Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine
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It’s been a tough year for Lake Michigan anglers, and based on a recent conversation with Michigan fisheries biologist Jay Wesley, the fishery continues to deal with ecological changes that could affect future fishing.
Most anglers know, and Wesley acknowledged, that the king salmon population is lower than it’s been since the late 1980s. That impact was really felt this year.
It was done by design, since Michigan and other states slashed stocking rates two years ago in an attempt to reduce pressure on a diminishing alewife forage base.
Fish Mangers use stocking rates to maintain a balance between game fish and the forage base. That got out of whack when they discovered a few years ago that there was more natural reproduction in king salmon than previously realized. That was putting more mouths in the lake than the forage could support.
In fact, studies show that the natural reproduction of kings has dropped by as much as 14 percent since the stocking numbers have been reduced.
“That’s a good thing because it is giving our forage a chance to rebound,” said Wesley. “I’m optimistic the alewives will come back. We’re doing an assessment this fall to see how the 2015 alewife population is doing.”
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(Provided by Indiana DNR)
The Indiana DNR will extend trout fishing opportunities at five northern Indiana streams with additional trout stockings.
The streams are Pigeon River in Steuben and LaGrange counties, Turkey Creek in LaGrange County, Little Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Little Kankakee River in LaPorte County and Potato Creek in St. Joseph County.
Pigeon River, Turkey Creek and Little Elkhart River will be stocked for the weekend of May 9-10 and May 23-24, which is Memorial Day weekend. The Little Kankakee River and Potato Creek will only be stocked for Memorial Day weekend.
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By Louie Stout
The Indiana DNR has been pumping trout into area lakes and streams in preparation for next Saturday’s trout opener.Bluegill, bass and steelhead may be on the minds of most anglers in the spring, but the last Saturday in April is a big deal for stream trout fishermen in Indiana and Michigan.
Not only does the stream season open April 25 in both states, but Hoosier fish managers have been busy stocking area waters in preparation for the big day. More than 55,000 trout will have been planted prior to the Saturday opener.
Michigan’s trout regulations are rather complicated and differ from stream to stream. Anglers would be wise to study the 2015 Fishing Guide or visit www.michigan.gov/DNR for specifics.
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(Provided by Indiana DNR)
An Indiana emergency rule has lifted portions of Trail Creek and the East Branch of the Little Calumet River from a previous fishing ban.
The sections were closed from April 1-June 15 to protect recently stocked salmon and trout. However, the DNR believes opening the season will provide more fishing opportunities without harming the stocking program. Previously, the seasons were closed to protect 7-inch yearlings which was the inland size limit at that time. But now that the size limit is 14 inches on all Lake Michigan tributaries, that protection isn’t required.
In addition, stocking locations have been moved farther upstream to spread out the fish.
Anglers are reminded that tributary restrictions for fishing above and below dams remain in effect.
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(Provided by Indiana DNR)
The Indiana DNR will stock more than 55,000 trout throughout the state in time for stream trout season, which starts April 25.
Trout can be harvested in Indiana streams between 6 a.m. on the last Saturday in April and Dec. 31. Trout can be harvested year-round on Indiana lakes.
The state's 2015 trout stocking plan and list of stocking locations can be found here.