Radio Springs Lake reopens for fishing

Mike Hoskins and his grandson, Ethan Waltz, threw the first official cast of the reopening of Radio Springs Lake in Nevada, during a special youth fishing clining that began at 9 a.m., Saturday, at the lake. Fishing opened to the public at 10 a.m.

April 1 marked the day that Radio Springs Lake, Nevada, officially reopened with a youthful castoff. Children from the community and their families were present for the clinic which opened at 9 a.m., with an introduction to fishing presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation representative Timothy Priesendorf.

"Originally there were 52 families that pre-registered and this morning we had more come, so all together we have 64 who participated in the clinic." said Carol Branham Nevada Parks and Recreation director.

"Its been a big process -- five years we've worked hard for this opening day, glad to see the turnout for the kids." said Hoskins.

Priesendorf taught the children the proper way to cast and the basics of fishing in general.

Each participant was presented with a bag filled with information on aquatic wildlife, a commemorative bobber and some stickers to promote conservation efforts.

Children without fishing rods were loaned rods for the event.

"It's a great time for family to get together and a good show for the clinic we've waited four years for this." said Branham.

Fishing opened at the lake with the official first cast, by Mike Hoskins, who recently returned from Iraq, and his grandson, Ethan Waltz.

Many families participated and some even caught fish. In the first 10 minutes of fishing, three children had a bite.

Gina Cripps, a member of the parks board, brought her grandson from Springfield, Mo., to the event.

Cripps said "It's his first time fishing. I am excited for him. It's a great day for fishing."

Refreshments were provided by the parks and recreation department which were free to all participants.

"This community does not lack opportunities for programs with various family oriented events." said Branham.

Now that fishing is officially opened in the lake, it's OK for families to go fishing, said Branham.

The restoration and preservation of the lake was made possible by a collaborative effort between the Department of Conservation and the city's parks and recreation department.

First, the lake was dredged and deepened, then carefully restocked with bluegill, large mouth bass, channel catfish, red sunfish and fathead minnows.

The process of stocking the lake began in 2002, Branham said. "It's basically city maintenance. Anything we do -- weed control etc. -- we do in a collaborative effort. It's a great partnership," she noted.

City and state officials stressed that the citizens in the community should not try to stock the pond themselves. Both Priesendorf and Branham said that the lake is taken care of and it is not necessary for the citizens to try to "help" in the stocking process. One of the bigger problems facing the lake is the goose population, which works in conjunction with the aquatic vegetation of the lake. In the fall the vegetation will lose its leaves and this could lead to an oxygen depletion in the lake which, in turn, could kill the fish if not properly managed. Conservation and parks and recreation staff use a product called Aquashade, and additive that prevents the vegetation from overpopulating the lake by limiting the amount of sunlight in the lake. The collaborative effort should prove to generate a great environment for families and the fish, Branham said.

However, certain stipulations still apply. No gas-powered motor boats are permitted in the lake, but paddleboats and electric trolling motors are allowed.

Also, there is no swimming allowed, because the area is a primarily a conservation and recreation area.

For more information on continuing events call the community center at (417) 448-2740.