Category: Fishing

Win a Fishing Trip for Two with Legendary Angler Mark Zona Presented by MyOutdoorTV

DENVER – Reel in the fishing adventure of a lifetime by entering for a fishing trip for two with legendary angler Mark Zona in “Zona’s Awesome Fishing Sweepstakes” presented by MyOutdoorTV. Running now through February 17, this one-of-a-kind sweepstakes offers a grand prize that’s every angler’s dream—a day spent fishing on Michigan’s renowned Lake St. Clair with none other than professional angler and TV personality, Mark Zona. To enter, visit www.myoutdoortv.com/zonasweeps.

Mark Zona, host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, available to stream on MyOutdoorTV, is known for his unparalleled expertise and humor, making him one of the biggest names in the fishing world. He’s ready to guide one lucky winner and their guest on an unforgettable adventure filled with big catches, stunning lake views, and plenty of Zona-style fun.

The sweepstakes is free to enter, and there’s no better way to create memories on the water with a pro leading the way. Don’t miss the chance to experience all the thrills of Lake St. Clair fishing at its best!

To enter, visit www.myoutdoortv.com/zonasweeps. Entries will close at the end of the day on February 17, 2025.

For official rules and more information, head to www.myoutdoortv.com/zonasweeps. Read more

Contests, Fishing

2025 Black Lake sturgeon season results announced

Feb. 4, 2025
After only 17 minutes of fishing, this year’s sturgeon season on Black Lake (in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties) ended at 8:17 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The season, which included spearing and hook-and-line fishing, was scheduled to run Feb. 1-5, or until the harvest quota of six lake sturgeon had been reached.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources set the harvest limit for the season at six fish, though anglers were allocated a season quota of seven sturgeon by agreement with tribal governments. This limit was placed to accommodate the expected number of anglers and anticipate the possibility of near simultaneous harvest of more than one fish. Such a scenario occurred this year, as a seventh fish was harvested before notification of the season closure could be sent out.

There were 797 registered anglers this year. The harvested sturgeon ranged in size from 43.5 inches to 64 inches long and weighed 18.2 pounds to 78.3 pounds.

  • The first fish was a 45.7-inch sturgeon that weighed 18.8 pounds.
  • Fish number two was a 43.5-inch sturgeon that weighed 18.2 pounds.
  • Fish three was a 46.1-inch sturgeon that weighed 19 pounds.
  • Fish four was a 64-inch female that weighed 78.3 pounds.
  • The fifth fish was a 56.7-inch fish that weighed 41.9 pounds.
  • The sixth fish was a 51-inch fish that weighed 25.5 pounds.
  • The seventh fish was a 60.5-inch fish that weighed 47.8 pounds.
Only two of the harvested fish had been captured before by Michigan State University and the DNR during spring spawning runs in the Black River or during past surveys of Black Lake. The harvested 45.7-inch fish was captured and tagged during the 2023 netting survey of Black Lake, while the 64-inch fish was originally captured in the river in 2010. Besides the 64-inch female, which was captured previously during the spawning run, the sex of these fish is not yet known and will be determined using DNA from fin clips collected when the fish were registered.

Participating anglers were notified of the season closure in a variety of ways, including text alerts and ice shanty visits from DNR personnel. All methods were used to indicate the season’s end within minutes of the final fish being harvested. DNR law enforcement officials and other DNR personnel were embedded in the on-ice fishing communities and were able to quickly and safely report harvested fish this year, as well as to quickly contact all lake sturgeon anglers on the ice to close the season.

Rehabilitation of lake sturgeon in the Cheboygan River watershed is a cooperative effort involving the DNR, the Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon For Tomorrow, Michigan State University, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership, the Bay Mills Indian Community, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Contact: Neal Godby, 231-340-2621 or Marcee Wardell, 517-855-1604

For more information on lake sturgeon in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Sturgeon. To learn more about all fishing opportunities statewide, go to Michigan.gov/Fishing.
Fishing

Defeat the Cold with Fish Monkey

Ice fishing is one of the world’s truly extreme sports. It’s great fun and there is plenty of action, not to mention the good times and camaraderie shared by those who participate in this winter activity. In order to be safe and successful you need the right gear, and it starts with a good pair of gloves.

Most anglers just grab a pair of heavy insulated work gloves, but fishing requires more. You need a glove that’s not only waterproof but also one that has the dexterity to allow you to manipulate small rods and reels easily. One that can go from driving a snow machine or side by side to drilling an auger to baiting tiny hooks. Meet the cold-weather glove lineup from Fish Monkey.

First up is the Stealth Sherpa Dry-Tec Heavyweight Mittens and Gloves. These are 100 percent wind- and waterproof, but even more important, they are constructed with a durable water repellent finish. This means they won’t absorb water on the outside, which keeps them light and functional all day long.The breathable membrane also helps prevent moisture buildup, keeping your hands warm without feeling clammy. There’s 200 grams of Thinsulate on the back of the hand and another 100 grams on the palm, which ensures optimal warmth without sacrificing that critical dexterity. The mitten has magnetic stays for the slit fingers in the index and thumb to stay out of the way when not needed. The index fingers on both styles are touchscreen-friendly, and the palms have non-slip grip.

Another option for extreme cold is the Yeti Premium Ice-Fishing Gloves and Mittens. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Michigan DNR Recommends Removal of Trout Lake Dam Due to Ecological and Safety Concerns

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is recommending removal of Trout Lake Dam in Gladwin County. The DNR is responsible for over 200 dams, many of which are declining in condition and need maintenance, including Trout Lake Dam. The deteriorating condition of the dam poses ecological and public safety risks, and removal was determined to be the best feasible option for balancing ecological benefits, public recreation and safety, and the DNR’s limited financial capacity for dam repair.

The 25-acre Trout Lake Dam impoundment provides recreational opportunities for the Trout Lake State Forest Campground and boating access site, which are located on the impoundment. Trout Lake Dam was built in 1961 and is located within state forest lands in the Gladwin Field Trial Area. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the expected lifespan of dam is 50 years; the 63-year-old Trout Lake Dam has exceeded its lifespan by 13 years. Efforts by DNR Fisheries staff to mitigate deteriorating components have been unsuccessful, and leakage has resulted in the water level lowering 7 feet below the normal impoundment elevation.

A 2024 inspection by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — the state agency that regulates dams — determined that Trout Lake Dam was in poor condition and required remedial action. Due to ecological changes in the region and changes in fisheries management best practices, the dam is no longer critical for managing the resource, and funding is not available for repair expenses and subsequent required routine maintenance and operation costs.

As a next step, the DNR Fisheries Division will pursue EGLE permits to draw down the impoundment as necessary to address immediate public safety concerns, then seek removal funding. Currently, no changes are planned for the campground, and recreational users can take advantage of similar fishing opportunities available nearby. Read more

Fishing

Michigan’s Arctic grayling reintroduction begins with May 12 ceremony at Oden State Fish Hatchery

The effort to reintroduce Arctic grayling to Michigan waters will enter its next phase with a ceremony Monday, May 12, at the Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Alanson, Michigan.

At this event, the Department of Natural Resources will provide a total of approximately 400,000 grayling eggs to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. These partners will reintroduce the eggs at locations along the North Branch of the Manistee River, the Maple River and the Boardman-Ottaway River. Read more

Fishing

Public Hearing to Discuss Lake Gogebic Walleye Regulations

If you fish in the Upper Peninsula, you know about Lake Gogebic. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an in-person public hearing to discuss a change to the walleye regulations for Lake Gogebic.

There has never been a more important time in sportsmen’s history than now to protect our way of life. The only way we will be able to slow down the animal extremists is by being more actively involved and engaged in the process of protecting our values, rights, and heritage at every level.

Michigan anglers can do just that at this public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 21. This meeting is from 6-8 p.m. and is held at the Marenisco Village Township Hall, 314 Hall St. in Marenisco. 

The regulation change being considered is regarding slot limit.  The limit prohibits possessing any walleye measuring between 18 inches and 23 inches, but allows anglers one walleye measuring 23 inches or greater in their daily limit of five fish. Read more

Fishing

NSSF Celebrates $1.3 Billion to States for Wildlife Conservation

NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, celebrates the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) announcement that $1.3 billion is being delivered to state conservation and wildlife access programs. The distribution of funds is derived from the Pittman-Robertson excise taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers and Dingell-Johnson excise taxes paid by the angling industry.

A total of $886,499,121 of the $1.3 billion of those funds are directly sourced from firearm and ammunition excise taxes paid by manufacturers. Firearm and ammunition manufacturers have paid over $29 billion into the fund since its inception in 1937, when adjusted for inflation. These funds directly contribute to wildlife conservation through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and provide funding for conservation programs, increased access to public lands and hunter education.

“The firearm industry is tremendously proud of the contributions we make to conserving our wildlife and the habitats wildlife need to thrive for generations to come,” said NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “Our industry is at the forefront of wildlife conservation. Each time a recreational shooter or hunter purchases a firearm or ammunition, they are helping to support wildlife conservation through the excise taxes paid by our industry on the sale of those products. The American model of conservation funding is the gold standard throughout the world for sustainable conservation and wildlife management.”

The excise tax is set at 11 percent of the wholesale price for long guns and ammunition and 10 percent of the wholesale price for handguns. Read more

Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

Michigan DNR Urges Safety On, Around the Ice

With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey and other outdoor adventures. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.

“Even during consistent cold stretches, pressure cracks in the ice can develop within hours,” said Lt. Skip Hagy, DNR law enforcement supervisor in Newberry. “There is no such thing as ‘safe’ ice. Always check conditions for yourself; don’t rely on what you see others doing or what they tell you.”

River mouths and other places where river or lake currents may be located are often places of unstable ice. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution.

Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.

“Keep in mind that warm spells as brief as one day may weaken the ice,” Hagy said. “Melting ice during the day only partially refreezes at night, creating a thin layer of unstable ice.” Read more

Fishing

Today’s fall fingerlings, tomorrow’s big catches

Jan. 8, 2025

A successful fall fish stocking season means future fishing opportunities

The Department of Natural Resources worked hard this past fall to stock fish in waters across Michigan — fish that will provide anglers with more opportunities in seasons to come. The fall 2024 effort saw DNR crews stock seven different species at 78 locations throughout the state; in all, 590,504 fish, weighing in at 10.7 tons, were added to Michigan waters.

Releasing fingerlings in Baraga, MI

“It was another exceptional fall fish stocking season, enhancing fishing opportunities throughout Michigan,” said DNR Fish Production Program manager Aaron Switzer. “Combined with our successful spring and summer stocking efforts, that brings the total for 2024 to more than 9.7 million fish stocked in Michigan’s waters.”

The number and type of fish stocked vary by hatchery, as each facility’s ability to rear fish differs due to water supply and temperature. In Michigan, there are six state and three cooperative hatcheries that work together to produce the species, strain and size of fish needed by fisheries managers. These fish must then be delivered at a specific time and location for stocking to ensure their success.

In general, fish are reared in Michigan’s state fish hatcheries anywhere from one month to 1 1/2 years before they are stocked. Most fish in Michigan are stocked in the spring, but some fish are stocked in the fall because they require less time and fewer resources to rear in hatcheries, and may adjust better to new environments as they are younger and more adaptable to change.

Seven species were stocked this fall: Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, rainbow trout (Eagle Lake and steelhead strains), walleye and muskellunge. Read more

Fishing

Yamaha Marine’s “New Year, New Reliability” Sales Event

Yamaha Marine kicks off the new year with the “New Year, New Reliability” sales event, a promotion that builds in exceptional value with the purchase of eligible Yamaha four-stroke outboards just in time for boat show season. From January 6, 2025, through March 31, 2025, customers who purchase select, new, eligible Yamaha four-stroke outboards have several options to add value depending on horsepower range.

Through the new promotion, customers who purchase eligible, new Yamaha outboards in the 30-to-450 horsepower range have an opportunity to add two years of Y.E.S. coverage* to Yamaha Limited Warranty coverage. For new eligible 30-350 hp outboards that means a total of five years of coverage protection. For new eligible 425-450 hp outboards that means a total of seven years of coverage protection. Finally, the “New Year, New Reliability” sales event gives customers who purchase Yamaha outboards in the 2.5-to-25 horsepower range the ability to earn up to $200 in dealer credit, toward the purchase of goods and/or services, based on MSRP.

“The ‘New Year, New Reliability’ sales event is all about delivering exceptional value on our most popular outboards,” said Scott Higgins, Division Manager, Marketing, Yamaha Marine Engine Systems. “As we look ahead to 2025, Yamaha remains dedicated to providing customers with the dependable power they need to fully enjoy their time on the water.”

Yamaha’s “New Year, New Reliability” sales event is effective for eligible, new Yamaha four-stroke outboards purchased from January 6, 2025, through March 31, 2025. Read more

Fishing
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