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MDNR Report
Steelhead egg collection was scheduled to begin Tuesday, April 14, at the Little Manistee River Weir in Stronach, Michigan. However, electrical damage during overnight storms caused a power failure at the weir facility, resulting in the loss of some of the fish being held for egg collection.
This electrical damage not only affected the main source of power, but also the backup power source and the notification system that alerts staff to power failures. Without power, the systems that sustained the fish were inoperable, resulting in the loss of many of the fish held in the facility at the time.
The weir’s main power source and three of the four pumps have been restored and are now functional; one pump is inoperable and will need repairs. Egg collection will continue as planned for the remaining live fish.
The effect this loss will have on steelhead egg collection for this season is still unknown. The Little Manistee River Weir is the exclusive source of steelhead in Michigan, as well as the primary source for neighboring states, and the planned egg collection quota was 4.6 million eggs.
“No question, this loss of steelhead right before egg collection is a substantial setback,” said Randy Claramunt, chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division. “This is disappointing to our staff, many of whom are anglers and care deeply about this fishery, but they are working quickly to collect eggs from the live fish at the weir to try to meet our needs for steelhead stocking next year.”
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By Louie Stout
Another first-class lineup of seminar speakers is scheduled for the D&R Sports Center’s Spring Fishing Show Easter Weekend.
The free show runs Friday and Saturday at the Kalamazoo store. In addition to seminars, several companies will be on hand to talk about their products and special pricing will be available in tackle and boat sales. There will be giveaways and a food truck throughout the weekend. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 9-5 Saturday.
Speakers will include Chris Zaldain, Drew Gill, Mark Zona, Kevin and Jonathon VanDam, Bo Thomas, John Bergsma and Drew Gill.
Friday’s lineup includes Kevin VanDam and Zona in a combo seminar at 10 a.m. followed by Walleye Pro Bergsma at 11:30, Zaldain at 2:30 and Gill at 4. At 5:45, Ron Nelson, Gill, Zaldain and Robbie Lefere will conduct a panel discussion.
On Saturday, Zaldain kicks things off at 9:30 a.m., Kevin Vandam at 10:45, Gill at noon and Bergsma at 1:30 with Jonathon VanDam and Thomas doing a combo seminar at 2:45.
The store is located at 8178 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, Mich. 49009.
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MDNR Report
A Macomb County man with a history of Michigan DNR violations will spend 30-180 days in jail after being found guilty of two license violations.
Derek Dermyer, 37, of Washington Township, was sentenced March 10 in St. Clair County’s 72nd District Court for fishing without a license and fishing while licenses were revoked.
The penalty was increased to a habitual offender, due to Dermyer’s previous DNR violations within the past five years, which include:
- Possessing an overlimit of perch.
- Taking deer without a license.
- Failure to possess an unused kill tag while deer hunting.
- Possessing/transporting deer without an attached/validated kill tag.
- Failure to attach a validated (deer) kill tag.
“Habitual offenders are not only stealing resources, but they also create a bad name for the law-abiding majority of hunters and anglers,” said Chief Brandon Kieft, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “The DNR appreciates the support from the St. Clair County court system in recognizing Mr. Dermyer’s repeated history of DNR offenses.”
In December, a Michigan DNR conservation officer contacted Dermyer while he was ice fishing on Lake St. Clair. Dermyer was unable to present a valid fishing license due to his fishing (and hunting) license being revoked until Jan. 1.
Dermyer received two citations — fishing without a license and fishing while ineligible for licenses — which were submitted to the St. Clair County prosecutor.
The DNR offered a plea deal to drop one of the charges, which Dermyer declined. He advanced to court in February, where a jury found him guilty of both charges.
Dermyer’s sentence included the following additional penalties:
- $2,980 in court costs and fines.
- $20 reimbursement to the State of Michigan for conservation fees.
- Revoked fishing license for an additional seven years.
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By Louie Stout
If you like fishing for bluegill and bass – and who doesn’t – you might want to put Donnell Lake on your to-do list.
Michigan biologists conducted a survey there two springs ago to get a handle on the fish population since private lake groups are wanting to increase their walleye stockings.
Biologist Matt Diana said trap nets and electro-fishing tactics were used and turned up some good-sized bluegill and lots of bass.
“We didn’t see a lot 9-inch bluegill but we saw a lot of 8 inchers,” he said. “We didn’t see a great number of bluegills, but definitely great sizes.”
He went on to say that a key element to a good-sized bluegill population is a good bass population, and Donnell had that as well.
“We saw lots of bass, but not many sizeable fish,” he said. “The lake lacks good habitat, but property owners are moving toward improving that. It should help improve fishing over time.”
There was no shortage of big pike, either. Although they weren’t targeted, “some massive pike” were captured in the nets.
The survey didn’t turn up many crappies and perch numbers were low. Aside from the gamefish, the lake has a lot of turtles.
“Our nets were packed with turtles,” he noted.
The survey was done in May, 2024.
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By Louie Stout
Are you into cold plunges that would benefit the Edwardsburg, Mich. police, firefighters and EMTs?
Pondering a new boat purchase?
Starboard Choice Marine is hosting an open house on both days next weekend and offering attractive interest rates.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, you can take a dive into Pleasant Lake during the Leprechaun Leap to help raise money for Edwardsburg First Responders. If you’re not feeling like getting your tushy wet in the cold lake, stop by the Starboard Choice Marine where boat deals, food and refreshments will be available Friday and Saturday.
The timing is good for a boat deal. Circle Federal Credit Union, one of the sponsors of the Leprechaun Leap, will be offering a 5.50 percent interest rate on boats during the Open House.
“Those are the lowest interest rates we’ve seen in a number of years,” said Andy Peterson at Starboard Choice.
The dealership is located at 68502 Dailey Road in Edwardsburg and positioned on the shores of Pleasant Lake. To sign up for the Leprechaun Leap, visit the store’s website at www.stbcm.com or call the marina, 269 414 4351.