Lifers from a ditch, the Copper Slough

On my drive back from Ohio, I stopped by Champaign, IL to see my fishing buddy Jeff. He didn't have time to fish with me, but he pointed me in the direction of a drainage ditch that is supposed to contain pirate perch. The ditch connects to the Copper Slough, which in turn empties into the Kaskaskia River further south. The ditch sure didn't look like much. Can you even tell there is water flowing?



Under bridges there were larger pools. Looks like a good spot to break out the micro gear.



No pirate perch, but within a few minutes I had three new life listers!

Blackstripe Topminnow (Fundulus notatus) - new hook & line species #47


Grass Pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus) - new hook & line species #48


Tadpole Madtom (Noturus gyrinus) - new hook & line species #49


I also picked up a few sunfish

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)


Hybrid Sunfish (Green Sunfish X Central Longear Sunfish)


Not bad for a ditch! I'll be back looking for that pirate perch next time!