CHETEK, Wis. (WJMC) – The only negative with this year’s winter temperatures, is the impact they are having with outdoor tourism.
Chetek Rod and Gun Shop owner Mike Bilodeau says business is slow because so few people are ice fishing.
“The last two years have been tough. Now there’s finally ice. People are walking out. Some guys are bringing four-wheelers out, but yeah, it’s definitely slower,” Bilodeau said. “The sales–worm sales and ice fishing in general–the whole industry is bad.”
Fewer ice anglers are going for panfish because they can’t drive their vehicles on the ice, Bilodeau explained. Last year there was too much snow for good lake ice to form.
Tourism organizations in northeast Wisconsin are seeking state assistance due to this year’s unseasonable weather.
For Bilodeau, he’s remaining optimistic and hoping the ice goes out early for an early open water fishing season.
“I’d say yeah, I’d like getting free money, but in general that’s not my policy. As a business, you just have to work through the good times and the bad times,” Bilodeau said. “And this winter was bad, but maybe this summer will be good, you know?”