Donald Trump may be a better golfer than a fisherman, but his “location, location, location” mantra works for fall fishing on the Kankakee River.
This year especially, location determines success.
Veteran riverman Dave Zack, of Momence, said things have been “real quiet” on the upper river for the middle of October.
“I’ve seen a few anglers out here, but nothing much is happening, other than a couple of redhorse and carp,” he said. “Game fish have not been hitting at all.”
A few miles downstream at Aroma Park results are mixed.
“We’ve had a few walleyes and crappies, but its not really heavy going yet,” said baitman Keith Snedden.
“It’s not been cool enough to get the water temperature down,” said Snedden, noting that Wednesday afternoon the mercury was in the low 60s.
State park best bet
Farther downstream, however, things appear better in the riffle-rich area at the Kankakee River State Park.
“We’ve had guys doing really good on golden roaches for smallmouth bass,” said Diana Carr, at the Kankakee River Trading Post at Altorf. “We’ve also had some big walleye taken at the park on Rat-L-Traps.”
There’s a sense of anticipation building among fishermen, despite last Wednesday’s rain, which muddied up the water briefly.
Smallies and catfish are starting to show interest at the dams and bridge piers, and rock bass can be found probing along brushpiles and fallen logs.
Cooler weather this week may finally get the fall fishing frenzy started. The coming weekend should be a good test of how the fish are responding to the cooler water and shorter daylight hours.
The cooling lakes have closed for the fishing season with the exception of Monster Lake at the Mazonia South complex near Essex. Monster Lake is open to fishing year-round.
By Bill Byrns
bbyrns@daily-journal.com
http://www.daily-journal.com/
