JOE-MIN Lake Rules

Effective June 2020

​The lake key is for members’ personal use, not to be loaned or shared with anyone else. The Lake key also opens the archery tower gate.
Members may bring their wife and children under the age of 21.  Grandchildren are allowed with a signed waiver. Family members may not enter Joe Min unless member is present.

Boats may be kept at the lake and must be clearly identified with members’ name and phone number. Unidentified boats will be considered abandoned and property of the Club. Member assumes all risks of leaving boat unattended at Joe Min Lake. Boats may be placed at the Lake after April 15th and must be removed by November 15th.  No gas motors are allowed on JOE-MIN. Lower unit of outboards must be covered with a plastic bag. No boat storage north of the north boat launch. Boats are not to stored within 10 of high water level. Storage of boats on trailers is not permitted. Winter storage of boats is available in designated area for a fee.
Camping is permitted for no more than 3 consecutive nights 4 times yearly. Do not block lake access or form a perimeter with campers, tents or vehicles which deny members ease of access to the lake.
 NO gas or electric recreational vehicles such as ATV’s, snowmobiles or Go-Carts allowed.
Identification-Please wear your current pin and possess your paid up membership card. Any member has the right to ask to see a membership card.  Don’t be offended this is our club and our responsibility to safeguard it from non-members. Feel free to ask your fishing neighbor to see his membership card.
License-Members must comply with all Illinois Dept. of Conservation regulations including license and Inland Trout stamp requirements. Harvard Sportsman’s Club has site specific rules in addition to State regulations.
Swimming is not allowed at any time, for any reason. Float tubes, air mattress and inner tubes are examples of swimming as defined by the Harvard Sportsman’s Club.
Burning-Is allowed in furnished fire rings only. Clean Firewood Only do not bring construction debris with fasteners. Burn what you bring and take home what you do not burn.
Gate- Lock the gate immediately upon entering and exiting the lake property. The key will not come out of the lock until it is relocked.
LIMITS-LIMITS ARE BASED UPON MEMBERSHIP CARD: NOT ON THE AMOUNT OF GUESTS WITH THE MEMBER. You must adhere to Club limits in effect at any given time. Excessive taking of fish will be detrimental to the lake and will require you to appear before the Board to determine if membership will be forfeited.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR THIS YEAR it is acceptable to harvest the small largemouth bass in an effort to control their size and health of the lake.
BAG & SIZE LIMITS.

Please Practice Catch & Release!!        Revised 2023
THE LAKE IS NOT A GARBAGE DUMP!  IF YOU BRING IT IN- PACK IT OUT!
MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO ABIDE BY STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS

Lake committee
Nick Oerkfitz
Chuck Svoboda 

Examples of PVC Fish Cribs (bottom of page)

Chicago Fishing School; the Monster Fish Project

Georgia’ Fish Crib Program

Jennifer shows off the new crappie attractor

Please coordinate all fish crib builds with Nick Oerkfitz

The club would appreciate if everyone practiced "Catch & Release"

Club Key (JOE-MIN Lake & Archery platform)

The club key is available to members in good standing and can be picked up at the June and July meetings. After that, a key can be picked up during business hours at: Harvard Veterinary Clinic 712 W. Brink St. (RT 173) (1 mile west of RT 14) 815-943-5459 You will need to show your membership card and PLEASE be courteous to the staff.  Club Key fees:

New member            $25

Member, no key        $20

Returned key            $15