[appalachian angler (tn.)]

I know this topic has been covered before but I thought it would be fun, especially since there are so many new members. If I have left out a species that you are passionate about, by all means speak up! What fish do you love to chase?

A.A.

[johnnyquest]

Mainly panfish and bass.... but that is because they are easier to catch on a fly than some of the colder water species. I have caught a few trout on a fly, but no big ones yet. Also plan on doing some steelhead fishing this spring with my flyrod. Mostly though, i am still a bait dunker.

[fishyfranky]

All things considered, there is no better freshwater fish than steelhead

[nedbm3]

I like to fish for anything but my favorite is definitely trout.

[kschu]

I fish for anything that swims. But mostly I fish for Bass and Panfish. They are what is in the water in my area. In my book, Smallmouth Bass rule the waters.

The rivers, streams and creeks of NE IL have Smallies, panfish (Bluegill and Greenies), creek chubs (aka. suburban trout) and various rough fish.

The ponds are loaded with all sorts of panfish, Bass (SM, LM and white), catfish, crappie, and carp.

If one is willing to drive a few hours, the spring creeks in SW WI are available for trout fishing. I have a fly fishing buddy at work who treks up there every chance he gets. I tried it once last year, but conditions were definitely against me. Nasty cold front put everything down, not a cloud in the sky, very sunny and hot. I gave up and drove to one of my favorite rivers in IL on my way home. I could not get a bite at even my best spots.

I want to try Steelhead this year. I'm going to throw flies at Musky near the end of this month. I'm talking with a guy at the fly shop about a pike outing this summer. And I'm sure I will give those WI spring creeks another try.

Ken S.

[SmallieHunter]

I'll let you guys guess what I voted for

[Kodiak Commando]

I do have a favorite species or two butI am not going to say there is one fish better than any other fish and because i live in a place where variety is plentiful i have learned that all fish are special in some way. Pinks and dollies are the most plentiful and are easier to catcht then most species, Kings and chums have great strenth, silvers are plentiful fish that are the acrobats of the salmon world, steelhead have a mysterious auro around them, reds are the salmon of 1000 casts and big bows are supercharged monsters.

I could go on and on but my favorite fish to target would have to be 3 different species. I love silver salmon cuz of their acrobatics and abundace, abundant enough to catch 20 a day for a fish that averages 10 pounds, can't beat that The second fish is what i believe to be the most underated freshwater fish along with carp, Chum salmon, pound for pound are much harder pullers than kings and jump like silvers. The third and final is big rainbows, i love all rainbows but the big ones of the kenai, naknek,kvichiak and other rivers are in a class of their own. Frankly they are as big as steelhead and in my opinion fight better, probably cuz they are juiced up from all those eggs and flesh.

[skeet3t]

I fish mostly for trout. I'm looking to get my boat running again and try some warmwater fishing. Wife prefers it over trout. She belongs to the "Heave it and Leave it" club. Doesn't like to "hunt" for trout, although she caught a trout on her first time out. Goal this summer is to catch a carp on the fly. I have rigged an 8 ft. glass rod with a LA reel in 8 wt. line with a whole bunch of backing. Will let you know how it turns out. See you on the water!

[Joe Hard]

I live right across the street from a tidal river that its main game fish is brown trout.

[jcstikfish]

For me, it's tough to beat the satisfaction you get from hooking and landing a nice steelhead in big water.


~James

[fishaholic]

That would have to be the elusive GL steelhead..............

[flymaster]

Hey what if you are seasonal. I love trout in the fall and winter and bass in the spring and summer. But I still do sneak off to trout fish in the summer some too so what should I say? How about a vote for each!


FM

[fishinlk]

Trout are definitely my favorite but I put more time in on steelhead just out of pure convenience. It's tough not to when it's less than 10 min. to be on the water from work.

[Sean Juan]

After some thought I voted for Largemouth Bass - which surprises me because I have never actually made a trip with Largemouth bass in mind - its just that every pond, lake, stream, or puddle seems to hold a few of them so most of my freshwater fishing is for them by default.

[MSUICEMAN]

i have to be honest, i chase the walleye around more than anything, and are my favorite. second is with the stick and that is steelies, then browns.