Always glad to share a happy story. By the way, outside of the Chicago Park District waters, any suggestions as to where good smelting action "may" be? Waukegan?
OK, guys, we actually got some smelt last night! Not many, for sure, but it was pretty nice seeing smelt in the net instead of nothing. We got six (yes six) smelt and one round goby fishing on the wall halfway between the planetarium and ...
... while you wait. I know the weather is nasty but this is an event I can't miss, I will be dressed like I am going ice fishing tonight! 67th Annual Smelt Fry Public invited Friday, April 19, 2013 5pm - 9pm Cost: $16/person, $13 Carry out http://www.hscillinois.org/ HARVARD SPORTSMAN'S CLUB 21226 ...
... he got 10, though I didn't visually verify that. Everyone in the harbor said they got about 2, although I did see one shiner someone thought was a smelt. http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u640/brewratmetal/smelters_zpsf7bfd2b1.jpg Did these slightly inebriated guys talk to you? If so, it was ...
Did we not have diving ducks years ago? I believe there has always been fluctuations in smelt populations. Typically predatation does not destroy a population unless it is by humans. once the prey decrease the predator follows. it is some kind of lag theory in predator/prey cycle.
Well you know how we have all these diving ducks and what not these days... Well I think they are eating all of them and leaving nothing for you guys who go out at night and try your luck.. What do you all think?
Last good year I remember for smelt was 1996. I went 18 nights out of the month of April at stateline pier in cal park. I've been smelting at least 3 weekends in april since '95, usually at 51st st. For us it's been good not great runs ...
Sounds like you had a good time 
Good for you!