Dupage River exploration 9/12

[smallmouthfisher]

Well I want to be creative with this post. I headed out south of I80 today to explore new lands of the Dupage River. I started around 7am and finished around noon. The fish total was countless Dink smallies but always fun. The biggest ran about 12-13 inches and had many of them. Here is the Ariel shot of where I was working the river at

http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v ... &encType=1

This is what I was using... my TFO 5wt armed with my Ross Reel and Sharkskin line.


I headed up stream to my spot where I wanted to start fishing down stream at and here is a few pics










I started here and made my way down stream and caught endless smallies... I was getting tired fast working all the dinks..



I found myself and nice spot and picked up some very beautiful fish.



LOOK AT THESE COLORS







Then got home and noticed this guy in my street trying to leave my pond...I attempted to move him by hand but he was kinda hungy and looking at my tasty fingers. So my dad and I got 2x4's and moved him carefull into the pond.





Over all I had a great day exploring and having fun with Dinks I am sure bigger fish are in my future but I will try again Tuesday.

[Ken G]

I should have met you down there. Looks like some amazing water and I don't see many weeds.

Saw your other post asking for info on another stretch. I've never heard anyone talk about that area on any site. Maybe they don't want to, but I have a feeling it's more that nobody goes there. Uncharted territory. Looks to me like you'll have to go now.

[smallmouthfisher]

Ken u want to head down there Tuesday?

[Ken G]

I be a workin man now during the week.

Once upon a time though, would have been there in a heart beat.

Besides, my back is screamin. Fished about 2 hours this morning and called it quits. River is about 20 feet below ground level and the climb out is relatively steep. Done it before, almost didn't make it to the top this time. Couldn't put the weight on one leg. I want to make sure it heals for the Quest. I'm doing that if I have to bring crutches.

Did I mention it sucks getting old? Did I also mention I hate fishing this stretch through Yorkville? It's a beautiful hike down the river, just don't like fishing it.

Not sure why yet.

If I were you I would get below the Chanahon dam somewhere. Like that link you put up. I think you might find some bigger fish. Just got a report from Dale Bowman. He fished the Kankakee not far up from the Illinois. He landed an 18, his friend a big fat 20.

The bluegills are running up the river this time of year. Everything likes to eat the little blue gills. Trust me on this one.

[smallmouthfisher]

http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v ... &encType=1

Never waded this stretch ever.. any info??? I think I was down here once long time ago and there were signs by the dam that said no wet wade allowed... if you have any info It would be helpful... river way down so I am going to take your word on it and explore.

[Ken G]

I remember sitting on that bridge about 10 years ago and that was it.
I know of no one that has ever fished down that way and reported it.
Further downstream it looks like a boat ramp. Tells me there's a little deeper water. But since we've had no rain, that may not matter.

Once you get down from the dam, looks like nothing around you.

Ignore the signs. Just go. You won't get arrested, just warned. But I'll bet you don't see anyone to even do that.

I expect plenty of pictures.

[JimM]

You can grab those snappers by the tail, I've done it myself a few times rescuing these guys from the road, just make sure you keep them at arms length. They will hiss and snap but they can't reach you.