February 4, 2016

Fox River: Water remains high. Bass, especially smallmouths, are hanging in shallow areas where there is open water. Look for them in some of the warm-water discharges found along the river. Minnows work well with a small hook and a few split shot about 12 inches above the hook. Cast into eddies. Bounce jigs with

Newton Lake: Bluegills are fair to good on waxworms. Catfish are hitting waxworms in 8-12 foot of water. Crappies are fair in 8-12 feet of water. Bass have been caught on plastic worms and spinners. Lake Shelbyville: Below the spillway, fishing has been only fair for walleyes and saugers. Lake Springfield: Flathead catfish and channel cats were fair to slow in discharge area

Note: Flooding and high water on lakes that were producing quality fishing before Christmas have suffered from the high water. Also, many roadways were dangerous due to flooding. Take precautions. 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. Baldwin Lake: Bass and

Lake Michigan: The harbors have some ice but caution should be used if you head out. Most fishermen have been fishing from the docks instead of walking out. There have been very few reports of trout being caught at this time. They are there; you just really need to work for them. Spawn sacks slowly jigged