Where are all the Illinois Guys ?

[HenryPF]

I am ok with the stay at home order. It just snowed  for an inch by me yesterday but I always expect this to happen (weather not the stay at home order).

 

 

[HenryPF]

Clarification of the stay at home order in regards to fishing, straight from the IDNR:

 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Facebook Page

 

 

[Scott F]

Thanks for the clarification. That’s good to know. 

[slonezp]

The trout openers are closed. I bought my new license today. Might do a little shore fishing tomorrow. Still waiting on the Predator to sell. I think if it doesn't sell by the end of the month, I'm going to eat the penalty in the contract. I'll try selling it again next year.

[cadman]

I went shore fishing, Tuesday and Wednesday at a local lake by my house. Water is still cold. No bass but caught a couple of small crappie. Hopefully the ramps will be open in WI by May. I believe Long Lake is open.  I am supposed to fish a small tourney  mid April, however I believe that it has been canceled. Hope they don't close ramps since I'm unemployed, I would like to take the boat out and go fishing. 

 

Slonezp, are you working?

[slonezp]

12 hours ago, cadman said:

I went shore fishing, Tuesday and Wednesday at a local lake by my house. Water is still cold. No bass but caught a couple of small crappie. Hopefully the ramps will be open in WI by May. I believe Long Lake is open.  I am supposed to fish a small tourney  mid April, however I believe that it has been canceled. Hope they don't close ramps since I'm unemployed, I would like to take the boat out and go fishing. 

 

Slonezp, are you working?

I'm working...kind of. I worked 3 days last week, 2 days this week and I'm scheduled 2 days next week and 2 days the week after. It's hit or miss right now. Knock on wood, because of a promotion, I'll be back to 50 hours a week come the first week of May. Until then, it is what it is.

[slonezp]

“A situation or circumstance that is foreign, unclear or unfamiliar and which may be dangerous or difficult as a result.” That’s the definition of ‘uncharted waters.’ And it perfectly describes this moment in time.
As we continue to navigate the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, it requires decisions that are difficult, oftentimes painful and sometimes unpopular. As Governor Pritzker said in announcing the ‘Stay at Home’ order, “You can’t have a livelihood without a life,” and he’s absolutely correct.

The same is true for those of us currently steering through these unfamiliar, turbulent waters here at IDNR. Understanding the need to act quickly and decisively in the face of a global pandemic, Illinois became the first state to fully close state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites, doing so on March 15.

This decision was an agonizing one to make. Yet, I’m confident it was the right one. We made it to protect public health and our society as a whole. We’ve watched as other states have dealt with large crowds in their state parks, and then closed theirs as well, all while COVID-19 infections continue to move across the state and nation.

In Illinois, the closures mean our state sites are temporarily closed to the public while all scheduled events set to be held at a state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational area or historic sites have been canceled or postponed. This includes, but is not limited to, hunting and fishing on state sites for the duration of the closure.

Hunters and anglers who wish to hunt or fish during the Governor’s Executive Order to ‘Stay at Home’ may do so provided they have the appropriate licensing and permits and are hunting or fishing on private property or at sites which are currently open to the public.

This clarification will help some of our outdoorsmen and women continue to enjoy their outdoor pursuits, but I realize it doesn’t solve the problem for our many who hold site-specific permits. While our current administrative rules prohibit the issuance of refunds or transfer of permits, we are reviewing all possible solutions.

As you go outdoors this spring, or even as you’re completing your essential errands, please remember to follow all public health directives, including staying at least 6 feet away from other sportsmen and staying home if you’re exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

Finally, IDNR will continue to work closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Governor’s Office to monitor the situation and assess when sites can safely reopen.

[Tracker22]

IDNR’s response has accomplished the exact opposite of what their intentions are. The few open lakes have become overcrowded. Parking lots are full every day of the week. Where I used to see four or five boats, I’m seeing twenty. Ridiculous!

[Skunked again]

Tracker 22 - Exactly !

[slonezp]

My son bought a house on Island Lake back in February. Has about 40ft of frontage. Spent the day replacing screens on the screen porch. Got thru about 1/2 of them. Anyway, I took a few casts with a jerkbait, didn't get anything but dead vegetation. He caught a 13" bass. His buddies were there yesterday while my son was at work and they both caught 2lb plus fish. I haven't wet a line since July because of family issues. It felt good. Fortunately for me, the house needs work. Gives me a reason to spend weekends out there. I'm giving him my 14' Lund for a housewarming gift, but will have to wait until the water warms up because the pier is also in need of repair. 

[Bdnoble84]

First smallie of the year, also the first time ive taken a boat out on this little stream with a trolling motor. Ive lived in and fished this little stream all my life. It was pretty cool to get on the water and fish it from a boat going upstream.

[Jig Rookie]

Second rainbow in my life, first in about thirty years! Can't buy a largemouth bite, but somehow lucked into a rainbow honey hole, and they're eating the lipless!

[cadman]

Well I went out shore fishing on Friday. Got my first bass of the year (13") on a spinnerbait and also got a couple of crappie.

[Jig Rookie]

Man, crappie are beautiful! Just got my first bass of the season--been grinding the big baits since ice-out, finally got a girl to commit. Not a bad start to the season.

[cadman]

I've been fishing since open water and just recently got my first bass. Seemed they should be hitting already, but it has just been tough. Went out yesterday and no fish going to try this morning in awhile and see how I do.  Hopefully have some pics to post later today. 

[cadman]

Well fished at my local pond today for about a hour and a half. 3rd cast of the day I got a 15" bass. Nice and healthy. That was it for the whole time I was there.  Well there is always tomorrow.

[slonezp]

Fox Chain 4/20 Windy and chilly. Water temps 49-51* Bass were uncooperative. Did catch a handful of crappies and gills.

[cadman]

On 4/20/2020 at 1:37 PM, slonezp said:

Fox Chain 4/20 Windy and chilly. Water temps 49-51* Bass were uncooperative. Did catch a handful of crappies and gills.

I like catching crappie as well. Especially when the bass aren't biting.

[Bdnoble84]

First northern of the year, roughly 28”

[HenryPF]

Some Illinois lakes to open May 1st during the Covid-19 Lockdown

 

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/closures/Pages/ParksOpenDuringCoVID19.aspx
 

Thank you for your interest in visiting one of Illinois' State Parks – we're excited to welcome you back! We continue to monitor the spread and effects of COVID-19, working closely with the Office of Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health. To best serve and protect our visitors and staff, the below locations are open effective May 1:

Parks will be open from sun-up to sundown. Guests will be allowed to engage in activities such as wildlife observation, hiking, biking, equestrian use and fishing (both from the bank and boats) and mushroom hunting. All visitors centers, campgrounds, playgrounds, shelter reservations, interpretive educational programs, beaches, special events and concessions will remain closed. 

Northwestern Illinois: Argyle Lake State Park, Jubilee College State Park, Lowden State Park, Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Rock Island Trail State Park, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

Northeastern Illinois: Chain o' Lakes State Park, Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, Kankakee River State Park, Moraine Hills State Park, North Point Marina

East Central Illinois: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Eagle Creek State Park, Kickapoo State Park, Wolf Creek State Park

West Central Illinois: Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Sangchris Lake State Park, Siloam Springs State Park, Washington County State Recreation Area

Southern Illinois: Fort Massac State Park, Giant City State Park, Stephen A Forbes State Recreation Area, Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

[slonezp]

Governor fatass has taken the liberty to close down the state for another month...even though we are on a downward trend. He has limited fishermen to 2 men per boat. Just got off the phone with my dad. Dad will identify as a frog if it allows he, myself, and my son to fish together. Way to go dad!!!

[Allen Der]

I would assume the 2 people per boat only applies to state park lakes.  The chain is mostly private so I dont see that they'd have the ability to enforce that rule.  

[slonezp]

Im not concerned. The DNR isn't patrolling the chain because of funding and the LCPD hasn't put their fleet of boats in the water yet. How a 1/2 dozen police boats would enforce the order on the busiest inland waterway is beyond me. 

[Skunked again]

Allen Der - that's my thought. Our city lake, city owned, the ramp has been open, this whole time.

 

[Bdnoble84]

On 4/23/2020 at 6:31 PM, HenryPF said:

Some Illinois lakes to open May 1st during the Covid-19 Lockdown

 

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/closures/Pages/ParksOpenDuringCoVID19.aspx
 

Thank you for your interest in visiting one of Illinois' State Parks – we're excited to welcome you back! We continue to monitor the spread and effects of COVID-19, working closely with the Office of Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health. To best serve and protect our visitors and staff, the below locations are open effective May 1:

Parks will be open from sun-up to sundown. Guests will be allowed to engage in activities such as wildlife observation, hiking, biking, equestrian use and fishing (both from the bank and boats) and mushroom hunting. All visitors centers, campgrounds, playgrounds, shelter reservations, interpretive educational programs, beaches, special events and concessions will remain closed. 

Northwestern Illinois: Argyle Lake State Park, Jubilee College State Park, Lowden State Park, Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Rock Island Trail State Park, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

Northeastern Illinois: Chain o' Lakes State Park, Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, Kankakee River State Park, Moraine Hills State Park, North Point Marina

East Central Illinois: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Eagle Creek State Park, Kickapoo State Park, Wolf Creek State Park

West Central Illinois: Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Sangchris Lake State Park, Siloam Springs State Park, Washington County State Recreation Area

Southern Illinois: Fort Massac State Park, Giant City State Park, Stephen A Forbes State Recreation Area, Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

Shabbona is going to be an absolute madhouse. By only opening a couple they are just inviting overcrowding. Opening lowden yet not castle rock which is about as low impact as it gets with its 2 boat ramps right on Rt 2. I dont get it. ?