The long range weather outlook is putting this coming weekend in the low 40's. May have to put up with a couple of rain showers, but it's a temperature range that my old bones finds more tolerable.

As you all know I have mentioned for years that if you want to increase your odds at catching winter smallies, go find and fish a warm water discharge. Other wise lovingly known as the shit plant outflow. If you're going to brave the winter elements for the slight chance of catching a winter smallie, may as well increase your odds.

I'm assuming you have all read this:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=590

The DuPages, any of the 3, are effectively the largest warm water discharge running through northeastern Illinois. Like Salt Creek, they never freeze. They never even get shore ice from what I've seen over the years.

In case you're not up on your reading, smallmouthfisher has already shown that the fish are there in pretty good numbers:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=601

So, why not increase your odds and go catch smallies out of the easiest river system to catch them out of during the winter?

Saturday afternoon is looking best. My wife is doing second shift that day, so no point hanging around the house. Besides, that will probably be the warmest part of the day. I like warm, even if it is relative. Sunday not sure what her schedule is, but 2 days in a row may be called for if her schedule allows it.

Now it's a matter of where. With mile upon mile of crap plant outflow, it's a coin toss. Pick a spot and go fish it.

So easy even a monkey can do it.

I am done with class at 1pm Saturday. Someone may or may not see me wading the effluent at some point between Sugar Grove and Oswego between 1:30 and 3:00......

I was debating on watching the flows up in SE WI for steelhead, but I'd rather stay close and throw some flies at some smallies.

Found out after second shift my wife has to back 8 hours later to pull a first shift. I hate when they do that to her. Still too soon after the surgery. Too much stress I think.

Was thinking about the fly rod too. Maybe one on one day the other on the other.

It better be light rain they're calling for.

Special Ed wrote:I am done with class at 1pm Saturday. Someone may or may not see me wading the effluent at some point between Sugar Grove and Oswego between 1:30 and 3:00......

Poop plants are for losers. Real men fish real open water.

Go east young man.

Johndyers34 wrote:I was debating on watching the flows up in SE WI for steelhead, but I'd rather stay close and throw some flies at some smallies.

Hey, you're actually alive!

Looks like rain should hold off till Sunday.
http://www.weather.com/weather/weekend/USIL0004
I just recently lined up my new 3wt. and would love to get out again with it. I ran out to the DuPage on Saturday afternoon for a quick casting session to try it out, and I was able to get good casts with good sized streamers and buggers. Worked the area of Washington St. just south of 89th. It was more of a cabin fever trip then it was a search and catch mission.

Would be nice to fish with you Ken. Ed has said great things about fishing with you.