WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up from rainfall received recently. Go fishing and enjoy the magnificent qualities of nature and the rick colors of autumn.
NOTE: Just south of the Wisconsin border, the Rock River enters Illinois near Rockton. The Rock River is 160 miles long and flows into the Misissippi. There are more than 70 access sites.
FISHING AREA: Rock River - Rockford Area
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are close to flood stage; lots of small walleye being caught.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair to Good; Look for fish in the backwater off the Rock River and in area lakes with minnows.
FISH: Walleye ... Good; Lots of small ones are being caught in the river; anglers using the "killer" hair jig with a stinger hook; jig it straight up and down; touch the bottom and bring it up 1 foot or so and touch the bottom again.
NOTE: Lots of interest in waterfoul and deer hunting activities in this area.
NOTE: Visit Rockford Bait in Rockford for your fishing supplies. A very friendly and helpful bait shop. Check them out.
FISHING AREA: Rock River - Rockford Area
NOTE: No Fishing Report Available this week.
NOTE: Reported by Gander Mountain in Rockford.
FISHING AREA: Rock River - Oregon Area
NOTE: No Fishing Report Available this week.
NOTE: Jan at T.J's Bait and Canoe Rental in Oregon has great bait and fishing supplies for a successful fishing trip. You will enjoy her friendly and helpful service; stop by and see her soon. Bait shop will be closing November 1st.
FISHING AREA: Rock River -Dixon Area
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up some and fairly dirty; surface water temperatures are in the mid to upper 50's. Fishing success is a little slower for the river.
FISH: Crappie ... Fair to Good; An angler reported picking up 23 at the dam with minnows. Most anglers catching just a few.
FISH: White Bass ... Fair; Minnows are producing 2 or 3 fish for anglers near the dam.
FISH: Walleye .. Spotty; A few nice sized fish are being taken with minnows near the dam. Limits of nice sized fish have been reported near the Fulton Dam this past week.
FISH: Channel Catfish ... Good; Cut bait and minnows are attracting attention; best fishing above Oregon and below Rock Falls.
FISH: Flathead Catfish ... Slow; No reports of any larger sized fish being taken recently.
FISH: Drum & Carp ... Slower; Fluctuating water levels have slowed success.
FISH: Trout ... Very Good; Big ones are being reeled in! Anglers using powerbait, big minnows, chartreuse spinner bait, and rooster tails.
NOTE: Archery deer hunting activities in this area.
NOTE: Reported by Bunny's Bait Shop in Dixon. Selling fishing license. They have excellent fishing information and fishing supplies. Go see them for your fishing needs.
FISHING AREA: Rock River - Rock Falls Area
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are up a little from recent rainfall; area ponds and lakes are providing good fishing opportunities.
FISH: Crappie ... Nice sized fish are being taken from area farm ponds from 3 to 4 feet of water with small jigs and minnows.
FISH: Trout ... Good; Angler reported catching nice sized fish using an assortment of different power baits.
NOTE: Reported by and see Al at Shriners Moble Bait Shop at 1308 First Avenue in Rock Falls - check out the bait and fishing supplies.
FISHING AREA: Rock River - Sterling Area
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels are near flood stage; leaves falling this past week. Fishing activity has been slow.
FISH: Cappie ... Fair to Good; Fish near shallower brush with a jig or/and minnows or wax worms. The Illinois River and Green River are producing.
FISH: Walleye ... Spotty; Look for fish in the canal with a jig and minnow.
FISH: Catfish ... Fair to good; Anglers are using night crawlers in the main channel at the lower dam near cover; also look for them close to drop offs, ledges, and in the deeper holes.
FISH: Trout ... Good; Power bait has been popular at the trout pond. Nice sized fish being taken.
NOTE: Go to H & R Bait Shop in Sterling for needed fishing supplies. Stop by and see them, they have bait to sell.
FISHING AREA: Rock River - Milan Area
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have dropped approximately 1 foot in this area. More rainfall received this past week in this area.
FISH: Crappie ... Good; Fish are biting on wax worms; 3/4 pound fish are being taken from Sunset Marina and the Conservation Club Lake.
FISH: Bluegill ... Good; Anglers are using red worms; 1/2 to 1 pound sized fish are being taken from Sunset Marina and off of the canal.
FISH: Walleye .... Fair to Good; Minnows and jigs are getting hits at the dam; size range is near 3 pounds.
FISH: Largemouth Bass ... Fair to Good; Frogs and spinners are producing 2 to 2 1/2 pound sized fish from the canal.
FISH: Striped Bass ... Fair to Good; Crankbaits are producing 1 to 2 pound average sized fish from the canal and the Conservation Club Lake.
FISH: Sauger ... Fair to Good: Anglers using minnows by the dam in the Rock River; 1 to 3 pound fish are being reeled in.
FISH: Catfish ... Fair to Good; 3 to 5 pound fish are being taken with shrimp mostly at Lake George.
NOTE: Amy at E Z Living Sports in Milan would be happy to help you with your fishing supplies. Happy Halloween!