Tips & Tricks

Here is some great insight from Ray Thompson regarding the just released IDNR Creel Report:

Summary Report on the
2009 Illinois Muskie Creel Survey
by Ray Thompson
Chairman, Illini Muskies Alliance
This year, the Illinois Voluntary Muskie Creel Survey was supplemented by additional data
provided by the Muskies, Inc. members only contest. The MI data provided information on 919 muskies from 30” to 50.5” in 2009. After sorting duplicate entries, a total of 1,261 (the most ever) muskies were used as the data base for the annual report. This year’s survey has a great shot of Scott Bartell, a fisheries technician with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources holding a 51.25" muskie netted from the Fox Chain of Lakes
.Actually, the survey gives information on a total of 12,193 muskies from 1987 through 2009, from 66 bodies of water. This article will concentrate on the 2009 results and a comparison of the top Illinois muskie bodies of water for the past twenty three years. To obtain a free copy of the fact-jammed, 22 page, complete study, write the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271.
Typically, the reported catches have increased each year as the fishery has developed, since 1987, when the survey started. The average number of hours fished between muskie catches has also decreased. In 2009, time between catches averaged a little over 13 hours. Overall, the fishery continues to improve, largely due to the practice of catch and release, which started at 75% in the late 1980s and has increased to around 100% for the last several years.
When analyzing the survey, you must remember that participation is voluntary. Many fish go
unreported, due largely to ignorance of the survey, or personal efforts to keep catches secret from the public. The IMA continues to support and promote the survey through education and articles like this one. The IMA has asked for participation by its member organizations in reporting Illinois muskie catches for their members. We have also asked the IMTT and PMTT professional muskie tournaments held in Illinois waters to mandate creel survey participation in their contest rules. In 2009 the IMA, with a generous donation from Tri-Esox, provided 100 Creel aluminum survey signs for posting at boat ramps, concessions, etc.
Participation in the survey is easy. Funds are partially provided by the IMA. Simply fill out a postage paid "Green Card" for any size muskie captured, available at local concession stands, bait shops or state park offices and drop it in the mail. The following year, you'll receive an updated copy of the report, a certificate, suitable for framing and a muskie release pin. If you can't locate a "Green Card", write the IDNR, or contact one of the eleven IMA member organizations.
Each year the IMA recognizes the angler who catches, releases and registers the largest entry in the creel survey. The anglers catch must be recognized by one of the IMA member organizations. The IMA decided several years ago to honor the biggest entry each year in order to promote the survey and the IMA organizations. Unfortunately, the angler with the largest muskie captured in Illinois is not always the recipient of the trophy. The IMA trophy for the largest verified muskie capture in 2009 went to Colby Simms for his 51"- Kinkaid Lake release.
The report lists 31 bodies of water reporting muskie captures in 2009, as compared to 29 in 2008. Of those, 26 of the bodies of water produced 36" or larger muskies, 21 produced 42" or larger muskies, 12 produced 45" or larger muskies, 4 produced 48" or larger muskies and 2 produced 50" or larger muskies.
The following bodies of water reported muskies in the 2009 survey:
Banner Marsh
Carlton
Chopper
Countryside
Crystal
Double T
Evergreen
Fox Chain
Fox River
Galena
Heidecke
Independence Grove
Indian Creek
Island Lake
Kaskaskia River
Kinkaid
Linden
Loon
McMaster
Mingo
Otter
Pana
Pierce
Prairie
Shabbona
Shelbyville
Spring (North)
Sterling
Storey
Waterford
Not named
The top bodies of water (for all size fish) followed by the percentage of all fish reported in the survey, in order of productivity were:
Fox Chain-41.8
Kinkaid-20.9
Spring (North)-5.6
Kaskaskia River-5.4
Pierce-4.8
Shabbona-4.7
The top bodies of water followed by the percentage of all fish 36" or larger reported in the survey were:
Fox Chain-44.7
Kinkaid -20.0
Kaskaskia River-8.0
Shabbona-4.5
Spring (North)-3.1
Shelbyville -2.0
The top bodies of water followed by the percentage of all fish 42" or larger reported in the survey were:
Fox Chain-31.5
Kinkaid-31.5
KaskaskiaRiver-10,3
Shabbona-3.6
Shelbyville -3.0
Spring (North)-3.0
The top bodies of water followed by the percentage of all fish 45" or larger reported in the survey were:
Kinkaid-41.3
Fox Chain-31.0
Kaskaskia River-6.8
Prairie-5.1
The top lakes followed by the percentage of all fish 48" or larger reported in the survey were:
Fox Chain-50.0
Kinkaid-30.0
Kaskaskia River-10.0
Shabbona-10.0
The following lakes produced 50" or larger muskie reported in the survey:
Kinkaid-51”
Fox Chain-50.5” & 50”

Finally, the data provided in the survey yielded the following information for the six most productive Illinois muskie lakes from 1987 through 2009.

On behalf of the IDNR and the IMA, I’d like to thank MI for their assistance in providing the additional data.

The IDNR recently set trap nets on North Spring Lake to collect muskies. Here is the report on their efforts:

“Set 36 trap nets on north Spring Lake to capture brood muskie.  They ran the nets March 15 through the 20, and collected a total of 79 females, 187 males and 45 immature muskie. Spawns were taken from 17 females, which produced 824,773 eggs.  The largest female spawned weighed approximately 27-28 pounds and produced 81,872 eggs.  While the average female weighed 16.20 pounds after spawning, and produced 48,516 eggs.  Most of the fry should swim-up and start to feed around April 12-15.”

The Land of Lincoln has become the Land of the 50” Muskie. Check out IMA Chairman Ray Thompson’s informative article on verified 50” inch fish in Illinois.

Here is an update from Wayne Herndon of the IDNR regarding the 2010 trap nets set on Spring Lake North. The nets were pulled on March 19th.

“We pulled the nets off North Lake today -

 We started setting with 10 test nets last Sunday and increased them to 27 nets on Monday.

Results as follows:                                   Males                    Females

        3/15/10  - 49    F.                                  50                          5
        3/16/10  - 49.5 F.                                  65                         20
        3/17/10  - 49.5 F.                                  28                         29
        3/18/10  - 50   F.                                   25                         42
        3/19/10  - 50   F.                                   24                         24

                Totals  --------------------------------  192 --------------------   120

 118 net nights = 2.64 fish per net night for MUE   - 312 fish
only 2 carp were collected  = 0.017 fish per net night for CAP
Jake Wolf has about 700,000 eggs up and all fish are being returned to the lake today.”

After attending the Chicago Muskie Show and the Milwaukee Muskie Show I have seen some new baits that you need to check out.

Phantom Lures

Phantom Lures has 4 new baits coming joining its awesome lineup in 2010.
They are taking orders for a new 12” Phantom in both standard and softail models. This bait is going to be a “must have” for all you big bait junkies. I got to throw it in the tank at Milwaukee and was REALLY impressed with it!!
Phantom Lures will also be releasing in 2010 a 4” Phantom. I have been looking forward to this bait for a long time! The prototype looks amazing. Bass, saltwater as well as muskie and pike fishermen are going to LOVE this bait. It will also be available in regular and softail models.
Todd Cleveland has also decided to bring back the Deep Phantom. These were a limited run a few years ago and they are being brought back due to popular demand. They run down to about 8 feet or more. These also worked flawlessly and effortlessly in the tank at Milwaukee.
The final addition is one I have been asking for and now it is available. The 8” Super Viper topwater bait is now available in a softail version. It worked like a dream in the tank. If you have never fished a Viper then you are missing using one of the easiest to use “walk the dog” style baits on the market. All the baits will be available sometime in 2010.

Rubberhairy Tackle

Eric Larsen has come out with an awesome new hand poured plastic bait called the Twisted Tullabee. Checkout this underwater footage!!
It has a 5” body and twin 8” tails. This will be a very versatile bait. It can be fished as a swimbait or in short hops, long pulls and even bulged along the surface. It is offered in a myriad of colors and Eric is always willing to make custom colors for you.

NazeBaits

I saw Corey Nazer doing a tank demo of his Livid Fish. It is a crankbait that also works as a jerkbait. I loved the action and the buoyancy. It trolls down to 18’ and cranks back down to 8’ or so. Go to their site and checkout the pool demo footage.

Lee Lures

Lee Tauchen has come up with a new super-sized version of his popular Water Chopper topwater prop bait. The Water Chopper HD. This baby is big, bad and loud!! It really throws some water!!

Monster Lures

Monster Lures was doing some work in the tank with a new crankbait they hope to be releasing by Summer 2010. It is a skirted crankbait and it was truly amazing. I will post more information as soon as I get it. You will definitely have to have one of these!!!!

Kurt’s Island Sportshop

Kurt has an amazing selection of custom colored baits. I couldn’t get over all the different choices…Cranes, Big Game, Bobbies, ESOX Research, Suicks and more. You need to check these out!!!!

Bobbie Bait Co.

Check out the new “Jointed Shiner” from the Bobbie Bait Co. It is one sweet looking crankbait.

Check out a great new topwater bait designed to be fished in heavy weeds and slop. It is called the Bullfrog from Renegade Lures.

Make sure you watch the demo video 

Contact Mike Heath at (715) 266-4203 for more information.

Here is a new offering for 2010 from Phantom Lures. It is a hand-made presentation tackle box available in oak, cherry, maple and black walnut! It will be a limited edition and each box will be individually numbered. The cost for the box is $399. If you purchase one of these boxes you will also receive a limited edition Phantom Lure made from black walnut. What a beautiful way to display your antique and collectible lures! Contact Todd Cleveland at Phantom Lures- Telephone (763) 951-2902 or phantomlures1@comcast.net

Here are some great tips on How to Release Muskies from Muskies, Inc.  

Award winning sculptor Andy Schumann is offering another great piece of muskie art.

This piece would make a great gift for a muskie enthusiast. The cost is $62.50 plus shipping.

Contact Andy for information.

“What is the best numbers body of water for muskie in Illinois ?”

To answer your question on the most productive body of water for muskie in Illinois is not cut and dried. Statistics may not lie but statisticians certainly can mask the truth. The following statistics are from the 1987-2008 Illinois Voluntary Muskie Creel Survey with my own comments.

For instance, let’s look at the total number of muskie catches from the top 7 lakes, followed by the percentage of all fish reported in the survey (for all fish sizes, including fish from tailwaters).

Kinkaid-2,281-21%
Fox Chain-2,027-19%
Shelbyville-1,671-15%
Carlton-850-8%
Shabbona-784-7%
Heidecke Lake-653-6%
Spring (North)-607-6%

Perhaps the average number of hours between catches (any size fish) is the ideal criteria to establish the most productive muskie lake in Illinois (as Dale seems to be indicating). However, lakes as low as half an hour between catches, such as Forest Lake, which had only one fish reported, are not included. So, let’s look at the top 7 lakes (does not include tailwaters) in this category.

Spring (North)-5.2
McMaster-9.8
Shelbyville-12.0
Shabbona-13.4
Evergreen-14.0
Kinkaid-14.1
Heidecke Lake-15.2

But, most anglers don’t want to catch just any size fish, so, if we look at the numbers (by percentage, with more than 100 fish reported, excluding tailwaters) of muskies ≥ 36”, the top 7 lakes are:

Shelbyville-.62%
Kinkaid-58%
Evergreen-54%
Fox Chain-49%
Otter-40%
Carlton-36%
Shabbona-31%

Lastly, if we look at the 7 bodies of water as far as productivity (the most muskies ≥ 36” captured per acre) we can gleam some surprising information:

Carlton-4.03
Shabbona-.771
Evergreen-.203
Otter-.178
Fox Chain-.145
Shelbyville-.066
Kinkaid-.048

So, take your pick, which statistic is the most meaningful to you?

Thanks to Ray Thompson providing all this information!!!!

Here is another great online source of information about muskie fishing. It is Learningtofish.com

They have lots of great muskie fishing articles plus tons of other information for all anglers!

One of my top 5 baits for muskie fishing is the spinnerbait. It is a great lure for beginners and professionals alike. It is a versatile lure that works in many situations. People routinely ask what lures they should purchase when they just start out muskie fishing. My response is that a spinnerbait is my choice for their first bait. It is the first lure I give to a novice muskie fisherman when guiding. It is hard to get snagged in flooded timber and comes thru most weeds with ease. One of my favorite spinnerbaits in the School N' Shad from Simms Tackle. It is different from other spinnerbaits in that it has 3, 4 or 5 blades. It really puts out flash and has a different vibration from other spinnerbaits. Also give the Hatchet Shad a try with its 3 counter rotating hatchet blades. Give these or one of the other Simms Tackle creations a try and you won’t be disappointed!!

School N' Shad

Hatchet Shad

We are always looking for something to help us catch fish. Sometimes it isn’t a lure or rod but a different kind of tool. Larry Dozard has a neat calendar that shows peak fishing times based on the Moon and its phases. While it doesn’t guarantee you will catch fish it does help you decide what times may be more productive. We all agree that any time you can get out fishing is a great time but all fishing times are not equal and fish are more active at predictable times. The wall calendar also includes money saving coupons. The wall calendar sells for $10 and they also offer a convenient pocket size version for $4.50. Order the combo for $13. Larry has been doing these calendars for years and you will want to start getting them every year. For more info visit Larry’s Fishing Hole On The Web

Here is a creative way to promote Catch and Release and be able to show off your trophy! The folks at Hunting Pins.com can take your picture and make it into a high quality pin for your hat or fishing jacket. It is a great way to show off your catch and it makes a very special gift for the person that has just caught their first muskie. The buttons are 2” in diameter and look great! The cost is just $9.99….much cheaper than a graphite reproduction!!! For more information visit Hunting Pins.com.

www.illinoismuskies.com contributor and friend muskie guide Duane Landmeier has a great instructional video out called “Muskies-When-Where- How with Duane Landmeier”.

Learn some of Duane’s secrets to consistently catch muskies. It will help the novice as well the veteran muskie chaser. He is offering them to our viewers for only $10 each!! Mention www.illinoismuskies.com when you order! For only $10 order one for yourself and one as a gift for your favorite muskie nut!

For more information visit the Mainly Muskie Guiding Service website.

I have novice muskie fisherman ask me all the time about what rods to use for muskie. Usually they have a heavy bass rod and ask if that will work. My standard reply is always “You can use muskie rods for muskie and bass but a bass rod is not designed to handle a muskie”. A flippin’ stick is close but most still won’t do the job. I then explain that a muskie rod can be a versatile fishing tool even when not fishing for muskie. I use my 8’ muskie rod when flippin’ for bass. I use my 6’9” jerkbait rod for throwing frog baits over slop and other weeds. You can really horse a bass out of the slop with that rod! I can also use my muskie rods for stripers, catfish and even saltwater fishing. I have caught snook, redfish, mackerel and grouper with my muskie outfits. Don’t be afraid to get yourself an outfit designed for muskies because you can use it for other applications since most fisherman target more than one species!

Your net is a vital tool when muskie fishing. If you are targeting muskies then get a net designed for muskies. A decent sized toothy critter can destroy a net not designed to hold muskies or other large fish. One issue with muskie nets is that they take up too much room and always seem to be in the way. StowMaster has a great solution to the space problem plus have designed a net that holds up to big fish. Check out their TS116Y net.  It has heavy duty nylon netting with fish-friendly knot-free design. Net Bag is 48" deep with a specially coated “Hooks-Less™” netting and is small meshed to protect fins. But the best part is that it folds down for easy storage!!! You can even get a storage cover for your net. Give the TS116Y a try for muskies and check out their great folding nets for all species of fish.

Here is an awesome new website to check out! Hook and Hunt TV. Our good friend Jim Crowley and his Outdoor Team have put together some great videos for the outdoorsman. Visit it regularly to see what new adventures the H & H TV crew has for us now!

Check out the great article on muskie fishing from our friends at ILFishing.com!!!!

Kevin has some great information available on Illinois fishing opportunities!!!

Looking for a great way to pass the cold days of winter or the dog days of summer? Here are 2 books for you to enjoy from Kinkaid Lake guide Al Nutty. Check out “Tales from the Guide Boat”. It is full of stories from his years of guiding. Funny yet insightful! This will be a book you will want to share with your buddies!! To learn everything you ever wanted to know about Kinkaid Lake then get a copy of “Kinkaid Lake the “Reel” Deal”. This book is great no matter what species you fish for! 

For more info, CLICK HERE

Make sure you try Cortland’s new braided line called Master Braid. I have switched to it after using another braid for 10 years. I like the feel of the line and the way it casts plus the fact it doesn’t absorb water. Do yourself a favor and check it out!!!!  For more information click here:  Cortland Master Braid

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