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.
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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

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

COLUMBIA, S.C. (August 3, 2016) –Starting August 1, 2016, consumers can visit www.abugarcia.com to enter for a chance to win a new Revo Low Profile reel before they are available for purchase. Those lucky enough to win are awarded either a brand new Revo MGXtreme, Revo MGX or Revo ALX. Read more

CarbonTV has introduced a live webcam from the Show Pond at the Department of Natural Resources’ Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center.The Wolf Lake Fish Cam offers a real-time, round-the-clock view of Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, northern pike, northern muskellunge, walleye, largemouth bass, a variety of sunfish and two 6-foot lake sturgeon as they fend for food.

“This is a really cool opportunity to see and connect with the thousands of Michigan gamefish that live in our Show Pond anytime, from anywhere,” said Shana Ramsey, interpreter at Wolf Lake. “Get an up-close look at fish in their natural habitat, right from your own home!” Read more

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that the unique hook-and-line fishing seasons for lake sturgeon are set to open this Saturday, July 16. Lake sturgeon are one of Michigan’s most historically significant fish species, but there are limited opportunities to target them within the state’s waters. Read more

PHOTO CAPTION: Washington DC – On July 11, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) President Margaret Podlich (L) and Government Affairs Manager David Kennedy (R), delivered over 24,000 comments from recreational boaters to EPA Headquarters in Washington DC to urge the agency to stop adding more ethanol to the nation’s gasoline supply. BoatUS had asked the boating public to add their voice to a proposal to increase the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply for 2017. If adopted, these proposed levels will require the use of a record amount of ethanol, forcing higher-level ethanol fuel blends (including E15 or 15% ethanol) into gas pumps and at more gas stations.”A sticker on the pump mixed in with all the other labels may be the only warning for E15 gasoline,” said Podlich. Most marine engines are built to only work with up to 10% ethanol, and it is illegal to use gas containing more than 10% ethanol in any marine engine. The national boating advocacy, services and safety group has voiced its concern for the significant potential for misfueling, putting boaters at risk by using fuel that will damage their engines. Read more