While organized sports and games have been on hiatus for a couple of months, sports enthusiasts continue to look for ways to enjoy their normal activities. Some are looking outside-the-box for things to do. Some stadiums remain closed or are experiencing limited seating. Larger stadiums are now looking pretty good: it’s called the out-of-doors.
FISHING
Annually, Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosts ‘free fishing’ for all Iowa residents the first full weekend of June. This year’s was Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 5, 6, and 7. Wright County Conservation Director Eric Rector said there has been an up-tick in fishing, not only for this past weekend, but all spring. “We saw a lot more people early when things were shut down for COVID-19 virus,” he said. “Fishing has been quite good locally.”
According to Iowa DNR officials, from December to the end of May, there was a 55% increase in the number of fishing licenses sold in the state. Of course, it is not hard to practice ‘social distancing’ on the banks of a river or a shoreline of a lake.
“We have an abundance of yellow bass in Lake Cornelia,” said Rector. “These can be caught from the shoreline or from the harbor (quiet water). They aren’t very big but it’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to catch fish.” The lake also a good population of blue gill (small, according to Rector), and largemouth bass (up to 3 pounds).
The Wright County Conservation staff is concerned about the over population of the yellow bass in Lake Cornelia. “The DNR is looking at ways to combat the problem,” said Rector. “We are looking at introducing some larger predator fish such as largemouth bass, northern pike, or flathead catfish to help take care of the problem.”
Wright County river fishing has also been good. “Fishing in the Iowa River has had people catching bullheads, northern pike, and catfish,” said Rector. “Boone River finds people catching the same fish, as well as smallmouth bass. He reminds those interested, the county has a supply of fishing poles which can be loaned to people for free. Contact the conservation office to reserve the equipment – 1-515-532-3185.
The Pat Reiland family always enjoys their hobby of fishing. “Fishing has been good this year,” said Pat. “We fish within the county and in neighboring counties. We caught some nice-sized blue gills in a local pond just over the line in Franklin County. Last weekend, we enjoyed fishing at Crystal Lake until a cold front came through and sent us home.” Pat, wife Angie, and sons Reed and Cooper, enjoy the outings. “We like all parts of fishing,” said Pat, “especially eating what we have caught!”
CAMPING
Camping at the Lake is going full force now as well. Early, there was limited camping, Since camping was ‘opened up’ on May 8, the campground has been full every weekend. “People were ready to get out,” said Rector. “Green space. Parks. It all adds to people’s mental health to help deal with our virus situation.” He said there usually might be 20 campers remaining on Sunday evening, now the number has ticked up to 40, with many people staying the entire week.
“People are doing a pretty good job of social distancing,” said Rector. “We find people sitting in small groups around their fire ring in the evenings. The beach might be a little more of a problem, but normally they are kids. Again everyone is outside, adding to their mental health, and being away from home.”
Plans remain on the drawing board to add 18 new campsites on the north side of the quiet water, beginning construction in the next few weeks. “The archeological study has been done,” said Rector. “We are just waiting for the federal government to give its okay. The majority of the work, we will do ourselves, with plans to have work completed and ready for the 2021 camping season. Currently there are 70 camp sites available at Lake Cornelia, eight of which are right on the north side of the lake.
AND MORE FUN
What about canoeing and kayaking? The county has eight kayaks available for rent: six ‘red sit-in’ kayaks and two ‘blue sit-on’ kayaks. Renting is $10 for a half-day; $15 for full day rentals. Rector encourages people to have their own transport vehicles to get them to a county river. Again, call ahead for a reservation to assure kayaks are available and ready to be picked up – 1-515-532-3185.
Look for $50,000 worth of new playground equipment to be purchased and installed this summer. “It will probably be July,” said Rector. “Again, we will do most of the work ourselves. But we welcome some volunteer help when we need extra sets of hands to get it installed.”
Looking into the future, Wright County, along with Cerro Gordo and Franklin Counties are completing and submitting a joint grant, looking for funding to work toward completing the walking/biking trail from Belmond to Mason City. “We continue to work toward that goal,” said Rector, “it would likely take a couple of years for it to be completed.”
