By Steve Weisman
Outdoor Editor
Here is a great fishing opportunity for youth anglers, age 15 and under. How about a morning of ice fishing at Lost Island Lake? The date is set for Saturday, January 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.
The fishing outing is sponsored by the Palo Alto Conservation, Emmet County Conservation and the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLFC). That’s not all: ice shacks, heaters, rods and reels and bait will all be provided for use during this outing. According to Kaitlin Steinle, Palo Alto County naturalist, “Bobber Down bait shop in Ruthven is donating all the bait for the morning.
Steinle continued, “Here in Palo Alto County, we are extremely fortunate to have Lost Island Lake. The goal of the morning is to get more youngsters (and adults) here in Palo Alto County and Emmet County interested in ice fishing. We hope to get as many people to come as possible.”
To kick the day off, the first 60 youngsters will receive a rod and reel ice fishing provided by the IGLFC. Terry Thomsen, president of the IGLFC, shared his thoughts on the morning. “It is great to see both Palo Alto Conservation and Emmet County Conservation working together to offer this ice fishing outing for area youngsters. As a club, that is our goal: to get more kids to become lifelong anglers on both open water and on the ice. We are more than happy to provide the volunteers and equipment to give these kids the chance to experience what fun ice fishing is.”
Steinle noted that she and Sidney Krueger, the Emmet County Naturalist, are looking forward to the morning’s event. “We have some equipment, but what the IGLFC is bringing will really help us out, along with their volunteer mentors, who can help give more hands-on guidance.”
Participants are to meet at the Lost Island Lake Boat Ramp in Lost Island – Huston Park (next to the marsh).
Parents, adults are welcome to observe and even help in the mentoring fun: the more the merrier!
Those interested in attending should call the Palo Alto Conservation at (712) 837-4866 to pre-register so that the IGLFC will know how much equipment will be needed and how many fishing combinations to have.
Steinle concluded, “Now we need Mother Nature to cooperate and give us good solid ice and a pleasant morning with little wind!” Not asking too much!
