By Dick Herfindal, Tribune columnist

Last week the City of Albert Lea treated Fountain Lake for algae. This is a good thing. They posted warnings at the landings and also had it on all the local media saying it would not be safe to swim in the lake for 24 hours. I happened to be driving around the lake that evening and wouldn’t you know it, there was some guy pulling his young kid around the lake on water skis. I hope it was the case of not knowing instead of a case of not caring.

Whenever I hear of treating a lake for algae I am reminded of a story my Aunt Millie used to tell on herself. She and my Uncle Orv had a cabin on Lake Tetonka and Millie and her sister Glady would go up there and spend some time during the week. Both of them loved to fish and Tetonka has always been known for stripers or white bass.

One morning they got up and watched this boat trolling around the lake so they decided that these guys must be on to something so they took the pontoon boat out and started following the boat trolling everywhere the boat went. Back then there weren’t any depth finders in the family except for the anchor rope so they assumed these guys knew what they were doing.

As it turned out they did know what they were doing, but instead of dragging lures behind the boat these guys were dragging bags of chemicals to treat the lake. After embarrassing themselves by asking the suspected fishermen how the fishing was Mill and Glady had a good laugh on themselves. This was just another story that was brought up at just about every family gathering and of course every time the lake got treated.

As we swing into July it actually is the time to think bass and muskie. Muskie is probably my favorite fish to try and outsmart although lately I haven’t had a lot of opportunity to do any serious muskie fishing.

If you are a bass fisherman, I really think Fountain Lake could be holding some nice fish and it would definitely worth a try.

Early morning would be the best time before the lake getstoo crowded with skiers and boaters.

I haven’t seen much fishing action in the channel by Frank Hall Park. I do however assume that the resident pelicans that seem to be staying in the channel longer than usual are getting their fair share. I suppose they are also getting their share of the walleye that were stocked earlier in the spring. I guess that’s just the cycle of life in the

&uot;wilderness.&uot;

Here are a few reports on the state of fishing around the state:

ALEXANDRIA – Alexandria area walleye bite is picking up. Best lakes are Ida and Miltona outside the deepest weedline. Mary and Reno still producing walleye also. Leeches and crawlers best in 18-22 feet of water. Bass have moved out to the flats. Try crankbaits or plastics in 8-12 feet. Crappies are out on the cabbage in 8-16 feet on the Chain and most area lakes.

BOWSTRING LAKE AREA – The walleye bite was a bit slow last week due to the cold weather but fish were still being caught near the rock pile and the humps on the north shore. Leeches and a jig seemed to work the best. Minnows and a spinner worked well when drifting or slow trolling.

BRAINERD LAKES AREA – The walleye action remains steady in the Brainerd Lakes area. The average fish size has improved now that the water temps have finally broken the 70-degree mark. The walleyes continue to hold just outside the weedline on most of the area lakes. Key locations have been mid-lake structures in 25-27 feet of water. The best lakes in the area continue to be Pelican, Whitefish and Farm Island. Leeches and chub minnows have been the best baits.

GRAND RAPIDS – We had another nice weekend weatherwise and it was great on the water. The walleyes were going good around Raven’s Point on Winnie. In the morning, a light green jig and shiner worked best in 12- to 14-foot depths and by noon a large leech on a rig or jig was best in 17 feet. Swan Lake and Spider Lake also gave up some nice walleyes on the same baits.

LAKE VERMILION AREA – Many anglers having little to no success although other anglers are having the best year ever for catching walleyes. On the warm, windy days anglers are finding fish on the windy rocky shorelines with slip bobbers and leeches in 2-4 feet of water. On the cooler, windy days anglers are finding fish deeper in 18 feet of water next to rocky points and shorelines. Try spinners tipped with worms, or jigs tipped with minnows or leeches. Walleyes are not at their normal haunts but are starting to show up on the reefs.

MANKATO – Walleyes and large northern pike are hitting medium sucker minnows on Eagle Lake. Most anglers are fishing from shore. On Washington successful walleye anglers are trolling with a #8 or #9 perch Shad Rap in 17 feet off the weed breaks. Crappie bite is good on Madison in 20 feet of water with a jig and a crappie minnow. Huge catfish are starting to bite on large suckers on the Minnesota River.

Until next time, &uot;Good Luck, Good Fishin’ and have a safe and happy 4th of July.&uot;