2009 Sport Show Schedule

January

January 8-11 All-Canada Show, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, IL 630-584-6300

January 9-11 The Chicago Muskie Show, Harper College, Palatine, IL (Roselle & Algonquin Roads) 847-328-6200

January 21-25 Chicagoland Outdoor Show, Donald L. Stephens - Expo. Center (Formerly known as the Rosemont Convention Center), Rosemont, IL.

January 14-18 Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoor Show, McCormick Place North Building, Chicago, IL., Keith Ogulnick 312-946-6242

January 23-25 All-Canada Show Milwaukee County Sports Complex, Franklin, WI. 414-423-9267

January 16-25 Milwaukee Boat Show Wisconsin Expo Center State Fair Park Milwaukee, W. I 800-328-6550

January 26-28 All-Canada Show Marriott Madison West, Atrium Hotel and Conference Center, 1313 John Q. Hammons Drive, Middleton, WI. 53562 608-831-2000

January 29-1 All-Canada Show ShopKo Hall, Green Bay, WI. (920) 497-5664

February

February 7-8 Tinley Park Fishing & Outdoor Show, Tinley Park High School, 6111 W. 175th Street (East of Ridgeland), Tinley Park, IL. 708-444-0921

February 12-15 33rd year of four day La Crosse Boat, Sports, and Travel Show, La Crosse Auditorium in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, Sportsmen from Southwestern Wisconsin, Southern Minnesota and Northeastern Iowa attend.

February 12-15 Schaumburg Boat & Sport Show, Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL., Keith Ogulnick, 312-946-6242

February 13-15 Milwaukee Musky Expo State Fair Park, West Allis, WI. 608-833-6955

February 18th–22 43rd Annual Five Day Duluth Boat, Sport, & Travel Show, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center {DECC} continuing to draw consumers from Northern Minnesota, Northwestern Wisconsin, Thunder Bay Ontario and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

February 20-22 Fishing & Outdoors Expo., Indoor Sports Center/Expo., 880 E. Riverside, Rockford, IL. Brenda Rotolo 815- 877-8043

February 27- March 1, 2008 Madison Fishing Exposition, The Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center(across from the Dane County Coliseum), 1881 Expo Mall East, Madison, Wisconsin 53713

February 28-March 1 ALL NEW Deerfield Outdoor Show Deerfield High School, Deerfield, IL. Jeff Hoyer 224-632-3465

March

March 6-8 NEW Sport Fishinʼ Show Expo Centre ShopKo Hall, Green Bay, WI. 800-628-79711

March 6- 8 Southeast Wisconsin Sport Fishing & Hunting Expo Olympia Resort - Conference Center, 1350 Royale Mile Road, Oconomowoc, WI. 53066

March 4- 8 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show Wisconsin Expo Center, West Allis, WI. 800-472-2070

Jigging, casting for trophy muskies is exciting experience

By: Eric Sharp - Free Press Outdoors writer - November 13, 2008

Most of the muskellunge caught in Detroit-area waters each year are taken by trollers pulling 10- to 18-inch lures through Lake St. Clair. When a fish hits, it usually either hooks itself or gets off before anyone picks up the rod.

That's not Jon Bondy's cup of tea. The Windsor guide prefers the more traditional approach of jigging and casting for the big fish because, he says, "When a musky hits a rod with 80-pound line, it will just about rip your arm off. Once you've felt that, you'll never want to troll for them again." (Full Story)

Source: Detroit Free Press

What's Happening... and Where? Posted 11/29/08

Dec. 8: Capital City Chapter of Muskies Inc. monthly meeting. 7 p.m. Jingles Coliseum Bar, 232 E. Olin Ave. in Madison. Call Craig Eversol at 608-845-9561, e-mail eeversol@tds.net or go to http://www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org/.

Dec. 9: Yahara Fishing Club monthly meeting and holiday pot luck dinner. Includes meeting of the board of directors at 6:15 p.m. General meeting at 7:30 p.m. VFW Post 1318, 133 E. Lakeside St. in Madison. Call Rick Seeger at 608-849-3714 or e-mail seeger@chorus.net.

Dec. 11: Randy Evans will discuss how to understand your vexilar in the second of three ice fishing seminars at 7 p.m. at D&S Bait, Tackle and Archery at 1411 Northport Drive. Call 608-241-4225 or go to http://www.dsbait.com/

Dec. 18: Dave Berg will offer tips and tricks on Lake Petenwell in the last of three ice fishing seminars at 7 p.m. at D&S Bait, Tackle and Archery at 1411 Northport Drive. Call 608-241-4225 or go to http://www.dsbait.com./

Jan. 15: Start of the Southern Wisconsin chapter of Trout Unlimited's fly tying classes. Beginning, intermediate and advanced courses are offered for 10 weeks in Fitchburg and Sun Prairie. Classes are free, but advanced registration is required. Information and registration is available at local fly fishing shops and online at http://www.swtu.org/

Feb. 7: The Figure 8 Muskie Club's 10th Annual Ice Fishing Derby will be held on Shawano Lake. Keep watching for more information! http://www.figure8muskieclub.com/index.html

2009 Madison Fishing Expo

OUR LARGEST SHOW EVER!

More Vendors, More Speakers! Expected to draw over 20,000 visitors, the Madison Fishing Expo features a diverse lineup of fishing tackle, equipment and boats from the industries' leading manufacturers and dealers. The Madison Fishing Expo is an all volunteer, non-profit organization that donates all of its show proceeds to fund fishing related projects throughout South Central Wisconsin. The largest show of its kind in the Midwest. Since 1985, the nonprofit Madison Fishing Expo has donated over $550,000 to various projects and organizations to improve fishing in Wisconsin! Great deals on tackle, trips, and boats! Youth Activities: casting contest, face painting, balloons, Kids Teaching Kids and more! Check out the antique lures display or have your old lure appraised!

Show Dates:
February 27 - March 1, 2009

Show Hours:
Friday - 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Saturday - 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Sunday - 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Admission Price:
$8.00 for Adult (Kids 12 and under are FREE)

Note: Tickets are sold at the door only. A parking fee of $5.00 is charged per car by Dane County.

Mailing Address:
Attn: Chuck Rolfsmeyer
Madison Fishing Expo, Inc
P.O. Box 14044
Madison, WI 53708-0044

Phone/Fax: 608-245-1040

Genetically Superior Bass Stocked into Lakes Austin and Nacogdoches

ATHENS, Texas-Texas Parks and Wildlife Department this week stocked 32,000 six-inch largemouth bass with trophy genes into Lakes Austin and Nacogdoches.

The fish were produced at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens for use in Operation World Record, an on-going research project to determine if fish descended from 13-pound or bigger bass will grow faster and/or bigger than "wild" fish naturally occurring in a reservoir.
Because hatchery production was exceptionally successful, about 33,000 six-inch bass are available in addition to the 27,000 needed for the research project.

"Lake Austin was chosen as one of the sites to stock the excess fish because of its history of producing trophy largemouth bass," said Steve Magnelia, the TPWD Inland Fisheries biologist in charge of the lake. "Seven Budweiser ShareLunkers have come from Lake Austin, and the lake record is 14.35 pounds. Habitat is good on the upper end of the reservoir."

Lake Austin will receive nearly 13,000 fish.

Lake Nacogdoches, a 2,212-acre lake near the city of the same name, will be stocked with about 20,000 fish. "Since our management goal for this lake is to maximize the production of trophy fish, it seems like a good fit for the OWR fish," said Todd Driscoll, the TPWD Inland Fisheries biologist in charge of the lake. "Current vegetative coverage is over 40 percent, so there is ample habitat to ensure stocking survival."

Effective September 1, 2008, only largemouth bass 16 inches or less in length may be harvested by anglers on Lake Nacogdoches. Any bass weighing 13 pounds or more may be donated to the Budweiser ShareLunker program. Otherwise, it must be immediately released back into Lake Nacogdoches. These regulations are designed to protect bigger fish and should maximize the impact of the OWR fish on the quality of fishing in Lake Nacogdoches.

LH 2008-11-12

2009 All Canada Show Schedule

The All Canada Show has been a very popular event for U.S. Sportsmen for 25 years now. The 2009 Show schedule is listed below for your information.

Minneapolis, MN Jan 2-4
Chicago, IL Jan 8-11
St Louis, MO Jan 16-18
Indianapolis, IN Jan 19-21
Milwaukee, WI Jan 23-25
Madison, WI Jan 26-28
Green Bay, WI Jan 29-1
Des Moines, IA Feb 6-8
Omaha, NE Feb 9-11

You can also print coupons for $2.00 off your ticket price by checking out these locations and dates.

More Walleyes for Chetek

The Chetek Lake Protection Association awarded $500 to Walleyes for Chetek.

Larry Stafsholt, Walleyes for Chetek treasurer, is pictured adding more of the species to the Chetek Chain of Lakes Monday. Dan Hoover, of Stoney Hill Fish Farm in Portage County, brought approximately 550, 6-10 inch walleye to transplant in area lakes. Over the last five years, Walleyes for Chetek has added nearly 37,000 walleye to the lakes. Each fish added costs approximately $2.25.

Those wishing to help the cause can send donations to Walleyes for Chetek, P.O. Box 172, Chetek WI, 54728.

Free New Tool In The Fight Against Invasive Species

Minneapolis, MN—In partnership with the United States Forest Service, Wildlife Forever announces the availability of a new 27 minute video to help sportsmen and women identify invasive species and take action to help stop their spread.

Filmed and edited by the United States Forest Service, the videos were produced as part of the National Invasive Species Threat Campaign led by Wildlife Forever, and with support from the United States Forest Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Center for Invasive Plant Management, and many other public and private organizations and individuals.

The video “Defending Favorite Places” is one in a series of invasive species prevention programs targeting the hunting and fishing communities.

“America’s 50 million hunters and anglers represent our best hope in combating invasive species. They are out on the front line everyday.” says Douglas H. Grann, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever. “The knowledge and information contained in these programs will empower an army of outdoors men and women to help take back America’s native habitats. It is our hope that local conservation and sports clubs across the nation will show these programs frequently during their regular meetings." Each version of the longer video is also produced in HD format and is available for free via the World Wide Web. The full video series includes the following components:

1. Video Trailer for education and preview (5:20 minutes)
2. Short version of program (15:20 minutes)
3. Full-length program (26:46 minutes)
4. Bonus feature “Ideas on Invasives” (14:30 minutes).
5. Insert material

On-line copies of all the videos can be viewed and downloaded free using the links at Wildlife Forever’s new Invasive Species Central (ISC) web page. A prominent link to ISC is available on the Wildlife Forever home page: www.wildlifeforever.org. The ISC page also includes other “how to” online videos and links to a vast array of useful information for anyone who wants to join the fight against invasive species.Wildlife Forever is a 501(c) 3 national nonprofit conservation organization headquartered in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Wildlife Forever has been leading the charge against invasive species for years with its award winning public awareness program, “The Threat Campaign”.

2009 NPAA Conference - An invitation to new and past members

Cody Roswick - Published November 14, 2008

The NPAA has made great strides in 2008 to become an organization that has legitimacy and relevance for its members and the industry. This can be measured by the nearly 20% increase in our membership in 2008. The NPAA is a volunteer organization, and we are really only as good as our members are willing to make us. As such we are looking to increase our member numbers to give us the financial support we need to meet our goals and to give us more members who are willing to come into this organization to help us become an even more effective organization.

Tournament anglers, fishing guides and industry promoters at all levels can benefit from membership in the NPAA. You don't have to be a full-time professional angler to benefit from a membership in our organization. In fact, the vast majority of our current members just love to fish tournaments, and remain members to enable them to network with other tournament anglers. The NPAA membership keeps them informed on the happenings in the industry and the tournament world through the revamped NPAA press release program. And most importantly they are supporting an organization that supports tournament angling.

The current members of the NPAA would like to invite you to attend the 2009 NPAA Conference held January 2-4th at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in Milwaukee, WI. The annual conference is an event that defines what the NPAA is all about. We have an all star line up of speakers, industry representatives, and entertainment opportunities on tap for this year's Conference.

Our keynote speaker this year will be Al Lindner. The event will start at 6 p.m. on the evening of Jan. 2nd with a Meet & Greet get together. This get together will be a great time to network with your fellow members and friends. The $50 Advance Conference Fee ($60 at the door) is a great value given everything this venue has to offer the 2009 Conference attendees. You may want to consider bringing your family to this Conference and make it a mini-vacation.

The Hilton Milwaukee City Center has a fun filled Waterpark and they have offered our members a discounted rate of $10 per person/day on waterpark passes. In addition, this 1st class hotel has offered our members a very attractive room rate of $72 per night, and a discounted $5/day parking rate. Check out the facility at http://www.hiltonmilwaukee.com/.

We are also planning a ladies luncheon to be held on Saturday at the conference. Add an enclosed shopping mall within walking distance, a streamlined conference agenda, Milwaukee night life on nearby Water Street, and you have the ingredients for an enjoyable mini- vacation. Rooms are available on a first-come first-served basis and you can take advantage of the NPAA member special rate on rooms starting with arrivals as early as December 31st and departures as late as January 6th but the rooms must be booked no later than December 12th. To reserve your rooms call (414)271-7250 and let them know you are booking rooms at the NPAA special rate.Attached is a Conference registration form and Conference agenda.

To allow new or past NPAA members to learn more about the new NPAA, we are inviting you to attend this year's conference for the same $50 advance fee ($60 at the door) that our members pay. If you should decide to join the NPAA during the conference, or within 30 days after, we will apply $25 of the conference fee you paid toward your 2009 member dues.

Please fill out the registration form and forward it with your advance payment if you plan to attend. Your advance registration will help us plan for the number of attendees we need to accommodate during the sessions and at the meals. We are looking forward to meeting you in Milwaukee at the Conference.

Download the registration form

Anglers Insight Marketing Announced Tournament To Be Held In South Dakota

Anglers Insight Marketing (AIM) will conduct a series of four Pro-Am walleye fishing tournaments in 2009. The “AIM Pro Walleye Series” will host fields of 100 of the top walleye fishing professionals and 100 Co-anglers at each tournament.

AIM is pleased to announce that the August 2009 tournament will be held in Akaska, South Dakota. This “AIM Pro Walleye Series” event will be held August 13 - 15, 2009. This tournament will be held in conjunction with the annual South Dakota Walleye Classic, a large regional festival with attractions for the entire family.

Bill Waeckerle, President of the SD Walleye Classic, reports that Akaska is centrally located on beautiful Lake Oahe. This stretch of the Missouri River is an extremely diverse fishery offering a bountiful walleye population and a wide variety of structures that allow dozens of presentation options. In total, the Pros will be searching for winning limits of walleyes on a 100-mile long expanse of Lake Oahe and its tributaries.

The “AIM Pro Walleye Series” tournaments will all be three day events. The full field of 100 boats (Professionals and Co-anglers) will fish the first two days. The Professional provides the boat and all the fishing tackle and bait for the day. Both members of the “team” of Professional and Co-angler will be credited with the weight of their daily catch. Each day the Co-angler will be paired with a different Professional and have the opportunity to learn “secret” techniques. The top ten Professionals and Co-anglers - based on cumulative weight over the first two days - will fish the third day of the tournament.

Anglers Insight Marketing, LLC is a unique tournament organization which is owned by stockholders, the majority of which are active Professional walleye anglers. AIM Professionals are among the “All Stars” of professional fishing, with cumulative HUNDREDS of years of tournament experience, including countless tournament victories, series championships, and Angler of the Year titles. This insight and knowledge is now being employed to provide the finest tournament experience for the participants, and the maximum exposure for the host tournament sites and corporate sponsors.

For more information, contact:
Scott Matheson, President CEO
Anglers Insight Marketing
PO Box 110
Plymouth, WI 53073
920-526-3399
smatheson@aimfishing.com

FLW Announces 2009 Walleye Tour Schedule

WALMART FLW WALLEYE TOUR SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 2009 MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 13, 2008 - FLW Outdoors announced its 2009 Walmart FLW Walleye Tour presented by Berkley schedule with a restructured payback that offers larger awards deeper into the field. The tour will still feature top pro awards of $100,000 in each qualifier and a top pro award of $150,000 in the lucrative FLW Walleye Tour Championship while 50th place awards in each qualifier jump to $3,000 in the pro division.

Anglers competing will fish a diverse schedule that opens April 15-18 in Port Clinton, Ohio, on Lake Erie. The second tournament will be on the Mississippi River from May 6-9 in Red Wing, Minn. Leech Lake in Walker, Minn., will host the third qualifying tournament June 10-13 with the final event July 15-18 in Oshkosh, Wis., on Lake Winnebago. The FLW Walleye Tour Championship will return to the Missouri River in Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 30-Oct. 3.

In each qualifying event, the top pro award includes $50,000 plus a $25,000 Ranger Cup bonus and a $25,000 Evinrude or Yamaha bonus. In the co-angler division, the top award is $10,000 plus $10,000 in bonuses. In the championship, the top pro award includes $100,000 plus a $25,000 Ranger Cup bonus and a $25,000 Evinrude or Yamaha bonus. The top co-angler award in the championship includes $10,000 plus $10,000 in bonuses. Complete payouts for 2009 are included below.

The top 50 pros and co-anglers in the Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year points standings will advance to the no-entry-fee FLW Walleye Tour Championship. The pro and co-angler Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year winners will also receive free entries for the 2010 season, a value of $7,000 and $1,600, respectively The top 100 pros and co-anglers will receive priority entry for the 2010 season. The boater and co-angler points champions from the Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Heartland divisions of the Walmart FLW Walleye League will also qualify for the FLW Walleye Tour Championship, making a total field of 54 pros and co-anglers.

At the conclusion of the FLW Walleye Tour qualifiers, Ranger will pay the top three Ranger Cup points places with first place earning $15,000, second place receiving $10,000 and third place garnering $5,000. If the winners meet “Powered by E-Tec” or “Powered by Yamaha” qualifications, they will also receive $7,500 for first, $5,000 for second and $2,500 for third, respectively from Evinrude or Yamaha.

Entry fees are $1,750 per tournament for pros and $400 per tournament for co-anglers. Entry dates will be released soon.

FLW Walleye Tour qualifiers are four-day, cumulative weight events that begin on Wednesday and conclude on Saturday. Weigh-ins for the first three days are held lakeside and the top 10 pros and co-anglers weigh-in Saturday at a local Walmart. Pros and co-anglers are randomly paired each day and fish for a combined boat weight.

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. In 2008 alone the organization is offering more than 90,000 anglers the chance to win over $40 million through 230 tournaments in 10 circuits. FLW Outdoors also took fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, awarding a historic $1 million prize to Michael Thompson of St. Michael, Minn. Details on the enhancements to FLW Fantasy Fishing for 2009 will be announced soon.

For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.

2009 FLW Walleye Tour Schedule

Date Location City, State
April 15-18 Lake Erie Port Clinton, OH &! nbsp;
May 6-9 Mississippi River Red Wing, MN
June 10-13 Leech Lake Walker, MN
July 15-18 Lake Winnebago Oshkosh, WI

2009 FLW Walleye Tour Championship

Date Location City, State
Sept. 30 - Oct. 3 Missouri River Bismarck, ND
2009 FLW Walleye Tour Qualifying Events
&nbs! p;
Ranger Evinrude Ranger Evinrude
Cup Yamaha &nbs! p; Cup Yamaha

Place Pro Bonus Bonus Total Co-angler Bonus Bonus &nbs! p; Total
1 $50,000 $25,000 $25,000 $100,000 $10,000 $5,000 &nbs! p; $5,000 $20,000
2 20,000 5,500 5,500 31,000 5,000 &nbs! p; 2,250 2,250 9,500
3 12,000 4,250 4,250 20,500 3,000 &nbs! p; 1,000 1,000 5,000
4 10,000 3,000 3,000 16,000 2,500 &nbs! p; 750 750 4,000
5 8,000 2,500 2,500 13,000 2,250 ! ; 500 500 3,250
6 7,000 2,000 2,000 11,000 2,000 ! ; 400 400 2,800
7 6,500 1,750 1,750 10,000 1,750 ! ; 350 350 2,450

Future Fisherman Foundation Board of Directors Decides Foundation’s Future

Unless significant funding found, foundation will suspend operations effective March 2009

Alexandria, VA – November 21, 2008 – The Future Fisherman Foundation’s board of directors is currently seeking alternative funding and donations to avoid suspending foundation operations. The foundation’s board met on November 18 to discuss funding concerns after learning a grant which provides significant funding for the foundation was no longer available for the 2009 fiscal year. If substantive and sustaining funding sources for its programs cannot be found, the foundation board will be forced to suspend the foundations operations.

“The Future Fisherman Foundation’s board of directors and staff are committed to exploring all alternate funding options,” said foundation Executive Director Anne Danielski. “Over the next three months, we are aggressively seeking support from endemic and non endemic funding sources, grants, and partnerships with new organizations within our industry that share our mission to engage youth in outdoor and angling activities.”

In a separate action, during its October meeting the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) board of directors passed a motion to suspend its core support for the foundation effective March 31, 2009. In a joint message to ASA’s members, Jeff Pontius, ASA’s board of directors’ chairman, and Mike Nussman, ASA president and CEO, said, “With the loss of one of its two grant funding sources, it was clear that ASA’s core support of the foundation was not enough to sustain its operations. With the financial challenges facing our economy, the board determined that ASA could no longer continue its financial support for the foundation.”

For over 20 years, the foundation has worked nationwide to create nearly one million conservation minded anglers through creative programs and partnerships such as Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs, Physh Ed and after school programs with the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Danielski is asking supporters to, “Please help us sustain our programs so that the foundation can continue to play a pivotal role in facilitating opportunities for children, families and communities to experience the joys of fishing while fostering environmental stewardship.”

For more information on the foundation’s initiatives or to make a charitable donation to help ensure the future of fishing, visit the foundation’s Web site at www.futurefisherman.org.

Contact foundation Executive Director Anne Danielski or Manager of Education Teresa Rodriguez with questions or funding support options at 703-519-9691. Contact Gordon Robertson, ASA vice president, with questions regarding the American Sportfishing Association.

Craig Bender, Tying It All Together

Dec. 2, 2008

Craig Bender is a longtime member and president of Salmon Unlimited of Wisconsin. This will be a discussion of fishing knots used in Great Lakes fishing and the role that knots play in the selection of terminal tackle and various types of fishing line. Great Lakes Sport Fishermen Ozaukee Chapter meeting held at Railroad Station Hall, 200 S. Railroad St., Saukville. Free and open to the public. For info, call: Bob Hammen/Club President, (262) 644-8481. I hope to see you there!

We meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month, October through May. Each month we feature one or more guest speakers talking about Salmon and Trout fishing and/or related topics. We also have a monthly raffle, $ .50 tickets, with prizes like rods and reels and assorted fishing tackle to be won. Our meetings provide a great chance for attendees to learn more about this great sport of ours and to be able to visit with other fisherpersons. All meetings start at 7:00 P.M. and last approximately two hours.

Great Lakes Sport Fishermen, Ozaukee Chapter

Biopesticide may solve zebra mussel problem

By Sara Foss (Contact)
Gazette Reporter

CAPITAL REGION — Zebra mussels arrived in the United States 20 years ago and quickly spread throughout the country. By 1989, they had made their way to New York; a year later, they were already causing problems.

Considered an invasive species, the tiny mollusk is notorious for clogging the intake pipes of power plants, and damaging boats and harbors. The only way to get rid of them was by using highly toxic, polluting pesticides.

But that’s about to change.

A New York State Museum researcher has created a non-toxic alternative pesticide, using a natural bacterium that zebra mussels can feed on in small quantities, but will kill them if they eat too much of it. (Full Story)

Source: The Daily Gazette

Federal court affirms right to regulate ballast water

by Bob Kelleher, Minnesota Public Radio
November 25, 2008

Duluth, Minn. — Minnesota's new ballast regulations are getting support from a Federal Appeals Court ruling.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the right of Michigan, and other states, to regulate ballast water. (Full Story)

Source: Minnesota Public Radio

Wisconsin ballast water rules face challenge

Associated Press - November 21, 2008 5:25 PM ET

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - An environmental group says Wisconsin's proposed Great Lakes ballast water rules are too weak.

The National Wildlife Federation and its Wisconsin chapter argue the rules aren't tough enough to stop the spread of invasive species from oceangoing vessels. The rules issued earlier this year call for ballast water exchange and flushing, but the federation feels that won't be enough to protect the lakes. (Full Story)

Source: WKOW TV 27 Madison Wi

Federal court upholds Michigan ballast water law

11/21/2008, 8:00 p.m. EST
By JOHN FLESHER
The Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A federal appeals court Friday upheld a Michigan law designed to prevent oceangoing freight ships from bringing invasive species to the Great Lakes in their ballast water. (Full Story)

Source: AP Michigan News

Public input session planned for water issues

The Sheboygan River Basin Partnership and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are hosting a public input session on the Restoration Goals (Delisting Targets) for the Sheboygan River and Harbor Area of Concern (AOC).

The input session is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2, and will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Wombat Room on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan. (Full Story)

Source: Sheboygan Press

Lower Fox River Basin Meeting

December 10 - The Lower Fox River TMDL Technical Team will meet from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Room 220 of Rose Hall at UW-Green Bay 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay. This meeting will focus on costs and corresponding concerns regarding point sources in the Lower Fox River Basin in relation to TMDL goals. For more information contact, Nicole Richmond, nicole.richmond@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-0152.

Public Hearing... Lakes within Flambeau River State Forest

December 6 – A Fisheries Visioning Session to help develop a vision for the future of fishery management on lakes within the Flambeau River State Forest (Connors Lake, Lake of the Pines, Mason Lake, and Evergreen Lake) will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Big Bear Lodge, W1614 County Highway W (about halfway between Phillips and Winter). Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fisheries staff will outline the status and potential of these fisheries, and then facilitate stakeholder input into desired future conditions. Participants will determine the relative importance of each fish species, decide the trade-offs folks are willing to make for numbers versus size and catch versus harvest, and draft specific goals and objectives that reflect local and statewide preferences. After the session DNR fisheries staff will develop strategies (length limits, stockings, habitat projects, etc.) in a Fishery Management Plan that ultimately will be appended to the Flambeau River State Forest Master Plan. The meeting is co-sponsored by the Connors Lake / Little Papoose / Lake of the Pines Voluntary Lake Association, Inc. The Lake Association will provide a “working lunch” during the meeting. For information contact Jim Halvorson, Flambeau River State Forest Superintendent, at 715-332-5271.

Cushman Dam Removal

HEBRON – The Department of Natural Resources has determined that the Cushman Dam, on the Bark River in the SW ¼ of Section 24, T.6N, R.15E, Town of Hebron, Jefferson County has failed, is in very poor condition and is hazardous to the public. The dam’s owner, Mr. William Cushman of Jefferson requested assistance to remove the dam which causes the hazard. In partnership with Mr. Cushman, the Department of Natural Resources has agreed to assist with the dam removal.

The proposed Department action is not anticipated to result in significant adverse environmental effects. The Department has made a preliminary determination that an environmental impact statement will not be required for this action. This recommendation does not represent approval from other DNR sections, which may also require a review of the project.

Copies of the environmental assessment that led to the DNR's preliminary determination can be obtained from Robert Davis, Water Management Engineer, Lower Rock River Basin, (608) 275-3316. Robert.Davis@wisconsin.gov.

Public comments, either written or oral, on the environmental assessment are welcome and must be submitted to Robert Davis no later than 4:30 p.m. December 15, 2008. Comments may be submitted either verbally or in written form.

DNR's mercury reduction rule goes into effect January 1, 2009

The DNR’s mercury reduction rule will go into effect January 1st, 2009. The rule accomplishes the 90% mercury reduction goal by the Governor two years ago. The rule will also achieve deep reductions in sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions beyond the current requirements of state and federal law.

The rule targets emissions from utilities and offers two options for meeting the 90% reduction requirement. Under the first option, which targets only mercury, coal fired power plants have until 2015 to meet the 90% reduction. The second option gives a longer window for meeting the mercury reduction (2021), but also requires dramatic reductions in sulfur dioxide (80%) and nitrogen oxide (50%). Mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide are the three pollutants most responsible for smog and fish consumption advisories.

Coal fired power plants are the largest source of mercury, which is a released when coal is burned to generate electricity. Mercury settles into inland waters as it floats back down to earth, and it mixes with rain and snow to wash into our lakes and rivers. Much of this mercury is converted by bacteria in the soil and sediment into its toxic form, methylmercury.

Methylmercury is easily absorbable by animals and works up the food chain, becoming more and more concentrated as it progresses to larger species. Mercury levels in Wisconsin fish have necessitated a statewide fish advisory warning for all inland waters that urges consumers—especially children and women of childbearing age—to limit consumption of fish such as, walleye or northern, which tend to have higher levels of mercury.

Source: Wisconsin Association of Lakes

Federal legislation to regulate ballast water appears fatally stalled

At a time when estimates show invasive species may cost the Great Lakes region as much as $200 million a year in damages, Federal legislation to regulate ballast water discharges appears dead. No action is expected before the close of this year's legislative session.

When ocean going ships—called “salties”—flush their ballast water tanks, they can deposit exotic stowaways directly into the Great Lakes. Some of these hitchhikers—zebra mussels, sea lampreys, viral hemorrhagic septicemia, and the New Zealand mud snail—have thrived in their new habitats, becoming invasive species that are causing big ecological and economic damage. Most recent invasive species have entered the Great Lakes via saltie ballast water. The Great Lakes are currently home to 185 invasive species, with a new invasive being discovered every six months.

The U.S. House and Senate both considered the subject, but they differed on approach and which agency would enforce compliance—the Coast Guard or the Environmental Protection Agency through its Clean Water Act.

The House bill—which passed 395-7—would have created a national standard for ballast water discharges and a permitting system for ships, enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. Critics of the bill worried that the bill prevented individual states from having a role in ballast water regulation, and gave too much power to the Coast Guard.

The Senate favored putting the permitting and enforcement responsibility with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the authority of the Clean Water Act. Senators argued this approach would enable states to add tougher standards than the baseline requirements the EPA would create, if they so chose, and the court system could be used to compel the federal government to meet its responsibilities and ensure shipping companies complied with the law.

In 2006, a federal district judge ruled that the EPA’s failure to regulate “biological pollution”—invasive species of bugs, critters, pathogens, fish, etc.—is "plainly contrary to the congressional intent" of the Clean Water Act, and ordered the EPA to begin regulating ballast water discharges by September 30, 2008.

Individual states have grown weary of waiting for the federal government to begin using its existing authority and/or pass new legislation. Michigan enacted its own restrictions on ballast, which went into effect in 2007. In September 2008, Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency approved discharge standards for ballast water and will begin a permitting system. Wisconsin DNR—in response to a petition submitted by 13 conservation groups including the Wisconsin Association of Lakes—determined it has legal authority to regulate ballast water discharges under the existing permitting system that implements the federal Clean Water Act. However, Wisconsin has not yet moved forward to develop ballast discharge standards.

Source: Wisconsin Association of Lakes

2009 Wisconsin Lakes Convention

March 18-20, 2009
KI Convention Center, Green Bay, WIBack to Balance
Contact: Kim Becken, kbecken@uwsp.edu.
Website: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/
An Aquatic Invasive Species Symposium

Call for Posters
Deadline: December 1, 2008
Agenda and Online Registration coming in January 2009
Convention Costs: No cost increase from last year!
Full convention cost: Early Bird (March 1) = $165 Regular = $185
AccommodationsHotel Sierra (attached to the KI Convention Center)
Online reservations or toll free at 888-695-7608
Rates: $62/night for rate for government employees with ID $105 - Double or Queen suites $115 - King suites

Holiday Inn - City Centre (adjacent to KI Convention Center)Online reservations or toll free at 920-437-5900Rates: $84.95 - single or double occupancy2009 Wisconsin Lakes Stewardship Award Nominations
Deadline: January 26, 2009

2008 WI Lake Stewardship Award Winners
2007 WI Lake Stewardship Award Winners
2006 WI Lake Stewardship Award Winners
2005 WI Lake Stewardship Award Winners

2009 Wisconsin Lakes Photo Contest
Deadline: March 2, 2009
Past Photo Contest Winners

Exhibitor Information (exit to WAL)

In response to popular request, the 31st annual Wisconsin lakes Convention will highlight the important issue of aquatic invasive species (AIS). This event will pull together local, state, national and global experts to discuss all aspects of AIS issues. The convention will include exceptional plenary speakers, workshops, concurrent sessions and poster presentations.

Source: Wisconsin Association of Lakes

WI commercial fisher settles state suit over fisheries violations for $27,500

MADISON – Wholesale fish dealer Susie Q Fish Co., Inc., and its President, licensed commercial fisherman Michael J. LeClair, have agreed to pay $27,500 to the State Conservation Fund to settle state claims brought under Wisconsin's conservation laws.

The State's complaint charged that LeClair under-reported his whitefish catch, and that he caught more fish than were allowed by his quota. It charged that LeClair sold or transferred the over-quota fish to Susie Q, which possessed and sold them. The judgment resolves claims against both LeClair and Susie Q.

Source: GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT

Invasives control possible by DOE project

In a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, researchers have developed an environmentally safe bacterial toxin to control zebra & quagga mussels that have found their way into the waterways of 25 states over the past two decades, fouling the environment as they spread.

The new bio-pesticide was derived from a common soil bacterium at the New York Museum Field Research Lab in Cambridge. When ingested in large quantities, the bacterium is lethal to these mussels, but harmless to non-target organisms, including native freshwater mollusks.

In experimental treatments of zebra and quagga mussels, the bio-pesticide achieved a 98% mortality rate in service water systems at a New York power plant. The addition of the bacterium to the water supply showed no effects on humans.

Since their introduction to the U.S. in the mid-1980s, these critters have cost the North American economy billions of dollars in lost industrial productivity and the expense of control efforts. The two species, native to Europe, have few natural predators in America, and they compete with indigenous mussels, disrupting the native food chain.

When the invaders grow in high density, they can block pipes that deliver water to power-plant cooling systems, shutting down electricity generation while the organisms are removed. Large colonies can also threaten water supplies for drinking, fire-fighting, and irrigation.

Methods now used by power-plant operators to control these critters include chemical chlorination, filtration, and pre-oxidation of intake water. Use of the new bacterial toxin is economically competitive with these other methods while having minimal effect on native species. Application of the bacterial toxin will allow power plant operators to reduce or eliminate the use of chlorination that can harm aquatic ecosystems.

For more info: http://www.fossil.energy.gov

Source: GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT

Feds implement Mass Marking program for Salmon and Trout

New, long sought equipment will pay benefits to states & anglers for years to come

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Great Lakes Region late last month received the first of a series of automated fish tagging trailers ― an initial step in the development of a mass marking program that will eventually mark or tag all salmon and trout stocked into U.S. waters of the Great Lakes. Once implemented, this initiative will become the largest coordinated tagging and recovery program ever envisioned for Great Lakes management agencies.

A similar coordinated program is planned by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in Canadian waters of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes program is modeled after a successful 20-year mass-marking program for salmon in the Pacific Northwest.

A program long sought by regional DNR agencies, the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council and other conservation groups, the centerpiece of this approach to mass marking is the computer-operated, automated tagging and marking trailer known as the AutoFish System. The system, designed, built and marketed by Northwest Marine Technology of Anacortes, WA (http://www.nmt-inc.com/) provides an alternative to manual clipping and tagging of fish ready for release to the wild.

This alternative is really the greatest benefit to resource manage-ment, egg collection, hatchery management and stocking regimes. It will dramatically reduce fish stocking mortality due to manual fin clipping and simultaneously offer resoundingly improved data collection on stocking, paired with declining state labor costs. The long-term benefits will also be realized by increased angler opportunities.

The AutoFish System is a self-contained mobile unit in a 44’ aluminum fifth wheel trailer. The system has the capability to rapidly sort by length, clip the adipose fin, and insert coded-wire tags to more than 60,000 salmon and trout per eight-hour day without anesthetic or human handling. The fish are never completely dewatered during the process, thereby reducing stress. Fin clipping rates and tag placement accuracy is superior to that of manual operations and less costly than manual clipping and tagging systems.

FWS is leading this program at the request of state and tribal fishery agencies in the eight Great Lakes States through the Council of Lake Committees of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The Service's Green Bay National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (NFWCO) will provide overall coordination of Basin-wide tagging and marking for 21 state hatcheries, four Service hatcheries and one tribal hatchery that stock salmon and trout. Green Bay NFWCO will also assist partner agencies with project planning, data collection, statistical analysis and laboratory services to extract and read the coded-wire tags from harvested fish.

The estimated cost to implement the mass-marking program over a five-year period will be around $12 million for equipment and $6 million per year for operational costs. Congress awarded the Service $1.2 million this year to begin the project.

For years the Service has fin-clipped (marked) and/or coded-wire-tagged all of the lake trout stocked into the Great Lakes for the restoration of this species. Recovery of the tagged and marked lake trout helps the Service, state and tribal fisheries agencies evaluate the performance and movement of these fish. Tagging also allows for evaluation of the survival and growth between strains, stocking locations, and sizes at stocking. With the new mass marking initiative, continued evaluation of hatchery fish is now being extended to other salmon and trout species raised by the states and tribes in U.S. waters.

Coded-wire tags are thin pieces of metal wire that are inserted into the snout of fish just prior to stocking and contain a numeric code that is specific to a certain group of fish. All coded-wire tagged fish also receive an adipose fin clip to identify them as having a tag. When fish are recovered from fisheries and assessment activities, they are scanned with a metal detector to locate the tag. The tag is then removed and read. When many recovered tags are analyzed over time, biologists can determine relative survival, movement, growth rates and age of the fish.

Source: GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT

Late Winter Perch

Webmeister Note: The information below is from a link to a website hosted by Vexilar. The name of the site is - Ice Fishing Today and I found that it had some interesting and informative content. You may like to check it out?

If you love Perch, you will love this show because the IFT crew really racks them and stacks them! More importantly, this program shows just how important a Vexilar can be to double your perch fishing success. IFT travels to Mille Lacs Lake in central Minnesota with noted ice fishing expert, outdoor writer and elementary school teacher Jason Durham of Park Rapids Minnesota. IFT host Tom Zenanko and Jason are guided by Corey Studer of Walleyes Plus Guide Service.

Late season perch are prowling the deep mud and gravel transition areas miles from shore, but with the aid of a Vexilar, you are able to follow the wondering schools of perch to stay in the action. The trio really get into the monster perch and have a great time doing it. This edition of IFT had a special treat for the crew since we ran into Butch Furtman of the Sportsman’s Journal TV series. Butch is from Duluth, Minnesota and is known for his skills as an outdoorsman and a cook. Butch actually wanted to prepare some of our perch for lunch, so IFT took this opportunity to film the on-ice luncheon.

Fishing perch makes for a great ice fishing experience, enjoy the show!

Group requesting Great Lakes bailout

Posted by Jeff Kart The Bay City Times November 20, 2008 09:31AM

Categories: Environment, Front Page and Local, Government

First it was Wall Street, then the automakers.

Now, a group of advocates thinks the federal government should "bail out" the Great Lakes. \

But this request is different, they say, because it's tied to another economic stimulus package expected to be introduced in January, after President-elect Barack Obama takes office. (More)

Source: The Bay City Times

A watertight idea

Allowing Waukesha to obtain lake water could be the best option for Waukesha and for the environment.

Posted: Nov. 20, 2008

In the next several months, the City of Waukesha will make an application to obtain Lake Michigan water. The most important thing all sides can do is keep an open mind to the potential benefits.

Waukesha officials need to be open to all alternatives on where to obtain clean water for their residents. But would-be critics of the proposal need to be open to the probability that allowing Waukesha to obtain Lake Michigan water is the best option for everyone. (More)

Source: JSOnline

Wisconsin Fishing Club, Ltd.

2008 – Our 42nd Year

December 22- Jerry Opicka, Hot Ice Pan Fishing, Wisconsin Fishing Club, Ltd., Meeting. $3.00 7 PM. Meeting & 8 pm speaker. Calhoun Station, 1849 So. Calhoun Rd., New Berlin. Contact Dan Freiherr, treasurer, (414) 464-9316. Fishing reports, fishing equipment raffle plus hot pizza is available.

Jerry Opicka is an all season angler, and he’s one of the state’s best panfishermen with limits of panfish the norm NOT the exception.. He’s the past president of the Wisconsin Fishing Club, Ltd., and he currently runs the year long fishing contest. If you want to learn how to catch pan fish through the ice, this is the meeting for you. Come and find out how he does it, as he shares his vast expertise in preparation for the hard water season. Jerry will talk about locations and techniques, with safety in mind, for making limit after limit on the ice your reality. Also, bring your angling friends and relatives. Make this your Christmas fishing meeting. We welcome new members. Hot pizza is available.

Writing and Picture Taking

Through Sunday, February 1, 2009
Photography and Writing Contests
Great Lakes
Discover Wisconsin's Great Lakes. Send in your best photos of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior. Winning photos will be used in a 2009-2010 calendar. We are also looking for Great Lakes writings--statements, short essays, poems, or songs-- to be used in our publications, websites and displays.E-mail writings to DNRGreatLakesWriting@wisconsin.gov. (608)267-0555 or e-mail

Through Friday, July 31, 2009
Photo Contest
Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca
Photo Contest. Prizes of $35, $25, and $15 in each category--wildlife, scenery, and recreation. Digital or film photos must have been taken in the park no earlier than January 1, 2007. Sponsored by Friends of Hartman Creek State Park. (715)258-2372

Through Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Photography Contest
Buckhorn State Park, Necedah
Enter photographs in any of the following categories: Plants, wildlife, people using the park, and open (landscapes, etc.) youth (photographer under 18 yrs old) Prizes awarded. Call park office for an information sheet. Sponsored by Friends of Buckhorn State Park, Juneau County Star Times, The Messenger of Juneau County, Adams County Times-Reporter, WRJC, and WDKM. Photos must be taken within the boundaries of the park. (608) 565-2789

Photography Contest
Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship
Enter photographs in any of the following categories: Plants, wildlife, people using the park, open (landscapes etc.) , youth (photographer under 18 yrs old) Prizes awarded. Call park office for an information sheet. Sponsored by Friends of Roche-A-Cri State Park, Juneau County Star Times, The Messenger of Juneau County, Adams County Times-Reporter, WRJC, and WDKM. Photos must be taken within the boundaries of the park. (608) 565-2789

DNR Outdoor Report as of November 20, 2008

Wisconsin’s regular nine-day gun deer season opens this Saturday, Nov. 22 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 30. State wildlife officials say hunters should be able to look forward to a good season. Even after a pretty tough winter in parts of the state, and a harvest of more than 520,000 deer last year, the deer herd is still a good deal larger than established population goals in much of Wisconsin. Biologists estimate that the herd numbers between 1.5 and 1.7 million animals going into the fall 2008-09 seasons, a slight decrease from last year.

Despite one of the latest possible opening days, which is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving, white-tail buck deer still reported in the chase phase of the rut, or their mating season, in many parts of the state. This should make it more likely that deer will be on the move.

As of Wednesday, only the far north central part of the state was reporting any snow cover, with 5 to 6 inches on the ground in the Mercer to Hurly area of Vilas and Iron counties. Flurries and cold temperatures are in the forecast for opening weekend, so it is possible that more of the state will have and hold at least some tracking snow.

The cold temperatures have allowed downhill ski resorts to make snow, and Granite Peak Ski Area located at Rib Mountain State Park near Wausau was hoping to open runs to skiing this weekend. Cross-country ski trails have begun to be groomed just across the border in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where up to 8 inches of snow is on the ground, but as of yet no Wisconsin state parks or forests have had enough snow to groom trails.

For all intents and purposes, the open-water fishing season has come to an end across the Northwoods of Wisconsin. A few late season musky hunters have been taking advantage of the remaining open water opportunities but most of the smaller lakes have iced over and many of the bays on the larger lakes also have a thin layer of ice. Ice thickness is generally less than an inch and is no where near thick enough for any kind of ice fishing. It will likely be another week or so until the ice is thick enough for the first ice fishing reports to come in.

Whitefish are spawning in the Lower Menominee River. Brown trout are in the Lower Oconto River. Walleye anglers were reporting some success on the Wolf River and anglers have been catching a few legal-size walleye on the Rock River below the dam in Jefferson. Walleye action has been sporadic on the Mississippi River, with the best action on small saugers and only limited success on walleyes below dams.

Shore anglers fishing off the Lake Michigan piers and harbors have been catching a few browns trout with an occasional steelhead reported.

The cold temperatures and strong winds this week accelerated the bird migration. Late ducks including mergansers, goldeneyes and mallards are pushing through. The northern zone duck season closes next Tuesday, November 25.

Northern Wisconsin is seeing a large influx of common redpolls and white-winged crossbills. Pine siskins, purple finches, smaller numbers of pine grosbeaks, evening grosbeaks and very few bohemian waxwings have been seen. Snowy owls are continuing to move into the state. Most birds so far have been immature and in poor condition. The peak tundra swan movement has probably come and gone but many swans still remain on the upper Mississippi River refuge and at larger open water bodies throughout the state.

And a safety reminder, with the gun deer season open, hunting safety specialists encourage everyone recreating outdoors to wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing, and they caution all hunters to always be sure of their target and what lies beyond it. Have a safe and successful hunting season, and with the Thanksgiving holiday next week, the next DNR Outdoor Report will be December 4.

A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266‑2277. A new report is put on the line each week.

Study: Block pathways to protect Great Lakes

Many Michigan residents are aware of the damage caused to the Great Lakes by the more than 150 non-native species that have made their way into the lakes' watershed over the years.

Millions of dollars have been spent trying to control invasive aquatic life such as zebra mussels and round goby, both of which were discovered in the Great Lakes in the 1980s, most likely brought in by ocean-going freighters.

In addition to clogging intake pipes that affect industry, drinking-water facilities and boaters, zebra mussels filter out much of the phytoplank-ton and small zooplankton in the lakes, effectively starving native populations. Round goby compete with native species such as perch for food, as well as eating the eggs of other fish and chasing larger fish away from nesting sites. (More)

Source: Battle Creek Enquirer

Environmental groups want pact controlling Great Lakes water strengthened

by John Flesher The Associated Press
Tuesday November 18, 2008, 5:37 AM

TRAVERSE CITY — A coalition of environmental groups wants to amend a recently enacted Great Lakes water management compact, contending it has loopholes that could enable water grabs by multinational corporations.

The groups kicked off their campaign Sunday in Traverse City, led by Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation. Their attorney, Jim Olson, said Congress should reword the pact or enact a bill to make clear that water is a publicly owned resource and not a commercial product. (More)

Source: THE MUSKEGON CHRONICLE: NEWS

Sheboygan River and Harbor Area Restoration Meeting

December 2 - A public input session on the Restoration Goals (Delisting Targets) for the Sheboygan River and Harbor Area of Concern (AOC) will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Wombat Room (Room 2114) of the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan, One University Drive, Sheboygan. The meeting will provide a venue for open discussion about future remediation and the possible next steps. Input received from you at this session will be included in the Sheboygan River AOC delisting targets report that will be finalized near the end of 2008. The session will include informational displays and experts will be on hand to discuss the AOC impairments and restoration goals for: fish habitat and populations; wildlife habitat, communities, health and consumption; fish consumption, fish tumors, river bottom dwelling plants and animals; restrictions on dredging; and nutrient pollution, undesirable algae and impacts to plankton The lower 14 miles of the Sheboygan River and Harbor (below the Sheboygan Falls Dam) were designated a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC) in 1985. A Great Lakes AOC is an area where contaminated sediment, poor water quality or habitat problems affect the use of the waterway such that it needs priority attention. The end goal is for all of the AOCs to be restored and protected so that they can be “delisted,” or removed from the list of Great Lakes AOCs. Goals or targets must be set and then met for each of the problem areas listed above so that the AOC can be considered cleaned up. The process takes time and commitment, and like most of the other AOCs, ours is still in progress. Of the 43 Great Lakes AOCs designated in the United States and Canada, only three have been delisted and two more are considered to be in recovery. More information on the Sheboygan River and Harbor AOC, are available on the Sheboygan River Partnership Web site at [http://sheboyganrivers.org/shebarea.html] (exit DNR). For more information or to RSVP, contact Laurel Last at (920) 892-8756 ext.3022 or laurel.last@wisconsin.gov.

Hagen named conservation warder for southern Washburn County

SPOONER Jon Hagen has been named Conservation Warden at Spooner, according to John Gozdzialski, Department of Natural Resource's Northern Region Director. Hagen replaces Brian Knepper who was promoted to an environmental enforcement position.

Hagen will be responsible for all field conservation and environmental law enforcement activities in southern Washburn County.

Formerly from Rice Lake, Hagen started with the department in summer of 1999 as a park ranger. Hagen was later hired as a part-time Deputy Conservation Warden in 2000. In 2001, he was hired full time as a conservation warden. Following training Hagen was temporarily stationed in Polk County and later permanently assigned to Milwaukee County and later Walworth County.

Hagen said he is looking forward to getting back to northwest Wisconsin and working with the people of Washburn County.

A graduate of UW-Stevens Point, Hagen holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Forestry, Parks and Recreation.

In his spare time Hagen enjoys spending time with family and friends, hunting with his two dogs, and preparing for a new arrival to the family with his wife, Cherie.

Plan would block pest species from Mississippi River

By Tom Saul Thursday, November 13, 2008

For nuisances like the zebra mussel and the round goby, a species of fish, it is far too late, said Joel Brammeier of the Alliance for the Great Lakes.

But a new report by the advocacy group recommends severing a century-old barge and boating link between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River to help stop the spread of invasive species in the future, Brammeier said.

Primary targets are species of Asian carp, particularly the silver carp that infests the Illinois River, Brammeier said. The leaping critters can grow up to 100 pounds and have been known to knock boaters unconscious. (More)

Source: Quad-City Times

Waukesha unveils details of Lake Michigan water plan

By Darryl Enriquez of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Nov. 13, 2008

Waukesha - Acting under provisions of the Great Lakes Water Compact, Waukesha officials revealed details Thursday of plans to seek Lake Michigan water and return treated wastewater to the lake, likely via Underwood Creek in Wauwatosa.

City officials briefed environmental leaders Thursday and said water leaving its wastewater treatment plant passes state muster to be deposited into Underwood Creek, which flows into the Menomonee River and then into Lake Michigan.

"The city's very high quality of wastewater treatment meets all state water quality standards and is superior to that of lakeside communities," Waukesha Water Utility manager Dan Duchniak said. (More)

Source: JSOnline

World’s Largest Dam Removal Agreement Reached

Dam removal will restore 300 miles of ailing salmon and steelhead populations

Alexandria, VA – November 17, 2008 – In a move lauded by the sportfishing industry, last week PacifiCorp, an energy provider in the northwestern United States, agreed to remove four dams on California’s Klamath River opening up more than 300 miles of habitat for the Klamath’s salmon and steelhead populations and eliminate water quality problems caused by the dams’ reservoirs. The Klamath River was once the nation’s third-largest salmon producer.

In August 2006, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and 11 other conservation groups requested that PacifiCorp remove the dams. This initiative was sparked by the application filed by PacifiCorp for renewal of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permits for the dams. The last time the permits were renewed occurred long before most environmental laws were enacted.

The Agreement in Principle, released on November 13, is intended to guide the development of a final settlement agreement in June 2009, which includes provisions to remove PacifiCorp’s four main dams in 2020, a century after the first dam was constructed.

“We are very pleased with PacifiCorp’s agreement to remove the dams from the Klamath River,” said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. “This historic agreement will allow for salmon and steelhead populations to once again prosper benefiting fishing communities that depend on healthy fish populations as well as recreational anglers.”

Robertson further said, “In a February 2007 meeting with PacifiCorp’s President Bill Furman, ASA and other conservation community leaders were impressed with the forthright and open manner of Mr. Furman as well as his commitment to work with us to find a solution. President Bush, Secretary of the Interior Kempthorne and California and Oregon along with Mr. Furman are to be commended for staying focused and forging this historic agreement.”

PacifiCorp's four dams produce a nominal amount of power, which can be replaced using alternate methods. A study by the California Energy Commission and the Department of the Interior found that removing the dams and replacing their power would save PacifiCorp customers up to $285 million over 30 years. PacifiCorp also agreed to provide as much as $200 million dollars to cover the cost of removal and to help restore the Klamath River.

According to the initial agreement, PacifiCorp will transfer control of the dams to the federal government, although an independent third-party will be identified to actually remove the dams.

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice, speaking out on its behalf when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also represents the interests of America’s 40 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.

BOATU.S. FOUNDATION CLEAN WATER GRANTS HELP YOUR COMMUNITY

Over $300,000 Awarded Since 1997

ALEXANDRIA, Va., November 17, 2008 -- Would you like to help make your home waters a little cleaner? The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is offering grant funds up to $4,000 each for community non-profit groups to develop projects that address environmental problems on local waterways. Since 1997 the annual BoatU.S. Foundation Clean Water Grant program has awarded over $300,000 to improve the marine environment, funding 149 projects in 35 states. This year's deadline to apply is February 2, 2009.

"Groups have flexibility in deciding what needs to be addressed, whether it's a pollution issue, preventing the spread of invasive species, or other environmental concern," said BoatU.S. Foundation Director of Environmental Programs Susan Shingledecker.

In the past, groups have received funding to create brochures that help educate boaters about the availability of pumpout stations, built and installed information kiosks on waterway ecology, added monofilament recycling bins for anglers, erected signage on clean water practices, and hosted a river clean up contests.

"The bottom line is that we will consider any project that strives to educate boaters about protecting the marine environment," added Shingledecker.

To view previous grant projects or learn more about the grant program, please visit http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/cleanwater/grants . Applications may be submitted electronically or mailed.

About the BoatU.S. Foundation: Founded in 1981, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of the 650,000 members of BoatU.S. It excels in providing safe, smart and clean boating resources for boat owners nationwide.

Giant Muskie ( Musky ) Ice Fishing Video

Nice Musky Video (Ice Fishing)

TEN TIPS FOR A WINTER TACKLEBOX "OVERHAUL"

From BoatU.S. Angler Expert Steve Chaconas

ALEXANDRIA, Va., November 10, 2008 - It's time to let the tacklebox do the talking. After a spring, summer and fall of hard use, your tackle is showing some wear and tear. Now with winter approaching, Steve Chaconas, a BoatU.S. Angler fishing expert and professional guide, has these ten tips for a winter tacklebox "overhaul" that will get you ready for next season, and keep you focused on fishing while the waters are frozen over.

1. Take a look at all of your lures. There are likely a few you never tied on. Here's an idea: Get some lure paint from a fishing craft store such as Jann's Netcraft and change the color of the lure to match up closer to ones that produce. If you don't want to do that, just give them to a kid to use or another fishing buddy.

2. Next, examine the hooks on your crankbaits and topwaters and replace them or sharpen. With spinnerbaits, sharpen hooks and take a look at the rubber skirts. Replace them if necessary. A tip: Tying some nylon thread above the rubber collar on the skirt will keep it in place.

3. Organize. Inventory. Stocking tackle over the winter gives you a great running start in the spring.

4. If you're a bit more organized, you can take your reels apart to clean, grease and oil.

5. If you decide to remove the line completely from a reel, you don't want to re-spool until you go fishing again next spring as line memory makes it harder to cast. Another school of thought that may save a little time and money is to not remove all of the line, leaving some "backing," or a permanent length of line on the reel. This way, you don't have to replace all of the line every year.

To leave the correct length of backing, make one long cast and then cut the line. Then tie the lure or weight on and make a second long cast, cut the line, and repeat this process one more time. Now that you've gotten about three cast-lengths of line removed from the reel, you're ready to tie your new line onto the end of the backing line.

No matter which route you go, try to recycle your discarded fishing line.

6. Back to the reel. After you clean the exterior, pay attention to areas where line passes. On baitcasting reels, it's the line guide. Use a Q-Tip or pipecleaner dipped in WD-40.

For spinning reels, it's the line roller. To lubricate, put a drop of oil or grease on the worm gear, on the spinning reel line roller, and on the bail pivot points. It's also a good idea to clean the handles and oil the axles.

7. For rods, check the guides and wraps. If a guide has a scratch, nick, or groove, replace it. Some anglers brush a Q-Tip inside the guide to see if a piece of cotton is left behind. I use a magnifying glass. I want to see what's really going on. If the guide wraps are loose or exposed, repair this area. Again, your tackle retailer has all the supplies.

8. Winter is also a good time to take a hard look at what you're carrying in your tacklebox. Is there something in there you don't use? Something you've needed? Winter allows you the time to research new lures, or even a new tacklebox.

9. Beyond tackle, there are a few other items you may want to think about having in your tacklebox: basic first-aid items, an extra mini-flashlight, spare knife, a small bottle of bug repellant, an emergency space blanket, and perhaps some extra cordage. Just make sure it's serviceable.

10. This last tip isn't for your tacklebox, but it's an important one and something I do every year. If you use inflatable life jackets, I like to test and replace my re-arm kits in the fall when we revert back to Standard Time. That way, it helps me remember to change my smoke detector batteries and re-arm my life jacket at the same time.

BoatU.S. Angler is a new program from the nation's largest association of recreational boaters whose mission is to protect the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers, increase boating safety, provide consumer assistance and ensure fishing remains worry-free. For more information, go to http://www.BoatUSAngler.com or call (866) 906-0013.

CRANKBAITS FOR CHRISTMAS, OR ANYTIME

by: L.A. Van Veghel

As a music collector, I’ve been getting back to the great music sound produced by aged reel-to-reel recorders, so eBay has had plenty of visits from me. Yet, when I received a narrow cardboard box similar to that used for long-stemmed roses, I was puzzled. I didn’t think any of the sellers were that happy about my purchases, and my lady friend has left the world of the living. So my guess was felt pressure pads.

Happily, I was wrong. The box held 16 shiny, new crankbaits from Sébile USA, Ltd., www.sebileusa.com.

I enjoy trolling along structure lines as taught by the late Buck Perry. I learn the bottom make-up of a lake while pulling crankbaits designed to cause walleyes, pike, and other gamefish to strike.

While doing the initial draft of this piece, I wrote my impressions of the lures without reading through the advertising jargon or studying the cover letter. This way, you’ll see these lures through the eyes of a person who has been a member and officer of fishing clubs for over three decades and has written about fishing for just about as long. I’ve fished in tournaments, both on open water and on ice, and I’m proud to say that the last tournament I entered, I took first place. I don’t work for nor am I sponsored by any fishing equipment manufacturer. Today, many writers are fulltime tournament pros who promote their sponsors, are lure manufacturers, guides promoting their businesses, or are fishing boat manufacturers. I’ve remained a true freelancer, and my fans have appreciated my unbiased viewpoint.

When I went through this article for the second time, I added data and information from the manufacturer.

The high quality lures look superb, and they should. These lures are not on the low end of the price list.

The ACast Minnow Series is for fishing in the upper to mid, single digit depths of a lake or river. It’s a red-eyed, shallow diver lure having weights and sizes for retrieving 2- to 8-feet down. As with all lipped crankbaits, they go deeper when trolled. For comparisons, think of the shallower running Shad Raps or C.C. Shiners. My boxes all said “saltwater,” but I doubt if fish care. In our area, I’d target walleyes, largemouth bass, and northern pike. The larger versions could entice muskie strikes. This lure series comes in floating, suspending and sinking models.

ACast lures have rattles. The manufacturer states that when casting these rattles move to the end of the crankbait to increase distance, and during the retrieve, the rattles roll into a low center position allowing for the lure’s “natural side-to-side rolling action…” Patrick Sebile, the designer, calls this style an “erratic wobbler.”

The lure colors look like they will entice fish strikes. This is important when buying baits. Many manufacturers make the lures look attractive to anglers. While these crankbaits are good-looking to the angler, they have great shiner or shad looks to them, and gamefish love chomping on those forage fish.

The suspending Koolie Minnow SL is a narrow-bodied, long, slightly arched, and thin plastic bait. These lures differ from suspending Rapalas by what is inside of the plastic body. The lures contain liquid having tiny reflective things imitating fish scales. This adds life to the baits, and increases casting distance. Besides fishing during the day over healthy, green weeds for bass, I’d toss these lures at night for walleyes that have moved into the shallows to feed.

The thin-bodied, “Hyper-Wobbler,” Koolie Minnow ML and deeper running LL floating/divers are perfect for retrieving over healthy, green aquatic plants. These red-eyed lures have extended and narrower lips that create a wobble for which walleyes, pike and bass should succumb. This series also features the scale-imitating liquid filling. The shallowest baits in the ML series retrieve at ½ foot while the bigger lures with the longer lips retrieve at 5-feet. The ML series I received goes from ¼ oz. and 3 inches long to 1-1/4 oz. and 5 inches long. The 5/8 oz. ML differs from the other ML’s in that it is a “countdown” sinker. Again, my selection was marked “saltwater,” but I’ll use them on freshwater lakes and rivers.

Sébile says they offer the deepest minnow diver currently on the market. Their Koolie Minnow Long Lip LL 118 can “dive as deep as 43 feet when trolled with 60 yards of light braid (10 to 17 lb test).” I received a 118 LL in white lady color, and my box said the lure is a floating/diver good for 8.8 to 12.7 feet when retrieved.

Since this lure style doesn’t have a fat diving bill as do some deep diving crankbaits, it does not create a lot of rod load when trolling nor do you have to set the reel for heavy lure drag resistance. This is great for those of us who want to feel the fish strike. The deeper baits look ideal for catching those big fish lurking along outside weed lines to prey on forage fish such as the aforementioned prey plus yellow perch.

I’ve used jigging baits such as the Jigging Rapala and the tail-spinner Little George, but the larger-bodied, liquid filled with scale imitating flecks, plastic-bodied, lipless, sinking Flatt Shad is different. The bait presents a large profile, and it can be fished from single digits and down into depths you probably have not attempted. These lures will cast a long way. In reading the manufacturer’s information, it stated a European angler caught a 22 pound zander, a walleye cousin, 60-feet down in Sweden during December of 2007. I’m ready to try these baits in lakes having deep walleyes, such as Lower Twin, in Wisconsin’s Vilas County, from where I’ve taken early fall walleyes as deep as 51-feet while using inflated night crawlers on a Lindy Rig. Vertical jigging a vibrating Flatt Shad allows anglers to use a lure the deep water fish haven’t seen countless times and have become used to ignoring.

The lures designer prefers walleye catching colors such as “white lady, natural D-blue back, perchy, amber fashion, yellow pepper, rainbow trout, rogue claw and tequila gold” for the Koolie Minnow or Flatt Shad. For the ACast Minnow he likes “white lady, white perch, peacock, chartreuse holo and deep red.” I’m going to start with shad-imitating colors. Other anglers might try the perchy color first.

The liquid-filled baits with the red eyes mimic distressed prey fish. Red eyes are a blood distress signal, and the floating scales imitate the loss of scales. To attract feeding predator fish, the moving liquid gives off low-frequency waves imitating muscle contractions. When retrieving, I suggest using an erratic retrieve.

I’m eager to use these lures. They look like fish catchers, and that’s the kind of baits I want in my tackle box. The lures I’ve tried all track true.

Now, if I could only figure out a way to go fishing while still getting my other things done…

The do’s and don'ts of reporting wildlife law violations

MADISON – Citizens, hunters and anglers are important partners in protecting our natural resources. They help by assisting Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conservation wardens learn of and investigate wildlife law violations. However, there are things a person should and shouldn’t do at a potential crime scene to assure personal safety and to avoid hindering an investigation.

“The most important bit of advice we can give is to pay attention to your personal safety,” said Conservation Warden Tim Lawhern, DNR hunter education administrator. “Observe and report but don’t confront the violator. Confronting suspected violators in the backcountry could be dangerous. Also, once warned, the violator is likely to leave the scene, making it more difficult to find them for any follow-up investigation.”

Lawhern says that any easily identifiable information is useful such as back tag numbers, clothing or equipment descriptions, or vehicle make, color, model and license plate numbers for instance. Or, if there is an ATV, snowmobile or watercraft involved, a registration number from the equipment. If you are leaving the site of the violation, clear directions or -- even better -- GPS coordinates marking the scene of the violation are all valuable.

“The best approach is to observe and note what you can but avoid contact with a violator and avoid disturbing anything,” advises Lawhern. “Leave the scene and call the hotline, 1-800-TIP-WDNR as soon as possible with the details. Taking notes, writing things down as soon as possible will help with accuracy.”

The Tip Line, 1-800-TIP-WDNR is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals witnessing or suspecting a violation should call as soon as possible. Violations can also be reported to the DNR’s information line 1-888-936-7463 between 7a.m. and 10p.m. any day of the week.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern, hunter safety administrator, 608-266-1317

Becky Smith catches 3 Muskies on Election Day

What a Fantastic Day on Pewaukee Lake w/Gordie Linde! These 3 Muskies, a 44", (top) 36 1/2", (middle) & 34 1/2", (bottom fish) were caught on 11-4-08. All three of these fish hit on Dick Smith's Small Musky Suckers on our Safety Pin Rigs. I also had two other hits on suckers along with 2 follows on Double Cowgirls. All were RELEASED (Click on each photo to enlarge)

Becky Smith is Dick Smith's daughter, and she runs the business, Dick Smith's Live Bait & Tackle, http://www.dicksmithslivebait.com/. Dick Smith was a long time early business member of WCSFO, and he's a past president of the Okauchee Fishing Club. Becky passes on information to WCSFO from time to time. Yes, those are the actual fish sizes, and she caught them in one day on Pewaukee Lake, in Waukesha County.

World of the Walleye Programs

Date: 2/12/09
Event Type: Seminar
Location: Winnebago Pool
State: Wisconsin
Contact: Jack Brauer
Contact Email: jbrauer@new.rr.com
Contact Phone: (920) 233-3536
Web Site: http://www.winnebagolakes.org/events

Details: Here is the line up for 2009. World of the Walleye Programs Winnebago Lakes Council 2009 Schedule Program Location: Fox Valley Technical College Oshkosh Room 133 150 Campbell Rd. Oshkosh, WI (By the Senior Center, Witzel Ave & Ohio St (Hwy 44)

When: Three Thurday nights in a row. Feb. 12, 19, 26th. (March 5th is a snow date in case of inclement weather which closes the school) ALL PROGRAMS ARE ON THURSDAY NIGHTS

Schedule: Feb. 12th; 6:30 PM River Fishing for Walleyes using FLIES. Ryan Standke and Rob Teske will cover everything from making flies to fishing with them in rivers. This method has proven very successful in the Fox River the past few years.

Feb. 19th, 6:30 PM Seasonal Movement of Walleyes and the DNR Assessment of Walleye Populations. Ryan Standke & Rob Teske will cover how to find walleyes throughout the year on the Winnebago Pool. Kendall Kamke, DNR Fish Manager will present the results of shocking and trawler operations in 2008.

Feb. 26th, 6:30 PM THE ABCʼS OF SETTING UP A LOWRANCE SONAR/GPS UNIT FOR WALLEYE FISHING. Chris Gasser, Lowrance Representative, and Ryan Standke will explain how to set up your electronics for walleye fishing.

March 5th Date reserved for a snow date. The technical school is closed if inclement weather happens. Should this occur, the programs will be moved back one week. Reservations are required to get in. Call Jack Brauer at 920-233-3536

FishAmerica Foundation Receives Contribution from Daiwa Corporation

Funds will be used to enhance family fishing waters

Alexandria, VA - November 6, 2008 — The FishAmerica Foundation was presented with a $10,000 donation from the Daiwa Corporation during the 2008 Sportfishing Summit in Denver, Colorado, held October 28-30. This donation will be used by the foundation to enhance family fishing waters and ensure that future generations of anglers will have access to fishing areas.

Daiwa’s Vice President of Sales Terry Pedersen presented the check to FishAmerica’s Executive Director Johanna Laderman and American Sportfishing Association (ASA) President and CEO Mike Nussman during ASA’s annual business meeting held October 28 – 30, in Denver, Colo. FishAmerica is ASA’s fisheries conservation and research foundation.

“As part of Daiwa's celebration of 50 years in the fishing tackle industry, we wish to make this donation in support of FishAmerica Foundation's invaluable work in habitat and sport fish restoration. As we and others who have been in this industry for so long realize, our hobby and livelihood could not exist without strong stewardship of our sport fishery,” said Pedersen.

“FishAmerica is proud to be the recipient of Daiwa’s generous gift,” said Laderman. “It is gifts from companies such as Daiwa that have contributed to our many successes over the past 25 years and our ability to restore and improve fisheries across the United States.”

This year, FishAmerica is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since 1983, the foundation has invested more than $10 million in 1,000 projects in the United States and Canada. FishAmerica’s family fishing program was launched to create, enhance and restore fishing opportunities within easy reach of suburban and urban families – “within a short bicycle ride of every child.” Since 2000, the foundation has awarded more than $135,000 to fund community-based family fishing projects across the United States. The grants were matched with more than $376,000 in cash and in-kind donations by the local community – a nearly three to one return on the foundation’s investment.

For more information on the FishAmerica Foundation, and to learn more about the projects that the foundation has supported over the last 25 years, go to www.fishamerica.org.

The FishAmerica Foundation is the conservation and research foundation of the American Sportfishing Association, keeping our fish and waters healthy. FishAmerica unites the sportfishing industry with conservation groups, government agencies, fishing tournaments, corporations and charitable foundations, investing in fisheries conservation and research across the country. Over 25 years, FishAmerica has provided more than $10 million for more than 1,000 fisheries conservation and research projects nationwide.