Willow Creek is not the same as last year

The other day, I went out to Willow Creek with a woman I work with. Her husband is not the least bit interested in fishing, but Brooke is a fanatic. Jon asked me at Christmas time to help pick out quality equipment, rod, reel, etc.. So the day after Thanksgiving, out to HOF we went. Got her a custom made ultra lite rod from Mr. Fischer and of course, what else, an Okuma Metaloid matching reel. She has been patiently waiting to try her new equipment out. She admitted to me that during this past winter, she sat on the couch and waved her outfit around.
So I decided, really wanted to get her into some action. She loves panfish. Thought Willow has always been good to me in the past, especially this time of year.
She caught the first, the biggest and most fish. She was tickled to death with her rod and reel, plus the fact she outfished me. She ended up casting as far as I could.
Now the fish that day.
Oh sure, we caught tons of babies, except her one medium sized bass.
Lots of bluegills, but not a one worth keeping for her to take home a meal. She was not disappointed as long as there was some action and got to work her new stuff.
I however was somewhat disappointed. Sure different then last year. Nothing then to catch 7 1/2s up to 8 1/2s. Not this year. Granted the water was up, cold and dirty, but if one could catch the little guys, well then, where were the big ones.
My way of thinking is that Willow may just very well become depleted with all the pressure, especially the ice fishing success everyone had. Too many kept and not that many released.
I would seriously like to see restrictions placed at Game Haven, Silver Creek and Willow on Bluegills, a limit of 10 and they have to be at least 7. Those two places are gems and I would hate to see them destroyed. Same restrictions as Chester.
Anyone agree with me??

I haven’t fished Game Haven or Willow, but reading the multiple forums I got an idea that it was fished pretty heavy and with pretty good success. I wouldn’t doubt if you are right with how it got affected. Also would not be a bad idea to put restrictions on. I’ve only lived in Rochester for about 7 years and it seemed when I first started fishing Chester, small bluegills would be all I caught, but I have gradually started catching better fish out of there so the restrictions probably are working.
I doubt you could get Silver Creek restricted right now since I don’t believe it is really managed by the DNR. I know of no known DNR stocking of the water. If it ever gets stocked and opened to the public special regs would be nice.

I totally agree with RHW. People don’t realize the impact they have by not releasing some of the fish they catch. Sure I don’t mind people cathing a few for a meal who wouldn’t, but at the same time you have to draw a line somewhere. Like when someone’s on a hot bite and they fish it one day and catch a limit and there back the next day with a few buddies. Well then their buddies tell a few people and it snowballs from there. Especially this time of the year when the females are full of eggs. Mr. Muskie and I seen it all winter long at the Zumbro, among other areas. CPR, the future of fishing
Good Luck
Justin

I like to go out to willow creek when i only have a few hours to fish before or after work. I saw a lot of people keeping VERY small 4-5 inch sunfish and by the 5 gal bucket fulls. I treasure my fishing so i told them that those size fish arent the best to keep to eat and that they should maybe think bout not keeping any more and they didnt listen one bit

I know for a fact that htis is why the fishing is going down hill out there. i will say that i did catch a 5.8 pound large mouth on a little crappie jig and wax worm last year that really suprised me

I kept 8 fish out of there one time, toss em all away they all had worms.

I dont think they should let ya keep any fish out of that lake

One of the encouraging things to report is the fact that there are a lot of babies, which means some good year classes. However as mentioned, people are even taking the babies. Good lord, go to McDonalds if you are that hard up for something to eat. They have excellent fish sandwiches. There is also the project out by County Club manor, this too would need protection or that will be short lived. Regardless if the DNR stocked a impoundment or not, if there are game species in them, then yes, they are protected by DNR rules and regulations, so then why couldn’t these impoundments be subject to specified restrictions. Lets face it, as much as I enjoy Foster, it is nothing more then a put and take proposition. Not much if any natural reproduction out there. My fear is Game Haven and Willow will someday be even less then Foster. Can’t imagine the DNR stocking those bodies of water on any kind of a regular basis. At least not at the rate people are stripping the resources.

I would have too agree with you RHW willow creek should have a special limit just like chester woods. Troy Pike