The Chicago Bulls have officially been eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth straight year. The year could be deemed as a success including the additions of many valuable assets like Billy Donovan, Arturas Karnisovas, Marc Eversley, and Nikola Vucevic. The players, however, could use some inside speculation. It goes without saying that each player […]

Chicago Bulls: Player grades for the 2020-2021 season – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

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Chicago Cubs: Future of Big Three hangs on results in May by Ryan Sikes

The Chicago Blackhawks had an up and down season but ultimately it was another season that saw them well out of the playoffs at the final buzzer. They wasted away what could have been an extra few years of contention and it is sort of sad to see. Unfortunately, they aren’t going to be a contender again for a long time. They need to ask some hard questions and execute in order to actually rebuild the team the right way.

The Chicago Blackhawks need to make some major changes in order to rebuild properly.

Anyone who expects Jonathan Toews to make up nine standings points is delusional. He is amazing but this team is not good enough at full strength. The depth is very weak and it isn’t getting better any time soon. They need to actually rebuild the roster which is going to be a painful process. In fact, and some people aren’t going to want to hear this, but it is time to trade Patrick Kane while they can still get a lot for him.

The main reason that they can get a lot from him is that he produces at as high of a level as any offensive player in the National Hockey League. Kane’s 66 points were tied with Auston Matthews and Mikko Rantanen for the fifth-most in the NHL. He only trailed Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Brad Marchand, and Mitchell Marner. All of those guys are amongst the best scorers in the NHL right now.

The next reason is that Parick Kane still has two more years left on his current deal. He would be more than just a one-year rental. The Blackhawks might have to retain some of his 10.5 million but they can afford it if it means getting back some quality assets. Adding multiple first-round picks and a high-level prospect would be a great way to kickstart a rebuild the right way.

It is less than ideal that they are in this position but you can blame Stan Bowman for being a terrible general manager. Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2015, they have been on a steady decline. They have made bad trades and signings which have ultimately led to their demise. We also can’t forget the weird firing of Joel Quenneville who is the greatest coach in the history of the franchise.

Related Story: The Blackhawks should consider some trades with East teams

Chicago is in serious danger of not winning a single playoff series for the entire duration of Patrick Kane’s (and Jonathan Toews) contract extension. That is a nightmare because they have wasted the best years of his career. He got better after 2015 somehow and the team just got worse. The first step is admitting it and when they admit that the run is over, the better off they will be.

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The girl was shot Wednesday in the 2200 block of South Albany Avenue,

A 14-year-old girl was wounded in a shooting early Wednesday in Little Village on the Southwest Side.

The girl was sitting in a passenger seat of a vehicle about 1:50 a.m. in the 2200 block of South Albany Avenue when someone fired shots, Chicago police said.

She suffered a graze wound to the head and was taken to Hinsdale Hospital by her family, police said. She was later transferred in good condition to Loyola University Medical Center in Hines.

No one is in custody as Area Four detectives investigate.

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A 75-year-old man is facing murder charges after shooting another man to death Monday in East Garfield Park.

Bernard Barry, of Lawndale, was arrested in his home hours after he allegedly shot and killed Tyran Evans, 42, in the 300 block of North California Avenue, Chicago police said.

Evans was standing outside about 3:05 p.m. when Barry allegedly drove by and fired shots from inside the vehicle, police said.

The 42-year-old was shot in the abdomen and was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Barry was charged with one felony count of first-degree murder, according to police.

He is due back in court Wednesday.

Chicago police

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Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 2 to 4 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Leo into Virgo.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Today has two distinct moods. In the morning and during the moon alert, you feel festive. You will enjoy taking it easy, or having fun with sports and playful times with kids. (This is also a romantic time.) Once the moon alert is over, it’s time to be productive!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Today begins with a focus on home and family. You might have an important discussion with a female family member, perhaps Mom? During the moon alert, don’t shop for anything except food. However, after the moon alert is over, you will feel socially inclined and want to have fun!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You have a strong urge to communicate. You have something they say and you want to be heard. You also want to hear what others have to say. Yada, yada, yada. Note: During the moon alert midday, avoid important decisions. Don’t agree to anything important. Afterwards, relax at home.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Money issues are on your mind, which is why it’s important for you to be aware of the moon alert that occurs midday. During that time, restrict your spending to food. Make no important decisions. After it is over, you will swing into action!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Things will tend to go your way because the moon is in your sign. During the moon alert midday, restrict your spending to food and make no important decisions. After it’s over, your mind will turn to financial matters and cash flow.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Today you want to withdraw from the busyness around you. If you’re working, you will prefer to work alone or behind the scenes. That’s fine. During the moon alert midday, tread carefully. Restrict spending money to food. After it’s over, you are empowered because the moon is in your sign!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

A conversation with a female friend might be important. You might discuss future goals. (Remember to avoid decision-making during the moon alert midday.) After the moon alert is over, seek out solitude and relax. Pamper yourself.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Personal details about your private life might be public today. (Whaaat?) Be aware of this. Meanwhile, be cautious during the moon alert midday. Don’t volunteer for anything during that time. Make no important decisions. Once it’s over, enjoy schmoozing with friends online or in person.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You need stimulation and adventure, which is why you want to do something different or learn something new. You’re ready for whatever comes your way. Make no important decisions during the Moon Alert midday. Afterwards, people notice you – especially bosses, parents and the police.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Financial concerns are on your mind today, especially inheritances or how to share something. Please note: Make no important decisions during the moon alert. Don’t sign documents during that time. Afterwards, enjoy your day!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Today your focus is on close friends and partners, do not agree to anything important during the moon alert. (For your own good.) After the moon alert is over, tie up loose ends with red-tape issues — taxes, debt and shared property.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You’re keen to take care of little errands and hygiene-related tasks. You might do a favor for someone. Do be aware that during the moon alert, you should restrict spending to food and gas. Afterwards, a conversation with a partner or close friend will be meaningful.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Director, screenwriter, producer, Nora Ephron (1941-2012) shares your birthday. You’re clever, mentally fast and compassionate. You have endurance, stamina and a wide variety of interests. You are impulsive and creative and yet, practical and detail oriented. Your focus on close friendships and partnerships will increase in the coming year. This is your opportunity to learn more about yourself and the relationships that you want. This year will be gentler.

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Detroit has seven no-hitters in franchise history, the last coming from Justin Verlander on May 7, 2011, against Toronto

SEATTLE — Spencer Turnbull pitched the fifth no-hitter in the majors already this season, sending the Detroit Tigers to a 5-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Turnbull, who led the big leagues with 17 losses two years ago, had never gone more than seven innings in any of his previous 49 starts over three seasons. But a fastball in the mid-90s (mph) and a biting slider kept Seattle batters guessing and added to a growing list of gems on the mound in 2021.

The five no-hitters through May 18 match the 1917 season for the most in baseball history by that date.

Turnbull’s no-hitter was the eighth in Tigers history and their first since Justin Verlander’s in Toronto on May 7, 2011.

The 28-year-old right-hander got a great defensive play from third baseman Jeimer Candelario in the seventh inning and then struck out Mitch Haniger in the ninth to end it.

Turnbull (3-2) struck out nine and walked two. He issued a free pass to Jose Marmolejos leading off the ninth when a full-count curveball missed wide, just the second baserunner for Seattle. Turnbull struck out Sam Haggerty for the first out and got Jarred Kelenic to ground into a fielder’s choice for the second out.

Hangier, who came closest to a hit for Seattle earlier in the game, went down swinging on a 95 mph fastball for the final out. Turnbull screamed in joy and was engulfed in a hug from catcher Eric Haase before being overrun by teammates.

Turnbull joined a no-hitter list for 2021 that already includes San Diego right-hander Joe Musgrove at Texas on April 9, Chicago White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodón against Cleveland on April 14, Baltimore’s John Means in Seattle on May 5 and Cincinnati lefty Wade Miley against Cleveland on May 7.

In addition, Arizona left-hander Madison Bumgarner pitched seven hitless innings in a complete game during a doubleheader against Atlanta on April 25, but that is not recognized as an official no-hitter by Major League Baseball because the game did not go at least nine innings, shortened under pandemic rules in effect for a second straight season.

Turnbull threw 117 pitches, 77 for strikes. Haniger was the only batter to hit the ball hard enough to threaten a base hit.

Like seemingly every no-hitter there was at least one great defensive play and Turnbull’s was no different. Haniger sent a drive to the wall in center field in the fourth inning that Akil Baddoo pulled in, but it was his shot in the seventh that appeared destined for a hit.

Haniger lined a fastball at 108 mph off the bat down the third base line. Candelario made a terrific sprawling stop of the one-hopper and a strong throw to first to get Haniger by a step.

Seattle joined Cleveland in being no-hit twice already this season. It was nearly three times for the Mariners after Cleveland’s Zach Plesac took a no-no into the eighth inning against the Mariners last week before it was broken up.

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First baseman goes down just as team starts to get healthy

The Cubs have started to play better baseball over the last three weeks and some of that has to do with the team getting healthier.

But they’ll now have to deal with another injury, at least in the short term, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo left Tuesday’s 6-3 victory against the Nationals with lower back tightness.

Rizzo grounded out to first baseman Ryan Zimmerman to end the third inning, but when he came out on defense, there was clearly something wrong.

Before starter Zach Davies could make his first pitch in the fourth inning, time was called as Rizzo was trying to stretch his back out and get loose. Manager David Ross and assistant athletic trainer Nick Frangella immediately came out to check on him, but after a lengthy conversation, he stayed in the game.

Ironically, the next play, Kyle Schwarber ripped a sharp groundball to Rizzo, but on a ball that the four-time Gold Glove award winner fields cleanly, he struggled to get down to make a play as the ball caromed off his glove.

Rizzo was clearly in some discomfort and when the Cubs returned to the field in the fifth, Ross removed him from the game with Kris Bryant moving to first base.

The 31-year-old first baseman has a lengthy history of back problems over his 11-year career. Rizzo dealt with some back issues before the 60-game season in 2020.

If Rizzo is forced to miss any time, Bryant likely would take over at first base.

The Cubs were close to full strength with Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ returning from the injured list last week.

While Rizzo’s injury put a damper Tuesday evening for the Cubs, it didn’t stop them from keeping their foot on the gas against the Nationals. As has often been the case over the last two weeks, it was the Cubs’ offense that led the way.

Washington tied things at 2-2 in the fifth inning after Starlin Castro’s solo homer ended Davies’ night. But the offense got Davies off the hook in the bottom of the inning as Bryant’s RBI single gave the Cubs a 3-2 lead.

“I’ve seen the entire group really, the contact has just gone through the roof, I think in general,” Ross said. “The singles have played a lot more into driving guys in and having success. Guys are still understanding that with two strikes with the ability to put the ball in play. I think that’s contagious.

“I think our offense has been doing that for a little while now.”

Third baseman David Bote extended the lead in the sixth, crushing a 407-foot two-run shot for a 5-3 lead. Center fielder Ian Happ added a solo shot in the eighth.

Davies had his fourth consecutive start allowing three runs or less. He went five-plus innings, allowing three runs with a walk and a strikeout.

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The start of parking meters at Montrose Harbor headlines this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report, but there is also lots to note on white bass, lake trout, crappie, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass.

The start of parking meters at Montrose Harbor leads this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report, but reports also touch on white bass, lake trout, crappie, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass.

Joseph Christopher Alfe messaged the photo at the top and this from Three Oaks Recreation Area:

Flyrod, full sink line sight fishing 20’ down. 17”+

I missed one that was bigger, may have gone 20”

Three Oaks. A rare glass calm day made for incredible sight fishing in deeper water

I mentioned that a friend has caught and released (Three Oaks is C&R) several rock bass this spring that would have easily beaten the state record.

Same I’ve broken that record there several times

Not an easy place though

Note to remember.

MONTROSE PARKING

Provided by Capt. Bob Poteshman

Be aware, the parking meters start Thursday, May 20, at some of the areas around Montrose Harbor.

PERCH CLOSURE

Perch fishing in the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan is closed through June 15.

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

BoRabb Williams sent the photo above and this:

We went to Heineke 1st ….. kill em Saturday…. and Today 3….. it’s OVER…Saganashski Slough too.

Dicky’s Bait Shop in Montgomery reported some femaile largemouth starting to pull off the beds on local ponds.

Pete Lamar emailed:

Hi Dale,

I did the usual still water for largemouths and bluegills on Sunday and moving water for smallmouths on Saturday.

My daughter and I fished a forest preserve pond with a conventional fly rod rigged with a marabou leech and her tenkara rod rigged with a popper. Not much action on the popper. The water may have been a couple of degrees too cool for fish to feed on the surface. But it’s close to that time; water was in the mid-60s (I think it’s still cooler on the bigger lakes: friends fished some of them nearby and didn’t do well). Once we switched to sub-surface, we landed fish on a majority of casts, a mix of bluegills, largemouths and even a couple of what I think were pumpkinseeds. It was easily the best day of the year so far in terms of numbers. The most interesting thing was how many big bass were hanging out within inches of the shoreline. Bullfrogs were loud and getting very active; I would think the bass were waiting for them to make a mistake.

. . .

Provided

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

Hey Dale,

Here is a recap of this past weeks fishing.

Area lakes- bass have been decent despite some being post spawn and a few others still on beds.

Focus along outside weedlines with slower moving baits. Best bait has been a senko wacky rigged. Colors consistently producing are watermelon gold flake and blue black.

Here is the nature pic of the week. A sunny day has this fella oblivious to his surroundings.

TTYL

—

Ken “Husker” O’Malley

Husker Outdoors
Waterwerks fishing team

BRAIDWOOD LAKE

Open daily 6 a.m. to sunset. Click here for the preview.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA

Tucker Siminak at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said bluegill are all over the shallows; crappie are moving to the edges of the channels; largemouth are bath; catfish are good in the shallows on stinkbait or cutbait; white bass good in the river.

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

NOTE 2: The Stratton Lock and Dam is open 8 a.m. to midnight through Sept. 30.

DELAVAN LAKE, WISCONSIN

Arden Katz said bass are in the back channels, including two up to 5 pounds, best wacky-worming; water was 62 over the weekend.

Dave Duwe emailed:

Delavan Lake 5/17/21 through 5/24/21

Overall fishing remains inconsistent. The best bites on the lake are the bluegills and largemouth bass. There has been some walleyes and smallmouth action; however the bite changes with the day so it’s pretty tough to decipher a pattern. This cold weather has not really made the fish active yet. Forecasted warm weather will approve fishing very soon.

Largemouth bass fishing has been very good for me this past week. All of my fish have been caught in the 4-6 ft water depth. I’ve been using a Texas rigged Senko or a single hooked nightcrawler. Most of the bass are still in pre-spawn however a lot of the fish I caught on Sunday looked beat up like they’ve started to spawn. With the water temperature only 58 degrees, that would be unusual. With some warmer weather and no strong NW wind fishing should improve.

Walleye fishing has been hit or miss, most of the walleyes are being caught on the weedline in 12-15 ft of water. Most of the success is coming off of slip bobbered nightcrawlers or a lindy rigged nightcrawler. The gray condos or the west end island are good choices to start with.

Crappie fishing has been very consistent. The fish are still pre-spawn on the weedline in 12-15 ft of water. It seems that the bite improves as the day goes on and the water warms from the sun. Last week the best bait was a purple twister fished on a 1/32 oz jig. The best location was by Willow Point or by the Yacht club.

Smallmouth bass are being caught on the hard bottom locations off of main lake points in 12-15 ft of water. Either minnows or deep diving crank baits have been providing some success. Some days you can get a few but other days they are elusive.

Bluegills can be caught in the shallows in 4-6 ft of water. Viewcrest Channel or the Highlands Channel are a couple of the best spots. Wax worm tipped ice jigs are producing most of the fish.

Let’s hope for some warm weather to really get the lake going. Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050

DOWNSTATE

CARLYLE LAKE: The state finals for the IHSA bass fishing is Friday and Saturday; which means the Dam West boat ramp is closed. Click here for the note from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which includes other launching options.

POWERTON: Hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 30.

EMIQUON: Access permits and liability waivers are again required. They are available Tuesday to Saturday at Dickson Mounts Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Open through Sept. 6. Closed Mondays (except Labor Day). Check regulations at http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-paddling-fishing.

SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.

FOX RIVER

Dicky’s Bait Shop in Montgomery reported some decent channel catfish and flatheads to 20-pounds-plus around St. Charles.

Pete Lamar emailed:

Hi Dale,

I did the usual still water for largemouths and bluegills on Sunday and moving water for smallmouths on Saturday.

. . .

I fished a Fox trib in the afternoon after the rain had mostly ended for the day. Water levels were up slightly but it was still very clear. I did see a few redds with fish lurking nearby, so some spawning is taking place. I hooked four fish and landed two, the bigger being 16 inches. The ones that escaped dwarfed the 16 inch fish. It will be warm enough to wet wade the creeks in a matter of days I think. I mean intentionally wet wade: I’ve been wet wading for weeks now by stepping into water over the top of my hip boots.

Wet wading, what I live for.

Ken Gortowski

Ken Gortowski emailed the photo below and this:

Hey Dale,

Got out Sunday to a Fox River creek. Picked up one dink smallie, which I didn’t bother photographing. The creek was devoid of fish of any kind. I have a long thing in my head about that, but I’ll do a synopsis by the time I’m done.

A small stretch of this creek has a 4 foot tall exposed bank. If I dig around in the top foot, I find souvenirs of the past. In this case, buttons made from clam shells. Or at least the shell part with the holes cut out of them. So I took a picture of that. There are a handful of people that will now know where I was.

Annoying for this wade was about 20 geese that decided to walk up stream with me. I have no clue what that was all about and I’ve never had that happen before. Like me, they were just out for a stroll on a creek. They wouldn’t even fly, just followed along about 50 feet behind me. The annoying part is that geese never shut up. Wasn’t interested in conversation this day.

Okay, I’ll try to make this a synopsis, partially because I’ve covered the reasons too many times over the years…

I’ve been out 3 times in the last 3 weeks to 3 different creeks. Years past I’d be going 3-5 times a week for at least 8 weeks and hit even more creeks. Normal over the years up creeks this time of year is to easily catch 20-30 smallies on each trip. 7 on one trip, 3 on the next and 1 on the last is unheard of. For me.

Though I caught a few fish and only on one day saw some River Redhorse migrating upstream, the comparisons to years past were noticeable. The last 2 trips saw nothing migrating upstream. Even when not fishing I spend time wandering along creeks through the woods looking for photo opportunities. None of the creeks were ever high. I wouldn’t even say they were normal, but low.

I never really saw that many carp and suckers wandering upstream. Never saw smallies sitting around in the clear water. This dates back to April 1st while out wandering.

Reason is simple, we’re in a moderate drought. Haven’t had much rain around here since the end of March. Take a look at today’s (Monday) past and future radar. Lots of rain to the south and west, but it all dries up as it approaches the Chicago area. Remember the dome? I checked the USGS gauge for the Fox and the river has been either normal or below since the end of March. Pretty unusual for spring around here.

Because of that, the fish had no reason to go looking up creeks for places to get out the high water. There was no high water. This has happened in the past. I remember one time when the carp and sucker run up the Fox River during a dry spring was so thick that you could practically walk across shallow areas on their backs.

If you’ve been getting decent fishing reports out of the Fox River itself, this would explain why. Smallies should be all over the river, they’re not in the creeks.

Anyway, that was the short version. Might be the last fishing report for the year, we’ll see. I’m having a hard time getting excited about fishing the Fox River itself. Maybe if I do any interesting wandering along the river or it’s creeks I’ll send you that, with pictures.

Ken G

GENEVA LAKE, WISCONSIN

Dave Duwe emailed:

Lake Geneva 5/17/21 through 5/24/21

With the up and down temperatures the lake remains pretty cold which is causing some inconsistent fishing. The best bite on the lake is perch and largemouth bass. Stable weather is predicted and that will help turn on the smallmouth bass and bluegills.

Largemouth bass have been biting in the shallows in 3-4 ft of water. The best location has been Trinkes or Abbey Harbor. They can be caught on a split shot rigged nightcrawler or a green pumpkin Senko. With the chilly weather over the weekend, you need to fish really slow to get the bite.

Yellow perch were biting in 6-10 ft of water. Small minnows fished beneath a slip bobber were the best approach. The best location was Belvidere Park or Rainbow Point. Overall the fish have been on the small size at 6-7 inches. You needed to catch a bunch to sort through to find decent keepers.

Smallmouth bass have been spotty. Most of the fish are caught in 15-20 ft of water suspended about 5-10 ft of water. The fish are near their spawing flats. Look for the fish by the Elgin Club, the Military Academy or Crawfords Bar. The best approach is a white hair jig swam just underneath the surface of the water. The fish are chasing the pods of minnows so once you find the minnows the bass are sure to follow.

Bluegill action has been slow. They are being caught in the shallows on leaf worms. The best location has been the Abbey Harbor and Trinkes or down in Geneva Bay by the Riviera. Look for the fish in 3-4 ft of water.

Some northern pike are being caught in the weeds in 6-10 ft of water. The fish are being caught on slip bobber rigged suckers. The best location has been in Williams Bay or the beach in Fontana. I’ve been putting out quite a few rods to try and catch them. The best presentation is to anchor your boat and fan cast the area.

Rock bass are starting to return. Soon they will be everywhere.

Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050

GREEN LAKE AREA, WISCONSIN

Provided

Guide Mike Norris texted the photo above and emailed this:

Fishing Report 5/17/2021

Mike Norris

Big Green Lake – Water temps barely rose last week. At 52 degrees, smallmouth bass continue to be hard to locate and catch. Most anglers are opting to catch largemouth bass in the warmer back channels and coves. Several anglers have told me they are catching lake trout in water as shallow as 4 feet deep, which is something that is unheard of at this time of the year. With projected daytime temps in the 70’s this week I should start seeing smallmouth bass making beds in water 8 to 10 ft deep. Largemouth bass in the main lake basin will follow a week or two later.

Fox lake – Fishing for largemouth bass improved late last week daytime water temps reaching the low to mid-60s. Bass are bedding in 4 to 6 feet of water in an area called “The Jug”. Senko’s rigged wacky style with a Gamakatsu octopus hook, bladed jigs, and swim baits are all effective right now for catching bass. Try using steel leaders to prevent bite offs from the numerous northern pike you will encounter. Pan fishing remains slow but should improve with warmer temps this week.

To book me for a guide trip reach out to me via my Facebook page at mike.norris.7773 or email me through my website at www.comecatchsmallmouth.com

GREEN/STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN

Provided

Matt “Man” Arambasich messaged the photo above and this last week:

Not sure if you need any pics for any of your articles

this is my son John Arambasich he is 13 he caught this on a tube jig in Sturgeon Bay last weekend

Lance LaVine at Howie’s Tackle in Sturgeon Bay emailed this:

Good morning fellas

Here is a very quick run-down on the fishing

The Smallmouth Bass fishing in Door County can be classed as good to very good pending on the weather conditions of course. Look for shallow water bottom transitions along with warmer water pockets in whatever area you are fishing. Make super long casts into those areas and fish extremely slow with whatever bait you are fishing. Some of the best baits this time of year include…Howie’s Shorty tubes, Flukes, ned rigs, Jerk baits and Paddle tails are all great bits in the spring.

Northern Pike fishing has been super and should stay really good at least through the 1^st part of June as it usually does. Jerk baits, an assortment of plastics, some spinner baits now working along with sucker minnows. Best areas include…Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay, Sawyer Harbor and Sturgeon Bay.

Fishing out on Lake Michigan has been good for the fisherman targeting Lake Trout in recent weeks. Up until this point there have been no King or Rainbow Trout reports other that a few random catches mixed in. We anticipate that fishing to start picking up in the next 2 to 3 weeks if the weather continues to hold.

Walleye action on the lower bay of Green Bay is still going very good for both day and night fishermen. Flicker Shads and minnows, Bandits, Husky jerks, Salmo Hornets along with crawler harnesses trolled in 14 to 25 feet of water has been the ticket there

Thanks;

Lance LaVine

Howie’s Tackle
1309 Green Bay Rd
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Ph: 920-746-9916

Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report.

HEIDECKE LAKE

Provided

Larry Jennings messaged the photo above and this:

My Heidecke Hat Trick Walleye, Crappie, Stripped Bass , and a few Slab Bluegill

I love the concept of a Heidecke Hat Trick and think Jennings has the right one. Made me think of hat trick in other waters.

Provided

Bob Johnson emailed the photo above and this on Saturday:

Hi Dale –

Had to take advantage of overcast weather this morning at Heidecke Lake. Saw several fish caught on both sides of lake. Boated a few walleye / crappie casting for Bass so the anglers targeting those species must have done well today with overcast skies. “ catch and release”

He added:

the baits working today were jerk bait and finesse worms again.

BoRabb Williams messaged:

We went to Heineke 1st ….. kill em Saturday…. and Today 3….. it’s OVER

Open 6 a.m. (6:30 bank fishing) to sunset. Click here for the promising preview.

LAKE ERIE

Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.

LAKEFRONT

Provided

Jesus Arellano (Jesus312fishing on YouTube) messaged the photo above and this last week:

Brown trout are still near the downtown Chicago shoreline. I caught this trout on a flicker shad while fishing for smallmouth bass.

She was pretty fat. I’m guessing 6lbs

Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:

My fishing report has been that there’s still a few salmon and trout out on the Horseshoe on strips of alewives, there was a few caught at the mouth of the harbor on spoons I think it was Friday or Saturday I can’t remember. Sheephead on fire out on the Horseshoe on soft shells. No reports on smallmouth even though I have seen some posts on Facebook that they’ve been catching some in the harbors.

Yes the meters are in, the signs are up and they will go live on Thursday at 8 a.m. As of right now we are only metered from the bait shop down around the turn around and back. I was told the cost is $2.25 an hour. I don’t know the time maximum. Payments can be made on the parking meter app, with quarters or credit cards. They are seven day a week meters and I’m not 100% sure but I believe the times are from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Have a great week

Capt. Bob Poteshman of Confusion Charters said fishing is changing, little slow. Out of Chicago, even lakers are moving out deeper (past 60 feet); some bait starting to show up. Out of North Point, completely changed, lakers on hill to 200 are decent; coho are very scattered. It is jus changing; next week could be lock and load.

Lori Ralph at the Salmon Stop in Waukegan texted:

Fish are scattered between 40 ft to 120ft,, south . Bait is scattered everywhere, birds are everywhere, so follow the birds

Capt. Scott Wolfe emailed:

Hi Dale – This past week was slower than prior weeks. However it was still good. We are usually spoiled this time of year with quick limits and easy fishing. The lake made us work for them this week. Early in the week decent trout, coho and some kings were in 80-100 feet. The coho then seemed to move to deep waters, 240 plus feet of water. Then by Sunday the 16th, the deep water shut off with poor catches for the boats going to deep water. The 80 – 100 foot level was again more productive. There were more coho to the North of Waukegan with more lake trout and kings to the South. For coho Blue/green/gold, green/gold and black patterns were best off boards. Leadcore and downrigger presentations with Warrior lures Green Menace, Bloody Nose, Sister Sledge and Steelhead Candy took the kings, many lake trout and some steelhead. Jimmy Fly Mo Rigs in Goby, Green Guy and Orange Guy near the bottom were best for laker trout.

In the harbor, there were some nice brown trout caught using different baits right on the bottom. Working soft plastics worked for a few. Others were using live or cut bait.

LaSALLE LAKE

Open daily 6 a.m. to sunset. Click here for the preview of prospects.

MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN

Click here for the update from D&S Bait.

MAZONIA

Both units are open for fishing.

I had good luck on bluegill Sunday, but only caught one largemouth even though I saw much surface activity. That was about the same as what a kayaker saw on the same lakes.

MILLE LACS, MINNESOTA

Provided by McQuoids

Justin Lederer emailed the photo above and this from McQuoids Inn in Isle, Minn.:

Justin Lederer checking in from McQuoids Inn Lake Mille Lacs. Our season opened Saturday for Walleye and Pike. Bass fishing is catch and release till June 3rd. Walleye are in shallower right now slip bobber and leach is producing well target 6-12 foot of water spot tail shiners and trolling cranks is also producing some fish. Hearing some walleye are being caught in the 20-30 foot range also. Smallmouth are heating up lots of reports of 21-23” smallmouth being caught this weekend. Work the 5-12 foot range around rocky shore lines. Jerk baits, tubes, and small suckers are producing. Above is Weston and his dad with a nice walleye. They joined us on an open launch Saturday evening and Weston was the star of night.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

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

With the poplar and dogwood trees blooming, it’s a sure sign of Crappie time! Surface temps are rising quickly on lakes as warm weather with lots of sunshine is adding energy to the shallows! Oddly, not all bodies of water are seeing a rush of life to the shallows. Certain species on some lakes have held out in deeper water (Walleyes in mud flats), but this should change soon.

Crappies: Very Good – In to spawn, anglers are finding bedding fish in 1-4’ of water depending on water clarity and available backing or cover. Following a weekend of high pressure, some areas are picked over, move around to less obvious spots, but keep movement down and cast long not to spook fish.

Northern Pike: Very Good – Live bait and artificial lures all producing well as Pike active in new weed growth. Swim baits a good choice as anglers can “count down” to different depths, retrieve speed and vary action (straight, hop, etc.)

Smallmouth Bass: Good-Very Good – Catch and Release only as season not open ‘til June 19^th. But action good with big fish in the 19-21” range being caught in shallows (anglers reporting bedding Smallies already) using X-Raps, Husky Jerks or going soft with plastic craws or Ned worms.

Largemouth Bass: Good-Very Good – Cruising shallows taking offerings meant for other species (Crappie, Smallmouth). Black, brown hair jigs, Ned worms, Wacky worms all good choices. Some anglers working spinner baits over 3-5’ mud/muck bottom areas also doing well.

Walleye: Fair-Good – Surprisingly, not a lot of hot shallow bites. Bright, cloudless days could be affecting, but a few days fish turned on in shallow weeds at times. Jigging leeches, fatheads, dace on 1/16 oz weedless Jacks or Invasion jigs. In some bodies of water Walleyes remaining over mud flats feeding on Mayfly larvae. In these areas small to medium leeches best.

Bluegills: Good – Lots of fish roaming shallows, mostly smaller fish. Worms, thunder bugs, poppers behind clear floats. Not a very targeted species right now with focus on Crappies.

Yellow Perch: Good – Little attention, but a few anglers targeting Perch in wood scoring nice catches on medium fatheads, half crawlers or thunder bugs.

I’ve been seeing Smallies bedding already, Musky paired up in shallows and suckers also working beds at the same time the Crappies are spawning. Not totally unusual, but as early in the month and so condensed at the same time is. Weed growth seems behind, but improving with all the recent sun and warmth. Weekend should be good, yet forecast says wet – but that can change.

Kurt Justice

Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
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NORTHWEST INDIANA

Provided

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted the photo above and this:

That’s been the norm since Saturday afternoon lake trout galore

The mix bag of everything dried up Saturday morning near shore went from 20 to 25 fish a trip to 5 so we headed to 70ft for lake trout

Been only taking a hour maybe a little more to box 6 man limits of lake trout

Bluegill bite everywhere has picked up last few days and will only get better crickets and jumbo red wigglers best baits

Catfish in the evenings at portage river walk on cut bait and triple s catfish dip bait

Starting this Friday we go to summer hours 5am to 7pm everyday

BoRabb Williams messaged:

. . . Willow Slough is popping with BIG GILLS and cats… few crappie…. WEEDS

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

Hello, Dale; I hope you’re feeling great, gearing up for the sunshine that’s a-comin’!Here’s what’s been going on around here:

Fishing is really starting to heat up EVERYWHERE. Trolling on Lake Michigan remains very good, with more King Salmon showing up daily. The local Calumet, Kankakee, & St. Joseph Rivers are starting to produce some nice-sized Walleye along with Smallmouth Bass & Catfish. Spinners & Leeches have been working wonders for the former, while Nightcrawlers & Stinkbait have been going like crazy for the latter. Inland Lakes George, Pine, Oxbow have been doing well on Bluegill & still some Crappie; baits of choice have been beemoths, smaller minnows, & redworms.

ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN

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

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said fished slowed up on Lake MIchigan with fish running as deep as past 200 feet; some catfish caught in the river and off the pier.

Paddle and Pole hosts the Berrien Springs Fish Ladder Camera.

SHABBONA LAKE

Site hours through Oct. 31 are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Concessions are closed and for sale.

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT

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

WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN

Provided by guide Bill Stoeger

Guide Bill Stoeger in Fremont texted the photo above and this on Saturday:

White bass are spawning with water temp in the upper 50’s. Minnows on jigs or rigs working best, and some on flies. Catfish action picking up with the warm weather

Provided by Curt Pazdro

Curt Pazdro messaged this photo Monday morning and this:

It was a nite bite last nite turned on at dark till 1100

Caught around 100

In Fremont

With water at 61.5 they should turn on with warmer weather today

I think he is right about that. He also said sturgeon were very active.

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The fountain and beaches were closed last summer due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Chicago is taking more steps toward summer reopening plans — just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

On Saturday, the city will host a celebration to turn on the world-famous Buckingham Fountain after the fountain had remained off last summer due to pandemic-related restrictions. Although it has largely remained off since 2019, crews have been testing the fountain in recent days.

Officials are promoting Saturday’s event as a virtual celebration, with a contest winner chosen to flip a switch to turn the fountain back on, according to the Chicago Park District website.

Officials did not say whether the fountain’s previously nightly light and music show will resume. More details on the switching on event will be announced soon.

The city also plans to reopen its Lake Michigan beaches on Friday, May 28, Mike Kelly, Chicago Park District superintendent, said earlier this week.

The beaches also were closed last summer due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The fountain is located at Columbus Drive and the lakefront. An official Chicago landmark, the fountain was donated to the city by Chicagoan Kate S. Buckingham in 1927 in honor of her late brother Clarence, a renowned art enthusiast. It was designed by architect Edward H. Bennett, with the sculptural elements designed by French artist Marcel Loyau based on fountains at the Palace of Versailles in France. It was officially dedicated on Aug. 26, 1927.

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The shooting happened on the sidewalk in the 6300 block of South King Drive, according to Chicago police.

Two men were seriously wounded in a shooting Tuesday afternoon in Parkway Gardens on the South Side.

The men, both 27, were on the sidewalk in the 6300 block of South King Drive about 4:45 p.m. when a person approached and fired shots at them, Chicago police said.

Both men were struck in the leg and one was also hit in the chest, police said. They were both taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition, police said.

No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

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