The Fox Chain has 9 major lakes with other smaller lake access. The Fox river enters into Grass Lake and exits from Pistakee lake. There are also many channels and creeks that flow through the chain that provide refuge and great fishing during peak pleasure boating hours. Many of my best catches have come from these areas when main lake boating traffic is heavy.
TOO MANY BOAT'S YOU SAY???.... Try Taking a break from your busy schedule and spend a calm day on the North Fox River. The river has little traffic and great fishing throughout the season. There are times when you will travel from the state line to Grass lake without seeing another boat. The DNR has designated the river a "No Wake" zone north of the Fox Chain which keeps weekend traffic to a minimum. This picture was taken on a Saturday morning in June as our party of three boats left the dock for some fishing and general relaxation. The Chain is more than just a powerboat playground, it's Illinois nature at its' best.
Spring and Fall seasons are less crowded. Temperatures are lower and fish are generally more active. The springtime post spawn bite can be awesome and many species put on their feeding bags when the water temperatures start dropping in the fall. There is also a great evening bite if you decide to hit the water after work. Just make sure you bring your jacket, the evenings can become quite cool.
Tag-Along boats are welcome if you choose to share your adventure with other friends or family members. We offer radio communication between boats and will fish areas together. This is helpful when a party member may have their own boat or extra people. Tag-along boats may use their GPS units to track routes or mark areas that will be fished. So enjoy the beauty and wildlife on the Fox Chain & North Fox River with JD who has over 40 years experience on the chain. Walleye's, Bass, Crappie, Blue Gill are plentiful along with other species that can be caught from March through November.
Whether you are an experienced fisherman or a rookie, JD will share his knowledge and experience to put fish in the boat. The Fox Chain has over 6000 acres of water with many areas that will produce quality catches throughout the open water season. You will be shown many different techniques that work not only on the Fox Chain but many other bodies of water. Weather, water temperatures, water levels, and pleasure boat traffic can be negatives when out on the water but JD has the knowledge to beat the odds and fill the cooler with filet's or a camera full of pictures if you C&R. If you choose to keep some fish, Size and bag limits will be strictly adhered to however, You will not be persuaded in anyway to keep or not keep your legally caught fish. No one can guarantee a good catch everyday but JD will do his best to locate and put fish in the boat and if he doesn't, Your next trip is FREE!!!! One never knows what will be at the other end of the line on any given day but we'll give it all we got!!! Whether it will be a livewell full of Slab Crappie.......
.........OR a 27 inch Walleye !!!! From the river, JD will show you the techniques!!
Walleye caught April, 2005
Since catching my first fish nearly 45 years ago, my passion for this sport continues to grow. Raised on the Fox Chain O' Lake's in Northeastern Illinois, my family owned their own resort with boat rentals for fisherman. I didn't think of myself as "lucky" when the other kids were enjoying their summer vacations and I was cleaning, rigging and renting rowboats to our customers six days a week but the knowledge I gained is now cherished. Being closed one day a week allowed time to get out on my own rowboat powered by a 9 1/2 hp Evinrude which my parents bought us to explore and fish the Fox Chain. I am still fishing the Chain to this day. As time went on, my love for fishing continued to grow. My specie of choice became apparent. It was the Walleye!!! Yes all fish are fun to catch and many times I've enjoy hooking into a load of Crappie, White Bass and even Blues Gill. I still enjoy Catfishing and can't complain about the fight of a large Carp. Muskie, Northern Pike and Bass are also worthy of their power and tackle busting ability but the walleye will always remain my favorite.
Some call it a passion, others an obsession. I call it enjoying the outdoors which are available to all of us throughout the year. Too much time is spent in front of TV sets and Computer screens when one can be enjoying the outdoors. There is nothing more beautiful than nature. There is nothing more fulfilling than fishing and sharing knowledge with others about the outdoors.
The Fox Chain which was once a nice fishery, suffered through the 50's, 60's and 70's with poor water quality due to pollution from boaters and industry. A secondary Problem of over-harvest by anglers was common. The Chain has come a long way since then. Organizations like the IDNR and FOX WATERWAY AGENCY have addressed these previous issues with stocking programs, clean up projects and educating the public on the damages that were being inflicted on a beautiful body of water. The Chain is now better than I can ever remember seeing it. Fishing continues to improve with large numbers of predator fish that were small in numbers only 30 years ago. The Lotus Beds that had all but disappeared have began to cover many of the bays and channels as they did years ago. Wildlife is now abundant and is commonly seen along the banks throughout the Fox Chain and River.
Although populated on summer weekends, the Fox Chain and North River System is a great fishery today and hopefully will remain that way with good management and the popularity of Catch & Release fishing by many anglers. I am not and never have been a "Pro or Tournament" angler but have extensive knowledge of this body of water which will be shared with you in the future. I look forward to offering a quality fishing experience to all who choose to spend a day taking in the natural beauty, wildlife and fishing that is available so close for everyone here in Illinois.
