Sportsman Fishing Club

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Sportsman Fishing Club Enhancing the Environment and Fishing Experience at Shadow Lakes 1994 AUGUST 2017 23 Years Officers President - Tom Lydon Cell (630) 776-1625 tlydon44@gmail.

1 Sportsman Fishing Club Enhancing the Environment and Fishing Experience at Shadow Lakes 1994 AUGUST Years Officers President - Tom Lydon Cell (630) tlydon44@gmail.com Vice President - Fred Cowell Treasurer - Jane Hill Secretary - Lynn Schuler IDNR - Fred Cowell Fund Raising - Betty Lydon The next meeting is AUGUST 20TH Club meetings are held the third Sunday of each month at the Shadow Lakes Amenity Center. Meetings begin at 9 am Free coffee and donuts are provided. Newsletter Peg McQuarters/Tom Lydon Website/Sue Kielnik Visit Us On The Web At: com Club Mailing Address: Sportsman Fishing Club W. Amenity Ctr. Dr. Wilmington, IL July 2017 TREASURER REPORT Beginning balance $2, Expenses $1,215.53* Income $ Ending balance $1, Association bal. $9, Total funds $11, $760 Fish Fry to be deposited *$500 paid to Ripon college Just a Reminder Please pay your club membership dues! Coming events: Next meeting is August 20 th. Sept 3 rd is our Children s Fishing Derby. Oct 7 TH will be our Annual Catfish/Oktoberfest. Both events will be held at the Fisherman s Village rearing pond. 1

ANNUAL FISH FRY WAS A GREAT SUCCESS This event was tremendous, due to the hard work of a super volunteer team: many, many thanks to the group. The weather was perfect.

2 ANNUAL FISH FRY WAS A GREAT SUCCESS This event was tremendous, due to the hard work of a super volunteer team: many, many thanks to the group. The weather was perfect. Almost 200 folks joined us for the fry. The fish was very tasty and loved by everyone. Our many helpers were: COOKS: Joe Kubalanza, Rick Heidler, Don Stifter & Fred Cowell. FISH PREP: Ron Midona, Anthony & Liz Hellem & Pat Hintzel. POT-LUCK FOOD: Sher Sohol, Barb Henkel, Betty and Sue Kielnik. POT-LUCKS: 60 some great dishes & desserts from resident chefs. SET-UP & CLEAN-UP: John Kloth, Bill Colavecchi, John Linneman, Dan Hill & the cooks. Shopping: Barb Henkel. RAFFLES: Kathy Linneman(50/50) & Sue Kielnik (golf cart tires). The tires were donated by Pete from GCP Golf, thanks Pete. The 50/50 raised $300 for the Club and the tire raffle also raised $300. John Kloth won the tires and Jane Hill won the 50/50 raffle. The event showed a $249 profit after all expenses. Hope we didn t miss any volunteers. THE FISHING CLUB IS A VERY SOCIAL GROUP At the Annual Fish Fry, one great aspect of that day was the kinship and friendly environment. New folks meeting more neighbors, old friends gathering to meet and talk. It was wonderful to look at almost 200 folks, thoroughly enjoying themselves. The volunteer Club members and resident cooks worked hard to have a super Pot-luck meal. BUT, the highlight was the crowd interacting with each other. The golf cart scavenger hunt also had folks traveling through the villages looking for items and meeting many other residents. This is what the Shadow Lakes Sportsman Club is all about. We support our fishery, waters and most of all our community of great folks. This is the greatest reward for our Club and members. FISH OF THE MONTH AUG 2017: BEST CATFISH MONTH IN YEARS This month, we saw many nice Cats being caught by many young anglers. One very large fish was caught by Jake Wyderski from FC. He caught this channel cat off his dock 7/24/17. It was 19 pounds and 35 in long. Really, a nice catch Jake. 2

Samples of our Spring fish this year have shown that our Species are in great shape, with several year-growths showing up for game-fish and many schools of various size forage.

REARING POND SHAPING UP THANK YOU ALL July 16 th was the second or third effort by our Club volunteers to get the Pond looking great for the upcoming Kid s Fishing Derby.

3 FISH OF THE MONTH CONTEST Open to all residents, families and friends fishing with them. Pictures on the website, BB, newsletter. Fishing cap or tee-shirt for Fish of the Month Winner. Forms are in the Club boxes around the Lakes and boat ramps. We encourage Catch, Photo & Release to keep our fishery strong and healthy. Samples of our Spring fish this year have shown that our Species are in great shape, with several year-growths showing up for game-fish and many schools of various size forage. BEST FISHING DATES FOR AUG & SEPT August 20-24, best days, 29 fair day; September 3-9, good days,17-23, best days. REARING POND SHAPING UP THANK YOU ALL July 16 th was the second or third effort by our Club volunteers to get the Pond looking great for the upcoming Kid s Fishing Derby. Trimming all around the pond, cleaning the new pump, removing surface algae & restarting the water fall were all part of this year s efforts. Thanks to: Doreen and Lloyd, the Serchuk Family, Terry H., Bill M. and Bill G., Ron & Peg McQ., Joe & John and Barb Henkel. Hope we didn t miss anyone. Check out the Pond after dark, with the new lights on and showing up. All done with a 50% reduction in power usage. POND STOCKING FOR KIDS ON SEPT 3 RD We lost some large Cats during the period of hot weather when the pump failed. We need to add about a half dozen nice size Cats back in this month. Nothing over 6 or 7 pounds. I have the gate key if you want to pick it up to deposit a few larger fish for the derby and Oktoberfest activities. My number is (630) SOME OF OUR JUNIOR ANGLERS BETTER DAYS Kristopher & Kensley Schomig Gabby Mason Hurley 3

4 Lukas Phillips SOME OF OUR JUNIOR ANGLERS BETTER DAYS continued John & Morgan Mutz James Thompson 4 Alex San Filippo

AUGUST CRAPPIE TIPS & TACTICS Many anglers consider crappie to be a spring fish, and when the action during the spawn comes to an end, so does their pursuit of this tasty game fish.

5 AUGUST CRAPPIE TIPS & TACTICS Many anglers consider crappie to be a spring fish, and when the action during the spawn comes to an end, so does their pursuit of this tasty game fish. Yet, good crappie fishing can be found all summer for those who know where to look. During mid-to-late summer, crappies are still feeding, but they are not as easily accessible as when they are congregated in shallower water, during spawning. After spawning, crappies move to deeper water. They can be tougher to find, but following a few basic tips will help you locate them and improve your odds of some quality summer crappie action. LOOK FOR COVER Crappies spend much of the summer near submerged cover, and wood is their favorite type of cover. This can even be submerged weeds or brush and even docks, in our lakes. They often hug tightly to cover, so you need to get baits right up to the edge of it. FISH THE CHANNELS During the summer, crappies are often found along drop-offs in channels or along a drop off point where there are slightly moving waters. Test all these areas to see if you can find where these fish are holding. CLOUDY DAYS When the sun is shining bright on a hot summer day, crappies stick closer to cover, but on cloudy, wind-swept days, they are more likely to come out in search of food, which makes them easier to catch. A slight wind chop on top may mean crappie below. CONSIDER COLOR Crappies are one of the more color-sensitive species of fish. If you locate crappies, but they are not interested in your bait, change colors, until you find a color that entices a bite. GO DEEP During the spawn, crappies are often found in very shallow water, but during the summer, you need to go deeper to find them. It s not unusual for the fish to be holding in water feet deep, usually suspended within that range. CHANGE BAITS A jig tipped with a minnow is often the preferred bait for crappies during the spring, but a wider variety of baits are needed for summer crappies. Try small crankbaits, Lindy Rigs and tube baits, along with jigs. Abruptly changing the speed or direction of the bait, is often effective in enticing a hit. Also remember to work the bait slowly, because crappies are notoriously slower in taking a bait, during hot weather. TRY TROLLING During the heat of summer, one of the best tactics for finding tight schools of crappies is to troll or drift. Watch your electronics for fish as you go. When you find a school make sure to mark the spot and work around the area. WORK UP Another good tactic for summer crappies is to drop your bait below the school and bring it up toward the fish. Then let it drop down again. This movement can frequently lure the fish into taking a bait. Catching crappies during the summer is certainly more work than fishing during the spawn, but great crappie action is available, all summer long, for anglers willing to put in a little extra effort. Shadow Lakes largest Crappie to date is about 18 inches. We have about 5 or 6 year-growths of fish this year, indicating several good years of Crappie fishing. Great eating and a limit of 10 fish, enjoy! 5

6 July 18 th Fishing Club Minutes 43 attendees. Club membership is 142 FISHING ROUNDTABLE: Paul Gardner FC reported 5 LMBass, up to 2 ½ pounds. 2 Walleye, Catfish, and lots of Gills, over the 4 th of July weekend off his dock. He complimented the CLUB on our stocking program and will be donating $100 to the Club funds. Lukas Phillips caught a 23 ½ inch Catfish. The Serchuk family caught a nice stringer of Crappies and gills. FINANCIAL REPORT: see page 1. Credit Card problem resolved with USBank. DNR REPORT: Almost all spring fish have been very healthy and well fed. Many schools of different sized minnows seen in the Lakes. Still unable to locate Crayfish at a decent price. Fall stocking order coming in now for Oct/Nov stocking. Fishing on the trail is picking up. We have stocked forage and game-fish on the trail for the past 3 years. Expecting larger Crappie, Walleye and Trout for this fall stocking. POAC NEWS: Congratulations to Beth Chappell on her election to the Board. The Chemical Test in FV is still being monitored, the weeds are re-growing and all species appear to be returning to that channel. The total program will be discussed this fall. Costs will be an issue in expanding this effort. OLD BUSINESS: We had a Rearing Pond disaster. The pump went out during the 90+ days and we lost some gills and BIG Catfish. The backup pump had not been rebuilt. After two days of researching pumps, we selected a ¼ horsepower pump with lighting at night. It has 3 sprayer heads and will spray up to 16 feet in the air. It appears to be working well and it is pretty at night. It does need to be cleaned occasionally, but is easy to clean. We are researching a screen type cover to eliminate the need for cleaning. It cost $400 ($100) over what I can spend without Club approval. However, Pat & Terry Hintzel donated $100 and Betty and I donated a second $100, so the pump only cost $200. My son is rewiring a spare old pump as a backup for next year. ALSO, this pump uses 50% less electricity than the older pumps. Our thanks to all who helped is in the POND article. The July 8 th Scavenger Hunt was a success, but we plan to move it to after Jun 15 th next year to avoid graduations and the sports playoff season. Thanks to Norm for donating back to the Club after he won the 50/50 raffle. We had 60 folks registered. There were 23 carts, 1 bicycle and 1 truck. Thanks to Candy and Mr. Candy for running the basket raffle, raising $332. We made a $442 profit. With the volunteer help we fed close to 90 people. The HUNT was great fun, with tougher choices and more action steps. Folks were meeting new folks as they begged and pleaded for certain items. Several husbands seemed to really enjoy the day. Sue Kielnik put this event together, and her ROCK BASS were the hit of the day. Many thanks Sue. The $500 Wayne Walsh scholarship check for Kayley Grabowski was mailed to Ripon College. We wish her success in both school and her career. NEW BUSINESS: The fish barrier continues to be needing cleaning attention. The Association crew recently cleaned it out. Any boaters who can help would be great. Thx We are still working on developing a plan to reinforce that barrier this Summer. We will be looking for younger help when we have a finalized plan. Several folks have volunteered their boats and assistance when we set a date and get all the materials. Another reminder that the Lake Bottom Blankets should be set in with larger (one half or 5/8 inch) rebar. Our Annual Fish Fry was held on July 29 th, see article above on that event. Doreen & Lloyd Maglone s grandson, Matt, and his partner won 1 st place in the Exelon Fishing for a Cure bass tourney, biggest fish was 5.32 pounds. Fishing Club election of Officers at this month s meeting. Anyone interested in serving, please contact me. Phone (630) or tlydon44@gmail.com Thanks to John Kloth for improving fishing conditions on the trail; removing wood in the way, along the shoreline, making wooden benches and clearing fishing spots. Thanks John from the Fishing Club. 6

Outside events: Jane Hill advised the club of an upcoming Mule drawn boat ride on the old I & M Canal on Sept 17 th, let Jane know if you are interested. Raffle held and meeting adjourned.

7 Outside events: Jane Hill advised the club of an upcoming Mule drawn boat ride on the old I & M Canal on Sept 17 th, let Jane know if you are interested. Raffle held and meeting adjourned. Next meeting Aug 20 th at 9 AM. and Tidbits Gulp Alive two-inch Emerald Shiner minnows on a jighead are Crappie killers. Your lot numbers should be visible on the Lakeside for water emergencies. Lilly pads offer cover to many species: LMBass, Gills and Red-ear, who spawn under the pads. Fish the edges of the pads and holes in the middle. To limit the Lilly pads in your area, cut off the pad a couple of inches below the water and that pad should die for that year. The best tool is a long handle clipper like a Fiskers, dry it off and spray with WD-40 after use. TASTE OF SHADOW LAKES ladies cook books for sale for $ Sign up for a book at the Office. One of the ladies will deliver your book to you and collect at that time. All profits for making improvements at Shadow Lakes. Another reminder; no fishing off any bridge for boater safety. The Conservation Trail has been trimmed back lately and several trails were widened, it is a big improvement. More access to fishing spots. Pool is open. Water Aerobics Mon, Wed & Sat 9AM. Rumor has it, that a prototype Kayak launch is being built for installation. Tick and chigger season is upon us and forecasted to be a tough season. Poison Ivy is lurking everywhere; leaves of three, leave them be. Natural weed killer formula: 1 gal white vinegar, 2 cups Epson salt and a1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid soap. Folks say it kills weeds, and, also grass, so be careful. Some people say they use it around their docks, in the water. For your mold/mildew issues on your residence, a product called Wet & Forget at Ace is a great solution that lasts. HELP KEEP OUR PROPERTY NEAT, PLEASE DON T LITTER AND PICK UP AFTER YOU, ESPECIALLY ON OUR WATERWAYS! 2017 DAILY FISH SIZE AND LIMITS LARGEMOUTH BASS DAILY KEEP 6 FISH 12 inches & UNDER SMALLMOUTH BASS ARE CATCH & RELEASE ONLY BLUEGILL NO SIZE/ NO LIMITS CATFISH NO SIZE, DAILY LIMIT 2 FISH CRAPPIE/REDEAR NO SIZE, DAILY LIMIT 10 FISH MUSKIE, DAILY LIMIT 1 FISH, MINIMUM KEEP 52 & OVER TROUT, NO SIZE LIMITS, DAILY 2 FISH WALLEYE, SLOT SIZE 15 TO 18 INCHES, DAILY LIMIT 1 FISH Please adhere to our limits to help keep our fishery strong. Thank you! 7

8 The Sportsman Fishing Club W. Amenity Center Drive Wilmington IL Sportsman Fishing Club Membership Application for 2017 $35.00 for Individual or Family Household RENEWALS: Just list names, village/lot and check renewal if no changes. Please provide the following information for Club records and newsletter mailing purposes: Date: Renew: New Members: Name(s): Lot #: Home Address: City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Shadow Lakes Phone: address (only needed if you wish to receive the Club Newsletter by ) I will view Newsletter on Web Site Please mail newsletter Membership dues cover the calendar year 2017 Bring this form to the next meeting and make check payable to: The Sportsman Fishing Club Mail to: Sportsman Fishing Club, W Amenity Center Drive, Wilmington IL Drop off the application and payment in the Association office 8

Sportsman Fishing Club

Sportsman Fishing Club Enhancing the Environment and Fishing Experience at Shadow Lakes 1994 OCT 2017 23 Years Officers President - Tom Lydon Cell (630) 776-1625 tlydon44@gmail.com Vice President and DNR