Fox River Creek Prospects

Tuesday I had to do some cruising that would take me over my two favorite creeks, Big Rock and Little Rock. I wanted to know how they were faring against the ice. Just like the river, a week earlier there wasn’t much open water to be seen on either of them. Things have changed dramatically.

I know these creeks are spring fed, they are much too cold to the touch during the height of summer, but Illinois has no natural trout populations. There is a creek and small river that get stocked by the IDNR every year for put and take fishing. I know in one creek they pretty much die off, the ones that aren’t taken for dinner. Out on the Apple River they stand a chance of surviving, I’ve caught hold overs pretty much year round. But that river is unique to Illinois, you won’t find too many others like that. It too runs relatively cool year round.

I did a little research and as far as I can tell no illinois stream has ever had trout. Which is a shame. If these creeks held them, I’d be there tomorrow. A year ago I sent a note to an IDNR fisheries biologist and asked a simple question, is there any chance of stocking trout in Big and Little Rock Creeks since they are spring fed?

I got a very simple answer . . . No.

There are a number of deep holes I know on these creeks. I’m hoping there were some lazy smallmouth that didn’t feel like making the trek down to the river for the winter.

I may give the fish a break for another couple of weeks on the creeks. Long range weather is showing a lot of days in the 40 degree range. Give the water a chance to warm up, let the fish come to life a bit.

There’s an 8 foot hole I know nine miles up on one of them. There’s an 18 inch smallie that lives there.

I’m certain it will be there.