SHAWANO COUNTY (WTAQ-WLUK) -The countdown is on.
The 2018 inland sports fishing season begins Saturday.
But with the late spring, having open water may be a luxury in some areas.
But that’s not the case on Shawano Lake.
The sound of waves lapping on the northern shore of Shawano Lake Friday morning was just what parks officials wanted to hear.
“Well, the ice just went out on Tuesday. We’re getting open water. So, I don’t see any more ice out here at all. So yeah, boating should be fine this weekend,” said Keith Marquardt, Shawano County Parks Director.
In addition to the boat launch, Marquardt says the 100-site campground is ready to go.
“Everything’s turned on. Shower houses, bathhouses are all on. Water and electricity in all the campsites. So we are gearing up. We’ve got a lot of calls in the last couple days from people wanting to do some camping. And hopefully, it will be a good year,” he said.
Now that the Shawano Lake ice is officially gone, the big question is how is the fishing? Hacker’s Bait Shop put away their ice fishing inventory about three weeks ago. Now, they’re officially geared up for opening day.
“The Tuffy line. That’s a great walleye bait, one of the best,” said Stan Vertz, Hacker’s Bait Shop Owner.
Vertz stocked up on minnows worms, and other lures commonly used in open water fishing.
“I think opening day if some of them walleye are done spawning, they’re going to be hungry. So I think it’s going to be a good opening day for walleye. It’s going to be a good opening day for perch,” he said.
Vertz says it’s also a time to catch up with friends.
“A lot of people come up from Appleton, and all over. and sit and drink coffee, with me, and buy stuff. It’s a good time,” he said.
And while work continues on Shawano Lake, Marquardt says, at least there’s no ice.
“And I’m glad it’s gone. Yeah, it will be nice when we get some warm weather, and it stays warm,” he said.
