WILD OF THE WEEK
Paul Vriend photographed this great egret flying out of a dark bend in the DuPage River. WOTW, the celebration of wild stories and photos around Chicago outdoors, runs most weeks in the special two-page outdoors section in the Sun-Times Sports Sunday. To make submissions, email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside), Instagram (@BowmanOutside), or Bluesky (@Bowmanoutside).
DALE’S MAILBAG
"I sure wish they would have Heidecke Lake open later in the fall. It would produce some big musky. Can’t fish during the prime period is frustrating, have to go to Wisconsin." – Seth Schoonover
Heidecke would be a fall-fishing mecca if left open later for fishing. But it closes 10 days before the start of the north zone duck season. It closed Tuesday, October 8, this year.
FISH GATHERINGS
Tuesday, October 15:
Writer Mike Pehanich, "Late Fall Vibrations – Lipless Crankbaits & Blade Baits," Arlington Anglers, Poplar Creek Banquets, Hoffman Estates, 6:30 p.m., arlingtonanglers.com
Wednesday, October 16:
Multi-species guide Capt. Chris Taurisano, Fox River Valley chapter of Muskies, Inc., Schaumburg Golf Club, 7 p.m., https://www.facebook.com/groups/281138376820
Wednesday, October 16:
Mark Kubal, "Fishing Lake Michigan," South Side Muskie Hawks, Village Sportsmen’s Club, Alsip, 7 p.m., southsidemuskiehawks.org
Thursday, October 17:
All Seasons Marine owner Harry Volpika, "Winterizing your boat," Fish Tales Fishing Club, Worth Township offices, Alsip, 7 p.m., fishtalesfishingclub.com
TOURNAMENT
Saturday, October 19:
The 5th Annual Lady of the Lake Muskie Tournament, https://chicagolandmuskiehunters.org/tournament.asp, Register on the FishDonkey app, https://www.fishdonkey.com/app
WINGSHOOTING
Nov. 9:
Youth clinic & youth pheasant hunt, Iroquois SWA, Beaverville, (815) 933-1383
ILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS
Monday, October 14:
Final day, youth deer hunt
Tuesday, October 15:
Leftover Deer Firearm & Muzzleloader Permits Available OTC
Saturday, October 19:
Fall trout season opens:
Saturday, October 19:
Duck and Canada goose season, north zone, opens
Saturday-next Sunday, October 19-20:
Youth waterfowl hunt, central zone
Saturday, October 19:
Fall shotgun turkey season opens
CONCLUSION
As the seasons wind down, our attention turns to the last gasps of fishing, hunting, and shooting festivals. Heidecke Lake is a prime spot for muskie fishing, but its early closure leaves a gap in the fall fishing calendar. Making the most of the remaining fishable days, anglers can attend the various fishing gatherings and tournaments, and get ready for the next season.
FAQS
- How to submit wild stories and photos? Email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact Dale Bowman on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
- What is WOTW? WOTW, the celebration of wild stories and photos around Chicago outdoors.
- What is the purpose of DALE’S MAILBAG? Shares user questions and concerns about the Chicago outdoors.
- What is the FishDonkey app? A mobile app for registering for fishing tournaments and events.
