Lee Keck

ALTON - The early months of the year typically bring limited angling opportunities for local fishermen. There are some years when enough ice forms on our ponds and smaller lakes to support limited ice fishing activities. These opportunities often come and go with the various passing weather fronts....

For most local anglers, the chance of finding safe ice fishing conditions is typically very slim. We often receive a few days of freezing conditions, immediately followed by above freezing temperatures. Most of the winter, any ice cover that may have developed is often unsafe to support angling activities...

When it comes to fishing, Illinois sportsmen have the good fortune to enjoy quality year-round angling opportunities. You can just about bet your favorite fishing rod that someone in Illinois is catching fish somewhere virtually every day of the year. But, this doesn't mean that every lake, river...

The arrival of winter weather doesn't necessarily mean it's time to retire the fishing gear. In fact, a wealth of untapped fishing opportunities await anglers willing to brave the harsh conditions of the seemingly endless west-central Illinois winter. While many area outdoor enthusiasts ar...

Late-season hunting here in downstate Illinois typically separates the men from the boys. This season, in particular, has brought an ample early sampling of winterlike weather to our area. This means most fair-weather sportsmen have retired their hunting boots for the winter. As might be expected,...

There is one thing virtually every area angler believes - the Illinois winter is way too long. The wait for warm weather and the fishing season seems to take forever. However, local fishermen are fortunate in one way. We are blessed with a number of power plant cooling reservoirs that offer year-round...

The firearm deer seasons will soon be wrapping up and, with the arrival of colder weather, many hunters prefer to retire to their easy chairs. Still, excellent hunting opportunities can be found long after the fair-weather crew have hibernated to watch television. Certain upland game seasons remain...

With all the exciting hunting opportunities currently existing within Illinois, few provide the heart-stopping thrill that comes when a colorful cock pheasant flushes within only a few feet of an unsuspecting hunter. Without a doubt, the ringneck pheasant is the Illinois' upland hunter's version...

While many local sportsmen are occupying their time by sitting in duck blinds or deer stands, a handful of diehard crappie anglers are busy enjoying some of the best fishing action of the year. And, most of the better action is coming from our larger reservoirs. Many winters, crappie fishing becomes...

With the Illinois upland game season opening in slightly less than two weeks, perhaps you are still looking for a place to hunt. How about trying some public land for your opening day hunt? Locally, we are fortunate to have much of this type of land available. Still, you are probably like most uplan...