LAKE WINNEBAGO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As the beginning of February approaches, the ice on many lakes across Northeast Wisconsin is getting thicker.
Fueled by the recent deep freeze, ice conditions on Lake Winnebago are improving. Quinney Fishing Club members reported 23 inches near the eastern shoreline Monday morning.
“The cold stretch helped us out, catch back up, but before that, we’re a little bit behind,” said Maurice Ecker, Quinney Fishing Club.
Ecker says when ice thickness reaches a foot or more, bridges capable of carrying vehicles across ice cracks are installed around the lake.
“We have six sets. Two 30s, two 60s, and two 75s,” said Mark Ecker, Quinney Fishing Club Plow Committee President.
Ecker says one of the bridges, has an entirely new look. The 75-foot long steel span is painted fluorescent pink.
“Everybody’s talking about them. They’re wondering if we lost a bet on them or something,” said Ecker.
But Quinney Fishing Club members say the reason is two-fold. One, is to attract and retain female anglers to the sport, and the other is to increase safety on the ice.
“People would come off the landings and wouldn’t know where they’re at., or they’ll just say a bridge needs to be moved. So we figured switching colors would help identify the bridge and what landing it would be off of,” said Maurice Ecker.
The pink bridge is about a half mile off the the Quinney Landing.
“They’re awesome. We got a lot of compliments about them,” said Maurice Ecker.
Other club members agree.
“It’s a lot easier to see them when they’re bright like that. If you’re coming across the lake and it’s getting a little dark, and the weather’s not cooperating. At least you can pick out the pink bridges,” said Adam Ecker, Quinney Fishing Club Member.
Quinney Fishing Club members say they have the only pink bridge on Lake Winnebago, but it might not be the last.
Other colored bridges may pop up in the years to come.
