SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, September 2 - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a series of public meetings throughout northern Illinois to
The IGFA’s new world record for a smallmouth-largemouth hybrid, vultures on a mausoleum, a blue jay up high at Northwestern Hospital and a Patrick McManus fishing quote are among the notes from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.
DALE’S MAILBAG
“Just a heads up, I’m reporting June bugs are here in unincorporated Will County, Wheatland Township. Took out the garbage tonight and there they were, hanging on my screen by the front door light. Next up, fireflies!”
Paul Bleers
A: I saw my first June bugs last week. I am not holding my breathe on fireflies, but maybe I will get lucky this weekend in southern Illinois.
BIG NUMBER
81: Boating accidents investigated by the Illinois Conservation Police in 2020, which involved 36 injuries and 21 fatalities. CPOs are increasing patrols as boating season builds. Click here for more.
LAST WORD
FISH GATHERING
Tuesday, May 18: Guide Mike Norris, “Spring fishing trip planning,” Arlington Anglers, Poplar Creek Banquets, Hoffman Estates, 6:30 p.m., arlingtonanglers.com.
DUCKS UNLIMITED
WINGSHOOTING CLINICS
June 5 or 6: Des Plaines Conservation Area, Wilmington, (815)423-5326. Click here for more on available wingshooting clinices.
DALE’S MAILBAG
Adam Gundlach
A:
Mike Schoof, property manager at Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area, said the lake will remain open for fishing and hunting this year with no regulations on bluegill and statewide regs on bass. “Hopefully, some folks get some fish pulled out,” he said. Dewatering of the lake should begin in early March. Fishing should last through April or May, depending on rainfall, in 2022. Willow Slough is an hour south of Chicago in Indiana on the state line. Click here for a column I did on the public meeting announcing the original plans.