Laker 5 07-25-25 by Amery Free Press

L KER

2025 • No. 5 • July 25 – August 7, 2025

LAKE HORSE LAKE

Also Featured Stacia Bank, Yellow Perch, Jet Skis, Recipes, The Best Fishing Lakes, Fish Consumption, Fish Stocking, Lake Activities

Crew Members | Page 3A

BANK

Flotsam & Jetsam | Page 2B

FISHING LAKES

Fishery | Page 6A YELLOW PERCH

Galley | Pages 11A, 5B, 8B RECIPES

Fishers of Men | Page 14A CHURCHES

Riggings | Page 12A JET SKIS

Port of Call | Page 6B, 6C

Ropes | Page 9B

Flotsam & Jetsam | Page 3C

WATER: BANK’S ELIXIR TO A LIFE WELL LIVED

By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com

Water and water sports go hand in hand. Although there are many ways to enjoy being on the water, some people develop a real passion for it. Stacia Bank is one of those people. She has passed down that same passion to her family members. The experiences in her life have led her to become a professional wake surfer, with her kids even starting to join her on the podium for their own talents.

Bank’s passion began at a Polk County Lake just outside Osceola. Poplar Lake was where her grandmother and her grandmother’s sister lived in small cabins, and she often visited. Eventually, Bank’s parents returned to the area after some time away and started a business. After growing up by the lake, Bank’s father wanted to go back. At first, they lived across the street from the water until an opportunity arose that allowed them to move onto the lake. Even as a young child, Bank was introduced to water.

“The water was just so fun, and my parents tell me that I think I was five days old and in my infant carrier in the bottom of their boat,” Bank said.

As she continued to grow, her interests expanded to include water skiing. Although still young, Bank wanted to get her ears pierced but had to complete a small challenge first. If she successfully made it around the lake without falling while on skis, she could get them pierced. Otherwise, she would have to wait until she turned 13. This was a pivotal moment for Bank

that propelled her into her water sports career.

As she grew older, water became a calming presence in her life. The feeling of being on the water, with that sensation, drew her in. As she aged, she also made many friends along the way. However, many didn’t share her passion for being on the water. She made a lot of male friends who would go out on the

lake, in addition to cousins who would help her practice her sport. Around the same time Bank was developing her skills at Poplar Lake, a special someone was also out on the lake pursuing his passion. Bank’s future husband grew up on Half Moon Lake and shared many of her feelings about the water. He participated in water skiing events and competed in three-

event water skiing. With a shared love for water and a little help from fate, the pair went on a blind date several years later. The rest is history.

“We met on a blind date years later, and it was just so much fun. We would take our boats to different lakes like Lake Minocqua. We'd go on river trips.

BANK | FROM 3A

We'd go all over the place, and then we'd actually blow up an inflatable air mattress and sleep on the boat, and explore all these different lakes,” Bank said. “And then we'd wake up, of course, at sunrise because there are no shades on a boat, and we'd take photos of neat boat houses we'd see or cool things that we'd see on our trips, and those are actually what decorate our house now.”

Once they reached college, the competitions became regular. Not only did Bank compete in the women’s category and won, but she also competed in the men’s and won some heats but didn’t take away first on that side of the braket. Bank and her husband did a lot of barefooting, slalom, trick skiing, and wakeboarding. She also tried wake surfing. Then, as luck would have it, something set Bank back a bit. After the birth of her second son, she was slalom skiing when she had a freak fall that fractured her talus, which is the main bone in the ankle.

The worst part of the experience was being misdiagnosed, and the recovery process took several months on crutches. However, the water called to her and offered a unique form of

rehabilitation to help her get through her injury.

Bank discovered that although she had difficulty walking, she could still wake surf. She practiced getting back into action with her husband’s

help. Eventually, the world water sport competition was approaching, and it was the only time it had been held in Minneapolis. Her husband, understanding the kind of person she married, signed her up for the event.

He believed that a driven woman like Bank needed a goal to aim for. This goal would change her life. She would compete and w in first place, jump-

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starting her wake surfing lifestyle.

Bank ended up securing sponsorships from board and boat companies. A full-circle moment happened when she attended her first photo shoot for the female athletic piece they were developing. As she entered, she met a group of women who shared her passion for water and the sport. Although she had a strong community with her local friends, being around others who shared the same interest to the same degree was refreshing.

“That was the first time in my life where I felt like ‘I'm with my people,’”

Bank said. “And I still I have great friends around here and I have, great friends from home, but that was the first time I had met people, I should say, that had the similar passion for wanting to be on the water and just do it at a different level.”

Water sports are something the whole family enjoys doing together.

Bank’s children, husband, and father still go to the lake to have fun. Her father still teaches people how to surf to this day.

In wake surfing, the sport is slightly different from wakeboarding. With wakeboarding, there's usually a rope

that pulls the rider behind the boat. Wake surfing, on the other hand, involves riding the wave created by the boat's wake. Bank is sponsored by Malibu Wake Boats and uses their boats to get the best possible wave. While riding the waves, she also performs tricks to keep things exciting. She became so skilled that her name is engraved in the Guinness World Records for the most 360s in a minute. Although the Bank uses wake boats and understands the criticism against them, she hasn’t received any complaints while on the water. She explains that this is because she is

respectful of others using the water. She supports educating people about wake boats, as sometimes individuals use them inappropriately, even when operating other boat models. The best way to address some issues with wake boats is through respectful education so everyone can enjoy their time on the water.

Bank’s career has given her many different experiences, and with those, she wants to share her passion with others and inspire a new generation of water sport enthusiasts. She offers

BANK | FROM 4A

Contributed

FISH PROFILE: YELLOW PERCH

By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com

The poor man’s Walleye is a small fish commonly known as the Yellow Perch. This species is an enjoyable panfish for anglers and chefs, thanks to its lively fight and delicious flavor. The Perch can be found almost everywhere in freshwater in the United States, and this species is nearly worldwide in distribution.

Like many fish in the Fish Profile, Perch can be found in all three drainage basins in Wisconsin. They are also present in the state’s boundary waters, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. The Yellow Perch is a species of glacial lakes, meaning they inhabit lakes formed either directly or indirectly by glaciers. Consequently, wherever there were glaciers in Wisconsin, there is a good chance that Perch now inhabit the remains. In areas of the state that weren’t affected by glaciers, they are not as easily found.

Perch have two different spawning times, which depend on the part of the hemisphere they are located. In the northern hemisphere, like other fish species, they typically spawn in early spring, around April, once the ice has melted. This process continues through early May, when water temperatures range from 45 to 52 degrees. If you find yourself in the southern hemisphere, spawning occurs in the fall instead of spring, typically between August and October. Once the temperatures are just

right, these small panfish get to work replenishing their numbers. The Yellow Perch lays its eggs in long ribbons along submerged vegetation. It also does the same with dead branches and trees in the water.

Once laid and fertilized, it doesn’t take all that long for the little swimmers to explore their new home. Perch eggs will hatch about 12 days after fertilization. However, the actual time varies and can be influenced by the water’s temperature when laid.

The baby Perch are a bit different than other species inhabiting Wisconsin's freshwater systems. After they hatch, they utilize their yolk sac for nourishment for a week. After that week, the baby Perch switch to a diet of zooplankton.

The unfortunate part about this process is how easily the baby Perch are feasted on from other freshwater predators. During their larval and juvenile stages, the Yellow Perch will be

pursued by species like Bass, Walleye, and other predators lying in wait. With the low survival rate it may be easy to assume that not many make it to adulthood. But, the species has found a way around their problem of being easily preyed upon. When females lay their eggs, they typically lay up to several thousand. With the massive amount of eggs, not every predator can eat all the eggs.

When they reach adulthood, they become quite colorful. As indicated by its name, the Yellow Perch must have some yellow on it, right? They indeed do. The Perch is typically golden with up to eight triangular olive-green stripes along its body. Excluding the eyes, the Yellow Perch closely resembles a small Walleye. Generally, the Perch grows to an average length of nearly eight inches. Although they remain relatively small, they can grow much larger. The record for the largest Perch measures about 20

inches long.

These little guys and gals are known for being fun to catch while out on the lakes in the summer. The Yellow Perch is known as a bottom feeder, staying closer to the bottom of the water body it inhabits. They have been known to have a slow and deliberate bite, making them a unique challenge to anglers. Yellow perch have a broad appetite and will eat almost anything. However, they do have some favorites. They prefer minnows, worms, and insect larvae. Perch generally travels in schools that can number in the hundreds. Much like their much larger counterpart, they also favor cooler waters and can be found at greater depths. When you arrive at a spot you think will be great for filling the cooler, cast a few times. If you don’t get a bite, it's time to move until you find the school. Once located, it won’t be long until you reach your daily limit. However you want to enjoy this species, it will be best over a grill on a late summer night, with some tartar sauce ready for dunking. ■

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

lessons on Lake Minnetonka. Although not in Polk County, there are others willing to take the time to teach those interested.

Although Bank has a long list of accomplishments, some of her best experiences came right here in Polk County, where she was in nature away from technology.

“I feel like growing up in Polk County in my small town, initially in the woods, and then on the on the lake was an absolute gift,” Bank said. “I find the more that we have the need for electronics in our day to day work life, the more I crave time outside. And just to go have a little walk through the park or find your local swimming beach, I dare you to have a bad day after you wake up, go on that beach, and plunge underwater. I think one of the things that I love about water sports is that you can't have your phone when you're doing it.” ■

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JET SKIS: THE WATER MOTORCYCLE

By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com

Of all of the watercrafts out there, one of the most well-known and fun, is the water ski. The water ski is a single, or double-person craft that is the closest thing to a water motorcycle. They are built for being small, compact, and being quick on the water.

Water skis were first introduced in Europe in the mid-1950s. The initial design had a person’s body partly submerged as the craft carried them across the waves. It was called the Sea Skimmer and was mostly used in military activities. By the 1960s, Clayton Jacobson II from Arizona improved the design to what we recognize today. Instead of an outboard motor, Jacobson's design used an internal pump jet. He also made it out of aluminum and added a fixed upright handle. By the mid-1960s, he had a working prototype ready. He eventually quit his job to focus on perfecting it. A year later, he completed a fiberglass version, and the first one hit the market in the late 1960s.

Today, many brands and styles cater to different riding preferences. Unlike other watercraft, these are more affordable, smaller, and easier to maneuver than a full-sized boat. Below are some different style jet skis to help your inner child come out while enjoying time at the lake.

Performance Jet Skis

These personal crafts are not

JET SKIS | FROM 12A

the faint of heart. Performance styles of jet skis are designed to go fast and offer excellent maneuverability on the water. These models also feature quick acceleration, great handling, and agility for swift movements.

Unlike other designs, the Performance Jet Ski has a larger engine than the others, providing more power on the water. Its hull is also more advanced, enabling riders to handle rough waters while enjoying their ride.

Fishing Jet Ski

Jet skis provide easy access to water and are more affordable. A fishing jet ski lets anglers reach deeper parts of the lake without needing a large boat to launch.

These jet ski styles offer different options to enhance your fishing experience with a unique design tailored for that purpose. These jet skis sit slightly wider than other models, providing more stability. This allows you to carry your gear and have enough space to remove your fish from the hook. These models may also come equipped with other angler essentials like rod holders, a fish finder, and a cooler for storing your catch or other items.

Adventure Jet Skis

As the name suggests, these models are ideal for extended trips on the water. They are built for long-range, off-grid exploration. The design aims to keep you comfortable during long riding sessions and provides more space for packing within the jet ski. The craft is slightly larger than most, featuring a wider hull to better handle the waves. Generally, these jet skis are made for long rides on the waves, no matter where you go.

Much like the fishing jet ski, it is designed to have enough storage for whatever you may bring on your trip. Not only can you pack it full, but in some cases, they come with features that allow a person to stay overnight on

their craft. Some users of this style can travel over 150 miles within just a couple of days. This makes the design strong, durable, and reliable for extended trips.

Stand-up Jet Skis

By far the smallest model on this list, stand-up jet skis are designed for a single rider. Usually, the craft is smaller,

lighter, and more maneuverable. Unlike other models, this one is much more physically demanding, largely because you have to stand to operate it with a standing steering pole.

If you enjoy tricks on the water, this model is ideal for your needs. Its specifications make it both small and lightweight, allowing users to perform

tricks off wakes. These models are also used competitively for racing and riding. Since it is designed for only one person, adding more riders would reduce performance due to the extra weight. Stand-up jet skis are also recommended for experienced riders, as those who don’t ride often may have difficulty using them. ■

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L KER

2025 • No. 5 • July 25 – August 7, 2025

Half Moon Lake

Acres: 579

Total Shoreline: 7.1 miles

Maximum Depth: 60 feet

Town of Milltown Polk County, Wisconsin

Map art: © Karen Engelbretson 2022

Half Moon Lake

ANGLER SHARES HIS LIST OF THE BEST FISHING LAKES IN POLK COUNTY

By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com

With over 400 lakes in Polk County, anglers may find it difficult to choose which one to fish. Not only that, but each lake provides something unique, especially for fishing. A local angler shared his thoughts on some of his favorite fishing lakes and why. However, he also mentions that you can go to almost any lake in the area to have success. Aaron Cousins, an area angler, says his top three lakes for catching fish

are Wapogasset, Half Moon, and Deer Lakes.

“All of those lakes, my top three lakes, I would say fishing-wise, they're still up there as far as ice fishing or summer fishing,” Cousins said. “They're still great lakes to fish. I just personally don't get to all of them as much depending on the conditions.”

All three lakes feature a variety of fish, and depending on what Cousins

aims for, he will choose which lake to visit. He also prefers and enjoys these lakes for similar reasons. All are clean, nice lakes with clear water. The clear water helps him see deeper underwater, and the cleanliness means they are less weedy. These factors increase his chances of catching fish. Lakes that are less clear and very weedy cause problems because weeds can tangle the bait and limit what he can do with it. They can also restrict the types of species he can catch.

Half Moon Lake is probably his favorite lake to visit. Many lakes in the area are stocked or have Walleye, but for Cousins, it’s the best lake for catching walleyes. In his opinion, it’s one of the top walleye lakes in the county. Despite the large population, the species has a strong presence in the water. Cousin also mentioned he targets largemouth bass as well. Thanks to part of the lake being shallower and having spots for lily pads, it’s another popular spot for anglers looking to catch a decent-sized bass. Cousin has consistently pulled three-pound bass from the lake.

The next lake he visits is Deer Lake. Unlike Half Moon Lake, where his main goal is catching muskie, this is the top spot for that species in the county. Whenever Cousins wants to go after one of the largest fish in the state, he heads to the best lake around for them. The lake has a strong fish population, and he uses

•

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM

different bait and strategies to catch them.

“I like musky fishing a lot. And of those Deer is one of the better musky lakes, I would say, around,” Cousin’s said. “It's got a pretty strong population of fish, and I'm generally casting bucktails or big crankbaits primarily for them. Sometimes

top waters when it gets closer to dark.”

Part of why Cousins enjoys muskie fishing is because this species is unlike any other fish in the county. He says you’re almost guaranteed to spend at least a few hours on the lake when targeting them. That’s because of a few reasons. First,

more often than not, muskies are the biggest fish in the lake. Because they are so large, they can choose prey among the other fish species. Their size also means they need larger meals than other fish, so they can go a little longer

FISHING

| FROM 3B

without eating. As a top predator, they have a strong population, but their density is still low compared to other fish in the habitat. This makes it tough to come across them in the first place.

The last lake that Cousins enjoys is Lake Wapogasset. Wapogasset is a lake that offers plenty of fun for anglers and is one of, if not the main, reasons Cousins fishes there. Not only does it have excellent fishing for walleye, muskies, and bass, but it is also a strong lake for panfish. The panfish he seeks are generally perch, crappies, and bluegills. All he has reeled in while on the lake are of good size compared to most he catches in the boat. As the water begins to warm up with the warmer weather, it becomes easier to target the panfish. This is because most panfish prefer warmer waters and are usually found on the edge of weed beds.

Cousins enjoys these lakes because of the fishing, but he comes back to them because they aren’t as busy as other lakes in the county. He also chooses specific times that are best for any angler looking to fill their limit. Generally, he heads out in the mornings and evenings when fewer people are on the lakes and when the weather is most comfortable. Depending on where he fishes and what he is fishing for, Cousins may stay out past nighttime to catch his prize.

Although he’s passionate about it, he recommends fishing to everyone. You don't need the most expensive gear to enjoy your time on the water. Plus, it

offers a kind of escape that relaxes your mind.

“I grew up doing it for as long as I can remember. My family's always gone fishing a lot. And probably a lot of people would say, it's a good and easy escape from your everyday life,” Cousins said. “You can just

grab a cheap fishing rod and go out to your nearest boat landing and cast the line, and you're just kind of out in nature, and it's easy to forget everything else and just take a break.” ■

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Shelly Westerhausen

HALF MOON SNAPSHOTS

Justin Runberg

VIEWS OF HALF MOON LAKE

Justin Runberg

ANGLERS URGED TO FOLLOW FISH CONSUMPTION ADVICE AS DNR UPDATES GUIDELINES

By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com

As local anglers enjoy peak fishing season, health officials are reminding residents to check state guidelines before keeping their catch — especially in lakes like Pipe Lake and stretches of the St. Croix River, where certain fish may contain harmful contaminants. When most anglers go out, they are focused on one of two things with the fish. The first is the catch-and-release approach, where they fish for the thrill and then let the fish go to live another day. The second is harvesting fish for consumption, while adhering to the state’s limits and laws. Although Wisconsin fish make a great meal, limiting your intake of different species helps keep you healthy and avoid

contaminants that might be in the fish.

Although there are contaminants to consider, incorporating fish into your regular diet offers numerous benefits. Fish is generally low in saturated fat and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a primary source of healthy fats similar to peanut butter. These nutritious additions to any meal could help reduce the risk of heart disease. Doctors recommend eating fish twice a week.

Although eating fish has its benefits, some problems can occur when you eat them daily, if you are a certain age, or if you are pregnant. This is because fish can accumulate pollutants in the water. Once the contaminants reach a

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certain level, and people consume the contaminated fish, it could be harmful to their health.

There are two primary contaminants found in Wisconsin’s fish species. The first is polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, and the second is mercury. These harmful substances are absorbed into the fish tissue. An individual’s risk of experiencing health problems increases depending on how much contaminated fish they have eaten. The substances can cause adverse health effects such as memory issues, diabetes, and cancer.

There are ways to limit your exposure and stay safe while eating your catch. The Wisconsin DNR provides a table showing statewide safe eating guidelines for different fish species. For panfish and certain bass, the DNR recommends one serving per week, with no restrictions after age 50. Larger fish like Walleye, Pike, and Bass should be limited to one serving a month, then once a week after age 50. Muskies are advised to be avoided altogether until after age 50, and even then, limit to one meal per month. The higher risk from larger fish is because they are usually

older, bigger, and have eaten smaller fish that may have been contaminated. As fish grow larger, they often carry higher levels of contaminants than smaller fish.

Although there is a guide and some risk when eating fish regularly, there are ways to help limit your exposure besides reducing your fish intake. The first method is to eat and focus on younger fish. While every angler wants the big fish, smaller and younger species haven't had enough time to absorb contaminants like larger fish. Another way to limit exposure is to control how much fish you eat at once. Additionally, cooking your fish in specific ways can help reduce exposure. Removing fatty parts of the fish and avoiding using drippings in sauces are also effective methods to lower exposure.

For Polk County, the DNR also has site-specific guidelines for their fish species depending on the lake. These lakes included in the list include both Pipe Lake and the St. Croix River. More information about contaminants in fish can be found at https://widnr.widen. net. ■

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2025 • No. 5 • July 25 – August 7,

Horse Lake

FISH STOCKING: HOW MANY FISH HAVE BEEN PLACED IN ‘LAKER’ LAKES?

By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com

Every year, numerous lakes throughout Wisconsin are stocked with new fish to maintain populations for anglers and support the ecosystems they inhabit. Polk County has many waterbodies that receive fingerlings each year to restock their populations. Fingerlings refer to small juvenile fish being released.

Annually, the DNR raises millions of fish for stocking. In 2024, the latest data showed that the DNR stocked over five million fish last year alone. This helped meet the quotas set by the county fisheries biologists. Stocking provides many benefits for the lakes that use this method.

One of the ways it helps is by revitalizing populations in lakes and also by encouraging reproduction in natural environments where the species might not be able to do so in the fisheries. It also serves as a way to enhance the recreational value that fishing offers to Wisconsin. On average, $2 billion is spent on the fishing industry, making it one of Wisconsin’s most profitable industries. Stocking can also be used as a management tool and to evaluate fish culture techniques that may be more effective than others.

Through the data collected, the DNR biologists can determine which species need to be restocked and where. DNR biologists also gather feedback from

the public and use that information for species-specific management plans. They also consider long-standing goals for specific watersheds to restore fish populations, maintain existing

fisheries, and create new recreational opportunities.

In Polk County last year, 18 water bodies received fish stocking. Five different species were found in these

water bodies, including Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Walleye, and Muskellunge. Most of the trout Adobe Stock

HORSE LAKE SNAPSHOTS

Justin Runberg

VIEWS OF HORSE LAKE

Justin Runberg

STOCKING

| FROM 4C

were released into creeks and some lakes.

However, four of the water bodies on the list are part of the Laker. These lakes include Balsam Lake, Deer Lake, Wapogasset Lake, and Bear Trap Lake. On Deer Lake, 1,100 Muskellunge were stocked, with an average length of over 13.5 inches. The other three lakes saw a significant increase in their Walleye populations. All Walleye fingerlings measured an average of about seven inches in length. In Wapogasset Lake, 11,888 were released; in Balsam Lake, 5,304; and in Bear Trap Lake, 2,447. Altogether, these four lakes received a

total of 20,767 fish for stocking. The numbers are lower than the 2023 stocking results. In 2023, other Laker lakes included Bone, Magnor, Half Moon, and Big Butternut Lake. Wapogasset received just under 600 Muskellunge last year but saw a significant increase in Walleye numbers, with 31,150 entering its waters. Overall, the count in 2023 shows 45,341 fish stocked in lakes compared to 20,767 in 2024. ■

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MAKE THE MOST OF A DAY AT THE LAKE

Water becomes the center of attention when the temperature climbs because of the cooling relief it can provide. Making a day of splashing through sprinklers, swimming laps in a pool or horsing around with friends at a waterpark is part of the summertime experience.

Even though most people equate summer fun with ocean escapes, those who do not live close to the coast often turn to other bodies of water to cool off and chill out. Lakes can be great places to spend summer afternoons and

evenings. Discover how to make time at the lake even more fun with these ideas.

Fishing

Cast your line right into the lake and take a shot at catching some fish. Bass, trout, perch, and pike may be interested in the bait hanging off of your hook. Be sure to check local fish and game ordinances to see if you need a license for fishing for the season, as well as the recreational size limits, possession

Welcome to beautiful Balsam Lake, a village living in natural harmony. Established in 1905 the Village of Balsam Lake rests on the southwest shore of Balsam Lake in one of the most prime tourist locations of northwest Wisconsin. Whether you are looking to relax or take part in a wide variety of activities, both on and off shore, the Village of Balsam Lake is the place for you! The Village is nestled on the largest lake in the area, (2,054 acres), which is teeming with fish to satisfy the most avid of anglers. The unique shoreline stretches 65 miles and the lake is dotted with picturesque islands and bays. Fine Dining and casual eateries abound and over 50 businesses provide a vast array of services. Live

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM

LAKE ACTIVITIES | FROM 9C

limits and fishing seasons if you plan on keeping your catch.

Water sports

Water sports and lakes often go hand-in-hand. Certain water activities are easier on the calm waters of a lake than in the waves and swells of an ocean, particularly for beginners. Canoes and kayaks are one- or twopassenger vessels that can be launched from just about anywhere. They make

areas of the lake explorable that may not be accessible to large boats. Plus they require no fuel other than the power of rowing. If you prefer more speed, personal water craft like jet skis may be used on lakes in certain areas. Waterskiing or wakeboarding behind powerboats are some additional options for thrill-seekers.

Tubing

Although tubing is often enjoyed on rivers where the rapids carry people along from a starting point to the end, those who desire a more relaxing day may opt for tubing on a lake. Tie several tubes together and create a fleet of friends or family floating leisurely under the sun. With the addition of a floating cooler full of drinks and snacks, you can stay out on the lake for hours.

Lakeside cuisine

If you’re lucky to have a lodge or restaurant dockside, you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking a sunset on the lake. Time in or on the water can build up an appetite, which can be satiated by a meal while you listen to the water lap against the shoreline. Days at the lake can be memorable ways to spend summer vacations. ■

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