Pond owners concerned about an imbalance of fish species resulting from the winter kill should contact their local IDNR district fisheries biologist to discuss fish restocking options. On larger lakes, biologists are also warning of extensive gizzard shad die-offs that may occur this winter. Illinois is the northernmost range of the species' distribution and it is not well adapted to lengthy winters. Typical observations include large numbers of dead or dying gizzard shad with few, if any, other species affected. Agenda topics include presentations on the IL Nature Preserves Commission, threatened and endangered species, and The IL Conservation Foundation.
Meetings are open to the public and a public comment period is provided during the evening meeting.
Beginning Thursday, March 1, Illinois ice fishermen must remove their shelters from public waters when they're not in use, and may not leave shelters unattended at any time. Smelt fishing season on Lake Michigan runs from March 1 to April 30 in most areas outside the City of Chicago. Smelters must have an Illinois fishing license, may operate no more than one device, and must immediately return all fish other than smelt to the water. Trolley or power lines may also be used. All three sites are open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week, except LaSalle will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays until the end of March.