GONE FISHING
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I don't believe I've cast a fishing reel in decades, but every time I pass someone throwing a line in the water at a local park pond, lake, or river, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. It takes me back to my childhood and summer weekends at my grandparents cozy cabin at a lake in the Wisconsin woods.
At the time, we were living in the city of St. Paul, Minnesota, and the hour-long trip to Amery seemed to carry us a world away from the hubbub of the city streets, the neighborhood kids, and summer fun. But we were headed for a different kind of fun. Saturday afternoon picnics, swimming in the lake, outdoor (freezing) showers, and the regular use of a biffy (the outhouse). Adventurous! |
Holding up some northern pike caught at the lake by my grandparents cabin in Amery, late 1960's.
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And then there was the fishing. Sometimes from the dock, sometimes in a rowboat, or a small flat-bottomed fishing boat powered by a tiny outboard motor. Sunfish, perch, largemouth bass, northern pike. You had to take the boat out on the lake to have any luck catching the bigger fish. But perch and sunfish were quick to bite in the shallow waters near the dock. I wasn't thrilled having to put a worm on a hook, but I loved seeing that bobber go beneath the water, and reeling in my catch. It took a while, but soon I felt brave enough to hold the smaller fish in my hand so I could remove the hook and let it go.
Our household was one of four daughters. When we girls were young my dad took us out fishing. But as we got older, other interests captured our attentions. I always knew he would have liked to have a son to do all those outdoor things he liked to do, but he taught his daughters how to toss that line out anyway. I always enjoyed casting that reel. Eventually, my older sister married, and my dad had a son-in-law to go fishing with. And then grandsons. I think, actually, that he really enjoyed going fishing on his own. The peace and quiet of sitting in a boat on the water trolling for the big one seemed to suit him.
Our household was one of four daughters. When we girls were young my dad took us out fishing. But as we got older, other interests captured our attentions. I always knew he would have liked to have a son to do all those outdoor things he liked to do, but he taught his daughters how to toss that line out anyway. I always enjoyed casting that reel. Eventually, my older sister married, and my dad had a son-in-law to go fishing with. And then grandsons. I think, actually, that he really enjoyed going fishing on his own. The peace and quiet of sitting in a boat on the water trolling for the big one seemed to suit him.
lOCAL PARKS
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Now that spring is finally settling in, I have noticed folks taking advantage of the nicer weather and doing some fishing from the shores and piers of our local parks. There's that nostalgia wave, again. How wonderful to be able to capture a bit of summer vacation right here at home, on a random afternoon at the park.
Our local neighborhood, and bigger community parks in urban, suburban, and rural areas offer a wealth of fishing opportunities. Checkout the following gallery for 48 area fishing spots worthy of your rod and reel. Hover over the image for the name of the location, then click an image to follow the link to their website profile. |
Local parks offer great everyday fishing opportunities close to home.
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Nature Preserves
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There's a wide selection of nature preserves that feature fishing opportunities. Some are wilder than others. All offer peaceful spaces for anglers to try their luck at luring in a variety of species. There's even a fishing park especially geared towards teaching kids to fish.
Following are 8 preserves profiled on the website, with more to come soon! Hover over the image for the name of the location, then click an image to follow the link to their website profile. |
Wisconsin has fishing opportunities for young and old alike.
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STATE PARKS & rECREATION aREAS
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Wisconsin state parks and recreation areas provide a wide variety of angling opportunity. From shoreline fishing along Lake Michigan, to inland lakes, rivers, streams, and more. Spend the day, or reserve camping space at many of the locations and stay longer. Either way, the excitement of reeling in the "big one" is within reach.
Following are 14 state parks and recreation areas that are profiled on the website, with more to come. Hover over the image for the name of the location, then click an image to follow the link to their website profile. |
State parks and recreation areas are a treasure trove of fishing opportunities.
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FISHING SEASON DETAILS & RESOURCES
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Fishing season for 2024 opens on May 4/5. Children 15 years and younger do not require a fishing license. Everyone 16 and older should obtain a fishing license. Fees vary for residents and non-residents, in addition to other specifics. For more details on purchasing a fishing license and regulations for 2024, visit the Wisconsin DNR website Fishing License page.
For additional listings of Places to Fish in Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin DNR website Places to Fish page. Here you'll find a wide array of information regarding locations, fishing for different abilities, specific types of fish, and seasonal specific information. |
Mauthe Lake State Recreation Area - Campbellsport
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All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2024 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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