A healthy, abundant walleye population is a big part of Michigan’s fisheries. These native fish provide exciting opportunities for world-class recreational fishing and play an important ecological role as a top predator. Though several local, regional and Great Lakes-centric walleye plans exist, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has drafted the first statewide walleye plan focused on inland waters – and is asking the public’s help in finalizing it.

The draft version of the “Management Plan for Walleye in Michigan’s Inland Waters” is available for review and written comment through April 1. All comments should be sent via email to DNR-Walleye@Michigan.gov.

Seth Herbst, the DNR’s aquatic species and regulatory affairs manager, is leading the initiative. He said this draft plan was developed to guide the department’s management effort toward maximizing both angler satisfaction and the ecological benefits of walleye fisheries. Read more

Water levels behind Edenville Dam dropping next week; public warned to stay off ice

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on Wednesday issued a news release about work to begin lowering the Edenville Dam Tobacco River spillway, bringing down water levels behind the structure. Because this area around Gladwin and Midland counties is popular for many outdoor recreation pursuits – including ice fishing – we are sharing this information with our DNR subscribers.

According to the release:

• As the water level drops and its velocity increases, the ice will become destabilized or could break apart, creating dangerous conditions. Receding water is also expected to expose unstable bottomlands, steep channel slopes and previously unseen debris, tree stumps or other hazards.
• The public is warned to stay off the ice and the newly exposed bottomlands until further notice.
• The area of unsafe ice conditions is between Dale Road and the remaining portion of the dam west of M-30. Caution also should be taken on the Tittabawassee River above the breached section of the dam – where the drawdown could lead to shifting and unstable ice – and below the dam on the Tobacco River.

The full EGLE news release gets into more detail about the reasons for the work and includes a map outlining the area for caution, an interactive story map, a batch of frequently asked questions and answers, and links to a webinar that explains the emergency work.

As a general rule of outdoor winter recreation, the Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to put safety first, get familiar with local conditions and always dress for the weather.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN – The deadline is fast approaching for the 2021 Art of Conservation™ Fish Art Contest, supported by Title Sponsor Bass Pro Shops. This free contest is open to youth in grades K-12 from across the globe. The deadline to enter is March 31st, start your entry today!

Students from around the world can win top honors, international recognition and prizes while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. The Art of Conservation® inspires young people to get involved in the great outdoors and ignites a passion to become lifelong activists for the natural world.

Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs at the Johnny Morris Foundation said, “The Fish Art Contest allows youth the opportunity to connect with nature, no matter where they live. From the inner city to rural America, the Art of Conservation has the power to transform lives. Johnny Morris’s Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is proud to support to a program committed to shaping the future of the outdoors.” Read more

CHEYENNE — Flaming Gorge boaters and recreationalists; the Wyoming Game and Fish Department needs your input. Game and Fish is finalizing a plan that will guide actions in the event that aquatic invasive species — like zebra and quagga mussels — are discovered at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. If mussels are ever discovered at the Gorge, there will be changes that impact boaters and other recreationalists in an effort to prevent their further spread throughout Wyoming and the nation.

Representative Simpson rolls out multi-billion-dollar proposal to revolutionize the Snake River Alexandria, VA –– On February 6, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) released an ambitious proposal to overhaul the hydrology of the Lower Snake River and provide support for the numerous industries reliant on the river system. According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the congressman’s proposal shows his continued commitment to tackling the region’s problematic infrastructure and restoring the rapidly declining salmon populations.

Rep. Simpson notes that the four Lower Snake River Dams, long targeted for removal by conservation groups including ASA, provide significant benefits for energy, transportation, agriculture and communities in the region. However, salmon and steelhead runs have continued to decline over the past 50 years despite $17 billion invested in fish recovery efforts. Simpson notes that there are three drivers significantly impacting salmon and steelhead in the state: poor ocean conditions, rising global temperatures and the four Lower Snake River Dams. The multi-billion-dollar proposal includes breaching these dams and funding a comprehensive array of mitigation measures for energy, agriculture, tourism, tribes and other interests. Read more

Winter weather is the perfect opportunity to cuddle up with your loved ones, but you don’t have to stay inside to have an awesome Valentine’s Day weekend! Take your valentine fishing during Free Fishing Weekend, Feb. 13-14.

Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy world-class fishing – without a fishing license – on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species. Just keep in mind that all fishing regulations still apply.

The Recreation Passport fee for vehicle entry into state parks and boating access sites also is waived during this weekend. Read more

For two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities – fishing – for free!

This year’s winter Free Fishing Weekend dates are Feb. 13 and 14. Read more