Trip Log - 2003

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Trip Log - 2003
By William D. Anderson

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2004 Trip Log >>

1.

 

1/03/2003 

Illinois River  

Ottawa, IL

Mostly Sunny - Air Temp in the low 20s rising to the mid 30s with a Northwest wind around 8-10mph.

Water temp was 39. 

Results

Me : 4 Sauger
Partner: 5 Sauger

Techniques:

Vertical Jigging with a fathead and stinger hook. The jig/minnow combo was lowered straight down to the bottom then raised 2 to 4 inches every few seconds. Proper boat control was important in the wind and current in order to keep the line vertical. 

All fish were released.

The morning bite was slow. Right  before it was time to leave, the fish really started stealing the minnows.

Pictures from today!

2.

1/08/2003 

Powerton Lake  

Manito, IL

Mostly Sunny - Air Temp in the mid 30s rising to the mid 50s with a West wind around 15 mph. 

Results

Me : 12 Smallmouth Bass
1 Drum
1 Channel Catfish

Techniques:

Crank Baits.

All fish were released.

Fishing was a little slower than the last time I was at Powerton. I caught a couple big fish but overall the fish were smaller on average.

Pictures from today!

3.

1/30/2003 

Powerton Lake  

Manito, IL

Mostly Cloudy - Air Temp in the upper 20s with a South wind around 5 mph increasing to beyond 10. 

Results

Me : 1 Largemouth Bass
10 Drum
1 Buffalo
9 Smallmouth Bass
Partner: 4 Smallmouth Bass
4 Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits and Spinners.

All fish were released.

I only caught one fish where I had gotten them the last two trips to this lake. When we did find them it was almost non-stop action. My partner and I tried to wrestle a 15 pound catfish out of the water that I hooked but the catfish won. I also lost a 25 pound carp the same way. All the other fish we landed made up for that.

Pictures from today!

4.

2/11/2003 

Powerton Lake  

Manito, IL

Clouds breaking for bright sunshine - Air Temp was 14 rising to about freezing with a West wind around 20 mph gusting beyond 30 then diminishing slightly.

Results

Me : 2 Smallmouth Bass
13 Drum
1 Shad
1 White  Bass
5 Hybrid Striped Bass

Techniques:

Crank Baits.

All fish were released.

I fished the warmer water and did ok. I was expecting more bass but they were nowhere to be found today. Everything was caught on the same lure. I took several pictures of a Pelican that was feasting on shad.

Pictures from today!

5.

2/17/2003 

Powerton Lake  

Manito, IL

Cloudy with flurries - Air Temp was in the mid 20s rising to the upper 20s with a Northwest West wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Water temps were in the high 50s at the buoy line, and in the mid 40s in the center section of the lake.

Results

Me : 4 Smallmouth Bass
4 Drum
Partner: 4 Smallmouth Bass
5 Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits.

All fish were released.

We took my boat to the lake a couple days after a bad snow storm. I was glad I brought shovels and salt for the ramp. Fishing was slow in the part of the lake that was open to boats so  we parked for a little while and walked the hot side of the lake. Both of us caught a few fish over there and then it was back to the main lake. My last fish of the day was a good one.

Pictures from today!

6.

 

2/27/2003 

Illinois River  

Ottawa, IL

Bright Sunshine - Air Temp in the upper teens rising to the mid 30s with a Northeast wind  5-10mph.

Water temp was 39. 

Results

Me : 7 Sauger

Techniques:

Vertical Jigging with a fathead and stinger hook. The jig/minnow combo was lowered straight down to the bottom then raised 2 to 4 inches every few seconds. Proper boat control was important in the wind and current in order to keep the line vertical. 

All fish were released.

Fishing was slow. I caught a couple decent fish but the overall size was smaller than usual. I saw a few  Bald Eagles in the area where I was fishing today.

Pictures from today!

7.

 

3/04/2003 

Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area  

Braidwood, IL

Cloudy with light sleet - Air Temp in the mid 30s with a Northeast wind  5-10mph. A major Snowstorm hit later that afternoon.

Water temp was 55 to 75. 

Results

Me : 3 Largemouth Bass
15 Channel Catfish

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

With a limited amount of time, my plan was to hit a few familiar spots and then run on to the next spot if no fish were caught right away. Even though the fish weren't big today, it turned out to be a good plan because I caught quite a few. Next time I'll concentrate on finding the bigger fish.

Pictures from today!

8.

 

3/07/2003 

Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area  

Braidwood, IL

Mostly Cloudy.  Air Temp in the mid 30s with a 15mph Southeast wind with higher gusts. There were light flurries for a few minutes at one point.

Water temp was 55 to 65. 

Results

Me : 3 Largemouth Bass
3 Channel Catfish

Techniques:

Crank Baits, Jigs, Spinners

All fish were released.

I spent 3 hours on the water trying for bigger fish and I caught 3 bass that were fairly nice compared to the ones I caught during the last trip. The bigger fish were in deeper water today.

Pictures from today!

9.

 

3/20/2003 

LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area  

Marseilles, IL

Mostly Cloudy with intermittent rain and a thunderstorm.  Air Temp in the mid 60s with variable winds around 10mph. The wind started out of the southeast, switched to the south, then switched from west to northwest and finally out of the northeast after the storm passed.

Water temp was 83 to 57. 

Results

Me: 8 Largemouth Bass
31 Smallmouth Bass
3 Yellow Bass
5 Channel Catfish
1 Hybrid Striped Bass
1 Bluegill
1 Drum
Partner: 16 Smallmouth Bass
  8 Largemouth Bass
1 Channel Catfish
1 Hybrid Striped Bass

Techniques:

Crank Baits and Spinners

All fish were released.

I arrived at the lake a few hours before my partner  which is why I caught more fish. Both of us hooked at least one large fish and lost them at the boat. Mine was a Hybrid and my partners was a nice  Smallmouth.  A few of the fish were decent but there were no lunkers landed today. I was surprised to see how many people were foolish enough to brave the thunderstorm out on the lake. We docked the boat and took cover until the lightning was a safe distance away. Others stayed out which is very dangerous. Besides the  lightning that was present,  wind can make that lake very dangerous in an instant.

Pictures from today!

10.

 

3/31/2003 

Cook County Forest Preserve Pond

Cook County, IL

Sunny. Southwest wind around 10mph. Air temps in the upper 30s and rising.

Results

Me: 0
Partner: ?

Techniques:

Crank Baits and Spinners

All fish were released.

I met a friend at the pond this morning with the hope of catching a bass or two. I got called to work so I was only able to fish about 30 minutes before I had to leave to run some errands before going to work. I never had a hit but my friend hooked into something decent that he wasn't able to land. He stayed behind when I hit the road so hopefully he caught something.

11.

 

4/17/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Cloudy with rain and drizzle. Northeast wind around 20mph with higher gusts. Air temps in the upper 40s.

Water temp was 56.

Results

Me: 4 Hybrid Striped Bass
2 Walleye
2 Drum
2 Smallmouth Bass
3 Yellow Bass

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

It was a rough day on the lake but well worth it. I knew the weather wasn't going to be good but I don't know when I'll get out again.

All the fish except for the walleyes were decent. That includes a Hybrid that was just over 24 inches. The fish seemed to be scattered because I didn't catch more than one in any one spot.

Pictures from today!

12.

 

4/20/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Cloudy with drizzle then partly cloudy. Southwest wind around 25mph with higher gusts. Air temps in the upper 60s.

Water temp was 57 to 58.

Results

Me: 2 Hybrid Striped Bass
2 Drum
1 Smallmouth Bass
1 Buffalo

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

Today was the roughest day I've experienced on that lake as far as wind goes. Going under the bridge was probably not a good idea. I caught 6 fish in a little less than 3 hours.

Pictures from today!

13.

 

5/07/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Cloudy with morning rain then partly cloudy with thunder later in the afternoon. Southeast wind around 10mph. Air temps in the upper 60s.

Water temp was 61 to 66.

Results

Me: 1 Smallmouth Bass
1 Channel Catfish
4 Yellow Bass
1 Shad
2 Walleye
1 Buffalo
1 White Bass

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

Fishing was kind of slow. Although I caught several fish, most were caught within a 2 hour time period. The carp and buffalo were up in the rocks and they were everywhere. Tossing the lure into the slime that is developing along the shoreline produced the most fish. Most of the fish I caught today were all good size fish including a 13 pound Catfish and a 19 inch Smallmouth.

Pictures from today!

14.

 

5/14/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Cloudy with rain. North wind calm then shifting to the east and increasing to around 15mph. Air temps in the mid 50s.

Water temp was 62 to 64.

Results

Me: 3 Smallmouth Bass
1 Walleye
3 Yellow Bass
1 Shad
3 Hybrid Striped Bass
1 Freshwater Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

Fishing in the rain is ok as long as you're catching fish. Today I caught a few very big fish including a 28 inch walleye, a 26.5 inch Striper, and an 18 inch Smallmouth.

Pictures from today!

15.

 

5/17/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Mostly Sunny. Northeast wind around 10mph. Air temps in the mid 70s.

Water temp was 62 to 64.

Results

Me: 2 Smallmouth Bass
2 Walleye
12 Yellow Bass
1 Smallmouth Buffalo
3 Freshwater Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

I caught a lot of fish in one area today. The two walleye were nice fish as were a few of the yellow bass, but no giants today.

16.

 

5/20/2003 

Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area  

Braidwood, IL

Sunny - Air Temp in the mid 60s with a Northeast wind  around 20mph.

Water temp was 76 to 88. 

Results

Me : 1 Largemouth Bass

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

I went to Heidecke only to find that it was closed due to high winds. I called the park office at Braidwood and was informed that they were open. I got out just long enough to catch one nice Largemouth before I was asked to leave - along with everyone else - because they were closing the park due to the terrorism alert being raised to Orange.

Pictures from today!

17.

 

5/30/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Cloudy. Variable winds SE, S, & SW from calm to 10 mph with intermittent light rain showers. Air temp was in the upper 60s

Water temp was 64 to 66.

Results

Me: 2 Hybrid Striped Bass
1 Walleye
2 Yellow Bass
3 Smallmouth Bass
7 Freshwater Drum
3 White Bass
1 Bluegill
Partner: 2 Hybrid Striped Bass
1 White Bass

Techniques:

Crank Baits, Top-waters

All fish were released.

The fish were cooperating today. My partners determination to catch something on a top-water paid off with a beautiful  Striper. I had trouble figuring out which fish were Stripers and which were large White Bass at one point and hopefully I got them all identified correctly. I went out for a little while after I dropped my partner off but the fishing was much slower.

Pictures from today!

18.

 

6/02/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Sunny early then Cloudy. Variable winds SE, S, & SW from calm to 8 mph. Air temp was in the upper 60s

Water temp was 64 to 66.

Results

Me: 1 Shad
4 Smallmouth Bass
4 Yellow Bass
5 Freshwater Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

I think the bright sunshine early kept the fish from moving into their usual morning spots. Once the clouds rolled in the fishing seemed to pick up a little.

Pictures from today!

19.

 

6/06/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Cloudy then rain. Winds calm then South around 5mph briefly gusting past 15mph during the heavier rain. Air temps in the upper 60s falling to the upper 50s during the heavier rain, then rising again.

Water temp was 66 to 69.

Results

Me: 2 Smallmouth Bass
2 Smallmouth Buffalo
3 Yellow Bass
2 Freshwater Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

I didn't do too bad for the time I was out there. I should have stuck it out in the rain because the rain  died down to a slight drizzle and the winds stopped blowing after I left.

Pictures from today!

20.

 

6/16/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Mostly Sunny. Air temps in the low 70s with a light northeast breeze the picked up briefly long after I was gone.

Water temp was 68 to 71.

Results

Me: Nothing

Techniques:

Crank Baits

It was bound to happen sooner or later. I got to the lake and launched the boat. It looked like a beautiful morning for fishing too. Once I got to the area where I wanted to start fishing I put the trolling motor in the water only to find I had power but no propulsion or steering. After taking the motor apart without success I trolled for a couple minutes with the outboard then decided to go buy a new trolling motor.

21.

 

6/23/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Sunny. Winds out of the S/SW around 15 mph. Air temp was in the upper 80s

Water temp was 73 to 79.

Results

Me: 1 Channel Catfish
1 Walleye
2 Yellow Bass
7 Smallmouth Bass
5 Freshwater Drum
Partner: 17 Freshwater Drum
1 Yellow Bass
3 Smallmouth Bass

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

It was a good day to be out on the lake if you remembered your sun block (we did). My partner caught several Drum that just seemed to get bigger and bigger with each fish. One of the Smallmouth he caught was also a good fish. I caught  several fish including a couple good Smallmouth, a big walleye, and a big Channel Catfish.

Pictures from today!

22.

 

6/30/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Sunny. Winds calm. Air temp was in the upper 80s.

Water temp was 76 to 84.

Still no current at the bridge.

Results

Me: 1 Channel Catfish
1 Largemouth Bass
1 Hybrid Striped Bass
6 Smallmouth Bass
22 Freshwater Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

The drum were everywhere today. The biggest one I caught was 12 pounds and the smallest was just under a pound. The Smallmouth were all nice fish but the Largemouth was very small. I lost one other real good Smallmouth at the boat while fumbling for the net. The algae bloom reduced the water clarity and the carp were up in the rocks again.

Pictures from today!

23.

 

7/11/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Mostly Sunny. Winds variable from the west around 17mph gusting to 30mph. Air temp was in the upper 70s. There was a severe thunderstorm with pea size hail as we left the lake.

Water temp was 74 to 79.

Still no current at the bridge but there was smoke coming from the plant off and on.

Results

Me: 1 Green Sunfish
9 Freshwater Drum
Partner: 0

Techniques:

Crank Baits, tubes, and spinners

All fish were released.

The fish weren't cooperating today. It was cloudy with storms all week until today's sunshine and high wind. I lost what would have been the only bass of the day on the third attempt to net it. It was a nice Smallmouth. I also had a large snapping turtle hit a crank bait. Luckily he was an easy release and wasn't injured. Fishing was very tough in the wind.

Pictures from today!

24.

 

7/14/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Mostly Sunny. Winds variable from the South around 10mph. Air temp was in the upper 80s.

Water temp was 78 to 82.

There was smoke from the plant on and off and a trail of foam at the bridge to indicate current. I did not see any current though..

Results

Me: 1 Smallmouth Bass
8 Freshwater Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

There were a lot more bait fish visible today. This usually indicates that bass fishing along the rocks will slow down, and that striper fishing should pick up if you can find the schools.

Pictures from today!

25.

 

7/21/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Mostly Sunny. Winds variable from the West around 10mph. Air temp was in the upper 80s.

Water temp was 78 to 83.

Results

Me: 2 Smallmouth Bass
2 Freshwater Drum
Partner: 2 Smallmouth Bass
2 Freshwater Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

Same story different day. Bright sunny day then rain as it was time to go. We were able to catch a few bass in and amongst the zillions of baitfish that are schooled along the banks.

26.

 

7/23/2003 

Busse Lake

Elk Grove Village, IL

Mostly Sunny. Winds from the Northeast increasing to 15mph. Air temp was in the upper 70s.

Water temp was 75.

Results

Me: 1 Walleye

Techniques:

Crank Baits and Spinners

All fish were released.

The water was still high and very murky due to the recent rains. All the spots that are usually good for a bass or two didn't seem to hold fish today. I caught a small walleye on a crank bait with a rattle and I saw a few small fish caught by bank fishermen on live bait. Also, I watched fish being stocked into the lake today. I was also told that fish were also stocked last week by another fisherman.

27.

 

7/28/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Rain then Mostly Sunny. Winds 5 mph from the Northeast. Air temp was in the upper 70s.

Water temp was 70 to 78. Most of the lake was closer to 77 but there were pockets of cooler water at the surface due to the recent heavy rains.

Results

Me: 2 Smallmouth Bass
3 Freshwater Drum
2 Hybrid Striped Bass
3 Bluegills

Techniques:

Crank Baits, Blade Baits, Spinners

All fish were released.

This trip made up for the last couple. I caught a 27 inch Striper on my first cast and a slightly smaller one a little later. The lake is covered with tiny shad that have recently hatched. I also caught real nice Smallmouth, a tiny Smallmouth, and lost two others. The Bluegills were very aggressive today.

Pictures from today!

28.

 

8/05/2003 

LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area  

Marseilles, IL

Mostly Sunny with light variable winds.

Water temp was 86 to 101.2. There was no water cooler than 93 degrees when I left.

Results

Me: 1 Largemouth Bass
5 Smallmouth Bass
5 Channel Catfish
1 Shad
1 Bluegill
8 Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits and Blade Baits

All fish were released.

No big fish this trip except for 2 of the Drum and the gnats were ferocious today. There were a lot of carp, catfish, and buffalo sucking air at the surface. I also noticed a lot of tiny bass trying to hit the lures I was throwing even though some of the lures were bigger than them. The smaller fish still seem pretty aggressive.

29.

 

8/13/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Mostly Sunny with northeast winds around 10mph.

Water temp was 66 to 80. Most of the water was 78 and there was current at the bridge.

Results

Me: 3 Smallmouth Bass
1 Bluegill
4 Drum

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

I caught a few nice Smallmouth today but overall fishing was slow. There were some bait fish visible but not nearly as many as last time. They also looked as if they were shaped like minnows and not shad.

Pictures from today!

30.

 

8/25/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Mostly Sunny with variable winds early then south increasing to around 10mph. The air temp was between 95 and 100 at it's warmest point.

Water temp was 80 to 88. 

Results

Me: 4 Smallmouth Bass
3 Bluegill
8 Drum
1 Channel Catfish
1 Smallmouth Buffalo

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

The bugs were ferocious until the wind picked up. It seemed like the fish were hitting a little better too for a while until about 1:30 then it slowed down. I had the entire lake to myself in the afternoon. There wasn't another car in the lot when I left. I think the heat chased everyone home.

Pictures from today!

31.

 

9/02/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Cloudy with mist early then mostly sunny, then cloudy again late. Winds were from the Northeast 5 to 10mph and the air temp was in the mid 70s.

Water temp was 76.

Results

Me: 4 Smallmouth Bass
1 Bluegill
13 Drum
1 Largemouth Bass

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released.

The lake is still covered with  bait fish. I didn't catch anything other than 1 drum while the sun was shining brightly.

Pictures from today!

32.

 

9/08/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Hazy sunshine with air temps in the upper 80s. There was an almost undetectable south wind for a while, otherwise calm.

Water temp was 74 to 80.

Results

Me: 1 Bluegill
1 Hybrid Striped Bass
3 Smallmouth Bass
3 Freshwater Drum
1 Largemouth Bass
Partner: 4 Smallmouth Bass
1 Walleye
1 Channel Catfish
1 Smallmouth Buffalo

Techniques:

Crank Baits and Spinners

All fish were released

There seemed to be even more baitfish today. We saw several different species of game fish feeding on them. We were able to catch 8 different species of fish but nothing really big, although a couple of the fish we caught  were fairly decent. I also got a nice photo of a Green Heron

Pictures from today!

33.

 

9/11/2003 

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Morris, IL

Bright sunshine with air temps in the upper 80s. Southeast wind around 15mph.

Water temp was 73 to 80.

Results

Me: 1 Largemouth Bass
3 Smallmouth Bass
5 Freshwater Drum
1 Smallmouth Buffalo

Techniques:

Crank Baits

All fish were released

Fishing was very slow today. At least the wind kept the bugs down. I hooked and lost one huge Largemouth and then lost a tiny Smallmouth two casts later in the same spot. I kept alternating several crank baits but it didn't seem to help.

Pictures from today!

34.

 

9/17/2003 

Illinois River  

LaSalle County, IL

Bright Sunshine - Air Temp in the mid 80s with a Southwest wind around 15mph.

Water temp was 76. 

Results

Me : 1 Walleye
8 Drum
2 Carp
2 Largemouth Bass
5 Smallmouth Bass
1 Hybrid Striped Bass
2 White Bass
Partner: 3 Channel Catfish
3 Drum
1 Smallmouth Bass
1 Carp
1 White Bass

Techniques:

Vertical Jigging, crank and blade baits

All fish were released.

This was the first time I had tried River fishing other than vertical jigging. It was a great trip. We found fish in several locations and were able to catch them on a variety of baits.

Pictures from today!

35.

 

9/22/2003 

Illinois River  

LaSalle County, IL

Cloudy with rain early - Air Temp in the low 70s with a west wind around 15mph.

Water temp was 75. 

Results

Me : 1 Sauger
8 Drum
1 Channel Catfish
5 Smallmouth Bass
1 River Redhorse??
1 Goldeye??
1 White Bass
Partner: 1 Channel Catfish
4 Drum
3 Smallmouth Bass
1 Largemouth Bass
1 Walleye
1 Sauger
1 Carp
1 White Bass

Techniques:

Crank and Blade baits

All fish were released.

After last weeks trip, we had to return and try it again. This time we caught a wider variety of species although the overall size was smaller. I also caught two new species, one was a Goldeye?? and the other I have yet to identify(River Redhorse??). At one point we saw a flock of wild turkeys on the bank of the river. I later found out the hard way I needed a new trolling motor battery. After 6 years I guess it was about time.

Pictures from today!

36.

 

9/26/2003 

Illinois River  

LaSalle County, IL

Cloudy with rain and thunder - Air Temp in the low 60s with a southwest wind around 10mph, but variable at times.

Water temp was 70. 

Results

Me : 2 Shad
4 Drum
1 Channel Catfish
6 Smallmouth Bass