Outdoor news and information focusing on Legislation, Conservation and Education regarding hunting and fishing.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Heidecke Lake
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Possible Changes Could be Coming to Pittsman-Roberston Act
Possible Changes Could be Coming to Pittsman-Roberston Act
On March 21, 2016 Congressman Jeff Duncan (Republican of South Carolina's 3rd district) member and Vice-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen Caucus introduced H.R. 4818.
H.R.4818 - Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act of 2016
To amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to modernize the funding of wildlife conservation, and for other purposes.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Illinois Bait Shop - Illinois Valley Outdoors
Illinois Valley Outdoors |
Illinois Bait Shop - Illinois Valley Outdoors
As we pulled into the parking lot we saw some gentlemen leaving with a minnow bucket to go hit up the local watering hole. Inside Illinois Valley Outdoors, located close to the Illinois River, we were greeted with a big 'how you doing' from the owner Joe Troha.Sunday, March 20, 2016
Locals Win Cabela's Master Walleye Circuit on Illinois River
Locals Win Cabela's Master Walleye Circuit on Illinois River
When you hear of walleye fishing your first thought is probably Wisconsin or Minnesota, not Illinois. However, walleye fishing on the Illinois River near Spring Valley and Starved Rock has always been a hot spot. This fishery has been so productive that the Cabela's Master Walleyes Circuit has decided to launch their 2016 season yet again in Spring Valley, Illinois.Thursday, March 17, 2016
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Lake Shelbyville
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Lake Shelbyville
By: Jon Giacalone
Walleye and white bass make spring spawning runs up the Kaskaskia River, and have been documented 25 miles north to the Highway 36 bridge. It is believed a white bass run occurs up the West Okaw River, but the extent of the movement has not been studied.
Interestingly, biologists have stocked Shelbyville with walleye from many states to try to obtain genetic qualities suitable for this water. The effort has included river and lake strains from hatcheries in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, South Dakota, Kansas, Kentucky and New York. Fingerling and fry stocking typically occurs annually. A rearing pond was constructed and another is planned to raise walleye to a larger size before stocking.
Monday, March 14, 2016
The Classic Tale of Two Fish
The Classic Tale of Two Fish
Uncovering the boat, reorganizing and creating yet another system took a little longer than expected. I finally just threw the rods in the boat, strapped them down and took off to Jim Edgar Panther Creek. My goal today wasn't really to fish but was to get out to start the bigger motor and enjoy the fresh air.
With a Jeep full of baby stuff, backing down the ramp added an extra challenge. The boat hit the water and I was ready to test out the boat for the first time this year. The boat started without incident and soon it was idling around the lake. I felt comfortable with the way the boat sounded so naturally I was going to get some fishing in. Who wouldn't, right?
I grabbed a rattle trap and started hitting the shoreline. Nothing! I decided to switch to a chatter bait with a swim bait as a trailer. On the backside of a secondary point I casted about 10 feet from shore, when all of a sudden I felt something, a hit or a snag.
You've been there right? That moment you lift up on your line and you think you snagged a pile of weeds. That's about when you realize you got one on. That's how this fish was. Once I realized it was a fish, I noticed right away that this was a bigger fish. I leaned over the side of the boat, grabbed this 'biggin bass' by the lips, pulled it up, thanked God and let out a big Whooaa!
I can only describe this fish easily as the biggest bass I've ever caught. Ya, it was that big! I grabbed my rod thew my lure back in and caught another great fish, a nice 14 incher. I released him and tried a few other spots with no success.
After, I put the boat on the trailer and got home I couldn't wait to tell Heather and my mother-in-law about these fish. As I was telling them I knew they wouldn't believe me. WHY? No picture. I forgot my cell phone in the car, of course! Remember this was only supposed to be a boat ride, I wasn't planning on catching the biggest bass of my life.
After bragging about it to my brother and anyone else that would listen, the thought of not having a picture does bring up a little disappointment. The thing is I'll always have that memory and the feeling of catching the greatest fish of my life.
You've been there right? That moment you lift up on your line and you think you snagged a pile of weeds. That's about when you realize you got one on. That's how this fish was. Once I realized it was a fish, I noticed right away that this was a bigger fish. I leaned over the side of the boat, grabbed this 'biggin bass' by the lips, pulled it up, thanked God and let out a big Whooaa!
I can only describe this fish easily as the biggest bass I've ever caught. Ya, it was that big! I grabbed my rod thew my lure back in and caught another great fish, a nice 14 incher. I released him and tried a few other spots with no success.
After, I put the boat on the trailer and got home I couldn't wait to tell Heather and my mother-in-law about these fish. As I was telling them I knew they wouldn't believe me. WHY? No picture. I forgot my cell phone in the car, of course! Remember this was only supposed to be a boat ride, I wasn't planning on catching the biggest bass of my life.
After bragging about it to my brother and anyone else that would listen, the thought of not having a picture does bring up a little disappointment. The thing is I'll always have that memory and the feeling of catching the greatest fish of my life.
Have you ever caught a great fish and go to tell the tale, only to have people asking for the photos? Share your story with us!
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Shabbona Lake
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Shabbona Lake
By: Jon Giacalone
Shabbona Lake, located in DeKalb County, was created in 1975 when the Shabbona Dam was constructed across Indian Creek. The 1,550-acre Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area surrounds the lake. There is no entrance fee, and summer hours are 6:00AM to 10:00PM (May 1 - October 31), while winter hours are 8:00AM to sunset (November 1 - April 30). The Upper Fishing Area and Lower Refuge Area at the west end of the lake are designated no-wake areas, and the use of gas engines is prohibited. Gas motors over 10 horsepower are not permitted on Shabbona Lake. Bank fishing and boat access are prohibited in the Lower Refuge Area from October 1 to freeze-up. During periods of severe weather, condition warning flags are displayed at the access sites. For those looking to fish from shore, five earthen fishing piers have been built along the west shore. Each pier is surrounded by six to eight fish cribs placed in approximately 10 feet of water.
Monday, February 29, 2016
A series of Illinois Top Fishing Destentation
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois Series
Presented by Fishidy
Our time is valuable, even while we're on the lake we're probably thinking about eronds we need to run or some chore around the house that we've been putting off. That's why Capitol Outdoors has teamed up with Fishidy to bring you a series of post on Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois.
Illinois is full of fantastic fishing opportunities from our power plant lakes that are across the state, the Mississippi River, which is literally our western boarder, the Army Corp of Engineer lakes, and to the beautiful shore lines of Lake Michigan. The abundance of species have anglers of all sorts in search of great adventure.
OK. great you have a list of top fishing locations in Illinois but your time is still valuable and you want to make every moment count while you're on the water. If your a tournament fisherman you know how important it is to do your homework. Especially if you're fishing a new lake. That's were Fishidy comes in!
Fishidy was founded by hardcore anglers who love fishing, maps and technology. We came together with a common vision to create a one-of-a-kind fishing resource to give anglers of all kinds the chance to catch more fish through the use of interactive fishing maps, social connections and tons of proven, valuable information on thousands of waterways across the country.That's right, no more old maps, you can research that lake all week before you head out. Download the app on your smartphone and take it with you. Now if you're worried about the secret spot being stolen there privacy settings to keep it secret. :)
This is just one of the many lakes and rivers where you can find information to make you a better and more successful angler.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
(SB 3264) Bill Would Require IDNR to Submit Report to General Assembly
Bill Would Require IDNR to Submit Report to General Assembly
On February 19, 2016 Senator Sam McCann (Republican of Carlinville, Illinois) and member of the Illinois Sportsmen's Caucus introduced SB 3264.
Amends the Illinois Hunting Heritage Protection Act. Provides that by October 1 of each year, the Director of Natural Resources shall submit to the General Assembly a written report describing the Department of Natural Resource's plan to maximize the opportunities for recreational hunting on Department-managed lands.
(SB 3265) Bill Would Allow IDNR to have Fish/Aquatic Life Prosecutions
Bill Would Allow IDNR to have Fish/Aquatic Life Prosecutions
On February 19, 2016 Senator Sam McCann (Republican of Carlinville, Illinois) and member of the Illinois Sportsmen's Caucus introduced SB 3265.
Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that all State's Attorneys shall enforce the provisions of the Code, including administrative rules adopted under Section 1-125, in their respective counties and shall prosecute all persons charged with violating its provisions when so requested by the Department of Natural Resources.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Appropriation Bills Filed
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Appropriation Bills Filed
Pictures property of IDNR and IGOMB
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On February 19, 2016 Republican Leaders Radogno (Lemont, Illinois) & Durkin (Burr Ridge, Illinois) filed SB3190 & HB6355.
SB3190 & HB6355 -$DNR FY17 OCE
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department of Natural Resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016, as follows: General Revenue Fund $44,000,000; Other State Funds $193,827,275; Federal Funds $26,407,407; Total $264,234,682.Of course the budget is going to be a topic with much heated debate.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
2016 Spring Inland Trout Season Dates and Locations
2016 Spring Inland Trout Season Dates and Locations
The I Fish Illinois staff wants you to start thinking about Trout Fishing. Yep, it's that time of year again to start thinking about fishing in general. Inland Trout Fishing is a great way to introduce someone to fishing. Never been? Read our post about what we use to catch inland trout. Make sure to check out Illinois Fishing Information booklet 2016 for rules and regulations.
LaSalle Lake Opens for the Season on March 15
You know that fishing season is on the horizon when you hear about the power plant lakes opening back up. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the following press release regarding the opening day for LaSalle Lake. For more information check out IFISHILLINOIS and FISHIDY.
LaSalle Lake Opens for the Season on March 15
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Governor Rauner's Proposed Illinois Department of Natural Resources FY17 Budget
Governor Rauner's Proposed Illinois Department of Natural Resources FY17 Budget
State Budget FY 2017 Pictures property of IDNR and IGOMB |
Today (February 17, 2016) Governor Rauner gave his Budget Address for Fiscal Year 2017. This budget includes all of Illinois expenditures including those he recommends for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
(SB 2788) Bill Would Allow Youth to Transfer Deer Tags to Adults
Bill Would Allow Youth to Transfer Deer Tags to Adults
Senator Neil Anderson (Republican, Moline, Illinois) introduced SB 2788 on February 17, 2016.
SB 2788 WILDLIFE-DEER TAGS
Amends the Wildlife Code: Provides that anyone filling a deer tag who has a Youth Hunting License may transfer the tag to the accompanying adult hunter if the youth is present at the time the tag is filled by the adult. Removes the prohibition on transferring deer tags in compliance with the youth hunting provision.
Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.
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