So i just learned that my current fishing spot is being closed to the public. This lake has been open to the public for as long as i can remember. i am very disappointed because this is a very nice lake with a vast amount of different species of fish. there reason they closed it to the public is really unknown to my knowledge. some say because of the township wasnt making money off it, but they have never charged to launch a boat or go to the beach area. there is maybe twenty houses on the lake and they are only on the far side of the lake. so what i am wondering is has this happeneed to anyone else? what kind of actions were taken? did you just say screw it and find a different way in? i am in shock over this really and bummed.

What a bunch of crap......I know just how you feel huffman143. Here in southern Ohio they have closed a few small lakes to the public. Add to that the number of stocked rainbows was reduced by half......and don't forget the trash pickup being cancelled at some lakes.Even keeping the grass cut went the way of the dinosaurs.I wouldn't mind paying more for a fishing license if the extra funds were actually spent on the lakes...but that's the whole problem...who knows where all our license dollars go!?

Mo, you hit the nail on the head with that one. Here in Il. entrance fees to the state are being discussed and the biggest concern is that the money stays in the parks budget, which is no sure thing considering the past track record. We had a previous Gov that tried "sweeping" conservation funds into the general fund. This lasted only until,the Fe{1}**** the state with a repayment demand coupled with penalties! Seems the swept funds were federal revenue sharing of the sporting goods excise tax. We haven't had any lakes "go private" here but have lost some access due to cutbacks in operating budgets. BTW, that governor is now a guest of the federal govt in one of their "hotels" in Colorado! In your situation, I can't recommend "finding another way in" , this sounds an awful lot like trespassing!

I am sad to hear about that lake going private in your area. It is happening more and more across the country. I have read about where in one area some folks with valuable shore front property have had gates put across lakes, closing them off to the public and have provided a camp ground for the local sheriff's use in exchange for keeping fisher persons, boaters and the general public out of the lake. Here in Fort Lauderdale there is a great city park with a nice sized lake and boat ramp. Here's the problem, fishing is only allowed on Mondays. The rest of the week it is only open for use for jet skiers, regular skiers and boaters. Private clubs that pursue those activities have paid the city for the semi-exclusive use of the city lake. Seems like a crying shame to me. It seems to me as if the moneyed people of this country want to shut out the common man and make all natural resources the sole domain of "Lords and Ladies" and if we fish or hunt we are poachers! Worse part is it is also happening in all aspects of daily life, the "Haves and Have not."

I read in one fishing magazine where some Pro Bass fishermen were shot at cause they got too close to some shoreline "private property". I was glad to hear about that guv her nur being invited to spend some time at a Fed. Pen., give him some time to reflect.