Illinois Creek Fishing - Let's Talk Timing
Illinois Fishing
Apr 2, 2023 10:15:38 #
Hey Happy Sunday Brothers,
Last year I spent a LOT of time fishing creeks. This was a new thing for me - and I pulled some absolute bruisers out on more than one occasion. This was an blast in such shallow, skinny water - completely isolated. A much different experience than fishing the bank(s) of small city lakes.
I wanted to get your feedback on creek fishing...
The first fish was caught about a mile and a half from where the creek dumped into the (very large) Illinois River, however, my window of opportunity in this area seemed to spam May - late June, and after that only dinks were caught in this area. In fall, the area was barren, almost like all the fish had emptied out into the river.
The second fish was caught in a stretch of creek about 10-15 miles from where the stream dumped into the river - and it held smallmouth in the deeper holes all the way into October. It was COLD. I assume they stayed put through winter, although I am not 100% on that... but they would have had a very hard time navigating the ultra-shallow riffles between where they were at - and the river.
What are some triggers or events that you guys look for to guesstimate when the bass will move in and/or out of a creek? I believe they move in to spawn - any truth to this?
Thanks fellas, talk soon. -AJ
Last year I spent a LOT of time fishing creeks. This was a new thing for me - and I pulled some absolute bruisers out on more than one occasion. This was an blast in such shallow, skinny water - completely isolated. A much different experience than fishing the bank(s) of small city lakes.
I wanted to get your feedback on creek fishing...
The first fish was caught about a mile and a half from where the creek dumped into the (very large) Illinois River, however, my window of opportunity in this area seemed to spam May - late June, and after that only dinks were caught in this area. In fall, the area was barren, almost like all the fish had emptied out into the river.
The second fish was caught in a stretch of creek about 10-15 miles from where the stream dumped into the river - and it held smallmouth in the deeper holes all the way into October. It was COLD. I assume they stayed put through winter, although I am not 100% on that... but they would have had a very hard time navigating the ultra-shallow riffles between where they were at - and the river.
What are some triggers or events that you guys look for to guesstimate when the bass will move in and/or out of a creek? I believe they move in to spawn - any truth to this?
Thanks fellas, talk soon. -AJ
Apr 2, 2023 11:01:17 #
If the food is there throughout the year and the water temps don’t get too warm, I have to believe they wouldn’t move too far. Any current will bring food past them, too.
Apr 2, 2023 15:50:01 #
OJdidit wrote:
If the food is there throughout the year and the water temps don’t get too warm, I have to believe they wouldn’t move too far. Any current will bring food past them, too.
Gotcha, thanks. over & out!
Apr 2, 2023 15:53:49 #
TheMinimalistFisherman wrote:
Hey Happy Sunday Brothers, br Last year I spent a ... (show quote)
Territorial. Food. Of course hotties always affects one’s location. When spawn is due yeah but either way they don’t spawn 12 months a year. Finding a nice place with warm water oxygen and food would be my guess why they would go somewhere different than they are hunting for food currently. Oxygen is something ALL fish seek besides food and good looking fish.
Apr 2, 2023 16:06:19 #
Jeremy wrote:
Territorial. Food. Of course hotties always affects one’s location. When spawn is due yeah but either way they don’t spawn 12 months a year. Finding a nice place with warm water oxygen and food would be my guess why they would go somewhere different than they are hunting for food currently. Oxygen is something ALL fish seek besides food and good looking fish.
Fair points. Do smallies get territorial?? I had no idea!
Apr 2, 2023 19:12:41 #
TheMinimalistFisherman wrote:
Fair points. Do smallies get territorial?? I had no idea!
They don't seem too happy when I reel them in after my lure got too close to it's personal space. Don't seem too happy with me trying to get my bait or lure out of their mouth hoping it will work to hook it's brother...sister or buddy. I usually see a school of Sm. Mouth Bass come to boat or bank hoping whichever fish is currently hooks spits the hook.
Apr 3, 2023 00:12:15 #
Apr 3, 2023 09:29:32 #
I'm a long way from being an expert but I do enjoy small stream fishing.
Apr 3, 2023 15:28:16 #
bezale49
Loc: Streamwood, Illinois
I too have had lots of fun fishing creeks, getting everything from channel cats to brook trout. there's something very special about stalking your Quarry and then being successful. Nice fish, by the way!
Apr 4, 2023 15:16:06 #
Jeremy wrote:
They don't seem too happy when I reel them in after my lure got too close to it's personal space. Don't seem too happy with me trying to get my bait or lure out of their mouth hoping it will work to hook it's brother...sister or buddy. I usually see a school of Sm. Mouth Bass come to boat or bank hoping whichever fish is currently hooks spits the hook.
LOL, fair point
NJ219bands wrote:
Nice 👍
Thanks man!
bezale49 wrote:
I too have had lots of fun fishing creeks, getting everything from channel cats to brook trout. there's something very special about stalking your Quarry and then being successful. Nice fish, by the way!
I completely agree, and thanks, she was a beauty!
Papa Jack wrote:
I'm a long way from being an expert but I do enjoy small stream fishing.
I'm right there with ya - love it. Not an expert. Yet :D
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