Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine
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By Louie Stout
Indiana’s muskie program continues to grow and show improvement.
DNR fish managers netted adults from Lake Webster in early April as part of the state’s annual egg-gathering program.
And once again, it went extremely well.
Biologists were able to meet their eggs goal from 136 muskies they collected in 2½ days. They shipped 356,000 eggs to the East Fork Fish Hatchery where they will be nurtured into stockable sizes.
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MDNR Report
After ice and snow cover melt on Michigan lakes early this spring, it may be more likely for people to discover dead fish or other aquatic animals. While such sights can be startling, the Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that this is normal, since winter conditions can cause fish and other creatures such as turtles, frogs, toads and crayfish to die.
"Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill," said Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division Research manager. "As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality."
Shallow lakes with excess aquatic vegetation and soft bottoms are more prone to this occurrence, particularly when a deep snowpack reduces sunlight for the plants. Canals in urban areas also are quite susceptible due to the large amounts of nutrient runoff and pollution from roads and lawns and septic systems that flow into these areas, especially from large storm events.
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By Louie Stout
The early spring has been good to Lake Michigan and St. Joseph River trout and salmon fishermen, but not so good to those fishing inland lake waters.
The cold nights and intermittent rain/snow has fired up steelhead in the St. Joseph River around South Bend and the coho on Lake Michigan.
However, it’s been a drag on crappie, bluegill and bass fishing. The yo-yoing water temperatures can’t seem to climb into the magical low 50s which has keep warmwater fish as confused as the anglers.
Trout and salmon
Steelhead continue pouring into South Bend and Mishawaka. During March, 7098 swam above the South Bend Fish Ladder, the best March run in 21 years!
April numbers weren’t available from the Indiana DNR due to a computer glitch, but Lake Michigan Biologist Ben Dickerson said several more have moved up since the last fish count at the ladder.
And they’re being caught.
“I’ve been hearing of guys catching 2 to 4 fish routinely and some are catching 10 or more,” he noted. “Most of the fish are running 5 to 8 pounds but quite a few are in that 9- to 15-pound class.”
Meanwhile, coho fishing on the southern end of Lake Michigan has been fantastic.
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Want to learn how to catch a variety of fish species in Michiana?
You will get that opportunity April 12 at the Michiana Walleye Association open house. The program is free to the public.
Area experts, to include Cabela’s World Walleye Champion Mike Rhoads, Clear H2o Tackle Owner Darrin Schaap, club member Tim Wyatt and others will discuss multi-species techniques and presentations.
The program begins at 6:30 p.m. on the MWA club grounds located at 13040 Day Road in Mishawaka. For more information, call 574-299-6839.
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MON Report
Michigan and Indiana announced their free fishing days for this year – when no licenses required but all other regulations are in play.
Michigan’s first freebie is this weekend, Feb.19-20. Unlike Indiana, non-residents are included among those who won’t need a license. The second free weekend is June 10-11. Learn more at Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.
Indiana’s free fishing days are May 1, June 4–5, and Sept. 24. Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish in public waters on these days. Non-residents are required to have a license.