March 17, 2016

Rock River (Oregon): Channel cats biting hard in the Erie area. Walleyes are hitting at the dams. Catfish are taking redworms and fresh-killed minnows. Walleyes are falling to jigs tipped with minnows. Illinois River: The sauger bite is still on fire. There are several reports of limits being caught as well as double-digit fish days.

Lake Taylorville: Crappie bite picking up on minnows. Bass slow. Water conditions are murky.  Newton Lake: Bass good, but flooding has changed situation. Water clarity very murky. Some white bass were also reported prior to the rains. Crappies a big question mark after a poor fall and few reports this spring so far.  Spring Lake: Bass slow. Crappie biting

Devils’ Kitchen: Fishing to be slow, but bass are picking up on spinners and crankbaits in evening hours. Crab Orchard Lake: Anglers are reporting that crappies are being found at depths ranging from about 6 to 10 feet. Most are in heavy cover near points. The best baits have been minnows and jigs. Bright colors seem to be working

Lake Michigan: The lakefront has been showing some great signs of life for the shore fishing guys. The powerliners are doing well on both coho and brown trout. The preferred baits have been nightcrawlers as well as medium roaches. Fish are also hitting spoons and body baits. Baits such as deep diving x-raps in white or Berkley frenzy’s.  The weather