The Outdoor Report

At Wood Dale Grove’s Grove Lake, anglers are catching largemouth bass on soft plastics fished in deeper water and openings in the weed bed. Channel catfish are being caught in deeper water on a variety of baits including stink baits and shrimp.

Meacham Grove’s Maple Lake is producing largemouth bass early and late in the day on spinner bait.

Hidden Lake’s Round Meadow Lake is yielding largemouth bass. Early and late in the day they can be caught on weedless top-water baits along weed edges. During the rest of the day, fish deeper water with soft plastics.

A variety of fish are being caught out of Salt Creek near Graue Mill at Fullersburg Woods. Work the current breaks and eddies with small artificial baits for largemouth bass, crappie and the occasional walleye.

To share your fishing information, send an e-mail to forest@dupageforest.com.

Double-crested cormorants have been spotted flying over DuPage County in large numbers. These black birds fly in V-shaped formations with their necks extended. To get a better view of these birds, visit Churchill Woods. From the preserve’s parking lot on Crescent Street, watch for them diving and fishing or sunning and drying their wings while perched in a dead snag. Spring Creek Reservoir is also a great place to see large numbers of double-crested cormorants this time of year.

Dragonflies have also been spotted at several District lakes and wetlands. The most conspicuous species are those with wing spots like the widow skimmer, common whitetail and the Halloween pennant. One of the area’s largest and strongest fliers is the common green darner, which can fly over 30 miles per hour and can move in any direction. Look for these species at Hidden Lake, Waterfall Glen, Willowbrook and Spring Creek Reservoir.

Get a close-up look at dragonflies and other insects as the District takes the “ug” out of bug at its annual “Bug Bash” open house at Fullersburg Woods Sunday, August 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. Learn about the lovable side of insects through stories, crafts and games. Live bug encounters, nature hikes and more will complete the event. Reservations are not required for “Bug Bash.” For more information, contact Fullersburg Woods at 630-850-8110.

District prairies are a contrast of colors. Look for yellow cup plant, rosin weed, yellow coneflower, black-eyed Susan, compass plant and prairie-dock. Contrasting the yellows are the purples and pinks of wild bergamot, prairie blazing star, purple coneflower, rough blazing star, nodding wild onion, obedient plant, great lobelia and ironweed. Visit Mayslake, Churchill Woods, West Chicago Prairie and Swift Prairie to experience some of the most spectacular prairies in DuPage County.

Blooming in the woodlands now are Joe Pye weed, white snakeroot, jewelweed and woodland sunflower. Look for these species at Churchill Woods, Meacham Grove, Waterfall Glen and Wood Dale Grove.

With over 25,000 acres, 140 miles of trails and 60 preserves all right at your feet, there’s a perfect way to enjoy DuPage County’s forest preserves that's just waiting for you. For information, call (630) 933-7200, or visit www.dupageforest.com.