Sangamon River

[David Hughes]

Does anyone shoot on the Sangamon river? I went up to riverside park with my kids today and walked the bank for about 5 minutes. I saw some good sized carp pulling under some large maple leaves that were falling in the water. Then I saw about a 30" gar swimming around. I went back to my car and got my sunglasses to block some of the reflections an glare from the water. The water was alive with big gar. I saw two that were at least 4' and a big shadow out in the middle that I couldn't make out what it was. The water is extremely muddy but it seems to be loaded with fish. Does anyone have any locations were to access near Springfield? Thisriver looks like a great place to bowfish.

[carpsniper]

4' gar! Wow. Sounds like a party to me. That big shadow might have been a bighead.

I think Rick S. shoots the Sangamon. I'm sure he can point you in the right direction.

Keep us posted.

[Johnny b]

That is also Robow7's old stompin grounds

[carpsniper]

A huge thank you to David Hughes for taking me with him on the Sangamon last night.
David has his canoe set-up really nice for night shooting. Sorry I didn't take any picturesto post.
We didn't get into the fish like we were hoping. We saw some gar and a bunch of buffs both smal and large mouth. I don't know if the weather was the the cause or not. I'm blaming it.
David has really learned put in the time to get it figured out. When we did find fish, they were just where he said they would be.
Thanks again David, for being a fantastic host and guide.

[robow7]

David,
I grewup in Decatur and so I spent my youth running up and down the Sangamon River and the Sand creeks. The only Gator gar that I have ever seen in Illinois was in the Sangamon so who knows what that shadow may have been, more likely a Bighead or flathead catfish. Nice to hear the Sangamon is still giving up some nice fish.

[David Hughes]

Your way to kind Carpsniper! With all the good things you mentioned about our evening, you forgot to tell everyone that I caused you to take a bath in the Sangamon River. You were so cool about it and didn't even get mad. Your a class act. Thanks for comming down, I wish the shooting would have been better. I think I will stick with mornings and early evenings on the river. I'm sure there are some big ones in there. I will be interviewing for a job in Austin Texas on Friday. My plan is to have a nice bowfishing boat set-up within one year. Anybody interested in gator gar and giant buffalos? I will keep in touch with IBC members. Maybe some of you can plan a trip down after I get settled in.... If I get the job!

[carpsniper]

Bath? I thought it was a Sangamon River Baptism. LOL

Seriously, good luck with your interview.