photobra Loc: North Riverside,IL (Chicago)

I would like to start a topic how to fish the Des Plaines River south of I-295 in the communities from Forest Park, North Riverside , Riverside, Berwyn, Lyons, McCook, county, etc.

Over the past half year near Cermak in Des Plaines Ave., they have built a canoe/kayak ramp. In addition, it has become a spot where I go and fish because it’s an easy walk down the road. However, I have not caught nothing the rivers only a couple feet deep, so if anybody has any recommendation how to catch something there, I would gladly appreciate it right now throwing some bread or corn and waiting. I could probably bring in a carp but I like to get a northern but I don’t know how often they swim bye.

In addition, there are a few of us fishing the area because of the new opening so we are becoming a smaller crew. Doesn’t matter if it snows rains sunny or cloudy. I go out there because the river is moving.

Merry Christmas, 2022

wbarnes836

Very interesting question!

I spent a lot of time on the Des Plaines this year, mostly in Columbia Woods Forest Preserve. Nothin'! I didn't see anyone catch anything. It seems that Bowman had a story in the Sun Times about small mouth action there near sunset (April or May?).

In fact, I did catch a nice small mouth further downstream in the fall using a spinner. Unlike Columbia Woods, the channel was fairly narrow there.

There are fish to be caught from Columbia Woods; I've seen readings from an iBobber over and over again.

If I caught a smaller sucker in the Des Plaines, I'd use it as bait for a Northern.

RivrFishr Loc: Lemont, IL

I kayak fish the Desplaines from Rt. 83 south to Romeoville (135th St). Good action in the spring, summer and fall but once the freezing temps move in, not a bite. It's very shallow in the south (under 3 ft. in most places) so I think the fish move to deeper water for the winter.

photobra Loc: North Riverside,IL (Chicago)

wbarnes836

I have lost one. I'm not sure what happened, but I heard a crack when I cast it. It wasn't the line - I wonder if the plastic had a crack in it.

There are mono-pods out there if you can find one that has the right size holder for your phone. It looks like a good set up.

I can't say that I caught fish thanks to the iBobber. However, it saves time when you know there is nothing in the area.

Just in case of the worst, eBay has used iBobbers. They seem to work just as well. I bought 2 used for less than what 1 new model costs.

Good luck!

photobra Loc: North Riverside,IL (Chicago)

I did a bit of fishing this past Friday (Jan 20, 2023) at Cermak/Des Plaines. When I walked up with my pole in hand another fellow fisherman was just leaving. He told me caught a small bass. Showed me the photo. I personally have not caught anything here but that has not stopped me from coming out a few times a week since it's close to the house.

The weather was about 32 degrees, the Des Plaines had been a bit high the past few weeks, and today about 6-8 feet I figure. Threw out a catfish bait and just a silver spinner. No luck after 30 minutes. The dog was getting cold and headed back to work.

BTW I have the iBobber too. I put it on a ten-pound test line because I think I will lose it, especially in a river where it would take it.

Eddie P Loc: Oak Park, IL

It's been a couple of months and things have warmed up a bit. Has anyone had any luck on the Des Plaines lately? I got a more solid rod, some braided steel leaders and an assortment of lures for my birthday and am hoping to find some pike there, but honestly would be happy to catch anything.

wbarnes836

Sounds like a good time! I've been going to the lakefront. Coho are in the harbors, and a pike or whitefish might pop up too. A week ago the Illinois was at flood stage, and that might affect the Des Plaines. I'm going to hold off a bit on the rivers.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/2/28/23616005/midwest-fishing-report-coho-steelhead-perch-lakers-browns-receding-ice-chicago

Eddie P Loc: Oak Park, IL

Thanks. I'll be heading over there this week and will post of I have any success.

photobra Loc: North Riverside,IL (Chicago)

I agree with the depth. Most of the river by is under 2 feet. Unless it rained than it goes to like 8feet.