Hogwash Slough in Cook County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Illinois holds Hogwash Slough, in Cook County. Everything around it is pine and birch. At roughly 6 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Cook County. Nearest town is Willow Springs, 1.4 miles off. Hickory Hills is 1.9 miles and Justice 2 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Hogwash Slough

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Across Cook County, recorded fish include common carp, bluegill, green sunfish and gizzard shad. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Hogwash Slough the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 74°F and January near 22°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Ice-out usually falls in mid March, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Climate figures give an open season running mid March to mid December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. The season on Hogwash Slough follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Somewhere to sit and eat is half a mile out. Part of this sits inside or beside Spears Woods, so read the notices. Carp respond to sweetcorn or boilies fished patiently on the bottom near feeding areas. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Pollywog Slough at 0.2 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the current arrangement for Hogwash Slough.