Are you curious yet?
The first time we ever caught folks reading Positively Naperville was at the Mitchell Family Reunion on Thanksgiving Day 2001 at Ross Camp near Purdue University.
Then for most of our existence, photos of PN readers have been a popular monthly feature. Travelers were inspired to pack a copy of the publication in their luggage and we’d receive photos of their experiences with PN prominently placed front and center from all over the world — and we’d wish we were there. We even challenged readers to visit Iceland and the South Pole.
When traveling pretty much came to a halt in early 2020, so did photos from PN readers on the go.
Then along came our June 2022 issue, featuring a summer of things to do in Naperville.
For the fun of it, that June issue was laminated for folks headed to Cozumel, Mexico.
Equipped with an underwater camera, Lauren Garbis was sure she could capture photos of snorkeling Napervillians, former and present, swimming with tropical fish.
Imagine our delight when we received photos in time for our July cover.
Thanks, Lauren, for PN memories!
Go fish during Dog Days!
Simply put, the Dog Days of summer, known for their sweltering heat and humidity, coincide with the rising at sunrise of the Dog Star, lasting from July 3 to August 11, and they offer some fine fishing opportunities. According to one angler’s report, insect hatches are essentially finished by Dog Days, so fish have to work a little harder for a meal; ergo, that worm on your hook makes fish a little easier to catch.
Whether casting along the shoreline for a big one or watching a bobber signal a bluegill is on the line, fishing frees anglers from the stresses in everyday environment. And that’s a good thing.
Longtime PN readers know we prefer unplugging from electronic devices, and rebuilding personal reserves and independence during time spent with nature. Fishing helps!
PN cameras often catch anglers of all ages displaying their patience with a fishing pole and a little bait at May Watts Park. Named for naturalist May Theilgaard Watts (1893-1975) who is recognized for her dedication to the Illinois Prairie Path and honored with her name on May Watts Elementary School, the pond in May Watts Park also provides shoreline fishing opportunities to catch and release bluegills, catfish, largemouth bass and carp.
In early July, lily pads and many varieties of colorful wildflowers are in bloom. Park benches offer opportunities to while away time, watching wildlife and waterfowl, and listening to birds and bullfrogs.
May Watts Park is accessible from paths that begin on Whispering Hills and Oakton roads in the West Wind subdivision and Sequoia Road in Countryside.
Lake Osborne, a reservoir located at 1320 Aurora Avenue near the Naperville Public Safety Center, offers shoreline fishing, too. Posted signs say the limit is six bass. Anglers have reported catches of catfish, largemouth bass, panfish, bream/bluegill, sunfish, rock bass, bullhead and carp here, too.
Whalon Lake is another popular place to fish, posting daily limits for bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and walleye. Located on Royce Road, west of Route 53, the 80-acre lake and portion of the DuPage River is a Will County Forest Preserve.
Residents who enjoy recreational fishing (catch and release) can find a spot in one of the city’s 19 parks that offer fishing in ponds, streams or rivers. When budgets permit or donations are offered, Naperville Park District has been known to stock ponds. Here’s hoping.
As a reminder, anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 needs a fishing license to fish in Illinois waters. Yet, anyone 15 and under can fish for free.
Hooked yet?
Twenty-one years ago this month, PN launched its first of three websites, about six weeks before going to press with our first printed issue in time for Jaycees Last Fling in September 2001. And for nearly 21 years, PN has aimed to connect the community with a preview rather than a review of things to do in print. Go figure. And go fish!
Stephanie Penick, PN Publisher
