Frozen lakes, warm huts, will fish
Fishing is a year-round family affair for Mike Forster’s family. There isn’t a day too cold or too warm to keep them from casting a line and enjoying all the good things fishing offers. Whether you are after peace and quiet or good conversation, the Forster family says fishing provides all of that for their family.
Some people think sunshine and 70s is the perfect weather to cast a line. Mike Forster does not disagree. But he also thinks any day is a good day to catch a fish, especially in the winter months, when the temps dip and the water freezes over.
“My absolute favorite thing about ice fishing is that it is oftentimes just you and whoever you are with, alone in an ice fishing hut chatting about whatever is on your heart,” Mike said. “Another aspect I love is dropping a camera underwater and watching fish behavior, habitat and how the fish react to your bait or lure.”
He continued that it is an added bonus to find something on the bottom of the lake. “It’s almost like a treasure hunt.”
For the best ways to make it a successful ice fishing day, Mike offered these words of advice, “Invest in a sled to transport all your gear, get an insulated hut and a heater for those cold days. And good thermals go a long way.”
Mike started ice fishing about four years ago, when his dad, Rod Forster of Highlands Ranch, wanted some company. He went along and was instantly hooked, enjoying both the bonding time and the opportunity for them to learn together.
“My dad makes me laugh uncontrollably every single time! Some of the lures he ties on I swear he only does to get a laugh out of me,” added Mike. They fish for rainbow trout, bass and pike and their favorite fishing hole is at Evergreen Lake.
Mike said that fishing is truly a family affair, as he often talks his daughters into going with him. “Sometimes they are serious about fishing and sometimes they would rather make a snow angel or chase each other. I love it.”
Mike, an Oregon native, met his wife, Min, originally from Korea, in the cafeteria of the company where they both worked. They have four daughters: Allie (21), a senior at Indiana Tech; Zoey (13), an eighth grader at Rocky Heights Middle School; and CeCe (12) and Chevelle (5), who are homeschooled.
The Forsters, who live in the Green Briar neighborhood, have a dog named Kobe and two cats, Lucy and Moon. Outside of work and fishing, they spend their time attending church at Rivers Castle Rock, going to orchestra concerts, acting in plays and playing volleyball.
Mike hopes sharing his passion will encourage others to bundle up, drill a hole, find a warm hut and bond with loved ones while waiting for a bite.
The ice fishing season typically comes to an end in March as the weather starts to warm. But there is no official season. “Mother Nature is always in control of that,” laughed Mike.
For more information on ice fishing at Evergreen Lake, visit evergreenrecreation.com.
The Forsters at Daytona Beach a few years ago. Left to right: Zoey, Min, Mike, Chevelle, Allie and CeCe.
By Karen Leigh; photos courtesy of Mike Forster
