which is easier/better to fish?  Rivers, local ponds or lakes?   Maybe there isn’t a difference?  I don’t fish many big lakes and the local ponds I usually fish (western suburbs of Chicago) have really slowed down.  I’m hoping rivers might be a little more active in the cooler weather.  

I can't speak to rivers but the small lakes and ponds that I have been fishing around here have slowed down immensely as of late.

 

I'm almost tempted to put the boat and gear away for the year.

This is getting to be the best time of the year on rivers. The biggest fish will be feeding before winter sets in. They will be moving to their wintering areas and probably won’t be found where you got them when the water was warmer. With no rain in the forecast, the water levels should come down and the water will clear up. Get back out and find the deep slower pools. 

10 hours ago, Scott F said:

This is getting to be the best time of the year on rivers. The biggest fish will be feeding before winter sets in. They will be moving to their wintering areas and probably won’t be found where you got them when the water was warmer. With no rain in the forecast, the water levels should come down and the water will clear up. Get back out and find the deep slower pools. 

Perfect.  That's what I was hoping to hear.  Looks like I'll be concentrating on the DuPage unless we get a few warm days.  Thanks for the info!