Local lakes prepare for summer season
Marion County Park and Lake and Marion Reservoir are gearing up for the summer.
Dale Snelling, superintendent of Marion County Lake, said employees are keeping busy with maintenance projects, preparing for the Memorial Day weekend.
Mowing and preparing beach and swimming areas are among the constant duties of the crew.
"We plan to repair the swimming pier and repaint the lake hall sometime this summer," said Snelling.
A grant was submitted but no word if approved for a new boat dock.
Snelling said he didn't notice a slow down in activity last year or so far this year.
"Gas prices may be keeping people closer to home," said Snelling. "The numbers were constant last year and we'll see what happens this year."
Terry Holt of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Marion Reservoir reported numerous projects planned for this summer.
They include a new courtesy dock, a slide-in dock to replace a floating dock, and more water hook-ups all at Hillsboro Cove.
A new oil seal will be added to the portion of Nighthawk Road that goes over the dam. Traffic will be rerouted during that time. Also a roof on the project office will be replaced.
"Funding constraints delay projects," said Holt. Timing of budget falls during the busy time at the reservoir.
"It would be better if we could get our funding earlier and complete the projects before the busy season," he said.
Holt also said there has not been a reduction in camping or boating activities.
"We're as busy if not busier than we've ever been," said Holt. By press time, he anticipated the campgrounds to be full.
Fishing report
Fishing is good this time of year at Marion County Lake, said Snelling.
"Fish are on a feeding spree right now," he said. "Most have already spawned and they always bite better in May."
All of the fish are biting — channel catfish, drum, bass, and crappie.
Fish are biting at Marion Reservoir, especially wipers, channel cat, and white bass.
