Illinois River?

[Guest]

Does anyone fish the Illinois River near Spring Valley? I am going to be out there this March for the MWC tournament, just wondering if anyone cared to share some ideas. I have never been to the area. My email is:

[email protected]

Thanks,

Scott Steil

[Guest]

I'm not a big walleye/sauger fisherman, but I can't pass up a trip or two to the Ill. river every spring for the run. One of the most productive techniques is to slip with the current and use 1/8 to 1 ounce jigs in chatruese or orange with a large fathead. Use the lightest jig you can get away with while maintaining bottom contact and a vertical presentation. Stinger hooks are a must. Another technique that is popular is to use a three way rig with a large one to two ounce jig and minnow on the bottom and a rapala on top. Slowly troll up current while trying to bump bottom with the heavy jig. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[Guest]

Thanks, any help is much appreciated. Scott Steil

[Captain Ken]

Dances,

Thanks for helping out! That's what this forum is all about...helping each other out with tips and other info.

Captain Ken

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Captain Ken Kessler
www.captainken.com
Guiding in Illinois and North East Minnesota
847-970-9108 Illinois
218-742-4680 Minnesota

[Guest]

Is the river clear of ice yet?

[Guest]

The Illinois River still has some ice on it. This cold snap has kept the ice on. I saw barges trying to break up the ice last week end. All of the rivers are low and hard for the barge traffic to go through. If we get a warm week I suspect the ice will be gone.

[Guest]

Thanks....