Last June I wrote a tribute to my brother who had passed away from cancer many years ago. Following that article, I received many encouraging comments both in person and through emails, all much appreciated.

There was a common thread that resonated from the responses that I received in that many of the readers enjoyed the mix of a trip down memory lane, or in this case more of a wandering down banks once fished, accompanied by some present-day fishing suggestions.

There was a common thread: many readers enjoyed my ͂memory trip̓ down banks once fished. So in the spirit of ͂Throwback Thursdays,̓ like Andy and Opie, let’s throw those rods over our shoulders and make our way down to the fishing̓ hole, and on the way, do a little reminiscing mixed in with a few tips for the present.

For me, June has always been the start of summer fishing patterns. Fish behavior becomes more predictable, and all species are active and biting.

So with all that in mind, I thought we could venture toward another area I spent many of my younger fishing expeditions prowling the banks in search of the next world-record ͆something.͇ And instead of just focusing on one particular body of water, I will be opting for an area of multiple fishing opportunities on several lakes.

These are some of the lakes in the Cook County Forest Preserve District Southwest Zone, or in the Palos Division/Area.

These are nestled in some beautiful wooded surroundings south and west of Chicago, and in and around the Palos communities. While I’m not going to list all the lakes, I am going to revisit the ones I grew up fishing at from the trunk of my Dad’s Ford Galaxie 500.

While these lakes are all in somewhat of a “general͇” section of that county, I grouped them a little tighter in the event you might want to lake-hop and visit more than one location in an outing. Also, I’m not going to get to species- or technique-specific at each body of water, but I will throw out a few suggestions. You can fish these lakes however you want, but for the ease of explanation, and to keep driving to a minimum, I have grouped the seven lakes into three areas:

Area 1 

Tampier Lake (131st Street and Wolf Road): Tampier is one of the lakes in the district that gets quite a bit of fishing attention. The lake offers boat rentals, a boat ramp and a concession stand. There’s plenty of bank fishing opportunities here, and far as species, you can catch just about all the ͆regulars. You do have the addition of walleyes at Tampier, which many lakes do not offer, and I have seen some decent-sized catches in the 20-inch range. Bass, ͂gills, crappies and catfish make up for most of the creel limits here. As far as key areas, you just have to keep moving, though I favor the west end of the main lake. Use the west parking lot; try the little cove just south of it. I have found some nice crappies in that area.

Turtlehead Lake (South of 135th Street and Harlem Avenue): Turtlehead produces some nice bass at times, along with some crappies. Bluegills are plentiful, but to be honest I don’t think I have ever brought in a catfish—I’m sure there are some in there. If you don’t mind the walk, head toward the northwest corner of this lake. That little section just before the west bank on the north side has the deepest water. At times you might find good sizes anywhere, so you need to roam, but start up there.

Arrowhead Lake (135th Street and Harlem Avenue): Arrowhead is a little bit of a fooler; it’s not very big and not too much in the way of bottom contours or shoreline structure. However, you will find some big bass. I have caught them all over the lake, so it’s a little hard to pinpoint them. My best catches have been along the south and west banks, but take the time to work the whole lake. Also, I have caught some really nice bluegills, much larger than in many of the other lakes here. The water can be a little clear at times, so always cast ahead as you work down the bank, as these fish spook easily.

Area 2

Papoose Lake (123rd Street and west of La Grange Road): I fished Papoose quite a bit when I was young. The lake brings back a lot of memories fishing the concrete wall on the east side—thought it was really cool. And I’m not sure why at this point? Guess I used to like to kick back and fish for the bullheads there. Though not really a ͆highlighted͇ fish in many articles, bullheads can be fun if they get some size to them, and they will bite no matter what! You can find some crappies on Papoose too along with some bass. If you fish live bait, take plenty.

Horsetail Lake (123rd Street and 104th Avenue): Horsetail is a ͆sleeper͇ of a lake. I have caught some channel cats here, but really the bass are doing well. Horsetail has many small bluegills, which at times can be annoying, but they are also part of the diet of largemouths. If you head there, I would concentrate on the east side of the lake by the small spillway area.

Area 3

Saganashkee Slough (104th Avenue and 107th Street): Saganashkee is one of those way-back destinations from my early fishing days. It is actually quite a large body of water, but the shoreline is not easily accessible. Many people fish the east end right out of the backs of their vehicles, but—as usual with me—I won’t make it that easy for you. I’ve found the best fishing to be at the far west end of the lake. The west end really has the only deep water. Most of the Slough is lucky if it’s 4 feet. From the far west parking lot, walk around the west end to the south side and work that area heading east. That one corner has some great crappies and bass concentrated in that area.

Maple Lake (95th Street and west of 104th Avenue): Maple has been a longtime favorite for anglers. Since my early days of wandering the banks, Maple has had many upgrades, and is now one of those Forest Preserve, multi-use-type lakes much like Tampier—boats and various amenities to make it a great family destination. Once again, the usual species can be found and there are claims of some pike coming from there. I never caught one on Maple, but have heard the news, and the DNR confirms they are in there. Catfish can be good, and I have caught some nice bass over the years, concentrating my search to the northwest end of the lake.

While there are other choices of lakes in that area of the Forest Preserve District, I just limited the choices to my old casting grounds. Memories created between family and friends while sharing a stretch of water, with rod and reel in hand, will forever be etched in the photo albums of my mind—such lifelong impressions are a priceless gift.

So this June, yes, get out there and enjoy some time on the water. But if you have the opportunity to create your own lifelong memories, please set aside the time to follow through on this adventure. I promise no regrets for the time you spend creating your own forever snapshots.      MWO