4/22/12 Blackberry Creek Dam

From the Wisconsin border to the Illinois River, some of the best and easily accessible fishing in the Chicago area.
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Ken G
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4/22/12 Blackberry Creek Dam

Post by Ken G »

There are only so many ways to get to this spot.

One is to wade across the river and hike up the creek. Out of the question since the water level was at 2000 cfs at that point.

Another is to canoe or kayak across the river and head up the creek. Don't have either of those, so that's out.

Lastly, fish from the closed, collapsing bridge. I can do that. So what if you're a good 15 feet above the water.

At the last dam removal meeting, I talked to the DNR, Army Corps and the top people at the treatment plant about fishing from the bridge. No problems with any of it. Some were quite curious.

So I did on Sunday.

Got 6 smallies, a largemouth and one green sunfish. Took a couple of shitty pictures, this being one of them.

Image

They must freak out when you haul them up through the air like that.

Four of the smallies got released above the 10 foot tall dam. Been doing that for at least 12 years. HnG reports catching the occasional smallie up there.

By the end of the year, no more problem with fish migrations.

Goodbye dam and good riddance.
Ken G
Stand still like the hummingbird.
http://www.waterdogjournal.com
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