Chicagoans speak of “The Hawk” with a kind of reverence and dread in the same breath. The hawk is the wind that blows off Lake Michigan during the winter months. It brings a chill to the northeastern part of Illinois. But, it also brings temperatures low enough to provide safe ice to the area Forest Preserves. It brings great ice fishing.
Most of the area preserves post signs when it is not safe to walk on the ice. They also post alerts on their websites. But, is is still a good idea to exercise great care as conditions are constantly changing.
There are a number of publications and websites available from various forest preserve districts to help you in deciding where to fish. For instance, the Cook County Forest Preserve District has one that is very good. It is the annual Fishing Guide that is available on the website (www.ccfpd.com) contains maps of the various bodies of water including topographical features. It lists site specific fishing regulations applicable to the areas. A printed version of the guide is available from the district’s office at 536 N. Harlem Ave, River Forest, IL 60305 or from any of the district’s Nature Centers.
A tip for anglers venturing forth on hard water is to record the same trips made in summer. Would you fish these same locations in winter? No? Be willing to move when conditions dictate. Fish will move around. It is a good idea to drill several holes and move around the structure.
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