The Outdoor Report

Thanks to the angler, Glenn, who shared his recent catch of a largemouth bass at Meacham Grove’s Maple Lake. He estimates the fish at 5 pounds or more. It was released back into the water.

To share your fishing information, send an e-mail to forest@dupageforest.com.
Trout fishing has slowed down, though a few catches have been reported at Blackwell’s Silver Lake, Wood Dale Grove’s Grove Lake and West Branch’s Deep Quarry Lake. Try using powerbait or wax worms suspended under a float.

Crappie and yellow bass are being caught downstream of the dam at Graue Mill dam at Fullersburg Woods using a minnow suspended under a float. A 32-inch northern pike was caught at Blackwell’s Silver Lake on a spinner. Bluegill and crappie have also been reeled in here and there, with live baits such as minnows, wax worms and red worms being successful. Warmer, sunnier days should improve fishing considerably.

The next month will feature numerous fishing clinics, including the “Active Adults Fishing” program series taking place on April 29, and May 6 and 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. Geared for anglers 50 and older who would like a reintroduction to the sport, the programs include indoor instruction and hands-on fishing at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. To make reservations for “Active Adults Fishing,” call (630) 206-9566.

Migrating waterfowl have been sighted recently at several locations. American coots made appearances at Hidden Lake’s Round Meadow Lake, ruddy ducks visited Wood Dale Grove’s Grove Lake, and common loons were spotted on East Branch’s Rush Lake and on west Branch’s Deep Quarry Lake. Northern shovelers were seen at Springbrook Prairie’s Crooked Slough.

Some new arrivals in large numbers are the double-breasted cormorants.  These birds can be seen sunning themselves or diving for fish in waters at preserves including Churchill Woods, East Branch Riverway, Spring Creek Reservoir, McDowell Grove and Waterfall Glen. 

Join fellow birders on the lookout for spring migrants and summer residents during “Birds of a Feather” on May 4 at Springbrook Prairie. Binoculars are recommended, and those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. To make a reservation for “Birds of a Feather,” call (630) 933-7681.

Animal sightings include a coyote at West DuPage woods near Elsen’s Hill and painted turtles sunning themselves on a log in a pond at Meacham Grove. Although rarely seen, chorus frogs and American toads can be heard calling throughout the day wherever there is marshy area. Visit Waterfall Glen, Meacham Grove and Fullerton Park to listen for the trilling calls.

Spring woodland wildflowers are finally starting to bloom. Two of the best places to enjoy this magnificent spring ephemeral displays are Meacham Grove and Maple Grove. Expect to see spring beauty, toothwort, bloodroot, Dutchman’s breeches, common violet, trout lily and red and white trillium. Other good locations for spring woodland wildflowers are Waterfall Glen, Fullersburg Woods, Greene Valley and York Woods.

With over 25,000 acres, 140 miles of trails and 60 preserves all right at your feet, there’s a perfect way to enjoy DuPage County’s forest preserves that's just waiting for you. For information, call (630) 933-7200, or visit www.dupageforest.com.