March 3, 2016

Rock River (Oregon): Walleyes are good. Minnows are best, and the top jig colors have been chartreuse, white and hot pink. Catfish are biting on chicken livers and nightcrawlers. Illinois River: There have been few reports from the river as the cold weather has kept most off of the open water. This time of year

Sangchris Lake: Crappies have been biting good near the dam. Bass picking up, with a report of several being caught on spinners and crankbaits. Lake Bloomington: Crappies were fair around shallow brush on jigs and minnows. Water running over the spillway, causing hectic fishing action below. Clinton Lake: There is a decent crappie and walleye bite. White bass biting good

Lake of Egypt: Crappies are biting in shallows on minnows and tipped jigs. Bass biting good on spinnerbaits and jigs or soft rubbers. A few catfish are taking nightcrawlers and dough bait. Crab Orchard Lake: Catfish and bass have started biting. Cats being caught on worms. Bass hitting crankbaits and  jigs. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bluegills are being caught on worms.

Lake Michigan: Ice is all but gone on the lakefront, and barring a major freeze from a winter push, open water is the mainstay. Some boats getting out chasing lakers with a little success. There have been reports of keeper perch being caught. There is a lot of sorting being done, but if you stick at it you