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By Louie Stout
Indiana Bass Federation North Division Youth Tournaments
Competitive bass fishing isn’t just for adults.
In fact, the Indiana Bass Federation North Division has slated its tournament schedule for northern Indiana kids high school age and younger.
The season kicks off July 17 at Barbee Chain. Subsequent events are on Lake Manitou (Aug. 27), Hudson Lake (Sept. 17), Lake Shafer (Oct. 2) and Maxinkuckee (April 29, 2023).
There are two age groups: one for 8th graders and under and another for 9-12 grades. It’s a two-person team format and each team must supply a boat captain (age 19 or older). Youths are encouraged to establish their own team although individual entries can be accepted and will be assigned to someone else as a teammate.
Youth Trophies
North Division Youth Director Charles Largen said the events typically drawn about 50 kids in 25 boats. Tournaments start around 6 a.m. and run for eight hours, weather permitting.
To participate, youngsters must pay a $25 membership and $20 entry fee. Top finishers win trophies and points that qualify them for the national event.
“Several schools in the area have fishing teams which makes it nice,” said Largen. “The key is you have to sign up with a boat captain and the boat must meet minimal requirements.”
More information, rules and boat requirements may be found at www.indianabass.com/youth/ and on the facebook page, www.facebook.com/IBFYouthNorth/
You also can email Larger at c_largen_1999@yahoo.com.
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IDNR Report
Beginning July 1, hunters can apply for a variety of reserved hunts online by visiting on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
This year, instead of one application period for all draws, they are split into a few different date windows. The reason for the change is to help hunters more easily plan for their hunts and thereby increase the number of hunters able to participate.
The online method is the only way to apply for the hunts listed below. No late entries will be accepted. Applicants must possess a hunting license that is valid for the hunt for which they are applying.
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IDNR Report
DNR fisheries biologists collected fish and water samples at Loon Lake yesterday as the result of a fish kill involving thousands of crappies that began earlier this week.
The lake is located in Whitley and Noble counties.
Samples were provided last week to the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Purdue University for testing regarding a cause. Results are not expected for weeks.
Because no significant numbers of other dead small fish species have been observed, the cause is not believed to be the result of a toxic event such as a chemical spill or release.
Biologists will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks.
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MWA Report
Hungry for a fish dinner?
The Michiana Walleye Association will host another fundraiser fish fry for the public June 28 at the clubhouse.
The club accepts a donation of $13 per meal. It includes Pollock and assorted fresh fish, coleslaw, potato salad, and tartar sauce.
Hours are 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., but be advised it only lasts until they run out of fish.
The club is located in Mishawaka at 13040 Day Road.
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By Louie Stout
Flathead catfish
The fact that flathead catfish have appeared in Indiana sections of the St. Joseph River may be good news to some anglers, but Dar Deegan is concerned.
Although the flatheads are native to the Mississippi River system – waters south of Michiana – they aren’t native to the St. Joe.
That concerns Deegan, aquatic river biologist for Elkhart and South Bend.
“They have been in the Michigan sections of the St. Joe but we haven’t encountered any up here during the 25 years we’ve been surveying – until last year,” said Deegan, who samples river fish regularly to evaluate the health of the river and its fish populations.