February 19, 2015

Fox River: During the winter months, the fishing really tends to slow down on the river, however, there are still some good opportunities for quality fish. For smallmouths, now is the time to look for some of the warm-water discharges found along the river. Fish using live minnows with a small hook and a few

Powerton Lake: Channel catfish and blue catfish have been biting on baby shad and cut baits. Hybrid striped bass are being caught on minnows. Anglers are not having much luck with white bass or stripers. Largemouth bass hitting spinners. Bluegills good on worms. Newton Lake: Bass biting has picked up near the ash pond. Bluegills

Crab Orchard Lake: Bass action has slowed. Bluegills being caught on worms. Panfish, in general, are biting good on worms under ice and in weedbeds. Newton Lake: Warm-water areas good for catfish, though those being caught are small. Anglers are tossing crankbaits around rip-rap and catching a few bass. Bluegills are slow but will hit

Lake Michigan: Fishermen have been catching a lot of small perch through the ice near the docks in harbors. Fishing small jigging spoons tipped with spikes as well as smaller jigs with plastics have been producing very well. The reports on the perch have shown a lot of small fish, but if you keep at