Lake Suel, Rochell, IL

08/14/05 Report by Midwest Muskies ProStaffer Joe Alfe

Conditions: Partly cloudy and 72 Temp

Water/high and discolored (normally clear)

Wind: 5-10 mph

 

Lake Suel is located in Rochell,IL on the corner of Rt 88/Rt39, West of Shabbona.  Lake Suel is known for its Catfish, and Crappie, but is stocked with Muskies and Walleye as well. On this day, the water was high and muddy, and there was a big shad die-off.  Thousands of tiny shad littered the surface, and fish could be seen taking them from he surface all over. We experienced no action, even when I downsized to a tiny floating Rapala. While trolling a Magnum Rapala, Dale experienced a bone-jarring hit and the fight was on.  His St. Croix Muskie stick was bent with violent head shakes.  He gets the fish to the boat and-Surprise!  It’s a giant Channel Cat!  This Big kitty chased down and clobbered the Rapala.  She looked to be about 30” and 18-20#, but as Dale was hoisting her up for a pic, she twisted off and went back under. A conversation with a local Officer and old-timer revealed that the Muskies are still on the smaller size here-under 40”, but you can expect good action.  Dale had raised 6 in the previous weeks.