Right on... I have relatives along it in the Northern part of Illinois. I've had my feet in it, but never fished it, so your experience rules there.
I just know the Flippin Zip is my number one bait for walleyes; I've caught them from 8 inches to 8 pounds on it. If the shad run on the Rock with any numbers, then I would think the walleyes should readily gobble it up there as they do on the Big Miss. Actually, I would think walleyes should eat it even without shad present as they readily eat small bass, perch, etc.
Of course, the bottom line with this, or any bait, is confidence. If you have more confidence in the ring-it, then you will fish it better; and any bait fished better will tend to produce more fish. (I typically downsize to a ring worm -or Thump Grub- in high pressure scenarios.)