Ice Finally Forms, and so Does Derby
By Scott Richardson
The ice has formed on Camelot Lake in Mapleton in time for Saturday’s annual ice fishing derby.
Jim Modglin, one of the event’s key organizers, says anglers have been out on hard water for a week and catching big bluegills and redears through their holes. They’ve also hauled in some large crappies.
The event begins at 7 a.m. Saturday.
“It’s really looking awfully good,” Modglin said. “We are expecting a big crowd. It hasn’t been much of a winter, and people really want to go ice fishing.”
Turnout has reached 700 in past years.
Camelot Lake offers two reservoirs stocked with bass, walleyes and muskies. Bluegills, redear sunfish, catfish and crappies also are present in big numbers.
Prizes are awarded for the single heaviest fish of each species with two exceptions. Muskies are not included, and contestants must weigh their three biggest bluegills for a combined total. In 2005, the winning bluegills totaled nearly 3 pounds, a huge average by any standard.
Crappies caught in the past few months have reached 2 pounds, Modglin added.
He also expects big channel catfish to be caught.
Here’s a tip: Concentrate on points in 7 to 8 feet of water. The sportsman’s association sank many fish cribs made from plastic pipe. Each measures 3 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet. Don’t park on one. If action quits, move quickly to another crib and come back to the first one later on. I’ve placed second for bass and crappies at the event in separate years by staying mobile using Swedish Pimples and wax worms. Double your odds by adding a short dropper line from the spoon to a small ice jig to have two baits on each pole.
A portable sonar unit also helps.
Participants can register from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the clubhouse or 6 a.m. Saturday. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for kids.
From Bloomington, take I-74 west to I-474 south to the airport exit. Go left, then turn right on Pfeiffer Road and go 4 miles to the gasoline station. Make a right to the clubhouse. For information, call (309) 697-5339.
Tournament notes
Ice fishing not your style? The Tri-County Catfish Association hosts the Polar Cat Tournament at Baldwin Lake from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Limit 30 two-angler teams at $200 a boat with 90 percent payback to top five teams. Phone Jack Anderson at (309) 261-2960.
Swap meet
Bloomington-Normal Bass Club Open House and Tackle Swap will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Miller Park Pavilion. The public is welcome. Members and nonmembers wishing to sell items can set up at 6 p.m. Contact Larry Russell at biglar1@msn.com or (309) 531-7252.
Club notes
Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Mike Garthaus will speak on “Fishing Prospects at Central Illinois Lakes in 2007″ at the PrairieLand Anglers meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Community Room at the Bloomington Public Library. It is free and open to the public.
Weather on the Web
Bassfan.com has launched a new weather Web site to provide anglers with up-to-the-minute weather information. Check out www.outdoorsfanweather.com. –
Scott Richardson is Pantagraph outdoor editor. Phone (309) 820- 3227 or email srichardson@pantagraph.com. Read past fishing and outdoor columns and take part in online discussions at www.pantagraph.com/blogs.
or (309) 531-7252.
Club notes
Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Mike Garthaus will speak on “Fishing Prospects at Central Illinois Lakes in 2007″ at the PrairieLand Anglers meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Community Room at the Bloomington Public Library. It is free and open to the public.
Weather on the Web
Bassfan.com has launched a new weather Web site to provide anglers with up-to-the-minute weather information. Check out www.outdoorsfanweather.com. –
Scott Richardson is Pantagraph outdoor editor. Phone (309) 820- 3227 or email srichardson@pantagraph.com. Read past fishing and outdoor columns and take part in online discussions at www.pantagraph.com/blogs.
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