“LITTLE LAKE” LOST
By Kathleen E. Griese
I hadn’t been there for many years, not since acquiring my boat and the freedom of fishing almost anywhere that came with it. But here it was, mid-July and the urge to wet a line was getting pretty intense. My fishing buddy hadn’t even gotten her boat out of storage yet and my boat was laid up, sitting idle in the garage. I had blown the gear seal in the lower unit of the motor and being a 60’s something Chrysler, parts are not readily available. So, being temporarily shore-bound the thought of Little Lake surfaced, one of my old favorites that was always good for blue gill and crappie.
Located right in town, the area offers a boat ramp, city-park and of course Little Lake, being only approximately 10 acres in size. At one time, the city maintained a feeding station and fountain in the lake and one could spend hours watching and feeding the ducks and geese. Unfortunately, it was decided that the numerous birds in the area presented a health hazard and the bird-friendly amenities were removed. I pulled into the parking area and unloaded my gear. Looking around I couldn’t help but notice the lake seemed to be in decline. Extremely low-water conditions over the past several years had allowed the weed beds to spread and grow extremely thick. The water was clogged with algae and apparently the springs that fed the lake were no longer flowing.
As I reached the water’s edge I couldn’t believe my eyes. GOLDFISH, everywhere, there were hundreds of them, ok probably closer to thousands. By now an elderly gentleman who lived across the road from the lake wandered over to talk. Apparently some years ago either someone in the area had dumped a few goldfish in the lake or they were washed out of someone’s decorative pond during heavy rains. I hoped it was the later. I hated to think that someone had done it on purpose, which of course is illegal. Apparently the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) knows about the situation but aren’t concerned, but I will be checking into that further. Luckily, with the current low water conditions there is no access from Little Lake into the adjoining body of water, the Bay of Green Bay. If these fish reach the Bay it could be disastrous. Goldfish are eating and breeding machines. I know because I have maintained goldfish in my backyard pond for several years. 
Even though I was now feeling a certain sadness at the plight of the lake, which I had always considered to be a jewel in our small town, I still had the urge to fish. Further I reasoned that not only I could do my part and remove a few goldfish, I could also inject some new blood into my fish stock. Picking the smallest hook I could find in my tackle box, I bent the barb down and picked out a nice fat worm. Casting out, I let the bobber slowly drift back in toward shore. I watched it bobble a few times and then jerk down under the surface. It didn’t take much to set the hook and I was somewhat surprised as I started to reel in my line at the fight the little fish gave, much like a small bass. My catch was a fairly nice sized goldfish, about 4 inches, white and orange. It would make a nice addition to my pond. Another cast and this time a pretty black and orange fish was reeled in. Again and again, I cast out and reeled in one goldfish after another. Some of the fish were too small to get their mouths over the hook, but the ones that did bite were 4 inches or better. By the time I had to pack up and leave I had about a dozen new fish to add to my pond.
At some point during the evening the realization hit me. I’m addicted! Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think I would be fishing for goldfish. But fishing is fishing no matter what is biting and it did help squelch the urge temporarily.
Little Lake, an old friend that has been lost. Aside from a few bullheads and the goldfish there didn’t seem to be any other fish left in the lake. Not a single bluegill or crappie hit the hook that night.
As I write this I can’t help but think about the other invasive species we hear so much about lately. Apparently people don’t realize what the consequences are when these fish are introduced into our waters. They think it’s only one or two fish, what can they do. But what they do is eliminate the entire population of the native fish and destroy the delicate balance of nature. As conscientious anglers we have to be concerned, we have to be careful, and we have to be involved. The Little Lake needs some help, so maybe there’s a new project in my future.
