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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
The Michigan DNR has announced the 2015 results from its Master Angler program that recognizes large fish caught by recreational anglers.
This past year, 1,542 anglers representing 15 states and Canada submitted catches that were recognized as Master Angler fish. That's a better-than-50-percent increase over the 987 fish recognized in 2014. The large increase likely stems from the department's simplification of the Master Angler application.
Of the entries accepted in 2015, 899 were categorized as "catch and keep" and 643 were categorized as "catch and release."
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Little Bay de Noc a Mecca for FishermenLittle Bay de Noc's fishery is gaining quite a reputation, even on a national scale. While initially thought of as strictly a walleye mecca, it's hosting of the Bassmaster Classic in September, 2014 has caused the conversation to start to change.
According to DNR fisheries research biologist Troy Zorn there are lots of different species to fish for on Little Bay de Noc, and he's got data to back up that claim.
"We conduct an annual fish community survey," he explained. "Perch are pretty good, walleye are pretty good, northern pike are pretty good, smallmouth bass are pretty good…you get the idea."
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Fletcher Floodwaters Cranks Out Panfish, Pike and BassFletcher Floodwaters is a beautiful lake in Alpena County that Tim Cwalinski, DNR fisheries biologist out of Gaylord, refers to as "a monster.”
"It's one of the biggest lakes in the state at 8,800 acres," he explains.
Fletcher's is an impounded reach of the Upper South Branch Thunder Bay River and, despite its size, is actually pretty shallow. As a result, it's often one of the first large lakes to freeze and bring with it excellent ice fishing.
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Biologists: Mild Winter a Blessing for Michigan Wildlife
Looking out your window, do you find yourself saying, "This winter is different?"
Remembering last winter, areas of Michigan had not inches, but feet of snow on the ground by mid-November. In stark contrast, this winter, many parts of Michigan didnít receive any significant snowfall that stayed on the ground, until after Christmas.
With the effects of one of the strongest El Nino weather patterns on record ñ warmer Pacific Ocean waters producing atmospheric changes in weather thousands of miles away ñ this winter certainly is different.
As a result, weather forecasters are predicting above-average temperatures and drier than normal winter conditions across the northern tier of the country, including Michigan.
Michigan DNR wildlife biologists have been fielding inquiries about how the milder conditions might be affecting wildlife this winter.
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
DNR Biologists Continue to Track Michigan’s Black Bear PopulationFor the past 90 years, black bear hunting has been part of the bear management program in Michigan.
Bears are managed by the Michigan DNR to maintain populations, provide recreational opportunities, including hunting and viewing, and help reduce the potential for problems with bears.
The strategic goals of the DNR's Black Bear Management Plan recognize hunting as a priority component of scientific management that balances bear biology with the desires of the public.