Paden Flippin caught and released a 36.7-pound brown trout last Wednesday, his 24th birthday, while fishing with friends on the White RIver below Bull Shoals Dam. Paden guides for Cotter Trout Dock but had his birthday off, and he took the opportunity to land this whopper, which he and his friends had been tracking for more than a year. And, as the fish was hauled in and held for this photos, all the guides on the White River around Cotter were ecstatic, we’re told.

Is there a trout like this in your future? It could be. Many trophy trout have caught and released in the past two weeks around Cotter Trout Dock, they say, plus some great rainbows, browns and cutthroats that “may not be considered trophy size, but that fight for the title nonetheless.” Water releases have remained steady at just under one unit of water issued from Bull Shoals Dam (approximately 2,400 cfs) for most of each day, with a rise in the late afternoon and early evening. While the water is low, they’re taking advantage of using shrimp and scented egg baits. Also this week they found success with jigs (brown/orange, ginger/orange and tri-olive), quarter-ounce Little Cleos, both gold and silver and minnows for the browns.

By Glen Wunderlich

I happened to be watching a fishing show and noticed a person on the boat wearing what looked like some type of mask. Now, why in the heck is that guy hiding his face from the camera, I thought; he looked more like a bank robber than a fisherman. In fact, he was intentionally shielding his face from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Having visited the dermatologist recently for a routine checkup of my skin and leaving with 7 stiches near my temple, I’ve realized that I must do a better job of preventing skin cancer. And, this was not my first bout with the dreaded condition brought on by the sun. A couple of years ago I underwent chemotherapy on my face whereby a topical cream brought out pre-cancerous spots to the surface of the skin making my face look more like a pizza pie than that guy I’ve seen in the mirror all these years. It was a grueling experience!

I’ve tried all the sunscreen creams and sprays but they do have drawbacks such as wearing off during use.  Most sunscreen product instructions recommend re-applying every two hours or sooner. Then, of course, there is the mess associated with applications and the ongoing cost. Maybe that fisherman on TV was on to something.

As consumers learn more about protecting themselves from the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV), sun protective clothing is becoming more popular. However, the fabric employed uses a UPF rating system that is similar to that of sunscreens using an SPF rating system.

The fabric in sun protective clothing uses a UPF rating system to communicate the protective strength of a particular garment. UPF 50 means that the garment allows only 1/50^th (2 percent) of the sun’s harmful UV radiation to pass through the garment.

An alternative to the lotions and sprays seemed to make sense, so I purchased a face shield from Fish Monkey performance fishing gear.

Fish Monkey Face Guard

I’ve been wearing the bank-robber attire religiously when outdoors for more than five minutes and here’s what I’ve learned.

Apart from the no-mess aspects of the face shield, it’s a simple matter to slip the stretch fabric in place and to pull it down around the neck if a cool drink is needed. It’s also advertised to have a cooling effect, if wet, and it certainly does. The fabric had become a bit soiled from use and after a gentle cleaning and rinsing, I slipped it on while still wet. Immediately, I noticed a cool, refreshing feeling that increased as I rode my ATV.

Because every person is unique, each has his or her own risk level regarding the sun.  Things like family medical history, skin type, personal medical history, medication and geographical location) can affect how susceptible a person may be to the sun’s harmful UV radiation. With this in mind, it’s good advice to consult with your doctor, but protective clothing is worth a second look – and what a look it can be.

Largest donation ever kicks off Gone Fishing with free in-store events and community partnerships introducing more kids and families to fishing

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris is challenging families everywhere to put down their digital devices and head outside to discover the joys of fishing this summer. Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are donating more than 55,000 rods and reels to not-for-profit partners that help kids from all backgrounds connect to the great outdoors to kick off Gone Fishing.

The nationwide movement is part of an annual call-to-action that aims to introduce the sport to millions of kids. Activities include donations, nonprofit partnerships and a variety of free in-store activities at all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations the weekends of June 8-9 and 15-16. Since the program’s inception, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have donated more than 400,000 items to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America. Read more

Our popular “Three Free” weekend – two full days when Michigan residents and visitors can grab a fishing pole, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, all free of charge – is back, June 8 and 9.

You can enjoy fishing without a license (all other fishing regulations apply) and a variety of no-cost events planned around the state during Free Fishing Weekend; ride without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit as part of Free ORV Weekend and visit state parks without the regular Recreation Passport entry fee.

Learn more about the DNR’s “Three Free” weekend.

Looking for a great reason to get outdoors? How about three. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has brought back the popular “Three Free” weekend – this year it’s Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9 – two full days when residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing pole, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, all free of charge.

“Michigan is home to some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities and most beautiful natural spaces you’ll find anywhere,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Whether you’re already an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore the outdoors, our ‘Three Free’ weekend makes it easy to explore a new hobby, visit a new park or introduce friends to an outdoor experience you love.” Read more

GW: Here we go again…
Lawsuit Launched to Protect Endangered Lake Sturgeon in Mississippi River, Great Lakes

Giant Fish Needs Federal Protection to Recover

CHICAGO— Conservation groups sent a notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to respond to a 2018 petition seeking Endangered Species Act protection for the lake sturgeon.

The lake sturgeon is an ancient fish species that lives primarily in the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River drainage. It has declined by roughly 99 percent over the past century because of overfishing, dams and pollution.

“Lake sturgeon are prehistoric survivors, but they need federal help if they’re going to outlast what we’ve done to them,” said Jeff Miller, a senior conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity. “These behemoth fish are a bellwether for the health of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. They need stronger protections for spawning rivers and other habitats to make sure they’re not lost forever to extinction.”

“The mighty lake sturgeon was the ancient ruler of thousands of river miles in the Ohio River basin, but today only a small remnant of that genetically distinct population remains, blocked by a dam, in approximately 46 miles of the East Fork White River,” said Gary Moody with Fishable Indiana Streams for Hoosiers. “It’s practically a miracle that they still exist in that tiny range — they’re not very resilient when their environment deteriorates, and their numbers are few. One big chemical spill, one bad drought, or some combination of factors could push Indiana’s lake sturgeon to extinction.” Read more

Earlier this month, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources surveyed the unique Lake Superior lake trout populations located at Isle Royale. The DNR conducts this survey every five years, and it yields data essential for the proper management of the fishery resources around the island.

The research vessel Lake Char deployed gill nets around the island to capture the lean, siscowet and redfin strains of lake trout – the types of trout known to cruise the deeper waters around the island complex. Fisheries managers collect and use this abundance, health and species data to better manage and ensure the long-term health and sustainability of these unique fish populations.

“Survey data indicate the lake trout populations around Isle Royale remain healthy and are expected to continue providing world-class recreational fishing for years to come,” said Edward Baker, the Marquette Fisheries Research Station manager. “A highlight of the survey was capture and subsequent release of a redfin lake trout that was 53 inches long and weighed 34 pounds.” Read more