Austin Wiggerman Fox Chain IL report

This spring is shaping up to be one of the best I’ve seen in a few years considering the issues with water levels and bad clarity during the month of April. Water levels are back to normal and temps have become steady around 60 degrees with afternoons and wind blown areas concentrating the warmest water by the end of each day. Most fish seem to have completed their routine attempt of spawn and changed their attitudes toward feeding.

Lots of fish still using weeds associated with spawning areas and depending upon their attitude, anything from smaller blades and Topwater to a slower twitch bait have taken fish recently. Transition zones on the route from back bays to the main lake have held lots of active fish as of late. Hitting spots like these multiple times throughout the day can be productive with the amount of traveling these fish are doing during this post spawn phase. Smaller baits have been consistent but don’t be afraid to dabble into large 7-10” lures as a slower, easy big meal has produced some of the larger fish in the period for me over the last few years.

Austin Wiggerman