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IDNR Report

The DNR has placed an idle speed restriction on the Indian chain of lakes in LaGrange County and the West Lakes chain of lakes in Noble County.

The Indian chain of lakes includes the Dallas, Hackenberg, Messick, Westler, and Witmer lakes.

The West Lakes chain of lakes includes Jones, Steinbarger, Tamarack, and Waldron lakes.

An idle speed restriction is put into effect when surface water conditions are likely to enter dwelling structures as a result of wake.


By Louie Stout

Michigan and Indiana have some free fishing days in the coming weeks. That means you won’t need a fishing license and but all other regulations apply.

Indiana will offer one May 18 and June 1-2. Unfortunately, Indiana’s free fishing days are limited to residents.

Michigan’s free fishing days, June 8-9, are open to residents and non-residents. In addition, the recreation passport isn’t required, so there won’t be charges to use state-owned public boating access sites.


By Louie Stout

If you would like to get the family involved in fishing, mark May 18 on the calendar.

There will be two “Family Learn to Fish” events – one in South Bend and another in Elkhart - that day during which you and the kids can learn fishing basics and get a chance to wet a line.

Both are sponsored by the Indiana DNR.

The South Bend event will be conducted at Pinhook Park. The Elkhart event will be “Family Learn to Fish the River” at Island Park.


Indiana won’t require you to have a fishing license if you choose to drown a worm or two in Indiana waters Saturday. April 20. That’s one of the “free fishing” days set aside by the Hoosier DNR.

The free fishing is only available to Hoosier residents and all other fishing regulations apply.


p>By Louie Stout

DNR fisheries biologists will lead a Women’s “Learn to Fish” workshop at St. Patrick’s County Park north of South Bend on Saturday, April 20. The event is cosponsored by the St. Joseph County Parks Department and the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.

The goal is for participants to learn the basic knowledge and skills to go fishing on their own. Part of the workshop will include participants fishing with poles they rig themselves.

There is no fee to participate and no fishing license is required for Indiana residents because April 20 is one of Indiana’s four Free Fishing Days in 2019. The park is also waiving the entrance fee for participants.

Equipment is provided, but advance registration is necessary. Registration is currently open and ends on April 15 and space is limited. To register, go to wildlife.IN.gov/7548.htm.