- Details
IDNR Report
The Indiana Fisheries Department will stock more than 130 public fishing sites across Indiana with approximately 67,000 channel catfish.
State fish hatcheries began harvesting channel catfish Sept. 27 and plan to stock them by Nov. 15. Most of the fish going into northern Indiana will be stocked in ponds and small lakes on Fish and Wildlife properties.
These lake and reservoir stockings occur annually or every other year, depending on the number of catfish produced at the state hatcheries and the requests from DNR fisheries management staff.
The catfish stocked will be 8-10 inches in length with some in the 12-14-inch size range. With careful handling and transport, most newly stocked catfish quickly acclimate to their new environment and offer immediate opportunities to interested anglers.
The bag limit for channel catfish is 10 per day, and there is no minimum size limit. Review channel catfish regulations at https://bit.ly/3hALk96.Learn more about catfish fishing at wildlife.IN.gov/fishing/catfish-fishing.
For this yearís fall channel catfish stocking locations, numbers and requested sizes, please visit: wildlife.IN.gov/fishing/indiana-fish-stocking.
- Details
IDNR Report
The Indiana DNR will stock two locations in Fort Wayne and one in Huntington with rainbow trout measuring 12-14 inches long.
In Fort Wayne, Shoaff Park will receive 300 fish, and Spy Run Creek will receive 200. Memorial Park in Huntington will be stocked with 200 fish.
There will not be any special events associated with the Fort Wayne stockings. Fishing can take place once the fish have been stocked, which will occur on Oct. 15.
- Details
The Michiana Walleye Club is sponsoring a Youth Fishing Derby Saturday at the club.
The event is open to the public for youth 4 to 12 years of age for both boys and girls, although an adult must accompany the participants.
The Derby will run from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Lots of prizes to be given away thanks to Bass Pro Shops. Please bring a sack lunch. There also will be games and activities for youth at the club.
- Details
IDNR Report
The Division of Fish & Wildlife will be proposing amendments to the following rules governing fishing tournament licenses/permits, trapping wild animals, and registering to be an organ donor for preliminary adoption at the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. Rule language can be found as agenda item #10 here.
Public comments can be submitted to the NRC after preliminary adoption. Once the public comment period has ended and a public hearing has been conducted, the NRC will vote on final adoption of any rule changes. Please note that these proposed changes will not be in effect in 2021.
Fishing tournament licensing (312 IAC 5-3.5-1)
The proposed amendment removes the reference to the Division of Law Enforcement for the administration of licenses for fishing tournaments since the Division of State Parks issues fishing tournament permits/licenses for state park & reservoir properties, and the Division of Fish & Wildlife issues permits for the three public freshwater lakes listed in the rule (Syracuse, Wawasee, and Sylvan). There are no changes to the lakes or requirements for the permits.
- Details
IDNR Report
Hoosiers in all Indiana counties can now resume feeding birds.
DNR had recommended a statewide moratorium on bird feeding earlier this summer to slow the spread of a still-undetermined illness that is killing birds across the state. Biologists identified more than 750 possible cases in 76 counties that involved a specific set of clinical signs, including crusty eyes, eye discharge, and neurological issues.
The actions of many Hoosiers significantly helped the DNR’s work related to the disease outbreak. By taking down their feeders and submitting more than 4,300 reports, residents enabled DNR staff track the disease, detect regional differences, and provide updated recommendations for feeding birds. The DNR appreciates the efforts and actions of Hoosiers statewide.