Bluegills in Marr Park, photographed with an underwater camera; photo courtesy of Washington County Conservation

Washington County Conservation is hoping for cold weather this week, as they prepare for their annual ice fishing clinic at Marr Park. Naturalist Pam Holz says the clinic is a great way for people to stave off cabin fever, and is a popular event for experienced and novice anglers alike. In addition to teaching people about proper poles, bait, and drilling spots, Holz will show them some of the technology that can be used to make ice fishing more successful. She says, “We’ll have a Vexlar, which kinda uses soundwaves to determine where everything is, and then we’ll have an underwater camera. Depending on water clarity is how far you can see, but you can usually see where your bait is and where the nearest fish is. And you can see how the movements of how you move that bait attracts or scares away fish.”

The weather forecast calls for temperatures above freezing this week, but Holz is still hopeful the ice will stay thick enough to accommodate the clinic. If they deem the ice unsafe, the event will be canceled, and Holz encourages people to check with the conservation office before heading to Marr Park Saturday. If the weather and ice cooperate, the clinic will begin at 1 p.m. at the Conservation Education Center at Marr Park. Refreshments, including hot chocolate, will be provided, as well as fishing poles and tackle for those that don’t have their own. Anyone older than 16 will be required to have a fishing license.