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By Louie Stout
The DNR closed off Eagle Lake parking due to complaints from Ontwa Township officials but it had nothing to do with anglers.
The entrance to the grassy DNR property was blocked by large boulders a week ago, placed there by the Michigan DNR after townships officials threatened citing them for an ordinance violation.
“This had nothing to do with fishermen,” said Leroy Krempec, township planning commission administrator. “It was the general public that was causing problems.”
The grassy lot, which the DNR owns and intends to develop as a parking area for boaters, has been open for boat and trailer parking since the DNR purchased the land nearly four years ago.
However, litigation filed by the Eagle Lake Improvement Association to prevent construction of a new boat ramp across from the parking area has put the project on hold.
The lot has remained undeveloped and has been discovered by Eagle Lake beachgoers, many of who have caused problems along Eagle Lake Road during nighttime and weekends.
Krempec said as many as 60 cars have been counted in the lot and litter has become a major problem.
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By Louie Stout
A Father/Son Fishing Trip to Remember
Six-year-old Calister Canarecci has had a fascination with big catfish ever since he began watching youtube videos and televised fishing shows.
“Every time we drive by a body of water, he tells me, ‘Dad, I bet there are some giant catfish in there,’” said his dad Joe, a Mishawaka city councilman.
So one evening last week, Canarecci decided to introduce his son to catfishing from the shore of the St. Joseph River at Merrifield Park.
They baited a couple of rods with chicken livers, cast the baits into the river and let them bounce along the bottom.
“We hooked a couple of small catfish and Calister reeled them in,” said Canarecci. “The joy of watching a youngster wind in fish the first time is a sight to behold.”
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By Louie Stout
Yucky Lampreys are Interesting Creatures
Several years ago I caught a nice smallmouth while fishing the St. Joseph River east of Elkhart when I saw the most disgusting creature attached to the side of the fish.
Having spent some time fishing trout and salmon in Lake Michigan, I knew immediately what it was.
A lamprey - a slimy, squirmy, eel-like creature with a suction mouth attached to the body of the bass.
Of course, my reaction was to call the Indiana DNR and report sea lampreys had ventured well up the St. Joe. Sea lampreys are a non-native creature that trout and salmon fish managers have spent millions trying to eradicate in Lake Michigan tributaries.
Perhaps you have encountered a similar experience and were as utterly repulsed as I was.
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By Louie Stout
Tradition Continues with Giant Aug. 11 Youth Derby
When it comes to fishing events, there is not a longer standing tradition in Michiana than the St. Joe Valley Bassmasters annual youth derby at Potato Creek.
On August 11, the club will hold its 42nd annual event at Worster Lake in the state park.
It’s free to all kids ages 4 to 14 who register.
Think about that – 42 years of giving thousands of youngsters a chance to fish and providing great prizes for everyone.
It’s the oldest running youth fishing event in Indiana, if not the Midwest, and the St. Joe club was one of the state’s first bass clubs to form.