By Angie Stair
Last week the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported the panfish activity had picked up on the inland lakes in most of the Southwest Lower Peninsula counties. The fish were starting to move to shallow water. On sunny days, check out the warm shallows for Crappie and Bluegills. Pike have been caught in Gun Lake; but Bass fishing was slow in Barry County.
Are you an avid catch-and-release angler that likes to take photos of the fish you catch, prior to returning them to the water? If so, here are some tips to take these photos so you ensure the fish can live to be caught another day;
Always wet your hands before handling the fish – that way you won’t remove any of the protective mucus the fish has coating their body.
Remember a fish cannot breathe out of water, so have your camera ready.
Take the photo with the fish close to the water so if it squirms free, it will land in the water and not a hard surface.
While holding a fish do not pinch or squeeze it and do not stick your fingers in its gills.
Remember to be finful of the different kinds of fish that have teeth and or spines that could stick you.
Pyle’s Porthole reports that Lake Michigan has been churned by wind and wave action so the temperature is mostly the same from 60 to 200 feet. This is where anglers are taking Lake Trout, Coho, and Brown Trout. They are also getting a few Steelhead and King Salmon.
Pier anglers have had a little luck and brought in a few Walleye. The River is still producing Suckers. On inland lakes the Bluegills and Crappie are waiting on warmer water to bed, but are closer to shore. Anglers are getting some, but the bite is slow.
Ellinee Bait & Tackle by Coloma report that the Crappie bite is increasing in 10 foot or less of water. Anglers on Paw Paw Lake have been getting some nice size ones and a few limits. Crappies are biting on panfish size minnows. Bluegills are slow yet.
Small mouth Bass anglers using the catch-and-release program are having a great time with Bass biting like mad on spinner bait. No word on Walleye out of Paw Paw Lake. Indian Lake has had some anglers reporting success.
Ellinee reminded hunters that there are a little over two weeks remaining in the spring turkey season (ends May 31). The weighed in a nice 25 pound turkey this last week, brought in by a successful hunter.
St. Joseph pier fishing was very slow. Boat anglers that went out were catching a few Salmon and Trout inside 90 feet, but some were in well over 100 feet with fish hitting on spoons. Steelhead fishing is pretty much over on the Kalamazoo River, but anglers will find Bass, Bluegills and Suckers.
The DNR reminds anglers that creel clerks will be collecting angler information this summer. They will be stationed at boat launches and piers around the state asking anglers questions as they return from fishing trips.
A second round of quality Trout streams and lakes accessible to anglers has been added to the DNR online Trout Trails application. Trout Trails is a comprehensive map featuring fishers biologist-verified Trout waters that are often lesser know, but considered outstanding destination points.
Interested anglers should visit www.michigan.gov/trouttrails to access the Web-based Trout Trails application. Please note, Trout Trails is not a downloadable app, but it is compatible with all types of electronic devices. It should also be noted that information about each Trout Trails site is available in a printable format.
Hunting
Elk and bear hunting applications are now available through June 1. The DNR also has videos that explain the drawing process. The 2016 total of 200 elk and 6,896 bear licenses will be available.
Hunters can apply online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings, or at any authorized license agent or DNR Customer Service Center. Applications are $5.00 and a base license is not required for the purchase of an application. Only Michigan residents are eligible to apply for an elk license. Bear licenses are available for both residents and nonresidents; however, no more than 2 percent of licenses in any bear management unit will be issued to nonresidents.
Drawing results will be posted online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings starting June 29. If you have questions or need assistance with applications, call the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 by June 1.
Watervliet Rod
& Gun Club
The Watervliet Rod and Gun Club will hold their CPL/CCW class on May 19 and 21; sign up is May 17 between 6 and 7 p.m. at the club house. The fee for the classes is $100; a Michigan lawyer explains the law pertaining to concealed carry and you receive two NRA certificates. For more information or to be put on
Comentários