(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Muskie FingerlingsThe Michigan DNR recently stocked 27,449 muskellunge fingerlings into 17 water bodies located throughout the state, in an effort to further enhance Michigan's world-class fisheries.
Michigan is home to two strains of naturally producing muskellunge: Great Lakes and northern. The DNR has reared muskellunge in its hatcheries since the 1950s. While the hatchery program initially focused on the northern muskellunge strain, it has shifted focus in recent years to the Great Lakes strain, as it is native to Michigan and widely distributed in water bodies throughout the Lower Peninsula and eastern region of the Upper Peninsula.
Since 2011 the DNR has collected eggs and milt (sperm) from adult muskellunge in the Lake St. Clair/Detroit River system. The offspring then are reared at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan. This hatchery is the only facility in the state currently capable of rearing this species. After hatching, the muskellunge are started in hatchery tanks and then transferred to outside ponds after a few months for grow-out.
Historically, muskellunge were reared by stocking fry in ponds and allowing them to grow by eating natural food, similar to how the DNR currently rears walleye. Because of the highly cannibalistic nature of muskellunge, the success of these rearing efforts was highly variable and often produced low numbers. Current rearing efforts at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery produce a much higher survival rate and more stable, predictable production.
"We're making great headway in our efforts to increase muskellunge fishing opportunities for anglers," said DNR fisheries biologist Matt Hughes, who oversees the rearing program at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. "With time and experience, we've stabilized and increased production so more and more water bodies can be stocked."
D&R Sports Center in Kalamazoo will host a free, two-day Ice Fishing Show Dec. 5-6.
Ice fishing pros Chas Thompson and his MI Ice Guys team, panfish expert Bill Ferris, and walleye pro Mike Schneider will share their experience, tips and tricks for successful ice fishing.
Chas Thompson and the Ice Guys will offer insights into modern ice fishing techniques. Bill Ferris, Ionia, Mich., who has been ice fishing for bluegills, crappie, perch and walleye through the ice for many years, has fished numerous lakes throughout Michigan. He will talk about techniques that will help you catch more fish for the pan. He will cover equipment, such as rods, reels, jigs, baits and the ins and outs on using electronics. Schneider, a member of the Rapala Ice Force Pro Staff, is an instructor with the Mark Martin Ice Fishing Vacation School.
By Louie Stout
Most Michiana anglers are loyal to one species of fish, spending the majority of their time targeting just bass, or bluegills, or walleye, or salmonids. Quite a few are devout trout fly fishers, too.
If youre among the group that just likes to catch fish, I came across something the other day that might arouse your interest inland lake trout fishing.
The DNR in both states have stocked rainbows in a few select lakes for years but you dont hear about many people fishing for them.
By Louie Stout
Webster Lake muskies under study.An apparent decline in muskies on Webster Lake will be the focus of a fisheries study this spring and summer.
The popular Kosciusko County lake has been heralded as one of the Midwests top muskie hotspots over the past decade, but catch numbers are declining and biologist Jed Pearson wants to know why.
Anglers say they arent seeing the younger muskies that they were 10 years ago, so its time to go take a look at it, he said.
Fishing guides most of whom practice catch and release say the number of muskies they are seeing is down from previous years, although fishing last year was a slight improvement over the year before.
A fisheries team began netting there this week and will continue doing so over the next few weeks. Captured muskies will be marked, documented and released.
Anglers input sought
(Provided by Michigan DNR)
The Michigan DNR announced it is seeking input from anglers who fish for inland trout in Michigan. The DNR plans to use the information to assist in the development of a statewide plan for inland trout fisheries.
The Michigan Inland Trout Angler survey will gather information about these anglers, how they fish, what their thoughts and opinions are on inland trout management, and other items. Inland trout populations are defined as populations that spend their entire lives in inland lakes and streams, and generally do not migrate into the Great Lakes.
"The information we obtain from this survey will be critical in our effort to make sound management decisions," said Troy Zorn, research biologist with the DNR's Fisheries Division. "We hope anglers will take the time to complete it so our future management plan is reflective of their input."
The Michigan Inland Trout Angler survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com. It should take anglers approximately 10 to 20 minutes to complete.