Was hoping to get more written down about Tuesday's fishing, but it's a jumble of thoughts and random words it seems. Same with what I wanted to do with Saturday's hunt for waterfowl on the Kankakee River. But that will have to wait. I think I'm preoccupied with the job searches I've been doing. Keeps me from focusing.

Wound up fishing the crap plant stretch of the Fox River between Montgomery and Oswego. My other option was a challenge and I suddenly felt not up to any challenges.

Had a couple of hits at the railroad tracks up stream, a notorious walleye hole. Only two fish came directly out of the outflow. The walk down stream from the plant wasn't hot and heavy, but to get 7 smallies landed and miss another 8 in probably less than 3 hours is a nice way to spend the end of a day.



It is November after all so any fish is a bonus. The draw down of the Fox Chain did help. A few of the fish came out of an area that would have been too shallow otherwise.

As I was walking along the shore a couple of feet out in the water, a couple of feet up from the water I spotted a plant. Everything else in the area was already starting to die off from the killing frosts we've been having every night. But this plant stood in bright green. It was growing out of the rock and gravel that made up the shore line. It was a tomato plant.



A more unlikely spot for a tomato plant couldn't have been picked if you tried. I had recently commented to my wife that if I knew the fall was going to be like this, I would have planted cool weather plants to take advantage of the situation. Would have been nice to have fresh lettuce in October, but how do you plan for such wonderful weather.

I probably could have accomplished the fishing part of it quicker, but the setting sun kept getting in the way.





Every few steps and every new viewpoint gave me excuses to stop and study the last of the fall colors.





The sharp angle of the sun this time of year lights up the remaining leaves and grasses. Trying to capture that in a picture is a challenge, but I kept trying.



That ate up a lot of my fishing time.

At dark, back at the plant outflow, I met up with Ed Schmitt. As we stood talking I couldn't help but get the feeling that he was there for the fishing about as much as I was. I know I've mentioned before that it seems like I just go for walks in the river to clear my mind and get re-attuned with something resembling natural surroundings. I do a pretty good job of both while out there. I carry around a fishing pole and cast in likely spots for fish mainly to keep from looking like an idiot just stumbling and wandering around the river, taking pictures.

Still not convinced Ed was there for the fishing, but I don't recall why else being discussed.

This weather pattern looks like it's going to last another 10 days. Cold nights, but those last 3 hours of the day could be good with the sun beating down on the water. I've seen a number of posts on various fishing sites with anglers saying they're done for the year. That might be premature.



My waders are leaking in a variety of spots and I think I'll keep getting out fishing till I can't stand the cold water any longer. Why not keep going? I don't seem to fish for the fish anymore, but the peace of mind. If I don't stand in one place too long I don't get that cold.

On a hunting note, to me the true squirrel season started November 1st. We had a killing frost, which puts down pretty much all the bugs and kills off a lot of the fleas, and most of the leaves on the trees are gone. This type of weather is just flat out better for long days stalking squirrels. A couple of inches of snow is even better, then you can really track them.



Morrison Rockwood opened November 1st for squirrel. It's one of the few sites where you get to use a .22.



I highly recommend giving this place a try.





In the past there have been plenty of squirrels and it's quite beautiful.



Marseilles is the other place that I highly recommend and as of November 1st it is now open on the weekends. It's shotgun only, but there is so much land there the hikes far into the woods are well worth the effort.



This is where I've been teaching myself how to stalk deer. Next year when I have my shooting down, I plan on going to Marseilles to get a deer with a traditional longbow.



Once upon a time I had the goal of hunting all the state land within 100 miles of Chicago. I got to do quite a few of them for pheasant, squirrel, rabbits, ducks and geese, but finances taking a nose dive over the past 5 years ended that adventure. I need to start up that journey again. I miss the hunts.

Awesome post Ken. Water looks like it is just about perfect right now, judging by your pictures, and my experience in that area. Going to try and get out tomorrow, late afternoon/early evening. I've already got the minnows in their mini-livewell in the garage, and the nightcrawlers sitting in the fridge.

Ken G wrote:I just go for walks in the river to clear my mind and get re-attuned with something resembling natural surroundings. I do a pretty good job of both while out there. I carry around a fishing pole and cast in likely spots for fish mainly to keep from looking like an idiot just stumbling and wandering around the river, taking pictures.

That sums it up right there! These few words speak many. My wading life exactly!

The river is in perfect shape. Not sure it's worth getting out till at least 2 in the afternoon, then fish till sunset.

Now I'm toying with the idea of hunting or fishing around Orchard Road. Or both. Only I can't go wandering down the river with a loaded shotgun. Bummer. Best way to get the geese.

If I had bait I would have spent more time in the area off what we call the flats. Down stream where the island ends. West side. You'll see how the water is working. I was getting some nice hits in that stretch as it was.

I'm glad I stopped by. It was good to see you again, and even better to chat.

The only thing better than spending time on the river to clear your head is being able to share a bit of that with someone.

Especially if you take a few moments to flap lips and bend an ear.



Supposed to be 60 on Monday, it will make for an enjoyable afternoon at the mouth of the creek. *hint, hint.

Ken G wrote:The river is in perfect shape. Not sure it's worth getting out till at least 2 in the afternoon, then fish till sunset.

Now I'm toying with the idea of hunting or fishing around Orchard Road. Or both. Only I can't go wandering down the river with a loaded shotgun. Bummer. Best way to get the geese.

If I had bait I would have spent more time in the area off what we call the flats. Down stream where the island ends. West side. You'll see how the water is working. I was getting some nice hits in that stretch as it was.

The flats and the deep channel that runs next to them are the area I feel will hold a lot of walleye here very soon. I'm going to give it a shot, anyways. Anyone want to get out tomorrow night, like 4?

Ed79 wrote:The flats and the deep channel that runs next to them are the area I feel will hold a lot of walleye here very soon.

I've caught them throughout that pool year round, so they're always there. It's a matter of coaxing them to hit something. The east shore has been good for them too, you just have to be careful wading around. Some deep spots.