Fishing

interest

increases at Lake Hanska

Funds available

for Watonwan

River watershed

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

GODAHL -- Increased fishing interest was among a variety of topics discussed by the Lake Hanska Area Association Monday night at the Godahl Recreation Center.

Members agreed that fishing has recently improved.

Lake Hanska County Park Manager Gary Olson said the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources counted 128 fish houses on the lake on Feb. 25. Olson said the number of fish houses is much greater this year than in recent years.

The DNR stocked the lake with 1,853,000 walleye fry in May of 2003. The year before, 11,876 yearling walleyes were added to the lake.

Association President Jim Bruss said he'd like to see more walleye fingerlings added to the lake this fall. He felt the lake should be promoted more in Brown County as an asset with fishing and recreation possibilities.

"Everybody needs to do a better job of selling the area," Bruss said. "The lake has the potential to grow fish."

Orv Rannow of New Ulm, a member of the New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen and Sleepy Eye Sportsmen's Clubs, said that by getting involved with many area sports organizations, a little effort could go a long way.

Rannow said the Sleepy Eye Lake Ice Fishing Derby drew more than 700 people on the lake. He noted that the Izaak Walton League donated 74 fishing poles for the children's fishing contest that brought youngsters and their parents to the derby.

"If we all work together, we can do anything," Bruss said.

"If you give a little bit to sportsmans organizations, you can get a lot back," Rannow added.

Olson said he is looking for a beach cleaner this year.

"It would be nice if somebody donated one," Olson said.

Bruss said the association is considering adding posts and frames for signs near the lake.

Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Greg Roiger said about $8,000 in EPA funds was available for cost-share projects in the Watonwan River Watershed. Another $1,000 in Conservation Reserve Program easement incentives is available for the watershed.

Bruss said a two-day seminar on Southern Minnesota's shallow lakes will be help March 31 and April 1 at the Best Western in Mankato. Registration is available with Shannon Fisher at the regional DNR office in New Ulm.