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A packed Torry Gymnasium in Washington for the first day of the Tournament of Champions. | Michael O’Brien/Sun-Times

Scores, highlights and analysis of Tuesday’s games.

WASHINGTON, IL–When a high school player commits to Duke, he knows what he is in for. It brings special attention and all the good and bad that comes along with that kind of intense observation.

Washington fans packed their hometown gym on Tuesday. It was the start of the their major local event, the Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions, and the season debut of the Washington Panthers.

And there was a Duke recruit in the house–Yorkville Christian’s Jaden Schutt.

The 6-6 senior opened the game with a dunk. It was a set play to free him up along the baseline. Simeon used to run something similar to start games back in the Derrick Rose era.

The first quarter was close but then the Mustangs built a lead. Schutt dunked some more, hit a few threes and blocked shots. All with a playful smile. It was easy to picture him as the jock villian in some 1980s teen movie.

And it turns out that’s exactly what Schutt had in mind.

“That’s what basketball is about, these kinds of crows,” Schutt said.” It’s something you always look forward to as a kid, playing in a packed gym against the home team and getting to be the villians and just kind of having fun with that.”

Schutt finished with 27 points and six rebounds in the 92-69 win. Everyone knows he’s going to be one of the state’s top players. But what about the rest of the Mustangs?

Senior KJ Vasser had an eye-opening game. He was 8 for 11 from three-point range and scored 27.

“KJ has been in the gym with me early mornings and late nights,” Schutt said. “We get a lot of shots up. The whole team does. It really showed tonight with the way we were able to space the floor.”

Senior Tyler Burrows and junior David Douglas each added 15.

“That crowd was crazy for the first game of the season,” Vasser said. “They were yelling at us as soon as we ran out there.”

Yorkville Christian likes to play fast and shoot quickly. The Mustangs were 15 for 28 from three-point range. That kind of shooting can cover up a lot of flaws. They only grabbed two rebounds in the first quarter and were out-rebounded 40-19 in the game.

Interior defense was also a problem. The Pathers went on a little run in the third quarter when they realized they could score in the post rather easily.

Schutt stepped up and stopped that in the fourth quarter. And he was the player that started grabbing boards in the second quarter.

“[Schutt] can do that,” Yorkville Christian coach Aaron Sovern said. “He’s got a little nasty streak in him.”

Schutt is talented enough to do just about whatever Yorkville Christian needs. Typical of a Duke recruit.

“It’s almost like I’m the tallest guy on the team,” Schutt joked. “But that’s one thing we really have to focus on, boxing out. We are small so we have to grind things out down there.”

It was a very successful debut in a tough environment. A solid start for a team with big goals this season. But Mustangs coach Aaron Sovern wasn’t satisfied.

“I told the guys we didn’t play well but every time they punched we answered with a combo,” Sovern said.

Yorkville Christian will face Kankakee on Wednesday morning. Kays coach Chris Pickett says he’ss missing nine players that are still with the football team. So it is unknown just how much of a challenge Kankakee will be able to muster.

Tuesday’s top games

St. Rita 76, Urbana 47: This was the other game tonight in Washington involving local teams. I watched the first three quarters before I had to start writing. Melvin Bell was excellent in his high school basketball debut and Morez Johnson is a special player. More on the Mustangs tomorrow. They play a team from Wisconsin at 1:30.

Glenbrook South 79, Jacobs 32: Cooper Noard had six three pointers and 30 points and Nick Martinelli scored 17. This duo needs a nickname.

Oswego East 55, Hinsdale Central 52: Kind of a big win for Oswego East? Hinsdale Central is so well-coached and tough. Patrick Robinson scored 15 and Mekhi Lowery added 14. Emerson Eck led the Red Devils with 17.

Beecher 65, Peotone 47: The Bobcats are 2-0. Adyn MicGinley had 22 points and five steals but the big news in this one is Duane Doss. The senior had 21 points, which gives him more than 1,000 for his career. That’s extra impressive considering covid limited Beecher to just nine games last season.

Evanston 53, Libertyville 51: Freshman Yaris Irby hit the game-winner and scored seven. David Gieser, Prince Adams and Rashawn Bost each scored 10.

Neuqua Valley 62, Oswego 28: That’s an impressive margin. Jayden Dean and Chris Srbinov each scored 12 for the Wildcats.

Lake Forest 78, Bulls Prep 25: Massive game for Asa Thomas. The junior scored 40. Alex Forowycz added 14 and Sam Gibson had seven points and seven assists. The Scouts face St. Ignatius tomorrow. Should be a really good one.

Mount Carmel 68, Buffalo Grove 58: Deandre Craig opens his junior year by scoring 32 points. Anthony Ciaravino added 11. Adidas Davis led Buffalo Grove with 17.

Carmel 68, North Lawndale 60: Eye-opening win for the Corsairs, who are 2-0.

Glenbard West 73, Glenbard North 32: Braden Huff and Paxton Warden each scored 22 and Billy Durkin added 15.

Simeon 89, King 15: Debated on putting this one in the notebook, but Simeon’s opener has to be noted. It’s a shame for the Jaguars. Miles Rubin had 18 points, nine rebounds and five blocks in his debut with the Wolverines. Jaylen Dran added 15 points and five steals.

Oak Park 73, U-High 69: A close one but the Huskies survive the opner. Sam Lewis scored 24 and Justin Mullins added 20 points.

Lincoln-Way East 77, Fenger 68: George Bellevue is a name to remember. He impressed me last season. Had 21 points tonight. Fenger must be pretty good, tough games two nights in a row to open the season.

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Warm up this winter and dash through the snow—or what remains of our fall leaves—with the return of the Santa Hustle race series. After a year away from in-person merriment, the Santa Hustle is back live for its 13th anniversary Saturday, Dec. 4 at Soldier Field.

Santa Hustle includes a 5K (3.1 miles) and Kids Dash (about 0.5 miles),  welcoming runners and walkers alike. It’s not your average race—the holiday-themed run can be a parade of sprinting Santas, dashing reindeer, and speedy elves. The Grinch might even make an appearance!

Gear Up in Full Santa Swag

The festive magic begins with your transformation. Santa’s gift bag is full of fun festive swag. All Kids Dash participants receive a Santa hat, Santa beard, and finisher ribbon. All 5K participants receive a fit performance full-zip hoodie, Santa beard, Santa hat, and finisher medal. 

When you register, you can also opt for extra festive packages as add-ons, including

Mrs. Claus Package

Red Tutu
Arm Warmers
Candy Cane Socks
Two Face Tattoos

Full Santa Suit Package

Santa Coat
Santa Pants

Long Sleeve Shirt Package

Classic Long Sleeve Santa Shirt

Short Sleeve Shirt Package

Short Sleeve Santa Shirt

All add-on packages will be an additional cost ranging from $9.95 to $19.95.

The fun and festive costumes are one of the best parts of the Santa Hustle. As expected from a holiday-themed race, runners of all ages take dressing up seriously, so have fun with it! You might be chasing after a Christmas tree for presents, or A snowman could be rolling along the course with you.

Registration is open now. Entry for the 5K is $44.99 through Dec. 3 and $60 on race day. Entry for the Kids Dash is $10 through Dec. 3 and $20 on race day. The Kids Dash is recommended for “hustlers” under the age of 10.

Packet Pickup

Pre-race packet pickup will be available at these locations:

Road Runner Sports Kildeer

20291 N Rand Rd, Kildeer, IL 60074

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021

12-7 p.m.

Road Runner Sports Chicago

1435 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642

Friday, Dec. 3, 2021

12-7 p.m.

Packet pickup will also be available on race day, Dec. 4 from 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Soldier Field Stadium Green under the white tents—be prepared for long lines.

Race Day

The Kids Dash starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9 a.m.

You’ll find all your life essentials along the 5K course, including cookie, candy, and water stations. If the sweets don’t get you going, the holiday music will! The course will be blasting with merry tunes to keep spirits bright.

Celebrate afterward with family, friends, and fellow “hustlers” at the after party at Navy Pier. Bring your race bib for food and drink specials and show off your medal!

PS: The 5K finisher medal includes a detachable ornament to further show off your accomplishment. Nothing’s stopping you from hanging the whole medal on your tree though—just sayin’.

Have Fun and Do Good

This year, Santa Hustle Chicago is supporting Cal’s Angels, a pediatric cancer foundation that grants wishes, raises awareness, and funds research to help kids fighting cancer. Since its founding in April, 2007, Cal’s Angels have been granting wishes, raising awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer.

Over the years, the organization has raised over $7.5 million from generous donors and supporters, bringing unbelievable amounts of hope and support to thousands of pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Featured Image Credit: Santa Hustle Series

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Michael Kelly, right, is sworn in as the new state representative for the 15th District on the Northwest Side and surrounding suburban areas. | Rachel Hinton/Chicago Sun-Times

Seven Democratic committeepersons — and one who voted by proxy — backed Chicago firefighter Michael Kelly to serve the remainder of former state Rep. John D’Amico’s term in the Illinois House.

A group of Democratic Party officials representing the Northwest Side and neighboring suburbs decided Tuesday to fill the vacant seat of a former state representative and member of a Chicago political dynasty with a firefighter who has served as a foot soldier to that family.

Choosing from a crowded field of candidates, seven Democratic committeepersons — and one who voted by proxy — backed Chicago firefighter Michael Kelly to serve the remainder of former state Rep. John D’Amico’s term in the Illinois House, a position the Democratic lawmaker has held since 2004.

Kelly will represent a district that includes all or parts of the Edgebrook, Sauganash and Forest Glen neighborhoods and Niles and Maine Townships.

Kelly, who has been a firefighter since 2003, said he wants to “work with all sides and try to get things in the state going forward.”

“I’m looking forward to having an open- door policy where I can talk to all the constituents and listen to everybody’s problems and see if we can work things out,” Kelly said.

Kelly has worked on previous campaigns for D’Amico, Ald. Samantha Nugent (39th) and her predecessor, Ald. Margaret Laurino, who is D’Amico’s aunt. D’Amico was not part of the process to pick his replacement, but voiced his support after the appointment.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Anthony Joel Quezada, 35th Ward Democratic committeeperson, initially voted against nominating Kelly for the seat, but later joined with the other committeepersons in a show of unity in the actual vote to appoint Kelly.

Quezada had backed a rival candidate for the appointment and was concerned that Kelly had voted in two Republican primaries.

The firefighter said he voted in the GOP primary in 2010 because his union was backing Judy Baar Topinka for state comptroller and in the 2012 GOP primary as a favor to a friend of a friend, though he couldn’t recall that candidate’s name.

Despite those two instances, Kelly pledged that his voting history was 100% Democratic.

Quezada said he supported Michael Rabbitt, an affordable housing advocate and employee at Argonne National Laboratory to succeed D’Amico because Rabbitt has a “very extensive track record with progressive community organizations fighting for affordable housing, fighting for rent control.”

As for Kelly, “he voted in two Republican primaries,” Quezada said. “I just didn’t see a lot of political experience and history, and I didn’t get a lot of calls from community members supporting him. But, again, that does not necessarily speak to the full character of Mr. Kelly. I wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.”

Kelly pledged to work with Quezada and Rabbitt, despite the initial opposition.

Along with Kelly and Rabbitt, others who sought the appointment were lawyer Daniel Cotter; Vince Fattore, the chief information officer of Lexington Group; John Melaniphy III, the director of economic development for the Village of Niles; Christina Brophy, a history and humanities professor at Triton College, and Judy Kehoe, a contracting specialist and volunteer on various Democratic campaigns.

The contenders were all asked if they planned to run for the seat if they didn’t win the appointment. Other questions included their stances on reproductive rights and the worker’s rights amendment state residents will vote on next year.

Rabbitt, Cotter, Fattore didn’t commit to not running for the seat in the future.

Rabbitt has already launched a campaign for the office. Brophy and Melaniphy said they would not run, while Kehoe said she likely wouldn’t either.

D’Amico’s extended family has a long — and checkered — history in Northwest Side politics.

Richard A. Chapman/Chicago Sun-Times file
Mayor Richard M. Daley, left, announces the appointment of Margaret Laurino, right, to replace her retiring father, Ald. Anthony Laurino, center, in the 39th Ward in 1994.

His parents and grandmother were convicted in the 1990s for their parts in a ghost payrolling scheme. His grandfather, longtime 39th Ward Ald. Anthony Laurino — and former dean of the City Council — died before his own corruption trial was set to begin.

D’Amico said he’s “very proud” of his family, and “to get elected for almost 60 years, the voters obviously were happy with what we were able to do for the 39th Ward and the 15th district.”

“I’m going to continue to help this political organization and make sure that we’re able to provide the services to the community,” D’Amico said.

Rich Hein/Chicago Sun-Times file
State Rep. John C. D’Amico in 2018.

D’Amico said he’s known Kelly “most of our lives” and he thinks he’s “going to adapt to this position very well.”

The departing lawmaker didn’t rule out a return to politics in the future but when pressed on whether that meant 2022 or 2024, D’Amico would only say “could be” and “possible.”

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Northwestern’s Boo Buie (0) drives past Georgia’s Aaron Cook (10) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, in Newark, N.J. Northwestern won 78-62. | Frank Franklin II/AP

Boo Buie had 22 points and six assists, whle Ryan Young added 17 points

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Boo Buie had 22 points and six assists, Ryan Young added 17 points and Northwestern beat Georgia 78-62 on Tuesday night for third place at the Roman Legends Classic.

Northwestern led by as many as 24 points in the second half. Georgia got it within 11 points twice in the final five minutes but the Wildcats kept their double-digit advantage throughout the second half.

Pete Nance had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Ty Berry scored 10 points for Northwestern (5-1). Buie, coming off a career-high 23 points in a loss to Providence, was 8 of 21 from the field.

Ryan Greer highlighted the first half with a steal and heave at midcourt that banked in to give Northwestern a 43-23 lead. The Wildcats made eight 3-pointers in the first half, while Georgia was 1 of 12.

Braelen Bridges and Kario Oquendo each scored 12 points for Georgia (2-4). Jailyn Ingram and Aaron Cook added 10 points apiece.

Georgia topped it first-half scoring total in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. The Bulldogs made 11 of 18 shots to start the second half after going 6 for 26 in the entire first half.

Northwestern plays at Wake Forest and Maryland next week. Georgia hosts Wofford on Sunday.

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Kansas State’s Logan Landers (33) and Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn (21) battle for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. | Charlie Riedel/AP

Kofi Cockburn had 23 points and 13 rebounds in his second game back, while Alfonso Plummer hit seven three-pointers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kofi Cockburn missed the first three games of the season for Illinois for violating NCAA rules, and Alfonso Plummer might as well have missed them given the way his normally reliable shot kept bouncing out.

Both of them made their presence known Tuesday night.

Cockburn bruised his way to 23 points and 13 rebounds in his second game back, and Plummer hit seven 3-pointers and added 21 points as the No. 14 Illini held off Kansas State 72-64 in the consolation game of the Hall of Fame Classic.

Plummer finished 7 of 9 from beyond the arc, and the Illini (3-2) went 12 of 26 from 3 as a team, as they bounced back from a 71-51 blowout loss to Cincinnati in the semifinals to avoid their third consecutive loss.

“Coach told us a good message — he was right. He said, ‘If life hits you, the weak are going to back down. They’re going to quit,'” Plummer said. “The strong are going to respond. They’re going to find a way to respond. They’re going to find a way to learn from their mistakes and keep fighting. That’s why they call us the Fightin’ Illini. We’re always going to fight.”

The victory Tuesday night came at a cost, though: Trent Frazier, who scored 23 points against Marquette but was held scoreless by the Bearcats, hurt his left knee midway through the second half. The Illini guard was 0 for 5 from the field but had five assists when he was helped to the locker room by a pair of trainers.

“I don’t have anything yet,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said.

Markquis Nowell scored 19 points and Nijel Pack had 15 for the Wildcats (2-2), who committed just four turnovers for the entire game. Ismael Massoud added 13 points after going 0-for-everything against Arkansas in the semifinals.

“They made a couple more plays than we did and we weren’t able to get back in the game. That’s just how it goes sometimes,” Massoud said. “We have to learn from it. Try to get better each day.”

There were plenty of subplots to the first meeting of Illinois and Kansas State in 21 years.

Underwood grew up in McPherson, Kansas, and played two seasons for the Wildcats under Jack Hartman. Underwood later returned to Manhattan to spend six seasons as an assistant to Bob Huggins and Frank Martin.

One of his assistants, ex-Illinois guard Chester Frazier, spent six seasons with Bruce Weber at Kansas State.

As for Weber, he spent nine seasons coaching the Illini, leading them to two Big Ten titles and the national championship game in 2005. The Illini haven’t won a regular-season conference championship since he left.

There also was Kansas State guard Mark Smith, who began his career at Illinois before a pit stop at Missouri, making him doubly loathed by the orange-clad Illini faithful. But he ignored their boos to score a couple early baskets and dish out a couple of assists, helping the slow-starting Wildcats stay within 34-31 at halftime.

They briefly pulled ahead 42-41 before Massoud and Mike McGuirl had back-to-back lay-ins rattle out. Plummer hit a 3 at the other end to give Illinois the lead back, and it eventually grew to 50-42 with 10 minutes remaining.

When Pack drilled a 3-pointer for the Wildcats, Plummer was right there to answer with another for the Illini. His sixth 3 pushed the lead to 62-49, the biggest of the game, and Plummer added one more late for good measure.

“I knew I was kind of off early in the season,” he said, “so I had to find a way to help the team. I was working extra hours in the gym. When I made the first one, I felt like I was back. I had that confidence. I’m glad that happened.”

THE TAKEAWAY

Illinois still wasn’t at full strength even before Frazier got hurt. Andre Curbelo remained slowed by the concussion that he sustained earlier this year, finishing with six points and seven assists while playing only 20 minutes.

“We haven’t been together in a long, long time, and you know, when it’s key pieces — you’re talking about one of the elite backcourts in the Big Ten that wasn’t a part of that in crunch time,” Underwood said. “We need to get healthy.”

Kansas State forced the Illini into 17 turnovers and turned them into 23 points, while Illinois only forced four turnovers that led to three points. That disparity was the biggest reason why the Wildcats were able to mount a challenge.

UP NEXT

The Illini play Rio Grande Valley on Friday night. The Wildcats play North Dakota on Sunday.

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Will Matt Nagy still be around after Thursday’s game? | David Becker/AP

Is he, or isn’t he?

Matt Nagy was left to respond to a report that he’d been fired, effective Friday. Patrick Finley, Jason Lieser and Mark Potash debate another bizarre day at Halas Hall.

New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Luminary, Spotify, and Stitcher.

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A teen was shot and wounded on the Far South Side Nov. 23. | Sun-Times file photo

The 17-year-old was leaving a residence in the 12400 block of South Perry Avenue about 6:20 p.m. when he was shot in the lower chest, police said.

A teen was shot and wounded Tuesday evening in West Pullman on the Far South Side.

The 17-year-old was leaving a residence in the 12400 block of South Perry Avenue about 6:20 p.m. when three people exited a dark-colored vehicle and opened fire, striking him in the lower chest, Chicago police said.

He was taken to Roseland Hospital, where he was in good condition, police said.

No one was in custody.

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Perch starts in fits and starts on the Chicago lakefront, this scene is from Sunday at Navy Pier. | Bob France

It’s that time of the year where it is waiting on ice up north and perch on southern Lake Michigan and those threads lead this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report going into the Thanksgiving break.

Waiting on ice fishing to come up north and for perch to come in good on southern Lake Michigan are the main threads that lead this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report going into the Thanksgiving break.

Bob France sent the photo at the top, after posting this last week (his expanded report is in LAKEFRONT PERCH):

Perch Fishing Meet & Greet Navy Pier This Sunday November 21st 5am to 10am I will provide Coffee and Donuts I will be by post #5 I hope to see all of you there!

LAKEFRONT PERCH

Arden Katz said that he had his limit at 87th in 45 minutes, but the biting so light that it took 40 bites to get the limit. “There’s fish in there,” he said. “Don’t know if it is jam packed with fish.” He was casting a two Mini-Mite jig rig with the weight on the bottom and jigging it, not just dragging it back. Most were 9-10 inches. “They should be in for Thanksgiving, unless there is an east wind,” he said.

Bob France sent the report below:

We had a good time out at Navy Pier on Sunday. The perch were in a smaller area than years before. I think the key would be to move around until you find them. I was set up at Post #5 but only got a couple nibbles. There was about five other guys nearby with all kinds of baits and they were not having any luck either. There was a couple at #7 that were getting perch on crappie rigs with minnows and even got a couple doubles! There was a few guys near them toward #8 that got a few nice ones and one 13 1/2 inch jumbo! Jason and his daughter were closer to #8 and they did ok as well. One guy said the perch were all by #5 on Saturday.

Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports and Bait texted:

Perch: boaters did very good in the river. Lake slip not as good. Shore angler results varied. River slip was pretty good . We will be open thanksgiving 6am-10am

Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:

Hi Dale, We will start with the news that everyone’s waiting for…PERCH The reports are hit or miss. I have 2 guys that I know for sure caught their limit down South by 87th Street on Sunday, others just a few and then some guys nothing. I have a few reports up this way at Diversey of a few nice size ones off of one of the docks but just those few. Navy Pier had a few reports of a couple here and there but nothing strong yet. I think from here on out things should pick up day by day as long as we don’t get any big Northeast blows that stir up the lake. . . .

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station, Ind., texted:

Perch are going now last few days have been decent. From mouth of river to 95th st

PIER PASSES

The $6 pier passes, which allow legal access to select piers at most Chicago harbors, went on sale Monday. A number of additional piers were added this year to bring the total to 31 piers. The passes may be bought at Henry’s Sports and Bait, Park Bait and Northerly Island Visitor Center. Henry’s and Park Bait are cash only; Northerly Island is credit-card only.

Carl Vizzone, fishing coordinator for the Chicago Park District gave these details:

A pier pass gives fisherman an opportunity to use various docks in 6 of our harbors. There are 31 different piers to choose from in our harbor system. The only harbor that may not be ready to go on schedule is Burnham as it is our late leaver harbor for boaters. We printed Covid guidelines on the passes as well as Westrec has hand sanitizer stations at each accessible gate that we will try to keep filled. Pier pass program runs from November 15th through March 31st, from 6 AM to 11 PM 7 days per week. Passes will be available at Henry’s Bait & Sports, Park Bait Shop and at Northerly Island Visitors Center. There should be metal signage on all eligible pier gates with info and contact number.

NAVY PIER ANGLER PARKING

The north side of Navy Pier is open for anglers. The discounted parking for anglers is $9, if out by 10 a.m.

LAKEFRONT PARKING

Chicago Park District’s parking passes for the fisherman’s parking lots at DuSable and Burnham harbors are on sale at Henry’s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport and Park Bait at Montrose Harbor.

Readers suggest SpotHero app downtown. Otherwise, here are some basics: Foster (free street parking or pay lot); Montrose (now a mix of metered and free street parking); Belmont (pay lots on north and south sides); Diversey (pay lot or street parking); DuSable Harbor (pay lot or fisherman’s lot); Northerly Island/Burnham Harbor (meters, pay lot or fisherman’s lot); 31st/Burnham (meter parking between McCormick Place and 31st Street Harbor); Oakwood/39th (meters); 63rd Street/Casino Pier (pay lot); Steelworkers Park (free street parking at east end of 87th); Cal Park (free parking).

AREA LAKES

Provided
Ken “Husker” O’Malley with a local largemouth bass.

Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed the photos above and below, and this:

Hey Dale,

Here is a recap of this past weeks fishing. Those willing to brave the cold mornings can be rewarded.

Bass have been decent. They are starting to setup in their winter patterns. Dragging a jig with a 4 inch chigger craw will take active biters. Work the jig slowly from deeper water up to the drop off. The active bass have been sitting right on the edge of the drop in areas with green weeds. This is not a numbers game, but will take some nicer fish in the system.

Here is the nature pic of the week. Got some sunscreen?

TTYL

—

Ken “Husker” O’Malley

Husker Outdoors
Waterwerks fishing team

Provided
Ken “Husker” O’Malley’s nature photo of the week.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA

Proprietor Greg Dickson at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said, “No,” when asked about ice fishing. Water is low because of the winter drawdown, so try for walleye around current areas, such as the Route 12 bridge, etc.

NOTE: Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or (847) 587-8540.

NOTE 2: The Stratton Lock and Dam is closed through April 30.

CHICAGO RIVER

Provided by Jeffrey Williams
Jesse Gonzalez with a largemouth bass from the Chicago River.

Jeffrey Williams messaged the photo above and this:

so i might have to call it for fishing the riverwalk, but my brother [Jesse Gonzalez] did catch 2 nice LMB a few days ago

COOLING LAKES/STRIP PITS

Braidwood, Heidecke and LaSalle are closed for the season; so is Mazonia, except Monster stays open all year.

DOWNSTATE

POWERTON: Fishing is closed.

SPRING LAKE: Boat fishing is closed on the main lake; boat fishing is allowed from the Sky Ranch Road ramp to Maple Island buoy during waterfowl seasons. Bank fishing along South Lake Road is not allowed until after 1 p.m. during waterfowl season.

EMIQUON PRESERVE: During waterfowl season, non-waterfowl hunting boating (which includes fishing) is not allowed until noon. Access permits and liability waivers are required. They are available Tuesday to Saturday at Dickson Mounts Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.

HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed for the season. Check regulations at http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-paddling-fishing.

FOX RIVER

Dicky’s Bait Shop in Montgomery reported a few smaller catfish on shiners or frozen shad; otherwise few anglers coming through

Pete Lamar emailed the photo below and this:

Hi Dale,

This time of year, any warm water report could be the last one for a while (my next fish is more likely to be a brown or steelhead than a largemouth). If the fish in the attached image is the last one of 2021, it’s a nice way to finish. I caught it on a white streamer under a very buoyant strike indicator; the fly was completely stationary when he hit.

The day before, I ran into some dead calm conditions just before sunset and something-probably midges-were hatching. Bluegills had taken notice: I got a few within a rod length of shore.

All this took place in the Kane County Forest Preserves.

Pete

The end times are near. Or something like that.

Provided
What might be the last bass of the year for Pete Lamar.

GREEN LAKE AREA, WISCONSIN

Guide Mike Norris emailed:

Fishing Report – 11/22/2021

Mike Norris

Big Green Lake – Cooler weather last week pushed surface water temps below 50 degrees and fishing slowed somewhat. Smallmouth bass moved deeper, and I am now finding them on secondary breaks in 25 to 35 feet of water. Wind has also limited my days on the water. But by no means am I giving up on open water fishing. Smallmouth bass group up as the water continues to cool, and they will willingly bite when located. I am trending towards all live bait fishing now as the bass are harder to reach at deeper depths with reaction lures. Bluegills and perch can are holding in the back bays and the best bet for walleyes is to troll crankbaits after dark when the weather permits.

GREEN/STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN

Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report.

KANKAKEE RIVER

Provided
Bob Johnson with two good walleye, the only two, caught and released on the Kankakee River.

Bob Johnson emailed the photo above and this:

Hi Dale –

Kankakee River is looking good with clear water and water temp at 44. Walleye were slow for this time of year in my opinion but the surprise today were the largemouth. I was able to land almost a dozen in separate spots. Caught some smallmouth today too so it was a mixed bag with the 2 Walleye. Finesse baits worked today sticking to green pumpkin fishing the slack water just out of current. As always catch and release.

Provided
Bob Johnson with a good largemouth bass from the Kankakee River.

LAKE ERIE

Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.

LAKEFRONT

Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports and Bait texted:

Perch: boaters did very good in the river. Lake slip not as good. Shore angler results varied. River slip was pretty good . We will be open thanksgiving 6am-10am

Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:

Hi Dale, We will start with the news that everyone’s waiting for…PERCHThe reports are hit or miss. I have 2 guys that I know for sure caught their limit down South by 87th Street on Sunday, others just a few and then some guys nothing. I have a few reports up this way at Diversey of a few nice size ones off of one of the docks but just those few. Navy Pier had a few reports of a couple here and there but nothing strong yet. I think from here on out things should pick up day by day as long as we don’t get any big Northeast blows that stir up the lake. Diversey and Belmont still have some nice Steelhead, a few Coho, and a couple really old zombie Kings.Our hours now are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. We will be open Thanksgiving Day normal hours 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Have a great week.

Capt. Dan Leslie at the Salmon Stop in Waukegan said steelhead (including a 30-incher) and a few coho, no lakers or browns yet, on spawn sacks, spoons or stick baits. Shop closed Wednesday-Friday, reopening Saturday. Winter hours are 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to when apt during week.

SALMON SNAGGING: Here are the details from the IDNR:

4) Snagging for chinook and coho salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted: A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon. B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only). C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area. D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).

d) Disposition of Snagged Salmon and Paddlefish. All snagged salmon and paddlefish must be removed from the area from which they are taken and disposed of properly, in accordance with Article 5, Section 5-5 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code.

MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN

Click here for the update from D&S Bait.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed:

Almost made it a whole year without a mistake! For the 6 or 8 people still reading this report this time of year, last week surface temps were in the low to mid 40’s…they probably aren’t now! Some lakes and bays skimmed over Sunday morning (11/21) but if any part was still open the ice was quickly blown off by high winds on Sunday afternoon. Overnight lows in the upper single digits is building ice on locked up lakes. Open water waiting for wind to stop.

Musky: Good-Very Good – Not many anglers out (opener of gun deer), but those that were had good success on suckers and trout on quick set rigs. Gliders also caught fish as two different boats reported fish of 43″ and 46″ on Smity baits and Phantoms.

As ice forms on the lakes (the “Pond” froze, opened and has since refroze), it is important to use caution in deciding to fish. Also, with the Musky season extending through December this year, ice CAN NOT be used as a base to fish Musky. Just so anglers are clear on this, ice fishing for Musky is not allowed.

As safe ice develops, we will update posts.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Kurt Justice

Kurt’s Island Sport Shop – Like us on Facebook

NORTHWEST INDIANA

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:

Perch are going now last few days have been decent. From mouth of river to 95th st

Whitefish and lake trout off of Michigan city peir using blade baits and spoons. Whitefish on bottom using small peices of skein, waxworms, or lil peice of worm.

Few steelhead being caught in area tributaries using voodoo jigs tipped with waxworms. Spawn sacks taking fish too.

Open 5am till 2pm on thanksgiving day. Back to 5 to 5 on Black Friday.

Christina Petrites at Stan’s Bait & Tackle Center in Hammond emailed:

Hi, Dale! I hope you’re getting ready for the holiday season with your loved ones; we certainly are! The sudden, downward swing in temperature scared off a lot of the fair-weather anglers, but the most-devoted ones have given positive reports as of late:

Fishing on the rivers has really picked up; good numbers of Steelhead are being caught on Mag Lips & Flatfish. The spawn guys are doing well floating spawn under a bobber, occasionally successful tipped with a beemoth.

Walleye are being caught in nice numbers during the evening time; performing especially well are Wolf Lake (with a nice upsurge due to the recent stocking) & near the damn east on the St. Joseph River.

Inland lakes are still moderately producing bluegill catches.

ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN

Click here for the Wisconsin DNR’s report, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday.

SHABBONA LAKE

Concessions are closed. Site hours through Jan. 31 are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT

Provided
Andy Mikos with a brown trout caught in Kenosha, Wisconsin harbor.

Andy Mikos emailed the photos above and below, and this on Sunday:

Small boat report from Kenosha this morning. 3 for 4 with an 8 and 10 pound brown and a 7 pound steelhead. All caught casing in the small boat harbor around the bridge. Shallow and deep diving shad raps in purple and natural shad colors. This will make the Bears game Bloody Mary taste sweeter. GO BEARS!

In case you are wondering, he emailed before the Bears game.

Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said a few more steelhead in the river; South Haven is doing better on whitefish.

Paddle and Pole hosts the Berrien Springs Fish Ladder Camera.

WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN

Guide Bill Stoeger in Fremont texted that there has not been much of a fall walleye run, perhaps because of the lack of current.

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