Historic Reconnection Project at Emiquon Completed

Historic Reconnection Project at Emiquon Completed

It's no secret that we love to fish, hunt, and observe the wetlands, waterfowl and other creatures of the Nature Conservancy's Emiquon.  Today Capitol Outdoors received news coming from this prestige Illinois wetland and conservation area.

About two years ago we were made aware of a project to reconnect this 6,700 acre wetland back to the Illinois River.  Well they've finished and on July 7, 2016 water began flowing back into the Illinois River.  Read the following from the Nature Conservancy and their biologist.  You can learn more about Emiquon and the Nature Conservancy by clicking HERE for their website.

Check out Our Fishing & Hunting adventures, oh and don't forget to read about Eagle Day at Emiquon as well

100,000 and Growing

100,000 and Growing

A little over a year ago we decided to take Capitol Outdoors and make it a full time adventure and like any business adventure it has had its ups and downs.  However, every achievement is worth celebrating and we just hit over a 100,000 views on our webpage.  We are glad that people around Illinois are reading about our adventures, Legislation, Conservation and Education.


Here at Capitol Outdoors we pride ourselves on making quality entertaining videos, factual posts and much more to share with you.

During this time we've seen some interesting developments.   Not only in the policy front but, businesses, organizations and nonprofits have asked us for help to share their message and educate them on current happenings in Washington, D.C. and Springfield.  As we grow we'll make sure to keep you informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors.

With our newest addition, Baby Autumn`s arrival we weren't able to hit all the lakes that we wanted to this year, however we will continue to travel Illinois hunting and fishing, sharing our tips and our adventures with all of you.

We wanted to take this opportunity and thank all of you for your support.

Please drop us a line and let us know what you enjoy reading.  

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rock River

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rock River

By: Jon Giacalone

The Rock River is a high-quality stream best known for catfish, walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass and the occasional northern pike that drains about 10,800 square miles of northern Illinois and southern
Wisconsin.

Within Illinois, the Rock River flows through a rural agricultural basin containing moderate-to- large communities, including Rockford, Dixon and Sterling/Rock Falls. Much of the shoreline is developed and very little is considered pristine. The river is aptly named. Much of the riverbed is comprised of glacial rock, ranging in size from gravel to small boulders. Navigation in unfamiliar stretches can be very hazardous. Shallow-draft jon boats with small outboard motors are proper fishing vessels. Some anglers use jet-drive lower units to help eliminate damage.

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rend Lake

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rend Lake

By: Jon Giacalone

Rend Lake is the second largest impoundment in Illinois, and one of the state's best for largemouth bass, crappie and white bass. Good numbers of channel and flathead catfish also provide great action. Encompassing a total of 18,900 acres, along with excellent lake facilities, Rend Lake is one of southern Illinois' premier multi-recreational destinations.

Rend Lake offers good fishing throughout most of the year, including during mild winters. Weeds and natural rock are very limited, but riprap, flooded trees and stumps provide abundant habitat. Generally, riprap is the dominant cover south of Highway 154, while the northern portion of the lake is laced with stumps and downed timber.

Time of Our Lives

Time of Our Lives

What a week of fishing for us here at Capitol Outdoors.  Like so many others we're blessed to live in an area with an abundance of lakes and great outdoor opportunity, but some trips are just better then others.  Take a look as we are having the Time of our Lives.   With a baby on the way things are only going to get better.

Above is the "Biggest Catch of my Life... Sorta of?  Which will have this angler telling tales for years and then few days later we were Kick'n Bass at Emiquon catching some nice fish and having a blast doing it.

That's what I love about the outdoors it's the ultimate guessing game.  You can go out and catch a dinky two inch bluegill or have the time of your life.  How about you, what is a moment you can remember where you had a great weekend or week of fishing. Comment below and share your story. 

 

6 Tips to Catch more Crappie across Illinois

 Tips and Tactics - Catching Crappie in Illinois

Illinois is well known for their abundance of large crappie. You can find them in lakes such as, Shelbyville and Sangchris to name a few. There's nothing quite like catching crappie on a spring or fall morning. You can see some of our previous Illinois Crappie Fishing adventures in Illinois by checking out our You Tube Channel.

Crappie Fishing is a great way to teach beginners how to fish.

HB 5796 Fishing Limits for Landowners on Private Property Could be a thing of the Past

HB 5796 Fishing Limits for Landowners on Private Property Could be a Thing of the Past

On February 11, 2016 Representative Charles Meier (Republican, Highland, Illinois) introduced HB 5796.  

HB 5796 FISHING LIMITS-PRIV PROPERTY

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that the limits on the number and size of fish a person may take in a day do not apply to a person fishing in waters wholly within his or her private property. Effective immediately.

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Heidecke Lake

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Heidecke Lake

By: Jon Giacalone

Located in Grundy County, Heidecke Lake was a power plant cooling lake considered to be one of the best of its kind in the nation for hybrid striped bass. Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is maintained and operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).  The IDNR  provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, hunting and picnicking. Fishing is allowed from April 1 through the second Sunday in October. The only water sport permitted is fishing - swimming, wading, water skiing and other water activities are prohibited.

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.

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.

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.

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Lake Shelbyville

Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Lake Shelbyville

By: Jon Giacalone

At 11,000 acres, Lake Shelbyville is one of Illinois' premier fishing destinations, offering a variety of shore fishing access points and opportunities for camping. It's most recognized for its largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, muskie and walleye opportunities. Anglers should be aware of special length limits for walleye, largemouth bass, muskie and crappie. Consult visitor centers for the special creel restrictions, which are also posted at most public access sites. Boaters should watch for buoys placed near beaches, bridges, marinas and in some coves. The buoys indicate no boats, no wakes or other navigational information. In addition, green and red navigation buoys have been placed from the Highway 32 bridge to the "Bo" Wood Access to aid deep-draft sailboats.

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.

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.

Michael explaining how big his fish was and Heather didn't believe him

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. 

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!

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.

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. 

From weekend warriors to professional anglers like Mike Iaconelli use Fishidy to give them the edge they need to land more fish in their boat.  Take five minutes and sign-up its free to join!

(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.  

SB3265 - FISH/AQUATIC LIFE-PROSECUTIONS

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.

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 

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.

Ice Fishing at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

Ice Fishing at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

There's nothing quite like going fishing on a crisp winter morning. We took to one of our favorite lakes at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park. While it took a long time along with multiple holes we finally got onto the fish.  Watch our video and learn some of our tips that we use that allow us to catch more fish through the ice.