[Jeffrey]

So this was a while ago but I want to post something im turning 14 on may 26 and im going camping from the 27 to the 29 at Kankakee state park but I was at the fox river in aurora by a relatively deep pool using a Walmart rapala it was hot weather and I was surprised the smallie was out feeding in such hot weather I reeled in 7 bass that day anyways another question if anyone really now the Kankakee state park fishing area would you mind giving me some tips for fishing in the triple k river Im not really used to the fast waters in that area and only fished there once and caught a rockie.

 

[BarçaBoy10]

Hey Jeffrey,
The Kank is an amazing but also potentially dangerous river. I’m not sure how you plan to fish it (shore, wade, yak, etc) but I would suggest shore fishing with some sturdy rubber boots that will allow you to walk into the water and move around a bit. Make sure you’re with an adult, as simply being near a river of that power by yourself is only for more experienced fishermen.

The state park areas are all very accessible and productive despite the pressure they get, so you should be around good water.

As far as lures, 3-4” soft plastic swimbaits, soft plastic craws, small squarebill cranks, and topwater poppers/walkers (should be on by end of May) are all baits that should work. Expect to lose baits regularly, so have plenty of tackle. Spinning gear, 6’6”-7’ M rod, 8-10lb mono or 15-20lb braid with a mono/fluoro leader is your best setup.

With all the rain we’ve had and the chilly temps it’s impossible to know what phase the fish will be in but I expect the spawn to be in full swing or even tailing off. Slack water and current seams should be productive areas.

Look up the USGS website for the Kank to get the water temp and level/flow numbers. Imo and based on some good Kank fishermen I know between 2000-4000cfs is generally wadable, 4000-6000 is acceptable to wade but only close to shore.

Good luck to you!

 

[BarçaBoy10]

Here’s the USGS link. The river is blown out right now as you can see, hopefully things calm down by the time you sent up camp. Be safe!

USGS Current Conditions for USGS 05527500 KANKAKEE RIVER NEAR WILMINGTON, IL x

 

[Jeffrey]

Hey Jeffrey,
The Kank is an amazing but also potentially dangerous river. I’m not sure how you plan to fish it (shore, wade, yak, etc) but I would suggest shore fishing with some sturdy rubber boots that will allow you to walk into the water and move around a bit. Make sure you’re with an adult, as simply being near a river of that power by yourself is only for more experienced fishermen.

The state park areas are all very accessible and productive despite the pressure they get, so you should be around good water.

As far as lures, 3-4” soft plastic swimbaits, soft plastic craws, small squarebill cranks, and topwater poppers/walkers (should be on by end of May) are all baits that should work. Expect to lose baits regularly, so have plenty of tackle. Spinning gear, 6’6”-7’ M rod, 8-10lb mono or 15-20lb braid with a mono/fluoro leader is your best setup.

With all the rain we’ve had and the chilly temps it’s impossible to know what phase the fish will be in but I expect the spawn to be in full swing or even tailing off. Slack water and current seams should be productive areas.

Look up the USGS website for the Kank to get the water temp and level/flow numbers. Imo and based on some good Kank fishermen I know between 2000-4000cfs is generally wadable, 4000-6000 is acceptable to wade but only close to shore.

Good luck to you!

Thanks for the info I have fished in that area before and know of people who watched friends drown in the Kankakee river but im gonna be on shore since I know nothing of that river but I will defiantly bring a collection of baits I only fished there once and lost about 5 lures in one trip Thanks ps do you know anything of catfish fishing in that area?

 

[BarçaBoy10]

I don’t, unfortunately. Strictly a bass guy here (I saw your pic and assumed that’s the info you were looking for.)

 

[Jeffrey]

I don’t, unfortunately. Strictly a bass guy here (I saw your pic and assumed that’s the info you were looking for.)

Its ok and yes that was the info I needed thanks for the info though!

 

[mike son]

Nice one! At least you know about safety regarding that river. For catfish, the simple approach would be to throw the stinky bait of your choice in a relatively deep pool off the main current with a weight on the bottom. It's what a buddy of mine does for cats.

 

[Jeffrey]

Nice one! At least you know about safety regarding that river. For catfish, the simple approach would be to throw the stinky bait of your choice in a relatively deep pool off the main current with a weight on the bottom. It's what a buddy of mine does for cats.

Thanks for the info would you know any deep pools in the Kankakee state park area?