DuPage and DesPlaines Rivers for Smallies
Illinois Fishing
Feb 12, 2023 09:09:12 #
I'm interested to know where to launch a Kayak where the smallmouth bass are most plentiful. I'm near Lockport but the river is very shallow during winter and the action dies after November. Any thoughts?
Feb 13, 2023 19:52:47 #
craigm1952
Loc: Lake of the Ozarks MO & SW Chicago IL
I've put in at Caton Farm Rd and Lily Cache Rd, right where the DuPage flows under Caton Farm. There's a slope going into the river on the east side. Easy entry. I took my canoe there so I imagine a kayak would not be a problem. Just be carefull if the current is fast. It can be unforgiving. Lily Cache Creek branches off the Dupage just north of Caton Farm. I've never fished the creek but it does look very interesting. I've caught many smallies in the DuPage, nothing real big, maybe 10" tops.
Feb 14, 2023 09:42:51 #
Do you just park on the side of the road in the stone area? I don't see any no parking signs on google maps. I've canoed the DuPage but never fished it. I'll definitely hit it this spring. Thanks, Jeff
Feb 14, 2023 13:46:33 #
craigm1952
Loc: Lake of the Ozarks MO & SW Chicago IL
Yes, I just park at the side of the road between the river and the road. I try and hit the cement pylons on Caton Farm and for some reason smaller orange bellied Rapalas work well there. The dam just north of Rt52(Jefferson) has been removed and I think there's a "put in" at that spot but the river might have a lot of silt in that spot making it pretty shallow.
Feb 15, 2023 07:57:05 #
Thanks again for the tips and info. I just finished putting Kydex skid plates on my kayak. The shallow waters of our area have been pretty tough on it after one season. Take care, Jeff
Mar 8, 2023 19:09:08 #
Fuming
Loc: Darien, IL (Chicagoland)
For Desplaines river, there’s a kayak launch east of Rt 83. Knollwood Kayak & Canoe Launch-DesPlaines River
https://maps.app.goo.gl/os6T2HWVdzv2Zpof7?g_st=ic
https://maps.app.goo.gl/os6T2HWVdzv2Zpof7?g_st=ic
Mar 9, 2023 08:07:15 #
I've used that launch several times. I've also complained about the condition of the road that leads to the river. It is not taken care of and the craters that you have to drive through are enormous. Most of the kayaks and boats head west past Rt. 83 to fish. I've caught smallmouth, sauger and northern in the past.
Mar 9, 2023 19:39:21 #
Fuming
Loc: Darien, IL (Chicagoland)
Yeah that entrance drive is terrible! I haven’t caught pike or sauger there yet. But lots of smallies!
Mar 9, 2023 20:17:07 #
Have you been to the DuPage River. There's a nice launch in Plainfield at 135th Street just west of Naperville Rd.
I launched my canoe there twice last year (not fishing) and can't wait to fish the kayak there. Good Luck!
I launched my canoe there twice last year (not fishing) and can't wait to fish the kayak there. Good Luck!
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