Chain O Lakes
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The west end of Pistakee Lake is giving up crappie, says Cory Yarmuth (Legend Outdoors). Many drum also are being caught. A few white bass were taken at depths about 20 feet. Chris Albrecht (Triangle Sports) reports that gills, perch and crappie have been active on the south end of Channel Lake. The ice is about 8 inches. Moon Lake has given up good-sized pike on tip-ups baited with golden roaches.
Nielsen’s Channel
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Ice is in good shape at about 9 inches and anglers are doing well, says Wayne Krcmar (Hermann’s Lowlife Bar & Grill). A pair of anglers caught 80 keeper bluegill and crappie Saturday using 1-pound test line and No. 12 black spoons tipped with spikes. Water below the ice is very clear. Ice cleats are needed because the snow is gone.
Illinois River
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The river and ramps at Starved Rock State Park are open, but the water is high. No boaters have been out, but a few shore anglers had little success. Sauger can be caught on jig and minnows in deeper holes. With water freezing on ramps, use caution.
South Suburban Ponds
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Ice will improve with continued cold weather, says Ken O’Malley, who reports several ponds and forest preserve lakes have lost ice because of the recent mild, rainy weather. Banks were open and ice near shores was only 1 inch Sunday. Use caution.
Kankakee River
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Ed Mullady (Sportsman’s Letter) has found many places along the river free of ice and the water level is up. Ice-covered backwaters were unsafe but should freeze up by the weekend.
Lake Delavan, Wis.
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Jeff Hahn (Chain O’ Lakes Guide Service) reports ice to be 8 to 10 inches and bluegills are taking small, spike-tipped jigs. Nice-sized pike have been caught on medium roaches below a tip up.
Boulder Junction, Wis.
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A few days of above-freezing temperatures cleared the slush from many lakes, which are freezing nicely now, says Tim France (Wildcat Lodge). Deep slush kept anglers off the lakes, but now the walleye, crappie and bluegill bite is improving.
Compiled by Don Dziedzina from bait shops, avid anglers and local and state resource reports.
