Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Fighting for your right to fish
"Private property' takes on new meaning for anglers and boaters as they struggle against growing threats to public access nationwide
By Deborah Weisberg

Of all the factors that affect the quality of fishing ? including declining habitat, invasive species and vegetation management ? the loss of access to what used to be public waters is becoming the most ominous, according to BASS Conservation Director Noreen Clough.

"In south Louisiana, property owners are building gates so anglers can't get to the backwater for bass," said Clough of a phenomenon seen elsewhere, including Conneaut Lake, a glacial gem that has produced four Pennsylvania state records for muskie and white bass. [read full article (http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/conservation/news/story?page=b_con_news_fishing_private_property)]