This is a short and simple fishing report for my first time fishing Kankakee River State Park in Illinois. It is one of 54 locations in Illinois where the Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks farm-raised trout for recreational fishing. The full list of locations is here https://www.ifishillinois.org/programs/trout_stocking.html
The first 2 weeks of the trout opener is catch-and-release only fly fishing. After April 7, anglers can begin to take trout home, limit 5 per day.
Last weekend was my first trip to Rock Creek or Kankakee River State Park in general. Aside from the weather, it was a good trip. Sunday was a bitter cold day for spring, 28 degrees in the morning, peaking at about 38 degrees in the afternoon. Saturday might have been the worst opening day in years. I heard it snowed most of the day.
The trout are stocked right at the Deselm Rd. bridge that goes over Rock Creek. Though there are spots fish-able by shore, waders would have been very beneficial.
I caught (and released) a total of 6 trout, all rainbows. One small one, and then 5 of decent size that gave a decent fight. Below are photos of 3 of them. My hands were too cold most of the morning to have a camera ready for a nice photo.
and here is a short video of the small one
I will be back to explore more of this river!
Fly Tying
Also, this season, I have begun trying my hand at tying my own flies. I am starting with simple, and effective patterns for areas around Northern Illinois.
I started with the Classic Wolly Bugger. I did not try it on Rock Creek last weekend, but will on my next trip. They turned out very good.
As I learn to make and practice new patterns, I am tying a few dozen copies of each. I need the practice, and need the extras- surely some of them will end up snagged in a tree or decorating the bottom of the river.
I may eventually create a small online shop of flies good for Northern Illinois’ rivers.
