Outdoor Blog Network Posts

Pope & Young Convention - Friday Banquet Features a Passionate Address by Shane Mahoney

Tom Ryle — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:23:44 +0000

Friday Banquet Features a Passionate Address by Shane Mahoney Friday Recognition Banquet Friday, April 12, 2013 Hilton Anatole Khmer Ballroom Dallas, Texas DON'T MISS THIS INSPIRING, IMPRESSIVE AND ENTERTAINING PRESENTATION FROM WORLD RENOWNED LECTURER SHANE MAHONEY! Hunting remains a critically important conservation mechanism as well as a profoundly influential tradition in the lives of millions of people. Its importance in launching the great wildlife recovery in North America that commenced in the latter days of the nineteenth century is beyond dispute. How will the many changes in our society affect its future and what role must hunters play to ensure that hunting remains a force for the common good of wildlife and people in the 21st Century? Internationally acclaimed biologist and conservation leader Shane Mahoney is uniquely positioned to address these issues. Mirroring Theodore Roosevelt's call to conservation arms, Shane Mahoney will deliver the keynote address and call on hunters to renew their pledge to conservation as the first and most important responsibility of their citizen activism. Always passionate and inspiring, and deeply committed to hunting and wildlife conservation, Shane Mahoney will without doubt deliver an intense and challenging address to banquet attendees. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear one of hunting and conservation's best! Shane Patrick Mahoney is considered one of today's leading international authorities on wildlife conservation and is beyond question one of the conservation movement's most eloquent spokesmen. A rare combination of poet, historian, scientist and philosopher, he offers a unique and evocative perspective to wildlife conservation issues, one that has motivated and inspired audiences around the world. Sometimes referred to as the Canadian Leopold, he is an impassioned communicator widely recognized as an expert on wildlife management and North American conservation history and policy development. Born and raised in Newfoundland, Shane Mahoney brings to his work a profound commitment to wild nature, rural societies, and to the sustainable use of the earth's natural resources. Formerly the Head of Wildlife Research for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, he founded and is currently the Executive Director for the Institute for Biodiversity, Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (IBES). He is a recognized expert on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and is widely credited with spearheading outreach efforts on this concept, a framework originally articulated by his close friend and mentor, Dr. Valerius Geist, and now firmly entrenched within conservation debates today. Shane has lectured and written extensively on this issue. Shane is the voice of the Boone and Crockett Country television series and has produced many conservation oriented films. Click here for a more-complete resume on Shane's involvement in the conservation world: www.pope-young.org/email/ref/shane_mahoney/shanemahoney_resume.pdf The Boone and Crockett Club's outgoing President, Ben Wallace (fellow P&Y Regular Member), will introduce Shane and will showcase the Boone and Crockett Club's 125th Anniversary this year. Also on tap for the Friday Banquet: *Presentation of the P&Y Conservation Award, the Stewardship Award and the Lee Gladfelter Memorial Award. *Recognition of the 28th Biennium Panel Judges *Photo and Art Contest Awards *Live Auction of a few select hunts Check out the complete convention agenda. Click here: http://pope-young.org/convention/2013_details/agenda.asp Make plans now to attend the Pope and Young Club's 2013 national convention in Dallas, Texas, April 10-13, 2013. Additional information about the P&Y Convention, including hotel reservations, registration, banquet tickets, auction hunts and more is on the website. http://pope-young.org/convention/default.asp Don't miss out on this grand celebration of bowhunting! Network with fellow bowhunters from all over North America, check out great bowhunting opportunities in the Outfitters Area, learn from authorities during the seminars, see new World's Records and other top animals from the last two years, and so much more!

Established in 1961, the Pope and Young Club is a non-profit North American conservation and bowhunting organization dedicated to ensuring bowhunting for future generations by preserving and promoting its heritage and values. The Club also maintains the universally recognized repository for the records and statistics on North American big game animals harvested with the bow and arrow.

Pope and Young Club 273 Mill Creek Road - PO Box 548 - Chatfield, MN 55923 Phone: (507) 867-4144 - Fax: (507) 867-4144 Web site: www.pope-young.org - Email: admin@pope-young.org

Tight Line Extreme from Ice Hopper

Justin Clark — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 13:46:02 +0000

[caption id="attachment_3060" align="alignleft" width="266"] The all new Tight Line Extreme reel.[/caption] From the makers of the Sonic Ice Hopper, comes the Tight Line Extreme Reel! This is the next logical step in the evolution of ice fishing reels. It addresses all of the issues that ice fishermen experience when ice fishing. The Tight Line Extreme Reel is an ultra-light weight, durable, geared "fly reel", with a uni-directional or one-way ball bearing drive, that won't twist your line or break the piggy bank! Check out these performance driven features:

Fast Line retrieval: 12" per handle turn
Ultra light weight: 3.7 oz.
Warm to the touch: Graphite frame
Easy to grip: dual, soft touch handle-knobs
Durable: ball bearing drive with center pin supported on both sides
True No-Twist/Straight Line performance: Line comes off the top of spool
Versatile Rod Grip: Able to Pencil Grip or top grip
Drag: Fully adjustable with unidirectional bearing (drag engages only going out)
Reel Orientation: Right and Left hand capable.

[caption id="attachment_3061" align="alignright" width="300"] Fully function drag![/caption] The Tight Line Extreme Reel is a slightly smaller frame than most of the conventional 3/4 weight fly reels that are currently on the market. Yet, it retrieves line faster than most micro sized spinning reels and won't twist the line. Furthermore, it's unique gear box design supports the center shaft and allows the line to come off the top of the reel vs. off the bottom like a traditional fly reel. This gives the Tight Line Extreme true Straight Line performance right through your 1st guide for increase sensitivity right down the axis of your rod and guides. Add the fact that you get Zero Twist and this reel will actually help you get bit more often and detect more strikes! The Tight Line Extreme is available for this season in very limited quantities, so don't wait for your buddy to try one first or you just might miss out!

Ice Fishing Perch Using Hard Beads w/ Joe Balog

Justin Clark — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 13:24:49 +0000

2013 Pope and Young Convention: Great Hunts - Great Cause!

Tom Ryle — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:11:30 +0000

2013 P&Y LIVE AUCTION SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH P&Y CONVENTION HILTON ANATOLE DALLAS, TEXAS A significant portion of the money raised for our Conservation and Outreach Program activities comes from the auctioning of generously donated hunts, select artifacts and handmade items at our biennial convention. Hunts secured so far include: 6-DAY SOUTHEAST ALASKA BLACK BEAR HUNT & FISHING COMBO donated by Homer Ocean Charters BRITISH COLUMBIA WOLF HUNT donated by Chilanko Forks Outfitters BRITISH COLUMBIA SPOT AND STALK MULE DEER AND BLACK BEAR COMBO HUNT donated by Chilanko Forks Outfitters 6-DAY CANADA MOOSE HUNT IN NEWFOUNDLAND donated by Ray's Hunting & Fishing Lodge (in association with Bowhunting Safari Consultants) 5-DAY TEXAS WHITETAIL DEER HUNT donated by the Barnes/Keith Ranch 3-DAY OSCEOLA TURKEY HUNT IN FLORIDA donated by Tall Tine Outfitters (in association with Bowhunting Safari Consultants) 5-DAY WHITETAIL DEER HUNT IN OHIO donated by Wide Rack Outfitters (in association with Bowhunting Safari Consultants) 6-DAY SPRING BLACK BEAR HUNT IN NEWFOUNDLAND donated by Roberts Outfitting 6-DAY ROOSEVELT'S ELK HUNT IN OREGON donated by Spoon Creek Outfitters (in association with Bowhunting Safari Consultants) 6-DAY MONTANA ELK/DEER/BEAR COMBO HUNT donated by Crow Creek Outfitters 7-DAY COUES' DEER HUNT IN MEXICO donated by Primero Conservation Outfitters 10-DAY ALASKA BROWN BEAR HUNT donated by Barela's Alaskan Outfitters 10-DAY SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI donated by Kuru Safaris (in conjunction with World Class Safaris) 5-DAY SPECIAL INVITATION WHITETAIL DEER HUNT IN BUFFALO COUNTY, WISCONSIN donated by Stan and Carolyn Godfrey 5-DAY CALIFORNIA COLUMBIAN BLACKTAIL DEER HUNT donated by Arrow Five Outfitters 5-DAY SPRING BLACK BEAR HUNT IN NEWFOUNDLAND donated by Ironbound Outfitters 10-DAY ARIZONA COUES' DEER AND JAVELINA COMBO HUNT donated by Ward's Outfitters (in association with Bowhunting Safari Consultants) 5-DAY MANITOBA BLACK BEAR HUNT donated by Adrenaline Outfitters Ltd. 5-DAY PRONGHORN ANTELOPE HUNT IN SOUTH DAKOTA donated by Milliron Outfitters (in association with Bowhunting Safari Consultants) 6-DAY NEWFOUNDLAND CANADA MOOSE HUNT donated by Tuckamore Lodge (in association with Bowhunting Safari Consultants) 7-DAY MONTANA ELK HUNT donated by Jack Creek Preserve and Jon Fossel. For a youth under 21, a woman, or a man over 65. Jack Creek Preserve special access. LIMITED ENTRY CONSERVATION ARCHERY BULL ELK PERMIT IN UTAH (LA SAL UNIT) provided by the Utah Bowmens Association More details for each hunt, and additions to the list, can be found in upcoming issues of the Club's journal and on the Club's website: www.pope-young.org Make your plans NOW to attend the Pope and Young Club's 2013 National Convention in Dallas, Texas (April 10-13, 2013). Click here for more info. Official invitations and registration packets are being sent to the membership in mid-December. Established in 1961, the Pope and Young Club is a non-profit North American conservation and bowhunting organization dedicated to ensuring bowhunting for future generations by preserving and promoting its heritage and values. The Club also maintains the universally recognized repository for the records and statistics on North American big game animals harvested with the bow and arrow. Pope and Young Club 273 Mill Creek Road - PO Box 548 - Chatfield, MN 55923 Phone: (507) 867-4144 - Fax: (507) 867-4144 Web site: www.pope-young.org - Email: admin@pope-young.org

Product Review: Limbsaver FletchPod and Broadhead Pod

Tom Ryle — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 03:18:29 +0000

Today’s modern arrow assemblies are nothing short of impressive. Composite arrow manufacturing processes yield exquisite, consistent shafting to build upon. Following suit, we have an ever-widening selection of broadheads and fletching options to choose from. In the end, a loaded quiver of hunting arrows is a sizeable investment for today's bowhunter!

Protecting your investment and ensuring your arrows are ready to perform in the field is critically important. LimbSaver’s new “Pod” solutions – the Broadhead Pod and Fletch Pod - protect your broadheads and fletching independently and inexpensively. Watch the video for all the details. Additional Sizing/Fit Details:

Broadhead Pods fit shaft sizes: .25” to .35” diameter, fixed 3-Blade Broadheads with a max cutting diameter of 1.375” and most expandables.
Fletch Pods fit shaft sizes: .25” to .35” diameter, maximum fletch height .55” x 4.2” length.

httpv://youtu.be/hWl80hhC4cU

Michigan DNR catch sturgeon poacher in St. Clair County

Justin Clark — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:26:22 +0000

[caption id="attachment_3049" align="alignleft" width="225"] A photo of DNR conservation officer Kris Kiel with the sturgeon poached from St. Clair County is available below.[/caption] A cooperative effort between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Clay Township Police Department has resulted in the citation of Wadhah Noori Jabro, of Sterling Heights, for taking sturgeon during the closed season in St. Clair County. DNR conservation officers Todd Szyska and Kris Kiel were on patrol, looking for illegal shining activity in Macomb County, when they received a call from the DNR Report All Poaching (RAP) line attendant that an anonymous citizen had reported the illegal activity. The citizen supplied a description of the suspect’s vehicle and license plate number. The DNR conservation officers, who were 40 minutes away from the scene, called the Clay Township Police for assistance. Clay Township officers located the suspect and held him for the conservation officers. The officers found Mr. Jabro in possession of a 61-inch sturgeon. He was fishing without a proper license, without a mandatory sturgeon tag and was taking a sturgeon during the closed season (an offense punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, restitution of $1,500 and a loss of fishing license for three years). Mr. Jabro was arraigned yesterday, Nov. 13, in the 72^nd District Court in Marine City. The magistrate reviewed the misdemeanor charges and determined the case was sufficient to be heard by a district court judge. The pretrial hearing is set for Nov. 28. "Based on the tackle he was using, the suspect was obviously fishing for sturgeon," said Szyska. "We wouldn’t have had this case at all if it weren’t for the RAP line and an alert citizen who called it in. And we really appreciate the Clay Township Police Department’s help, which made this case possible." Sturgeon are relatively rare Great Lakes denizens. "The lake sturgeon population in the St. Clair system is a unique and valuable resource," said DNR fisheries biologist Mike Thomas. "Fishing regulations have been designed to protect that resource. Poaching is a direct threat to the viability of the sturgeon population." Anglers, in possession of an all-species fishing license, are allowed to harvest one sturgeon per year, which must be tagged immediately. Sturgeon season on the St. Clair River closes Sept. 30. Anyone who witnesses illegal hunting, trapping or fishing is encouraged to call the DNR’s Report All Poaching (RAP) line at 800-292-7800. To learn more about Michigan’s fishing seasons and catch limits, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing. To learn about the work of Michigan’s conservation officers, visit www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers.

Michigan DNR establishes experimental brook trout regs in Upper Peninsula

Justin Clark — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:09:03 +0000

The Department of Natural Resources has approved five stream segments in the Upper Peninsula for an increase in the daily possession limit for brook trout from five to 10 fish. The rule becomes effective April 1, 2013. This limited experimental regulation is in response to requests from anglers to increase the daily possession limit on brook trout across the Upper Peninsula. For selected stream segments, the daily possession limit for brook trout would be 10 fish and the minimum size limit would be 7 inches. Streams were selected from existing Type 1 streams which have a daily possession limit of five fish and a 7-inch minimum size limit. Stream segments and their tributaries include: Dead River (Marquette County), Driggs River (Schoolcraft County), East Branch Ontonagon River (Houghton and Iron counties), East Branch Tahquamenon River (Chippewa County) and East Branch Huron River (Baraga and Marquette counties). In October the DNR proposed a new Type 5 stream category at the Natural Resources Commission meeting, with 10 streams to be included. Angler input resulted in a reduction of the number of streams proposed from 10 down to five and the removal of the Type 5 category, substituting instead the experimental regulations category. In addition, the DNR has committed to evaluations that will begin next year. Streams selected for this regulation will constitute 3 percent of the current Type 1 stream mileage available in the Upper Peninsula. During the next several years, Fisheries Division will work with a variety of partners to assess the biological effects of the possession limit increase on the brook trout populations in the experimental regulations category streams. The stream segments are not accessible to brook trout from the Great Lakes. In recent years, rehabilitation of lake-run brook trout populations has attracted considerable interest among resource agencies, conservation groups and anglers, and a variety of measures have been taken to protect these populations. These "coaster" brook trout are a life history variant and are not a genetically distinct strain or sub-species. The DNR has also proposed future work in this area of brook trout management. Maps and written descriptions of the upstream (where applicable) and downstream boundaries for the experimental trout regulations are available atwww.michigan.gov/fishing.

DNR land surveyor locates rare, 162-year-old piece of land-mapping history in Montmorency County

Justin Clark — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:28:25 +0000

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250"] While doing survey work in Montmorency County, Matt Dontz (left), Department of Natural Resources professional land surveyor, and his student assistant, Ethan Richmond, recently found an original corner post from 1850. To find the post, Dontz used a hand-written copy of field notes from 1850 that were compiled by a DNR surveyor in the 1930s and '40s.[/caption] Department of Natural Resources professional land surveyor Matt Dontz used a pair of waders, GPS coordinates, notes from 1850 and a lot of resourcefulness in a recent discovery that he said will undoubtedly be the highlight of his career. While working in Montmorency County, Dontz recovered an original wooden survey post that was set in a stream 162 years ago to mark a section corner used in surveying the land. In July 1850 when the post was set, The U.S. government’s General Land Office – which laid out the state’s townships in square miles – would set wooden posts to mark a section or quarter corner every half-mile. The posts were usually cedar stakes that were cut and had one end shaped into a point so it could be driven into the ground. The surveyors marked two “bearing trees” in the vicinity as reference points, or accessories, which could be used later to locate the corners. The live trees were blazed with a mark on the side that faced the post. Surveyors would record the bearing and distance from the post to each tree – this way the post could be found. Dontz said that because many of the original bearing trees are gone, and based on the length of time that has passed since the original posts were set, it’s unlikely that another complete post will be found in Michigan again. “The scenario would have to be very similar with the post submerged in water, preserving it,” he said. “To think that the point of this post hasn’t seen the light of day since July 30, 1850, and probably hasn’t been touched by human hands since the day it was set 162 years ago indicates how special this discovery was. This was unquestionably the highlight of my 13 years of surveying – possibly my career.” Finding the post wasn’t an easy feat for Dontz or his student assistant Ethan Richmond, who was instrumental in finding the post. While looking at the original notes from the General Land Office, Dontz noticed some inaccuracies. A corner that was being used for the past 60 years wasn’t in the right place based on the measurements, so he used other corners in the section to find it. The notes said a spruce and cedar were used as the two bearing trees and the original surveyors also noted crossing a small stream west of the section corner. Using GPS to find and map out the stream that was described in the notes, Dontz measured a quarter corner half a mile to the north that a DNR surveyor reset off of its two original bearing stumps in 1954. Using those two measurements, Dontz calculated a search area. Donning the waders, he began to explore. [caption id="attachment_3041" align="alignright" width="300"] This corner post, discovered by Department of Natural Resources professional land surveyor Matt Dontz, was put in the ground in 1850. Because it was in a stream, the cedar post had been preserved for 162 years.[/caption] He discovered a small piece of stump sticking up that looked like cedar so Dontz yelled to Richmond to check the bearing and distance to the cedar witness that was written in the field notes. With a GPS shot of the remains of the stump, he calculated a position that was within a foot of a waist-deep channel of non-flowing water. “I jumped in and started feeling around with my feet and then my hands,” Dontz said. “I felt a ton of roots and sticks in the mucky water when all of a sudden I touched something that would’ve been the right diameter of what these posts should be. I pulled hard and 4.5 feet from the end of the piece of cedar I was holding I saw the telltale axe-shaped point. I let out such a scream that anyone within a mile could have heard.” Dontz had found what other surveyors spend their careers searching for – an original corner post. Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division, said Dontz’s dedication was the driving force in uncovering the corner post. “We in the forestry and surveying worlds know just how rare this discovery was; now it’s our job to share the importance of this piece of Michigan’s history with the rest of the state,” said O’Neill, who also serves as state forester. “In addition to being historically important, Matt’s discovery helps correct land maps that had been inaccurate for many years – maps that may be referenced by current and future land users. This finding shows that even with all of the great technology the DNR uses, it’s the boots-on-the-ground fieldwork that still gets things done.”

The New Pro Series Heavy Metal Tungsten Jigs!!!!

Justin Clark — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:04:16 +0000

Tungsten old, Tungsten new, Tungsten black and Tungsten Blue. That's right I said blue. We have added even more to "The Original Heavy Metal Tungsten" jig line up, making it bigger and better than ever. We've brought back some favorites, some limited editions and lots of new colors and shapes too. If you're not familiar with tungsten, let me give you brief run down. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="185"] Raw Wolfram (Tungsten)[/caption] Tungsten, also known as wolfram and is a chemical element with the chemical symbol W and atomic number 74. The word tungsten comes from the Swedish language tung sten directly translatable to "heavy stone", though the name is actually volfram in Swedish. Tungsten is 1.7 times heavier than lead. It melts at around 6000 degrees ferenheit and is fairly hard and brittle. It's also more costly than lead and not available domestically as a raw material. Much of the raw material comes from Sweden, Russia or China. Tungsten ice fishing jigs have been manufactured and used in these Eastern countries for many years. They are often referred to as Mormyshka, Marmooska, marmyshka. Lately here in the US, companies are using just about any name they can come up with with a Mooska type sounding word on the end here to sell jigs, even when they don't have one spec of tungsten in them... You will however find that most of the jig styles used in tungsten's home land have a hole through them for tying the line to the hook shank vs our preference of tying the line to an eye on the hook. [caption id="attachment_1290" align="alignright" width="300"] The New Pro Series Jig in Firetiger[/caption] So what's so special about tungsten? It gets down faster and can plow through weeds and slush better than lead, right? Well, yes, but that's only part of it. The real secret to tungsten is that you can make it move differently than lead. Since it's heavier and has less water resistance, it has a faster and sharper response when jigged. That means lots more action when put into capable ice fishing hands and on the right rod. It also means that you can make tiny and not so tiny soft plastic baits jiggle and dance like never before. And of course that means more bites... Ok, so back to our Pro Series and other new jigs. With most of you folks now fishing plastics, the Pro Series has longer hooks and wider hook gaps than any other tungsten jig that we have offered to date. And in this case, bigger is better. Better for packing more live bait. Better for setting the hook and better for threading plastics on while leaving hook for sticking it to 'em... [caption id="attachment_1289" align="alignleft" width="300"] Picture is Blue Hot Tiger[/caption] This series also incorporates both long lasting, super bright, super glow colors as well as UV Reflective Colors. Combine that with crazy detailed eyes, stripes and scale patterns on a tiny jig and you have tiny little works of art. I guess I should also mention that we could have have them painted over seas, but we didn't. These jigs as well as our new Kuu and Smoothie jigs are all hand painted here in the US using premium epoxy finishes. Oh, and the gold and silver colors on the metallic based jigs, like all of our tungsten, they are really gold and silver plating, not Nickle, chrome or paint. And trust me, it makes a difference in how well they reflect light. [caption id="attachment_1291" align="alignright" width="300"] Kuu Jig in Clown Tiger[/caption] Our new Kuu jig, gets its name from the Crescent Moon. It too has amazing paint finishes and gold and silver plating. This jig drops like a razor blade through weeds because of its shape and presents a big profile to horizontal feeding predators. It also stuffs nicely into micro sized tubes...hint...hint... [caption id="attachment_1292" align="alignleft" width="300"] Smoothie Jig in Gilbert[/caption] The Smoothie is a round ball tungsten jig with lots of attitude and hook shank to go with it. We are offering this jig all the way up to a monster 8mm jig that is perfect for thumping the bottom for giant deep water perch, walleye, lake trout, and white fish. So there you have it. Lots of cool new tungsten with a size, shape and color for all of your hard water needs.

Weekly Michigan Fishing Report - Nov 8th

Justin Clark — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:11:48 +0000

Water levels are low and clear in the rivers and streams. Cold weather pushed steelhead up into the rivers however warmer temperatures by the weekend could slow the bite. Walleye are moving closer to shore. Those fishing the inland lakes for large and smallmouth bass have caught a good number of fish. SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie: Is producing a few walleye for those trolling perch rigs in the early morning or late evening. For bluegill, perch and crappie, try the docks at the Metro Park Marina. Huron River: Is producing steelhead downstream of Flat Rock. Those fishing below the dam are drifting spawn and wax worms or bouncing flies. Detroit River: Perch were caught in the lower river. Try fishing near Sugar Island, the north end of Celeron Island or the Trenton Channel with shiners on perch rigs. Lake St. Clair: Should still have some good perch fishing even though fishing usually drops off this time of year as most anglers have put their boats away. St. Clair River: Was muddy after the rain and strong winds so it may take a few days for the water to clear up. Harbor Beach: Still has one dock in for those that may want to fish for walleye or brown trout behind the Edison Plant. Saginaw Bay: The walleye are moving in closer to shore so those trolling or drifting will want to fish shallow or near the mouth of the rivers especially at night. Saginaw River: Walleye are being caught near Bay City. Some are fishing up near the confluence of the Tittabawassee and the Shiawassee River. Shore anglers caught perch in the lower river. Tittabawassee River: Has walleye however boat anglers will need to watch for low water levels. Kawkawlin River: Has walleye. Anglers may have to put in some time but they should catch some fish. SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA St. Joseph River: Continues to produce steelhead for those drifting spawn bags or casting plugs. Fish the deeper holes if it warms up. A couple brown trout were caught between Shamrock Park and the Berrien Springs Dam. South Haven: Pier anglers caught steelhead in the early morning or late evening. Most are floating spawn or wax worms. Kalamazoo River: Is producing steelhead all the way up to the Allegan Dam. Anglers are using spawn, spinners, plugs or yarn. Grand Haven: Pier anglers and those surfcasting continue to target steelhead. Not much on whitefish as catch rates were slow. Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has a good number of steelhead. Off the east wall, try white jigs with a couple wax worms about three foot down or small spawn bags on a #10 or 12 hook. Some were also casting wobble glows. White jigs and wax worms caught fish near the Post Office. Off Fulton Street, try Hot-n-Tots or back bouncing spawn with bait casters. Walleye were caught off the east wall by those using bucktail jigs and three inch white twister tails. Grand River at Lansing: Is producing the occasional steelhead but no big numbers yet. Walleye were caught near the Waverly Bridge by those using golden shiners or crawler harnesses. Looking Glass River: Pike are being caught off Babcock’s Landing. Anglers are using shiner minnows or bluegills. Muskegon River: Has more steelhead moving up into the river even though water levels are low. Anglers are floating spawn and wax worms, casting small spoons or fly fishing. NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Cheboygan River: Leftover salmon were still being caught up near the dam. The better fishing for steelhead was early morning or late evening with spawn, yarn, small spinners or small spoons. Good colors are blue and silver, orange and silver, pink and chartreuse. Rogers City: Pier anglers should find brown trout when casting cleo’s, bombers or small spoons. Thunder Bay River: More steelhead were moving in as temperatures dropped. Most are floating spawn or casting rapalas and small spoons up near the dam. Good colors were orange, chartreuse, pink or silver. Oscoda: Pier anglers targeting steelhead will want to try spoons or body baits. Au Sable River: Steelhead coming in from the lake can be found all the up to Foote Dam. The numbers are increasing and the fish are good size. Spawn or small spoons have caught fish in all areas of the river. Higgins Lake: This can be a good time of year to find perch. Try 25 to 40 feet of water around the Sunken Island or just off Big Creek. Houghton Lake: Look for large and smallmouth bass in the canals. Those looking for walleye could try floating minnows or drifting crawler harnesses. Tawas River: Still has a few leftover salmon. More steelhead were moving up into the river. Try spawn or wax worms. Au Gres River: Should still have some good action for steelhead, brown trout and Atlantic salmon. The better action has been in the lower end of Whitney Drain and for those surfcasting near the Singing Bridge. Try spawn, spoons or plugs. NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA Petoskey: Pier anglers are out and trying for coho, Chinook or pink salmon with spawn, small spinners or small spoons. Try orange, pink or chartreuse. Bear River: Anglers are now catching more steelhead. Try spawn, skein or yarn. Some are fly fishing. Elk River: Is producing coho and steelhead. Try floating spawn and skein or casting small spoons and spinners. Boardman River: Is producing coho and steelhead even with the lower water levels. Fish the deeper holes for now. Frankfort: Steelhead have been caught in the surf and off the piers. Betsie River: Is producing steelhead. Those fishing up near the Homestead Dam caught fish on spawn. Manistee: Is producing some steelhead for those surfcasting as well as those fishing off the piers. Try early morning, late evening or during the day when the weather is nasty. Manistee River: Water levels are low and clear again which makes steelhead fishing somewhat difficult. Conditions like this require light leaders and small stealthy presentations to get them to bite. Ludington: Steelhead were caught in the surf and off the piers. Fish early, late or when the weather is nasty. Pere Marquette River: Water levels were low and clear and could stay that way for a while. The low and clear water conditions require light leaders especially if fish are on the gravel. For now, try fishing the deeper holes. UPPER PENINSULA Keweenaw Bay: Salmon and lake trout are still out there for those that have not put their boats away. Fall’s River: Is producing coho and steelhead for those casting spoons and spinners or drifting crawlers and spawn bags. Menominee River: Is a good spot to target walleye, steelhead or brown trout. Try drifting fresh spawn, small spoons or rapalas. Little Bay De Noc: Walleye catches are getting better every week as water temperatures drop below 50 degrees. The fish are in so there is no better time than now. Fish were caught during the day but the better reports are still coming by those fishing at night. During the day, the best catches were taken between the Second and Third Reefs by those trolling stick baits in 25 to 30 feet of water. Night anglers reported good catches between the Center Reef and the Black Bottom. Most were trolling crank baits or stick baits in 10 to 28 feet of water. The fish were averaging 21 to 23 inches. Perch action was fair for those using minnows or crawlers in 10 to 25 feet of water off Kipling. St. Mary’s River: This is a good time of year to target smallmouth bass. Try fishing around the points and the islands.