Willow Lake received another 1,500 legal rainbow trout on May 16 and should be fishing very well. With this most recent stocking, 11,500 legal rainbow trout have been stocked this year since mid-February. There should be plenty of other holdover trout available, as well as yellow perch. Fishing should be good and this would be a good destination for this weekend’s free fishing days.

The reservoir is 99 percent full, and the improved concrete boat ramp is open with a dock.

Fishing from shore will likely produce plenty of perch and possibly some bluegill.

Campgrounds at Willow Lake are open. Day use is open, and fees are collected. A yearly Jackson County Park pass are also available for $40. For more information please visit the Jackson County Parks website.

Anglers encountering illegally introduced yellow perch are always encouraged to take as many of these as they want. This illegal introduction has only resulted in stunted perch and impacts to the bass and trout fishery in this lake and numerous others around the Southwest District. Anglers are reminded that using live fish as bait is prohibited. If you see someone transporting live fish from or into a water body, please get a photo and/or call OSP with this information.