Island Lake to consider revamped fishing rules proposal
Island Lake officials on Thursday will consider revamped fishing regulations for the town’s namesake lake.
The latest version of the proposal omits a residency requirement that caused a public uproar when it came up for discussion in October.
That requirement — which would ban nonresidents from fishing on the lake unless they’re accompanied by residents — still is being reviewed by the town’s lake management committee, group member Ken Wick said.
“We have no intentions on bringing the nonresident proposal back to the board level until the committee has completed discussions,” Wick said in an email.
The original proposal would have required anyone fishing from a boat or ice-fishing on the lake to be a village resident or accompanied by a resident. Fishing from the shore would remain open to anyone.
The new version doesn’t mention residency.
Instead, it establishes limits for the size and number of fish any anglers can take from the lake. Specific regulations will be established by the lake committee, the proposal states.
Catch-and-release rules are in place for most species found in the lake, Wick said. The proposal would put limits on panfish such as bluegills and perch, he said.
“They too needed to be regulated, especially since they are the most targeted table-fare on Island Lake,” Wick said.
The nonresident ban was removed from the document, Wick said, because it is “a delicate subject” for some people. A few fishing enthusiasts complained about the proposal at a board meeting last month.
“We want to discuss all the pros and cons,” Wick said.
Any fishing regulations will be posted in a chart at village hall and at the Eastway Park boat launch, according to the proposal.
A digital copy of the proposed ordinance that was sent to the media Wednesday included an example chart that has language about residency. A version sent later in the day deleted that text.
The change followed an inquiry by the Daily Herald about the language.
Thursday’s board meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave.