SHAWANO LAKE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With about 15,000 lakes to choose from , anglers across the state are getting ready for the start of the 2021 inland sport fishing season.
One of those places is Shawano Lake, northwest of Green Bay.
The 6,200-acre body of water draws fishermen and women from around the region.
With a weekend deadline approaching, crews take to the water Thursday morning, to install docks at Shawano Lake County Park.
“We’re putting in our boat slips today. We’ve got another launch dock to put in right here. So we got to get that in before the opening of the season, because we have four launches here. So we have two docks to put in. And then we put our boat slips in down there for our seasonal boaters,” said Keith Marquardt, Shawano County Parks Director.
Marquardt tells FOX 11 spring-like weather in the area arrived early.
“People were in a rush to get camping, so we opened the campground the first of April. They wanted to get their boats in the water, so we put one launch in the first of April. And then, it’s been kind of slow since then.”
Marquardt says cooler temperatures slowed the activity at the park, and on the lake too.
“The weather’s been uncooperative. The fish don’t know what to do about it.”
At Hacker Bait and Tackle Shop nearby, owner Stan Vertz has been stocking up on supplies. He’s also offering advice for anglers heading out opening day.
“With this kind of weather, cold and warm, the fish will be moving in for spawning. Bluegills, and that, then move back out, if it turns cold. So you might come on a cold day, and not catch one. But that don’t mean they’re not in there.”
Back on the water, anglers continue to test the waters, and the tradition that goes with it.
“Parents pass it down for generation to generation, that they want to get out on the lake, get in the opening of fishing season, the first day they can possibly do that, and hopefully catch some fish,” said Marquardt.
Anglers say the local forecast calls for conditions that are windy and warm.
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