SMF, you mentioned getting out on Tuesday to that stretch again.

You, and anyone else that goes to that area, you absolutely must stop at the North Aurora dam on Route 56.

The water came up to 650 and it's going to go up and down all week. At this level it's real easy to figure out how to get around there.

You want to get on the gravel bar that is in front of the dam and cast directly into the boil of water. Then work that whole pool in front of the dam. In the past at this time of year, white bass would move in and out with the rising water. We're talking by the hundreds.

Then go fish around all of the bridge piers. If your lure is more than 6 inches from the side of the concrete, you're missing half the fish.

Then fish the first pool directly down from the bridge. From the east to the west shore.
If you don't catch anything, I'll be shocked.

If I had the time I used to have, I'd stop by there every day, even for just an hour or so.

Got off work early and went and tried what I suggested. Don't bother going. Even the smallies weren't around. Water needs to get in the low 60's or less to turn on the white bass. Couple of guys were out there wet wading so the water must have been comfortable.

You would have been impressed by the one, a fly guy I stopped and talked to briefly. Didn't ask the tech details of his gear but it was a big heavy thing almost like a spey rod. He was making what he estimates to be 105 foot casts and they were beautiful perfect casts. I was talking to him because he missed a nice fish. I kind of mentioned to him that on the Fox anything over 40 feet was pretty much a waste of energy. He just likes fishing that way.

Of course today I forgot my camera. I would have taken video of this. It was stunningly beautiful with the setting sun.

Ya Ken, I estimate that water to be in the low 70's still. Probably right around 71 or 72. The water needs to get down to 65 and lower for most the fish to start moving into that deep water in that stretch I think. Sam, my Dad, and I are gonna hit the Mazon tomorrow, and if it's too low with nothing going on we're going to move to the Kank over there around the I55 bridge I think. Wish us luck!! Hopefully I catch more fish than that lone one that I got as I was leaving on Sunday.

Ken, what do you think the prospects are looking like for next weekend?

I'm looking to get out somewhere either on Saturday or Sunday. I don't care where I'd send myself to.