Axeiom: Unfortunately, the spot that I described before the North Park University atheletic field does require some fence climbing. You have to walk under the north end of the bridge that's northwest of the dam area, and then walk east along the north side of the west branch (head spinning yet?), and finally have to climb onto a stone ledge that's about chest high and less than a foot wide. To access the east side of the river, the easiest way is to through a whole in the fence. The ground can get very slippery, even when dry. Finally, the fishing wall that's located southwest relative to the dam is probably the easiest to access, but tends to see the most weed growth and has the shallowest water in front of it. Remember, wherever you go, watch your step. Landing a fish, no matter how big, is worth a scrape or bruise, or worse yet ...
... falling into the water. Yeah, Augy, the water definitely is pretty bad, especially compared to the forrest preserves. It certainly took me a while just getting used to the smell (which still gets to me occassionally). But the NSC has definitely improved in the last decade or so. WTTV Channel 11 just aired two excellent "river tour" documentaries.
There is a very convenient access point for canoes/kayaks right by the fishing wall on the west side of the river just south of the dam. If you do go paddling, Augy, be very careful about motor boats on the river. Just this past Tuesday, a boat went by where I was fishing at about 15-20 miles per hour, churning the water up really well and sending me scrambling for higher ground :x