Category: Fishing

Didymo cells found in section of the Au Sable River in Oscoda County

Anglers and paddlers urged to decontaminate waders, watercraft and gear

Didymo cells have been found in algae samples taken from submerged rocks and debris at two boating access sites on the Au Sable River north of Luzerne in Oscoda County, Michigan.

Sampling conducted by Michigan Trout Unlimited in late April found several didymo cells at the Parmalee Canoe Launch off North Red Oak Road and one cell just downstream at the Whirlpool access off West Cherry Creek Road. No evidence of didymo was found in samples taken upstream at the McMasters Bridge Road access, further downstream or in a number of tributaries sampled to date.

Didymo, also known as “rock snot,” is a microscopic diatom (single-celled alga) that thrives in cold, low-nutrient streams generally considered pristine. Under the right conditions, cells can form extensive stalks, or blooms, creating dense mats that cover the stream bed and reduce habitat for macroinvertebrates including mayfly, caddisfly and stonefly nymphs, which are crucial food sources for fish.

Though no blooms have been observed at either of the two Au Sable River access sites, Michigan Trout Unlimited is joining the Michigan departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to urge anglers and all stream users to properly clean waders, boats and equipment between every site visit.
“With trout season now open across the state and paddle sports gearing up for the summer, it’s important to remind everyone enjoying Michigan’s streams and rivers to take steps to decontaminate to prevent further spread of didymo and aquatic invasive species,” said Bryan Burroughs, executive director of Michigan Trout Unlimited.

Didymo is believed to be native to at least parts of the Great Lakes basin; however, its exact native range is unknown. Blooms are recent phenomena first observed in Michigan waters in 2015 in the St. Marys River and then in the Manistee and Boardman rivers in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Scientists are still researching the causes of blooms.

Didymo blooms appear to be sporadic and do not persist throughout the entire year or every fishing season. This provides some relief, but vigilance and decontamination efforts remain important to reduce harmful effects on streams.

What is being done

Though there is no known treatment for didymo, efforts to understand its extent and behavior in Michigan waters are ongoing.

  • Since 2021, EGLE and partners have monitored for didymo at 40 locations across 12 of the most popular trout streams in the northern Lower Peninsula, looking for cells and low-level blooms at heavily used access locations.
  • A local researcher found didymo in low abundance in the Rapid River near Rapid City in Kalkaska County in 2023; however, further investigation did not find didymo elsewhere in that watershed.
  • Michigan Trout Unlimited began monitoring rivers for didymo presence in August 2023 and has collected and analyzed 32 algal scrapings from river bottoms, leading to this new detection in the Au Sable River.
  • Researchers at Lake Superior State University have been investigating the use of environmental DNA, or eDNA, for didymo early detection and are using an experimental stream setup to manipulate nutrient conditions to further understand what may causing didymo blooms.
  • Many bait and tackle shops, outfitters and organizations like Michigan Trout Unlimited are helping the DNR and EGLE share information on proper decontamination techniques with river and stream users across the state.
  • Michigan Trout Unlimited, in partnership with the DNR and EGLE, has submitted a proposal for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding that would increase the capacity for additional didymo monitoring across Michigan.

How to decontaminate

To prevent didymo and other damaging species from hitchhiking on your waders, watercraft and gear, pack a scrub brush, towels and a chemical disinfectant for use when you exit the water.

Always Clean, Drain and Dry your waders, boots, boats and other gear between trips or before moving to a new body of water. Using different gear for each stream can reduce the potential for spread.

Take extra precaution in areas with known or suspected didymo or invasive species. In addition to removing debris and mud, the State of Michigan recommends using a chemical disinfectant to achieve maximum decontamination for didymo and invasives like New Zealand mudsnail. Disinfectants with documented effectiveness for these species include:

  • Products such as Formula 409 Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner: Apply to waders and gear and allow to soak for at least five minutes.
  • Bleach: Apply a solution equivalent to 1 ounce of bleach per 1 gallon of water (at least a 2% bleach solution) and let stand for 20 minutes.
  • Virkon Aquatic: Apply a solution of 20 grams per liter of water and let stand for 20 minutes (see manufacturer’s label for additional guidance).

Any chemical disinfectants should be applied to waders and gear on land, at a reasonable distance from the water, to avoid accidentally getting the disinfectants into surface waters.

Michigan Trout Unlimited’s pamphlet, “Stopping the Spread of New Zealand Mudsnails,” provides additional guidance on decontamination for anglers.

Research into the effectiveness of products such as Formula 409 Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner as a decontaminant for other aquatic species and diseases is ongoing. The Michigan Invasive Species Program will update its recommendations, as needed, based on the best available information to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Report new detections

Public reporting plays an important role in early detection of invasive and nuisance species. Anyone encountering suspected didymo in new locations is asked to photograph and report the find.

To report didymo, use the Eyes in the Field online reporting system. Be sure to include up to three photos to aid in verification.

For more information on decontamination or aquatic invasive species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources.

Contact: Bryan Burroughs, Michigan Trout Unlimited, 517-599-5238 or Billy Keiper, EGLE, 517-342-4087

Fishing

Lake Michigan shore angler catches state record yellow perch

Blas Lara was fishing Lake Michigan in Lake County during the Mayor’s Fishing Derby in Hammond on April 21 when he landed a 3-pound, 2-ounce yellow perch, shattering a 43-year-old Indiana state record.

The previous state record for the species was a 2-pound, 8-ounce fish caught from a gravel pit in Vigo County by Roy W. Burkel Jr. in 1981.

The yellow perch record was the second long-standing record to fall in the Hoosier State this year. On March 3, Rex Remington set a new standard for smallmouth bass, eclipsing a mark set in 1992. Read more

Fishing

Millennium Marine B-Series Boat Seats

A good quality marine seat is an essential accessory for any vessel. Millennium Marine’s B-Series line provides anglers with durable, comfortable support while helping retain a boat’s appearance and help maintain its value.

Millennium Marine’s seats are made from their exclusive, patented ComfortMAX® fabric. This fabric undergoes a treatment process that repels mold and mildew and protects against harmful UV rays, so it doesn’t fade, wear, and break down like other fabrics. The ComfortMAX material is also perforated, which allows air to pass through for maximum breathability.

Millennium Marine’s B-series seat line features lumbar support for all-day comfort so anglers can stay out on the water from dawn to dusk. These products are built for performance, quality, and durability. They feature a contoured, tight sling that comfortably supports up to 400 lbs. Each seat in Millennium Marine’s B-series product line is designed to withstand all temperature and weather conditions and will mount to any boat seat pedestal, with optional seat cables available. Read more

Fishing

Another Successful Release of a Manatee in Three Sisters Springs

First Lady Casey DeSantis and Mamie DeSantis helped send the Manatee “Toast” back into the spring.

Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and SeaWorld at Three Sisters Springs to assist with the release of a manatee back into the wild. The manatee, named Toast, was rescued at Kings Bay near Three Sisters Springs in January after suffering from a natural buoyancy problem. The manatee was taken to SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue and rehabilitation facility. The First Lady assisted FWC and SeaWorld as they conducted a final medical evaluation of the manatee before releasing him back into the water.

“It was a joy to be a part of this release and to see a rehabilitated manatee be returned to his home, happy and healthy,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “I am proud of the work that FWC and their partners, like SeaWorld, do to help these animals when they are in need. The Governor is committed to providing the resources necessary for these gentle sea giants to thrive in Florida’s waterways, and I am happy to see that Florida’s investments are paying off for the manatee population.”

“We were delighted to have First Lady Casey DeSantis join us in releasing a rehabilitated manatee back into the wild,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership in funding manatee protection, habitat restoration, and rehabilitation ensures their sustainability for years to come.” Read more

Fishing

Ranger Cuts Workforce

Ranger Boats has reduced its workforce by 176 across three of its plants. The company, owned by Bass Pro Shops, says the cuts have been made in response to soft demand and the poor economy – despite what Joe Biden claims.

Seventy jobs have gone at the Flippin plant in Arkansas, 85 at Lebanon, Missouri, and 21 at Bolivar, Missouri.

“Similar to others in the marine industry, we needed to make adjustments to our operations in response to the current soft demand for marine products and the overall economic climate,” said a spokesman for Bass Pro Shops. Read more

Fishing

Motor City Walleyes

Tips and tricks learned on the Detroit River can play into your walleye fishing hand.

Among bucket-list spring walleye fishing destinations, the Detroit River is legendary. With both trophy potential and numbers, the river draws scores of anglers each year, many partaking in the run as an annual rite.

One of those anglers is Judson Rodriguez, who escorted Whitewater Fishing staff on the metro moving waters, all in search of big, photo-worthy fish. Below, Judson offers his advice for anglers thinking about fishing the Detroit—including the when, where, and how of it.

“In early April, the water temp was between 43.3- and 43.8 degrees. As we got into a little more stained water, the water temp came up a bit. We fished a lot of those water areas where clear water met dirty and found fish there, which is typical,” says Rodriguez.

“There was a good mix of spawning females with lots of smaller males in the mix. We started fishing at 6:30 a.m. each day so we could see what we were doing. The best bite is typically around daybreak, so we had about an hour to pluck big females. Then, the rest of the day, it’s sorting males until about 6 p.m., and then you’ve got a shot at another big one.” Read more

Fishing

Nebraska: When Releasing, Handle Fish with Care

Whether you intend to release a fish you catch or plan to legally keep it, the fish should be handled properly. For the fish’s sake – and yours.

Any fish you do not intend to keep should be returned to the water immediately with as little stress to the fish as possible.

That means minimal handling of the fish.

Their coat of slime can make that challenging. The slime is what protects them from diseases and parasites, but it also potentially makes grasping and holding them difficult. The more a fish is handled, the more its protective slime coat is compromised. The best way to release a fish without damage is to remove the hook and release the fish while standing in the water.

There is another option. Read more

Fishing

Biologists Rescue Sawfish in the Florida Keys

An endangered smalltooth sawfish is recovering after being rescued from Cudjoe Key and transported to Mote Marine Laboratory’s facility. A member of the public reported the animal swimming in circles in Cudjoe Bay. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Mote Marine Laboratory responded to the distressed sawfish. They completed a quick field assessment that included taking samples, measurements, and tagging, before making the rescue decision. The sawfish was loaded onto a vessel and provided respiratory assistance during the short boat ride to a temporary holding tank.

“Led by NOAA, our biologists and partners have taken an unprecedented step to rescue an adult smalltooth sawfish in the Keys. This has not been attempted before, but this unusual mortality event made this necessary,” said Gil McRae, Director of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “We are hopeful this rescue and rehabilitation of an adult smalltooth sawfish will bring us one step closer to understanding the cause of this event.”

The sawfish is a 11-foot male. It has been treated and observed around the clock since its rescue on April 5. Veterinarians have provided care and treatment, which will continue for rehabilitation. Once the animal appeared capable of withstanding the nearly 7-hour drive to Mote Marine Lab’s facility, biologists carefully loaded it into a transport trailer operated by Ripley’s Aquariums. Ripley’s Aquariums conservation team monitored the sawfish and water quality conditions throughout the trip to the facility.

Now at Mote, scientists will continue to monitor and treat the sawfish. We hope it will be fully rehabilitated and returned to the wild. We are excited about the successful steps to date in rescuing endangered smalltooth sawfish and look forward to building upon lessons learned.

The team continues to monitor the sawfish hotline for additional rescue opportunities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has responded to dozens of reports over the last two months. They have provided aid and collected samples when possible, as well as performing necropsies on dead sawfish. With this first rescue success, we are hopeful to rescue additional sawfish while continuing to provide aid to others in the wild. If you see a sawfish in distress, call (844) 4-SAWFISH) or email Sawfish@myfwc.com. Read more

Fishing

Help Monitor Water Quality, Fish Habitat

If your summer plans include time at a favorite lake, here’s an easy way to do some good with real, lasting value: help the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program gather information about water quality and fish habitat conditions.

This community science program is seeking volunteers who enjoy and want to help protect Michigan’s nearly 11,000 inland lakes. There is a lot we don’t know about many of our lakes, and volunteering with MiCorps will connect you with a statewide network of people who are making a positive impact on these waters.

Want to help? Read more

Fishing
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