Of all the fish abounding in the lakes in the early days, the large fighting muskie was the most exciting , as it is now. Then as now, to catch one was a special prize. There was one difference then in fishing....there were no fishing regulations!
   Vet Graves, in 1908, came back to his cottage on Planting Ground Lake in his launch with his usual stock of provisions. As he got out of his boat, he noticed a large muskie sniffing at his propeller. It had evidently been attracted by the gleam of the sunshine on the propeller. He shouted to Mr. Beerbower, who was working on the shoreline, to watch it as he ran up to his cottage to get his gun. When he came back, the fish was still there so he shot under it in hope of stunning it. The fish rolled over on its back, and Mr. Beerbower was so excited that he jumped into the lake, clothes and all, thrust his arms around it and started to shore. But the fish came to and the fight was on. There was quite a struggle, but Mr. Beerbower managed to hang on and throw it ashore. Many people came to see the forty pound fish and ask for a slice.

Quoted from "The Pine The Plow and the Pioneer..... A History of Three Lakes and Clearwater Lake, Wisconsin 1881 to 1984" Vol.1, 2nd edition

Last updated 10-16-01