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FeedA new forage base In the Chain
As you may have heard, the Chain O' Lakes has developed a large shad population as of late. This increasing forage base has changed the ecosystems in the lakes and will certainly affect the way you will fish these bodies of water.
One can argue that the increase has bad consequences. However, if you take a minute and think about it, this is nothing but a positive thing for this ecosystem. The average size of fish will steadily increase with the larger forage base to feed upon. This could easily mean that the Illinois state record muskie could come from the Chain in the very near future.
All bodies of water go through change and the Chain is certainly no exception to this. As fishermen, we need to adapt and overcome. Changing our fishing approach and bait presentations will allow us to target the fish that are feeding on these shad. The white bass, muskie, northern pike, and largemouth bass will all benefit from these silver creatures.
The shad have always been around, but just not in the numbers that are being seen as of late. With the milder seasons these shad have been able to reproduce rapidly and schools can be found roaming the waters of the Chain. If you find these balls of bait you will be certain to find the predators that are feeding on them.
Don't let the presence of these baitfish intimidate or confuse you. Adapt and overcome and you will be certain to put more and bigger fish in the boat.
