Many of you will be heading out in a few days for the annual fly fishing or trout opener. For others, certain designated waters have been designated as "Blue Ribbon" because they are open year round for fly fishing with no bait, along with catch and release.
No kill and artificial baits are no less important than right here in our backyard. Namely Pain Creek and the Clinton River.
While the Huron River around Proud lake gets heavy attention post opener to just afterward, it's draw are the trout planted by the DNR. Because the water is warm on the Huron and not susceptible to supporting trout, a cold water species, anglers are allowed to worm dunk and keep fish after the opener.
But the Paint and Clinton pose other problems. They are small rivers that still depend on plantings of fish.
They receive a lot of pressure because they are close by to a large population. Currently, after this Saturday, Apr. 24 they can be fished with live bait and creel limits are allowed.
I would someday soon, officials would deem it necessary to add these two bodies of water to the "Blue Ribbon" classification.
In the meantime, do your part. If you use live bait, get the hooks out quickly and return the fish to the water.
Those fishing with flies already are aware and should be practicing that drill. The next time you go fishing there will be some left to tease you or if you're lucky, catch.
Scoop em' all up and there won't be anything left.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Pigeon River update
There's good news for those that fish the Pigeon River and just in time for the annual trout opener this Saturday, April 24.
It6's news that couldn't be any better. On June 28, 2008, a dam owned and operated by the Sun of the Morning Ranch malfunctioned causing tons of sediment to be released downstream, resulting in a large fish kill.
The good news is the ranch and the state DNR have entered into an agreement in which the Ranch agrees to pay $150,000 in costs to investigate and bring the case, and further agrees to submit plans for the destruction of the dam.
Hopefully these agreements will help maintain and bring back a truly pristine cold water fishery for generations to come.
It6's news that couldn't be any better. On June 28, 2008, a dam owned and operated by the Sun of the Morning Ranch malfunctioned causing tons of sediment to be released downstream, resulting in a large fish kill.
The good news is the ranch and the state DNR have entered into an agreement in which the Ranch agrees to pay $150,000 in costs to investigate and bring the case, and further agrees to submit plans for the destruction of the dam.
Hopefully these agreements will help maintain and bring back a truly pristine cold water fishery for generations to come.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Peace and fishing
For the kind of weather we're now finally experiencing, there are many activities awaiting us, and they don't need to be a far drive to enjoy them.
Fishing Wildwood Lake in the Holly State Recreation Area Sunday I couldn't help but feel good being on flat-calm water, no noise, and fish ready to bite.
It was in this setting I found the time to sit back in the yak and just float. No line in the water, no paddling hard to here or there.
Even if you don't fish, bring a blanket or chair, along with a good book, and hang out by the lake.
Water has that ability to be a calming effect, to lure those close to it into and letting the world go.
Hey, bring a sandwich and some cold water and you're set for a guaranteed peaceful time.
Fishing Wildwood Lake in the Holly State Recreation Area Sunday I couldn't help but feel good being on flat-calm water, no noise, and fish ready to bite.
It was in this setting I found the time to sit back in the yak and just float. No line in the water, no paddling hard to here or there.
Even if you don't fish, bring a blanket or chair, along with a good book, and hang out by the lake.
Water has that ability to be a calming effect, to lure those close to it into and letting the world go.
Hey, bring a sandwich and some cold water and you're set for a guaranteed peaceful time.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Using a GPS
If you have a GPS and haven't figured out how to use it, head to Indian Springs Metropark this Sunday at 11a.m. Just follow the signs that say Hike Michigan and you'll find others who are in the same league.
Hike Michigan, Rob Golda's brainchild, will meet there this Sunday. Persons really new to GPS should try and come at the 11a.m. hour to get some one on one instruction. At noon, participants will hit the trail and try out what they have learned. Mainly finding their way by GPS.
Should be fun and a great learning experience. Besides, all this cold weather we have been having should have cleared out by then making it a great day to be outside.
For more information on hiking in southeast Michigan, go to www.hikingmichigan.com and sign up for the newsletter
Golda sends them out about twice a month with directions to the next hike. There is no fee other than a park permit.
Once you arrive you'll get a color map of the trail to be hiked that day. It's yours to keep and use should you return at your leisure to hike.
Golda does all of this from the goodness of his heart and a willingness to try and encourage people to get outside and experience our wonderful parks.
I hiked with the group last Saturday at Holly Recreation Area and had a great time despite high winds, cooling temps and even some rain.
Come on out and give it a try. I think you'll be surprised and like me, try to make it a part of your schedule.
Se you on the trails!
Hike Michigan, Rob Golda's brainchild, will meet there this Sunday. Persons really new to GPS should try and come at the 11a.m. hour to get some one on one instruction. At noon, participants will hit the trail and try out what they have learned. Mainly finding their way by GPS.
Should be fun and a great learning experience. Besides, all this cold weather we have been having should have cleared out by then making it a great day to be outside.
For more information on hiking in southeast Michigan, go to www.hikingmichigan.com and sign up for the newsletter
Golda sends them out about twice a month with directions to the next hike. There is no fee other than a park permit.
Once you arrive you'll get a color map of the trail to be hiked that day. It's yours to keep and use should you return at your leisure to hike.
Golda does all of this from the goodness of his heart and a willingness to try and encourage people to get outside and experience our wonderful parks.
I hiked with the group last Saturday at Holly Recreation Area and had a great time despite high winds, cooling temps and even some rain.
Come on out and give it a try. I think you'll be surprised and like me, try to make it a part of your schedule.
Se you on the trails!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
No-Mo Kayak Fishing Challenge, Update
This week's column is about the No-Mo Kayak Fishing Challenge set for May 8. Go to riversidekayak.com for all the pertinent details or call them at 734-285-2925. You can also email Chris LeMessurier at chris@kayakfishthegreatlakes.com or call him at 248980-6158 for tourney info.
That being said, it was brought to my attention last week that the No-Mo is not the first kayak fishing tournament in the state. There have been other tournaments for kayaks.
I have apologized to Chris Dombrowski owner of The Kayak Store who was thought to have been the site for the first such tournament.
She laughingly informed me earlier in the week that her tournament wasn't the first, and was one for breast cancer research. "I don't even know if this was the first charity tournament," she said.
So, I apologize to those that feel their particular tournament was the first. The words were all mine and written with my limited understanding that there hadn't been any kayak tournaments held in Michigan yet.
In any event, it's the first No-Mo and I encourage any and all of you interested in kayak fishing to come out and give it a try.
In the future, the thinking is to put on other tournaments around the state, and hopefully grow this wonderful sport that is a benefit for paddlers, great activity for families to get involved in, is less expensive than owning a traditional fish boat, good exercise, and is very versatile allowing you to get into water and spots you couldn't with larger water craft.
While you are thinking of kayaks, be sure and get a copy of "Kayak Fishing," by Jon Shein. It's a great book chock full of useful information for the first time kayak owner right on up to the experienced. Hope to see you on the water.
That being said, it was brought to my attention last week that the No-Mo is not the first kayak fishing tournament in the state. There have been other tournaments for kayaks.
I have apologized to Chris Dombrowski owner of The Kayak Store who was thought to have been the site for the first such tournament.
She laughingly informed me earlier in the week that her tournament wasn't the first, and was one for breast cancer research. "I don't even know if this was the first charity tournament," she said.
So, I apologize to those that feel their particular tournament was the first. The words were all mine and written with my limited understanding that there hadn't been any kayak tournaments held in Michigan yet.
In any event, it's the first No-Mo and I encourage any and all of you interested in kayak fishing to come out and give it a try.
In the future, the thinking is to put on other tournaments around the state, and hopefully grow this wonderful sport that is a benefit for paddlers, great activity for families to get involved in, is less expensive than owning a traditional fish boat, good exercise, and is very versatile allowing you to get into water and spots you couldn't with larger water craft.
While you are thinking of kayaks, be sure and get a copy of "Kayak Fishing," by Jon Shein. It's a great book chock full of useful information for the first time kayak owner right on up to the experienced. Hope to see you on the water.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Fishing license epiration
Today's column dealt with the expiration of fishing licenses. This is no April fools joke. Each year, new fishing licenses are in effect beginning April 1. Your old one expired yesterday, March 31. With the nice weather we've been having many of you will be hitting the water for the first time during this new license year. Go with a new license and check the guide for changes that may affect your fishing.
Don't forget to check out the new version of "Bassarama" to be held April 18 at KD Outdoors. Bassarama was a premier fishing show that lost it's standing once the larger fishing shows hit the Detroit market. Always a favorite in these parts, lets hope it makes a return.
Holly Recreation Area and the group campsite is the location for Hiking Michigan and it's first ever "general meeting" to discuss future hikes and activities. It will be held this Saturday at noon. Come on out and join the conversation then get in the hiking spirit by walking the nearby campground trail. For information visit www.hikingmichigan.com or call 586-446-7656.
For those looking to explore a variety of outdoor activities, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area will host the "Pontiac Lake Outdoor Exposition" June 5 beginning at 10a.m. a the park's beach.
Some of the presentations will include mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and hunting, miniature aircraft, and the latest in camping equipment.
I hope to be there to demonstrate a new Hobie fishing kayak and answer questions about the sport.
For information call 248-666-1020.
Don't forget to check out the new version of "Bassarama" to be held April 18 at KD Outdoors. Bassarama was a premier fishing show that lost it's standing once the larger fishing shows hit the Detroit market. Always a favorite in these parts, lets hope it makes a return.
Holly Recreation Area and the group campsite is the location for Hiking Michigan and it's first ever "general meeting" to discuss future hikes and activities. It will be held this Saturday at noon. Come on out and join the conversation then get in the hiking spirit by walking the nearby campground trail. For information visit www.hikingmichigan.com or call 586-446-7656.
For those looking to explore a variety of outdoor activities, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area will host the "Pontiac Lake Outdoor Exposition" June 5 beginning at 10a.m. a the park's beach.
Some of the presentations will include mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and hunting, miniature aircraft, and the latest in camping equipment.
I hope to be there to demonstrate a new Hobie fishing kayak and answer questions about the sport.
For information call 248-666-1020.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Out and about locally
Here in southeast Michigan there is always something to do. With the many park systems-from state parks to Huron-Clinton Metroparks, right down to the well maintained county parks-there is a park and activity to meet every ones needs or desires.
And we haven't even begun to mention all of the lakes with plenty of public access for fishing, pleasure boating, water skiing, sailing, diving, well you name it and you'll find it in Oakland County.
Right now and for the next couple of weeks, Kensington Metropark is the home of maple sugaring.
The park is host to many school groups during this time who come to learn how things were done in the past and in the case of maple syrup, still utilized today.
While being entertained, these groups, even some with adults, are being educated. Perhaps they leave the park with a better understanding of what it takes to make a bottle of syrup and why it's important to be good stewards of the land.
These days we need programs such as this to teach about all forms of conservations, but more importantly respect for the environment we have been given.
Hey, don't forget fishing licenses expire at the end of March.
And we haven't even begun to mention all of the lakes with plenty of public access for fishing, pleasure boating, water skiing, sailing, diving, well you name it and you'll find it in Oakland County.
Right now and for the next couple of weeks, Kensington Metropark is the home of maple sugaring.
The park is host to many school groups during this time who come to learn how things were done in the past and in the case of maple syrup, still utilized today.
While being entertained, these groups, even some with adults, are being educated. Perhaps they leave the park with a better understanding of what it takes to make a bottle of syrup and why it's important to be good stewards of the land.
These days we need programs such as this to teach about all forms of conservations, but more importantly respect for the environment we have been given.
Hey, don't forget fishing licenses expire at the end of March.
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