Henepin Canal

[David Hughes]

I could use some advice about shooting on the Henepin Canal. I am in the Lasalle-Peru area about once every 2 months. I would like to know where to shoot on the canal and where the best place is for access.

Should you use a boat or just walk the bank? Is it a good place to shoot? Does it have bigheads? Any information you could share would be great! Thanks

[bowman15]

We've shot a tourney out of Geneseo on the Hennepin. I thought it was a great place, but there's some spots that arebetter than others.I don't know much about every stretch of the canal, but I know it's loaded with carp. I'm not sure about bigheads, but I would assume that the closer you get to the Illinois, the better your chances of seeing some.

If and when I go back, I'd take my boat. Walking the bank is very productive, but you can only shoot one shore at a time. If you had a boat, naturally you'd double your chances of seeing fish. It's a great place for good numbers I think.

[Bulzeye]

I was at the Hennepin shoots too. (Sorry I missed this, been working lots of OT)
The tourneys were shore-only because it's such a great place to shoot that way. Easy walking, pretty level ground, and a nice narrow canal where2 shooters (one on each side) could cover the whole width. I'd like to put a small boat in there too. They have season dates out there. I think they start in May, but I'm not sure when they end off the top of my head.

Mostly common carp and grass carp from what I've seen pulled out. If you go by shore, have a plan for hauling your fish. There are a ton in there, and you catch a good day, you'll get tired way before you run out of shots. We've found that a garden cart works well.

I only know the area by Geneseo. There are some boat launches in the area, but you can access the walking path at any dam or bridge. It's common to see the carp hitting the surface underneath overhanging trees in the spring snatching up fallen bud covers and flower petals. They seem to become very active when the suns hits the water, but before it gets to the heat of the day.

Good luck.

If you plan a trip over there, post here if you want company. Many of us would go again if the timing is right.

[David Hughes]

Thanks for the info. If I go it will be around Hennepin close to the Illinois River. I'm going to check it out the next time I'm up there and I will let you guys know.

[Bulzeye]

Good deal.
I'd like to know more about the Eastern end o fit myself.
Keep us posted David.