Posted: February 22, 2023
Written by: Winneshiek County Conservation Staff
The 2023 Lake Meyer Ice Fishing Derby was held Sunday, February 5. A record number of anglers, over 80 children and 120 adults, came out to try their hand at catching the biggest fish this year. Participants traveled to Lake Meyer from nine Iowa counties, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Congratulations to:
1st Bluegill: Peyton Gaul of Cresco, 0.650 pounds, 9 7/8 inches
2nd Bluegill: Peyton Gaul of Cresco, 0.550 pounds
1st Crappie: Daryl Lienhard of Cresco,1.270 pounds, 13.5 inches
2nd Crappie: Jim Hageman of Calmar, 0.765 pounds
1st Largemouth Bass: Josh Stello of Decorah, 2.970 pounds, 18 inches
2nd Largemouth Bass: Henry Bruess of Calmar, 1.995 pounds
1st Northern Pike: Josh Stello of Decorah, 16.290 pounds, 40 inches
2nd Northern Pike: Mark Theisman of Decorah, 3.640 pounds
1st Yellow Perch: Trenton Voyna of Cresco, 0.160 pounds
2nd Yellow Perch: Daryl Lienhard of Cresco, 0.120 pounds
All youth and many adult participants went home with door prizes donated by local businesses and organizations. The proceeds from this event are used for improvements to Lake Meyer and equipment for education programs.
“We would like to thank all the participants who came out and the many local businesses and organizations who helped make the day a success. It’s great to see the community come together and share the tradition of ice fishing with younger generations,” said Ryan Wiltgen, derby organizer.
Missed the ice fishing derby? Looking for more fun ways to get outdoors this winter? The staff at Winneshiek County Conservation manage the county parks and trails year-round and wanted to share some tips for finding winter fun in Winneshiek County.
- Explore the Winter Wonderland of Lake Meyer Park & Campground
Lake Meyer Park & Campground, located just off Highway 24 between Calmar and Fort Atkinson, truly has it all in the winter! Ice fish on the lake in the mornings or afternoons for the best luck catching bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and black crappie. Hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski on over three miles of snowy trails around the lake and through the woods. Enjoy a winter campfire at a fire ring in the campground and watch for rare songbirds at the bird feeding station outside the Winneshiek County Conservation office.
- Ice Fish at Silver Springs Pond
Looking for a perfect spot to practice your ice fishing skills? Silver Springs Pond, located just outside of Ossian, is the best public park to visit for ice fishing this winter. Fish for bluegill, black crappie, and largemouth bass on this small pond. In fact, Silver Springs is known for quality fishing all year round. It is especially a fun pond for beginning anglers to practice their skills at in any season.
- Get Moving in the Snow on your Winneshiek County Trail System
When snow conditions are right, the Trout Run Trail, a scenic 11-mile loop around Decorah, is groomed for cross country skiing. Start at the Decorah Fish Hatchery and travel north for flat, beginner-friendly ski tracks, or head south for hilly terrain better suited to intermediate and advanced skiers. If you would rather snowshoe, the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail, a 21-mile stretch that connects Calmar, Ridgeway, and Cresco, is the perfect place to take a relaxing snowshoe hike through the countryside.
You don’t need equipment to get out on the trails this winter! If you choose to walk the trails at any of the county parks, be sure to bundle up in warm layers of clothing. Please stay on trails established for walkers and snowshoers to be respectful of those who groom the ski trails.
Learn more about winter recreation and programming with Winneshiek County Conservation at our website, www.winneshiekwild.com/, or by calling our office at (563) 534-7145.
