5/22 & 5/23

[Frank Macikas]

5/22
Fished Hammel Woods again and still a little tough. Water seems like it was somehow even higher and faster than yesterday with little visibility. Took a few hours to find some fish but finally picked up a few smallies and a rock bass. The pattern was the same as yesterday; deeper water super tight to shore. The only thing it seemed that they wanted today was a junebug stick worm texas rigged thrown right against shore. All bites were extremely light. The only way I knew I there was a fish on was to feel he weight when I went to move the bait. Most smallies were around 10-12" but lost a couple that were definitely bigger.

5/23
Did a float trip in a kayak for the first time. Launched at the dam in Hammel Woods and floated to Sheply Rd. in Channahon. Great looking stretch of water. Water conditions had no change from the last few days. Picked up four smallies and two rock bass. All fish again were picked up in slow moving or slack water tight to shore. All bites again were unnoticable until I would move the bait and feel the weight. Today's choice was a power craw. Saw a couple large eddies holding a ton of Rockies on their beds. I am hoping that the weather will stay clear this week and the river gets back to normal shape.

[Ken G]

Friday night we had a down pour I haven't seen in awhile here in Yorkville. It turned the creeks I wanted to fish back to mud.

No rain in the forecast for the foreseeable future. Next few days could see a vast improvement.

You might want to talk to Sam (smallmouthfisher) about that stretch you kayaked. I think he knows quite a bit about it.

[smallmouthfisher]

I went to the river tonight with Jake.. Lots of dinks Jake had a nice 15 incher and I had a nice 15-16 incher.. Both were the fly. River is up but nice clarity. I would say its perfect fishing weather. I am heading down to sheply tomorrow..

[Frank Macikas]

Hey Sam have you fished the stretch down from the backwater area to the sportsmans club? I have only fished part of it once last year and did really well. Water was pretty low at the time but seemed perfect for that area. Didnt make it all the way down to the club either so I have been wanted to give it a try but last time I was out there it was moving too fast and I wasnt comfortable doing it on my own. When Im down there I mostly like to fish from the bridge to just past the railroad bridge and love that area!