
Category: Fishing


Ice Fishing Safety
The last time there was thawing weather in northern Michigan, I spotted some individuals out on Boardman Lake. One must remember that ice can wear thin where there is a river running through. Did they think about that? Ice fishing can be fun but also a risky and a very dangerous endeavor. Ever since I was a child, I remember walking on the ice with my father holding the ice spud and checking every few feet.
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Remnant fish species discovered in Antrim County
Researchers have discovered a very special population of fish lurking in the depths of Elk Lake in Antrim County. These fish share a unique heritage, linking them to the native lake trout that disappeared from Lake Michigan over 50 years ago. Killed by sea lamprey invading from the Atlantic Ocean and caught in too-many fishing nets, the native populations of lake trout were wiped out of Lake Michigan by the late 1950s.
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Acoustics in the Water
Exploring the Hearing of Freshwater Fish
Water is a carrier for many forms of sound. Some sounds vary in frequency; others have a range of volume measured in decibels (intensity and power). When one travels one cannot help but ask the question, “What impact does the boating equipment I own make?”
Dr. Arthur Popper, who is the Professor of Biology at the University of Maryland, forwarded some articles to me to learn more about acoustics in water.

Fisheries of Leelanau and the Role of Cormorants
Heather Hettinger, Fisheries Management Biologist for Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources out of Traverse City, gave an informative and lively presentation to the Leelanau Clean Water organization on July 20, which was attended by some of our members. You can access the presentation by clicking here. Here is a little info on Heather:
I have worked for the Department of Natural Resources in various capacities since 2000.
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Kids’ Fishing Day 2016
What a day! We estimate over 700 people attended the 12th annual Kids’ Fishing Day at Veronica Valley on Sunday, June 26th. This is a day where kids can successfully learn about fishing and how much fun it can be. Over the years we have added an amazing “hands-on” nature display featuring all kinds of live native Michigan turtles, frogs, snakes, and fish.
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12th Annual Kids’ Fishing Day

Kayak Car Carriers
Now is the season to escape from the home and discover new waters or kayak down the river out of Cedar. However, to get there a safe mode of transportation is necessary.
It is better not to go down the road with a large kayak, nearly at the maximum weight limit of the rack, then encounter a rough dirt road.
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Mayflies Moving
Exploring the Mayfly and Fishing
Often this time of year one will find the intriguing sail-shaped winged fly that arrives on shore from the water. There are signs of their emergence on the water surface on the lake shoals. On lakes, there are two varieties fly fishermen try to imitate, the Callibaetis and Tricorythodes or “Tricos” in the Midwest.
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DNR Fish Survey
Fish Committee Chair, Pete Taylor reports that the DNR will be conducting a netting survey on North Lake Leelanau, starting Monday, May 9 and extending through Thursday, May 12th. If you see someone netting fish on the lake, please know that this operation is “kosher” and do not worry. Fish will be caught, measured, weighed, and released.
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