Family-Outdoors

Curious about what happens at a fish hatchery? Come for a visit and see for yourself! Michigan’s state fish hatcheries were developed in the 1870s to produce the species, strain and size of fish needed by fisheries managers to create a dynamic fishery in our water bodies. State fish hatcheries are still critical to the efforts of the Department of Natural Resources to restore, enhance and create new fishing opportunities in Michigan’s Great Lakes, inland lakes and streams. These efforts are accomplished by six state fish hatcheries located throughout Michigan. Fall is a great time to visit any of the state’s fish hatcheries as they participate in egg-take activities. Egg-take activities consist of collecting eggs and milt (sperm) from fish to reproduce specific species that will be reared at these hatcheries. These activities can be viewed by the public. All of Michigan’s state fish hatcheries are free to visit. Some offer guided tours while others offer self-guided tours. ...

Indiana DNR is participating in a multi-state plan to scale back Chinook salmon stocking in Lake Michigan to better balance the lake’s ecosystem. Under the lake-wide plan, the 3.3 million Chinook salmon annually stocked into Lake Michigan by Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois would be reduced to 1.7 million. Indiana is pleased to have been part of this process,” said Brian Breidert, fisheries biologist for the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. “We hope that this reduction will have benefits to not only the ecosystem but also our hatcheries.” The proposed reduction is in response to two circumstances: recent increases in natural reproduction of Chinook salmon, and declines in the forage base. The reduction has support from all the state and tribal fisheries management agencies that partner to manage Lake Michigan. Indiana’s decision to support the reduction came after more than a year of consultation between sport anglers, other stakeholders and DN...

Weekly Fishing Report SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Lake Erie:   Is still producing a few walleye off Fermi and in Brest Bay in 16 to 18 feet of water. Perch have been found in a variety of depths and locations but most were fishing in shallow waters around Stony Point, Brest Bay and the Raisin River Buoys 1 & 2. Those launching from Bolles Harbor found good numbers of perch in 18 feet of water around the E Buoy and 16 feet of water off Toledo Beach. Huron River:  Water levels are low from Huroc Park to the mouth. Most anglers are shore fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish.  Detroit River:   A few walleye are still being caught below Sugar Island. Anglers are jigging or bottom bouncing with crawler harnesses. Perch were reported around Rat Island. Good smallmouth bass action near Sugar Island and the Cross Dike. Lake St. Clair:  Had lots of walleye activity in the south end near the Dumping Grounds. Most are ...