Carp are spawning near Joliet 5/26

Bulzeye · 05-27-2008, 03:17 PM

Got out yesterday for some wading on the Des Plaines by Joliet.

The water temp in the shallows was 72F, and the carp were snuggling up next to each other and flopping around with their backs out of the water.
I almost felt like I was intruding.

Also saw buffs hanging in quiet pools, and lots of rolling longnose gar on the edge of the current. The gar were tough since they were small and dove quickly, but I got 2 carp and 2 buffsafter I gave up on the gar.

suckersticker · 05-27-2008, 03:27 PM

where did get out at. over in the conservation area where we waded on saturday? I think i might get out tomorrow depending on how much more it rains.

Bulzeye · 05-27-2008, 03:37 PM

Upstream from there, over by the Brandon Road lock and dam on the south side of Joliet. Wading. I'll PM you with my cell# so we can talk details.

Fishpoint and I have been there together a fewtimes.
In fact, I found out he was there earlier the same day, but his fish wouldn't stay on the arrows.If you get bigger fish in that current, you will get a fair amount of pull-offs if you don't getthem in quick.

suckersticker · 05-27-2008, 03:52 PM

Ok sent you a PM. Just give me a call next time ya head out. I might be able to meet up with ya.

bowman15 · 05-27-2008, 05:14 PM

I wish I could have joined you. My inlaws were over THE WHOLE DAY. Any day fishing is a better day than what I had....

fishpoint · 05-27-2008, 07:43 PM

Steve - youmight try inviting your In-laws to the Brandon Rd. Lock and Dam!

Bulz gave me a call yesterday and we missed each other by about 40 minutes. I shot two nice buffalo only to have them pull off. I had one carp almost run me over while walking the south bank. I enjoyed watching the gar surface time and time again but, like Bulz, I didn't get off a shot.

Went back home and took the wife to the Brookfield Zoo.

Bulzeye · 05-27-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

I enjoyed watching the gar surface time and time again but, like Bulz, I didn't get off a shot.

I did get offsome shots, andeven hit a few, but I was experimenting with a measley 20# bow and it wouldn't get through the scales -just pushed them around or made them jump.

Turns out for carp and buffs at wading distances and wading depths, it works just fine. Hit all 4 fish solidly near the middle either above or below the spine and all penetrated completely. It was no match for the gar though, even with a brand new gar tip.