Saturday, December 26, 2009
Ice Fishing
The season is here.......a little bit earlier this year perhaps but it has already started. Just a word of caution to all the ice fisherman at the Cove from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. There are always bad spots on a lake so always use extreme caution and it's recommended to not fish alone and always bring a cellphone. Four inches of clear blue lake ice will support one person, six inches for several people and eight inches for a snowmobile or 4-wheeler. Haven't heard any reports of how the fishing is yet but I hope to see all of you out there real soon.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Stocking Walleye
The stocking of walleye in Copper Penny Lake was our main topic for the Fall season. The supplier informed us that the fish would only be around six inches long. Assuming the survival rate of fish this small not to be very good and with the expense involved, we decided against this project. The few fish that might survive could possibly grow to a decent size but would not reproduce in the lake.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Blue-Green Algae article from AOL
I saw this article while surfing the web yesterday and thought people at the Cove might find it interesting. I'll leave it in the blog for the season.
WAUSAU, Wis. (Sept. 27) -- Waterways across the upper Midwest are increasingly plagued with ugly, smelly and potentially deadly blue-green algae, bloomed by drought and fertilizer runoffs from farm fields, that's killed dozens of dogs and sickened many people.
Aquatic biologists say it's a problem that falls somewhere between a human health concern and a nuisance, but will eventually lead to more human poisoning. State officials are telling people who live on algae-covered lakes to close their windows, stop taking walks along the picturesque shorelines and keep their dogs from drinking the rank water.
Peggy McAloon, 62, lives on Wisconsin's Tainter Lake and calls the algae blooms the "cockroach on the water."
"It is like living in the sewer for three weeks. You gag. You cannot go outside," she said. "We have pictures of squirrels that are dead underneath the scum and fish that are dead. ... It has gotten out of control because of the nutrient loads we as humans are adding to the waters."
Blue-green algae are common in waters but not every lake develops serious problems until plentiful "man-induced" nutrients like phosphorous arrive, said Jim Vennie, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources expert. The toxins released by the algae can be deadly. Symptoms include rash, hives, runny nose, irritated eyes and throat irritation.
No people have died in the U.S. from the algae's toxins, according to Wayne Carmichael, a retired aquatic biologist and toxicology professor in Oregon.
Many, however, have gotten sick: "Sooner or later, we are going to have more acute human poisoning," Carmichael said.
The scum has killed dozens of dogs over the years — including at least four in Oregon, three in Wisconsin and one in Minnesota this summer. Wisconsin wildlife experts are warning duck hunters with dogs to be extra cautious this fall. "If the water is pea-soup green, be sure to have clean water along to wash the dog off," Vennie said. "Don't let it drink the water."
Fewer than 100 lakes in Wisconsin typically have some problems with algae bloom each summer and the ones in western Wisconsin causing so much discomfort this year are being fueled by a perfect storm, Vennie said. The last month has seen little rain, warm, sunshiny days and little wind.
The blooms just sit there, growing, then decaying and smelling.
"Some people say they have gotten nauseous and vomited from smelling it," said Ken Schreiber, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources water quality specialist.
Officials have banned recreational activities at some lakes in Washington state because of blooms. And in Oregon, the blue-green algae is the number one water quality issue, Carmichael said.
Yet other countries have worse problems, Carmichael said, because many have waters with even more nutrients than exist in U.S. lakes.
In France, a horse died on a beach in July after falling into some decaying algae sludge. Last year, the Chinese government brought in the army to remove the slimy growths so the Olympic sailing competition could be held.
Stephanie Marquis, a spokesman for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, said her agency had received 41 complaints related to health concerns with blue-green algae so far this season. Rashes, sore throats and eye irritation among the problems, she said.
In Minnesota, Matt Lindon is a pollution control specialist for the state and he called 2009 a typical year for complaints about algae scums. But for some reason this summer, Bagley Lake in northwest Minnesota, an "historically clean lake," generated respiratory and odor problems, he said. "It may be related to the water level or some new runoff source," he said.
Loren Hake, 71, has lived about two blocks from a Lake Menomin in western Wisconsin since 1963.
He feels like a prisoner in his own home, isolated by a stench "something like a pig pen" that forces he and his wife to run the air conditioner although it's not that hot because they can't leave the windows open, he said. For the first time, the couple hasn't set on an outside deck because of the smell from the algae-covered bay.
"I don't know what they can do about it," Hake said.
There's little anybody can do besides wait for cooler temperatures, Vennie said.
John Plaza, president of the Chetek Lakes Protection Association, which represents six lakes in northwest Wisconsin, said farm runoff, lawn fertilizers, septic systems and even ashes from leaves being burned on the shorelines are among factors contributing to the algae problems.
"I have been a user of these lakes since 1962," he said. "I have never experienced anything like this before. It's nasty. People are saying we can't live with this any more."
WAUSAU, Wis. (Sept. 27) -- Waterways across the upper Midwest are increasingly plagued with ugly, smelly and potentially deadly blue-green algae, bloomed by drought and fertilizer runoffs from farm fields, that's killed dozens of dogs and sickened many people.
Aquatic biologists say it's a problem that falls somewhere between a human health concern and a nuisance, but will eventually lead to more human poisoning. State officials are telling people who live on algae-covered lakes to close their windows, stop taking walks along the picturesque shorelines and keep their dogs from drinking the rank water.
Peggy McAloon, 62, lives on Wisconsin's Tainter Lake and calls the algae blooms the "cockroach on the water."
"It is like living in the sewer for three weeks. You gag. You cannot go outside," she said. "We have pictures of squirrels that are dead underneath the scum and fish that are dead. ... It has gotten out of control because of the nutrient loads we as humans are adding to the waters."
Blue-green algae are common in waters but not every lake develops serious problems until plentiful "man-induced" nutrients like phosphorous arrive, said Jim Vennie, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources expert. The toxins released by the algae can be deadly. Symptoms include rash, hives, runny nose, irritated eyes and throat irritation.
No people have died in the U.S. from the algae's toxins, according to Wayne Carmichael, a retired aquatic biologist and toxicology professor in Oregon.
Many, however, have gotten sick: "Sooner or later, we are going to have more acute human poisoning," Carmichael said.
The scum has killed dozens of dogs over the years — including at least four in Oregon, three in Wisconsin and one in Minnesota this summer. Wisconsin wildlife experts are warning duck hunters with dogs to be extra cautious this fall. "If the water is pea-soup green, be sure to have clean water along to wash the dog off," Vennie said. "Don't let it drink the water."
Fewer than 100 lakes in Wisconsin typically have some problems with algae bloom each summer and the ones in western Wisconsin causing so much discomfort this year are being fueled by a perfect storm, Vennie said. The last month has seen little rain, warm, sunshiny days and little wind.
The blooms just sit there, growing, then decaying and smelling.
"Some people say they have gotten nauseous and vomited from smelling it," said Ken Schreiber, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources water quality specialist.
Officials have banned recreational activities at some lakes in Washington state because of blooms. And in Oregon, the blue-green algae is the number one water quality issue, Carmichael said.
Yet other countries have worse problems, Carmichael said, because many have waters with even more nutrients than exist in U.S. lakes.
In France, a horse died on a beach in July after falling into some decaying algae sludge. Last year, the Chinese government brought in the army to remove the slimy growths so the Olympic sailing competition could be held.
Stephanie Marquis, a spokesman for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, said her agency had received 41 complaints related to health concerns with blue-green algae so far this season. Rashes, sore throats and eye irritation among the problems, she said.
In Minnesota, Matt Lindon is a pollution control specialist for the state and he called 2009 a typical year for complaints about algae scums. But for some reason this summer, Bagley Lake in northwest Minnesota, an "historically clean lake," generated respiratory and odor problems, he said. "It may be related to the water level or some new runoff source," he said.
Loren Hake, 71, has lived about two blocks from a Lake Menomin in western Wisconsin since 1963.
He feels like a prisoner in his own home, isolated by a stench "something like a pig pen" that forces he and his wife to run the air conditioner although it's not that hot because they can't leave the windows open, he said. For the first time, the couple hasn't set on an outside deck because of the smell from the algae-covered bay.
"I don't know what they can do about it," Hake said.
There's little anybody can do besides wait for cooler temperatures, Vennie said.
John Plaza, president of the Chetek Lakes Protection Association, which represents six lakes in northwest Wisconsin, said farm runoff, lawn fertilizers, septic systems and even ashes from leaves being burned on the shorelines are among factors contributing to the algae problems.
"I have been a user of these lakes since 1962," he said. "I have never experienced anything like this before. It's nasty. People are saying we can't live with this any more."
Friday, August 21, 2009
Fish Transfer Update
As of yesterday, 8-20-09, 300 crappies and 300 bluegills have been transferred from Copper Penny Lake to Copper Dollar Lake. Thanks to everyone who participated.
The recommendations by the State of Nebraska Game & Parks Commission Wildlife Specialist are to have catch & release on all crappies, bluegills and bass in Copper Dollar Lake for the rest of this year and 2010 to help this program succeed. The reasoning of course with the bluegills and crappies is for them to reproduce. The big ones already in the lake will be the best spawners and the new fish we entered this year and last would have the chance to establish themselves. The purpose of not harvesting the bass is to keep the white perch hatches under control and also the crappie and bluegill fry so there is no chance of overpopulation for them.
With a couple of walleye being caught lately in Copper Penny Lake, some people have been asking about stocking some more in the future. We now know for sure that they will survive in the lake but most likely will not reproduce. The stocking could probably be low in numbers but must require using substantial size fish. This will be a subject to be discussed at a future F&W Committee meeting.
The recommendations by the State of Nebraska Game & Parks Commission Wildlife Specialist are to have catch & release on all crappies, bluegills and bass in Copper Dollar Lake for the rest of this year and 2010 to help this program succeed. The reasoning of course with the bluegills and crappies is for them to reproduce. The big ones already in the lake will be the best spawners and the new fish we entered this year and last would have the chance to establish themselves. The purpose of not harvesting the bass is to keep the white perch hatches under control and also the crappie and bluegill fry so there is no chance of overpopulation for them.
With a couple of walleye being caught lately in Copper Penny Lake, some people have been asking about stocking some more in the future. We now know for sure that they will survive in the lake but most likely will not reproduce. The stocking could probably be low in numbers but must require using substantial size fish. This will be a subject to be discussed at a future F&W Committee meeting.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
2009 Fish Transfer
The F&W Committee has again this year received approval from the CDC Board of Directors to transfer fish from Copper Penny Lake into Copper Dollar Lake. Just like last year, we plan to transfer 300 small crappies and 300 small bluegills. There seems to be an overabundance of them in Copper Penny and very few in Copper Dollar. The necessary applications for permits have been mailed to the State of Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and the transfer should be able to start sometime next week. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact me so I can add your name to the list that is furnished to the State and the Game Warden in our area.
As previously requested, please refrain from harvesting bass, crappies and bluegills from Copper Dollar Lake this year. Please pass this request on to neighbors that may not be able to read this web page. Thanks.
As previously requested, please refrain from harvesting bass, crappies and bluegills from Copper Dollar Lake this year. Please pass this request on to neighbors that may not be able to read this web page. Thanks.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Interesting Website
A friend of mine sent me this website to look at. If you're interested in fishing and like to spend time on the computer, you'll probably find this very interesting. Enjoy. http://www.aa-fishing.com/index.html
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
We need to remember.......
Nebraska fishing rules and regulations apply to the lakes at Copper Dollar Cove. What we need to remember is that the lakes here are actually more like farm ponds and fishing pressure can be devastating on small bodies of water. The legal length limit for largemouth bass in Nebraska is 15 inches. In Copper Dollar Lake, that is one of the bigger fish. Fifteen inches and bigger are the ones we really need to keep in the lake to control the white perch and are the fish that can actually grow into trophies. They are also the best spawners.
There are also some nice bluegills and crappies in Copper Dollar Lake and last year we put in 600 more of them to try and replenish the population. Nebraska rules are very generous with the limits on these panfish. If we were all to keep limits on these fish in Copper Dollar, we would soon be back to square one. If you feel the need to take some bluegill or crappie for table fare, consider Copper Penny Lake. They may be a little smaller but they are more plentiful. Once again though, we need to remember that Copper Penny is smaller and we really should only keep the amount of fish we need for our meal and not feel that it is necessary to catch a total limit all the time.
The goal of the Fish & Wildlife Committee is to create two great fishing lakes for every resident to enjoy. We need the help of everyone to accomplish this task. Thanks.
There are also some nice bluegills and crappies in Copper Dollar Lake and last year we put in 600 more of them to try and replenish the population. Nebraska rules are very generous with the limits on these panfish. If we were all to keep limits on these fish in Copper Dollar, we would soon be back to square one. If you feel the need to take some bluegill or crappie for table fare, consider Copper Penny Lake. They may be a little smaller but they are more plentiful. Once again though, we need to remember that Copper Penny is smaller and we really should only keep the amount of fish we need for our meal and not feel that it is necessary to catch a total limit all the time.
The goal of the Fish & Wildlife Committee is to create two great fishing lakes for every resident to enjoy. We need the help of everyone to accomplish this task. Thanks.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Fishing permit needed or not at CDC???
Do we need a fishing permit to fish at Copper Dollar Cove? That is a very popular question around here. It has always been kind of a gray area when reading the Nebraska fishing rules and regulations. It was pretty clear that you needed one for Copper Penny Lake but probably not for Copper Dollar Lake. It used to state that one was not needed for a totally private lake with no connection to any other body of water. In 2009, the rule has been written a little differently. It now states that the private lakes must be entirely stocked. According to the interpretation of the State of Nebraska, our lakes have types of fish such as Green Sunfish and White Perch which were never stocked so therefore the answer is "Yes" we do need to have fishing permits.
Ticks
Unfortunately, part of the wildlife that exists at Copper Dollar Cove are ticks. They like to inhabit wooded areas and fields with high grass. Those of us with dogs are pretty familiar with the wood tick. This is the time of year when the tick becomes most active. People who like to walk their dogs on the paths around the lake may want to check their dog very carefully for ticks before going back into the house even if the dog is wearing a flea and tick collar. Ticks are blood suckers and also like to attach themselves to people. To get more info on how to prevent ticks and how to remove them properly, see http://www.essortment.com/all/woodticks_rgjq.htm
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
White Perch - Update
I already have a post dedicated to White Perch but I went fishing this evening in Copper Dollar Lake and caught three of them. I thought I'd try to put up a picture of one so everyone would know what to look for. If you catch one of these fish in either lake, please do not return it into the water. By the way, this fish was 12 inches long and weighed a little over a pound which qualifies it for a "Master Angler Award" in Nebraska.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Kid's Fishing Derby
One of the items that was discussed at the last F&W meeting was the idea of having a kids fishing derby. We used to have these every year when I lived back in the St. Louis area and they were very popular. Also when we owned lake property back in northwestern Illinois, they organized one once a year. It was a good time for residents to get together with their kids or grand kids. Our plans are still in the very early stages but we would like to hear feedback from anyone living at Copper Dollar Cove. It would give us an idea of how many people might participate. Either give me a call, email me or tell another Committee member your thoughts and we will discuss it further at the next meeting. Right now, the most important decision to be made is "When"? We appreciate your input. Thanks.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Muskrats
Although a lot of muskrats haven't been sighted yet this season, they continue to create damage around the lake by burrowing holes and tunnels along the shorelines and the dam. I received a permit from the State of Nebraska last week for trapping muskrats on Copper Dollar Cove property. Feel free to give me a call or send me an email if you are experiencing damage on your property from these critters. A little later in the season when they become more active, the Committee will be setting a few traps on parts of the common areas. The traps will be clearly marked and set in a way to avoid any problems with domestic pets. If anyone is interested in helping with this project, please contact myself or another Committee member.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Boating & Safety
It's that time of year when we start thinking about putting our boats back in the water. The CDC lakes are small but have some very powerful ski boats and personal watercraft (jet skis). At times, this combination could lead to some very dangerous conditions. This would be a good time for all of us to brush up on our boating safety procedures, the boating rules and regulations for Nebraska and also have our younger residents sign up for their required classes. Nebraska law requires any motorboat operator (including personal watercraft) under 18 years of age to complete a Boating Safety Course and be in possession of a course certificate when operating the boat. They must be at least 14 years of age to operate a motorboat (including personal watercraft) in Nebraska. Classes are offered throughout the state. The course is six-hours with a proctored exam. This law pertains to all bodies of water in the state including private lakes. To learn more about boating safety and to schedule classes, go to http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/boating/guides/boating/BGeducate.asp and click on the different links.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Bluebirds
Once again it's that time of year when bluebirds start making an appearance in Nebraska. If you are interested in having a bluebird house of your own or even starting a trail of houses, check out the website for BAN, Bluebirds Across Nebraska. http://www.bbne.org/ Here you can find just about anything you ever wanted to know about the species. Once you log on, I suggest starting by clicking on "Bluebirding Basics - Getting Started and FAQ's".
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Structure
Since the ice has thawed, there have been a few sightings of Christmas trees floating in the lake. If anyone wants to sink structure by their own docks, please make sure it is weighted properly. The Fish & Wildlife Committee is available to help with questions regarding this subject. If you would like to see structure placed into the main body of the lake, please contact the F&W Committee first and we will work with the CDC Board of Directors to make sure it is it placed in an area that has the proper depth and is safe for all swimmers, skiers and boaters.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Green Sunfish
Similar to the white perch, green sunfish have been known to overpopulate lakes and ponds. They can out compete bluegills and other panfish for food and spawning space. Therefore it is recommended to keep all green sunfish and not return them into the lakes. They are edible and the meat is similar to a bluegill. There is no limit on the size or amount of green sunfish than can be kept but please don't mistake them for bluegills. Bluegills have very small mouths and the green sunfish has a large mouth. They can be found in Copper Dollar and Copper Penny and are usually easy to catch in very shallow water along the shorelines on almost any type of bait. For more information on this species, go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/greensunfish/
Monday, February 16, 2009
White Perch
During the lake studies that were conducted by the State of Nebraska a couple of years ago, it was noticed that white perch are living in Copper Dollar Lake. The State figured that they were introduced into the lake by pumping water from the nearby creek. Last year water from Copper Dollar Lake was pumped into Copper Penny Lake after the heavy spring rains. Therefore the intoduction of the white perch in Copper Penny Lake is possible. These fish are very invasive and at times eat nothing but the eggs of other fish. If any angler catches these fish throughout the year, please do not return them into either lake no matter what size they are. They can be eaten, used as fertilizer, thrown into the woods for the raccoons or in the garbage. To learn more about these fish, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_perch.
Friday, February 6, 2009
CDC Fishing Rules & Regulations
Fishing is limited to lot owners and their guests. All guests must be accompanied by lot owners if fishing from any place other than the lot owners property and must display or have the green lot tag with them or they will be asked to leave the property.
Fishing rules for the State of Nebraska shall apply unless otherwise notified by the Board of Directors.
Please Note: The old clear plastic lot tags are obsolete. They are not to be used or given away for the use of non residents. The green lot tags are to be displayed at all times when lot owners are parked at the boat ramps or when using the common areas.
Fishing rules for the State of Nebraska shall apply unless otherwise notified by the Board of Directors.
Please Note: The old clear plastic lot tags are obsolete. They are not to be used or given away for the use of non residents. The green lot tags are to be displayed at all times when lot owners are parked at the boat ramps or when using the common areas.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Purpose and Goal
The purpose of the F&W Committee is to bring items of importance concerning the improvement of fishing and wildlife habitat to the Board of Directors at CDC. Our main goal is to work with the Board and the State of Nebraska to make the lakes at CDC great fisheries for all the residents to enjoy.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
New Fish & Wildlife Site
Hopefully this link will be added to the CDC Website within a few days and people can again look online to see what the Committee is doing. Much more information will soon be available.
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