Victoria Gazette - Hook Line & Sinker Column

I don't know how this affects fishing and fishermen, but I just read June 1st that the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District issued a High Water Declaration for Lake Minnetonka.

During High Water Declaration, watercraft may not be operated at a speed greater than 5 miles per hour or at a speed that creates more than a minimum wake in regulated areas of Lake Minnetonka. The change is that areas of minimum wake are expanded for public safety and to protect the lake.

"Minimum wake" means that the wake trailing behind a watercraft in a widening 'V' is insufficient in size to affect other watercraft or be detrimental to the shoreline. The High Water Declaration will remain in effect until Lake Minnetonka's water levels measure below 930 feet for three consecutive days. For the record, I've never seen speeding fishermen, but I'm wondering how high water levels affect the fish. Do they swim deeper then?

The LMCD reports that this is the third wettest start to a year the Twin Cities has experienced since recording began in 1871. I feel bad for the farmers.

When I dipped into the minnow bucket this time, I pulled out Helen Schimmelpfennig of Fish Creek, Wisconsin! That's the most interesting name and location in the entire minnow bucket! Yes, indeed, the fishhook in the May issue of the paper was wrapped about the mother's thumb in the Ridgeview ad on page 12. Congratulations, Mrs. Schimmelpfennig! Your ten bucks should be arriving shortly.

There's another fishhook hidden in this issue of the Gazette. If you find it and wish to be part of the next drawing, email Sue@VictoriaGazette.com telling of its location or drop a line to P.O. Box 387, Victoria MN 55386 and sinker in the mail. Hopefully, it'll stop raining so water levels get back to normal and farmers can get in their fields.