Ask a friend to go fishing

Want to learn how to fish? Consider asking a friend for help.

“Ask another angler and they’ll likely take you fishing,” said Mike Kurre, mentoring coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “The number one thing is to ask. Fishing with someone else can simply be more fun.”

To start, anglers might not need to buy gear or a license because in most cases, Minnesotans don’t need a license to fish in Minnesota state parks and fishing kits can be checked out through a free loaner program. For locations, see www.mndnr.gov/state_parks/loaner.

Classes for kids and adults are listed on the DNR Take a Kid Fishing page at www.mndnr.gov/takeakidgfishing. They include:

• I Can Fish! Classes led by a naturalist. Discover what it takes to start fishing. Rods, reels and bait provided.

• I Can Trout Fish! Classes provide fishing gear. License requirements are waived. Learn about trout, the food they eat, and how to catch and release trout.

• Fly fishing classes introduce the fundamentals, including how to cast or cast more accurately.

Classes are scheduled from Sunday, May 25, to Saturday, Aug. 30.

All-Star Walleye Instructors to Teach Anglers August 12-15 at Sturgeon Bay

Minneapolis, Minn. With a dynamic two-to-one ratio of students to instructors, the All-Star Walleye School puts anglers in the boat - and in the classroom - with America's top-knotch walleye instructors. The instructors are tried and true, tournament after tournament, year after year. Collectively these anglers have won millions of dollars and captured dozens of wins and top honors including angler of the year and championships.

Click here for full story – Source: The Fishing Wire

Michigan Weekly Fishing Report

March 20, 2014

Weekly Fishing Tip: Storing your ice fishing equipment for next season

It’s about that time when you’ll need to get ready to store your ice fishing equipment. The key is doing it properly so you’ll be ready to hit the ice next winter! Here is a checklist of things to do:

1. If you have an auger, check it for any damage and then dry all the blades before storing it. You may want to consult your power auger’s manual to know how to appropriately handle any leftover gas and how to protect the engine.

2. Remove the batteries from any of your electronics to prevent any potential damage from leaking batteries.

3. Make sure your portable shelter is completely clean and dry before storing. You may want to put some moth balls in it or hang it to keep pests at bay.

4. Take a full inventory of your rods, reels and tackle to see what you might need/want to purchase next year. Also remove all bait or line from your hooks and lures for storage and make sure everything is dry.

By the time everything is properly stored you’ll be itching to get out on your favorite stream, river or lake for some spring fishing!  

Great Lakes Temperature Map

Click on the links below to jump to the report section that interests you most:

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Southwest Lower Peninsula

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Upper Peninsula

It may be hard to believe but anglers are actually getting tired of ice fishing! Many have put the ice fishing gear away and are now getting the spring and summer gear ready to go. The 2013-2014 ice fishing season may be one for the record books. 

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Brest Bay is still giving up a few walleye. Perch and bluegills were caught in the Metro Park Marina. Those fishing the middle lagoon at Sterling State Park caught bluegill and crappie. Some bluegills were on the small side but some of the crappie were nine to 11 inches. 

Detroit River: Had some flow ice coming down. Anglers were still ice fishing for perch in Airport Bay. The canals around Gibraltar were starting to open up. 

Lake St. Clair: Still has ice however with rain in the forecast and warmer temperatures this week, the shoreline may start to get soft by the weekend. Perch fishing was on the slow side with mostly smaller fish caught.

Oakland County:  Warm weather had the bluegills biting on the inland lakes. 

Saginaw Bay: Walleye season is open year round. Fish were caught at several locations like White’s Beach, the Black Hole in 20 feet, Linwood in 17 feet, the first pressure crack off the Bay City State Park, five to six miles north of Callahan Road, or the Slot off Thomas Road and Sunset Bay Marina. Fish were also caught off the north end of Spoils Island however anglers need to use caution around the south end because snowmobiles have gone through the ice near the sand bar. Some perch were caught off Killarney Beach but Vanderbilt Park was slow. Bluegills and some nice crappie nine to 12 inches were caught in the marina at Sebewaing. At Mud Creek, anglers are seeing a lot of nice perch but they would not bite. The smaller ones were hitting on a regular basis. We look forward to reporting on the steelhead and sucker runs but with all the ice, it’s going to be awhile. 

Saginaw River: Walleye season is closed and will re-open on Saturday, April 26. 

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

The inland lakes still have ice. Most had mixed catch reports. Some limit catches of crappie were reported. 

St. Joseph River:  Rising water levels will slow the steelhead bite however fish were caught downstream of the Berrien Springs Dam. 

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead have been caught below the Allegan Dam. 

Grand River in Grand Rapids:  Anglers are still getting some nice steelhead below the Sixth Street Dam. 

Ingham County: Fishing has slowed on the area lakes and rivers.  

Clinton County: The lakes still have ice but few anglers. Those heading out have caught a couple bluegills here and there. 

Jackson County:  Some anglers were out but few fish were caught. 

Calhoun County: Area lakes have become fairly quiet and some had no anglers at all. Goguac Lake and Duck Lake were producing a few panfish. 

Muskegon River: Anglers report good steelhead fishing below Croton Dam. Brown trout have also been caught. Most are fly fishing.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Burt Lake: Is producing a few perch. 

Au Sable River: Steelhead fishing was good however the access sites including the ramps, steps and walkways were icy. Anglers need to use caution in these areas. Boats being retrieved are dripping water on the extremely cold surfaces which adds more ice each time. 

Higgins Lake: Still has ice but fewer anglers heading out. Some are still targeting lake trout. Perch fishing was very slow and there has been no word on smelt. 

Houghton Lake: Still has a few anglers going out for bluegills however few fish were caught. There is no longer any snow on the lake which means those heading out will want to bring cleats for traction. 

Tawas: Fishing in bay was slow. A few small perch were caught inside the harbor. Pike spearing is closed but hook and line fishing is still open on the Great Lakes. Walleye anglers were mainly fishing at dusk.  

Au Gres: Had a lot of anglers walleye fishing off Palmer Road. Most were fishing in seven to 10 and some limit catches were reported. Some perch ranging six to eight inches were also caught but anglers were sorting through the small ones. We have reports of a truck going through the ice at Palmer Road so anglers need to use caution. 

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Ice fishing is still going on the inland lakes. At this rate, anglers could be ice fishing well into April. Warmer weather should help with the panfish bite. 

Lake Charlevoix: Was producing fair catches of perch. 

Torch Lake: Was producing decent catches of whitefish and trout. 

Traverse City: The East Bay continues to produce some lake trout and large burbot. Most are fishing in 120 to 150 feet off Deep Water Point and Yuba. Try jigs that glow.  Lake trout have been caught in West Bay as well. Try 135 to 180 feet with sand kickers and pimples with or without a minnow. Perch anglers could not get the fish to bite. Warmer temperatures are starting to produce some pressure cracks so anglers need to be careful. 

Green Lake: Still had ice. Those fishing at night have caught smelt. 

Lake Cadillac: Those still heading out are now targeting panfish. Crappie could be found just off the bottom or just under the ice. Try minnows, wigglers or wax worms.

Lake Mitchell:  Still has a few anglers heading out for bluegill and crappie. 

Manistee River: Has some steelhead but the spring run has not yet started. Ice still covers some large areas of the river. 

Pere Marquette River: Also has steelhead and more anglers out targeting them. Large sections of the river still had ice.   

UPPER PENINSULA

Marquette: The Lower Harbor had no anglers but the ice remains solid. Strong winds in the Upper Harbor are shifting the ice while cold temperatures were making new ice. Only a few anglers were out but no fish were caught. 

Carp River: Winds have shifted some of the ice and other areas froze over because of temperatures below zero. Some of the river is open slightly between the bridge and the discharge area below the Highway-41 Bridge. A few anglers have tried fishing here but had no success. 

Au Train: Had only a handful of anglers fishing and they had no success. Some areas took the entire length of the auger to get through the ice and slush. The mouth of the Rock River and the Au Train River were still iced in.

Munising:  Had more anglers out fishing but catch rates remain slow. Solid ice remains but fresh snow may make travel difficult. For whitefish, try bouncing eggs off the bottom in 60 to 70 feet. Some reported a fairly steady bite between 6 and 8 p.m.  The fish ranged eight to 13 inches. Splake were caught however many were small.  For bigger fish, try off the City Pier or Sand Point. Coho anglers could be found off Sand Point but catch rates slowed. Those fishing near the mouth of the rivers caught herring, menominee and steelhead. Fishing in Trout Bay has declined with only the occasional coho, lake trout or steelhead caught. 

Menominee River:  Warmer weather followed by extreme cold turned the parking lots, walkways and the river into ice rinks. Some were fishing the open water on the Michigan side for steelhead and brown trout. They are drifting spawn, yarn and flies near the rocks or casting lures off the Cat Walk. Catch rates were slow. 

Little Bay De Noc: The last week of walleye season was one that anglers have not seen in years. Many were not able to reach the water without an extension on their auger because of the ice thickness. Anglers caught jumbo perch along the “Narrows” in 40 to 50 feet and off Vagabond Resort in 24 to 30 feet when using minnows or wigglers. Those fishing Butler Island reported a lot of small fish along with a few keepers. The next several weeks should bring some very good perch fishing opportunities if it warms up. 

Munuscong:  Anglers caught perch off Grassy Island. Catch rates should pick up soon off Dan’s Resort and near Grassy Island.   

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch anglers are taking fish off the west end of Musky Bay and towards Duck Bay in seven to 10 feet. Fish were also caught from the east end of Hessel Bay and Government Bay.

Weekly Fishing Tip: Understanding fish posture to help with ice fishing success

(Michigan) Fish often maintain one of two postures – one where they are ready to strike (fins up and backs arched) or one where they are focused on traveling (fins tucked in). Understanding these postures can aid in your fishing success, particularly through the ice.

The first step when using fish posture to impact your ice fishing techniques is to have appropriate equipment, such as sonar. This tool allows you to visualize the posture and react effectively.

Secondly, pay attention to time periods of aggressive posture. Most likely you will see it exhibited around sunrise and sunset – plan your trips accordingly.

Michigan offers some of the best fishing throughout the year. Plan your next outing by visiting www.michigan.gov/fishing.

This tip was adapted from Michigan Outdoor News.

Weekly Fishing Tip: Techniques to target trout through the ice

Many anglers look forward to the opportunity to target trout – and not just on April’s opening day! Trout fishing through the ice can be quite fun, if you use the proper techniques. Consider the following….

Tip-Ups

Certain species of trout, particularly brown trout, really gravitate to tip-ups as they linger in shallower water. Consider your depth if you use this type of angling.

Jigging

Lake trout and brown trout can easily be attracted by jigging with a spoon. For lake trout use a piece of smelt or sucker as your bait. For brown trout use the head of a minnow.

Don’t want to sit on the ice looking for trout? Then gear up for the open water season! Check out lots of information about Michigan’s trout species online.

This tip was adapted from Michigan Outdoor News.

Halloween and Monster Walleye

Marcel Tourdot, Pittsburgh Fishing Examiner
October 7, 2011 - Like this? Subscribe to get instant updates.

Walleye are widely regarded as one of North America’s most elusive freshwater game fish. Often referred to as marble eyes the walleye is a predator of the night. The sensitive nature of their eye sight forces them to spend the majority of their time at depths much greater than most other game fish. They inhabit these depths where little or no sunlight can reach to accentuate their remarkable eyesight and use the advantage to ambush their prey.

There is however a time of transition for walleyes and it is a time when they are more susceptible because they abandon their typical haunts. It is also a time when the largest of the species begin to feed with reckless abandon in the shallower depths of a river or lake system. That time of year is now and for the next 4 to 6 weeks an angler has the best chance to catch a trophy walleye.

Target gravel bars, shallow weed beds near drop off points, submerged weeds (typically only visible with electronic sonar), and areas downstream from dams. Since Pittsburgh is famous for its rivers (among other things), it is an ideal autumn spot for trophy class walleye.
Since the feeding frenzy that walleye undergo during this time of year is a response to the need to store up food reserves and energy to survive the coming winter months they are looking for large baitfish. It is best to cast jigs with shiners, or creek chubs, and minnow imitation crank baits to hook that monster walleye.

Pike, largemouth bass & walleyes remain active into Dog Days

Roger Stack is the owner of R&R Sports, aka fishin' hole, and he's been in business for decades. His large, current store is at 3115 E. Layton Ave., Cudahy, WI 53110, (414) 481-6888.

My favorite St. Croix panfish rod had suffered a life-ending blow, so I'd retired it to tomato plant stick status. Of almost 70 ready-to-go rod and reel set-ups, this had been my most productive set-up. It was light, and so was the sturdy metal, black Browning spinning reel.

I was replaceing the St. Croix with a longer version, as I had done in the past. I toss light, plastic-bodied Dick Smith Panfish Grubs, so I wanted additional casting distance while having excellent feel of even the lightest bites. I place the line in the crease of my index finger, so as to feel bites that finger tip callouses would not notice. 4# Fireline Crystal line went onto the reel. The line that had been on it when the reel was bought had been the worst line I'd ever had regarding coiling and coming off en masse' from the reel spool. The line had more memory than could a herd of elephants.

At the other end of the spectrum was the South Bend musky rod that had decided to break rather than be bent to fit into a smaller space than was possible. The panfish rod was needed for Friday of the same week, and Saturday required the musky rod.

This time, I asked Stack's advice. I wanted to go into the 7' to 7'-6" range, as current musky pros were using longer rods in place of the old broom stick models. Besides my brass Shimano Calcutta looked awful sad and lonely mounted to the reel seat of the old, broken rod. Not knowing how I'd react to my cancer treatments and with professional fishing rod suggestions from Stack, I again went with a St. Croix rod. It was longer and lighter than the previous rod, and it had excellent backbone. The Shimano reel and this rod were a perfect match. I added some off white crankbaits because new lures always help motivate.

The Fishin' Hole is known for its accurate, over-the-phone, fishing reports. You'll get plenty of fishing related advertising, but the reports are excellent. Stack covers effective baits, depths, active species and lots more.

Roger told me the bass were coming from along drop-offs, and anglers have been catching these fish on dropshots with 7" plastic worms along weedlines during the day. My success had been on black Chatterbaits.

As he has for a few decades, Roger uses the Diving B's, by Berkley, along weedlines in 20-35 feet of water. This is where big pike and muskies suspend and watch for dinner to swim past. Smaller pike and muskies tend to inhabit the weed jungles. As the bottoms of the aquatic plants drop their leaves, pike and muskies have little trouble cruising in search of food.

With the welcomed normal summer weather consistancy, panfish are found in traditional locations including along drop-off and suspended off of drop-offs. Panfish anglers have had excellent success when using ice fishing jigs and Gulp.

By: L.A. Van Veghel - Milwaukee Fishing Examiner

Collegiate Bass Fishing Benefits From Extreme Exposure on VERSUS

Almost 80 million households will have access to over 12 hours of collegiate bass fishing programming running through October when VERSUS begins airing 12 hours of collegiate bass fishing programming running through October.

Say what??

Terms such as "Texas-rigged worm," "Carolina-rigged lizard" or "wacky rig" are part of a bass angler's everyday lexicon. But to a beginner, the experienced anglers might as well be speaking Chinese.

The Texas rig is probably the most popular fish-catching innovation in the evolution of bass fishing. The term stems from Nick Crème and Crème Manufacturing, the company given credit for inventing the plastic fishing worm. Crème created a double-hooked plastic worm with a straight tail. He tied the hooks to a leader, and then added a couple of red beads and a propeller out front. People called it the "tourist rig" because it was so easy to catch bass with it.

The rig worked great in open water, but snagged logs easily. Crème introduced an improved version of this rig in 1964. He replaced the propeller with a slip sinker and a bead, and the double hook with one large hook. Crème imbedded the hook point into the worm to make it weedless. He called this the Texas rig.

The basic design hasn't changed much since.

The Texas rig shines for bass around stumps, submerged trees and in weeds, because the hook is nearly snagless and the sinker punches through the cover. A medium to medium-heavy rod with a stiff tip is needed to drive the hook point through the worm and get the fish out of heavy cover.

A Carolina rig is an evolution of the Texas rig. It employs a ½- to 1-ounce egg or bullet-shaped slip sinker slid onto the main line from the reel, followed by two red glass beads. Brass is the preferred material for the weight. Brass makes a better clicking sound than lead when it contacts the glass on the retrieve.

The main line is tied to a barrel swivel. An 18- to 36-inch leader of monofilament or fluorocarbon line goes on the other loop of the swivel. The leader material is usually a lighter pound test than the main line, such as a 17-pound test main line with a 12-pound leader. A wide-gap offset worm hook goes on the business end.

This rig is versatile because it presents soft plastic worms, jerkbaits, lizards, creature baits and even live bait to hungry bass. The heavy weight of the rig allows the angler to follow contours of the bottom while covering water quickly. The Carolina rig is highly effective for fishing large mud flats, channel drops, ledges, sandbars and submerged humps. It is the go-to bait for many bass anglers fishing deep water, especially in summer and early fall.

You can also toss a Carolina rig onto a brush-covered flat or in the middle of a large weedbed. The heavy sinker on the front of the rig punches through the weeds and brush down to the bottom with the soft plastic bait hovering just above it. This method works wonders for bass on Kentucky Lake.

The wacky rig is a departure from both the Texas and Carolina rig. Several theories abound on the origin of the wacky rig, but one of the most often cited involves two novice anglers bass fishing one of the large reservoirs in Texas. They didn't know how to thread a plastic worm onto a hook properly, so they impaled the middle of their Crème Scoundrel worms and let the ends dangle. The worms hung on the hook like a clown's frown.

The pair threw their worms over weedbeds and caught large bass after large bass. When they returned to the dock, a couple of onlookers asked how they did. The two anglers opened their livewells and showed off some huge bass. The onlookers asked what they caught them on and the anglers held up their funny-looking worm rigs.

After some mighty guffaws, one of the onlookers exclaimed that it was the wackiest looking rig they'd ever seen. This was the birth of the wacky rig.

The wacky rig is great for fishing docks and up and under overhanging or flooded trees because you can skip it across the water. The undulating action of the worm drives a bass hanging under a dock or in a flooded tree crazy.

Soft plastic jerkbaits such as the Senko work great for this technique. They also draw strikes fished over weedbeds or stumps by pulling the worm up and allowing it to flutter back down.

Don't let terminology stand in the way of learning to fish for bass. Get out this summer and toss one of these rigs in a lake near your home. You'll soon become addicted.

-- Lee McClellan
McClellan is an award-winning associate editor for Kentucky Afield magazine, the official publication of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. He is a life-long hunter and angler, with a passion for smallmouth bass fishing.

Source: Fishing Wire

Rick Clunn's Tip For Swimming Spoons

One of the most versatile baits in your tackle box is a swimming spoon. Reel it like you would a crankbait when fishing submerged grass and watch it dart and wobble making it irresistible.

When fishing surface weeds, let it sit on top of the grass and then just kind of skitter it a foot or so, let it rest and then repeat. Be ready for a smashing strike when you pause to let it rest.

Skitter it across the spaces and holes between lily pads. Also try bringing it across a pad and then slowly bring it over the edge allowing it to tumble down.

You can also hold your rod high and slowly crawl it over the top of pads or moss. All of these methods seem to drive bass crazy and there's nothing like a bass smashing your swimming spoon to raise you heartbeat.

Rick Clunn is the only 4-Time Bassmasters Classic® Champion