This weekend marks opening day of fishing season in many parts of the country. Today, Craig Springer shares some of the reasons why it’s such a special occasion for many anglers.

— Craig Springer, USFWS, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration

April can be a cruel time of year in northern-tier states; it’s not quite spring, not quite winter. But it brings with it opening day of fishing seasons.  Welting sleet spit from gunmetal gray clouds or a sunlit bluebird sky—no matter the weather, anglers of all stripes are out on the water when trout, walleye or other sport fish species come into season, open for fishing after a winter-long hiatus.

Opening day of trout season is a cultural phenomenon, said Tim Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). “It’s deeply historic. Opening day has a long happy history,” said Schaeffer. “It’s almost carnival-like—it’s a rich tradition in Pennsylvania.”

Opening day is of course, one day out of the year.  From a fisheries management perspective, preparing for opening day is a yearlong process, according to Schaeffer. The PFBC operates 14 state fish hatcheries, eight of which raise trout—3.2 million brook, brown, and rainbow trout are stocked by the agency each year in Pennsylvania.

“Hatcheries run 24/7/365,” says Schaeffer. “It’s a constant cycle of work. Field biologists contribute to that cycle; their assessments determine where to stock and what habitat concerns need addressed. Conservation officers work with our biologists to I.D. stocking locations.”

Rod and gun clubs and sportsman’s groups in Pennsylvania also figure into the whole affair, contributing another 1 million trout from about 150 cooperative nurseries statewide before and after opening day.  “Anglers are deeply invested in conservation,” noted Schaeffer. Read more

— Frank Sargeant

I spend a lot of time these days on Lake Guntersville in northern Alabama, which has to have some of the busiest boat ramps in America during the spring, summer and fall bass tournament seasons. It’s routine for some ramps to have 50 to 75 boats launched in the first hour of daylight as anglers from all over the country come to the big lake for tournaments and for fun fishing.

The amazing thing about it is that the vast majority of this action goes off very smoothly and with minimal backup, because most of the guys who come here are hard-core veterans of hundreds of previous launches and they do what works best to keep the line moving.

It also helps that most of these guys are on the water for serious fishing, and there’s no alcohol aboard most boats. The ramp arguments and occasional fisticuffs that are becoming pretty common in coastal south Florida and many other places are rarely seen here.

Given that, as we approach the peak of the boating season across most of the nation, it might be a good idea to take a look at how it’s done right, with minimal damage to equipment or egos, and with no need for EMS assistance.

First, of course, is to be sure your boat is ready to launch when your turn in line comes—drain plug in, tie downs released, motor trimmed up, bow line in place, key in the boat’s ignition, and all the stuff from the truck already moved to the boat.

Second, when your turn comes, back in just far enough to float the transom, again make sure you’re got a bow line on the bow eye, and then unhook the winch strap. Read more

SALT LAKE CITY — Memorial Day weekend is coming up, and many Utahns may be making plans for a long weekend adventure. If you want a fun outdoor option for your holiday activities, there are several potential destinations. Utah offers lots of different fishing opportunities and experiences for those who want to fish with their families or those who want to target large fish — and conditions are particularly good around Memorial Day.

Family-friendly fishing options

If you want somewhere to take your kids fishing, targeting waterbodies with good rainbow trout populations is recommended since they are an easier fish to catch. The following waterbodies were all recently stocked by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources with rainbow trout and will be good places to fish throughout this month:

• Panguitch Lake (Garfield County)
• Scofield Reservoir (Carbon County)
• Strawberry Reservoir (Wasatch County)
• Big Sand Wash Reservoir (Duchesne County)
• Community ponds (located across Utah)

Rainbow trout can be caught with a wide variety of baits and lures and are easy to catch from shore, making them a good option for anyone without a boat. Since some of these waterbodies were recently stocked with rainbow trout, the fish won’t be very large, but there is the potential to catch a lot of them. You can have good success fishing for rainbow trout at any of the listed locations using PowerBait about 18-24 inches below a bobber.

Another good option for family-friendly fishing is to visit waterbodies with bluegill. Here are some good options for catching bluegill this spring: Read more

Fishing in Lake Superior? You can help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources evaluate the Lake Superior splake fishery by reporting marked splake. Splake, which are a hybrid cross between lake trout and brook trout, have been stocked in Lake Superior most years since 1971, with annual stocking since 1990.

In Lake Superior, the DNR stocks splake in Munising, Copper Harbor and Keweenaw Bay. The goal is to create nearshore fishing opportunities in the smaller bays of Lake Superior, where some fisheries are available year-round. This study will help fisheries managers understand the percentage of stocked fish caught by anglers, the home range of splake, and harvest metrics such as harvest rates and size at harvest by year and location.

“The data we collect from anglers assists in making decisions on how to best manage Michigan’s fisheries,” said Patrick Hanchin, Lake Superior Basin coordinator. “Every marked splake reported matters to the data collection process. We’ll be marking splake through 2025, with the evaluation study being conducted through 2030.” Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Purposely waiting for opening day of trout season to pass, I headed north, as the weekend warriors were already heading home.  It’s not that I haven’t been among that crowd, but that’s exactly what was to be avoided.  The destination was the Rifle River Recreation Area and what an area it is!

Lodge Lake

Just west of Rose City the expansive 4500 acres (or approximately 7 square miles) include some 10 lakes and ponds, 14 miles of hiking trails and more than 10 miles of streams and the magnificence of the Rifle River itself. Once owned by Harry M. Jewett, president of Paige Motor Car Company of Detroit, it was mind boggling to comprehend.

After his death the private hunting and fishing retreat, including the Grousehaven Lodge, was sold to the State of Michigan Department of Conservation by his widow in 1945.  Originally used a field laboratory for fish and game research, it was acquired by Michigan’s Parks Division in 1963.

Not being familiar with the camp sites, I was in need of some direction upon my arrival.  Although the ranger shack at the park’s entrance was unoccupied, there were self-serve envelopes available to claim a spot for a $20 per-night fee.  I didn’t want just any site but I wanted one that would be remote without the luxury of electrical hook-ups and a wake-up call.

Just then a park employee rolled up in a park vehicle and he was just the person who could help me sort out my new adventure.  He said it would be best to select a campsite and return with the envelope designating the particular site.  Fortunately, he was there when I had returned with the “claim ticket” and $80 cash for the short-term rental of property rights; I was “in.”

To set up camp consisting of a pop-up camper, a tent and a hot-shower enclosure would take several hours in the otherwise vacant Spruce campground.  Yes, I had the place to myself.

However, I was struck by the obvious:  Downed, mature Ash trees had littered the landscape, as a result of voracious Emerald Ash borers.

Ash Trees Killed by Emerald Ash Borer

The campsite had been cleared of potential hazardous conditions but the surrounding area along the river was cluttered with millions of dollars’ worth of firewood – all bad for canoes and kayaks, but oh, the fishing!

I made my way downhill to the river, where I found an area barely large enough to stand.  It would be a challenge fighting the dense riverside foliage and that of fallen trees in the water.  This was the hand that had been dealt and I had to make the best of it.

I had taken 3 fishing rigs on the trip and had already loaded my favorite ultra-light rod/reel combo in the truck with my jon boat for what was to be a lake venture.  However, that plan was on hold.

Those free worms that I picked up on my dirt road were about to be tested.  In my hand was a less-than-ideal medium action rod and closed-faced Zebco reel – a secondary option that I set up for my great grandkids.

With a flip of the wrist, the 6-pound monofilament line would send the worm and split shot in the current, where a small whirlpool formed.  In no time, a nibble turned into a 14-inch brown trout!

Brown Trout

I sure couldn’t abandon the fishing hole for any lake now.

Before long, that inexpensive rod and reel became my favorite fish getter of all time landing whopper after whopper.  In fact, I felt a bit guilty for catching big trout that I decided to leave some fish for others. (Five trout per day is the limit but only 3 could be 15 inches or larger – a good problem to have.)

All in all, that one hole produced not only large brown trout but even one small brook trout and another small rainbow trout.

By the second day, I had switched to an ultra-light Fenwick rod and Pfluger open-faced reel loaded with 4-pound monofilament line.  What a tussle ensued when I hooked a spectacular 18-inch Brown.  See a short video here: Rifle River Trout – YouTube

It was all I could do to keep it from getting snagged in the nearby water logs, but success had come.

So, too had the trout breakfast for which I longed.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — DECKED, which designs and manufactures innovative tool boxes, pickup truck storage and accessories, has partnered with B.A.S.S. and Toyota to create the ultimate angler truck. After hitting Bassmaster Elite Series events throughout the country, this DECKED-outfitted 2022 Toyota Tundra will be donated to a worthy nonprofit organization after the season. Plus, one lucky fan will have a chance to win a new 2022 Toyota Tundra rigged-out with a DECKED System.

Enthusiastic fans attending Elite Series events will get an opportunity to explore an all-new Tundra equipped with the DECKED Drawer System and a host of custom add-ons that make it perfect for delving into outdoor adventure. While there, fans can scan a special code to be the first to find out when the sweepstakes is launched later this year. The next opportunity to see the DECKED Toyota Tundra will be at the Simms Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork May 19-22 in Quitman, Texas.

“We’re a company of people who love the outdoors, and everyone on our team does everything we can to make our customers’ lives better,” said Greg Randolph, DECKED vice president of marketing. “Whether you hunt, fish, camp or bike, the ability to store, organize, protect and secure your gear is essential.

“DECKED is excited to be at Bassmaster tournaments to meet real people already using our products and to reach a new audience of fans.”

The Idaho-based brand is best known for its Tool Box and modular Drawer System, which is 100% American-made. The Drawer System is made from 100% recycled materials. Once assembled, the DECKED Drawer System is easily installed and removed with no drilling or other alteration of the truck bed.

“The DECKED Drawer System allows me to be organized and ready at all times,” said Bassmaster Elite Series pro Scott Martin. “Keeping my tackle, tools and important items safe and secure in my tuck with the DECKED System is one of the most important tools as a professional fisherman. I can’t imagine having a truck without a DECKED System. Every truck owner needs this in their truck.”

In addition to Martin, DECKED also currently partners with Bassmaster Classic champion and former Bassmaster Angler of the Year Mike Iaconelli.

Follow along on Bassmaster.com for more information on the DECKED storage system’s easy installation and a deep-dive into accessory options to keep all of your gear organized and secure, a tour of their new manufacturing facility in Defiance, Ohio, check out the new shallow tool box later this summer and discover how Iaconelli makes the most of his DECKED accessories while on the road.

More details on the Toyota Tundra giveaway and Tundra donation to a nonprofit organization will be released as the season progresses. Read more

The Tippy Dam boating access site located along the Manistee River, off Dilling Road in Brethren, is open, following a vehicle being partially submerged in the river Tuesday morning.

Just before 6 a.m., an angler was backing their boat into the Tippy Dam boating access site. Due to a mechanical issue, the driver could not stop the vehicle, which then backed into the river and partially submerged.

A passerby assisted the driver by using a tow strap to remove the vehicle from the river, which was taken away by a tow truck.

The scene was cleared by a conservation officer around 7:30 a.m. No injuries were reported.

The driver’s name is not being released.

Volunteers are needed in Cheboygan County now through early June to stand guard as mature lake sturgeon head upstream to their spawning sites along the Black River.

The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow is working in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and tribes to protect the fish from being illegally harvested during the six-week spawning season.

Sgt. Mark DePew, who leads DNR Law Enforcement Division’s efforts on the river, said, “Joining efforts in this alliance helps to preserve this endangered species when they are most vulnerable. By working together, we can double the efforts, making a greater impact on conservation and preservation efforts.”

The lake sturgeon, which can weigh up to 200 pounds and live to be 100 years old, is listed as a threatened species in Michigan, with any sport fishing being closely regulated. Read more