Shelbyville muskie tournament cancelled to protect fishery

A muskie tournament scheduled for Sept. 10 on Lake Shelbyville has been cancelled due to warm water conditions.

“Out of concern for our Lake Shelbyville muskie fishery, the Lake Shelbyville Muskie Club does not fish for, nor recommend the fishing for, muskies when the surface temperature of the water reaches or exceeds 80 degrees,” said Jim Ozee, club president.

“The water temperature has been running in the low 80’s recently; and when checked this morning (Sept. 6), the surface temperatures at the lake are still in the 80’s,” he said.

Even with cooling temperatures, Ozee said it will be highly unlikely that the water surface temperatures will drop enough by Sept. 10.

“The last thing we want to do is harm our recovering muskie fishery at Lake Shelbyville,” he said. “Also, we want to give tournament entrants, and those planning on entering, enough time to cancel their trip plans.”

Entry fees will be refunded.

The tournament will not be rescheduled.

Visit: http://www.lakeshelbyvillemuskie.com.