with night crawlers or red worms off the banks; trot lines are producing baited with minnows.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Plan a fishing trip this weekend! Free Fishing Days June 6th - 9th.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels have dropped to 31 or 32 feet. Warm temperatures are forecast for this weekend.

FISH: Crappie .. Fair; A few fish are being caught with mostly minnows.

FISH: Bluegill .. Good; Crickets are producing for the anglers.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair to Good; Anglers are using tube jigs, night crawlers, and soft plastics on the bottom of fairly shallow water.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair; A few fish are being caught with night crawlers from along the banks. Fish don't seem to bite quite as good when the water levels are dropping.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Enjoy the beauty of Southern Illinois.

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-30-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are falling, but remain higher than normal for this time of year all along the Ohio River. Southern Illinois offers wonderful fishing opportunities; go fishing and enjoy nature.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have fallen, but are above normal pool at 31 feet and muddy; normal pool is 29.0 feet. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 60's.

FISH: Crappie ... Fair to Good; Fishermen are successful catching a few fish from the shallows and in the creeks with minnows or jigs; look for clearer warmer water.

FISH: Bluegill & Redear ... Good; Look for nice sized fish right up against the banks in the Marina basin with red wigglers.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Good; Search the shallow water of creeks and sloughs near sturcture or cover.

FISH: Striped Bass ... Excellent; Nice sized fish are hitting on inline spinners such as Mephs and Rooster tails.

FISH: Channel & Blue Catfish ... Good; Fish the river with Sonny's dip bait in quiet water just off the banks. Trot lines are also producing.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. Check out your favorite fishing hole and enjoy the warmer weather.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are dropping from 28.4 mid week to 25.3; more rainfall has been recieved though. Lots of fishing activity this past week.

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish are biting on minnows; fish from a boat or from the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fish are on beds; offer crickets, red worms, or meal worms under a bobber close to the shoreline.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Most fish have completed the spawn; Night crawlers are producing close to the shore near brush and cover.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fishermen are successful with night crawlers or red worms off the banks; trot lines are producing baited with minnows.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Plan a fishing trip this weekend!

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels have dropped to 38 or 39 feet. An additional 3 inches of rainfall has been received.

FISH: Crappie .. Fair to Good; Anglers are successful with mostly minnows.

FISH: Bluegill .. Excellent; Fish are on beds; crickets, drift worms, wax worms, night crawlers, and red wigglers are working for the anglers.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair to Good; Anglers are using tube jigs, night crawlers, and soft plastics on the bottom of fairly shallow water.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; Night crawlers are producing along the banks.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Enjoy the early morning fog layer hovering just above the water and rising into the hills as the sun comes up and seeing a fish jump.

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-23-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have risen this past week and are above normal all along the Ohio River. Weekend weather temperatures are forecast to be warmer with sunshine.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are six foot above normal pool and slowly dropping. Water temperatures are 64 to 67 degrees. Weekend weather temperatures should be very enjoyable; the Marina basin is producing.

FISH: Crappie ... Fair to Good; Some fish are still spawning due to chilly evening temperatures this past week. Fishermen are successful catching a few fish from the shallows with minnows or jigs.

FISH: Bluegill & Redear ... Great; 100's of fish being caught; very nice sizes are being caught with red wigglers right up against the banks in the Marina basin.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Good; Close to the spawn; look for them in fairly shallow water of creeks and sloughs.

FISH: Striped Bass ... Excellent; 11 to 12 inch fish are hitting on inline spinners like Mephs and Rooster tails.

FISH: Channel & Blue Catfish ... Good; Fish the river with Sonny's dip bait in quiet water off the banks. Trot lines are also producing.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. Check out your favorite fishing hole and enjoy the warmer weather.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are up a little; Lots of bait is selling. A nice weekend is in the forecast; don't miss out!

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish are biting on minnows; fish from a boat or from the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Fish are on beds or making them; Put crickets, red worms, or meal worms under a bobber in the warmer shallower areas of backwater areas,lakes and ponds.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Some fish have spawned or are spawning; Night crawlers are producing in shallow water.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fishing is good in the main river; fishermen are successful with night crawlers or red worms off the banks; flatheads are also biting on shad and shad guts in deeper water.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Enjoy a family fishing trip during the Memorial Holiday weekend.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are back up to 43 feet. Nice weekend weather is in the forecast.

FISH: Crappie .. Fair to Good; Anglers are successful with mostly minnows.

FISH: Bluegill .. Fair to Good; Mostly crickets are getting bites in the shallower water; drift worms and red wigglers are also being sold at the bait shop.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair to Good; Anglers are using tube jigs, night crawlers, and soft plastics.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; A few night crawlers are getting some bites along the banks.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Don't miss out on a nice fishing trip this weekend!

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-16-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are near normal in the Golconda area; rising near Metropolis, and slowly falling in the Olmstead area; more rainfall received in Southern Illinois again this past week. It's been pretty much of a chilly and wet week.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are one foot above normal pool. Nice water levels for fishing. More fishermen needed.

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Really nice large sized and good numbers of catches from the shallows of the creeks with minnows and jigs; put them is 18 inches of water; some fish still have swollen eggs ready to spawn. Good reports from Miller, Barren and Lusk Creeks.

FISH: Bluegill & Redear ... Very Good; Hitting on crickets! Fish are interested in making beds in the shallows.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair; Smaller sized fish were weighed in at the tournament this past week; most anglers caught 4 fish.

FISH: Channel & Blue Catfish ... Good; Fish the river with Sonny's dip bait.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. High gas prices seem to be a factor resulting in low numbers of fishermen.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels continue to rise nearly a foot a day to 24.4 feet during mid week; Lots of bait is selling. Fishermen are out on the pretty days.

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish are biting on minnows; Fish have spawned in area farm ponds and Mermet Lake; fish from a boat or on the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Pre spawn conditions; Put crickets or meal worms under a bobber in the warmer shallower areas of backwater areas,lakes and ponds.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Pre spawn conditions; Some fish have spawned or are spawning; Jigs and plastic worms are producing. Use slow presentations.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fishing is good in the main river; fish are being taken with night crawlers or red worms; also shad and shad guts from the banks.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Get your fishing license and plan a fishing trip soon.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels slowly falling. Fish are biting but angling activity is slow.

FISH: Crappie .. Fair to Good; Pre spawn conditions; chilly weather post-poned spawning activity.

FISH: Bluegill .. Fair to Good; Fish continue to bite on crickets in the shallower water.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair to Good; Anglers are using tube jigs, night crawlers, and soft plastics.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; A few anglers are fishing with night crawlers along the banks.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Don't miss out on a good fishing trip!

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-09-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are near normal in the Golconda area; rising near Metropolis, and slowly falling in the Olmstead area. Warm sunshine is welcome; more rainfall received in Southern Illinois this past week.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels raised one foot, but are slowly falling; normal pool is 29.9 feet. Water temperatures are 62 degrees.

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Pre-spawn conditions; Really good catches from the shallows of the creeks with minnows and jigs; put them is 18 inches of water; fish have swollen eggs ready for the spawn.

FISH: Bluegill & Redear ... Very Good; Hitting on crickets!

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair; The tournament this past week was won with a 4.7 pounder; 145 fish were caught; approximately two per person. Lusk Creek and Big Grande Pierre best.

FISH: Channel & Blue Catfish ... Good; In the river with Sonny's dip bait; an angler reported catching 30 this past week.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are raising one foot a day; Bait is selling. Minnows, crickets, red worms and meal worms.

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish will be spawning soon and biting on minnows; area farm ponds and Mermet Lake, and backwater creeks are producing; fish from a boat or on the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Crickets or meal worms under a bobber in the warmer shallower areas of backwater areas, lakes and ponds.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Jigs and plastic worms are producing. Use slow presentations.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; The main river is Good; fish are being taken with night crawlers or red worms; shad and shad guts from the banks.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Do you have your fishing license for 2008 so you can catch a big one? Plan a fishing trip soon.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels slowly dropping. Lots of bait selling! Fish are biting!

FISH: Crappie .. Good; Lots of minnows going out the bait shop door; fish are close to their spawn.

FISH: Bluegill .. Good; Fish are biting on crickets; 300 crickets sold to one fisherman.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Good; Anglers are buying blue and white colored tube jigs, also chartreuse color is selling.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Offer them night crawlers along the banks.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Don't miss out on a good fishing trip!

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 05-02-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels continue to be above flood stage. Water temperatures are near 50 degrees in the river. Chilly weather with some frost settled over the area during the first part of the week.

NOTE: The 5th season for 2008 resident spring wild turkey hunting is May 1st through May 8th for the southern zone.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have dropped are are down to normal pool at 29.9 feet. Quite a few fishermen.

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Pre-spawn conditions; Fish have swollen eggs ready for the spawn. Anglers are reporting good sized fish with minows and jigs.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Spotty, but Good and Fair; Nice catches of fish in the creeks with crank baits; Lusk Creek and Big Grande Pierre best.

FISH: Channel & Blue Catfish ... Good; In the river with Sonny's Super Sticky dip bait from the deeper holes.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. It's mushroom time in Southern Illinois.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels have dropped to 21.2 feet; Fishing has good and bad days! They are biting! A little of everything is selling at the bait shop.

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish are being taken near stumps and brush piles with minnows; creeks, area farm ponds and Mermet Lake are producing; fish from a boat or on the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Crickets or meal worms under a bobber in the warmer shallower areas of backwater areas, lakes and ponds.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Anglers are using mostly plastic baits, artificial baits and worms are also producing. Try various presentations.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; The main river is best this week; fish are being taken with night crawlers or red worms; shad and shad guts are also selling at the bait shop.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Do you have your fishing license for 2008 so you can catch a big one? Plan a fishing trip soon.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels have dropped to 35 feet. Bait shop is selling all kinds of bait! Fish are biting!

FISH: Crappie .. Good; Hand sized fish are being caught with minnows.

FISH: Bluegill .. Good; Crickets are the ticket; anglers also using red wigglers and night crawlers.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Good; Anglers are buying blue and white colored tube jigs, also chartreuse color is selling.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Offer them night crawlers along the shorelines.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Don't miss out on a good fishing trip!

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 04-25-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels continue to be above flood stage. Water temperatures are near 50 degrees in the river. Spring time is upon us with many blooming flowers in Southern Illinois.

NOTE: The 4th season for 2008 resident spring wild turkey hunting is April 24th through April 30th.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are dropping are are down to 30 feet; normal pool is 29.9 feet. Water temperatures are in the low 50's with a muddy color. Fishing activity is picking up.

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Pre-spawn conditions; An angler reported catching 12 to 14 nice sized fish in shallow 3 to 4 feet of water near stick ups this past week.

FISH: Bluegill ... Fair to Good; fish are biting on crickets and wax worms.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Excellent; Fish are being taken from the creeks with crank baits.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; fishermen are successful catching a few with worms up in the creeks and along the shorelines of backwater areas. Trot lines and hoop nets continue to produce.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. It's mushroom time in Southern Illinois.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels have dropped to 32 feet; surface water temperatures are in the low 50's; water color is stained; Fishing is great! Everything is biting!

FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish are being taken near stumps and brush piles with minnows; area farm ponds and Mermet Lake are producing; fish from a boat or on the bank.

FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Offer fish crickets or meal worms under a bobber in the warmer shallower areas of backwater areas, lakes and ponds.

FISH: Bass ... Good; Anglers are using mostly plastic baits, artificial baits and worms are also producing. Try various presentations.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fish are being taken with night crawlers or red worms from the creeks, backwater areas, and along the banks; shad and shad guts are also selling at the bait shop.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Do you have your fishing license for 2008 so you can go catch a big one? Don't miss out!

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

NOTE: No fishing report available this week.

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead.

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 04-18-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up above flood stage with backwater spilling out over and covering the river bottoms, sloughs and many acres of lower ground. Water temperatures are near 50 degrees in the river. Spring time is near with several blooming flowers in Southern Illinois.

NOTE: The 3rd season for 2008 resident spring wild turkey hunting is April 18th through April 23rd.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are at 44 feet with a swift current; normal pool is 29.9 feet. Water temperatures are near 50 degrees with a muddy color. Not much fishing activity due to high water levels.

FISH: Crappie ... Spotty; A few anglers fishing area ponds during warm weather.

NOTE: Finding pre-spawn crappie ... Southern Illinois crappie anglers proclaim that crappie start biting when the dogwood blossoms are the size of a mouse's ear. These visible signs usually appear when the water temperatures are in the mid-50s to mid-60s. The surface water is usually several degrees warmer than the water below. Crappie move up into the warmer surface waters during late winter and early spring to warm themselves. Crappie enjoy the warm shorelines, especially those with timber or brush present. Fishermen set rod's with bobbers three to four feet deep and 24 to 14 inches deep to find the fish. Other anglers just hang a curly tail jig under their bobber or use minnows and let the wind do the work by drifting and jigging for them. Cast your bait with the wind ahead of your boat and make a series of long drifts. When you find fish, remember the spot or mark it with a GPS unit.

FISH: Bluegill ... Spotty; fish are biting in some area ponds on crickets and wax worms.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ...Spotty; anglers are catching a few; fish medium depths with crank baits, jig and pig, or plastic worms in area ponds and lakes.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; fishermen are successful catching a few with worms along the banks and in backwater areas. Trot lines and hoop nets are producing.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. Still surrounded by high water again this week. It's mushroom time in Southern Illinois.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels have dropped to 43 feet with a swift current; surface water temperatures are near 50 degrees; water color is stained; quite a bit of fishing activity.

FISH: Bluegill ... Fair; put a cricket under a bobber in the warmer shallower areas of lakes and ponds.

FISH: Bass ... Fair; Anglers are using mostly plastic baits, some worms are producing; also try red rooster spinners.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fish hitting on night crawlers or red worms in the creeks, backwater areas, and along the banks; Hoop nets and trot lines have also been successful.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Do you have your fishing license for 2008?

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: The river levels continue to be above flood stage at 52 feet with a swift current; LOTS of water and flooding!

FISH: Crappie ... Fair; Minnows are selling at the bait shop.

FISH: Bluegill ... Fair; The bait shop is selling crickets.

FISH: Bass ... Fair; Anglers are using plastic baits.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; Anglers are snagging in the shallows of the backwater areas and creeks. Lots of snagging hooks and weights sold this past week.

NOTE: The towns of Karnak and Old Shawneetown are having flooding problems

NOTE: Reported by Johnston's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Check out all of the high water and catch fish.

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 04-11-08

NOTE: The 2nd season for 2008 resident spring wild turkey hunting is Monday, April 12th through Thursday, April 17th.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up to 46.2 feet with a swift current; normal pool is 29.9 feet. Water temperatures are near 50 degrees with a muddy color. More rainfall received this past week. Not much fishing activity. Southern Illinois has lots beautiful blooming flowers and forsythia; magnolia and Bradford pear trees are also in full bloom.

FISH: Crappie ... Spotty; just a few fishermen getting their line wet way back in the creek arms where the water is clearer, calmer and warmer; the water level is too high for good crappie success; some being taken from area ponds.

FISH: Bluegill ... Spotty; fish are starting to check out the warmer backwater areas and are biting in some area ponds. Use slow presentations.

FISH: Largemouth Bass ...Spotty; anglers are catching a few; fish medium depths with crank baits, jig and pig, or plastic worms in area ponds and lakes; with all of the recent rainfall, look near culverts or drainage areas with current for bass hanging out hoping for an easy meal that might float by.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; fishermen are successful catching a few with worms along the banks and in backwater areas. Trot lines and hoop nets are producing.

NOTE: They might have to put life preservers in the minnow tank - they are getting tired of swimming.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. Still surrounded by high water again this week. It's mushroom time; a few are being found.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are up to over 45.1 feet with a swift current; surface water temperatures are near 50 degrees; water color is stained; it's spring time, the fish are biting!

FISH: Crappie ... Fair; a few fish are being taken near stumps and brush piles with minnows and chartreuse hair jigs, especially in the calm backwater areas; fish from a boat or on the bank; as the water color clears and levels return to normal, crappie fishing success should increase. Farm ponds and Mermet Lake are also producing with pre-spawn conditions. Fish are hungry.

FISH: Bluegill ... Fair; put a cricket under a bobber in the warmer shallower depth backwater areas and also local lakes and ponds.

FISH: Bass ... Fair; Anglers are using mostly plastic baits, some worms are producing; also try red rooster spinners.

FISH: Catfish ... Good; Fish hitting on night crawlers or red worms in the creeks, backwater areas, and along the banks; Hoop nets and trot lines have also been successful.

NOTE: The ground is too wet for worms; they are a smorgasbord for the fish as they get swept away and washed in.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Get your fishing license for 2008.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: The river levels are way above flood stage at 52 feet with a swift current; Water temperatures are near 50 degrees. Rainfall has spread across Southern Illinois again this past week. LOTS of water!

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; Night Crawlers are working well for the anglers in the backwater areas and creeks in shallower water.

NOTE: The towns of Karnak and Old Shawneetown are having flooding problems

NOTE: Reported by Johnson's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Enjoy a fishing trip, the weekend weather is forecast to be nice; grab your fishing pole, the fishing season has begun.

WATER ..... Ohio River

FISHING REPORT DATE: 04-04-08

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up above flood stage with backwater spilling out over and covering the river bottoms, sloughs and many acres of lower ground. Water temperatures are near 45 degrees in the river. Spring time is near with several blooming flowers in Southern Illinois.

NOTE: The 2008 spring trout fishing season in Illinois opens at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5th. The spring trout opener is always a big day in Illinois. It is a great way to begin the new fishing season. More than 60,000 rainbow trout will be stocked in more than 40 bodies of water where spring trout fishing is permitted. The trout-stocking program in Illinois is made possible through the sale of inland trout stamps to those anglers who participate. The stamps are available for $6.50 each at DNR directlicense and pemit vendors, IDNR offices in Springfield, Chicago, Alton, Benton, Clinton and Sterling, and may be purchased with a credit card through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us. To legally participate in the trout fishing program, anglers must have a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp.

NOTE: The 1st season for 2008 resident spring wild turkey hunting is Monday, April 5th through Friday, April 11th.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Golconda Marina-Smithland Pool Area

WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up to 46.0 feet with a swift current; normal pool is 29.9 feet. Water temperatures are near 46 degrees with a muddy color. Rain, Rain, Rain, lots of rain in Southern Illinois, but it's spring and time to catch fish.

FISH: Crappie ... Spotty; just a few fishermen getting their line wet; the water level is too high for good crappie success; some being taken from area ponds.

FISH: Bluegill ... Spotty; fish are starting to check out the warmer backwater areas and are biting in some area ponds. Use slow presentations.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; fishermen are successful catching a few with worms in backwater areas. Trot lines are producing.

NOTE: The town of Harrisburg and surrounding area in Southern Illinois are cleaning up after flooding caused damage to businesses and roads.

NOTE: Reported by the Golconda Marina Bait Shop. Surrounded by high water this week.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Shawneetown and Metropolis Areas

WATER CONDITIONS: water levels are up to over 43 feet with an increased current; surface water temperatures are in the mid 40's; water color is stained; anglers are catching fish.

FISH: Crappie ... Spotty; a few fish are being taken near stumps and brush piles with minnows especially in the backwater areas; fish from a boat or on the bank; as the water color clears and levels return to normal, crappie fishing success should increase. Farm ponds and Mermet Lake are also producing with pre-spawn conditions. Fish are hungry.

FISH: Bluegill ... Spotty; put a wax worm under a bobber in the warmer shallower depth backwater areas and also local lakes and ponds.

FISH: Catfish ... fair to Good; put a night crawler or minnow on your hook up in the creeks and backwater areas; Hoop nets and trot lines have also been successful.

NOTE: Fort Massac Fish Market at Metropolis has bait. Get your fishing license for 2008.

FISHING AREA: Ohio River - Olmestead -

WATER CONDITIONS: The river levels are high at 50 feet at Cairo; flood stage is at 40 feet; Water temperatures are near 45 degrees. Rainfall has spread across Southern Illinois this past week, but the weekend forecast is perfect for fishing with warmer temperatures predicted.

FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; Night Crawlers are working well for the anglers in the backwater areas and creeks in shallower water.

NOTE: The Mississippi River at Cairo, crested 14 feet above flood stage early this past week, but more rainfall is in the forecast along with flash flood warnings towards the end of the week

NOTE: Reported by Johnson's Bait & Tackle at Olmestead. Enjoy a fishing trip, the weekend weather is forecast to be nice; grab your fishing pole, the fishing season has begun.