72 teams of 2 gathered on the ice this past weekend for another successful Cork Thornton Ice Fishing Tournament on Merrit Reservoir south of Valentine, highlighting the popularity of the sport of ice fishing in the region. Anglers find a place to drop their lines in lakes and ponds all over the area, including 9 lakes on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.
According to Valentine Refuge Manager Juan Carlos Giese, the NWR works closely with the Game and Parks department to keep these lakes available for fishermen and ice fishermen alike with refuge resources maintaining infrastructure including roads and boat ramps, while the Nebraska G&P does the maintaining of the fishery aspect.
A 2020 compatibility study determined which lakes would be best for fishing, measuring elements of the lakes such as it’s basic biology as well as depth to prevent winter kill.
The lakes on the Valentine Refuge currently open and stocked for fishing include Watt, Hackberry, Willow, Dewey, Clear, West, Long, Duck, Pelican and Rice.
More information about fishing on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge can be found at fws.gov/refuge/valentine/visit-us/activities/fishing