MI DNR’s new web-based map displays inland lake habitat information


The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently launched a new web-based mapping tool – the Inland Lake Habitat Viewer – to provide the public with information about the state’s inland lakes. The tool, available at michigan.gov/fishing, is ideal for those interested in learning more about habitat conditions in an individual lake or how habitat conditions vary among lakes in the state.Michigan’s 11,000 inland lakes are incredibly diverse and vary in depth, productivity, thermal stratification, oxygen, alkalinity, shoreline armoring, docks, woody habitat, housing density and other characteristics. The DNR routinely collects data on these characteristics, which are critical for sustaining populations of fish, frogs, turtles, birds and other wildlife. Read more

No Bighead/Silver Carp Detected in Michigan Great Lakes


The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that so far in 2016, no bighead and silver carp environmental DNA (eDNA) has been found in Michigan waters.Asian carp swimming underwaterThe eDNA surveillance program – a collaborative effort between the Great Lakes states and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – samples high priority locations for the presence of bighead and silver carp genetic material. Read more

Obama Expands Northwest Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument

Alexandria, VA – President Obama has announced a vast expansion of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument, known as Papahanaumokuakea, out to 200 miles or the limits of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, creating the world’s largest marine protected area. In 2006, President George W. Bush created the monument with a boundary which extended to 50 miles and excluded recreational fishing.

The new Presidential Proclamation moves to conserve the physical and living marine resources within the Monument’s waters. All commercial resource extraction activities including commercial fishing, oil exploration and mineral extraction are prohibited in the expanded areas. Read more

Michigan DNR Offers Trout Trails App


Michigan is nationally known as a trout fishing destination with nearly 20,000 miles of cold, quality trout streams and hundreds of trout lakes accessible to anglers. With all these sites to visit, how does an angler decide where to go?Check out Michigan’s Trout Trails which are biologist-verified great trout waters that are often lesser known. This website includes detailed descriptions and photos for each site, as well as information for area lodging, restaurants and guide services to assist with your trip planning needs. In addition, site-specific information such as the trout species available, regulations, stocked or natural reproduction and other noteworthy tidbits are all at your fingertips! Read more

New Bass Virus Discovered in Wisconsin Lake

A new fish virus has been found in Pine Lake in Wisconsin’s Forest County.
The virus was identified in dead largemouth bass that were collected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) during an investigation into a May 2015 fish kill.

The virus’s genome was sequenced at a “virus hunting laboratory” operated by Tony Goldberg in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

The pathogen, according to Mr Goldberg, is new to science and has been dubbed largemouth bass reovirus. Read more

More than 33 million fish stocked in MI this spring and summer


The Department of Natural Resources yesterday announced the final totals from its spring and summer fish-stocking efforts. The DNR’s Fisheries Division stocked a total of 33,308,068 fish that weighed more than 343 tons and consisted of nine different species and one hybrid.To complete this task, it took more than 400 stocking trips to more than 750 stocking sites, with travel totaling more than 105,000 miles over the course of 2,624 hours using 17 specialized stocking trucks.

“We experienced outstanding spring and summer stocking seasons that will bring significant benefits and fishing opportunities to Michigan anglers,” said DNR Fish Production Manager Ed Eisch. “With the hard work and dedication of our staff, fish were reared and delivered to stocking sites in excellent condition. The numbers produced and stocked were right on target for almost all areas.” Read more

High-tech survey of Lake Michigan’s prey fish community helps with future decisions

The Department of Natural Resources is preparing to conduct its annual hydro-acoustic (sonar) and mid-water trawl survey of alewives and other prey fishes in Lake Michigan this month to determine the status of these key components of the Lake Michigan ecosystem.

The survey is conducted on board the DNR’s Survey Vessel (S/V) Steelhead, based out of Charlevoix, in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center’s R/V Arcticus. The survey is done at night starting in mid-August and usually takes about three weeks to complete.

Once completed, estimates of total prey fish abundance are used by fisheries managers in balancing predator-prey dynamics. Managers adjust fish-stocking rates to keep alewife abundance in balance with lake productivity levels.
Read more

2017 Ranger 1850MS Reata


As Ranger® Boat’s newest addition to the acclaimed Reata® line, the 1850MS delivers a multipurpose watercraft to fit a family’s full day on the water. This configurable and versatile boat is ideal for serious fishing, water sports or pleasure cruising and offers unparalleled performance and features.Measuring 18 feet, 10 inches, and boasting an ultra-stable 100-inch beam, the Ranger 1850MS Reata is rated for 175 horsepower and is available with a variety of precision-matched outboards. The innovative design and feature set draws inspiration from what’s become one of Ranger’s most popular packages over the last several years, replacing the celebrated 1850LS. A fully redesigned interior, console and dash layout give the new 1850MS even more ability to accommodate a family with a wide range of on-the-water interests and activities. Read more

New for 2017: Ranger 1880MS Angler


Spacious redesign gives room for serious angling and family outingsFLIPPIN, Ark. – Ranger® Boats continues its rich tradition of innovative design and function with the introduction of the new 1880MS Angler. The unique versatility gives anglers a platform for hardcore fishing along with a wide-open layout for family outings.

Measuring 18 feet, 8 inches, with a 100-inch beam, the 1880MS is rated for 200 horsepower and available with a wide range of precision-matched, factory-rigged outboards. Designed for a variety of applications, the 1880MS is home to both southern bass fisheries and the big waters of the Great Lakes and upper Midwest. Read more

Michigan: DNR Remote Control Sub to Study Lake Huron Fish Populations

The R/V Tanner is the DNR’s newest research vessel and is busy collecting valuable fisheries information on Lake Huron.

The R/V Tanner’s remotely operated vehicle, shown here, will help the DNR determine the abundance of fish species in Lake Huron.

DNR’s newest research vessel features unique technology to learn more about Lake Huron fish populations

Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to be used on R/V Tanner

This month the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will begin assessing Lake Huron fisheries with the latest addition to its Great Lakes large vessel fleet – the R/V Tanner. Read more

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