My name pretty much speaks for itself except for the 34. I am a HUGE Walter Payton fan and ever since I was little 34 has been my favorite number.
I am 26, live with my girlfriend in Lombard along with our 1 year old son. I am on the site all the time and post smart ass comments here and there. Just like most intros I don't get out nearly as much as I would like and when I do I don't catch anything. I guess I can be considered the resident fly guy since that's my weapon of choice. I tie most of the flies I fish with. I guess means I am not a very good tier either. No big deal, I fish because I enjoy it, not to prove anything except my girlfriend is starting to question if I'm really going out fishing since I come home skunked every time.
I have only been fishing rivers for a few years now so I am slowly getting secure with going out on my own. I guess the DuPage would be my home waters since I've fished that the most and I have the north part of the East Branch right down the street. I have a mediocre blog that I try to keep up with.
I look forward to contributing anything to anyone and hope to see some of you guys on the water.

You know, I don't fly fish much, but I own 3 fly rods.

I've never been skunked using them.

I need to teach you how to use them like spinning gear.

Ken G wrote:You know, I don't fly fish much, but I own 3 fly rods.

I've never been skunked using them.

I need to teach you how to use them like spinning gear.

It's not just the fly rod, it's river fishing in general. I can go to ponds around my house and catch fish on the fly or with spinning gear. It's those damn rivers that keep me from catching fish. I need to spend more time learning the river I'm fishing instead of just blindly casting flies all over it.

Johndyers34 wrote:I need to spend more time learning the river I'm fishing instead of just blindly casting flies all over it.

You mean there's more to it than that?

I guess so. I guess I can't get by with just winging it like I have done my whole life. I guess since I don't get to fish as often as I would like, I don't take the time to really study the water and just rush to get a line in the water as much as possible. I do want to learn and really work the stretch of the East Branch by my house this summer. My friend Nate (some of you have seen him on other sites as NateTessler13) is a freshwater biologist and did electroshocking surveys on the entire drainage of the East Branch last summer so he has very detailed notes on it. Thinking about taking those notes along with a rod and see what I can come up with.

Probably nothing.

Treatment plant outflow, next to and behind a storage facility.

On one outing many years ago, rainbow trout, largemouth bass and smallies. All big. There are some interesting ponds further down that after it rains, has some interesting inflow/outflow.

Ed knows spots too.

Also many years ago, 98-99, they stocked over 150 breeder smallies in the 14-16 inch range in a long stretch going south from Route 56/Butterfield Road. Never did go looking for them.

I am a BIG fly rod guy. I need to learn some more about the Dupe...the water looks to be in better shape clarity wise. I do have a drift boat if you know any put ins and take outs. great way to cover alot of water. Love to learn ...

Hey John. I noticed in another post that Ed and Ken were able to steer you in a decent direction regarding the drift boat. I have no problem exploring the stretches further south that Ken mentioned.

As for the other areas of the Dupe. I know enough to get us onto some decent looking water with safe wading areas. I am always looking for a fellow long rodder to get out and look ridiculous with. Your friend Doc you mentioned in your Mazon post, that wasn't Art was it?

Hey John-

No this Doc Foth...lives in Geneva. Was head of Copley before retirement. Hes a fly rodder exclusively. Me...I use any weapon necessary to find fish.

Love to learn more Duper...tried at 87th street and Shorewood to little avail.

Glad to drift anywhere you know put ins and take outs...love to row and live vicariously thru others success.