Thousands lined the Chicago lakefront at dawn.

I fished Northerly Island because I thought it would be less crowded, but even there dozens were packed shoulder to shoulder.

During July, perch fishing is closed for those 16 and older in the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan. So Aug. 1 has become the major fishing event of the year in Chicago.

Catching was spotty to be polite for the opener. The cold water that made the fishing so good last week is disappearing. And perching is tougher.

There were some jumbos caught. This was the first one I saw, caught by Dave Ralston of Hammond.

Dan Edwards of Bridgeport had the start to a nice basket, but he was one of the few.

More later.