A little fishy, a little chilly at Briggs Woods Lake today
Walleyes restocking project continues at 1 p.m. today
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For the fourth year in a row, members and volunteers with the Hamilton County Conservation board will be releasing walleyes into the Briggs Woods Lake today.
Those who would like to observe or participate are invited to join the Conservation volunteers and staff who will coordinate the release.
"The release will begin at 1 p.m." said Brian Lammers, Executive Director of Hamilton County Conservation. "We could release them all at once, but it's more fun to put them in the bucket and release them slowly, letting them adapt to the lake water."
Approximately 600 walleyes will be released that will be between 7" and 9" long.
Over the years, the quality of the lake water, and the fishing in Briggs Woods Lake has improved dramatically.
"The overall quality of the water in the lake is really good," said Lammers. "Back in 2006 we did that watershed project, and that contributed to making the water much better. Overall the water quality for fishing, recreation and for clarity is really good. We have a pretty low vegetation growth.
According to Lammers, with the watershed project, the nitrogen and phosphorus entering the lake has become minimal and the water quality is good for the fish.
"We stock 600 a year, and have a 30-35% survival rate, maybe more. It just depends," said Lammers.
He explained that the fish they stock are going into a healthy water source, but there are other factors.
"They are susceptible to other predator fish in the lake," he said. "We try to get them above 7" to keep them from being eaten by other fish."
The Department of Natural Resources monitors the lake, and the health of the fish each year, according to Lammers. He said the numbers are improving each year, and the fish are getting larger.
"We've had several different fish caught above 16" in length," he said. "That makes for a better overall experience."
The funds to cover the cost of the fish this year are being covered by the Doug Jacobson Foundation and Mid-American Energy. The conservation board has also received funding from the Hotel Motel tax grant, which will help fund the release in 2027.
"Our goal is to do annual stocking," Lammers explained.
For those who are interested in this program and would like to help see this project continue, there are several ways to assist with donations.
"There is an account set up at the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation or donating through the Friends of Hamilton County Conservation," he said.
For those who would like to participate, the release will be done from the fishing jetty at the Briggs Woods Lake Beach. Individuals who have helped with this project for the past few years like Brian Holt and Ryan Rupiper will be there to help with the release, and can help explain the process.