Willard North Dike

[Lipnrip]

I was just curious if anyone knows if the North road and parking area along the North dike will ever reopen for park use again? If not why? Any info would be appreciated.
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[wiperhunter2]

The last I heard, there are no plans to open up that road or parking area again. As with anything the Parks folks tell me, I take a wait and see attitude because things change. The reason they gave me for closing that road was because someone used that road to steal one of the Park's trucks. Hope that helps answer your question.
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[Lipnrip]

That is too bad. It was a great place to beat the crowds and catch good fish.
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[gaardvark]

That seems a petty reason to close off a major access point to a public reservoir. I sincerely hope that is not the reason.

If it is the reason, I would much rather see them create a secure area for parking their vehicles than deny access to the public because it was easier on their budget.
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[DKStroutfitter]

The State Parks was using the area for their vehicles last I knew.
I don't see them opening it again in the near future.
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[Lipnrip]

With the price of fishing licences and price of state park passes and price of park entry fees it disappoints me to lose access to an area which was designed originally for paying patrons. I know they have a compound between the north marina and the north dike access I have a hard time understanding why they can't just secure their vehicles there.
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[RonPaulFan]

I agree.

Related Willard road access posts with a lot of good information and my thinking on combining shore fishing with camping and off-roading fun:

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...0;#1019666
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[Ahi1953]

I believe this topic came up before or some thing like it but anyway. TubeDude showed us that you still can get to the outlet via the camp ground. we just can't park in a camp site. Of course this dose require you to pay the state park entry fee.
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[RonPaulFan]

[quote Ahi1953]I believe this topic came up before or some thing like it but anyway. TubeDude showed us that you still can get to the outlet via the camp ground. we just can't park in a camp site. Of course this dose require you to pay the state park entry fee.[/quote]

It's shut down to park there where I would want to camp because one of THEIR trucks was stolen, so I have to risk not being able to watch my exotic high value vehicle nor use it as a camper. I already have a season pass, so paying is a moot-point.

Double standards: The resources are for them and us if it is convenient for them or not needing to punish all because of one car thief.
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[DKStroutfitter]

We are singing to the choir.
You need to call the State Parks and tell them your concerns.
That is the only way to get their attention and make changes.
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[wiperhunter2]

Not sure when this will happen but the long term plans for that area, below the dike, by the outlet, is to put a camping area there. So if your interested in being able to fish the North dike, that will give you access to that area.
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[Lipnrip]

I hope to see it happen. Hopefully by next year my back injury will be well enough I can climb down those pesky boulders anywhere around the bay. I only gripe about that North end because I have caught my biggest wipers the 1st part of May from the bank in the past near the outlet. And panfish throughout the summer when the water is high enough. And not an hour long drive around the washboard planes of the outer south and west of the dike.
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