ok so heading to newton for sure sat.! but...

[Gale1980]

where is the ramp or ramps located? if there is more than one, which one will be in or closest to the hot water arm? GOD I CAN'T WAIT!!!

[BassManGuy]

There are 2 ramps, one on the warm water side, and one on the cold water side. You need to put in on the warm water side. But, the first thing you need to invest in is a MAP!!! You can google search it, and I am sure you will be able to get directions to the warm water ramp. I'm sorry I am not anymore help, but when I went, I used a map because I had no idea where I was at, nothing but fields and they all looked the same!

[Gale1980]

i looked for the hotspots map etc... couldnt find one. i wll try and google it.

[Bwell]

Good luck man, let us know how it goes!

[bucketmouth4]

Have fun.

[fishindoc]

Get an Illinois atlas and gazetteer. It shows all the small roads and county lines, etc. The warm side ramp is near the southwest side of the lake. You could use mapquest too. Don't try to follow the farm roads across the northside, they are dirt(don't ask how I know this, its not fun towing on them) and likely not very clear of snow.

[uicdent11]

Also, don't turn left at the first big sign for the lake. Not sure exactly what is says, but there is also a smaller sign that states that the boat launch is further up the road. It can easily be missed if you go early in the morning. You'll know you are at the right spot when you see The Outdoor Sportsmans Lodge up on the right side of the road. This is when you go left to the warm water launch. Good luck and keep us posted.

[purduephigam]

Definitely keep us posted! I'll probably wind up PMing you for a detailed report. March can't get here soon enough.....

[fishindoc]

I ended up going with a member of my club who's a lurker here; We had a pretty good day fished from 7:30-1 had about 25 between us. My best 2--


I have no idea what I did to take the last photo with weird coloration
caught most with crankbait.

[Gale1980]

Unfortunately, I spent my day hard water fishing... I had some battery issues and didn't want to chance it with a 3 plus hour drive... Hopefully, in the next couple weeks I'll get to make it down!

[haftafish22]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by fishindoc &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I ended up going with a member of my club who's a lurker here; We had a pretty good day fished from 7:30-1 had about 25 between us. My best 2--

I have no idea what I did to take the last photo with weird coloration
caught most with crankbait.</td></tr></table>

what was the water temps?

[fishindoc]

52-54

[sgt93]

Looks lke you guys had a good time Doc

[BassManGuy]

Nice looking fish! What were ya using to catch 'em?

[fishindoc]

most with a crankbait bandit 200 and some with beaver-style texas rigged.