Red Wing Slough near Hickory Hills: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Red Wing Slough lies in Cook County, in Illinois. The bank gives way to rolling bush. On water this small, stealth matters more than range. It is a small entry by Cook County standards. Start from Hickory Hills, 1.4 miles down the road. After that come Willow Springs at 1.7 miles and Justice at 2 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Red Wing Slough

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Fish documented in Cook County include common carp, bluegill, green sunfish and gizzard shad. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The near bank of Red Wing Slough is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 74°F and January reads 22°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid March. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid March in spring and again near mid December in autumn. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Red Wing Slough.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Mapping shows parking within half a mile. Somewhere to sit and eat is half a mile out. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. White Oak Woods runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Suttonbush Slough, 0.3 miles away. Check the current arrangement for Red Wing Slough.