Inland Seas Angler

GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT

A Publication of the Great Lakes Sport Council April 2012 http://www.great-lakes.org Vol. 23, No. 4

U.S. Coast Guard adopts Ballast Water Standards similar to U.N. Fight against Invasive Species continues but weakened by new USCG ruling

A final ruling by the U.S. Coast These regulations are in line with Existing ballast water exchange Guard has introduced new standards discharge limits proposed by the and flushing practices will continue to and requires ships to use technology International Maritime Organization be enforced by Transport Canada, the to minimize the threat of invasive (IMO) in 2004, but conservationists U. S. Coast Guard and St. Lawrence species in discharged ballast waters. argue the regulations are not strict Seaway. Commercial vessels must The new regulation requires that enough to stop the influx of non- still flush empty tanks with salt water discharge from ballast tanks have no native species into waterways. A and exchange ballast water. more than 10 living organisms per coast guard representative said the The final rule is effective 90 days milliliter for organisms between 10 ballast water standards can be after publication in the Federal and 50 micrometers in size. Ten increased over time; the first year to Register, which is available through organisms greater than or equal to 50 bear stricter regulations may be as the new Federal Digital System at micrometers in size are allowed per soon as 2016. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/. cubic meter (roughly 264 gallons). Currently, around $200 million is To view the 67 page federal Vessels will be required to install spent annually on managing and register document: water treatment systems, such as UV eradicating invasive species, over $50 http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR- radiation, electrolysis or million alone on containing Asian 2012-03-23/pdf/2012-6579.pdf.  centrifugation following their first dry Carp and preventing them from dock after 2014. getting into the Great Lakes.

Alabama rigs legal for anglers’ use in Michigan;

IN DNR gives temporary OK to umbrella rigs In this issue… The Michigan DNR says Alabama Indiana DNR has signed a temporary GLSFC nominations continue ...... 2 rigs (also known as “umbrella” rigs) rule that essentially makes umbrella Uninspected 6- or 12-pack vessels ...... 2 are legal to use in Michigan. It rigs legal through the remainder of Lake Michigan Stocking Conf Highlights . 3 consists of a wire harness sporting New Ohio fish filleting rule ...... 4 this year. The temporary rule expires New Michigan fishing regs take effect ..... 4 five (5) arms to which lures or baits on January 1. Migrating steelhead numbers up ...... 4 can be attached and a center line-tie. The Indiana temporary rule does Lake Erie Sport Fishing Outlook Positive 5 When in the water, the rig resembles not apply to trout and salmon streams Hydrilla infestation in Finger Lakes ...... 6 a small school of fish on which these New tools make Wis fishing easier ...... 6 that are tributaries of Lake Michigan DNR collects muskie eggs ...... 7 bigger species tend to prey. or to the St. Joseph River downstream Ill spring trout fishing season opened ...... 7 According to the Natural of the Twin Branch Dam in USDA takes steps to improve ...... 7 Resources and Environment Act 451 Mishawaka. IJC wants input on new approach ...... 7 of 1994, these rigs are legal as long as Wis walleye bag limits adjusted ...... 8 In the meantime, states have been Oh. anglers can avoid “Missing the Boat . 8 the number of hooks does not exceed scrambling to see if umbrella rigs fall Mich DNR seeks input ...... 9 six. As stated, “A person shall not use inside or outside of their fishing On ...... 9 more than three (3) single lines or regulations. The ambiguity with the On Northern Pike ...... 9 three (3) single rods and lines, or a On Muskie ...... 9 umbrella rig is whether it should be New guide – permit to use state lands .. 10 single line and a single rod and line, defined as one lure with many parts or Changes on activating fog signals ...... 10 and shall not attach more than six (6) many lures on single line. Anglers provide insight...... 11 hooks on all lines.” Warm spring – fish spawning early ...... 11 The five (5) arms of an Alabama Other regional state updates rig would mean any angler using it Minnesota can only use one (1) additional hook The Alabama Rig is illegal in and line to remain within the legal Minnesota. limit. For more information on fishing

in Michigan, visit Alabama rigs www.michigan.gov/fishing. Continued on page 10

2 Great Lakes Basin Report Nominations continue Uninspected 6- or 12- for GLSFC officers, pack vessels – rules directors apply, know them! Nominations are open for all officer The Coast Guard's Office of and director positions of the Great Auxiliary and Boating Safety has  Established 1972  Lakes Sport Fishing Council for the become aware of instances where '13-'14 term. Nominations will be recreational type boats are being President accepted via e-mail through August manufactured and sold but do not Daniel N. Thomas, Illinois 31. meet federal construction Vice President Interested in getting involved? requirements. In some cases persons Robert Mitchell, Michigan Want to participate in the advocacy holding Uninspected Passenger Secretary Michael D. Sanger, Wisconsin process of building and supporting Vessel (UPV) Operator licenses are Treasurer our recreational – and at the operating such vessels while carrying Thomas G. Couston, Illinois same time work more closely with passengers for hire. This U.S. Coast government agencies? Get involved – Guard alert reminds UPV operators of DIRECTORS get nominated. both six-pack and twelve-packs, to Illinois – Robert Gaik Indiana – Mike Schoonveld The Great Lakes Sport Fishing ensure that they are aware that all Michigan – Tom Hamilton Council is on the cutting edge of vessels operated as UPVs are in Minnesota - Dave Koneczny issues and information. We need your compliance with the appropriate U.S. New York – Thomas Marks help to help us generate that time- laws and regulations. Ohio – Rick Unger Ontario – Darryl Choronzey sensitive information to our members, The laws applicable to UPVs are Pennsylvania - Ed Kissell potential members and the general found at 46 USC 4105(a); recreational Wisconsin – Todd Pollesch public. Our award-winning Web site vessels are addressed in 46 USC gets over 34 million hits annually and Chapter 43. The regulations based on Position Statement we need to continue feeding hungry those laws are found in 33 CFR Parts Representing a major interest in the aquatic anglers with sound information. You 181 and 183 and are the minimum resources of the Great Lakes states and the can help us by volunteering to serve. safety standards for recreational boat province of Ontario, the Great Lakes Sport manufacturing and include the Fishing Council is a confederation of Nominations are open for all offices requirements for: organizations and individuals with a concern for the present and future of sport fishing, our including: natural resources and the ecosystem in which * Certification we live. We encourage the wise use of our Officers * Identification of boats resources and a search for the truth about the President – Dan Thomas * Display of capacity information issues confronting us. Vice President * Safe loading Secretary – Michael Sanger Inland Seas Angler * Safe powering Treasurer – Tom Couston GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT * Flotation requirements (for both

inboard and outboard powered boats Publisher All State Directors (and Ontario) Dan Thomas, 630/941-1351 (including airboats)) Illinois – Robert Gaik Editor * Electrical systems Indiana Jeanette Thomas * Fuel systems Webmaster Michigan * Ventilation requirements Robert James, 630/530-7760 Minnesota * Start-in-gear protection New York Copyright 2011 by Great Lakes Basin * Navigation lights Ohio – Paul Pacholski Publications, the INLAND SEAS ANGLERS-GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT is the newsletter of the Great Ontario – Darryl Choronzey It is the responsibility of U.S. Lakes Sport Fishing Council, a federally Pennsylvania Coast Guard licensed Masters that recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Wisconsin and recognized for tax-deductible giving by the operate UPVs in passenger-for-hire federal government. operations to ensure compliance with Opinions expressed are those of the authors Voting will again be conducted by all federal requirements applicable to and not necessarily those of GLSFC, its officers or First Class mail only. Ballots will be the vessel. staff. Reproduction of any material by paid-up mailed in September, votes counted members is encouraged, but appropriate credit and results announced in late October must be given. Reproduction by others without Questions: Mr. Michael or November. Send nominations to: written permission is prohibited. Jendrossek, Marine Investigator, Nominating Committee, (202) 372-1052 or Address Change: [email protected]  Send six weeks in advance with old mailing label [email protected].  to GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT, P.O. Box 297, Elmhurst, IL 60126, (630) 941-1351

Great Lakes Basin Report 3

Lake Michigan Stocking Conference Highlights Post conference surveys – and new options – still open for comment On Saturday, April 14, Michigan Sea above (and add a healthy question Lake Michigan Stocking Survey Grant hosted a meeting on the future mark of uncertainty), combine it with The initial survey following the of stocking in Lake Michigan. The what's going into the lake already conference is located here and will meeting was sponsored by the four (stocked + wild LM Chinook smolts, only be available until May 15: Lake Michigan DNRs and Tribes. plus lakers, cohoes, steel, browns), Take the survey. For those who attended the 2005 then consider forage base Here is an additional survey: meeting, a decision analysis tool was observations; the whole equation can https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYJ2V developed to "flag" a host of be understated as sobering. PL indicators of Chinook and alewife ► A wealth of information was health as it relates to the Lake presented by USGS scientist Chuck Included in these surveys are options not offered at the physical Michigan Fishery. This tool was Madenjian. Madenjian added that conference as they were offered in the comprised of 17 indices, such as fish biologists have observed all-day conferences in 2006 and 1999. size, catch rate, ration (the mean several years of a "flattening effect" One option offers the viewer to offer his weight of a 30” Chinook), alewife with the alewife population. This own opinion on what he feels is the best direction fisheries managers should go population, etc. These indicators were effect was recently seen in Lake in trying to manage Lake Michigan. tracked on a yearly basis for 5 years. Huron immediately preceding the I suggest we suspend all stocking If a given indicator was low in a crash of alewife there. Other effects of Chinook salmon immediately. My given year, it received a yellow flag. previously seen in Lake Huron are rationale follows: It is the considered opinion of this If an indicator received a yellow flag loss of whole year classes, especially editor (and president of the GSLFC) that for 3 years out of the 5 year period, as it pertains to adult alewife (no 7 we are at a major crossroads in Lake then it received a red flag. to9-year-old alewife, as previously Michigan, and there is a distinct Over the previous 5 year period, seen and as found comparatively in possibility that whatever we do may still be too little, too late. However, rather enough red flags have been tripped to Lake Ontario), the predominance of than chance a similar consequence as trigger discussion of altering stocking age 0-age 2 alewife making up the what occurred in Lake Huron, we practices. A summary of the meeting, vast majority of alewife biomass. should suspend all stocking of Chinook compiled by Michigan Sea Grant can ► This has been discussed, but it salmon for two years (or other time period). be found here: adds to the picture laid out above: due With a 50+ percent of natural http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/do to the loss in alewife ration, it takes reproduction of Chinook in Lake wnloads/fisheries/stocking/Lake_Mic 22% more alewives to produce a 15- Michigan, plus untold numbers of other higan_Salmon_Stocking_Strategies_ pound Chinook than it did decades Chinook salmon coming over from Lake Huron, there will be plenty available for Briefing_Final.pdf earlier. Moreover, when compared to the anglers of Lake Michigan for the Besides the information already 1996 data, the diet of Chinook salmon foreseeable future. available, here were a couple of take has changed from one that included home points for us: other diet items such as bloater chubs, Our thanks to Dan O'Keefe, PhD, and ►While previously looked at as rainbow smelt and alewives to one Michigan Sea Grant for hosting the separate entities, similarities in the that is virtually 100% alewife. meeting, and to the biologists/ environment of Lake Huron and Lake The sponsoring agencies are scientists who offered us their best Michigan are enough to be looked at looking for stakeholder input as to the information available. as parallel systems. Moreover, due to future of stocking Lake Michigan. As the connection between the two and you read in the Strategies brief above, Credit: Bob Gaik, Ill. director, Great resulting still largely unknown besides maintaining status quo on Lakes Sport Fishing Council, and Dan passage of biota between the two, that stocking, there are four options that Thomas, president, GLSFC paradigm is evolving into looking at were proposed at the Benton Harbor Lake Michigan/Huron as one ecologic meeting on April 14. If you would Additional Resources entity. like your opinion considered relative Revisiting Stocking Policy for Lake ► The Georgian Bay tributaries to voting for one of the four stocking Michigan Lake Michigan Salmon Stocking Cuts Being produce up to 14 million Chinook strategies, please link here to vote on Considered smolts annually. For many of us it an option and to provide comments. Status of Pelagic Prey Fishes in Lake was the first time hearing that figure. Michigan, 2011 (PDF) ► While it's been known for some Although the State of Wisconsin Status and Trends of Prey Fish Populations in Lake Michigan, 2011 (PDF) time that some Lake Huron Kings announced dates for two meetings in Status of Lake Michigan Salmonines in 2011 have been coming into Lake their community, no additional (PDF) Michigan to forage, it is uncertain just meetings have been scheduled by the how many make their way over here. other three states. But, when you consider the number 4 Great Lakes Basin Report Be aware of new Ohio New Mich fishing Migrating steelhead #s fish filleting rule regulations take effect up from previous COLUMBUS, OH – With many Ohio For the coming 2012-2013 years anglers taking advantage of early year, which began April 1, the GREEN BAY – DNR staff collecting fishing opportunities, the Ohio DNR Michigan DNR would like anglers to eggs for state fish hatcheries from would like to remind anglers of a new be aware of the following new fishing steelhead migrating up Lake rule affecting their catch. regulations. Michigan tributaries report they are Anglers must leave the fish they They are: seeing more fish than they have in the catch in public waters in the round • Simplified statewide bow and spear past two to three years. (whole) or as a complete fillet with fishing regulations resulting in several Steelhead spend two to three skin attached until they reach their new and expanded opportunities. The summers in the lake foraging for food home. This regulation is necessary to season has been expanded on some before maturing. In spring, these deter over harvest of certain species waters and three new species have shiny fish make their way back to the of fish. The rule was designed to be a been added to the list of species rivers from where they were born to law enforcement tool to protect the allowed (gizzard shad, goldfish and spawn. “There are few things more fishing resource, and allows wildlife grass carp). The spearing season on exciting for us than seeing these officers to identify fillets in an designated trout streams open to beautiful fish fight their way up small angler’s possession, so that they can spring spearing has been changed to rivers in northeast Wisconsin to enforce Ohio’s fish bag limits. The April 1 through May 31 with spawn,” said Steve Hogler, a fisheries new rule was modeled after additional species allowed (gizzard biologist with the Department of surrounding Great Lakes province shad, goldfish and grass carp). Natural Resources in Green Bay. and states' existing regulations. • Johnson Creek (Wayne County) has What is making this year’s spawn Ontario, Wisconsin, Michigan, New been reclassified as a Type 1 trout a little different is that there are more York and Minnesota all employ stream. fish coming into the C.D. "Buzz" similar regulations. • The daily possession limit for lake Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility in An Ohio fishing license will be whitefish and cisco (lake herring) on Kewaunee than they’ve seen in valid March 1 through February 28, Michigan/Wisconsin boundary waters several years. 2013. An annual resident fishing is now 10 in combination for these “We’re not exactly sure why this license costs $19. A one-day fishing fish. is happening,” says Hogler, “We license is available and may be • The Little Bay de Noc walleye size actually have been stocking fewer purchased for $11 by residents and limit has been reinstated. No more steelhead in the past few years to non-residents. The one-day license than one (1) walleye over 23 inches ensure that we stock larger, healthier may also be redeemed for credit may be possessed in the daily fish. In the past week we’ve toward purchase of an annual fishing possession limit. This affects the area processed upwards of 550 fish license. north of a line drawn from Peninsula through Besadny alone.” In addition Ohio residents born on or before Point Lighthouse to the mouth of the to the eggs being collected at December 31, 1937, may obtain a free Ford River. Besadny, steelhead are being spawned fishing license where licenses are • The yellow perch daily possession at the Root River facility in southern sold. Persons age 66 and older who limit has been changed on Lake Wisconsin. were born on or after January 1, 1938, Gogebic (Gogebic and Ontonagon The average size of a steelhead and have resided in Ohio for the past counties) to 25 with no more than five can run from 25-29" and upwards of six months are eligible to purchase (5) fish at 12 inches or greater. 10 lbs. They got their name from the the reduced cost resident senior • Cisco (lake herring) has been added shiny, silver color they take on. DNR license for $10. to the Susceptible Species List for biologists capture the fish as they The 2012-13 Ohio Fishing viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus make their way up the Kewaunee Regulations pamphlet can be obtained (VHSv), which means there are River. When they are brought into the and fishing licenses can be purchased restrictions on using them for bait. facility, they are weighed, measured, online at wildohio.com or at hundreds Koi herpes virus has been detected in and, depending on their age, are of agent outlets throughout the state. common carp from Kent Lake spawned. The eggs and milt harvested A complete list of participating (Livingston and Oakland counties) from the fish are then processed on license sales agents can be found at and Silver Lake (Oceana County) site and taken to the Kettle Moraine www.wildohio.com.  resulting in minnow harvest Springs Hatchery where another batch restrictions for both systems. of young steelhead are raised to be These changes are detailed in the stocked next year.  2012 Michigan Fishing Guide, available at major retailers and: www.michigan.gov/fishing.  Great Lakes Basin Report 5

Lake Erie Sport Fishing Outlook is Positive Walleye and yellow perch bag limits announced Lake Erie anglers should enjoy a offices, in special publications at bait years, with year classes from the mid diversity of fishing opportunities in and tackle shops and on the website at to late 1990s still providing trophy 2012, according to biologists with the www.wildohio.com. opportunities. Bass fishing is best in Ohio DNR. Lake Erie anglers have great areas with good bottom structure, “When you consider the mix of access to fishing in the Western and which is available across much of the species and sizes that are seasonally Central basins due to the numerous entire Ohio area near shore. A closed available to Ohio anglers, we are public boat ramps, private marinas season remains in effect from May 1 optimistic about the fishing prospects and shoreline access areas. They also through June 29, during which all this year,” said Roger Knight, Lake benefit from having the largest charter black bass (smallmouth and Erie fisheries program manager for boat industry in the Great Lakes. largemouth) must be immediately the Division of Wildlife. “Weather released. Beginning June 30, the daily Walleye and water conditions are always wild bag limit for bass will be five fish, Ohio walleye anglers will catch fish cards in Lake Erie, but anglers have with a 14-inch minimum length limit. mostly from the 2010, 2007 and 2003 excellent seasonal opportunities to hatches, with some contributions from Steelhead catch walleye, yellow perch, the 2001, 2005 and 1999 hatches. Steelhead anglers should enjoy smallmouth bass, white bass and Walleye from the 2010 hatch showed another year of great fishing in Ohio’s steelhead.” exceptional growth based on 2011 fall Lake Erie open waters and in Lake Erie walleye and yellow surveys, and many individuals will be tributaries throughout the fall, winter perch fisheries are managed through near or over the 15 inches minimum and spring months. Peak summer an interagency quota system that size limit during the 2012 fishing steelhead action on Lake Erie can be involves Ontario, Michigan, season. Walleye from the moderate found offshore from June through Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio 2007 hatch will range from 17 to 25 August between Vermilion and jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction inches long and will complement the Conneaut, with catches measuring 17 regulates their catches to comply with larger 22 to 30-inch fish from the to 29 inches. Most Lake Erie anglers their agency’s quotas and minimize strong 2003 hatch as the major troll for steelhead in deep waters the risk of over-fishing these species. contributors to the Ohio catch. Fish using spoons with dipsy divers or Quotas for the upcoming fishing from the fair 2005 hatch should be in downriggers until fish move close to season are determined through the 19 to 27-inch range. Large shore in the fall. The daily bag limit consensus agreement by these walleye from strong hatches in the remains at five fish per person from jurisdictions through the Lake Erie mid-1990s still persist in the May 16 to August 31, and two fish Committee (LEC) of the Great Lakes population, providing “Fish Ohio” per angler between September 1, Fishery Commission, which were award (greater than 28 inches) 2012 and May 15, 2013 with a 12- recently announced for 2012. opportunities. inch minimum size limit throughout Ohio’s walleye and yellow perch the year. daily bag limits were set after the Yellow Perch March 23 LEC quota announcement, Perch anglers should encounter fish White Bass and will go into effect May 1. As a ranging from 7 to 13 inches from the White bass will continue to provide result of the 2012 quota allocation, 2008 through 2005 hatches in this excellent seasonal fishing the walleye daily bag limit will be six year’s fishery, with the 2007 year opportunities in the Maumee and fish from May 1, 2012 to February class being the most abundant. Fish Sandusky rivers and in the open lake. 28, 2013, and four fish from March 1 from the large 2003 year class are still The catch will be dominated by fish to April 30, 2013. A 15-inch present and will provide some of this from the 2007 year class, with 2009, minimum size limit is in effect during year’s trophy opportunities. Lake 2006 and 2005 also contributing. Fish the entire season. The daily bag limit wide, yellow perch numbers should from 2003 will also be caught and for walleye remains four fish per be similar to levels observed in 2011 could be as large as 16 inches. person during April 2012. in the Western and Central basins. Anglers should focus on major As a result of the 2012 quota Western Basin tributaries during May Smallmouth Bass allocation, the yellow perch daily bag and June and near shore areas of the Smallmouth bass fishing in 2012 is limit will be 30 perch per angler in all open lake during summer months. expected to be fair. Although bass Ohio waters from May 1, 2012 to There is no daily bag or size limit on abundance remains below desired April 30, 2013. There is no minimum white bass. size limit on yellow perch. Lake Erie levels, those caught should be of excellent size (14 to 22 inches, Lake Erie Outlook anglers can find walleye and yellow weighing two to six pounds). Continued on page 10 perch bag limit information at ODNR Smallmouth bass can live up to 17 6 Great Lakes Basin Report

Hydrilla infestation in Finger Lakes Region On the brink of an environmental disaster Six months ago one of the world’s hydrilla’s fast growth. It can spread Ultimately, though, one of the most aggressive aquatic weeds was through creeping shoots, fragmented best tools may prove to be public spotted in an inlet adjoining Cayuga shoots and tubers. The tubers can awareness. Officials are training Lake, part of New York’s famed remain dormant in sediment for volunteer surveyors to patrol both the Finger Lakes. The culprit was hydrilla years.” inlet and Cayuga Lake for new (Hydrilla verticillata), an aquatic plant Previous New York detections infestations. They are conducting species holding a well-earned spot on have been limited to small ponds or workshops, holding information the federal noxious weeds list. contained bodies of water. But the forums and manning booths in public Officials fear an environmental Finger Lakes discovery raises the gathering spots. Washing stations disaster in the making ― and for stakes. Each lake is part of an have been established so boats, good reason. A native of Asia, interconnected waterway, creating the canoes and kayaks can be cleaned hydrilla gained a toehold in the U.S. potential for hydrilla to spread, travel after each use, avoiding transport of about a half century ago and has through the Erie Canal and small hydrilla fragments to new wreaked havoc since. contaminate the Great Lakes. locations. “Dense mats of vegetation can Harvesting by hand was Everybody can take the quickly take over a body of water, attempted, but the murkiness of the responsibility to do something. It’s where they clog flood control water made for difficult working important to learn how to recognize channels, impair water supplies and conditions. In addition, the hydrilla hydrilla, know where it has been endanger recreation and tourism,” fragmented during harvesting, and spotted in the past and avoid boating says Robert Richardson, Ph.D., an officials worried that small particles and other water sports in areas that aquatic weed specialist from North floating away might actually serve to are infested. It’s also important to talk Carolina State University and a spread the plant. In the end, they to your elected officials. Control can member of the Weed Science Society chose an aquatic herbicide to remove be costly, but that pales in comparison of America. “A 15-acre infestation much of the initial hydrilla biomass to the investment required if hydrilla found in Florida spread to 3,000 acres and to halt the production of the gets the upper hand.  in just two years, a tribute to tubers and vegetative buds the plant uses to spread.

New tools can help make Wis 2012 fishing easier, more fun MADISON – Anglers planning their waters statewide. The forecasts share Scheidegger, fisheries outreach leader Wisconsin fishing trips for 2012 in information about the number and for the Wisconsin DNR. “These are Wisconsin can reel in two new free sizes of fish state fish crews found on resources that can make your fishing resources to help put them on to more the particular waters, as well as easier by helping you find the areas fishing fun this summer, state habitat improvement and access you might want to fish and when to fisheries officials say. Get tips and projects that help make it easier to fish them.” tactics for catching catfish, like this fish in those areas. The report is Scheidegger notes that the fishing 65.5 lb. and 49.5" flathead captured available on the DNR website (search report, produced every year by DNR's by DNR fish crews in fall 2011 on the keywords “fishing report”) and fisheries and communication staff for Lower Wisconsin River. printed copies are available at DNR the last decade or so, contains service centers statewide. forecasts for more areas than ever, as And, new this year anglers can well as a special focus on fishing for download and print off a color catfish, including tips on what gear to calendar with photographs of use, how to use it, and when and Wisconsin fish species, important where to find the fish. fishing dates; moon phases; game fish “Based on the feedback we've identification tips; and monthly gotten over the years on the fishing forecasts. The calendar is available on report, we've tried to provide more of the DNR website (search keyword the forecasts so people have the “fishing” and then click on the “plan opportunity to learn more about other The 2012 Wisconsin Fishing your trip” button on the right). places to fish, and we are Report is a 16-page compilation of “Wisconsin's a great place to concentrating each year on either a fishing forecasts submitted by DNR fish, whether you're looking to stay geographic region or a fish species, fisheries biologists for many popular local or travel,” says Karl and this year, the cats get their due.”  Great Lakes Basin Report 7 DNR collects muskie Illinois’ 2012 spring IJC wants input on eggs from Detroit R. trout fishing season new approach for Lake Again this spring, the Michigan DNR opened April 7 Ontario-St. Lawrence will collect eggs from spotted muskie stocked at 43 River system in the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair locations statewide to be raised at its Wolf Lake State The International Joint Commission SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2012 (IJC) will hold public information Fish Hatchery. spring trout fishing season in Illinois The practice of collecting spotted sessions to discuss a draft new is open. The IDNR stocks more than approach to managing water levels muskie eggs, instead of northern 60,000 rainbow trout each spring in muskie eggs, was started last year in and flows in the Lake Ontario and the bodies of water where trout fishing is St. Lawrence River system. The an effort to raise a type of muskie that permitted during the spring season. is native to more of Michigan’s sessions will be held from May 15- The Illinois catchable trout program is June 7, 2012 at the times and waters. Last year 174,000 eggs were funded entirely by those who use the collected from the Detroit River and locations in the attached schedule. program through the sale of inland The Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence Lake St. Clair producing nearly 7,000 trout stamps. Illinois fishing licenses fall fingerlings (for three inland lakes River basin incorporates two nations, and inland trout stamps are available two provinces, one state, First Nations in Michigan, two of which will serve at DNR direct license and permit as broodstock lakes for egg and hundreds of communities. The locations, including many bait shops, basin is home to nearly 12 million collections in the future) and 3,000 4- sporting goods stores and other retail inch fish (for Wisconsin that were people, including home owners, outlets. For a location near you: boaters, fishers, hunters and business targeted for Green Bay through a http://dnr.illinois.gov/DNRDirectMon cooperative interstate arrangement). owners. At the same time, the lake, itor/VendorListing.aspx  “Collection efforts in Southeast . upper river, and lower river support a Michigan last spring were hampered variety of interests including by poor weather conditions,” said USDA takes steps to shoreline communities, commercial Martha Wolgamood, manager of the improve Lake Erie navigation, recreational boating, Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. “If environmental, hydroelectric power, we have limited success collecting water quality and municipal water uses. At the public information Great Lakes spotted muskie eggs this The $2 million that USDA announced sessions, presentations by IJC staff spring, we will request northern it would set aside from the and technical experts will be followed muskies from other states.” Environmental Quality Incentives by questions and comments from the To collect the eggs, trap nets are Program will help farmers grow cover audience. Participants are asked to used in Anchor Bay in Lake St. Clair crops, keep more fertilizer in the field limit prepared comments to two during late April and May and fish are and take other steps to improve water minutes so as many as possible have captured with electro-fishing gear in quality in streams and rivers that feed an opportunity to speak. Written the Detroit River in May. Collecting into Lake Erie. The announcement is comments and other documents may spotted muskellunge eggs is difficult part of an effort to improve water be submitted at the public information in these areas because of the physical quality and support jobs in the region sessions, through the “voice your conditions associated with open that are generated through the comments” feature at waters, especially during that time of hunting, fishing, and outdoor www.ijc.org/LOSLR, or by regular year. recreation industry. mail or email. As a safety issue and a The announcement recognizes Twelve Meetings will be held in precaution, boats on the water should the critical role agriculture plays in New York, Ontario and Quebec avoid coming close to the electro- conserving natural resources and beginning May 15 through June 7, fishing boat during nighttime efforts. helps support the millions of jobs that 2012. For the exact meeting dates and “When the generator is running and are generated through the hunting, locations, click on the Calendar. the boat’s lights are on, we are fishing, and outdoor recreation Written comments and other collecting fish using electricity near industry. Funds will address the documents may be submitted at the the boat,” said Todd Somers, fisheries excess amounts of phosphorus that sessions or online. technician supervisor for the Lake cause blue-green algae to grow http://www.ijc.org/loslr/en/comments/ Erie Management Unit. intensively in rivers and streams index.php To learn more about fishing in where it limits oxygen concentrations http://www.ijc.org/loslr/en/events/ind Michigan and the spotted muskel- in water, makes water quality ex.php  lunge management effort, go to improvement more expensive and www.michigan.gov/fishing, click on impacts tourism in the area. See the

“Angler Information” and then full announcement: View it as a Web

“Michigan Fish and How to Catch page.  Them.”  8 Great Lakes Basin Report

Wis. walleye bag limits adjusted for Ceded Territory lakes MADISON – Daily walleye bag The adjusted walleye bag limits cooperated on the agreement giving limits have been adjusted on 537 are available in portable document the band authority to sell fishing lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded format on the fishing regulations licenses in return for making Territory in response to harvest pages of the DNR website. They will declarations at a level that allows a declarations made by six bands of also be posted to the fishing three-walleye per day recreational Chippewa in Wisconsin, the state regulations page of the DNR Fishing angler bag limit. DNR has announced. These bag Wisconsin website and are being This year’s agreement assures a limits are effective between May 5, published as an insert to the 2012- three-walleye per day bag limit for 2012, and March 3, 2013, inclusive. 2013 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and sport anglers on most lakes the Lac du There will be a three-walleye bag Line Fishing Regulations. Lakes not Flambeau spear. The band declared limit for sport anglers on 225 lakes, a listed are subject to the regulations 14 lakes at the two-bag level. Also, two-fish daily bag limit on 311 lakes, printed in the regulations pamphlet. the band has promised that it would and a one-fish daily bag limit on Anglers should check the regulations not select any lake for a two-bag, two Grindstone Lake in Sawyer County. for special size and bag limits that are years in a row. Most off-reservation Chippewa in effect on specific waters. As part of a 1983 federal Court tribal harvest takes place during the Of 232 lakes declared by the Lac decision affirming Tribal rights, the spring season. Tribal du Flambeau Band, 217 will have a six bands of Wisconsin Chippewa set spearers typically harvest walleye daily bag limit of three walleye for annual harvest quotas for off- from 170-180 lakes annually, sport anglers, while 14 lakes and reservation lakes in the Wisconsin regardless of the number of lakes chains will have a daily bag limit of Ceded Territory. initially declared. DNR will review two walleye. Those lakes are: Rice For background information on tribal harvest following the spring River Flowage and Lake Mohawksin Chippewa treaty rights, management spearfishing season and may revise (Lincoln County), Clear and and monitoring activities, etc., and to bag limits upwards on lakes lightly or Tomahawk lakes, Rainbow and see data collected including walleye not speared. An administrative rule Willow flowages (Oneida), Butternut population estimates and creel survey passed by the state Natural Resources and Pike (Price), and Ballard, Big summaries for all game fish, go to Board in 1998 allows the department (Boulder Junction), Big Muskellunge, DNR's Fisheries in the Ceded to adjust initial bag limits to reflect Island, and Star lakes (Vilas). Territory page and search for actual spring spearing harvest and 2012 marks the 15th year the Lac keywords "ceded territory."  projected summer harvests. du Flambeau and state have

Ohio anglers can avoid "Missing the Boat" One- and three-day licenses can be purchased over the phone COLUMBUS, OH – With spring In both cases, the customer is date the license allows for its future fishing heating up, anglers can now issued a 10-digit license number and use in case the original fishing trip is purchase one-day and three-day instructed to carry it along with a cancelled due to weather or other fishing licenses over the telephone picture ID as proof that the angler is circumstances. This license is not according the Ohio DNR. properly licensed. A printed copy of available for purchase over the Customers have two telephone the license is not included. telephone. options to purchase a “last-minute” Convenience fees in either option can Social Security Numbers (SSN) fishing license by using a credit card: be avoided by purchasing licenses are still required of all individuals, Call 866-703-1928 between 5 a.m. early at license agent outlets or online youth and adults, who plan to buy and midnight to reach a live operator at www.wildohio.com. Customers licenses and permits. United States who will walk the customer through should note $10 of the one-day Federal Statute 42 requires the the transaction; a $5.50 convenience fishing license can be exchanged for collection of SSN of any individual to fee is included with this option. credit toward the purchase of an whom the state issues a recreational Call 855-764-3474 any time for annual fishing license at any time hunting or fishing license. When an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) within the license year. All license buying a license, customers are also system. Callers should be sure and purchases include a $1 writing fee. required by law to give their full have their nine-digit customer Also new this year, anglers have name, date of birth, gender, identification number, which can be the option of buying in advance an declaration of residency, mailing obtained at no cost from the Wild $11 “Lake Erie Charter 1-Day Fishing address, height, weight and hair and Ohio Customer Center at License” allowing them to wait and eye color.  www.wildohio.com. The IVR option validate the license at the dock the includes a $3.25 convenience fee. day of the trip. Waiting to sign and Great Lakes Basin Report 9

Michigan DNR is seeking input to review proposals on potential changes for: Brook trout, Northern pike and Muskie regulations Brook Trout Northern Pike Muskie The Michigan DNR is asking for Public review is also being The DNR also is asking for public input on potential changes to sought to determine whether anglers public input on the management of brook trout daily possession limits for think proposed regulation options are muskie in Michigan by reviewing Upper Peninsula streams. acceptable to manage northern pike some new proposed regulations. The brook trout is native to populations in Michigan. several regulation options have been Michigan’s U.P. and some parts of In 2007, Fisheries staff charged developed. The regulation options are the Lower Peninsula and is the an internal committee with a compromise agreed upon between official state fish. Since the early developing a northern pike Fisheries Division and the 1900s, staff has used stocking habitat management plan. This plan was Warmwater Resources Committee. improvements and fishing regulations provided to the public for comment in Public review is being sought to to protect and enhance brook trout 2009 and again in 2010, during which determine which regulation anglers fishing opportunities. time many anglers provided think should be accepted to manage One of the tools that fisheries comments on the need for regulation muskellunge populations in managers have used to protect and review. Michigan. Four regulation options rehabilitate brook trout populations is Anglers indicated they were have been proposed with a possession limits. supportive of a group of regulation combination of season, size limit and Since 2001, anglers have asked options designed to maintain the possession limits. Fisheries Division to consider current minimum size limit, to They are: returning the brook trout possession provide harvest on waters where 1. Maintain the current fishing limit to 10 fish on Upper Peninsula appropriate, and to restrict harvest on regulations for muskellunge. streams. Because of these consistent some waters where the regulation 2. Change the harvest season and requests, Fisheries Division staff would be designed to increase angler allow for a few waters currently evaluated the potential biological catches and increase the opportunity managed with the 42-inch minimum consequences of increasing the brook to catch larger fish. size limit to be managed with either a trout daily possession limit from five Northern pike regulation options lower or higher minimum size limit to 10 fish. are a compromise agreed upon 3. Change the harvest season, reduce Two options have been proposed: between Fisheries Division and the the possession limit to one (1) fish per 1. Maintain the existing daily Warmwater Resources Committee. season (with a harvest tag), and allow possession limit of 5 fish, but no for a few waters currently managed more than 3 trout 15” or greater. Three regulation options have with the 42-inch minimum size limit 2. Change the daily possession limit been proposed to be moved forward to be managed with either a lower or to five (5) fish, plus an additional for public comment: higher size limit five (5) brook trout, but no more 1. Minimum size limit of 24 inches 4. Change the harvest season, keep than three (3) trout 15 inches or with a possession limit of two (2) fish the possession limit the same, and greater. 2. No minimum size limit with a increase the minimum size limit for Please note that under this proposal, possession limit of five (5) fish where most waters, but allow for a few the daily possession limit would not only one (1) may be greater than 24 waters to be managed with a lower change for gear restricted streams that inches size limit currently have possession limits that 3. Protected slot limit between 24 and Review these regulation differ from those in Types 1-4 34 inches and a possession limit of options through an online survey at regulated trout streams. To read more two (2) fish http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Mu about the brook trout regulation Review these regulation at an skellungeFishingRegulations. You review, please visit online survey: can also take the survey over the www.michigan.gov/fishing. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Nor telephone by calling Debbie Robinson Please comment on regulation thernPikeFishingRegulations. You at the Plainwell Operations Service options through an online survey at can also take the survey over the Center at (269) 685-6851. The online http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Bro telephone by calling Debbie Robinson and telephone surveys will close on okTroutRegulations. You can also at the Plainwell Operations Service Friday, May 25. take the survey over the telephone by Center at (269) 685-6851. The online For more info about muskie, calling Debbie Robinson at the and telephone surveys will close on brook trout or norther pike regulation Plainwell Operations Service Center Friday, May 25. proposals, go to the DNR Website: at (269) 685-6851. The online and www.michigan.gov/fishing.  telephone surveys will close on Friday, May 25.  10 Great Lakes Basin Report Alabama rigs Lake Erie Outlook Continued from page 1 Continued from page 5 Need guide - permit to Illinois Other Species use state lands The Alabama Rig is both legal and Anglers are also advised of numerous Fishing guides who use state-owned not legal depending on the body of fishing opportunities in the bays and lands to access Michigan's inland water being fished. The Alabama rig harbors on the Ohio shoreline. These lakes & streams are required to have IS legal in those waters in the state inlets offer excellent fishing for written permission from the DNR that do NOT have the “2 poles only panfish including crappie and prior to using state-owned lands. with no more than 2 hooks or lures bluegill, as well as largemouth bass. In addition to paying an annual per pole regulation.” In early spring, anglers may also Use of Land fee, guides must also New York catch an occasional northern pike or provide liability insurance and have a It is legal to fish the Alabama Rig in muskellunge in vegetated areas. state-issued inland pilot's license or a New York with (5) hooked lures. Anglers are reminded that fishing U.S. Coast Guard captain's license. Each line is limited to not more than conditions on Lake Erie can change Guides are also required to participate five lures or baits or a combination of hourly and adjustments are often in the Recreation Passport initiative both; and in addition, each line shall necessary to improve success. when using boating access fee sites. not exceed fifteen hook points in any Anglers should take into account For more info: Brenda Mikula, combination of single, double or factors such as water temperature, DNR, at 231-597-0472 or visit treble hooks. cloud cover, water clarity, boat www.michigan.gov/fishing and click Ohio traffic, wave action, structure, on Angler Information, then Inland The Alabama Rig may be used with currents and the amount of baitfish in Fishing Guides, to find a link for the (3) hooked lures. An Alabama Rig or the area. Anglers are also reminded to fishing guide operating agreement Umbrella Rig, using 5 leaders, is not carefully monitor Lake Erie weather application form. legal in Ohio. Anglers may only use and to seek safe harbor before storms For info to obtain an inland pilot up to three hooks on each line. approach. license: Sylvia Roossien, DNR Law During the season, updated Lake Pennsylvania Enforcement Div, 517-241-3793.  Erie fishing reports are available The Alabama Rig is legal to use with online at wildohio.com and by calling (3) hooked lures. It is recommended 888-HOOKFISH. Division of Changes on activating that anglers use spinnerbait blades on Wildlife staff members are available the remaining (2) wires to remain fog signals from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at our legal. No more than three hooks shall research station facilities at Fairport A change is coming to the marine be attached to a line used in fishing Harbor by calling 440-352-4199 for radio frequency that mariners must (one hook having two or three points Central Basin information and at use to activate fog signals on is considered a “single hook”). All Sandusky by calling 419-625-8062 navigable waterways of the Great rods, lines and hooks shall be under for Western Basin information. Lakes. Until the change takes effect the immediate control of the person on July 1, mariners are advised to use Info lodging and local launch ramps: using them. both the new and the old frequency. Ashtabula County Convention & Wisconsin Since the 1990s, mariners Visitors Bureau – 800-337-6746 It is legal to use the Alabama Rig encountering decreased visibility have Lake County Visitors Bureau – 800- with (3) hooked lures. It is unclear if been able to activate fog signals on 368-5253 “teasers” or spinnerbait blades on the certain aids-to-navigation by tuning Convention and Visitors Bureau of remaining (2) wires would be their marine radios to VHF-FM Greater Cleveland – 800-321-1001 considered illegal. It is illegal to fish channel 79A (156.975 MHz) and Visit Lorain County – 800-334-1673 with more than three hooks, baits, or keying their microphone five times. Erie County Visitors Bureau – 800- lures. Doing so activates the fog signals, 255-3743 allowing mariners to locate and Ontario Sandusky County Visitors Bureau – identify the aids when they are hard to Ontario is one lure per rod, four 800-255-8070 see, which results in safer transit. The hooks per line Ottawa County Visitors Bureau – channel used for this purpose is being 800-441-1271 changed to channel 83A. Check your state’s regs for recent Greater Toledo Convention and Mariners wishing to activate fog updates  Visitors Bureau – 800-243-4667 signals should key their mikes on Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism both channels until July 1, when they – 800-BUCKEYE  should only do so on channel 83A. This change is being made to shift radio traffic from channel 79A, a commercial channel, to channel 83A, a frequency owned by the USCG.  Great Lakes Basin Report 11 Anglers provide Warm spring means fish are spawning up to a insight to improve month early Ohio River fishery MADISON – March's record- and age, and information about angler Survey will be conducted with breaking high temperatures following harvest. anglers in Kentucky, Ohio and an unusually mild winter have fish The crews use different surveys West Virginia spawning early across Wisconsin and and different sampling gear according COLUMBUS, OH – A river-wide state fisheries crews racing to finish to the goal of the survey and the fish creel survey of Ohio River anglers the annual fish surveys that are a species. During the spring, DNR will be conducted this summer and foundation for keeping Wisconsin's crews use both fyke nets, large hoop fall to determine the effort anglers fish populations robust. nets that act as funnels to trap dedicate to fishing in the Ohio River, swimming fish, and electrofishing the types of fish anglers are catching boats that deliver a low-level and the numbers of each species that electrical current to the water that are caught and harvested. momentarily stuns the fish but doesn't The cooperative survey is being hurt them. Fisheries crews collect the conducted by the Ohio DNR, fish with dip nets and bring them on Kentucky Department of Fish and board. Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) and Once on board, the fish are West Virginia Division of Natural weighed, measured and often marked with a tag of some kind. DNR crews Resources (WVDNR). Surveys began on March 18 and will continue DNR technician Bryce Ottman shows off insert "floy" tags, which look like a through October 20. Creel clerks will a 48", 34 lb musky captured on a Bayfield thick piece of spaghetti, behind a County lake be stationed at various fishing areas fish's dorsal fin. Each tag is printed "We're in full blown sampling mode with a unique number, allowing DNR and boat ramps on both sides of the across the state," says Tim Simonson, Ohio River from the Ohio-Indiana to keep tabs on the fish in coming the DNR biologist who coordinates years when it's recaptured by DNR state border to the New Cumberland fish surveys on lakes. "It's about a Lock and Dam. crews or by anglers. Such information month ahead of time in some parts of can help DNR generate population Anglers that encounter a creel Wisconsin, so we're doing our best to clerk will be asked a series of estimates, estimate natural mortality keep up with the natural cycles of fish rates and harvest rates, and questions relating to their current and in response to the accelerated previous fishing trips, fishing habits understand where the fish moves and warming trend we've seen." when. and their attitudes and opinions about DNR crews also are collecting issues affecting Ohio River fisheries. PIT tags, short for Passive eggs from fish earlier than normal at Integrated Transponder tags, are The interview will take approximately the state's two facilities that operate in five minutes, and anglers are sometimes used. They are inserted the spring. The spring fish surveys, into the fish and carry a unique encouraged to participate in this however, involve the most people and survey to provide information needed number. The tags are more expensive most waters, and record temperatures but are less likely to come out of the to enhance fishing opportunities. in the 70s and even low 80s from Understanding what anglers are fish, and they allow fisheries crews in Superior to Sturgeon Bay and coming years to run a scanner across catching and trying to catch is Menomonie to Milwaukee essential to the effective management a fish to read the number. temperatures during the week of Simonson says warm up and of the Ohio River fishery. Information March 18 have disrupted the normal collected by creel clerks will be used earlier spawning season can be a good progression of work from southern to thing for the fish that hatch. "They get to evaluate the effectiveness of northern waters. regulations, assess stocking and better the potential for a longer growing Crews are done sampling in some season," he says. "The bigger they are understand why anglers fish the Ohio parts of Wisconsin, while others are River and what they expect from their in that first summer the better they going full-bore. Altogether, DNR survive that first winter." fishing experiences. ODNR, WVDNR crews will sample 130 lakes across and KDFWR will work together to "The flip side is we can get a the state this spring; rivers and cold snap that can be detrimental to complete this study to determine how streams are sampled in the summer, to better meet the needs of Ohio River the survival of the newly hatched Simonson says. fish," he says. The fast warm up and anglers. The spring and summer surveys, Fisheries in the Ohio River along spawning also may potentially have along with surveys done in the fall, meant eggs weren't able to fully the Ohio border are managed help give fish biologists information cooperatively through agreements develop inside the female fish, raising that allows them to estimate the questions about the quality of the between Ohio, Kentucky and West population of certain fish species, Virginia.  spawn.  understand the distribution of fish size 12 Great Lakes Basin Report Michigan catch-and- Warm spring? Don’t delay controlling immediate-release bass fishing opens garlic mustard April 28 MADISON – With the warm winter mature, which is likely to be by mid- and the unseasonably warm spring, May this year. If the bright green plants are emerging and growing rosettes are pulled before they start to Opens May 15 in U.P. several weeks earlier than usual, and flower, the pulled plants can be The State of Michigan bass fishing this includes invasive plants that scattered about in the woods. season is not open yet. The catch-and- threaten to crowd out native species. However, garlic mustard is so immediate-release bass fishing season “Invasive plants don’t pay persistent that if flowering has begun opens Saturday, April 28 on Lower attention to calendars, so if you are and the plants are left in the woods or Peninsula waters, and Tuesday, May used to pulling your garlic mustard in even in piles on a driveway, the plants 15 on Upper Peninsula waters. April and May, you may need to will continue to grow and develop Michigan conservation officers have adjust your plans this year,” says mature seeds. noticed an increase in anglers Kelly Kearns, a native plant specialist “Pulled plants that have begun targeting bass illegally this spring, with the Wisconsin DNR. “It is likely flowering need to be removed from likely due to the warm weather to be a banner year for weeds, so the forest and buried, burned or sent Michigan has been experiencing. landowners and land managers need to a landfill,” Kearns says. Although to get to work now to keep ahead of state law bans yard waste from “Anglers need to be aware it is them.” landfills, any plants that are now not legal to target largemouth or regulated as “restricted invasive smallmouth bass prior to April 28 in plants” can now be sent to landfills to the Lower Peninsula and May 15 in keep their seeds and roots out of the U.P.,” warned the DNR’s Sgt. municipal and county compost Robert Torres. “If anglers are seen facilities. The list of regulated deliberately targeting those species invasive species and photos and fact prior to the catch-and-release season sheets for most of the invasive plants openers, they can be ticketed.” can be found on the DNR’s website and type in keyword “invasives." Instead of targeting bass illegally, Pulling, cutting, burning or using the DNR advises anglers to take an herbicide before the plants flower advantage of the many other spring to keep them from developing seeds fishing opportunities available in is critical to keeping them under Michigan. “Fishing for panfish and control. Some plants also spread by steelhead are the two main fishing creeping stems or roots, so additional activities plentiful this time of year,” effort may be needed to stop their said DNR fisheries biologist Mark spread. Tonello. “Anglers should pursue If herbicides are used, it must be crappie and bluegill in particular, as done early and carefully to prevent killing wildflowers and other April can offer some of the best Garlic Mustard desirable plants. There is information panfishing of the entire year. Garlic mustard – a biennial plant that about controlling these plants on the Steelhead runs have also been very smells like garlic and has four small Web and in publications from the impressive this year, with many fish white petals that flower in spring – is DNR and University of Wisconsin- entering Michigan rivers during the famous for taking over entire forest Extension. warm, wet month of March.” floors and displacing trilliums and “Pay attention to what is growing other wildflowers. on your land,” Kearns says. “If For more info, visit “Diligent efforts to prevent the something is increasing too fast, www.michigan.gov/fishing and click plants from producing seed can keep figure out what it is and what needs to on Angler Information.  woodlands free of the weed and be done to stop its’ spread. We can all protect the habitat for an array of keep these invasive plants from wildflowers and native trees,” Kearns spreading if we each take says. responsibility for our own little patch Small patches can be hand pulled of the planet and don’t let invasive starting as soon as the ground has plants from our land spread around.” thawed and the roots can easily be Photos of garlic mustard can found on pulled out. But, Kearns adds, they the DNR website.  must be pulled before seed pods

Great Lakes Basin Report 13

Other Breaking News Items: (Click on title or URL to read full article)

Chicago barrier keeping Asian carp from Great Lakes There is no indication any sizeable population of the fish has breached the barrier, said John Goss, director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality's Asian Carp.

Biologists keep an eye on walleyes For at least 30 years, the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources have combined forces to gather information on the walleyes both states share in the St. Louis River estuary.

Michigan, Ohio officials to tackle Lake Erie algae threat to fish, tourism Officials in Michigan and Ohio agreed last week to cooperate more closely to find solutions to massive algae blooms in Lake Erie, a deadly threat to fish and a turn-off for tourists.

New threat emerges on Asian carp) Since the first of the year, Ontario officials have seized three shipments of live Asian carp, totaling more than 23,000 pounds, that apparently were headed for markets in Toronto.

NY Sea Grant publishes new Lake Ontario fish guide A new visual identification guide for salmon and trout in Lake Ontario is available to anglers. The New York Sea Grant says the publication is its first-ever full-color visual identification guide for the salmon and trout species found in the lake.

Ohio, Michigan officials join forces to fight Lake Erie algae Officials from Ohio, Michigan and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency met Wednesday to outline plans to work together to stop worsening toxic algae blooms on Lake Erie.

NOAA expanding western Michigan research lab The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s maritime operation in Muskegon, Mich., is about to take on a higher profile with an expansion of the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory on the Muskegon Channel.

Asian carp controversy: The view from Shanghai It turns out there are plenty of people in China who love Asian carp as a food item, and don't understand the Asian carp controversy currently taking place in the Great Lakes.

Michigan planning big shift on how coho salmon are stocked along Grand River Salmon fishing on the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Mich., could get a boost next year. That’s when state fish managers propose to move ahead with a plan to reconfigure how they stock coho salmon there.

Ontario faces $1-billion lawsuit for moratorium on offshore wind farms Ontario's government will defend itself against a $1-billion lawsuit over its moratorium on offshore wind farms, the second such action over the province's energy policies.

More algae, more problems The mild winter could mean a spring and summer where algae blooms are a bigger problem than usual in Lake Ontario and other local waterways.

Michigan wetland restoration snags millions for two projects Two federal grants of $1 million each will help restore wetlands and migratory bird habitats and address water control and distribution structures in Michigan.

Shallow harbors are sinking Great Lakes tourism A $200-million backlog in unfunded Great Lakes dredging and maintenance projects has left many Great Lakes harbors so shallow, they create safety hazards and hurt Michigan's tourism industry.

Great Lakes biologists to fire underwater cannon to combat goby Scientists will fire an underwater cannon in parts of Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay this summer, hoping to scatter the nuisance fish that eat native trout and herring eggs.

Soo police have chance to patrol the Great Lakes Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Coast Guard will base a marine security enforcement team in Sault Ste. Marie starting this year

Wisconsin Journalists Chastised for Signing Gov. Walker Recall Petition Kevin Corrado, publisher of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, has told readers that 25 Gannett Wisconsin Media journalists, including seven at his 14 Great Lakes Basin Report A salmon balancing act for Lake Michigan fishery managers Some scientists are raising new questions about the salmon’s demise in Lake Huron and whether that can be stopped in Lake Michigan

Scientists developing poison pill for Asian Carp Designer drugs and engineered poisons, called "bio-bullets," have become increasingly popular among scientists trying to create sniper-shot solutions to unyielding problems, like Asian carp in rivers, to tumors in human bodies. They hope targeted strategy could be silver bullet

Smuggling of live Asian carp becomes Great Lakes threat Heated debate over how to stop the spread of Asian carp has centered on whether to close the shipping locks around the Windy City; meanwhile Asian carp continue to work their way northward via another means — illegal truck shipments of live fish.

Senators Kirk and Levin urge continued support of the Great Lakes, outline key priorities U.S. Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Carl Levin (D-Mich.), co-chairs of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, sent letters to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of key Appropriations Subcommittees urging their continued support for Great Lakes initiatives through fiscal year 2013.

Michigan city treatment plant manager pleads guilty in fed court The former superintendent of Michigan City’s waste water treatment plant will plead guilty to violating the Clean Water Act during a period of

COMMENTARY: Chinese fish for meaning in U.S. carp rampage Outside of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins, news of this carp-control strategy barely registered with the U.S. public. But on March 6, it hit China and, like a jazz trio riffing for an hour on just a few notes, microbloggers took to the minor news topic with gusto.

Leaping Asian carp threaten Iowa Great Lakes Community leaders are scrambling to install an electric barrier to stop the Asian silver carp from swimming up the Little Sioux River and into a small creek connected to Lower Gar Lake, the southernmost of the chain of glacial lakes.

Study seeks origins of carp DNA in Chicago Federal scientists are studying whether genetic material from Asian carp found in waterways near Chicago suggests the presence of live fish.

Asian carp threat looms, court ruling worries anglers Bluewater Anglers, a not-for-profit group based out of Ontario, worries that the waterfront Sarnia-Lambton residents enjoy will change dramatically if invading Asian carp reach the Great Lakes

DNR, anglers discuss threats to fishing in Lake Michigan in 2012 Questions were asked about the increasing evidence that salmon are eating gobies and are the salmon are starting to replace alewives in their diet. There's concern about the fishery.

Brule fish hatchery next to close Wisconsin’s state fish hatchery system is in the process of downsizing. Three hatcheries have already closed in the past six years and the Brule River facility looks to be next.

Quebec fisheries officials brace for spread of deadly fish virus The Quebec Natural Resources and Wildlife Department is proposing a province-wide ban on the use of live minnows as bait, insisting that either frozen minnows or artificial bait must replace live minnows to prevent the spread of a deadly fish virus, The Vancouver Sun reports.

Effects of Asian carp on rivers hard to find Asian carp have gotten much bad publicity, as well they should, but so far no evidence of strain on the river’s fish species has materialized.

S.O.N.S. hatchery tests for IPN virus The fight against Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis virus came to the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie hatchery recently.

U.S. Waterways crackdown makes waves with boaters Local boaters and paddlers are frustrated by the spectre of another crackdown by U.S. customs officials, who are calling on them to phone in should they plan to cross into U.S. waters. Get-tough rules on boaters called for more documentation and notification prior to crossing the

Sales of live Asian carp threaten Great Lakes, bring record fines: Outdoors Insider Utilizing Asian carp as a food fish or fertilizer is a wise use of the invasive species. The importation and sale of live Asian carp, however, is illegal and puts the Great Lakes at risk.

Tide is about to turn on Chicago's harbor space shortage When it opens in May, the new 31st Street Harbor will have room for 1,000 boats, instantly increasing the number of slips and moorings available in Chicago by 20%.

EPA urged not to exempt newer ships plying Great Lakes from ballast limits The National Park Service has joined environmental groups in urging the Environmental Protection Agency to require effluent limits for ballast water discharges for large ships built prior to January 2009 that ply the Great Lakes.