Leelanau Experiences

Item Description

This silent auction item will be presented for final bidding at our annual picnic on Thursday, August 4th.

One of the most popular winter sports in Leelanau County is ice fishing, and one of the nicest local fishermen and great all-around guy is Leif Sporck. Being a Leelanau native his entire life, Leif has learned where and when to fish for the best opportunities.  One of those places is the Conservancy’s own Natural Area, Kehl Lake.  Leif says the ice is freshest and the fish are most active from the end of December through the first week in January.  Leif is graciously offering you and a few friends (up to 4) a chance to join him on a day that will be mutually agreed upon between Leif and the highest bidder.  You will learn much from this master fisherman while enjoying the beauty and serenity of Kehl Lake.  Don’t forget your camera so you can prove just how big those fish really were!

Walter Hoegy won the fishing experience in 2009.  He says, "Leif Sporck suggested we ice fish on Kehl Lake because: number one it’s a beautiful area saved by the Conservancy; and two it’s where he has always been able to catch fish early in the season – he wanted to guarantee a successful experience.  Leif is a true outdoorsman at tune with nature and the art of ice fishing.  He brought enough equipment for half a dozen fishermen, quickly located the best spots for holes and got the three of us to work fishing: Leif, my friend Bill Modzel (a consummate fisherman), and me the novice who never ice fished. After sufficient training, I started catching perch, little ones, 2 to 3 inches.  It was exciting and has whet my appetite for ice fishing, especially in a natural area listening to coyotes yelping in the woods. It was enough just to sit on a bucket and look around and soak in nature, but after awhile Bill pulled in a 30” pike which fed four people, and then I caught a large bass which had to be let go, because it was out of season.  Thank you, Leif for a wonderful experience!"

Wouldn’t you like to be this year’s winner for Ice Fishing with Leif Sporck?

Item Special Note

Expiration date: Winter/Spring 2017

Restrictions: Group of up to four (4) people