Snake Den Hollow

There aren't enough days in a year to fish all the lakes and ponds at Snake Den Hollow near Victoria, IL.  But, Clif and I were successful in finding a couple that were promising.  Our plan was to arrive before sunrise to see how our scum frogs would do from the shore and then switch to rubber worms and grubs.  Instead we pulled into the parking lot about 10 minutes after.  We walked for about 20 more minutes to get to the first lake.  The fake frogs were so successful that after one uniquely targeted cast a real frog followed and mounted my fake one.  I about fell on the ground laughing.  Luckily he was able to dismount before he was seriously injured.  We continued on through the weeds and poison ivy to try a few more lakes.  Some good, some not so good.  We studied our map and made mental notes for for kayaking and portaging our next visit.

After about 6 hours of hiking and fishing Clif hooked a couple of nice largemouth and so many smaller bass, bluegill, sunfish, and crappie, (even a walleye fingerling from the boat launch) to count.  My toll was a couple of smaller largemouth and a couple bluegill.

Here's a link to Clif's most excellent article.

I Plan to Fish...

...finely.

Clif and I are rising early in the morning tomorrow to try top water from the banks of a series of small strip-mine lakes we've never been on before. The water temp should be high enough for action. We're not bringing the fly rods this time because were not sure if the banks are conducive to back casting. Besides, I think Clif feels his odds are better catching 4+ with conventional tackle. I'm not going to argue with him.