Some of my favorite fishing experiences

I’ve had a couple of wonderful fishing experiences this summer. Pier fishing is available to people who don’t own a boat but enjoy fishing  from shore. I decided to head to Fountain Lake in Albert Lea to fish from a pier. I took some buddies along, since angling alone isn’t my cup of tea: I enjoy conversation and company whenever I go. 

It was a hot summer day; fishing from a floating dock was spectacular. We caught bluegills of all sizes, some were 8-9 inches and great size for a fish meal. I caught a trophy one just under 11 inches; in my younger years that big guy would have gone on the wall. We threw enough fish for meat into a bucket and helped two ladies and daughter put gills in their bucket. Their husbands work at Hormel in Austin and they wanted to surprise them with a fish supper. I wonder if the ladies cleaned them? When I returned home, I cleaned mine–had enough for a meal and decided to present a meal to those who appreciate them. Time for a random act of kindness. I went out to Waseca - Clarks Grove Vet Clinic with a couple of bags of fresh sunfish filets. Sue Borglum is a wonderful employee who assists pet owners daily, always with a smile. Sophie cuts and grooms hair and nails for our wonder dog Sammie, always doing a first class job. Sammie really enjoys her bath and hair styling. Every time I pick her up, she prances out, head held high, a real lady. Sue and Sophie both enjoyed a fresh meal of fish. 

Jim Panzram had been trolling for northern pike in an area lake. To my delight, he invited me to tag along. Jim trolls with an ancient lure called the spoonplug; you can’t buy them anymore. The spoonplug is made of curved metal and has eyes resembling an owl; it trolls right to the bottom. If you have any for sale please call Dave Zika. Jim handed me a thick, 5 ft. rod with heavy, colored line. He instructed me to let out a section of line to the purple color, and away we went trolling his hot spots at 4 mph. 

It was a hot summer day and we trolled from 2-4 p.m. in the heat of the day. I experienced something I’d book a trip to Canada for. I caught and landed 7 northern pike ranging from 26” to 34” long,  in two hours of fishing. The biggest weighed just over 8 lbs. They were all thick, healthy, fish and we released them all back into the water. It was an unforgettable fishing experience and I can’t help but thank the DNR Waterville fisheries for my wonderful fishing this summer. Oh, and yes, thank you, Jim. 

I’m a huge fan of the DNR Waterville fish hatchery. When I listen to someone complain my response is simple: “Where would we fishermen be without them?” All of the crew employed at the hatchery have to deal with climate change, drought, increasing technology, and fishing pressure 12 months a year on our many southern Minnesota lakes. The hatchery is also a division of our great state of Minnesota, so naturally they have to deal with politics. 

Our lakes are divided into 3 tiers. Those rated number 1 are regarded as a high priority for management. An example: Clear Lake in Waseca is a tier 1; Loon Lake is tier 3. Hatchery biologists and the crew can assess a lake and professionally figure its health in regards to fish population. Area lakes are electro shocked, and netted to survey the fish population. With the data gathered the hatchery takes measures to make the lake the best it can be for fishing. You can contact the Waterville hatchery any time and they will give you up to date statistics on surveyed lakes.

The hatchery gathers female walleyes in the spring from area lakes, fertilizes the eggs, and grows millions of fry to be stocked. Some of the fry go into shallow area lakes where they are released in the fall as fingerlings. If you catch a walleye in Madison or Washington Lake, it’s been stocked by the hatchery. This spring the hatchery successfully raised a number of muskies that will be stocked in lakes throughout the state for musky fisherman to enjoy. 

Lake Elysian was a great lake to fish last summer and my family enjoyed great fishing for walleyes and crappies. The lake suffered a severe winter kill, both game fish and rough fish. The fisheries will be busy this summer stocking the appropriate game fish, bringing the lake back to good fishing. Mazaska Lake was surveyed and it was determined that the sunfish there needed help. The result, a five-fish limit. 

I’m sure Mr. Bluegill breathed a sigh of relief and is on his way to recovery. 

The Waterville fishery also has a hand in boat landings, aerators, and fishing piers. Note: many of these are under the management of the county or city. 

Ducks, pheasants, deer, and turkeys all have organizations interested outdoorsman can join to help with habitat and hunting. Until recently, fishermen didn’t have an organization to help them be heard and offer political clout. Ron Schara and other big names organized, and started MN-FISH. The mission; bring a strong, unified voice to St. Paul advocating for our anglers, our fisheries, and our next generation of anglers. Mission accomplished, their lobbyists were heard by the right people in St. Paul. The Waterville fishery is receiving a nice chunk of money to update a hatchery that hadn’t been updated for years. If you fish, you might consider joining for a worthwhile $35. 

The staff at the Waterville hatchery does welcome public input and ideas. A while back they held a round table in Mankato and over 100 people attended. They shared valuable information and received feedback from anglers. 

As I grow older and breathe a sigh of relief, I sit back and smile. It appears my lakes are in good shape for generations to come; fishing will be good. 

Until next time: may your bobber go down–way, way down!