river in illinois 6-29

[Norm M]

River is finally at normal flow , couldn't wade to every where I wanted to get but got to enough of them . Emergent veggies present but not a problem. No algae issues encountered .

Over 11 hours out there in waders , longest trip in a long time . My legs are screaming, I am going to pay for this but it was worth it . 

Pattern was simple , bass were feeding on craws, fish a crankbait slowly on the bottom and catch fish. Go to a spot, fancast the area and move downriver to repeat. The smallmouth were everywhere on the cobblestone flats from right off shore to out as far as I could cast . I also got fish around islands, humps, bridge abutments and riffle areas . I used Bandit 200's and 300's so I could maintain bottom contact while moving the crank as slow as I needed to . 

I broke the century mark in numbers which is why I stayed out so long . When the fish are turned on like they were all day , I was not quitting until these old bones could not take it any more . 

Like I said , I'll pay for this over the next few days physically but emotionally , spiritually and mentally it was worth it .

[rps]

This is a fantasy or dream day you are describing, right?

 

[Norm M]

This was one of those magical days that happen once in a while if you put enough time in on the water. 

The last time something like this happened for me had to be at least a decade ago . 

Curious thing is that this time every fish came on a crankbait and then every fish came on a spinnerbait . Something to be said for fishing aggressively , I guess .

[snagged in outlet 3]

I started using those bandits in the brown/orange color this spring and man did they produce.  Better than a wart or KVD.