Anglers fish in green Chicago River, drawing crowds

Ryan Whitacre and Josh Sokol went bass fishing in the Chicago River, which was dyed green for an annual celebration. They fished near the Merchandise Mart on Saturday, hoping fish would gather in the dyed areas. Unfortunately, the water discharges were turned off, making it harder to catch fish. Despite these challenges, they landed a few bass and a carp. Whitacre caught a notable smallmouth that drew cheers from onlookers. Sokol shared how exciting it was to fish in front of a large crowd, calling it his best fishing moment. The weather was mild, with temperatures in the 60s, making it a good day to be out. Whitacre mentioned that the fishing was slow, and they expected to catch more fish. They used specific lures to attract fish but noted that the lack of water flows may have confused them. While the dyeing tradition started in 1962, environmental groups like Friends of the Chicago River are questioning its impact today. They argue the river is much cleaner and healthier now and suggest exploring new ways to celebrate its vitality. The group is pressing for a review of the dye's chemical composition, which they believe could reveal potential environmental impacts. They emphasize the importance of protecting the river and adhering to environmental regulations. During their fishing trip, Whitacre and Sokol also made an effort to clean up trash along the river. This added a positive aspect to their fishing experience, as they engaged with the community while enjoying their sport. In summary, the event was a mix of fun, friendly competition, and environmental awareness, highlighting the changing relationship Chicagoans have with their river.