Outdoor Blog Network Posts

Michigan Brown Trout Fishing

Justin Clark — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:58:44 +0000

Native to Europe and parts of Asia, brown trout were introduced to Michigan - one of the first states to import them into North America - in 1883 and they now thrive statewide. Though they are often thought of as denizens of Up North, brown trout are more tolerant of warmer water temperatures than other trout species. As a result, browns have become the principle target of anglers in many rivers across the state, ranging from Michigan's best-known trophy waters to small, marginal trout streams in southern Michigan. Brown trout provide good fishing in many, mostly northern Michigan, inland lakes. Anglers use a wide variety of methods, from fishing with live bait on the bottom to trolling with minnows or artificial baits. In the Great Lakes, brown trout can offer outstanding sports in the early spring - often before other species begin to bite - to anglers who wade, fish from piers with live bait or artificial lures, or who troll in largely inshore water with imitation minnows or other plugs. Browns are often taken in conjunction with coho in the spring or incidentally with other salmon during the summer. Brown trout in streams - especially large specimens - seem to be photo-sensitive and are usually more cooperative on rainy or overcast days. Though they will take all manner of live bait as well as spinners or artificial minnows, brown trout are a favorite of fly fishermen, many of whom pursue them after dark during notable insect hatches, especially the giant Michigan mayfly (Hexagenia limbata). But large streamers and big splashy surface flies, such as mouse patterns, produce well, too. Some of Michigan's best known trout streams - such as the Au Sable, the Pere Marquette and the Manistee Rivers - are noted for their brown trout fisheries. Inland brown trout lakes include Higgins, Burt, Mullet, McCormick (near Atlanta) and Bear (Kalkaska County). Use the map and list below to find Michigan's Brown Trout waters.

Alcona County	Alger County	Alpena County
Allegan County	Antrim County	Arenac County
Baraga County	Barry County	Bay County
Benzie County	Berrien County	Branch County
Calhoun County	Cass County	Charlevoix County
Cheboygan County	Chippewa County	Clare County
Clinton County	Crawford County	Delta County
Dickinson County	Eaton County	Emmet County
Genesee County	Gladwin County	Gogebic County
Grand Traverse County	Hillsdale County	Houghton County
Huron County	Ingham County	Ionia County
Iosco County	Iron County	Isabella County
Jackson County	Kalamazoo County	Kalkaska County
Kent County	Keweenaw County	Lake County
Lapeer County	Leelanau County	Lenawee County
Livingston County	Luce County	Mackinac County
Macomb County	Manistee County	Marquette County
Mason County	Mecosta County	Menominee County
Midland County	Missaukee County	Monroe County
Montcalm County	Montmorency County	Muskegon County
Newaygo County	Oakland County	Oceana County
Ogemaw County	Ontonagon County	Osceola County
Oscoda County	Otsego County	Ottawa County
Presque Isle County	Roscommon County	Sanilac County
St. Clair County	Schoolcraft County	Shiawassee County
St. Joseph County	Tuscola County	VanBuren County
Washtenaw County	Wayne County	Wexford County

Michigan Brook Trout Fishing

Justin Clark — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:53:41 +0000

Michigan's native stream trout -- indeed, Michigan's state fish -- brook trout require higher water quality than other species of trout, making them the least geographically distributed trout in Michigan. Found primarily in northern Michigan, brook trout inhabit waters ranging from large rivers to little jump-across creeks, though there is also a population, popularly referred to as "coasters," that lives in the Great Lakes, particularly in Lake Superior, that migrates upstream to spawn as well, Although brookies are capable of growing quite large in lakes (the state record is 9.5 pounds) they are typically diminutive in streams. They are prized table fare. Brook trout - sometimes called specks - have been stocked in a number of lakes, primarily in the Upper Peninsula, where they provide a unique fishery. Many of these lakes are walk-in only and are managed with strict regulations - artificial lures, a 15-inch minimum length limit and a one-fish creel limit - to preserve the quality of the fishery. Brook trout are ready biters and can be taken on all manner of gear, from live bait to dry flies. They can be found in deep holes and under the cover of logs or overhanging banks in many streams where they often pursued by angler drifting worms along the bottom. Small spoons, spinners and jigs are the most popular spinning lures. Brook trout are more diurnal than other trout, giving them a reputation among fly fishermen as "gentlemen trout," and are perhaps the least discriminatory when it comes to accepting an offering that does not quite match the hatch, though they are just as spooky and will readily shy from large leaders or poor casts. The Black River system, in the northeastern Lower Peninsula, enjoys a reputation as being among the best brook trout streams in Michigan. Brookies are found in most major trout stream systems, but by summer, they have often migrated to the headwaters of the tributaries in search of colder water. Brook trout are widespread across the northern portion of the state, especially in the Upper Peninsula, where any stream that runs clear and cold is likely to hold a population of brook trout. Use the Map below and list of counties to find where Brook Trout can be caught in Michigan.

Alcona County	Alger County	Alpena County
Allegan County	Antrim County	Arenac County
Baraga County	Barry County	Bay County
Benzie County	Berrien County	Branch County
Calhoun County	Cass County	Charlevoix County
Cheboygan County	Chippewa County	Clare County
Clinton County	Crawford County	Delta County
Dickinson County	Eaton County	Emmet County
Genesee County	Gladwin County	Gogebic County
Grand Traverse County	Hillsdale County	Houghton County
Huron County	Ingham County	Ionia County
Iosco County	Iron County	Isabella County
Jackson County	Kalamazoo County	Kalkaska County
Kent County	Keweenaw County	Lake County
Lapeer County	Leelanau County	Lenawee County
Livingston County	Luce County	Mackinac County
Macomb County	Manistee County	Marquette County
Mason County	Mecosta County	Menominee County
Midland County	Missaukee County	Monroe County
Montcalm County	Montmorency County	Muskegon County
Newaygo County	Oakland County	Oceana County
Ogemaw County	Ontonagon County	Osceola County
Oscoda County	Otsego County	Ottawa County
Presque Isle County	Roscommon County	Sanilac County
St. Clair County	Schoolcraft County	Shiawassee County
St. Joseph County	Tuscola County	VanBuren County
Washtenaw County	Wayne County	Wexford County

Weekly Fishing Report - May 3rd

Justin Clark — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:45:12 +0000

The openers last weekend were slow but catch rates should pick up as warmer temperatures push into the state. Water levels are low in some of the rivers and inland lakes so use caution especially at the boat launches. SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie: After strong winds and rain, water clarity was muddy and poor. Before conditions worsened, anglers did well when trolling or drifting bottom bouncers with purple or gold crawler harnesses in 14 to 16 feet of water in Brest Bay. Those launching out of Bolles Harbor found good numbers of walleye between the launch and the Dumping Grounds. For smallmouth bass, try the Hot Pond or shallow waters near the mouth of the River Raisin. Huron River: Is producing white bass. Detroit River: Continues to have good walleye fishing for those jigging. Limit catches were reported. Anglers caught a few walleye during the day and at night when hand-lining in the lower river. White bass are starting to show up. Lake St. Clair: The catch and immediate release bass season is now open. Catch rates were slow but warmer weather this week should help as the fish will move into shallow areas along the Mile Roads and Anchor Bay. St. Clair River: Had good walleye fishing near Algonac and Marine City for those jigging during the day or casting after dark. Lexington: Those trolling were finding trout and salmon scattered anywhere from 15 to 60 feet of water. A mix of lake trout, chinook, coho, nice steelhead and the occasional brown trout were taken on both planer boards and downriggers with body baits in shallow waters or spoons out deep. Pier fishing was slow. Port Sanilac: Was also producing trout and salmon for those trolling in waters up to 60 feet deep. Try shallow in the morning then head out to deeper waters. Harbor Beach: Fishing pressure has been light but a few boats were out. Some walleye were caught at night off the breakwall or the Edison Channel. Port Austin: The boat ramp is closed for most of the summer to allow for renovations. Pier anglers were catching some walleye off the north wall at night. Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing was concentrated near the mouth of the Saginaw River and Spoils Island. A few boats were also fishing in seven or eight feet of water off the Bay City State Park and near the mouth of the Kawkawlin River. Those fishing the Hot Pond channel caught mostly bass or pike. Boats heading out of Quanicassee were fishing in six to 11 feet of water off Finn Road and caught a few walleye on crank baits or crawler harnesses. One coho was also caught. Panfish action in Sunset Bay and the marinas should pick up soon. Catch and release bass anglers were fishing off Bay Port and Caseville. Saginaw River: Boat anglers are trolling or vertical jigging between the mouth and the Independence Bridge. Limit catches were reported however anglers had to work for them. Tittabawassee River: The walleye opener was pretty good until the invasion of boats began to take its toll. Water levels were low and clear so some anglers dinged up their props. Even though a good number of fish have already dropped back down to the bay, there are still fish in the river. Those wanting to walleye fish should do so very soon because the rest of the fish will also leave before long. Sebewaing River: Those casting in the lower river caught a mix of bass, pike, and a few walleye. SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA St. Joseph: Salmon fishing is starting to pick up with limit catches reported. Saugatuck: Salmon fishing was steady with a few decent catches of chinook and coho in 60 feet of water. Spoons worked best. Kalamazoo River: Had lots of anglers targeting walleye. Holland: Fishing remains very good. Boat anglers trolling spoons caught chinook and coho in 150 feet of water. Pier anglers caught white perch on minnows or worms. Grand Haven: Boat anglers caught chinook and coho in 150 to 220 feet of water. Set downriggers 85 to 155 feet down and divers 200 to 250 feet back. Add white paddles with green or blue flies or blue spoons. Pier anglers have caught trout and salmon. Most are catching alewife in cast nets and using them for bait. Perch anglers are struggling. Grand River at Grand Rapids: Catfish were caught at Fulton Street and Bridge Street by those using suckers and bluegills. Pike were also hitting on suckers and bluegills. Walleye were caught on jigs and crawlers. Bluegill and crappie hit wax worms, leaf worms and minnows. Grand River at Lansing: Moore’ Park is producing catfish and the occasional walleye. Carp are active throughout the river and the bluegill action should pick up with the warmer weather. Reeds Lake: Perch were caught on minnows in 5 to 15 feet of water. Pike were hitting on suckers and bluegills. Muskegon: Salmon were caught 70 to 130 feet down in waters 150 to 250 feet deep. Try blue and green spoons or white paddles with blue or green flies. Whitehall: Chinook salmon seem to be hitting on just about anything. Anglers had good results when fishing right on the bottom in 140 to 160 feet of water. Green, white and black were the hot colors. White Lake: The walleye and pike opener was good with lots of fish caught. Anglers were using all types of stick baits. NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Cheboygan River: Is producing steelhead, suckers and small yellow perch. Anglers are using fly rods or spinner rods with black flies, fresh spawn or small spinners in red, orange, green, yellow or black. Indian River: Anglers caught a light number of walleye. Burt Lake: Was producing a fair number of walleye. Pigeon River: Steelhead and brown trout were caught even though the trout opener was slow. Rogers City: Fishing has been difficult with the unstable weather. When boats can get out, those trolling did manage to catch a couple Atlantic salmon and lake trout. Those fishing around the piers should find a fair to good number of lake trout. Presque Isle: Look for nglers should find lake trout in waters 50 feet deep or less. Try fishing just off the bottom with cowbells or dodgers with spin glows off Big Lighthouse Point or the North Bay. Pier and boat anglers should find Atlantic salmon. They like bright colors such as yellow, chartreuse, blue, red and orange. Rockport: Lake trout season in northern Lake Huron is now open. There should be a fair to good number of fish close to shore as they are eating smelt which are spawning along the near-shore reefs. Alpena: Perch fishing has tapered off, but walleye fishing is starting to improve as the fish migrate northward from Saginaw Bay. Walleye fishing here will improve steadily through the month of May. Trolling should continue to produce some steelhead, brown trout, and the occasional Atlantic salmon near the mouth. Thunder Bay River: Anglers are fishing the 9th Street Dam for steelhead and brown trout. Try artificial spawn or spoons. Perch fishing slowed at the 2nd Street Bridge. Harrisville: Windy conditions have kept anglers inside the harbor walls, but fish were coming in. Early morning and late evening produced good catches of walleye for those using body baits, small spoon and spinner baits. Hot colors were orange and silver or blue and silver. Most fish were caught off the north wall. Steelhead and Atlantic salmon still making their way into the harbor so try fishing the boat channel on the launch side or the outer most wall. Oscoda: Atlantic salmon were caught off the pier. Good colors were orange and silver, blue and silver or fire-tiger. Walleye are making there way out of the river and back to the mouth so catch rates are starting to increase. The fish look healthy and are good size. Au Sable River: The Hendrickson hatch is just about over on the South Branch however the hatch was still present below Mio. Brown trout were caught on caddis and streamers. The river is still full of steelhead between the mouth and the dam. Tawas: Those trolling in 15 to 20 feet of water near Tawas Point caught a few walleye when using planer boards with body baits. Inside the harbor, perch anglers were sorting through a lot of fish but still getting some keepers. Pier anglers fishing outside the wall were not doing so well. Au Gres: Most boats were trolling in 20 feet of water between Point Lookout and Point Au Gres. They caught walleye using deep diving crank baits. Those casting off shore were also getting a few walleye. Steelhead, salmon and brown trout were also caught on occasion off Point Lookout. Au Gres River: Steelhead fishing near the Singing Bridge is probably about over for this spring. NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA Elk River: Still has light numbers of steelhead hitting on spawn bags or wax worms. A good number of suckers have also shown up right along with some smallmouth bass for the catch and immediate release season. Traverse City: Boat anglers in the East Bay and the West Bay had good success when jigging for whitefish and lake trout. A few cisco were also caught. Boats trolling in the southeastern portion of the West Bay caught lake trout in 20 to 40 feet of water. Shore anglers at the mouth of the Boardman and the Maritime Academy are picking up a few lake trout and smallmouth bass. Boardman River: Steelhead fishing is all but over as the spawned-out fish will be returning to Lake Michigan with the warmer temperatures. A fair number of brook trout were caught. There is an abundance of suckers in the river, a few carp and some smallmouth bass. South Lake Leelanau: Anglers have caught walleye. Frankfort: Anglers heading straight west of the lighthouse and fishing 60 to 80 feet down in waters 140 to 160 feet deep caught a couple chinook salmon on spoons, flashers and flies. Alewife were seen around the piers. Portage Lake: A few walleye were caught on body baits. Pike anglers did well with a few keepers. Catch rates for bass were slower as the fish were holding in deeper water until it warms up. Manistee: Salmon are being caught in 150 to 250 feet of water. Try 60 to 160 feet down with meat rigs and flasher-fly combos. A few fish were caught on orange or green spoons. Those trolling the shoreline caught some brown trout and lake trout. A few small perch and some walleye were caught off the piers. Manistee River: Steelhead fishing is slow but fish are still being caught. Ludington: Boat anglers are catching salmon 70 to 160 feet down in waters 150 to 300 feet deep. Meat rigs or flasher-fly combos were the ticket. Those trolling along the shoreline caught a few lake trout and brown trout on small orange and green spoons or body baits in natural colors. Pere Marquette River: Still has opportunities to catch a steelhead. Pentwater: Pier anglers were catching brown trout and the occasional coho on spawn. Boat anglers caught chinook salmon in 150 to 200 feet of water. Some were using horseflies and flashers but the bite was slow. Pentwater Lake: Anglers were looking for panfish but catch rates were few. UPPER PENINSULA Good brook trout fishing in the rivers and streams however caution needs to be used as water levels are lower than normal for this time of year and conditions have cost boat owners a few props. Steelhead and suckers continue to be active in most area streams even though the trout opener was a little slower this year. Ontonagon: Fishing was good especially in the morning. Chinook, coho and brown trout were the majority but lake trout and steelhead are also being caught by those trolling in eight to 12 feet of water with stick baits and body baits. Green, purple and orange were the hot colors. Black River Harbor: The boat launch is closed this week for maintenance. A few coho were still being caught off the breakwall in the morning when still-fishing with crawlers. Keweenaw Bay: Fishing was spotty with a few chinook, coho, and lake trout caught by those trolling from the Head of the Bay northward to Sand Point. They were 25 to 45 feet down in waters 30 to 50 feet deep with spoons or body baits. Best colors were green, orange, gold and white. Those fishing off the rock dock near the L’Anse Marina caught a coho and steelhead. For Traverse Bay, lake trout were caught when jigging in 170 feet of water with white jigs and cut bait. Lake trout were also caught in 160 to 180 feet of water along Farmers Reef, Newtons Reef and the Mud Banks. Falls River: Water levels are low and catch rates were slow. Marquette: Catch rates were slow with only a few lake trout taken in 150 to 180 feet of water north of Granite Island and near the Little Garlic River. No report from Stannard Rock and no salmon to report. Menominee: There were a few boats going out from the Cedar River and trolling spoons or stick baits along the shoreline for brown trout and walleye. Shore anglers caught suckers. Those fishing off Stony Point were trolling spoons and stick baits for trout or rapalas and crawler harnesses for walleye, but catch rates were slow. The flies were and still are very thick. Menominee River: Boats were trolling up to the Hattie Street Dam while shore anglers and those wading were found between Stephenson Island and Hattie Street. Catch rates for walleye were fair in the early morning or late evening. Those drifting yarn caught trout on the Michigan side. Suckers can still be found in the river. Little Bay De Noc: Is producing some perch. Big Bay De Noc: Perch were caught in Garden Bay. Au Train: Harvest rates for coho declined this past week. Water temperatures ranged between 40 and 42 degrees near Shelter Bay and the near shore waters of Au Train Bay. Those casting stick baits or trolling spoons did manage to catch a few fish however no chinook or lake trout were caught. Cedarville and Hessel: Atlantic salmon, brown trout and steelhead were caught off the pier at Hessel. Try minnows or casting with stick baits. St. Ignace: Fishing was slow however steelhead can still be found in the Carp River.

St. Croix Panfish Series

Justin Clark — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:29:58 +0000

If you’re into crappie, bluegill or perch fishing you’re going to love St. Croix’s latest and greatest, the perfectly named Panfish Series. This new series features two awesome platforms from which to choose. First we have the spinning rods that go up to 7' in ultra-light and light powers with crisp actions designed to protect your ultra light lines from bull gills and mega crappies!. If you like dropping jigs into brush piles and dabbleing around dock pillions – and who doesn’t? – the 8' to 11' models with moderate-fast actions have raised the performance bar when it comes to long, light power spinning rods. The Panfish Series is changing the way fishermen view fishing these pint size bruisers of the fish world. The blanks are made from Premium quality SCII graphite combined with high-modulus/high-strain SCVI graphite for optimal weight, sensitivity and balance.They are designed to provide you superior performance while targeting our tasty friends the crappie, perch and bluegill. The rod is clad with Pac Bay Minima guides which is a weight saving of 20-30% when compared to ceramic guides, and they also give you greater sensitivity.Topping off the component list on these rods is a Pac Bay Minima reel seat with a custom insert which they say gives you even more sensitivity and comfort. Then these sweet stixs are finished with premium-grade cork handle for all day comfort! This series of rods are going to be a game changer in the panfish world for sure. It is a series that only a diehard panhead would think of!

Quality

Doesn't St.Croix mean high quality in french? Well it might not really mean that but these rods are sure to make a great case for that definition to be add to the Webster.

Reliability

These skillful crafted rods give you the power to muscle fish from their haunts while protecting the ultra-light stealth lines that we panheads use in the clear waters of the north.The rods are durable, sensitive and are fantastically well designed rods, that will last well past the 5 year warranty St. Croix is offering.

Price/Value

The series starts at $100 for it's 5 foot ultra-light and goes up to $180 for it brush pile master stick ,the 11 foot light rod.These rods are at the top of the price curve for many panheads, but few rods series have tried to answer the demands of the pan-fisherman. St. Croix is daring to do that with this series. Which sets it apart from the rest of the field at the top.

Referability

If your a serious panhead like me this is a rod series you need to look into. This will change how you look at rods for the tasty fish we all like to target.

Free Seminar this friday!

Justin Clark — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:57:59 +0000

Please join Sportsmen's Direct this Friday, April 27th at 7 p.m. to meet local BASS PRO Joe Balog. Quick facts / BIO about Joe:

Noted Great Lakes expert
Former EverStart Championship and BASS Open winner
Creator of several Great Lakes lures and products, including the first ever goby lure, the original Drop Shot Goby.
The only tournament competitor with Top-10 finishes in national tournaments on all of Lake Erie's basins, from Buffalo to Detroit
Winner of over $250,000 on the Great Lakes
Pro team member: Rapala, Daiwa, Humminbird, Minn Kota, Plano, Ranger, Mercury, ReelGrip, Navionics

Joe will be speaking about bass fishing on Lake St. Clair and the Great Lakes and introducing us to his new bait the Goby Replica. In support of Joe and his sponsors and in appreciation to all attendees, they will be offering 30% off all Rapala, Sufix, and VMC products after the seminar. Their also offering 15% off many of the other brands in the store also at that time. The seminar is being held at Sportsmen's Direct new retail store, which is right on the shores of Lake St. Clair next to the Clinton River Cutoff DNR launch and the Spillway.For directions simple put in Sportsmen's Direct into Google Maps or put in their address 36072 Jefferson Ave Harrison, Twp 48045. Sportsmen's Direct, 36072 Jefferson Ave, Harrison Township, MI 48045 - Google Maps

Restoring Fish Habitat in the St. Clair River Celebration

Justin Clark — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:55:08 +0000

Construction on the Middle Channel Reef Fish Habitat Restoration Project has begun! Please join Michigan Sea Grant and our project partners at a special event to help celebrate the construction and to learn more about the restoration.

The project is aimed at strengthening native fish populations in Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River. The event is set for Tuesday, May 1 (rain date: May 2). Members of the media and special guests are invited to take a boat tour of the reef construction site in the St. Clair River at 10 a.m. RSVPs are required for the boat tour. There will be a public reception at 11 a.m.

Details

What: Celebration of the reef construction and restoration project. Project partners will explain the significance of the project and will be available for interviews. Visuals/Photo opportunities: The research vessel, sampling equipment, fish eggs and larval fish samples, example reef material, diagrams of reef layout and fact sheets will be available. When: Tuesday, May 1. Press reception and boat tour begins at 10 a.m. General reception, open to the public, begins at 11 a.m. Rain Date is May 2 Where: Michigan DNR North Channel Boat Ramp, just south of Algonac on M-29. The launch is across the street from Kroger. Directions available here. Why: The Middle Channel reefs that are under construction are designed to benefit several fish species that are threatened or endangered in Michigan, including lake sturgeon, mooneye, northern madtom catfish and river redhorse sucker. Popular sport fish walleye and commercially important lake whitefish will also benefit. Many of these fish migrate great distances from where they are born; and the Middle Channel reefs will enhance fish communities in lakes St. Clair, Erie and Huron. Learn More:

Middle Channel Reef project: Project Fact sheet (PDF)
Huron Erie Corridor Initiative Huron-Erie Corridor Initiative
Restoration and Research: Restoring an Urban River

Please RSVP to Lynn Vaccaro at lvaccaro@umich.edu if you plan on taking the boat tour. Spaces are limited and reservations are required. The Middle Channel reef project is a GLRI project supported by grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Led by Michigan Sea Grant, this project is part of a long-term collaboration among federal, state and private groups interested in studying and restoring the Huron-Erie Corridor.

The Goby has Landed!-Joe Balog's Goby Replica

Justin Clark — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:09:42 +0000

Round gobies entered the Lake Erie / Lake St. Clair system somewhere around 1990, and, since that time, have taken a major grip on the Great Lakes.Round gobies are an extremely prolific forage fish present in all of the Great Lakes. This exotic species was accidently introduced to the Great Lakes system by way of ocean-going freighters' ballast water. As freighters travel from the Black and Caspian Seas to the Great Lakes, they are forced to discharge of their ballast waters due to the shallow depths of Lake Erie and St. Clair. When doing so, all the organisms and fish that were drawn into the ballast water are forced out. Today, such ballast discharges are better regulated to prevent the movement of exotics. It's estimated that the round goby was introduced in the Great Lakes system around 1990. All species of predator fish, including bass, walleye, muskies and large trout shifted a portion of their feeding habits to include gobies, with the most noted transition occurring in smallmouth bass. By 2005, biologists confirmed what fishermen already knew: up to 90% of the diet of smallmouth bass in Lake Erie is comprised of gobies. Today, fishermen for all major Great Lakes species are seeing noted shifts in their quarry's habits. Walleye, lake trout and pike fishermen are catching goby-eating fish.

Spring 2012 enter Joe Balog's Goby Replica™

While fishing the Western Basin of Erie in the mid 90's, Balog observed smallmouth bass spitting up gobies by the dozens, rather than their normal diet of crayfish and shiners. It was evident the bass preferred the easy-to-catch, high protein exotics to their native forage. At that time, Balog developed the first ever goby bait, the Drop Shot Goby. But after a few years of fishing with the bait, even with the incredible success of the technique, Balog theorized that there had to be a better, more realistic way to mimic a goby to the bass. In 2003, Joe Balog began to entertain the thought of a true goby swimbait. He needed a heavy, bottom hugging lure that closely mimicked the exotic. Balog presented the idea to many lure manufacturers, including some of the largest in the fishing industry, with limited success. No one could build Joe what he wanted. Some got close, others just presented crude hunks of plastic. In 2009, Balog solicited the help of one the leading manufacturers of swimbaits in California. The designer had created the most realistic swimbaits to ever hit the market, and continues to do so with the Goby Replica™. The bait is heavy and hugs the bottom, just like the real thing. It lays at rest upright, balanced perfectly on its pectoral fins. Those same fins lightly kick when the bait is moved, just like a real goby. Each lure is hand-poured and painted to exact specifications. The Goby Replica™ is truly the next frontier of Great Lakes fishing. Field tests in 2010 and 2011 have led to incredible catches. The Goby Replica™ has finally arrived! Why use the Goby Replica? Joe Balog's Goby Replica is the most realistic goby lure in the world. Trophy fish all across the North feed heavily on gobies and, until now, goby lures were limited to drop shot applications or cheap, crude jigs. The Goby Replica bridges the gap, allowing anglers to use stout tackle for trophy fish. The original Goby Replica™ weighs in at over one ounce, allowing the bait to be effectively fished in waters exceeding 30 feet. In addition, the lure features a seductive spiral fall, but lays flat and upright on the bottom when at rest - just like a real goby. This lure is an identical match of a real goby - hand crafted from real goby samples by one of the leading swimbait manufacturers and taxidermists in the United States. Colors are hand selected by Balog himself to match the predominant goby colorations throughout their range, from barred gobies in clear, rocky waters, to the sandy colored fish of Lake St. Clair, to the ominous "black goby" spawning phase. There's even a color dedicated to sight fishing, making it easy for the angler to spot the lure in the water. No other lure on the market today even compares in realism to the Goby Replica™. Initial trials produced giant stringers of smallmouth bass, with fish exceeding six pounds, as well as "bonus" walleyes in the mix. Over 7 years in the making, Joe Balog's Goby Replica™ will add an entirely new dimension to your fishing. Replica Specs & Durability The Goby Replica is a hand-poured, premium swimbait, and each lure is meticulously hand-painted. Premium lures of this quality aren't cheap, and we know that you, the consumer, realizes and appreciates that. We also know that potential buyers are very concerned over two factors: the durability and snag-resistance of the Goby Replica. The photo to the right is of a lure "donated" by Goby Replica Pro-Staffer Erik Jacques. Erik landed over 40 bass with this lure in one day of fishing on Lake St. Clair, and had several other strikes. Thirty of those bass weighed over 3 1/2 pounds. When he retired the lure, it was still performing well, and catching fish. Occasionally, the Goby Replica may need slight repairs which can easily be achieved using super glue. Utilizing a special cavity design, the interior lead mold is engineered to hold the plastic body in place. This results in a very durable lure. In extremely rocky environments, the Goby Replica will snag, on occasion, like any other bottom bouncing lure. However, very rarely will the Goby Replica remain snagged, and lost. This is due to the very large, spongy head of the lure. When "wedged" between rocks, the lure doesn't "lock in" like a jighead or tube bait. By motoring upwind from the snag, anglers can pop the Goby Replica free nearly every time. When testing the Replica in the snaggy, current-filled waters of the Detroit River, Joe was amazed at how he could free the bait each time it wedged between rocks. If you would like to purchase Joe Balog's Goby Replica you visit our site partners Sportsmen's Direct, they carry every color that is currently avaiable. If you don't see the color your looking for check back often has this are a very hot bait and they maybe temporary sold out of a color from time to time but they will be restocked as soon as more become available.

Cabela's Grand Opening - Tulalip, WA, April 19th, 11:00AM

Tom Ryle — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:53:28 +0000

It's finally springtime in the Pacific Northwest! If you're looking for a fun-filled family outing to jolt you from months of hibernation, look no further than Tulalip, WA, just 40 miles north of Seattle. Thursday, April 19th, 2012 marks the Grand Opening of the third Cabela's retail store location in the Pacific Northwest. After an exciting ribbon cutting at 10:45 a.m., doors will open to the public at 11:00 AM sharp. [caption id="attachment_4735" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Cameron Hanes will get things started by cutting the ribbon with his bow!"][/caption] To get the party started, well-known bowhunting author and Under Armour Arsenal Athlete, Cameron Hanes, will be on hand with his Hoyt bow to perform the official ribbon cutting. A large crowd is expected. I recently spoke with Cam about dealing with the pressure of making the shot. He said, "I like putting myself in high-pressure situations; with the crowd, the media, the cameras - I can't miss. I leave on Saturday for my first Alaskan brown bear hunt and will be using the same bow and arrow set up. This shot represents the focus I'll need to get the job done." The Outdoor Channel’s Matt Eastman, TV host of “Wanna Go Fishing?,” will attend the ribbon cutting and make an offer to one lucky guest that is certain to excite fishing enthusiasts. “Wanna Go Fishing?” is known for randomly selecting people and giving them five minutes and two phone calls to decide if they’ve “got the guts” to go on an adventure of a lifetime to one of the finest fishing locations in the world. Opening day and the following weekend will feature outdoor experts, hunting and fishing celebrities, sweepstakes and giveaways, live music and family and outdoor activities. Come out and see: CJ Buck, Matt Eastman, Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, Jim Burnworth, Fred and Michele Eichler, Bob Fromme, Scott and Tiffany Haugen, Cameron Hanes, and others! The store is located within Quil Ceda Village along Interstate 5 at exit 202. There's Something for Everyone!

Designed and Made in the Pacific Northwest! LimbSaver, out of Shelton, WA will be on-hand to share their some of their hot new products, such as the new Fletchpod, Broadhead pods, the Kodiak Lite Sling, and Kodiak Compound Bow Sling. And don't miss the chance to meet Professional Hunter and Limbsaver Pro Staff Member, Bob Fromme, who will be on hand Saturday and Sunday.
Representatives from conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and others will be there ready to share information about all they do to benefit wildlife across country.
Learn Boat Safety from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Learn about the Wounded Warrior's Project and all the fantastic work they do for our Military Heros.
Enter to win a 3-day, 4-night fishing trip for two to the Beacon Hill Lodge in Ketchikan, Alaska. The package includes lodging and guided fishing (valued at more than $5,000), a $1,500 travel voucher and $500 Cabela’s gift card. See below for the full schedule of activities and events.
Check out Beretta's Mobile Showroom with more than 40 Beretta firearms to view along with the latest knives, ammunition, clothing and accessories.
K9 KiNGS have the world's largest meet & greet and pet area, 13 professional dogs, free giveaways and routines with daredevil dog agility, multiple trainers and dogs, comic book superheroes, fastest Frisbee dog in the world and multiple Frisbee dog routines.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Detailed Schedule of Activities & Events Thursday, April 19 9-10:30 AM Live music from Monroe, Wash. cover band Bucking Horse 10:45 AM Official Cabela’s ribbon cutting ceremony with an arrow shot by Cameron Hanes 11:00 AM Cabela’s doors open to the public 11 AM–3 PM Cameron Hanes – Under Armour Arsenal Athlete 11 AM–1 PM CJ Buck – President and CEO of Buck Knives 5 PM–6 PM CJ Buck – President and CEO of Buck Knives ALL DAY Beretta Mobile Showroom with more than 40 Beretta firearms to view along with the latest knives, ammunition, clothing and accessories. Enter for a chance to win a 3-day, 4-night fishing trip for two to Beacon Hill Lodge in Ketchikan, Alaska—a trip valued at more than $5,000—plus a $1,500 travel voucher from Cabela’s Outdoor Adventures and a $500 Cabela’s gift card. Must be or 18 years or older to enter and win. Limit one entry per customer per day. Enter for a chance to win a complete Coleman package valued at $1,500. Must be 18 years or older to enter and win. Limit one entry per customer per day. Friday, April 20 OPENING Cabela’s three-piece stainless steel BBQ tool set valued at $39.99 as a grand opening giveaway to the first 100 customers through the doors. Must be 18 years or older. 10 AM–4 PM “All Things Turkey” presented by the local chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation 10 AM–4 PM Kids Casting with the Puget Sound Anglers 10 AM–4 PM Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife TIPS Trailer (Turn in Poachers) and Cerulean Bear Dogs 12 PM–4 PM CJ Buck – President and CEO of Buck Knives 5 PM–8 PM CJ Buck – President and CEO of Buck Knives ALL DAY Beretta Mobile Showroom with more than 40 Beretta firearms to view along with the latest knives, ammunition, clothing and accessories. Enter for a chance to win a 3-day, 4-night fishing trip for two to Beacon Hill Lodge in Ketchikan, Alaska—a trip valued at more than $5,000—plus a $1,500 travel voucher from Cabela’s Outdoor Adventures and a $500 Cabela’s gift card. Must be or 18 years or older to enter and win. Limit one entry per customer per day. Enter for a chance to win a complete Coleman package valued at $1,500. Must be 18 years or older to enter and win. Limit one entry per customer per day. Saturday, April 21 OPENING Cabela’s flashlight valued at $14.99 as a grand opening giveaway to the first 100 customers through the doors. Must be 18 years or older to win. 9 AM–12 PM CJ Buck – President and CEO of Buck Knives 10 AM–5 PM R. Lee Ermey – ‘The Gunny’ actor – Brought to you by SOG Specialty Knives and Tools. 10 AM–2 PM Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo – television show hosts of ‘Archer’s Choice’ and ‘The Choice’ 10 AM–3 PM Bob Fromme – Professional hunter and Limbsaver Pro Staff Member and Jim Burnworth – host of ‘Western Extreme, Adventures Abroad,’ and new series titled ‘Choose your Weapon.’ 10 AM–4 PM “All Things Turkey” presented by local chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation 10 AM–4 PM Kids Casting with the Puget Sound Anglers 10 AM–4 PM Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife TIPS Trailer (Turn in Poachers) and Cerulean Bear Dogs 10 AM–4 PM Marysville Fire Department with Arial ladder truck and EMS; and boating safety with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 10 AM–4 PM Boating Safety with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary 10 AM–4 PM Local chapter of Ducks Unlimited 10 AM–4 PM Fun activities with volunteers from the Wounded Warrior’s Project 10 AM–4 PM Video Game Shootout with Safari Club International 10 AM–4 PM Hanging with Birds of Prey by Sarvey Wildlife Center 10 AM–4 PM Outdoor Experts: Fred and Michele Eichler – Fred is host of ‘Easton Bowhunting TV’ and ‘Predator Nation’ and owner of Fulldraw Outfitters. Michele is host of Muzzy Bad to the Bone Bowhunting TV. Bill Saunders – Bill Saunders Calls and Gear and expert Western Washington waterfowl hunter Scott and Tiffany Naugen – Cabela’s Pro Staff Jim and Jennifer Stahl – owners of NW Fishing Guides Captain Gary Krein – “Professor of Puget Sound” and All Star Fishing Charters Captain Nick Kester – All Star Fishing Charters 12, 3 & 6 PM K9 KiNGS Flying Dog Show with J.D. Platt, sponsored by KEEN. K9 KiNGS have the world's largest meet greet and pet area, 13 professional dogs, free giveaways and routines with daredevil dog agility, multiple trainers and dogs, comic book superheroes, fastest Frisbee dog in the world and multiple Frisbee dog routines. ALL DAY Beretta Mobile Showroom with more than 40 Beretta firearms to view along with the latest knives, ammunition, clothing and accessories. Enter for a chance to win a 3-day, 4-night fishing trip for two to Beacon Hill Lodge in Ketchikan, Alaska—a trip valued at more than $5,000—plus a $1,500 travel voucher from Cabela’s Outdoor Adventures and a $500 Cabela’s gift card. Must be or 18 years or older to enter and win. Limit one entry per customer per day. Enter for a chance to win a complete Coleman package valued at $1,500. Must be 18 years or older to enter and win. Limit one entry per customer per day. Sunday, April 22 OPENING Cabela’s gift card valued between $5 and $20 as a grand opening giveaway to the first 100 customers through the doors. Must be 18 years or older to win. 10 AM–4 PM Troy, Jacob and Chase Landry – TV’s Swamp People 10 AM–2 PM Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo – television show hosts of ‘Archer’s Choice’ and ‘The Choice.’ 10 AM–3 PM Bob Fromme – Professional hunter and Limbsaver Pro Staff Member and Jim Burnworth – host of ‘Western Extreme, Adventures Abroad,’ and new series called ‘Choose your Weapon.’ 10 AM–4 PM Skins and Skulls presented by the local Mule Deer Foundation chapter 10 AM–4 PM “All Things Turkey” presented by local chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation 10 AM–4 PM Kids Casting with the Puget Sound Anglers 10 AM–4 PM Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife TIPS (Turn in Poachers) Trailer and Cerulean Bear Dogs 10 AM–4 PM Hanging with Birds of Prey with the Sarvey Wildlife Center 10 AM–4 PM EMS card and boating Safety with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary 10 AM–4 PM Local chapter of Ducks Unlimited 10 AM–4 PM Fun activities with volunteers from the Wounded Warrior’s Project 10 AM–4 PM Video Game Shootout with Safari Club International 10 AM–4 PM Local chapter of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 10 AM–4 PM Outdoor Experts Bill Saunders – Bill Saunders Calls and Gear and expert Western Washington waterfowl hunter Scott and Tiffany Naugen – Cabela’s Pro Staff Jim and Jennifer Stahl – owners of NW Fishing Guides Captain Gary Krein – “Professor of Puget Sound” and All Star Fishing Charters Captain Nick Kester – All Star Fishing Charters 12, 3 & 6 PM K9 KiNGS Flying Dog Show with J.D. Platt, sponsored by KEEN. K9 KiNGS have the world's largest meet greet & pet area, 13 professional dogs, free giveaways and routines with daredevil dog agility, multiple trainers and dogs, comic book superheroes, fastest Frisbee dog in the world and multiple Frisbee dog routines. ALL DAY Beretta Mobile Showroom with more than 40 Beretta firearms to view along with the latest knives, ammunition, clothing and accessories. Enter for a chance to win a 3-day, 4-night fishing trip for two to Beacon Hill Lodge in Ketchikan, Alaska—a trip valued at more than $5,000—plus a $1,500 travel voucher from Cabela’s Outdoor Adventures and a $500 Cabela’s gift card. Must be or 18 years or older to enter and win. Limit one entry per customer per day. Enter for a chance to win a complete Coleman package valued at $1,500. Must be 18 years or older to enter and win. Limit one entry per customer per day. (Cameron Hanes Photo courtesy of Cameron Hanes)

Ohio attempting sauger re-introduction in Lake Erie

Justin Clark — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:25:55 +0000

This was published in the Ohio Outdoor news

BY JOHN HAGEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

April 12, 2012

Sandusky, Ohio — At the 31st Ohio Sea Grant charter boat conference on March 3, Jeff Tyson, supervisor of the DNR Division of Wildlife’s Fisheries Research Station in Sandusky, announced that plans are under way to begin reintroducing sauger into Lake Erie. Related to (yellow) walleyes and the now-extinct blue pike which all shared Lake Erie until the early 1960s, very few saugers remain in the lake or western basin rivers. Saugers are pretty easy to tell apart from walleyes, as they have rows of black round spots on the webbing of their spiny dorsal fin. Walleyes just have black in-between the last few. Walleyes have few or no scales on their cheeks, while saugers cheeks are well-scaled. Saugers look yellowish-brown/white with black splotches on their sides, while walleyes are green/yellow/white skin with occasional darker saddle bands. Saugers were once caught in Lake Erie by the millions by Ohio’s commercial netters all along the south shore, especially in the fall and spring. A comment relayed in an 1893 U.S. Fish Commission report stated that they were so abundant in the spring and fall near Cleveland that, “scarcely any other fish can exist!” In fact, the commercial catch from 1884 was 5.3 million pounds and peaked in 1916 at 6.2 million pounds, according to a 1956 ODNR report. Due to their importance, they were one of the species raised in the Put-in-Bay State Fish Hatchery, which may explain their high catch rates around the islands during ice fishing season. In one winter during the mid-1940s, islanders caught nearly 4 tons by hook and line to sell to mainland fish markets. They disappeared, however, from the sport catch in the late 1940s and became commercially insignificant in the by 1964, about the same time blue pike vanished, largely due to widespread pollution, the expansion of the dead zone into the western basin, an explosion of the smelt population, and reduction of their benthic food supply. What little population remained was speculated later to have been absorbed into the more numerous walleye population through hybridization. From 1974 to 1976, sauger fry and fingerlings were stocked into Sandusky Bay. Netters and anglers caught some of these fish for the next several years. Some natural reproduction occurred, as fish hatched in 1977 were occasionally seen for a few years. Some were occasionally seen trapped on the travelling screens at Toledo Edison’s Bayshore power plant in the spring of 1977. At the time, it was assumed that they were native Maumee River fish, but we later learned about the stocking project, which coincided with the stocking time frame. That same year, an estimated 1,900 were caught by anglers in the two rivers, mostly in the Sandusky, but the state record of 7.31 pounds, 24½ inches was established in the Maumee River in March, 1981. The daily limit of saugers was treated similarly to how largemouth and smallmouth bass limits are set with a daily catch counted singly or in any combination of they and walleyes added together. Due to changing conditions such as higher fertility, turbidity (cloudiness) and temperatures which favor sauger, Ohio’s fisheries biologists feel that the timing is right to give this species another opportunity to re-populate the nearshore areas of the lake again. This species is also more likely to stay in the western basin instead of migrating eastward as walleyes do when the water temperatures warm up in midsummer. It is now common practice to try to genetically match stocked fish to native populations. There are investigations planned this year that will compare populations in other states to historic Lake Erie specimens. Once a genetic match has been settled on, stocking efforts will begin in locations that will offer the best chance of creating self-sustaining populations.

Cabela's Sneak Peak - Tulalip, Washington Store

Tom Ryle — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:06:56 +0000

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2RUBcznfIo