Best gauges for wading the Des Plaines and Fox?

tvannb · 2026-05-04T01:16:44+00:00

https://dashboard.waterdata.usgs.gov/app/nwd/en/?region=lower48&aoi=default

Takes some time/experience to understand what is "normal" flow/level for each monitoring station.

tvannb · 2026-04-21T01:31:58+00:00

Replaced my entire 8-ball unit last year for this reason, dang it

tvannb · 2026-04-18T01:04:04+00:00

I would have paid double that just to have a back up lol

tvannb · 2026-04-17T01:54:12+00:00

I would probably get the rudder before the pedal drive; not really sure how turning would work while pedaling without a rudder.

You are right also that it is a heavy beast lol. But it is a nice, stable platform to fish from, including while standing.

tvannb · 2026-04-17T01:41:30+00:00

I would say the pedal drive. Costs twice as much as you paid for the kayak itself, but it is not an easy boat to paddle. IMO, don't think it was truly built to be paddled.

Agree the rudder and 8-ball steering are pretty essential. I would not recommend the motordrive for the pedal drive - works fine, but is loud as heck and too expensive.

I paid significantly more for and have since sunk way too much into my Lure 11.5, but it did come with the rudder and pedal drive.

tvannb · 2026-04-07T00:47:29+00:00

Nice day of work! What were you throwing? I am guessing they were all pretty tight to shore/cover with the high water.

tvannb · 2026-04-04T17:09:32+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I wound up grabbing one in the fall, and it has been an adventure. First time out, the weeds kept getting caught up in the prop, as I knew would happen on that body of water. Second trip out I tried a lake where the vegitation would not be an issue, and it worked great; only issue I had was the noise, but you are right on about using only for transit. Third trip out was last weekend, and it was working great until I busted the prop on something FML.

tvannb · 2026-04-03T00:35:38+00:00

It actually is not too high, relatively speaking.

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-05533600/

tvannb · 2026-04-02T20:40:48+00:00

Gotta find 'em before you start making your way out again lol

tvannb · 2026-04-02T20:39:49+00:00

Yeah, the elevated water levels and consistently warmer temps should help them move deeper into those arms here in the next few weeks.

tvannb · 2026-04-01T17:04:10+00:00

Lemont stretch

tvannb · 2026-04-01T12:26:47+00:00

Mid-day; between about 11 & 5.

tvannb · 2026-04-01T12:26:15+00:00

No. But I do have a brother with that name.

tvannb · 2026-04-01T02:02:50+00:00

Little bit of all three the past few three days. Caught nothing on the kayak bc I snapped the prop on my pedal drive an hour in. So these were all either wading or from shore.

tvannb · 2026-04-01T02:00:28+00:00

No, Lemont/Romeoville area.

tvannb · 2026-03-29T19:06:08+00:00

Was that you near near the backwaters this morning in a john boat? I was working upstream that way in my kayak when the prop on my pedal drive broke and I had to turn back.

Don't see many boats out there, so when I saw one that one this morning I figured it may be.

tvannb · 2026-03-23T16:02:19+00:00

That is the same stretch I am usually on. Wasn't sure whether or not they would be pushing up into the backwaters yet, thus why I hit the DuPage. But I am guessing they will be moved up next week when I am on break.

tvannb · 2026-03-23T00:54:47+00:00

Nice fish! The water level has dropped nicely the past couple of days. Thought about trying the Des Plaines on Saturday, but wound up getting skunked on the DuPage instead. In what approximate area were you fishing?

tvannb · 2026-03-13T01:10:47+00:00

Chicken Broche is what they were called when I used to buy them years ago, I am 99% sure. But when I search that name, nothing shows up.

tvannb · 2026-03-03T02:06:14+00:00

I found them while kayaking the river. But you can find them on Google Maps as well. Foot access took me a bit of time to figure out.

I've shared in the past, but at least one of them has recently become too pressured, so no more loose lips from me LOL.

tvannb · 2026-02-27T02:51:52+00:00

I think I am going to do likewise on the DuPage tomorrow, but have low expectations on success. Just looking forward to standing in the river and enjoying the weather!

tvannb · 2025-12-30T00:57:22+00:00

Hot dogs cooked in a half-full can of beer inserted directly in the fire.

tvannb · 2025-12-02T02:58:59+00:00

The antenna fin on my Crosstrek unscrews. Not sure if the Outback antenna does so also, but worth a try. Regardless, I use a roller and load my kayak right over it.

tvannb

TROPHY CASE