New to Forum

[Moonpath]

Hello everyone. I am new to this forum although not new to fishing.  I recently moved from spending 30 years in Northern Illinois (Dekalb, which is about 40 miles south of wisconsin) to Waterloo, IL.  I am a native of St. Louis but have not lived here for about 45 years.  I am retired.  Anyway,  I have a strong interest in fly fishing for trout and for bass, although a lot of my bass fishing is with a spinning rod.  I have a cabin in Northern WIsconsin (Minocqua and also fish for Muskie, pike and various migratory fish such as steelhead and salmon).  Anyone interested in fishing Southwest Wisconsin trout streams or such streams in SE Minnesota, or Michigan, including the UP,  I can provide a lot of perspective based on my experience.  I am looking forward to fishing Missouri trout streams again.  I do like Blue Spring Creek.  While I will fish the trout parks once in a while they are not my favorite kind of fishing.  Just too many people.  I would more likely prefer SM bass fishing in various Ozark streams.  I tie some of my flies but not dries, mainly nymphs and wet flies.  I also like to canoe, and own several.  I am also very familiar with the boundary waters and quetico if anyone has questions about those areas. I have over 20+ trips to those areas and northern Ontario.  I like camping and fishing more remote areas.   So, I hope to get to know some of you on the forum and have found the comments and posts very helpful and informative.  My best and a happy holidays to everyone.  Jerry G

[awhuber]

Welcome! This is a great forum.

[Norm M]

 I'm from Bourbonnais il, near Kankakee . you won't miss the northern il weather .

[Greasy B]

Welcome, you'll find a wealth of information about Ozark fishing by reading and searching previous threads. Southern Illinois is a wonderful place to retire to and a very good fishing destination. A 9.9 hp outboard and a boat that is light enough to launch from a dirt ramp will open up a lifetimes worth if fishing opportunities in your backyard.

Mike,

[Guest]

Deleted.

[Moonpath]

Thanks everyone.   Norm M, some Dekalb friends told me they got about 8 inches of snow a couple of days ago.  I do. Not miss that at least for now.  So, being further south does have some clear benefits. So far, I have fished some nearby small lakes by my home and they have a lot of promise.  I am looking to expand my horizons in the area.  Best to everyone.  Jerry G

[carptracker]

Jerry,

Welcome to the area, Waterloo is a great location for southern IL and MO Ozark stream fishing.  Missouri Smallmouth Alliance is good group, a great way to get to know folks and the Ozark streams (website on this forum).  Check out the newer section of Pyramid State Park in Perry Co IL.  Many long strip cuts, good ramps and you don't need a big boat (9.9 limit).  There is a good restaurant you can stop by at the World Shooting Complex (just north of Sparta) on your way back home. 

Good luck.