Lake Winnebago Ice at Waverly Beach Menasha. PC: Fox 11 Online
LAKE WINNEBAGO (WTAQ-WLUK) — The now record-breaking and above average temperatures Northeast Wisconsin has been experiencing is not good for a lot of winter-time events. The uncertain ice conditions make the upcoming sturgeon spearing season, and other events scheduled on the Lake Winnebago ice difficult, if not impossible. And the warm up will lead some businesses and organizations to cool down.
At the beginning of February, Lake Winnebago is usually littered with anglers. But on February 1, the lake was empty and there was plenty of open water.
The lack of ice leading Battle on Bago to cancel the ice fishing portion of its annual event that raises money for youth and conservation efforts.
“It’s going to be a different event,” said Glenn Curran with Battle on Bago.
While no one will be fishing, other parts Battle on Bago, including the fish fry and raffle are still taking place. But, after raising more than $2 million in its first 16 years, organizers anticipate fundraising won’t be as successful this year.
Curran said, “I think we’ll raise less money overall, but whatever we can do to help support some these organizations in town, we’re willing to put in the work.”
Battle on Bago is part of a two week boost in the region, that includes sturgeon spearing too.
The areas in and around the Lake Winnebago system seeing a roughly $4 million economic boost.
The Countryside Bar and Grill, outside of Chilton, says it reaches capacity, during opening week of sturgeon spearing — which is scheduled for next weekend.
“It’s wall to wall people, fish are on the bar, everybody is having a good time,” says Countryside employee, Jill Flemming.
Employees aren’t sure what kind of crowds they’ll see if no one can go spearing because of the lack of ice.
Flemming said, “I don’t think it will be as busy as other years. I think it’s just going to be a, sorry to say it, normal Saturday, Sunday weekend.”
The owner of Sturgeon Spirits Craft Distillery in Oshkosh doesn’t know what to expect either.
According to Karl Loewenstein, “People sometimes bring their sturgeon in, we were going to do an ice sculptor out back, so all these things we were planning for the weekend I have no idea whether they’re going to happen.”
But he does know that with little to no ice on the lake, business will be down during a time when many expected to see it up.
He added, “It’s just very disappointing. You go out to eat, you go have a drink afterwards you do all these kind of fun things around the excitement and celebration that is sturgeon spearing, even if you’re not a fisherman and we’re going to lose all of that this year.”
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