Out of State Report: N. Illinois

[Frogfish101]

I spent a couple days at my dad's place in Northern Chicago (Libertyville to be exact). There are a bunch of lakes and ponds in the area, so I headed over to Independenca Grove Forest Preserve to do some flyfishing. What an amazing lake that is. The water is FULL of bass, walleye, pike, sunfish, perch, and even some mucky and catfish. I managed to land MANY bass in the 16-19" range, and had many breakoffs (hopefully on pike and walleye). The hot fly was a white zonker.

I did catch one fish that bested my personal best by a few lbs.

a 23.5" bass, estimated around 8 or 9 lbs.

I can't wait to get back.

[mikeypbg]

Nice report. Keep it up. Fly Fishing is my next project. Prob moving soon to NV so lakes and streams it is.

[Frogfish101]

Where in NV will you be moving to Mike?

[mikeypbg]

Reno/Tahoe area.

[Frogfish101]

There is some GREAT flyfishing for trout to be found in your area. Also, many lakes hold striped and largemouth bass.

http://www.tahoeflyfishing.com/

[mikeypbg]

Yup. Im excited to learn the art man. First purchase will be a fly setup and lessons for me and my girlfriend. Ill prob get a boat when i get out there too. Maybe someday you will make your way that direction and you can teach me a thing or two.

[Frogfish101]

Hopefully. I love fishing the West. If I happen to get into Stanford, I could possibly drive there a couple times a year.

[mikeypbg]

Sweet. Well I will be talking to you when it comes time to make that first fly rod purchase.

Also, I know I asked already about that antique bamboo rod, but I need to sell it. Do you know anyone that is interested in vintage fly rods or where I could look to sell it? I have a value after doing some research, but need to find some place to list it.

[mikeypbg]

Sweet. Well I will be talking to you when it comes time to make that first fly rod purchase.

Also, I know I asked already about that antique bamboo rod, but I need to sell it. Do you know anyone that is interested in vintage fly rods or where I could look to sell it? I have a value after doing some research, but need to find some place to list it.

[Frogfish101]

I don't really do much with bamboo, but you I know there are some sites dedicated to 'boo fly fisherman. You can post on there, or try on ebay. If you give me the specs and your email, I can post it on a couple rod building and flyfishing sites for you.

If you ever want a nice little rod, let me know. I can whip up a snazzy rod for trout for less than $50.

[mikeypbg]

Ill PM you the info shortly. And I would love one of your original rods esp with those awesome handles. Id need two though, one for the lady.

[Frogfish101]

No problem. I can build a matching pair (if you want). When would you be moving to NV?

[Frogfish101]

Ah, you'll be headed to the south side of Chi-town. Have fun Rob! Will you be heading to a Cubs-ChiSox game?

You're right, the Forest Preserves (esp. in Lake County) are amazing.

[islandflyfisher]

Awesome catch!!! In my experience, big largemouth are extremely hard to catch on fly.