2025 Rewind and 2026 Preview
![]() Justin Stremski 30" northernJustin Stremski 30" northern |
|---|
![]() Liam M with Morgan BuetowLiam M with Morgan Buetow |
![]() Emma S.Emma S. |
![]() Henry B with Uncle MorganHenry B with Uncle Morgan |
![]() Emma, Liam, Henry, Rachel, TomEmma, Liam, Henry, Rachel, Tom |
![]() Liam BLiam B |
2026 Island Mud Lake
Fishing Contest
Date: July 3, 2026
When: 7am to 3pm;
4pm awards presentation
Enter: Call or text Jerry Finnerty at
612-987-2275 with anglers'
names and ages
Rules:
-
There are two contest divisions:
-
Adult (age 15+).
-
Junior (age 14 and under).
-
-
Each angler may register multiple fish per species: Northern, Bass and Walleye; Juniors can also submit Panfish (Crappie / Sunfish).
-
Remember the “slot” restrictions apply for Northerns between 22” & 26”.
-
However, you still can register your catch with the appropriate photo and info!
-
You are encouraged to keep the smaller Northerns to promote a healthier fish population.
-
-
Prizes are awarded for the largest fish by species in each division.
How to Register a Catch:
-
Text the following to Jerry at
612-987-2275:
-
Anglers' name and age
-
Description (species & length) of the fish
-
Photo of the fish clearly displaying its length next to a tape measure
-
Photo of angler holding the fish
A couple of years ago, we began officially collecting walleye data. We encourage you to CLICK HERE to report any walleyes you catch, as this helps us forward the information to DNR. We will also maintain an updated "walleye count" for our own records.

2025 Winners (July 5, 2025)
Adult
-
Walleye - None caught this year
-
Northern - 30" by Justin Stremski
-
Bass - 18" by Rachel Schelling
Youth
-
Crappie - 14" by Emma S. (12)
-
Northern - 28.5" by Liam M. (11)
-
Bass - 15" by Henry B. (13)
July 4th Boat Parade
Show off your holiday spirit on the water. Grab your American flag, decorate your pontoon, fishing boat, or speed boat and join the parade! Festive outfits and music are encouraged, though not required. Let’s see if we can top last year’s record turnout!
• Saturday, July 4, 2026
• Gather near the public access around 12:45pm.
• Parade begins at 1:00pm.
If you're watching from the dock, cheer our boaters to join the celebration.













































2026 Annual Picnic and Board Meeting
Get to know your lake neighbors and learn more about IMLPOA activities.
• When: Saturday, July 25th.
• Where: Levi’s Field on Walworth Road.
• When: Social time and games begin at 4:00pm.
• Potluck meal begins at 5:00pm.
• Annual meeting follows meal.
The Association will provide meat, buns, chips, and water. Please bring a dish to share, your preferred beverage, and lawn chairs.We also invite you to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Emily Food Shelf. All cash donations collected will be matched (up to $200) by the Association.
View last year's 2025 Board Meeting Minutes including information more on the Emily Food Shelf.
























































Ice Cream Day on the Lake
The 2026 Ice Cream Social will be on
August 8, 2026 from 1pm to 4pm (or until the ice cream is gone). Check back this Summer for more information on the location.
In 2025, several adults and more than 20 children and teens came by boat, pontoon, kayak, paddleboat, and paddleboard to reach The Ice Cream Social Pontoon, parked from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm near the sandbar on Island Lake! The weather was glorious and the ice cream cold... all in all an awesome day!




Non-Sanctioned Fun!!!
Music at the End of the Road
You’re invited to a relaxed lakeside concert — featuring piano solos, duets, and cello-piano pieces.
This 5th Annual Labor Day concert is sponsored by Donna Hastings and Jonathan Geiger.
• When: 3 to 5pm; Sept. 5, 2026.
• Where: 36205 Whitewater Road.
• Dress: lake-casual.
• Bring: a chair, shareable snacks or your favorite
beverage.
RSVP to Donna Hastings at 701-330-2586
(call/text) or donnah701@gmail.com.
Freewill donations support future student concerts.

Buetow-Staples Hunters' Boohay and Winter Fishing Contest
Last November, Morgan and Cullum Buetow-Staples sponsored a tasty Hunters' Booyah. It was chance for cabin neighbors and fellow hunters to swap stories about the lake, hunting and the woods. Morgan and Cullum are gauging interest for a 2026 Hunters' Booyah. Please connect with Morgan, if you're interest.
On January 16, 2026, the first annual Buetow-Staples Bragging Rights ice Fishing Contest
was held on Island and Mud Lakes. It was all about
friendly competition and fun—and yes, prizes for
the biggest fish by species.
A traveling trophy (created by Chuck Pettipiece)
was also awarded for the overall biggest fish.
Winners were celebrated during potluck at the
Swatosch's cabin.
The winners were:
-
12" Crappie - Marty Erdman
(Swatosch/Miller party).
-
31" Northern & Traveling Trophy - Jason Leighton-Johnson (Nordahl party).
Look for information this Winter about the 2026/2027 Winter Fishing Contest.
![]() IMG_3647 | ![]() IMG_4905 |
|---|---|
![]() IMG_6616 | ![]() IMG_7270 |
![]() IMG_5327 | ![]() IMG_9946 |
![]() IMG_0363 | ![]() IMG_1430 |













