The fishing and hunting report is compiled using reports from conservation officers, hunting guides and fishing guides. Editor’s note: Heavy rains – as much as 6 or 7 inches – across Illinois the first week of September hit after many of these reports were filed. Anglers are cautioned to check conditions at lakes and rivers before launching fishing boats. Fishing…
Western New York Lake Erie and harbors: When conditions allow, anglers are still enjoying an excellent walleye bite from Sturgeon Point to the Pennsylvania line. Good numbers of walleye were available, starting in 55 feet of water out of all ports, and extending to 75 feet of water between Sturgeon and Cattaraugus Creek, and out to 85 feet plus between…
Warmer and wetter climate in the Midwest could lead to the displacement of some cold water fish species in southern Lake Michigan and trigger die-offs in smaller inland lakes, according to a new report.
AMERY AREA Topwater baits and bucktails are triggering muskies on thick weed tops of Lake Wapogasset, Deer Lake, and the Apple River. A few walleyes are being taken with minnows or crawlers in 15 to 18 feet on Wapogasset and panfish continue to be plucked from 10- to 12-foot weedlines on Deer, Balsam, and Bear Trap Lake. Bear hunting reports…
Great Eight LAKE MILLE LACS Leadcore and crankbaits or live-bait rigs and crawlers are producing walleyes during the day off the deep, main lake structure in 25 to 32 feet. The evening crankbait in less than 12 feet is still worth noting and should only get better for walleyes as water temperatures cool. Muskie reports have been…
It appears the Illinois DNR has a new chief of the department that manages the state’s fish. Dan Stephenson, who retired from the position this summer, announced via email Monday that Mike McClelland has accepted the role of leading the Division of Fisheries. McClelland spent 14 years with the Illinois Natural History Survey, mostly as the Long Term Illinois River Fish…
The survey results through the end of August indicate catch rates were still quite good this summer, but were lower than last year.
Plymouth, Minn. — Outdoor News Inc., publisher of locally written fishing and hunting outdoor newspapers in seven Great Lakes states, has published a series of calendars for sportsmen in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. The Outdoor News Sportsman’s Calendars offer information for hunters and anglers compiled in seven state-specific versions. The calendars incorporate exclusive-to-the-state 2019 hunting…
The 2018 walleye hatch appears to be exceptional, the second highest in the history of the Ohio survey, and the yellow perch hatch was strong, well above its long-term average.
Central Region Hoover Reservoir (Delaware, Franklin Counties) – Fishermen are doing OK on crappies here by slow trolling. The recommended depth is to fish the bait in eight to 10 feet of water. Anglers report the fish have been holding closer to shallow water this summer. Channel catfish, too, can be caught on nightcrawler rigs. Deer Creek Lake (Pickaway, Fayette…
NORTHWEST REGION Lake Erie — Erie.com reported Aug. 31 that walleyes were hitting in the 60- to 70-foot range, with 62 to 65 feet of water especially productive. Crawler harnesses, spoons, Bagleys, Reef Runners and other trolling baits were working. Some steelhead were in shallower depths. Walleyes up to 26 inches were hitting off the North Pier and South Pier,…
SOUTHEASTERN LP Lake St. Clair Muskie fishing has been good on Lake St. Clair; one woman caught a 52-inch, 39-pounder at Stoney Point in 18 to 20 feet of water. Spinnerbaits have produced good results. Perch fishing has been decent near the shipping channel. Walleye anglers report catching good numbers of perch when trolling for walleyes with crawler harnesses. Good…
Great Eight LAKE MILLE LACS Trolling crankbaits during the evening hours is producing walleyes and smallmouth bass in 6 to 12 feet. During the day, walleyes are biting best in 20 feet or more on the mud and gravel – live-bait rigs or leadcore and crankbaits are working best in deep water. Muskie reports have been best…
LADSON, S.C. — With mandatory evacuations ordered by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster due to Hurricane Florence approaching the Carolina coast, Shimano has suspended operations of its North Charleston distribution center and fishing division office until further notice. “We will continue to monitor the impending impact of Florence on all of them and our facilities before we resume operations,” said Steve…
(Jimmy Bell, Student Angler Tournament Trail)Ben Swanson and Zach Hapka of Minnetonka teamed up for a 24-pound, 5-ounce bag to win the Minnesota Student Angler Tournament Trail’s Tournament of Champions fishing tournament on Sunday on Lake Minnetonka. The two earned $10,000 in scholarships for the win. The tournament drew 126 anglers – 63 two-person teams, with 26 schools represented from…
Above, below: On Friday, Sept. 7, crews pulled up the first nets that have been set in Steiger Lake in Victoria. (Photos by Minnehaha Creek Watershed District)The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), in coordination with Three Rivers Park District, Carver County, the City of Victoria, and the rest of the Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay Subwatershed Partnership, is beginning the first…
The fishing and hunting report is compiled using reports from conservation officers, hunting guides and fishing guides. North Chain: White and yellow bass are hitting Mepps spinners, pinkie jigs or live bait. Pike are being caught around creek mouths. Muskies and walleyes are fair. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. Bluegills and crappies good, falling into deeper waters (8 to 15…
That makes for 57 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state, and raises the stocking of rainbow trout to 67,000 fish in the fall season.
Western New York Lake Erie and harbors: When conditions allowed anglers to take to the water, they caught walleye, as they have all season. The recent walleye bite has been excellent from Sturgeon Point to the Pennsylvania line. The better catches have been trending deeper in most locations. From west/northwest of Sturgeon Point to Cattaraugus Creek, anglers were seeing good…
ASHLAND AREA Chequamegon Bay fishing is exceptionally good despite the weather, but anglers have to do a lot of moving. There is a ton of smelt and shiners and game fish are following the baitfish. Walleye anglers are catching fish on crawler harnesses and crankbaits over weed beds and on breaks in 15 to 18 feet. Many anglers are running…
The inaugural Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance (MLSA) Free the Fighter Team Big Bass Challenge, presented by In Tune Marine/Vexus Boats, is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 6 on Lake Mille Lacs in central Minnesota, along with an MLSA high school event Oct. 7. The Challenge will be patterned after Classic Bass Champions Tour events – after a smallmouth bass is caught, it…
There are more than 50 new lakes in North Dakota in which the walleye population is still getting established.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A Veterans Administration clinic in Las Cruces is helping disabled military veterans deal with post-traumatic stress disorder through a program that uses the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing. Project Healing Waters is free for disabled veterans like Ray Kirby, who is haunted by experiences he went through during his service, the Las Cruces Sun-News reported. The…
Caddisfly are a staple food for trout, and according to Pat Bradt’s study, their numbers are significantly declining.
Toledo Zoo planning to release thousands of young lake sturgeon in hopes of restoring a fish species in Erie that is nearly extinct; zoo says many people who come to release party will be able to release the fish themselves.
About 200 people watch one of the release events.
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