[jmdog2003]

I would recommend walking up and down that path looking for entry points in the spring/early summer before the growth starts filling in, or as you mentioned in the winter once the growth dies off. There are quite a few places to climb in that you don't have to worry about a steep drop, but it does take some looking. Walking the path will save you some energy versus wading directly upstream though, as there are long stretches of shin deep water to pass right up. That part of the river has some some deeps holes, so it's probably safer until you learn the layout too. Once the trees and grass grow in as the summer progresses, it'll be more work than it's worth. But there are some big fish in that area. There's a hole on the bend behind the animal hospital and one directly downstream of the Washington St. bridge. I'm not entirely sure exactly how deep, I just know because I've had to back out of both of them to prevent myself from having to doggy paddle. There are others, but those are the easiest to direct you to. The other safety thing to keep in mind is that the west branch tends to be rocky, and you want to be careful not to twist your ankle or trip/slip and fall on a rock. Personally, when I wade rocky rivers, I wear Dewalt kneepads. I've injured myself pretty good twice by smashing my knee directly on a rock, so I've learned my lesson. There are also a couple of holes downstream of Pioneer Park. It can be a stumble fest though so, again, wade slowly. I've not fished either area in the winter so I can't be much help there. But I've fished from north Naperville all the way to the confluence nine months of the year and caught fish everywhere. And I have used the micro marabou jig under a bobber with some success in other Dupage river holes.