Anyone Been To Li Lately

[Guest]

You guys don't believe the reports from D-man Games.

He caught a whole boat load (was wading though) at the power line below the dam.

He's trying to get you down to the island so he can own the power line.

I was with him that day and I didn't catch anything

I was fishing at the island using the Rob White and some buggers.

I'm through with the LI unless you guys can give me a tip on where the fish are and what they are biting.

I want to go somewhere to keep up with D-man.

He is a great fisherman but not trustworthy. I hate to rat out a fishing buddy, but this guy is always trying for an edge!!

[DaddyO]

You can, pretty much, always catch fish with Black and Silver or Red and Silver Zebra midges in size #16 or smaller drifted under a small strike indicator. Bead Head Pheasant Tails work pretty good down river in the T&M Gravel Pit area in size #14 or smaller, again under a strike indicator. Soft Hackles in sizes #16 or smaller stripped in short strips work good on the swing and in the riffles.

5x tippet is about as heavy as you should use. I use 6x and sometimes 7x depending on water clarity. I'll use 5x when stripping soft hackles or buggers.

I like fishing the Upper and the Lower Illinois. I find that I can always catch fish and have a good day whether it is fishing the upper for smallmouth or the lower for trout.

If this river is close to you, don't give up on it. However, if you have better water, like the White or Norfork rivers in Arkansas, then I wouldn't waste my time on the Lower Illinois.

My 2 cents. Good Luck and Tight Lines.

[Zach Bearden]

I'm using 4x about 80% of the time. I fish 3x for streamers. 5x is slightly rare for me.

I like to say I catch quite a few fish too. But, I don't have anything to compare that to seeing as nobody ever wants to fish with me haha

(95% of my statistics are made up btw)

[jwpage]

Hey Zach, I'll fish with ya. Just let me know when you wanna meet up. I would appreciate any tips or pointers.

Tight Lines!

John

I'm using 4x about 80% of the time. I fish 3x for streamers. 5x is slightly rare for me.

I like to say I catch quite a few fish too. But, I don't have anything to compare that to seeing as nobody ever wants to fish with me haha

(95% of my statistics are made up btw)

[Zach Bearden]

I'm down for any time. Just hit me up on here and we'll hook up.

[dgames]

You guys don't believe the reports from D-man Games.

He caught a whole boat load (was wading though) at the power line below the dam.

He's trying to get you down to the island so he can own the power line.

I was with him that day and I didn't catch anything

I was fishing at the island using the Rob White and some buggers.

I'm through with the LI unless you guys can give me a tip on where the fish are and what they are biting.

I want to go somewhere to keep up with D-man.

He is a great fisherman but not trustworthy. I hate to rat out a fishing buddy, but this guy is always trying for an edge!!

My friend, I mean former friend, arkinok is a funny guy!

I take it the 20 or 30 time I saw your rod bent and something splashing in front of you, it was just moss and sticks from the bottom. Yeah, you busted me, there are no fish whatsoever at the island by the gravel lot below the dam. It is not even worth your time to try to fish there.

[dgames]

I like to say I catch quite a few fish too.

Zach, I am guessing that is an understatement. I would put my money on you over pretty much anyone else fishing the LI! I am guessing you are pretty proficient in your major practice ground. Are you able to do pretty well Czech nymphing when the water is down? I would think it would be challenging when there is little current.

[Guest]

not trying to be tough on my friend d-man, but smoke is all you would see in front of me (smoke from the fish hightailing it away when i splash my way around the water).

thanks for the tips folks. i'll give it a try.

zach, i take it you are a better than average fisher (based on d-man's sucking up to you)

maybe i can just sit and watch sometime, no need for me to get in your way

i'll make it a point to be there.

[Zach Bearden]

Nah, I still have my rough days out here. Fish can be tricky no matter who/where you are.

But the current? Just use lighter flies. It's kinda hard through the winter because most of the time we have a good bit of wind for whatever reason.

And I'm resorting to wets much of the time anymore. They're pretty awesome in this water.