Bangs Lake, Lake County

That's interesting to know that it's always been in place slab gills, thanks.  It definitely sounds like now they'll start patrolling more, it was in the meeting notes for last January's Natural Resource Committee meeting for the city; "increase patrol and enforcement of the ordinances pertaining to ice fishing". 

So I guess help spread the word as I'm guessing most won't know this unless it's posted.  Hopefully the local authorities will give out warnings for first time offenders...

Lastly, I think it'll drive attendance down as I for one won't be coming to Bangs (with the exception of tournaments...) so hopefully that doesn't negatively affect anything.  Hell, may be a benefit.

Happy Holidays all.

What a joke

Below is a letter that may clarify a few things regarding the ice shanties on Bangs Lake... 

December 29, 2016, 

Clarification: Recreation Regulations- Fishing and Fishing Shelters

To whom it may concern,

The Wauconda Police Department in conjunction with the Natural Resource Committee revised several ordinances as they pertain to Fishing Shelters. The permit fees have always been in place but due to lack of personnel, there has been no police presence on Banks Lake during the ice fishing season. Increased fees will ensure the safety and security of Bangs Lake by providing the Marine Unit with winter patrol hours, restocking, and Lake management/maintenance.

Shelters fees do not apply to fishing tournaments on Bangs Lake. Clarification for shelter fees are as follows;

$45.00 (One-Time Fee) for a Permanent Shelter. This shelter can be left on the ice all season, unattended.

$25.00 (One-Time Fee) for a Temporary Shelter. This shelter must be taken down daily, must not be left unattended, and can be erected throughout the entire season.

No fee for fishing without a shelter e.g., anglers sitting on a bucket on the open ice

All Shelters, Permanent or Temporary, must register with the Wauconda Police Department.

Please feel free to contact Marine Unit Sgt. Michael Aiardo at maiardo@waucondapolice.com or 847-526-2421.

Sincerely,

David Wermes

Chief of Police

Boat ramp fees and shanty fees are hardly one in the same.  Also, most of us are literally just discussing this as it's a forum. 

So it's great and all that you know how to type in all caps to emphasize your opinion but not really your call one way or the other.

Lakes need money, we all get that and understand it. But it needs to be in the right way.  The majority think this isn't "the right way" to collect revenue for the lake. That's all. And in reality, this conversation isn't going to affect what wauconda does anyways. But its going to deter people from fishing this lake which, in my opinion, will bring in less revenue for the lake overall. Perhaps the winter fishing doesn't matter but I think it does.  

Lastly, I will agree with your final point, I will go somewhere to fish and have a great time doing it. 

Any reports on how thick the ice is out there?

A fee to use your own shanty while being on the ice.  

I nearly injured myself laughing so hard...

Greed and stupidity.  That is the state of Illinois...

BPM

Wauconda doesn't own the water or fish. Go by state fishing reg. The crappie are biting!!

Cookie, if we quit bitching then they win.  Where does it stop?  I am all for awareness.  By providing the info, perhaps Sean has prevented someone from getting a citation.  However, it's stuff like this, but in a larger scale, that has people leaving Illinois in droves.  State and localities continue to bleed us dry with taxes and fees for this and that.

Just a conversation hence the forum part. No Florida for me, short ice fishing year....and I will go fishing!!! Just not at bangs

Just go fishing. Quit your bitching just start catching!!! Or be like me move to Florida!!??