Anglers urged to step up prevention efforts during salmon season

Invasive New Zealand mudsnails have been detected at the mouth of Shanty Creek, a tributary of the Grass River in Antrim County. The snails were found during routine monitoring in May by the Grass River Natural Area Stream Watch project and confirmed through DNA analysis by Oakland University in August.

New Zealand mudsnails were first discovered in the United States in Idaho’s Snake River in 1987. Since then, the snails have spread throughout the western states and into areas of the Great Lakes by attaching themselves to boats, waders and equipment.

The Grass River is now the sixth river system in Michigan known to be infested by the mudsnails. Their discovery in the Pere Marquette River in August 2015 signaled the first detection in a Michigan inland waterway. In 2016, populations were confirmed in the Boardman and Au Sable rivers. By 2017, the invasive snails were found in the Upper Manistee and Pine rivers.

Michigan’s salmon season, which peaks in September and October, draws thousands of anglers to Michigan’s premier rivers.

“This is a time when people are likely to visit multiple rivers and streams over a few days,” said Lucas Nathan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources aquatic invasive species coordinator. “If they are not cleaning equipment thoroughly each time, there is a potential to introduce New Zealand mudsnails into new waters.”

What harm can a snail do?

This brown to black, one-eighth-inch long mudsnail, a native of New Zealand, is considered invasive and is prohibited in Michigan due to the environmental harm it can cause to rivers, streams and lakes. Because the snail reproduces by cloning (females develop complete embryos without fertilization), a single snail can start an entire population.

The abundance of Chinook and coho salmon in the Betsie and Platte rivers every September – during what are known as “fall fish runs” – draws anglers eager for this unique fishing opportunity in northwest Michigan. Unfortunately, the season also sometimes brings illegal fishing activity and community disruption, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are working with local property and business owners to improve the situation.

Conservation officers are conducting enhanced patrols to reduce violations ranging from illegal fishing, camping and parking to trespassing, littering and noise complaints.

“Local businesses and communities open their doors and welcome anglers every fall,” said Lt. Joe Molnar, the DNR’s district law supervisor who oversees officers in northwest Michigan. “Many people treat the area and fishing resources with care and respect, but those who live and work in these communities are tired of those who continue to snag fish, litter and exhibit poor behavior.” Read more

By Josh Lantz

Walleyes are still largely following established summer patterns in most lakes and rivers come early September, which generally means deeper water. Anglers targeting ‘eyes should start their searches in all the likely areas, namely offshore humps, deep weed lines, mid-depth flats, and man-made cribs in lakes, and at the bottom of the deeper pools in rivers and streams. But they should also be prepared to search shallower whenever the conditions dictate.

“September is a transition time for walleyes,” says Minnesota professional angler and fishing promoter, Joel Nelson. “Most lake walleyes will adhere to summer patterns during warm weather, but any early cold snap can trigger pods of baitfish to move to the shallows. The walleyes won’t be far behind.”

Nelson is a proponent of vertical jigging and pitching in these scenarios. His key offerings include simple 1/8-to-1/2-ounce jigheads rigged with smaller plastics, typically paddletails and shad varietals, fished under the boat in the mornings and evenings, and away from the boat during mid-day. He uses two distinct spinning rods for these presentations.

“For me, a 6’3” medium-light power, extra fast spinning rod is the perfect vertical jigging tool when using up to 3/8-ounce jigs,” Nelson says. “The shorter length is ideal for fishing vertically, and the extra-fast tip is extremely useful in detecting bites from fish still in a lazy summer pattern. St. Croix offers this popular model in several of its rod series, including Eyecon and Legend Elite, which are two examples that will appeal to the needs of a wide variety of anglers.” Personally, Nelson opts for the Legend Elite model and its extremely sensitive SCV carbon blank.

“When fish push shallower – often after a cold snap – and you’re pitching farther away from the boat, moving up in length and power to a 6’8” medium power, extra-fast rod gives you a bit of extra leverage, and it’ll also handle heavier Fireball jigs up to 5/8 of an ounce,” advises Nelson, who says shallower walleyes are often more concentrated. “Big schools of walleyes are typically present in these conditions, so look for ‘can’t-miss’ signatures on your electronics’ side-imaging before wetting any baits.” Read more

America’s Pacific Northwest offers stunning natural beauty with lush forests, immense mountains, and many beautiful lakes, streams, rivers, and the Pacific Ocean. Opportunities abound for the outdoorsman as both fishing and hunting are exceptional for many different species, but in this region, salmon, trout and steelhead are king and generate the most attention from resident anglers and visitors looking to experience what Washington and Oregon have to offer.

For the salmon and steelhead angler, fishing begins each summer in the saltwater as the fish transition and begin their push to the rivers for their annual migration to spawning grounds. A progression of different fish runs occurs each year and the timing of each depends on species, open fishing seasons, and water temperature. But, they are all on their way to the rivers to spawn as it is their lifelong duty to fulfill.

Captain Nick Kester – All Star Seattle Fishing Charters

Opportunities Abound in the Sound Read more

New Low-Profile Flagship Baitcaster, The Unparalleled Steez CT SV

Designed in America and precision built in Japan, this super-smooth lightweight powerhouse is a technological marvel backed by Daiwa’s ultimate warranty.

Cypress, Calif. – Hardcore bass fans asked for it and now Daiwa has delivered big time. Meet the brand new Steez CT SV, a lightweight, super-smooth baitcaster packed full of Daiwa’s proprietary cutting-edge technology, unmatched in a reel this size. Daiwa’s high-end Steez line is already renown for exceptional performance, toughness and versatility. The new CT SV raises that bar to even greater heights.

“This is our new flagship low-profile baitcasting reel,” says Marc Mills, Field Marketing Manager for Daiwa-US. “It is, quite simply the best baitcasting reel we can make right now, and it incorporates the absolute best of our design breakthroughs in every respect. At just 5.3 ounces, it’s built specifically for the U.S. market with the power to handle bigger bass and larger lures in a featherweight format that excels at precision finesse presentations as well. Extremely comfortable in the palm of your hand, it’s perfectly balanced, ergonomic design is second to none.” Read more

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries announced a Voluntary Drought Initiative today designed to protect populations of salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon from the effects of the current unprecedented drought.

The initiative provides a framework for water users to enter into individual agreements with the two agencies to maintain enough water for fish spawning and survival, and implement other collaborative actions like fish rescue, relocation, monitoring, and habitat restoration. In return, landowners and water users will benefit from a simplified permitting process under the federal and state endangered species laws and may receive incidental take authorizations for California Endangered Species Act (CESA)-listed fish in case a participant unintentionally takes a listed fish species. While individual agreements under this initiative expire December 31, 2021 and may be renewed on an annual basis, prospective participants may enroll at any time.

“This severe drought impacts all of California and presents unique challenges for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon listed under the Endangered Species Act,” said Barry Thom, Regional Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, West Coast Region. “To help imperiled fish survive these conditions, we are asking private landowners to work with us and CDFW to implement actions that may protect sensitive aquatic ecosystems as part of a Voluntary Drought Initiative.”

As an example of how the initiative can be beneficial, in 2014 CDFW worked with Los Molinas Mutual Water Company on Mill Creek in Tehama County. The company provided access through its properties for fish population monitoring and provided flows in the creek for the benefit of spring-run Chinook salmon.

“Drought conditions create substantial challenges for many landowners or water users throughout California,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “NOAA and CDFW have found that open dialogue with drought-affected landowners or water users regarding voluntary steps to reduce significant risks to federal- and state-listed species from drought has been an effective way to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.” Read more

Hatchery-reared sturgeon fingerlings will be released into the Black River and Mullett Lake later that day

If you’re curious about lake sturgeon – one of the most unique and the biggest fish swimming the Great Lakes – plan a visit to the Black River hatchery northwest of Onaway, Michigan, Saturday, Aug. 21. The facility will host free public tours that day from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m..

The tours are offered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership and Sturgeon For Tomorrow. Researchers from the DNR and MSU will be on hand to talk about lake sturgeon biology, reproductive ecology and the current year’s research. Sturgeon For Tomorrow representatives will discuss restoration work to improve sturgeon spawning habitat, sturgeon conservation and outreach programming.

“While on the tours, visitors will see 3-month-old lake sturgeon currently in the hatchery and learn about early life history and how we can all play a role to keep healthy populations of this fish in our waters,” said Dave Borgeson, Northern Lake Huron Unit supervisor with the DNR.

The streamside rearing facility is an important component of lake sturgeon rehabilitation efforts in the Cheboygan River watershed. The facility conducts research to increase our understanding of lake sturgeon, thanks to DNR, federal, Great Lakes Fishery Trust and Sturgeon For Tomorrow funds. Results provide much-needed guidance for managers involved in lake sturgeon recovery efforts, while improving the effectiveness of lake sturgeon culture and stocking efforts.

The sturgeon fingerlings reared at the hatchery are scheduled to be released into the Black River and Mullett Lake Aug. 21 after the tours conclude. Read more