June 19, 2012 Water Clarity and Field Report

Today's poor water clarity shows that algae is enjoying the bright sun, hot temperatures (water was 82 degrees by 2:00 pm) and nutrients provided them.  The Fox River upstream is once again significantly clearer than the lake.  A large number of Forster's terns are again nesting on the lake this year.  They had to wait for May's extreme high water levels to drop, and boy have they dropped!

Whitetail doe enjoys the shade and leaves of a weeping willow on the Fox River

June 4, 2012 Water Clarity and Field Report

Today was a beautiful calm day on the lake.  There were a few wisps of clouds in the sky, the air was 75 degrees and the water not close behind at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water quality was a mixed bag.  Clarity was good on the lake, but fair on the river.  Clear water was partially attributed to a calm day on the lake, but clarity on the lake exceeded that of any reading form June 2, to October 6, 2011 by 1.5 feet! 

Aquatic plant beds continue to look good, and excellent compared to last year.  Water clarity in the west shore plant beds was superb.  I estimate it exceeded seven feet.  I could clearly make out all the patterns on a 32 inch northern pike gliding through the water three feet down.  There were also dozens of last year's bluegill hatch, and too many minnows to count.