By Steve Weisman
Outdoor Editor
Time for a “tip of the hat” for Kim Hawkins and all the DNR staff for their great work last week and their walleye and musky gill netting operation! The numbers and quality of the broodstock was truly incredible, and the fact that they were brought into the hatchery in only two days…wow!
As I walked around the tanks holding the broodstock, it was so awesome knowing these fish come from our very own lakes…thanks to the work of our DNR biologists for their efforts.
Time for the kids
The Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLC) is preparing for its third annual Kids’ Free Fishing Clinic in Spirit Lake at Isthmus Park on Wednesday, April 23. Open to kids aged 6-15, the clinic is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
According to IGLFC board president, Terry Thomsen, “We had a good turnout a year ago, and we’re hoping for another great clinic. We ask the kids to bring their own fishing pole, tackle and a small bucket for the Fishing Contest.”
Agenda for the clinic begins with registration from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., the club will hold a series of 10-minute training sessions:
- Fish Cleaning
- DNR Fish ID
- DNR Safety
The next activity will be the much-anticipated Fishing Contest, which will last from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kabele’s Trading Post will provide bait. There will be prizes for the Big Fish (length only).
A special meal furnished by Big Ice Adventures and Tree Doctors will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. All kids registered for the event will receive a free prize.
According to Thomsen, if the weather turns bad, the alternate location will be at the DNR shop southwest of the Fish Hatchery.
Thomsen says, “We look forward to the outing, and parents and grandparents are encouraged to attend.” If people have questions, contact Thomsen at (712) 260-3382 or Dean Jacobson at (712) 260-4851.
