At least I got a fishing license, even though the rod hasn’t been put back in the car. Had to take it out a couple of weeks ago and it never made it’s way back. At least the trunk is still loaded with everything needed. Now to put it to use, maybe.
The Fox River is doing it’s usual spring high, fast and muddy thing. Catching smallmouth bass out of the river under these conditions is easy. Fish close to shore, fish close to obstructions. It’s called dabbling and after many years of doing that every spring, it’s got old.
Decided today to just go for a walk in the woods, but I also figured I may as well go check out four nearby creeks while wandering the woods. Unlike the river, they were all crystal clear and in perfect shape. Still went with the walk instead of fishing.
The main reason to head out to the woods was to see how the undergrowth was coming along. No leaves on the trees, plenty of light getting down to the forest floor, makes things sprout. Today is the last of the colder days. From here on out, supposedly, it’s all uphill temperature wise. Or so they say.
For now, things are trying to grow. The next couple of weeks should see a dramatic improvement.
The woods I walked today run along two of my favorite creeks, so I was killing two birds with one stone. I got to enjoy both.
What was once an easy stroll down the creek has changed over the winter. It’s now an obstacle course. Will be interesting to navigate this when I get to it.
I’ve seen this creek clear like this many times and it’s nice to go to spots where smallies get caught. From a different vantage point, it’s easy to see why.
Birds, waterfowl and tree dwellers were everywhere. I was grateful when these two chose to ignore me. Faithful readers of this blog will recall my run ins with nesting geese on creeks.
Many Aprils over the years have been spent fishing this creek with this one pool consistently producing every time. I wondered if I’d come back again this month to find out if it’s still consistent.
Wandering along the creek I came across a found object, if you want to call it that. I tend to call them Shit I Trip Over. Considering where I am, it makes you wonder how many decades it’s just been sitting here all by itself.
The signs of beavers on these creeks are everywhere, though the beavers themselves are seldom seen. Finally figured out that with the bigger trees, they just use them for sharpening their teeth.
I found this interesting at the time, not sure why.
Headed off to another creek with the intention of wandering the woods along it’s banks, but I was met with more of the same under growth waiting for more warmth. While walking over the little bridge over the creek I noticed that the suckers were making their migration upstream. That I didn’t expect. I assumed like the plants, they would be delayed by a couple of weeks too.
Mixed in with the hundreds of suckers were hundreds of shad.
This next one may be difficult to see. I almost didn’t see it, but my shadow spooked it and it moved. I could see the distinctive bars of a northern hog sucker. Pretty good size on it too and it looked to be a good 16 inches. I’ve been told it’s rare to come across them, but coming across them is a good thing. I’ve been seeing them in these creeks on and off for years and apparently they are a sign of high quality water.
I’m sure this week I’ll put the rod in the car and next weekend I’ll be met with a conundrum.
Do I wander around taking pictures and fishing or just wander around like I did today.
It is kind of nice not hauling around all that fishing shit.
howard levett
9 Apr 2016Hallelujah Spring has sprung. Wonderful post Ken. The water looks wonderful. How can you not? By the way, what is that thing you tripped over? I’ve seen them before but don’t know what they are.
Ken G
10 Apr 2016I have no clue what that thing is Howard. This property was donated to the Forest Preserve District a few years ago. It was owned by a family that had it and farmed it for a good 150 years. I’m finding bits and pieces of past farm life all over the woods. Fun to do that, I just have to be careful I don’t get impaled by any of it.
Howard Levett
10 Apr 2016By the way Ken, I hope we can look forward to pictures from the area of Blackberry Creek dam removal. I’m anxious to see what it looks like two(?) years later.
Ken G
11 Apr 2016I put a few shots up back in March Howard, explaining how this one gravel bar keeps recreating itself. Didn’t document much else.
The weather is finally warming up this week, it’s time to go fish it and document it.
Michael Agneta
9 Apr 2016I vote you should do a little fishing the next time out taking photos.
With everything coming to life, including that shrapnel that attacked you, looks like the time is just about now.
Ken G
10 Apr 2016I was thinking the same thing Mike, possibly today if the rain behaves.
Past experience on these creeks show that the smallies are right behind the suckers and shad.
I do like my creeks, it’s hard to ignore them.
Justin Carfagnini
11 Apr 2016That’s really great to see! I know my last trip to Poplar creek showed no signs of life. Very happy to see that they’re starting to move in, and even better that you were able to get some really awesome photographs of it. That creek you’re shooting is so incredibly clear that I almost can’t believe that it’s in our area. Nice work!
Ken G
11 Apr 2016Everything depends on where the snow and rain falls Justin. Remember that the Fox starts up west of Milwaukee and they were getting a lot more snow and rain up there. All four were running like that too. Bodes well for this coming dry, warm spell.