Episode 594 – BWCA rescue and smallmouth bass, new MN muskie plan, photography tips, corner crossing
Tim Lesmeister and Rob Drieslein start the show with some
May 29, 2026
WI Daily Update: Know where to look for fish this spring
One Minnesota fishing guide says this could be one of
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Steve Sarley: A Copi dining update – but let me first share a story
I have been accused of being a guy who doesn’t know the meaning of the phrase “let me make a long story short.” I tend to do the opposite. Here I go again.
The topic I want to address is Copi – which, as most of you know, is the name Illinois DNR gave to invasive carp as a way to market the fish to consumers. It’s been a few years, and we’ve all be wondering how that effort is going. First, let me share a story that kind of relates to Copi’s situation.
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Pennsylvania senior couple scores rare ‘triple trophies’ in same license year
It is difficult to earn a triple trophy award – a Pennsylvania buck, bear and wild turkey in the same license year. It is even more difficult for a married couple to achieve it during the same year.
Bonnie and Ron Shirk have defied the odds – both bagging all three species during the 2025-26 license year. In addition to that, at ages 86 (Ron) and 83 (Bonnie), they are very likely the oldest couple to achieve this feat.
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Here’s how to ethically catch spawning-time bass
In Minnesota, largemouth and smallmouth bass typically move onto their beds when water temperatures reach between 55 and 70 degrees. Smallmouth are earlier than largemouth bass but on lakes that have both species you don’t see much variation in the timing of their migration to nesting sites.
There used to be a season on bass in the state. It would allow fishing for, and harvest of bass beginning Memorial Day Weekend. Now anglers can fish for bass year-round in Minnesota. There is still a period of catch-and-release only and a harvest season so make sure and read the regulations.
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Commentary: Fish and wildlife directors should serve natural resources, not politicians
In Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin, the Departments of Natural Resources are led by political appointees with little to no formal training or experience in fish and wildlife.
Nationally, about 60% of all Natural Resources Directors lack professional qualifications or experience. Nearly all serve in at-will positions appointed the sitting Governor. The most obvious problem with this growing trend is that policy can (and usually does) become vulnerable to short-term political agendas, partisan swings, and interest-group pressure.
Commentary: Fish and wildlife directors should serve natural resources, not politicians Read More »
MN Daily Update: Know where to look for fish this spring
One Minnesota fishing guide says this could be one of
MN Daily Update: Know where to look for fish this spring Read More »
