History Shows . . .

[Ken G]

That we had a fall like this back in 2002. This one is actually better. Things have been slow for me, but I don't get out like I used to. I'm still catching fish, but no big deal.

I used to keep much more meticulous records and in November of 2002 they show that I caught 318 smallies out of the Fox. Apparently I also caught over 150 white bass and apparently over 250 walleye, but some of those were being caught at the end of October.

The majority of those fall fish were caught on river shiners I used to seine out of a ditch,



and large fatheads all on a simple set up of a small octopus hook with a small split shot about 12 to 18 inches up.

Locations that did the best were North Aurora and where the old Funway dam used to be. Not sure the old dam spot will hold them like that anymore, so I would move upstream into Batavia. Then there's that spot between Montgomery and Oswego. 8)

Good part of the walleye came from Yorkville, dam down and into Blackberry Creek. No real surprise there, though I don't think the creek will produce like it did then.

So if there are any hard core anglers out there willing to put in the time, I can't any more, might still be worth your efforts.

Someone leave a report, I'm curious if the pattern repeats itself.
_______

Put this on WindyCity too. I'm doing my own little experiment to see if anyone fishes like we used to. We were relentless in our pursuit of fish. I think those days may be over. We'll see.

[Special Ed]

[Ed79]

I'm curious if the walleye run up the creek from the fall into the spring like they run up the rivers. I mean, they are staging for the spawn after all, right? Why wouldn't they migrate up into the creeks too? Especially a creek that close to the man-made barrier stopping their migration. I try to think like a fish when it comes to things like this, and what's the difference between moving upstream to the dam, and moving up the creek? As far as I know, they just move as far as they can upstream until it is spawning time. Then they find somewhere to drop their eggs. That's why they are all stacked up at the dams during the early spring. Does the fish really know the difference between the river and the creek, or is it just a matter of what side of the river they swim up and whether or not they take a turn into the creek?

Only one way to find out.

[Ken G]

The window of opportunity to get them out of the creek was tiny. Literally gone the next day. Not even sure why they were around. It was one of those times where I think I just got lucky with my timing.

Otherwise you would be correct.

On Mill Creek, which I've fished extensively year round, I've only caught 2 walleye that I remember. One near the mouth and one just this year up stream of the footbridge a decent distance. You would think I would have run into one of these runs considering how much I fished that creek.

I forgot to mention the area across the river from the mouth of Big Rock Creek, but I think I mentioned that before. That would be good for SpecialEd to quit screwing around and just go do already. The water levels are perfect for it.

I'll draw the map.

[Fishin Musician]

I believe the creeks are a bit too shallow for the walleye to move up in the fall. I also believe that by being skinny water the water temps bounce too much for them to actually move up in like the smallies in the spring. I had to laugh Ken... WE really did fish a whole lot back in the good old days. I have caught some walleye between The Batavia dam and the Wilson Ave bridge. They seem to like fast current and a transition area from gravel to mud or silt. Thats my thoughts on this .... At least thats what I think is going on out there

[Ken G]

At least thats what I think is going on out there

You ought to go with Ed on one of his Walleye League adventures and teach him a thing or two. Monday is it and they should be doing Batavia.

I think with the Kid Fishin' stuff I was doing that year my notes said I fished somewhere, river or pond or CPD lagoon, 250 days that year. Now I live a 2 minute walk away from water and hardly ever do that walk.

I think that was also the year I got west nile virus and heat exhaustion and thought I was going to die by the end of summer. But I don't recall it slowing me down much.

These kids these days are sissies, I tell ya. SISSIES.

[Ed79]

I believe the creeks are a bit too shallow for the walleye to move up in the fall. I also believe that by being skinny water the water temps bounce too much for them to actually move up in like the smallies in the spring. I had to laugh Ken... WE really did fish a whole lot back in the good old days. I have caught some walleye between The Batavia dam and the Wilson Ave bridge. They seem to like fast current and a transition area from gravel to mud or silt. Thats my thoughts on this .... At least thats what I think is going on out there

That makes sense.

By the way, I thought this was an interesting read:

http://www.in-fisherman.com/content/fal ... et-bends/1

Especially the part about walleye eating frogs!

[Special Ed]

Big Rock is on the League hit list for next week Ken. I should have done that last night instead, but....

Might hit Bristol Tap afterwards, I hear they make a mean burger.

[Ken G]

I'll draw you a picture. It's a relatively small area, deep water and you have to fish it a certain way.

For the most part.