Fin and Feather volunteers work to improve fishing conditions in Lake Panorama.
By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
There were 2,800 yellow perch added to Lake Panorama Nov. 15 with 2,000 being 4-to-5 inches and 800 6 inches in length.
About $21,000 worth of fish were added to Lake Panorama in 2024, funded by Fin and Feather. Last May, 1,000 smallmouth bass were introduced to the lake. On Nov. 15, a total of 700 walleye were stocked with 200 of those 10 inches or more and 500 in the 6- to 9-inch range. There also were 2,800 yellow perch added with 2,000 being 4-to-5 inches and 800 being 6 inches in length. Another 150 smallmouth bass and 1,900 largemouth bass were added in November.
The long-time supplier for the fish-stocking program is North Star Fish Hatchery, a third-generation, family-owned business in Montour, Iowa. North Star brought the fish to Lake Panorama, where the fish were released at Boulder Beach.
Fin and Feather stocks fish that range from 4 inches to more than 10 inches in length, depending on the species, to promote high survival rates. Fingerlings and fry are less expensive but have lower survival rates. Stocking larger fish is a good investment, as more quality fish have been caught in Lake Panorama in recent years.
Volunteers in the nonprofit Fin and Feather group have been stocking fish and working to improve fishing conditions in Lake Panorama since 1984. When the dam was closed in 1970, the only thing natural to the lake were crappie, largemouth bass, carp and catfish.
Fish stocking for 2024 included 700 walleye with 200 of those 10 inches or more and 500 in the 6- to 9-inch range.
Besides stocking fish, the group helps improve fish habitat and sponsors an annual fishing derby for children during Panorama Days. Fin and Feather raises its money through annual memberships and a fundraising banquet each spring.
The 2025 banquet is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, the same date as the LPA annual meeting. The event will be held at the Lake Panorama National conference center with social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.