Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer Greg Bohn, wife Audrey, die in three-vehicle crash

Hazelhurst, Wis. — Well-known fishing guide Gregory R. Bohn, 70, and his wife, Audrey J. Bohn, 70, both of Hazelhurst,Wis., died in a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy. 51 near their home in Hazelhurst on Friday, July 12.

The crash was reported at about 2:30 p.m. near South Blue Lake Road in the town of Hazelhurst. Witnesses say the driver of a northbound 2017 Toyota Camry stopped in the lane of traffic to make a turn when the car was struck from behind, pushing it into an oncoming southbound vehicle.

Greg Bohn and Audrey Bohn, who were in the northbound vehicle waiting to turn into a private driveway on the west side of the highway, died at the scene.

Two other people were injured in the crash. Police say 85-year-old Jonathon P. Kopchinski, of Hazelhurst, was transported to a local medical facility for treatment.

Brandon L. Boh, 23, of Arbor Vitae, was treated at scene by medical personnel. He was operating a 2023 International MV 607, officials said.

A portion of Hwy. 51 was shut down for more than seven hours Friday, July 12, as crews cleared the scene and completed crash reconstruction.

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The Oneida County Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the scene by the Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Office, Woodruff Police Department, Department of Natural Resources, Minocqua Fire Department, Cassian Fire Department, Hazlehurst Fire Department, Oneida County Ambulances, and Oneida County Highway Department.

Greg Bohn was inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, of Hayward, in 2016. The Bohns owned and operated Stinger Tackle Company and Strictly Walleye Headquarters in the Minocqua area, with Audrey Bohn supporting the guiding and tackle business while working in medical records and finance at the Howard Young Medical Center for 13 years and then as the administrative assistant at the Howard Young Foundation for another 11 years. After retiring, Audrey Bohn volunteered at many local events, often with Greg Bohn pitching in.

Being in the fishing tackle business and working as a guide, Greg Bohn was a long-time presence at sport shows and on the speaking circuit. He wrote a number of books on fishing tactics, primarily focusing on the use of using slip bobbers to catch walleyes. He eventually became known as “Mr. Slip Bobber.”

The Bohns are survived by their three daughters, grandchildren, and many relatives and friends.

The family asks that any donations go to the Howard Young Foundation – Greg and Audrey Bohn Memorial Fund online at www.howardyoungfoundation.org, or by mail: P.O. Box 10, Minocqua, WI 54548.