The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Tuesday announced that more than $4 million in grant funding will be awarded to 23 communities throughout the state to boost recreational boating.

The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s waterways grant program, which began in 1949 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state. Today, the system includes more than 1,300 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes.

“Water and boating are at the heart of Michigan,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “We have residents who live on the water, those who travel all over the state to boat and visitors who come here from around the world because it’s the Great Lakes State. Michigan offers outdoor recreational opportunities and picturesque views not found anywhere else, and so it’s of utmost importance that the DNR helps invest and fund Michigan’s harbors and boating access sites for the benefit of all.”

Local units of government and state colleges and universities are eligible to apply for grant assistance for recreational boating improvements and development at grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites. The grant-in-aid program provides matching funding to help support quality recreational boating infrastructure. Communities are asked to match 50% of required funds. Read more

SAN ANTONIO, TX (June 23, 2021) – Late Monday afternoon, while practicing for an upcoming collegiate bass fishing event on Lay Lake in Alabama, McKendree University angler Trevor McKinney was struck by lightning out on the water. McKinney and fellow teammate Blake Jackson were running back to the boat ramp ahead of an incoming storm when their boat was struck by lightning. The anglers made it back to the ramp safely, and McKinney was fully checked out by EMS and given the all-clear before leaving the lake.

Association of Collegiate Anglers staff had the opportunity to speak with both anglers, as well as McKendree University Head Bass Fishing Coach Jon Rinderer, to get the full details of what occurred.

“It was kind of getting dark, and we kind of wanted to run down a little closer to the boat ramp. We knew storms were kind of in the area, but not close,” noted Blake Jackson, McKendree University angler. “It starts raining and we start taking off down the lake. We’re running about 55-60(MPH), something like that. And then it just starts raining, so I duck down in the bottom of the boat and kind of just turn around a little bit so it’s not pelting me in the face. Next thing I know, he’s running, and I just see this bolt of lightning right in my face. It had to either hit Trevor’s shoulder, Trevor’s seat, maybe the pole in the back of the boat…but it was just right there in your face.”

Both Trevor and Coach Rinderer reported that the shock went through McKinney’s body and exited via his pant seat and out through the driver’s chair in the boat.

“I was just kind of stunned you know. It was something that you’d never expect just driving down the lake. Honestly, it felt like somebody shot me with a taser. My body just kind of froze up. For an hour afterwards I was just kind of shaking,” explained Trevor McKinney, McKendree University angler.

Seventeen fish habitat conservation projects in streams and lakes across the state will share more than $2.1 million in Fisheries Habitat Grants administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The projects, supported by an additional $616,000 in matching partner contributions, will rehabilitate and protect valuable fish habitat that provides the foundation for Michigan’s world-class fisheries. Eleven of the funded projects are priority habitat conservation projects as identified by the DNR.

The Fisheries Habitat Grant program provides funding for a variety of activities including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and access to recreation opportunities like fishing. Funding from fishing license sales, State of Michigan general funds and a settlement with Consumers Energy is distributed through three grant areas: aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds.

Joe Nohner, a resource analyst with the DNR Fisheries Division, said the funded projects will protect and rehabilitate fish habitats across the state, while in many cases improving public safety by removing dams.

“When completed, these projects will reconnect fish passage on over 250 miles of streams, including coldwater habitats that provide greater resilience to warming on some of the state’s premier trout and salmon rivers such as the Au Sable, Boardman, Pere Marquette and Muskegon,” Nohner said. “We’ll also be able to get valuable new information about inland lake aquatic vegetation, mussel populations and northern Michigan trout streams, which means even more effective resource management.”

Projects funded by the Fisheries Habitat Grant program include: Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional  Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Lake Ovid is a reservoir located within Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County and it was time for me to discover its lure.  Loading my small jon boat into my truck the night before would make for an early get-away and a solitary experience on the man-made lake, or so I thought.  When I arrived at the boat launch, I couldn’t believe the sight:  dozens of bass boats lined up at water’s edge for some type of tournament.  Curses!  Good for them but bad for my idea of being alone.  I made a U-turn and headed away.

That scene played out last year and I figured to try again a week ago; this time, only one other boater met me along the shore at daybreak.  Within minutes, I had the oars in the water and began my discovery mission.  As I applied some muscle power, one oar was not cooperating properly and actually came out of the oar lock.  Unfortunately, I found that one of my nylon oar lock bushings had inexplicably vanished over the winter, as rowing became problematic.  Somehow, I managed to jam the oar hardware in place and limped along.

The first cast with my open-faced reel had a rather large bluegill brighten my day.  Unharmed, it was given back to the lake and I slipped closer to the nearby shore, where I witnessed a huge surface splash moments before.  Switching to a Rapala minnow, I tossed it toward the area of commotion.  Wham!  A largemouth bass gave a good tussle and found its way into my landing net.  Since the season had yet to open – and, because I never keep bass for table fare – I eased the hook from its lip and turned it loose without measuring it.  For a few hours on the water, the action was steady until the heat of the day took over.

The 410-acre Lake Ovid was created in the 1970’s with the construction of a dam on the Little Maple River. With an average depth of 10 feet, Lake Ovid is generally fairly shallow, with depths not exceeding 23 feet.

The typical fish species available are Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Sunfish, and Yellow Perch.  A bit of research shows that some 6800 Channel Catfish were planted in 2019 – the last stocking activity found.

Hours are from 8 am – 10 pm and a Recreation Passport is required.  Other entities include a beach with swimming plus kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats and pontoon boats are available for rent. Camping with modern restrooms, and miles of walking trails and some horse trails are all part of the 2600 acre state park.

Since the lake is defined as a “no wake” lake, electric trolling motors are probably the most desirable method of propulsion but gasoline motors are permitted, as well.  The lake weeds are evident along the shore and other shallow areas of the lake, but it is there you’ll find some good action.

So, if you are looking for a get-away close to home, Lake Ovid may serve you and your family well.

When releasing deep-water fish, the right tools mean everything

Will you be fishing for snapper or grouper on your next fishing trip? Continue your role as a conservationist by paying close attention to signs of barotrauma and being prepared to respond. Barotrauma is a condition seen in many fish caught at depths greater than 50 feet and is caused by pressure changes leading to an expansion of gases in the swim bladder. It is important to treat barotrauma in fish you do not intend to keep. Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes.

Barotrauma can cause damage to internal organs and be fatal unless appropriate steps are taken to mitigate its effects. It is important to know in advance what tools are available and how to use them to help fish return to the bottom and increase their chances of survival. Read more