Open water on Shawano Lake, February 28, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Recent changes in the weather have really had an impact on many outdoor activities.
That includes ice fishing on some area water bodies, like Shawano Lake just Northwest of Green Bay.
“With the southerly winds yesterday, and changing over with that front coming through, and then changing over to north winds and everything’s pushed away from the county park here. So, open water,” said Keith Marquardt, Shawano County Parks Director.
Keith Marquardt says it’s earliest in his life he’s seen the ice on the 6,200-acre Shawano Lake “go out.”
“It is still February. But boy it doesn’t seem like February. I was talking to my park rangers, I said you know, we could put the docks in right now, if you want, and get one of our pontoons out here, and go for a ride on the lake. There’s not too many times you can see snow from the lake,” he said.
Just across the lake, near the landing at Bamboo Bar, Mike Nitschke checks out the conditions Wednesday morning.
“Normally you could drive trucks out. We’d still be fishing. We were supposed to have the kids fishing tournament last weekend. We canceled that. Normally, there’s a foot and a half of ice this time of year. But it’s getting to the end now,” said Mike Nitschke, Shawano.
Nitschke says with whipping winds, and open water not far away, he’ll remain on shore.
“I would say, I would stay off. It’s a crazy year. Get ready to put the boats in. It’s coming,” he said.
Back at Shawano Lake County Park, waves lap this landing on the northern shoreline. Keith Marquardt says there’s no turning back, and spring isn’t too far behind.
“No, it’s not going to freeze up now. The season is over, yes. Ice fishing is over for the year,” he said.
Some anglers say ice fishing is very popular on Shawano Lake, and the slower season may help the fish populations that live there.
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