While a recent fishing trip wasn’t actually a hundred years in the making, the anglers who undertook the trek have been around for 100 years. For another month, I check in at 51 years old while one of my little brothers comes in at 49. Do the math and there you go.
Our adventure has been formulating in my mind for quite some time, however, and I figured what better time to pull it off?
You know, before we got too old and thought better of it.
What this stunt consisted of was wheeling in the eight foot johnboat to a remote public strip pit that has only one lone opening along a reed line bank where an angler can make limited casts. From there, the plan was to use that lake as a jumping point to our larger ultimate destination.
Can it be done, and if so, will it be worth it?
History
1990 – I stood on the east end of this lake, a wide expansive flat that was accessed while working for the old Illinois Department of Conservation. We were able to “cheat” a bit in cutting down the hike via a lane through private property.
2000 – I give it a go and wind up with one bass from the only spot that my route allows me to make some casts from the bank.
2006 – I decide to hike in to access what little fishable bank is available due to steep banks and abundant terrestrial vegetation. Half a dozen bass later I head back to my truck via a cross country route which finds me nearly crawling through brush and wondering if I am going to be stranded as sunset looms. Part of me vows “never again” while another part ponders an ambitious Plan B.
2016 – A former Top 5 angler reports that he and a partner were able to access the lake with belly boats. Several 3-pounders and 60+ fish was the reward for the duo. However, his detailed description of the adventure noted, “Was it worth it? Yes, I think it was. I no longer have to stare at the aerial view map and wonder…what if? Would I do it again? Hell no!”
2019 – Here we go.
Attack (see map above)
Stage One – A one-mile hike wheeling in the eight-foot johnboat and gear while strapped to a two-wheel dolly. Not flat, not paved and not freshly mowed, the “road” presents a real workout.
Stage Two – A hundred yard drag downhill to get to our portage lake. Not too bad with gravity’s help but tempered with the realization that the return is all uphill, not so easy.
Stage Three – Fish the smaller portage lake hoping that the connecting marsh is somehow navigable with no idea the expanse of the reed clogged area. (Circled area on the map)
Stage Four – Find our proverbial “Northwest (or whatever direction) Passage” to reach “The Promised Land.” (Star on the map)
Stage Five – Fish the seldom visited water with visions of uneducated bass dancing in our heads.
Well, we did it and managed to survive to tell the tale.
Results – Stay tuned for the full report next week on the heels of the latest Top 5 Update.
Talk to you later. Troy