Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is encouraging anglers in Vermont to attend an upcoming free fishing day ice fishing festival. The event will be held January 25 at the Larrabee Point Fishing Access Area on Lake Champlain in Shoreham.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife staff and experienced volunteer ice fishing enthusiasts will be there from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. to help everyone, young and old, learn how to enjoy this unique and popular type of fishing.
For more information, contact Nicole Corrao by calling 802-318-1347 or Nicole.Corrao@state.vt.us.
source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Monday, December 30, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Rainbow Trout Ice Fishing
In several northern states, cold weather signals the approach of the winter ice fishing season. Although many anglers put away their gear for the season, a few hardy fishermen switch to ice fishing to catch large rainbow trout.
Some ice fishermen prefer using tip-ups with minnows or processed baits, whiles others choose to jig with small jigs, ice jigging flies, or other rigs.
Some ice fishermen prefer using tip-ups with minnows or processed baits, whiles others choose to jig with small jigs, ice jigging flies, or other rigs.
North Carolina Wounded Warrior Fly-fishing Clinics
Starting Jan. 8, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will conduct fly-fishing clinics for soldiers from Fort Bragg’s Wounded Warrior Transition Battalion.
The free clinics, which are open only to soldiers and their families, will be held on the second Wednesday of each month through March.
For more information, visit: http://www.ncwildlife.org/fishing
source: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
The free clinics, which are open only to soldiers and their families, will be held on the second Wednesday of each month through March.
For more information, visit: http://www.ncwildlife.org/fishing
source: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Kootenai River White Sturgeon
A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that the eggs of endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon are less likely to hatch on some of the surfaces that have been made more common by human changes on the river.
The white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) was once common in much of North America. White sturgeon in Idaho and Montana’s Kootenai River basin were listed as endangered in 1994.
The publication, "Hatch Success of White Sturgeon Embryos Incubated on Various Substrates," USGS Report Series 2013-5180, by Michael J. Parsley and Eric Kofoot, is available online.
source: U.S. Geological Survey
The white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) was once common in much of North America. White sturgeon in Idaho and Montana’s Kootenai River basin were listed as endangered in 1994.
The publication, "Hatch Success of White Sturgeon Embryos Incubated on Various Substrates," USGS Report Series 2013-5180, by Michael J. Parsley and Eric Kofoot, is available online.
source: U.S. Geological Survey
Monday, October 21, 2013
Delaware Largemouth Bass Stocking
Approximately 4,700 largemouth bass fingerlings were stocked in Records Pond near Laurel, Delaware during 2013. DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife undertook the stocking project to help restore the pond’s largemouth bass population.
In the fall of 2012, an unknown number of largemouth bass were washed downstream when the water level was lowered to protect the pond dam in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.
Spring surveys of the pond found low numbers of largemouth bass, so the Division of Fish and Wildlife is requesting that anglers practice catch-and-release through 2014 to allow the population time to re-establish.
Bluegill and golden shiners were stocked last fall in an effort to boost the pond’s fish community and provide forage for predatory fish such as bass and crappie.
source: Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife
In the fall of 2012, an unknown number of largemouth bass were washed downstream when the water level was lowered to protect the pond dam in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.
Spring surveys of the pond found low numbers of largemouth bass, so the Division of Fish and Wildlife is requesting that anglers practice catch-and-release through 2014 to allow the population time to re-establish.
Bluegill and golden shiners were stocked last fall in an effort to boost the pond’s fish community and provide forage for predatory fish such as bass and crappie.
source: Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife
Monday, October 14, 2013
Texas Bluegill Tournament Results
A record 59 teams entered the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center’s annual Bluegill Family Fishing Tournament September 28, and 26 teams went away with prizes. Every team received a goodie bag.
First place went to Joey and Zach Ridgle of Brownsboro, who weighed in four bluegills totaling three pounds. The team won an X-Box 360 plus other merchandise. Altogether some $2,500 worth of prizes were awarded.
Rounding out the top five were second place, Blake Wilson and Brittany Johnson of Chandler; third place, Pam and Zay Ridgle of Brownsboro; fourth place, Craig and Austin Stracener of Waxahachie; and fifth place, Doug and Triniti Tapley of Corsicana.
The largest fish, 0.88 pounds, was caught by Trey and Boston Rogers of Athens.
source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Division
First place went to Joey and Zach Ridgle of Brownsboro, who weighed in four bluegills totaling three pounds. The team won an X-Box 360 plus other merchandise. Altogether some $2,500 worth of prizes were awarded.
Rounding out the top five were second place, Blake Wilson and Brittany Johnson of Chandler; third place, Pam and Zay Ridgle of Brownsboro; fourth place, Craig and Austin Stracener of Waxahachie; and fifth place, Doug and Triniti Tapley of Corsicana.
The largest fish, 0.88 pounds, was caught by Trey and Boston Rogers of Athens.
source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Division
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Idaho Kamloops Rainbow Trout Stocking
Idaho Department of Fish and Game (DFG) recently released about 15,000 pure Gerrard (Kamloops) rainbow trout fingerlings into the Pack River drainage and Spring Creek.
Eggs for the project were acquired from British Columbia. The fingerling rainbows were reared at the Cabinet Gorge Hatchery.
Community support for the stocking program comes from the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club. With help from the club, the fingerlings were recently adipose-fin-clipped so that Fish and Game can evaluate their performance and future contribution to the fishery.
source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Eggs for the project were acquired from British Columbia. The fingerling rainbows were reared at the Cabinet Gorge Hatchery.
Community support for the stocking program comes from the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club. With help from the club, the fingerlings were recently adipose-fin-clipped so that Fish and Game can evaluate their performance and future contribution to the fishery.
source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Minnesota Leech Lake Fish Species
The results of recent fall test netting on Leech Lake conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) found strong walleye populations, while other species showed mixed results.
According to DNR biologists, anglers who visit Leech Lake should continue to expect quality fishing. Lake-wide, walleye counts in DNR test nets averaged 8.9 walleye per net lift, which was above the long-term average of 7.7 walleye per net lift.
“September gill nets showed above-average numbers of all sizes of walleye,” said Doug Schultz, DNR area fisheries supervisor in Walker. “Fishing reports have been excellent all season, and this survey confirms that good walleye fishing is expected to continue through the winter and into next year.”
Schultz added that the strong 2010 year class reached harvestable sizes this summer, which “had a lot to do with angling success.” Additionally, 36 percent of walleye sampled were within the current slot limit and have provided anglers the opportunity to catch larger fish.
Other game fish species targeted with test nets include yellow perch and northern pike. Yellow perch abundance declined for the sixth consecutive year, while northern pike abundance continues to remain stable.
The primary species of nongame fish assessed with the test nets is cisco. Fall test netting indicated cisco continue to be present at moderate levels of abundance.
source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
According to DNR biologists, anglers who visit Leech Lake should continue to expect quality fishing. Lake-wide, walleye counts in DNR test nets averaged 8.9 walleye per net lift, which was above the long-term average of 7.7 walleye per net lift.
“September gill nets showed above-average numbers of all sizes of walleye,” said Doug Schultz, DNR area fisheries supervisor in Walker. “Fishing reports have been excellent all season, and this survey confirms that good walleye fishing is expected to continue through the winter and into next year.”
Schultz added that the strong 2010 year class reached harvestable sizes this summer, which “had a lot to do with angling success.” Additionally, 36 percent of walleye sampled were within the current slot limit and have provided anglers the opportunity to catch larger fish.
Other game fish species targeted with test nets include yellow perch and northern pike. Yellow perch abundance declined for the sixth consecutive year, while northern pike abundance continues to remain stable.
The primary species of nongame fish assessed with the test nets is cisco. Fall test netting indicated cisco continue to be present at moderate levels of abundance.
source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Idaho Dutch Flat Dam Removal Could Benefit Steelhead
Dutch Flat Dam was a 10-foot barrier built nearly a century ago to provide drinking water to Troy, Idaho. The dam spanned the West Fork of Little Bear Creek, which ran so dry in summer that nobody thought steelhead survived there.
About a decade ago biologists realized that steelhead do, in fact, survive in such streams. It turns out that steelhead are able to survive dry periods by moving into pools cooled by underground flows.
Over the summer of 2013, local leaders and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game worked with federal agencies to take out the dam so steelhead can again move freely up the West Fork of Little Bear Creek. Crews finished removing the dam’s concrete in early September and are now widening a new course for the creek.
An inventory by Idaho Fish and Game about 10 years ago surprised many locals by finding steelhead throughout the Potlatch River drainage in small streams such as Little Bear Creek that mostly dried up in summer. It turned out that the fish survive the summer in remnant pools cooled by subterranean water.
As word of the steelhead spread, so did enthusiasm for removing the dam and reopening the West Fork of Little Bear Creek, said biologist Bob Ries of NOAA Fisheries. Enthusiasm grew even more when a local resident found steelhead spawning in the creek.
Biologists salvaged almost 180 fish from pools below the dam before the removal began and about three quarters were steelhead, Johnson said. It was the most steelhead they had ever captured in that reach, he said, suggesting that many fish stand to benefit from removal of the dam.
Snake River steelhead were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1997. Removing migration barriers and restoring access to high quality spawning and rearing habitat is considered critical for their recovery.
NOAA Fisheries and the Bonneville Power Administration provided $500,000 for the project. NOAA’s funding came from the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, a competitive grant program dedicated to restoring Pacific salmon and their habitat.
For more information, visit: http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/stories/2013/dutch_flat_dam_removal.html
source: NOAA Fisheries
About a decade ago biologists realized that steelhead do, in fact, survive in such streams. It turns out that steelhead are able to survive dry periods by moving into pools cooled by underground flows.
Over the summer of 2013, local leaders and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game worked with federal agencies to take out the dam so steelhead can again move freely up the West Fork of Little Bear Creek. Crews finished removing the dam’s concrete in early September and are now widening a new course for the creek.
An inventory by Idaho Fish and Game about 10 years ago surprised many locals by finding steelhead throughout the Potlatch River drainage in small streams such as Little Bear Creek that mostly dried up in summer. It turned out that the fish survive the summer in remnant pools cooled by subterranean water.
As word of the steelhead spread, so did enthusiasm for removing the dam and reopening the West Fork of Little Bear Creek, said biologist Bob Ries of NOAA Fisheries. Enthusiasm grew even more when a local resident found steelhead spawning in the creek.
Biologists salvaged almost 180 fish from pools below the dam before the removal began and about three quarters were steelhead, Johnson said. It was the most steelhead they had ever captured in that reach, he said, suggesting that many fish stand to benefit from removal of the dam.
Snake River steelhead were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1997. Removing migration barriers and restoring access to high quality spawning and rearing habitat is considered critical for their recovery.
NOAA Fisheries and the Bonneville Power Administration provided $500,000 for the project. NOAA’s funding came from the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, a competitive grant program dedicated to restoring Pacific salmon and their habitat.
For more information, visit: http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/stories/2013/dutch_flat_dam_removal.html
source: NOAA Fisheries
2013 Maryland Fall Trout Stocking
During the month of October, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries biologists will release approximately 23,000 one pound rainbow and golden trout, and about 1,000 brown trout into Maryland’s freshwater streams and ponds. They will also stock about 150 rainbow and golden trout in the two-three-pound range.
Fall stocking locations include popular fishing areas such as the North Branch Potomac, Bear Creek, Town Creek, Blairs Valley Lake, Morgan Run, Patapsco River, Gunpowder Falls, Great Seneca, Wheatly Lake, Lake Artimesia, Greenbelt Lake, Big Elk, Deer Creek and Tuckahoe Creek.
source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fall stocking locations include popular fishing areas such as the North Branch Potomac, Bear Creek, Town Creek, Blairs Valley Lake, Morgan Run, Patapsco River, Gunpowder Falls, Great Seneca, Wheatly Lake, Lake Artimesia, Greenbelt Lake, Big Elk, Deer Creek and Tuckahoe Creek.
source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Thursday, July 4, 2013
North Carolina "Keep Bass Alive" Cards
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently announced the availability of a “Keeping Bass Alive” card, suitable for downloading and printing. The new document provides tips for both recreational and tournament anglers.
The card can be downloaded at: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/News/documents/Keep_Bass_Alive_Card.pdf
More information on keeping bass alive, including the B.A.S.S.-produced publication, “Keeping Bass Alive: A Guidebook for Tournament Bass Anglers and Organizers,” is available on the Commission’s website, www.ncwildlife.org/fishing.
source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
The card can be downloaded at: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/News/documents/Keep_Bass_Alive_Card.pdf
More information on keeping bass alive, including the B.A.S.S.-produced publication, “Keeping Bass Alive: A Guidebook for Tournament Bass Anglers and Organizers,” is available on the Commission’s website, www.ncwildlife.org/fishing.
source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
New Hampshire Atlantic Salmon
In New Hampshire, anglers fish for landlocked Atlantic salmon in a variety of lakes, ponds, and rivers. New Hampshire Fish and Game manages 15 lakes for landlocked salmon: Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Big and Little Squam Lakes, Sunapee Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, Nubanusit Lake, and Pleasant Lake.
Atlantic salmon are also found in several New Hampshire rivers. A popular fishing area is found along the Winnipesaukee River, which flows through the Weirs channel into Paugus Bay, and through the Lakeport Dam/Lake Opechee area.
The stretch of the Winnipesaukee River through Laconia to Dixon Point at Lake Winnisquam is also popular for salmon and trout fishing.
Another possibility is Silver Lake's Lochmere Dam.
The Newfound River in Bristol contains fly-fishing-only water that can often produce drop-down salmon as well as rainbow trout.
Shore fishing is popular along the Merrymeeting River (fly-fishing-only), and the mouth of the Merrymeeting River, downstream of the famous stone arch bridge.
Other sites include the Long Island Bridge in Moultonborough, Governors Island Bridge in Gilford, Smith River inlet at Wolfeboro Bay, and Meredith and Center Harbor town docks.
According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, anglers are advised to take extra care when releasing salmon, in order to minimize hook wounding.
For more information, visit www.fishnh.com
source: New Hampshire Fish and Game
Atlantic salmon are also found in several New Hampshire rivers. A popular fishing area is found along the Winnipesaukee River, which flows through the Weirs channel into Paugus Bay, and through the Lakeport Dam/Lake Opechee area.
The stretch of the Winnipesaukee River through Laconia to Dixon Point at Lake Winnisquam is also popular for salmon and trout fishing.
Another possibility is Silver Lake's Lochmere Dam.
The Newfound River in Bristol contains fly-fishing-only water that can often produce drop-down salmon as well as rainbow trout.
Shore fishing is popular along the Merrymeeting River (fly-fishing-only), and the mouth of the Merrymeeting River, downstream of the famous stone arch bridge.
Other sites include the Long Island Bridge in Moultonborough, Governors Island Bridge in Gilford, Smith River inlet at Wolfeboro Bay, and Meredith and Center Harbor town docks.
According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, anglers are advised to take extra care when releasing salmon, in order to minimize hook wounding.
For more information, visit www.fishnh.com
source: New Hampshire Fish and Game
Monday, April 8, 2013
2013 Delaware Freshwater Trout Season
Trout season in upstate Delaware opened at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, according to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Trout streams will be stocked with thousands of rainbow and brown trout, including some trophy-sized fish.
Six designated trout streams in northern New Castle County include White Clay Creek, Christina Creek, Pike Creek, Beaver Run, Wilson Run and Mill Creek. Trout stocking will continue on a regular weekly basis through Thursday, May 2.
For most anglers wishing to try their luck at trout fishing, a Delaware fishing license is required. Resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older are also required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free F.I.N. number.
In addition to Delaware’s normal fishing license requirements, most trout anglers also must purchase a Delaware Trout Stamp. Proceeds from the purchase of Delaware Trout Stamps are used to help purchase next year’s fish.
Downstate trout season remains open in Tidbury Pond in Dover and Newton Pond near Greenwood, both of which were stocked in March. Trout are a cold water species and can only survive while water temperatures in the ponds remain cool.
For more information, visit www.fw.delaware.gov/fisheries, or call 302-739-9914.
source: DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife
Six designated trout streams in northern New Castle County include White Clay Creek, Christina Creek, Pike Creek, Beaver Run, Wilson Run and Mill Creek. Trout stocking will continue on a regular weekly basis through Thursday, May 2.
For most anglers wishing to try their luck at trout fishing, a Delaware fishing license is required. Resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older are also required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free F.I.N. number.
In addition to Delaware’s normal fishing license requirements, most trout anglers also must purchase a Delaware Trout Stamp. Proceeds from the purchase of Delaware Trout Stamps are used to help purchase next year’s fish.
Downstate trout season remains open in Tidbury Pond in Dover and Newton Pond near Greenwood, both of which were stocked in March. Trout are a cold water species and can only survive while water temperatures in the ponds remain cool.
For more information, visit www.fw.delaware.gov/fisheries, or call 302-739-9914.
source: DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
New Jersey American Shad Regulations - Freshwater
The New Jersey DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced new regulations for American shad in fresh waters of the state.
The new regulations, coupled with regulation changes for marine waters, became effective January 1, 2013
All American shad fisheries (both commercial and recreational), in both marine and fresh waters, with the exception of the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries, are closed (no possession, take or harvest).
The recreational possession limit in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries is 3 fish with no minimum size and an open season all year.
New Jersey's American shad regulations were taken to comply with Amendment 3 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) management plan for American shad and river herring.
Working in conjunction with state partners from the Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative (CO-OP), a sustainability plan for American shad was developed for the Delaware River estuary and subsequently approved by ASMFC's Shad and River Herring Board.
source: NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Related Information
New Jersey American Shad Regulations (Delaware Bay, Delaware River)
The new regulations, coupled with regulation changes for marine waters, became effective January 1, 2013
All American shad fisheries (both commercial and recreational), in both marine and fresh waters, with the exception of the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries, are closed (no possession, take or harvest).
The recreational possession limit in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries is 3 fish with no minimum size and an open season all year.
New Jersey's American shad regulations were taken to comply with Amendment 3 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) management plan for American shad and river herring.
Working in conjunction with state partners from the Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative (CO-OP), a sustainability plan for American shad was developed for the Delaware River estuary and subsequently approved by ASMFC's Shad and River Herring Board.
source: NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Related Information
New Jersey American Shad Regulations (Delaware Bay, Delaware River)
Monday, April 1, 2013
2013 New York Trout-Salmon Season
Trout season in New York begins on April 1. According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), anglers are likely to encounter high, cold water and icy banks and streambeds during the early fishing season, particularly in northern areas of the state.
For the 2013 fishing season, DEC is expected to stock more than 2 million brook, brown, and rainbow trout in state waters. In addition, the agency is expected to stock more than 2 million lake trout, steelhead, landlocked salmon, splake and coho salmon this spring.
During the 2013 trout season, creel surveys and trout population assessments will continue on eight streams across New York state to check the performance of the Catch Rate Oriented Trout Stocking (CROTS) model used by DEC to set stocking rates.
The study streams for this third and final year of the project are as follows:
Carmans River, Kinderhook Creek, Kayaderosseras Creek, Oriskany Creek, Big Creek, Otselic River, Meads Creek, and East Koy Creek.
Anglers fishing these waters can help by answering a few questions on their fishing trip if approached by a DEC creel clerk and by allowing the clerk to examine and measure any harvested fish.
Anglers can also participate by completing and returning the postage-paid catch cards distributed by creel clerks. Anglers returning catch cards to Cornell University will be entered in a random drawing for a $100 cash prize.
source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation
For the 2013 fishing season, DEC is expected to stock more than 2 million brook, brown, and rainbow trout in state waters. In addition, the agency is expected to stock more than 2 million lake trout, steelhead, landlocked salmon, splake and coho salmon this spring.
During the 2013 trout season, creel surveys and trout population assessments will continue on eight streams across New York state to check the performance of the Catch Rate Oriented Trout Stocking (CROTS) model used by DEC to set stocking rates.
The study streams for this third and final year of the project are as follows:
Carmans River, Kinderhook Creek, Kayaderosseras Creek, Oriskany Creek, Big Creek, Otselic River, Meads Creek, and East Koy Creek.
Anglers fishing these waters can help by answering a few questions on their fishing trip if approached by a DEC creel clerk and by allowing the clerk to examine and measure any harvested fish.
Anglers can also participate by completing and returning the postage-paid catch cards distributed by creel clerks. Anglers returning catch cards to Cornell University will be entered in a random drawing for a $100 cash prize.
source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation
Friday, March 29, 2013
Guide to Freshwater Fishing in New York State
An extensive resource for New York freshwater anglers is the I FISH NY Guide to Freshwater Fishing in New York State. The map-brochure from New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) contains information on more than 320 lakes and ponds and 110 rivers in the state.
Anglers can obtain a map by e-mailing their name and address to fwfish@gw.dec.state.ny.us (include NY FISHING MAP in the subject line).
An interactive version of the guide can also be found on the DEC website.
source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation
Anglers can obtain a map by e-mailing their name and address to fwfish@gw.dec.state.ny.us (include NY FISHING MAP in the subject line).
An interactive version of the guide can also be found on the DEC website.
source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation
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