The Wayne Izaak Walton League will not be holding their annual youth fishing derby this year because of a winter fish kill.
“We will miss not having it because the kids really enjoy it and we have a community that provides generously with donations on a yearly basis,” said Ikes President Erin Eilers.
The winter kill was caused by a combination of slightly lower water levels, thicker than normal ice, with snow on top of it, which lead to the depleted oxygen levels.
The Ikes are moving forward from this setback and have added new fish to the lake this spring. “In May we added fish to the lake but they will need time to grow and get big enough to catch and this is why we have chosen to not have a derby this year,” Eilers said.
He also said they added bass and bluegill to the main lake and bluegill and perch in the North Pond. The Ikes have implemented a catch and release of all fish and once larger fish are being caught, they will re-evaluate it.
This year the Ikes are working on area improvements which include fishing docks and getting some of the dirt moved to level off areas. The Ikes lake recreational area has other outdoor opportunities with a playground, shelters for picnicking, camping, kayaking, birdwatching, and more.
For updates and more information follow the Ikes on Facebook at “Wayne Izaak Walton League.”
