W.C. “MAC” JOHNSON
Inducted 1981
The late Mac Johnson was a long-time North Dakota Game and Fish Department game warden. While stationed at Leeds, Johnson recognized the potential of a revived game fishery at Devils Lake. Previously, the lake was viewed as little more than a huge slough.
However, with rising water levels and improved water quality, Johnson had a strong suspicion that the lake was once again capable of sustaining a fishery. He worked with a number of local sportfishing groups to convince the department to use the improved water conditions at Devils Lake to establish a much-needed fishery in eastern North Dakota. He had hoped for a respectable fishery, not fabulous, but a least considered good. Little did he realize that the lake would produce such outstanding fishing and achieve the national reputation that it has today.
Unfortunately, Johnson died prior to the peak of the excellent northern pike, walleye, white bass, and perch fishing in the lake. However, he will always be remembered for his untiring efforts in the promotion of a fishery program for Devils Lake.
Inducted 1981
The late Mac Johnson was a long-time North Dakota Game and Fish Department game warden. While stationed at Leeds, Johnson recognized the potential of a revived game fishery at Devils Lake. Previously, the lake was viewed as little more than a huge slough.
However, with rising water levels and improved water quality, Johnson had a strong suspicion that the lake was once again capable of sustaining a fishery. He worked with a number of local sportfishing groups to convince the department to use the improved water conditions at Devils Lake to establish a much-needed fishery in eastern North Dakota. He had hoped for a respectable fishery, not fabulous, but a least considered good. Little did he realize that the lake would produce such outstanding fishing and achieve the national reputation that it has today.
Unfortunately, Johnson died prior to the peak of the excellent northern pike, walleye, white bass, and perch fishing in the lake. However, he will always be remembered for his untiring efforts in the promotion of a fishery program for Devils Lake.