It looks like the majority of the ice fishing that is taking place in our area is right in the channel on Albert Lea Lake. The number of houses has increased dramatically in the past week. I am not certain what the drawing card is, maybe it’s because the fishing is that good there or it could be because it is easily accessible. I do know that the blowing snow followed by rain and above freezing temperatures made the move from other parts of the lake almost a necessity.

I’ve talked to some area fishermen who have said that the sand dune like drifts on the lake along with the many slush pockets created last weekend have made it difficult to venture out on many parts of the lake. The only bad thing about having so many houses concentrated in one area is that it makes the fish a little harder to come by. I know that there were fish being caught early on but I’ve not heard much this past week.

Whatever the case is, it’s great to see that many people enjoying our resource and participating in a great outdoors opportunity. With the increased fishing popularity of our area lakes we are starting to get noticed by fishermen from other areas of the state. I guess it’s really not a very well kept secret any longer.

With the healthy walleye population that we now have and the District Watershed Board seemingly headed in the right direction we can have a resource that would bring valuable tourist trade to the area.

In our latest edition of the community newsletter Andy Henschel gave a detailed report on what the plan is for 2009. It all starts with the electronic fish barrier that has been installed in the creek at the outlet of Mud Lake. This creek eventually flows through Shoff Park and ends up in Dane Bay and Fountain Lake. He went on to explain that the electronic barrier would keep carp from going upstream into Pickerel and Mud Lakes.

The plan is to then kill off the two lakes in the fall of 2009 and re-stock them with northern pike and perch in the spring of 2010. This has been talked about for the past few years but it looks like all the pieces are in place for it to finally become a reality. This will do a lot for the water clarity of the two lakes and also for the water flowing into Fountain Lake. I guess it is the “trickle down effect” in the truest sense. Another plus to this will be another lake that holds game fish that should flourish with the carp being out of the mix.

This will be a major step in the long-range plan to create better water clarity and improve the game fish population in our area lakes.

According to Jerad Stricker the Shellrock Watershed Technician the water levels of Fountain and Albert Lea Lakes are about the same as they were when we had the big fish kill in the winter of 2003-04. The two aerators that the Watershed purchased after that huge fish kill will be turned on within the coming weeks. They will be placed just east of the old wastewater treatment plant. The county also has aerators operating that are placed east of the I-35 bridge. Signs will be posted by all aerators to warn of thin ice. For your own safety please take heed of these signs and steer clear of these areas.

All of the information that was passed on to us in that newsletter looks to be a very positive step in helping make our lakes and the fish population better. It goes to show that we are “not doing nothing” to help our lakes but instead are taking the necessary steps to improve these bodies of water.

Looking for something a little different?

Visitors to Lake Carlos State Park will now be able to stay in one of four new camper cabins beginning Friday.

These rustic 12-foot by 16-foot log cabins provide shelter for visitors who want a “camping out” experience but may not have necessary equipment for traditional campground camping. Each cabin is heated and wired with electricity. The cabins, which can sleep five to six people, will be available to rent year-round for $50 per night. Reservations can be made at http://www.stayatmnparks.com at or by calling toll free (866) 85-PARKS, or (866) 857-2757.

With the addition of the new cabins, the staff at Lake Carlos State Park is preparing for the hardy sort who embraces the snow and all that Minnesota winters have to offer.

“Winter is an especially beautiful time in the park,” said Ryan Sansness, assistant manager at Lake Carlos State Park. “Provided you dress for the weather, it’s a wonderful time to explore the park and experience the outdoors.”

Located just 12 miles north of Alexandria, Lake Carlos offers five miles of classic groomed cross county ski trails and six miles of groomed snowmobile trails that connect to Douglas County’s groomed trail network.

Sansness said the camper cabins will be ready and reservable in time for the park’s most popular winter activities – the candlelit ski events to be held Saturday and Feb. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.

There is no charge for the candlelight ski, but a vehicle permit is required to enter the park and the Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required for skiers 16 years or older. The daily vehicle permit and ski pass are both available at the park for $5 each. Candlelit ski events will be canceled if the temperature at noon the day of the event is below 5 degrees.

The park does not have cross-country skis for rent, but ski rentals are available in Alexandria. Contact the park for further details at 320-852-7200.

Until next time play safe and enjoy the great Minnesota outdoors.

Remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers during the coming year.