MICHIGAN STEELHEAD & U.S. POSTAGE PAID - SALMON FISHERMEN’S GREENVILLE, MI ASSOCIATION 48838 P.O. BOX 8034 NON-PROFIT HOLLAND, MI 49422 PERMIT NO. 338 616-298-8842 www.mssfa.org

The Official Publication of the Michigan Steelhead & Salmon Fishermen’s Association

Volume 66 March/April 2021 No. 2

Commercial Bills Snag Bottom By Mark Sak oversight in Michigan as state. Many issues arose as well as protect game fish, problematic with the big- Some good news and which commercial anglers gest being adding game- some not-so-good news desperately want to catch fish to commercial nets as for recreational anglers and sell. While commercial well as commercial anglers throughout Michigan. First, harvest of game fish in the not wanting oversight, and let’s try to unravel the three Great Lakes would certain- they certainly do not want bills put forth to try to place ly put a whole bunch of increased oversight. Right some increased oversight money in commercial net- now, the State of Michigan on commercial anglers ters pockets, it would also pays 1 million dollars for and limit them from sell- greatly impact the world the oversight of commercial ing game fish in Michigan. class Michigan fishers in our state, and spe- House Bills 4567, 4568 offers as well as impact- cifically money raised from and 4569 were passed by ing the billions of dollars excise tax from fishing and the Michigan State House brought in by recreational hunting equipment as well by a larger than 2-1 ratio. angling in Michigan. Com- as license fees pays for this (HB 4567 72 yes 32 no), mercial netting of game meaning basically recre- (HB 4568 73 yes 31 no), fish was opposed by MSS- ational anglers are forced and (HB 4568 73 yes and FA, TU, MUCC, the Mich- Rep. Julie Brixie and Gary Howell introduce bipartisan bill to allow ki 31 no). These bills specifi- igan DNR, and dozens of Rep.to beJulie part Brixie of the and stewardship Gary Howell of the introduce federal bipartisanfund to invest bill into Michanallow kids cally were drafted to update businesses and conserva- “Fishing Bill” to be part of the stewardship of the federal fund to invest in Michigan. commercial angler fees and tion groups throughout the Continued on page 8

Luring Spring Steelies By Jim Bedford this spring and artificial relatively weightless lures lures can attract fish from a or flies are drifted with the The fall run of steel- farther distance than bait so current. Of course, these head was weak this past can cover more water look- offerings can also be pre- autumn, especially in Lake ing for them because you sented in more than one Michigan tributaries. We can move faster. Lures for way. can hope that their num- steelhead can be grouped Casting weighted spin- bers will bounce back this into three categories based ners is my favorite steel- spring. This can happen on the way they are usual- head technique. They are a when many steelhead are ly presented. High action very versatile lure and can just not ready to start their plugs or crankbaits are usu- be presented at all angles river migration in the fall. ally held against the cur- with the current. While Steelhead are likely to rent; spinners and spoons they cannot be retrieved di- be quite widely scattered are cast and retrieved; and rectly against the current as they will rise to the surface, you can still back them down by giving line at a rate slower than the current Two anglers are all smiles as they show off a large walleye caught to keep them deep and spin- in western Lake Erie. Credit: Dianne Miehls. ning. Spinners attract steel- ies both visibly and soni- cally from a considerably Walleye Show High Spawning Site distance so they allow you to cover water fairly quick- ly. This is likely to be espe- Fidelity in the Great Lakes cially helpful in this spring if they are scarce and quite Great Lakes Fish find a mate? If it’s your first walleye do just that. scattered. Take advantage Commission time spawning in one of For fish, the habit of re- and cover lots of water until This article is based on these vast lakes, then you turning to the same place you find fish. a recent paper, Spawning might have to pick a spot year-after-year to spawn is While spinners work and hope for the best, or called “spawning site fidel- especially well in moving site fidelity and apparent Joe Burcar with annual survival of wall- use some other clue to find ity”. Spawning site fidel- water, spoons are also good eye (Sander vitreus) dif- a spawning location. But if ity can be a consequence a trophy spring male steelhead. fer between a Lake Huron it’s your second time and of learning by fish, or the “Steelies” you already know the first result of imprinting while and Lake Erie tributary, in Continued on page 11 Ecology of Freshwater Fish place you spawned was a young on natal, or birth, good one, wouldn’t you locations (called natal hom- Imagine you are a fish go back to the same place ing). Either way, return- in a Great Lake preparing again? New research fund- to spawn. Where would ed by the Great Lakes Fish- “Spawning” ery Commission suggests you go? How would you Continued on page 9 Search groups for MSSFA The Quality of Fishing Reflects the Quality of Living! Page 2 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021 Negotiations With Michigan’s Tribes- Issues Facing Sport Fishers-Allocation

By Steve Schultz past two agreements, and equal division of the fish- one that will be critical to ery between the State and This is the second in a new agreement, is the di- the Tribes. The agreement the series of updates to let vision of the Great Lakes created Commercial Fish- those interested in the sport between the Tribes ing Zones where Tribal or and commercial and those fishers who are State licensed commer- of the Great Lakes know licensed by the State. The cial fishing was permitted. what is happening in the 1985 agreement allocat- Within those zones certain negotiation of a new agree- ed the Great Lakes fishery areas had gear limitations, ment between the State, the among the parties by lake, such as trap net only areas, Federal government and the zones, species, and catch closed areas, such as near five Michigan tribes hold- limits. It was premised on harbor mouths or near ref- ing a Treaty right to fish in a roughly 50-50 allocation uges reserved for lake trout the Michigan portion of the of the fishery between the rehabilitation, and reserved Great Lakes. The first up- State and the Tribes. The areas designated for a par- date gave you some back- Tribes were principally al- ticular Tribe, such as zone Lakes sport fishing is more is half what it was several Taken as a whole, the fish- ground on the negotiations. located whitefish stocks reserved for the Grand Tra- prevalent. In terms of the years ago. For salmon, both eries of the Treaty areas of This update addresses the and the State was principal- verse Band in the Grand available lake trout stocks, State and Tribal harvests the Great Lakes are produc- issues facing sport fishers ly allocated salmon stocks. Traverse Bay area and one these allocations shared the of chinook salmon are one ing far less than a few years in the sharing of the Great Lake trout stocks were reserved for small boat fish- resource fairly equally. quarter of what they were ago. These changes present Lakes fisheries with the shared with the allocation to ers of the Bay Mills Indian Since 2000, the Great at its peak just a few years huge difficulties in nego- Tribes. each party differing based Community in the Ham- Lakes fishery has changed. ago. Lake trout have expe- tiating a new agreement Since 1985, the arrange- on the area of the Great mond Bay area of Lake Whitefish generally re- rienced some natural repro- as there are simply not the ment between the Tribes, Lakes at issue. Generally, Huron. served to the Tribes and duction in recent years but stocks that were available the State of Michigan and the Tribes were allocated Critical to this shared re- salmon reserved to the are under duress in some a few years ago. Never- the Federal government to more lake trout in areas source was the allocation of State are not as prevalent parts of the lakes. Preserv- theless, this is a shared share the fisheries of the where they were pursuing lake trout between the State now. For whitefish, the har- ing lake trout spawning resource that requires allo- Great Lakes has been con- whitefish and State licensed and the Tribes. The lake vest by both State and Trib- stocks will be critical to cation on a roughly 50-50 tained in two agreements fishers were allocated more trout available for catch by al fishers in Lake Michigan the future of that fishery. basis. that were negotiated by the in traditional sportfishing commercial or sport fishers parties and then put in place areas. Overall, however, the in each lake trout manage- by the Federal Court in west fishery resources were gen- ment unit within the tribal Michigan as a “Consent erally shared equally. Fur- waters of Lakes Michigan, Decree.” The first Decree ther, the zones created for Huron and Superior was di- was implemented in 1985. State and Tribally licensed vided and allocated. The ta- It had a 15-year term. In fishers reduced gear con- ble on the right, with a very 2000, a second Decree was flict between commercial general indication of where put in place by the Court. nets, particularly gill nets each management unit is It had a 20-year term. It and traditional sport fishing located, shows the various expired last year but has gear. allocations. been extended by the Court The agreement reached These allocations gen- Tools while the parties negotiate a in 2000 took a slightly erally reserved more lake new agreement. different approach while trout for sport fishing in A critical issue to the maintaining the roughly those areas where Great of the Trade ›› Successful big water requires the right tools. Elite anglers know that underwater currents impact lure action and water temperature drives fish location. Speed and water temperature at the lure can be the most important information on the boat. Without it – you’re fishing blind. Fish Hawk X4D ›› Down speed, down temp, and true ball depth; the X4D gives you all three. Using the X4D, you’ll be able to find the preferred water temperature zone of target species, identify underwater currents, and repeat the most productive depth and trolling speed. 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19022 FH Ad GLSFN 2021.indd 1 11/19/19 8:33 AM March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 3 Fisheries Fight: Michigan Commercial Fishers Bring Michigan DNR Rules to Court By Dave Spratt, the water under the rules cial fishing. The bills were In past years, the appli- were good to go for another tached. freelance writer and CEO that governed 2020. If supported by the DNR and cation period was so seam- year. This year the appli- They’re not exactly sure of the Institute for Journal- granted, Perry said, those sportfishing advocates but less that commercial fishers cations came without any what they’re applying for, ism & Natural Resources. folks could be fishing as opposed by the MFPA. received their applications accompanying documents, but they know they have soon as April, which is nor- The bills went to the with the permits already permits or otherwise, so little intention of fishing It could be weeks before mally a productive month. Senate Committee on Nat- enclosed. There were a they’re sending them in under the new restrictions. Michigan’s commercial The suit alleges that ural Resources, which held few places to sign and they with last year’s permits at- fishing outfits can get back Fisheries Order 234.21 will hearings in June and July to catching whitefish ­– but make and heard testimony from even then they’re not sure unprofitable. It further al- stakeholders, including leges the order was writ- what’s left of the season Tribal Nations. ® will save their businesses. ten to punish commercial The groups were not in Church Tackle Co. That’s because they’re fishers for seeking amend- agreement, so State Sen. ments to a House Bill pro- Ed McBroom assembled a Locking Arm Adjustment tied up in a legal fight over easy to open & close Screw the rules of their game – posed in 2020 and that the work group to try and find Mini Lock-Jaw Clip DNR deliberately withheld common ground. This clip may be mini but when it comes to holding power it’s Hole for drop weights Release rules imposed by the Mich- second only to it’s big brother, the original Lock-Jaw! or other applications igan Department of Natural license applications for It went badly. His Nov. Prevention 2021. Applications normal- 5 Commercial Fishing Holds mono, super braids, , lead core or copper lines Resources in January that without damaging the line! The Mini Lock-Jaw fits The Walleye Board, limit when and where com- ly go out in December but Workgroup Report char- TX-44, TX-22, TX-12 & TX-6 planer boards, but we recommend the full size Replaceable mercial fishers can operate were held until January this acterized the discussion as Lock-Jaw for the TX-44. The Mini Lock-Jaw is designed to fit other side planers, Pad year, Perry said. a “turf war” that encom- drop weights and works for many other applications. Locator holes for in the Michigan waters of 2 3/4” Long x 3/4” Wide attaching the Great Lakes. The DNR response passed “some of the most Part# 40620, 2pk Color - yellow Replacement Pads part# 40701 6/pk to side-planers “We’re not accepting to the lawsuit, issued last disturbing and disappoint- Original Lock-Jaw Mini Lock-Jaw week, said the lawsuit com- ing examples of unwill- TX-007 Stern Planer & TX-005 Mini Stern Planer Weighs 17 grams & 2 3/4” long the new terms,” said at- An all new type of planer! Weighs only 11 grams pletely mischaracterizes the ingness to bargain in good 3/4” wide 1 7/8” long, ½” wide torney Michael H. Perry, rch Tackle C Available in 2 sizes DNR’s intentions, and that faith or deal honestly as I Chu o. who represents the Michi- 30#test 30#test gan Fish Producers Asso- the delay in license appli- have seen.” Effective for all species. Great monofilament cations was due only to un- The report’s recommen- for trolling congested areas and for more effective contour power pro ciation. “If the department trolling along drop offs, contour lines, reef edges and weed lines in rivers, lakes or the ocean. Run more lines off the back of the boat by staggering the Stern Planers. For heavy to extremely For light to heavy Run any distance from the boat, yet maintain desired heavy appications applications. depth. Easy to attach and remove. (Pros suggest the ideal distance is a minimum of 200’ behind boat.) Holds 10# plus!! We didn’t invent the planer board, we just perfected it! A one-stop shop for planer boards, 7 different styles & ALL MADE IN THE USA TX-44 Super Planer The Walleye Board 10# 10# (14” x 4 1/4”) (10” x 3 ½”) 10#

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Offloading the day’s fish from the vessel into the fish house where they are (Blade made of high quality 440C stainless & carbon steel heat treated) then weighed, processed for sale or boxed for shipping. #40302 black #40304 orange #40306 chartreuse Please visit us at www.churchtackle.com to view all of our great American made does what it says it’s going certainty around license re- dations addressed fees, net fishing gear or call us at 269-934-8528 to request a catalog. Like us on facebook f to do, it’s going to put our newal application fees. The location, reporting and oth- constituents out of busi- DNR declined to comment er accountability measures ness.” on pending litigation but for commercial fishing, but At issue is Fisheries has said that a patchwork also brought up the possi- Order 243.21, which was of laws and fisheries orders bility of penalizing sport- handed down Jan. 8 after a have left enforcement gaps fishers if their equipment Pro-Troll’s Latest Secret years-long effort to update that need to be addressed damaged properly placed state laws around commer- by the Legislature. commercial fishing nets. cial fishing died in a Mich- The issue has been sim- The DNR opposed the igan Senate committee in mering for more than a year, amendments, saying it Lighted Flashers December. Since the Mich- and 2020 did no favors for needed more time to review igan Legislature is now in the industry: COVID-19 their implications, and the a new legislative session, disrupted restaurants and bills died in committee. a brand-new bill or bills tourism widely, leav- “I was disappointed af- New models must be introduced and ap- ing commercial fishers ter all the work done during proved. in Michigan, Wisconsin, last session, that these bills and finishes The new order changes Minnesota, Tribal Nations did not get over the finish allowable fishing depths (who operate under trea- line,” said State Rep. Jim are now from 150 feet to 80 feet ty rights negotiated in the Lilly, who represents Dis- or less, and also closes 1800s and are not subject trict 89 in West Michigan available lakes Michigan and Huron to DNR laws) and Ontario and co-sponsored all three The water for the month of October, with nowhere to sell their bills. “I plan to re-engage which fishers say is one wares. Michigan’s Native stakeholders to see if there activated light of their most important and non-Native commer- is middle ground, and it is blinks green red months. The lakes are al- cial fishing operations to- my intent that any bills in- ready closed for the No- gether caught nearly 4 mil- troduced this session reflect and white. The lion pounds of whitefish in those talks. I do not see vember whitefish spawning sealed battery season. 2018. the bills being introduced The MFPA sued the Last February, the as they were last session. lasts up to 80 Michigan DNR in federal Michigan House of Repre- With that said, I remain court in January and will sentatives passed three tie- committed to balancing the hours. The entire ask for a preliminary in- barred bills – which must interests of the sport fishing light can be easily junction that would allow all take effect together or community with that of the Michigan’s 13 commercial not at all – setting new laws commercial fishing indus- replaced fishing operations back on for state-licensed commer- try.” www.Protroll.com Pro-Troll Ad for GL Fishing News 5X5 Attention Dennis Eade 12/09/2020 Page 4 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021

MSSFA PRESIDENT Tim Stegeman

2021 marks the 50th that again, the recreational table or you find yourself Tomorrow will be too late. Anniversary of the Mich- fishery you enjoy TODAY. on the menu. Either you Join the MSSFA today igan Steelhead & Salmon I know many of you read- can influence the key deci- and also consider donating Fishermen’s Association ing this are saying I don’t sion makers to make a pos- to the MSSFA’s Share the (MSSFA). Fifty years is need to affiliate with the itive difference or you can- Resource Campaign. Let’s a long time. Long enough MSSFA. The fishery is in not influence the decision assure ourselves and future to cross a generational place, the MSSFA is al- makers and you will make generations there is still a Tim Stegeman, President line or two and ultimately ready vigilant about fishery much less of a difference, if resource to share in 2022. Michigan Steelhead & Salmon Fishermen’s Association lose sight of why the MS- issues and there is enough any at all. SFA was founded. If you information at my finger 2021 marks the greatest are unaware, the MSSFA’s tips on the internet to teach challenge the Great Lakes mission in the past, pres- me about how and where to recreational sport fishery ent and future is to resolve spend my limited angling has faced yet. Are you in major angler issues in the hours. I’m just going to agreement with the MSS- interest of all Great Lakes do my own thing and not FA’s positions and want to anglers and especially, but be involved. No argument make a difference? You not limited to, those that here because TODAY those can try on your own or you enter those bodies of wa- thoughts are pretty valid. can add your name and sup- ters from the great state of Well, to be honest, those port to our growing mem- Michigan. Michigan just thoughts were valid up until bership roll. Now is the happens to be in the center about June of 2020. We are time to influence the deci- of a majority of the Great already in Tomorrowland sion makers. We can only Lakes so what better place with everything I alluded to continue to meet the chal- to be headquartered? earlier in this article. lenges to our sport if we Not only is 2021 a mile- You know how the sys- are united. If the MSSFA stone year for the MSSFA tem of government works. doesn’t succeed today, who as an organization, it is also You either have a seat at the will tomorrow? Nobody. a milestone for a new and ongoing Consent Decree with the Tribes as well as a final new commercial fishing statue to regulate behavior of irresponsible commercial fishers who fear regulation because it opens the door to better law enforcement by the CO’s; requires timely reporting and avoids the opportunity to break the rules. We are also calling for a more aggressive action plan for dam removals to allow anadromous fish ac- cess to miles of streams for natural recruitment and an action that promotes nat- ural stream flow to reduce water temperature during these challenging global climate changing times. Dam removals notwith- standing, we are also call- ing for barrier installation to combat Invasive species such as bighead, silver or black carp that threaten not only the region’s $7 billion fishery but also the boat- ing industry which is more than double in value as well as other tourism-based industries, property owners and others dependent on the Great Lakes. Great Lakes anglers have been blessed for the last 50 years to have ac- cess to a very diverse fish- ery that was unthinkable in the early 1960’s. A time when commercial overfish- ing coupled with the sea lamprey invasion all but destroyed the native fish populations. That situation paved the way for the put and take recreational fish- ery funded by your license fees that you enjoy today. Keep that thought! The recreational fishery you enjoy today. Let me say March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 5

MSSFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dennis Eade

er that could spell the end part of the tribes to equally “enough feet of nets were need to protect the fishery to our sport fishery as we (50-50) share the lake trout lifted from the Great Lakes and promote as well as en- know it. resource with sport fisher- to reach around the world hance sport fishing. MSS- State commercial fish- men. three times….” according FA fills that role better than Dennis Eade, Executive Director ermen refused to acqui- It is the Consent Decree to Dr. Wayne Tody, head of the other fishing groups Michigan Steelhead & Salmon Fishermen’s Association esce to the terms of House we should be most worried the Michigan DNR’s Fish because our tent is bigger Bills 4567 - HB 4569 that about. If the tribes continue Division at the time. If that and our coalition building would have created a new to hold out for the preroga- practice is allowed to re- efforts have created part- When Pacific salmon doing, the sport fishery we commercial fishing statue. tive of being able to catch turn again to Great Lakes, nerships with the tourism were introduced into the enjoy today took off. Commercial netters insist- whatever fish they want to it will not take long for the industry, the environmental Great Lakes in the spring Today the fate of our ed on being able to harvest harvest in any waters cov- resident lake trout to be ex- community, conservation of 1966, it became the sport fishery is threaten game fish like walleye and ered by the treaty, without tirpated and the salmon and organizations, and com- genesis of “the world’s more than at any time in lake trout. The House Bills designated tribal zones, and trout fishery threatened to munity groups that wish to greatest fresh water sport the last half century. Ale- died in the Senate Natural with any gear they wish to the point of making buying promote quality of living fishery”. The Coho salm- wife numbers are down, so Resources committee at the use, it could be the begin- a fishing license a question- experiences.“ But sadly, on, and later the Chinook salmonids are threatened. end of the 100th Legisla- ning of the end of the sport able proposition. not enough sport fishermen salmon, thrived in the new The explosion of Quagga ture on December 31, 2020. fishery. In my opinion, we We have 1.2 million li- are members of MSSFA prey enriched waters of the and zebra mussel numbers The 2020 Consent De- could see tribal commer- censed fishers in Michigan or MUCC, MCBA, or the Great Lakes. Amazingly, have altered the food chain cree negotiations with the cial fishermen stringing gill and approximately 200,000 other associations that ad- they adapted quickly to by greatly reducing phyto- five tribes of Northern nets and placing trap nets out-of-state fishers that vocate for the sport fishery. their new environment and and zoo-plankton levels Michigan and the state and from waters out in front come to Michigan to fish its When an unaffiliated char- began returning to the riv- in the lakes. And now we federal governments have of Grand Haven, MI. to waters. To provide those ter captain was recently ers from which they were have a combination of hu- dragged on for two years as far northeast as Alpena, sportsmen and women the asked, “What do you think released to spawn and in so man factors coming togeth- without a willingness on the MI. Back in late 1966… best possible experience we the consequences of the expiration of the consent decree with the tribes will have on the future of the fishery?” His reply was basically that there were

some “groups” involved

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE which represented sport an- SUBSCRIBE glers and that the 2000 de- cree would most likely be renewed “as is” in the end because it had worked out so well in the past. He was NOW TO then asked whether he was

December-January 2020 a member of any of those

T E X T: 4 2 8 - 2 8 T O : G L A Great Lakes FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS groups and he said he “was too busy to be directly in- volved”. Well, if you’re STEELHEAD AND TROUT THE AUTHORITY ON SALMON, not willing to be directly ngler February-March 2020 A Great Lakes TROPHY T E X T: 4 2 8 - 2 8 T O : THE GHOST FACTOR: BROWNS F O R O U R N E W S L E T T E RG S L A involved then you need to D O W N T E M P 44 step up and fund the efforts ON62 ICE HOW OLD IS being done on your behalf STEELHEADATHE AUTHORITY ON SALMON, Subscribe to nglerSTEELHEAD AND TROUT THAT ATTACK by the associations that are FISH 38 50 R O YA L F L U S H O F involved and the attorneys S P O R T F I S H I N G GETTING THE Great Lakes Angler MOST FROM 32 who are at the negotiations STEELHEAD PLUGS 32 table on your behalf.

DISPLAY UNTIL FEBRUARY 4, 2020 U.S. & Canada for 2 years (12 issues) and The tribal representa- SUBSCRIBE AND GET A FREE FILLET KNIFE! SEE PAGE 33 tives have been overheard

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MSSFA was organized in 1971 by a handful of individuals who knew that Michigan’s newly formed trout and salmon fishery was something worth working to protect. They were a small group who wanted to not only protect their fishery, but learn how to catch their elusive prey and tell fishing stories.

MSSFA chapters have membership meetings with guest speakers to learn about all the aspects of sport fishing.MSSFA chapters also sponsor fishing clinics, seminars, sport-fishing shows, derbies and tournaments. And are active sponsors for fishing outings for kids, seniors, veterans and our handicapped.

For those who love to fish but have no means, MSSFA chapters sponsor a “Crews” program that allows a sign up as a crew member for a day of fishing.

With a common goal, and a close working partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, MSSFA helps to enhance the resource and sport fishing in our rivers, streams, inland lakes, and of course the mighty Great Lakes. MSSFA is a front-runner at all levels of the legislature and in courtrooms, and has spent countless hours working behind the scenes and attending hearings.

So why join the Steelheaders... Got kids, love fishing.. JOIN NOW! ...and become a member of he largest organized groups of fishermen in the Midwest. There are chapters throughout the entire state. You too can help protect and preserve this world-class sport fishery for you, your children and generations to come. THE GREAT LAKES SPORT FISHING NEWS (GLSFN) The Great Lakes Sport Fishing News is owned and operated by The Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association.

Better than forty years ago, The Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association began to publish a magazine called the “Guide to Great Lakes Sport Fishing”. Five years later the magazine became a monthly format called “The Great Lakes Steelheader”. Today the newspaper is called “The Great Lakes Sport Fishing News”.

This paper has no paid writers and has a grass roots style. Its writers are the every day fishermen who share their techniques and fishing adventures; and the paper has become well known for it’s January Special Edition or “Show Edition” that is seen at all the spring expos and sport, boat and fishing shows throughout the Great Lakes.

Information in the paper covers the entire Great Lakes Basin region from Minnesota to New York including all five of the Great Lakes and their tributary streams.

Chapter members receive the paper as part of their membership. And because of the diversity of fishing in the Great Lakes, the information covers everything from river fishing, big lake fishing to inland lake fishing. The paper also offers a direct route for all new products and techniques on the market offered by our advertisers.

Executive Director Grand Haven Great Lakes Bay Region Metro-West - Livonia Southwest Michigan Traverse City Area Dennis Eade Paul Zelenka, President Mark Trudell, President Eric Braden, President Jim Marohn, President Jim Heengeman, VP 616-298-8842 and State Director 989-839-4920 419-344-2541 269-983-7298 231-495-1381 [email protected] 616-638-3273 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Membership Jon Moore, Director Robert Schulz, State Director Joe Montella, Director Ted Ewald, Secretary / State Director Website: www.ghsteelheaders.com 989-642-5721 248-915-0043 616-283-4296 231-313-2032 Deb Shephard [email protected] 269-655-4704 [email protected] [email protected] facebook.com/Great Lakes Bay Region [email protected] Website: www.swmisteelheaders.com Grand Rapids Steelheaders Website: facebook.com/Traverse City Area facebook.com/Southwestern Steelheaders Randy Spence, President www.metroweststeelheaders.org Steelheaders Battle Creek 2650 Pheasant Run Drive #101 Website: http://steel-headers.com facebook.com/Metro West Steelheaders www.traversecityareasteelheaders.org Kentwood, MI 49512 Thunder Bay Jeff Root, President Dan Bouchard, President 734-552-1921 (after 6pm) 269-370-8515 989-255-7350 Cell [email protected] [email protected] Holland South Haven [email protected] White River Steve Weatherwax, President Rich Chapman, President Clint Pollock, President Frank Smith, Director Bob Strek, State Director 616-836-3809 and State Director Gerry Sickon, Director 231-893-0210 269-908-6577 616-723-1268 [email protected] [email protected] 734-624-4490 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Alex Fergus, State Director Website: Terry Clark, Director Search on facebook: Grand Rapids 616-610-2410 www.southhavensteelheaders.com Thumb Chapter 231-730-6628 battlecreeksteelheaders.com Steelheaders OfficialPage [email protected] facebook.com/South Haven Steelheaders Kevin Ramsey, President / Alt. Director [email protected] 989-550-9227 [email protected] Website: www.hollandsteelheaders.org facebook.com/Holland Steelheaders Dr Ken Merckel, State Director Walter Godzwon, Membership Chair 810-404-5826

Website: thumbsteelheaders.org facebook.com/Thumb Chapter Michigan Steelheaders

MSSFA Chapter Locations

Alpena

Traverse City

Harbor Midland Beach Whitehall Grand Grand Haven Rapids Holland Battle South Haven Creek Livonia

Saint Joseph

Copyright © Free Vector Maps.com

The following Chapters accept online payments via Credit Card and/or PayPal. A PayPal account is not needed-use the option credit card. Note: some Chapters charge a small fee for processing. Battle Creek www.battlecreeksteelheaders.com/membership • Holland www.hollandsteelheaders.org Metro-West (Livonia) www.metroweststeelheaders.org • South Haven www.southhavensteelheaders.com Southwestern( Saint Joseph) www.swmisteelheaders.com • Traverse City www.traversecityareasteelheaders.org March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 7 MSSFA: It PAYS to belong! Here’s why:

michigansteelheaders.org Contact Don Remington 616-742-0238

2021 Tentative Print Schedule 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS Issue Deadline Print Date Presidents’ Meeting Date and Time: TBD Wednesday, August 18, 2021 1 12/11/20 01/04/21 Michigan Historical Library and Museum, MUCC, 2101 Wood Street, Lansing, MI – 7 PM 701 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 2 02/12/21 03/03/21 (Pending State Authorization) Wednesday, October 20, 2021 3 04/13/21 05/03/21 Wednesday, April 21, 2021 MUCC, 2101 Wood Street, Lansing, MI – 7 PM 4 06/14/21 07/02/21 MUCC, via ZOOM – 7 PM Wednesday, December 15, 2021 5 08/13/21 09/01/21 Wednesday, June 23, 2021 MUCC, 2101 Wood Street, Lansing, MI – 7 PM 6 10/08/21 10/29/21 MUCC, via ZOOM – 7 PM

GREAT LAKES SPORT FISHING NEWS MSSFA, Publisher Bonnie Eade, Accountant MSSFA State Board of Directors, Officers and Committee Chairs Tel: 616-298-8842 Stafford Printing, Printing Cell: 616-928-8970 Greenville, MI Tim Stegeman President [email protected] [email protected] Dennis Eade, Managing Editor Executive Director [email protected] Laura Kleinheksel, Layout Dennis Eade Tel: 616-298-8842 [email protected] Lake Michigan Citizens Advisory Fishery Committee Cel: 616-836-0037 Legal and Legislative Committee [email protected] Don Remington Vice President [email protected] The Great Lakes Sport Fishing News (GLSFN) is the official publication of the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association (MSSFA). Subscrip- Gerry Sickon Secretary [email protected] tion to th GLSFN is through membership in MSSFA. The GLSFN publishes six Lake Erie Citizens Advisory Fishery Committee issues per year. Permission for reprint from this publication is normally permitted, unless otherwise stipulated by the article, and proper credit is given to the author ( Open ) Treasurer and the publication. The GLSFN or MSSFA does not necessarily agree or support the contents of articles within this publication. The views expressed are those of Kenneth Merckel Lake Huron Citizens Advisory Fishery Committee [email protected] the author(s) of the articles. Roger Hinchcliff Streams Committee [email protected] MICHIGAN STEELHEAD AND SALMON Deb Shephard Membership Coordinator [email protected] FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Business Office Tim Stegeman, President P.O. Box 8034 Don Remington, Vice President Holland, MI 49422 Dennis Eade, Executive Director Tel: 616-298-8842 Gerry Sickon, Secretary e-mail: michigansteelheaders.org (Open), Treasurer

The Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association (MSSFA) is a multi-state, non-profit organization dedicated to educating the general public on improving, preserving and promoting sport fishing, the Great Lakes and their tributary streams and rivers. Commonly referred to as The Michigan Steelheaders, or simply Steelheaders. MSSFA represents sport fishing families in the Great Lakes region. MSSFA encourages the strictest observances of sport fishing laws and ethical fishing practices. www.MSSFA.org Page 8 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021 Ron Lindner. I had fished species of fish and certainly with Ron a number of times for walleyes. We were after Commercial Fishing Memorable Bites prior to that and was al- walleyes on this day. Bret Boat in Fishtown, ways so impressed by how didn’t seem concerned. He Leland, MI By Bob Jensen ious to try it. Traditional he could read the water. said “We’ll get’em to bite”. in-line spinners had caught While having supper the And we did. We caught a For one reason or anoth- lots of smallmouth bass and evening before, Ron pre- good number of walleyes er, I’ve been unable to get northern pike for me in the dicted that we would “catch with a few channel catfish on the ice for a couple of past, but this was a new-to- 100 smallmouth bass to- mixed in. They were all weeks. I’m guessing that me style. It was the prede- morrow”. I knew that was larger than most walleyes warmer weather will pro- cessor to the now-popular, an aggressive number, but or catfish that are caught vide the opportunity and super-productive spinner- I also knew that Ron could across the Midwest. There encouragement to go ice baits that have the spinner predict that sort of thing. was 1 thing that we did fishing a few more times, directly over the hook. A The next day we got on the that enabled our success. but for now I’m doing a lot good example would be water, and within minutes We trolled with in-line Off of remembering. Mostly Strike-King’s Premier Plus Ron noticed that conditions Shore planer boards. These I’m remembering past fish- . Conditions had changed. He said, boards took our night- ing trips. For 40 plus years, were perfect and the pike “We ain’t gonna’ catch 100 crawler tipped spinner rigs “Fishing Bill” en netters everything they I’ve had the privilege of were biting. They had smallmouth bass today”. way off to the side of the Continued from page 1 ever dreamed of, including working in the fishing in- probably never seen a bait He was right. We caught boat. The rigs on the out- up to 30% of the total al- dustry. From those 40 plus like this before. In a short 60. I kept track. Ron was side lines were at least 50 to pay for the oversight of lowable catch of walleyes years, I’ve got lots of real- stretch of river I caught a an amazing angler and an feet away from the boat commercial anglers. in Saginaw Bay, and up to ly good fishing memories. good bunch of pike in the even more amazing person. and probably even farther. After the trio of bills 20% of the total allowable Some stand out though. 5-8 pound range. Not big A more recent fish- By doing so, the walleyes cleared the State House of catch of other game spe- Following are some of by some standards, but cer- ing trip that’s stuck in my weren’t spooked by the Representatives, it went to cies like smallmouth bass those memories. tainly nice ones for a small head happened on Sturgeon boat and were very willing the Michigan State Senate and crappie. Obviously, the Most of those memories river. The lesson learned Bay in Wisconsin’s Door to eat our baits. Lesson and had to start in the Sen- pro recreational bills were are at least partially and was that much of the time County. I was sharing a Learned: When the water ate Natural Resource com- now in hostile territory usually mostly memorable baits that the fish haven’t boat with Bret Alexander, is clear, avoid spooking fish mittee where it snagged and McBroom immediate- because of the people that seen before or haven’t seen a fishing guide, and Jeff by getting your bait away bottom. The Chairman of ly amended the pro-recre- I was fishing with. I have much can be very produc- Kolodzinski. Kolo works from the boat. the Senate Natural Re- ational bill into what many several memories that took tive. in the indus- I have lots of other fish- source committee is Ed feel is a pro-commercial place while I was fishing Another wonderful try. It was mid-summer, ing memories that I’ll share McBroom (R Vulcan) and netting bill. The three alone. One of those mem- memory occurred on a the skies were clear, the another time, but now I a co-sponsor of a different pro-recreation Bills-turned ories happened while wad- river far north of that pike wind was calm, the bay was have to gather my ice fish- Bill which was the only pro netting Bills died in ing a small river near my memory. I was going to be flat. Sturgeon Bay has very, ing gear for an afternoon on pro-netting bill, (Senate Bill that committee and nev- childhood home. I had fishing the Rainy River on very clear water. Those the ice. 389), sponsored by Kevin er got a Senate vote in ei- just acquired a new style the Minnesota-Canadian conditions usually create Daley (R Lum). That bill ther form before the final of spinnerbait and was anx- border with fishing pioneer difficult fishing for most basically would have giv- Senate session of the year wrapped up before the New Year. A lot of deeply passionate folks on both sides of this issue never got to see what the Senate vote would bring as virtually all of these Bills are currently dead in the water. A new Bill would now need to be drafted and start over in all committees in both the Michigan House and Sen- ate. That could happen but right now everything is up in the air due to Covid-19. Only time will tell if new bills are drafted. The good news is for right now, Michigan’s game fish are safe from being netted and sold to buyers in Chicago and New York. On the brighter side of things, a new Bill has been signed by the Governor af- ter clearing both the House and Senate. House Bill 5003 amends the Natural Resources and Environ- mental Protection Act to al- low children under age 17 to voluntarily pay a 2-dol- A SEASON lar fee for an all-Species fishing license. Again, this is completely voluntary and will allow kids to carry a li- cense while making a small FOR EVERY contribution to the health of our state’s fisheries and wildlife. This license was quite popular as many par- ents used it as a teaching ANGLER tool, and it allowed kids to put something cool in the pocket to take on those fishing trips with Grandpa. This was mistakenly re- moved by amendments in 2016. This Bill, sponsored by Representative Julie Brixie, (D 69 District), and Gary Howell, (R- North Branch) is an incredibly positive Bi-partisan effort to allow kids in our state to Discover four seasons of fi shing in Traverse City. It’s where steelhead, salmon, bass, and be a part of the stewardship more off er challenges to novice and expert anglers alike. Where fl y fi sherman explore the that takes place through the rivers, charter boats roam the lakes…and where you’ll fi nd yourself in a pre y great place. federal Dingell-Johnson Sport Fishing Restorative fund to invest in Michigan. It was signed into Law by the Governor in late De- TraverseCity.com cember. March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 9 “Spawning” Left: Acoustic telemetry tags are surgically implanted Continued from page 1 into the abdomens of walleyes. Walleye are anesthe- tized during the procedure and the incision is sutured ing to previous spawning after the tag is inserted. areas is advantageous be- cause fish experience less Credit: Sean Landsman, Carleton University. risk when they spawn; that is, if mates were present grations of walleye in Lake a single group. However, last year, mates will likely Huron. Many walleye as spawning site fidelity be present again in future undertook annual migra- increases, management ac- years. Likewise, habitat tions of almost 500 miles tions need to increasingly suitable for spawning one round-trip, moving from focus on individual popu- year is likely to be suitable spawning areas in the Titta- lations within lakes. In oth- in subsequent years. bawassee River to feeding er words, fish spawning in In the past, scientists grounds in northern Lake different locations should studying walleye spawn- Huron. Although these long be considered different ing site fidelity in the Great migrations had been sug- groups, and may need to Lakes had to infer fish be- in Lake Huron) and the gested previously based on be managed using differ- havior after-the-fact based Maumee River (a tribu- jaw tag studies, the research ent strategies tailored to on data obtained from tary to the western basin of team was able to confirm in each group. A good exam- marking a fish with an ex- Lake Erie). The researchers detail the timing and popu- ple of this approach is Pa- ternal tag, such as a jaw chose these sites because of lar migration pathways of cific salmon management tags, and recapturing the the large number of wall- walleye migration in Lake on the west coast of North fish months or years later. eye spawning at each site: Huron. America. Salmon have Although this method was the Tittabawassee River Understanding spawn- high spawning site fidelity useful for telling scientists supports the largest known ing site fidelity has import- to individual rivers which when a fish was present at spawning aggregation of ant implications for man- flow into the Pacific Ocean. a particular location, the walleye in Lake Huron, es- agement of walleye in the Consequently, in some ar- method only provided a timated at almost 200,000 Great Lakes. When spawn- eas, salmon in different riv- snapshot of where the fish fish, and the Maumee Riv- ing site fidelity is low or ers are managed as separate had traveled. Scientists did er supports a walleye pop- moderate for a fish species populations, with river-spe- not know when the fish ulation of approximately in a given lake, those fish cific harvest rates, seasons, arrived, how long the fish 600,000 fish. can be managed as a single and gear types allowed. stayed, how many times the During 2011 and 2012, population – essentially, all “Spawning” fish visited, and where the the research team implant- of the fish in the lake can Continued on page 20 fish went in between visits ed acoustic telemetry tags be considered to be part of to the specific locale. in almost 500 walleye, then A research team led followed their movements Left: The receiver network in the Great Lakes during by Dr. Todd Hayden and through the 2014 spawning this study (Bottom Left: each orange dot represents collaborators at Michigan season. More than 300 re- one receiver). More than 300 receivers in Lake Huron State University, the U.S. ceivers were used to track and Lake Erie were used to track walleye, including Geological Survey, Michi- the fish, including multi- multiple receivers in the Tittabawassee and Maumee gan Department of Natural ple receivers in both riv- Resources, Carleton Uni- ers, near the river mouths, rivers, near the river mouths, across key migration versity, and the Great Lakes across key migration corri- corridors, and along the shorelines of Lake Huron Fishery Commission, be- dors, and along the shore- and Lake Erie. Source: Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry gan tagging walleye with lines of Lake Huron and Observation System (GLATOS) website. acoustic telemetry tags Lake Erie. In total, 311,180 to fill in those knowledge detections from tagged gaps. Acoustic telemetry walleye were recorded on allows scientists to track the receiver network. When movements of fish in great the research team compiled detail. If older methods the detections to create like jaw tags provide data movement paths for the akin to photographs, then walleye, the results were acoustic telemetry is like a remarkable. video, providing a detailed Walleye in the Titta- history of movements and bawassee River showed behaviors through space strong spawning site fideli- and time. ty, with a 95% return rate to Acoustic telemetry the river. Walleye in Lake works like electronic toll Erie showed less spawning collection systems such as site fidelity, although 70% I-Pass or E-ZPass: an in- were still faithful to the ternally-tagged fish swims Maumee River. through a network of re- “Greater fidelity of ceivers, like a car passing walleye tagged in the Tit- through a toll-booth. The tabawassee River than in CATCH MORE FISH! acoustic tag inside the fish the Maumee may be due continuously “pings” a to the close proximity of unique ID number, which the Maumee River to oth- OR12 Planer Board OR40 EZ Crankbait Tuner receivers – essentially un- er spawning sites in Lake (shown with optional derwater computers – de- Erie,” Dr. Hayden ex- HD Tattle FlagTM) tect and record, along with plained. “Multiple spawn- the date and time for ev- ing sites in close proximity ery tagged fish that swims to the Maumee River may nearby. By stationing re- increase the likelihood that ceivers in a wide variety of some individuals will stray, locations (known migration choosing a different spawn- corridors, presumed spawn- ing location from previous ing locations, and other years.” places where scientists ex- In contrast, the Titta- “ Congratulations to The pect fish to be), and later bawassee River supports Chairman of the Boards, retrieving the receivers to the largest known spawning OR1 Downrigger Release download the data collect- aggregation in all of Lake Bruce DeShano, on his ed, scientists can determine Huron. Walleye that previ- 2020 Freshwater Hall the exact movements of a ously spawned in the Titta- particular fish. bawassee River may return OR8 Downrigger Release of Fame Induction!” For the walleye study, to the river in subsequent Dr. Hayden and collabo- years because the proba- rators wanted to confirm bility of encountering other previous observations of spawning aggregations in walleye spawning site fi- Saginaw Bay or Lake Hu- delity with greater certainty ron is low. Alternatively, than older tagging methods high spawning site fidelity allowed. Additionally, the for these fish may be due to research team investigat- natal homing, although the ed whether spawning site potential for homing has fidelity differed between not been studied in Lake walleye aggregations in Huron walleye. two spawning areas: the Another notable out- Your Leader In Trolling Technology Tittabawassee River (a come of this work was tributary to Saginaw Bay documenting lengthy mi- www.offshoretackle.com Page 10 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021

An Invitation to the Metro-West Steelheaders

The “Metro-West Steel- (Summer Picnic, Kids Fish low group meetings. When headers” (MWS) is a 200+ & Christmas Party) and two able to meet in person each member “Family Fun” ori- funds raisers (Comedy for meeting promotes social in- ented fishing club whose a Cause & Annual Sports- teraction and the exchange mission is to promote man’s Banquet). of information through time sportfishing and the -shar MWS is active rep- set aside for social interac- ing of fishing information resenting MSSFA on the tion and networking. There to those wanting to learn MDNR Cold Water Steer- are also 50/50 and tackle and educate young people ing committee and partic- raffles, event updates and through participation in ipates in Michigan Unit- fishing reports. fishing events throughout ed Conservation Clubs Other fun activities in- the Great Lakes region. (MUCC) Policy Board clude “Captain & Crewper- The Metro-West Steelhead- meetings and serves on the son of the year” contests as ers is one of twelve Mich- MUCC Fisheries Commit- well as River, Kayak, Small igan Steelhead & Salmon tee as well as serving on Boat, Beach and Pier “An- ’s Association the MDNR Lake Michigan glers of the Year” contests. (MSSFA) chapters across & Lake Erie Citizens Fish- There are also “Big Fish” Allison Platt on the Muskegon River the state. MWS has been a ery Advisory Committees. and “Warm Water Chal- member of MSSFA since MWS also participates with lenge” annual fishing con- 1978 and is based out of MUCC and other conserva- tests. Livonia Michigan. There tion groups in three annual MWS Fundraisers an- is something for everyone river clean ups on the Clin- nually support sending with fishing events, social- ton and Manistee Rivers 20-30 area children to the izing, environmental educa- MWS sponsors an annu- MUCC Kids Camp, the An- tion, community outreach, al “Kids Fish” at Kensing- nual Kids Fish at Kensing- & fund raising. MWS holds ton Metro-Park with 200+ ton Metro Park, (5) classes roughly (60) events a year kids and related guardians in the MDNR “Salmon in ranging from community annually. Each child re- the Classroom” program & outreach at shows to (18) ceives a new pre-rigged donations to fisheries relat- Big Lake events on Lakes , bait and instruc- ed special programs like the Erie, Huron and Michigan. tion by MWS Volunteers “Clinton River Watershed The River group holds (10) throughout the morning. Council” and the Lake Su- events on four to five ma- Just before lunch an exotic perior State University At- jor river systems in Mich- animal show allows the kids lantic Salmon project. Toledo Beach Memorial Walleye Tournament igan as well as “Steelhead to get up close and interact MWS has a monthly alley” in Ohio. The Kayak with all kinds of birds, rep- newsletter with a circula- Team Fish Stix: From left to right: Larry Vonwald, & Small Boat groups hold tiles and mammals. A group tion of 2,000+ recipients. Capt. Dave Hutton, Bryan Hutton, Bill Chamberlain (10) events in four Lake lunch is then held with an Content includes monthly Michigan ports and multi- awards presentation for Big event updates, Upcoming ple inland lakes. The Pier- Fish in several categories. event invites, MSSFA & Beach Groups visit three to MWS holds (10) Gen- MUCC reports, technical four major ports annually. eral membership meetings articles and recipes. MWS also holds their an- per year. These meetings For more information nual Swap Meet in April. are open to the public w/ visit the MWS Website at By Species MWS holds expert speakers related to www.metroweststeelheaders. (20) Salmon, (21) Trout, (7) fishing topics as well as org or contact Henry Nabors - Walleye and (9) Perch, Bass MDNR officials, biologists Membership at hhnabors@ & Bluegill events annually. and area Legislators. Start- gmail.com (258.225.4964) MWS participates at three ing back in January 2021 Fishing Shows (Ultimate the Membership meetings Fishing Show, Outdoorama have been held on Zoom & Novi Boat Show). There and will continue until Ludington Brown Trout Tourney are three Social events COVID 19 regulations al- March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 11 “Steelies” Continued from page 1 cast and retrieve lures. In Memory Of: Both of these offerings are easy to get down to the correct depth and their Vicki Sue Decker flash really turns on the mi- Vicki Sue (Salisbury) MSSFA’s State President gratory rainbows. Silver is Decker was born June 16, (first female in their his- my first choice of finish- 1948 in Midland, to Ralph tory) and most recently as es when the steelhead are Wick Salisbury and Myr- Representative to the State holding deep because it re- tle Mahala (Bonner) Salis- Board of Directors for the flects light best. Brass and bury. On February 11, Great Lake’s Bay Chapter. copper are also effective 2021 Vicki rejoined her Anyone who knew and I frequently switch to parents who predeceased Vicki, recognized her im- them when the water is low her. mense inner strength as and clear and the day is After graduating from she endeavored for more bright. Adding fluorescent Midland High School’s than four decades to con- orange, red, or chartreuse class of 1967, Vicki be- trol her rheumatoid ar- tape to the back of the came a nurse. She later thritis. Her family is ever spinner blade or spoon will expanded her education, grateful for the support make your lure even more was hired into Dow Corn- from Vicki’s close friends irritating and thus irresist- ing and for over twenty and the members of her ible to migrating steelhead. years she contributed to medical teams. These lures should areas of the company in- Vicki is survived by be retrieved as slowly as cluding DC’s steam and her husband, Gary; brother possible, just fast enough Above: Author Jim Bedford with a spring steelie on a . electric cogeneration plant Bill Salisbury of Auburn; to keep them spinning or (SECO), contact lens busi- children, Chris (Douglas) wobbling. If you are cast- ness, medical marketing Teugh of Portage; Brett ing upstream, you’ll have steelhead. Upstream casts Except for jigs, most yarn balls. Bright colors division, regulatory and Wilcox of Honor; Jason to crank a little faster to are not very effective be- drift lures are either buoy- continue to be best and two with the executive team in Decker of Manistee, Jen- keep the lures working cause of the difficulty of ant or have little weight of contrasting colors are even benchmarking. nifer (Vince Miller) Deck- properly. Conversely, if getting the floating lures their own. Therefore some better. Don’t forget you As an avid outdoors- er of Midland; grandchil- you are sweeping spinners down with the current but weight must be added. For can also cast flies and other man from a young age, dren David, Catherine, or spoons across the cur- quartering downstream bottom bouncing anglers weightless drift lures with Vicki was a camp lead- Samuel, Jacob. rent you might not have to and then sweeping against usually employ a two way conventional fly tackle. er and canoe instructor Due to current restric- turn the reel handle at all. the current can be very ef- swivel and attach their Cast your fly a bit upstream throughout her teens. She tions, there was a private Spinners with broad, flat fective. Casting the plugs mainline to one loop and a from where you suspect the taught outdoor skills to service for immediate French type blades are best can help you get them into leader of two to four pound steelhead to lie and allow youth and later on to her family on Saturday, Feb- because they spin well on tight spots in the cover that lighter material in test to it to sink. Twitch the fly to own children. Vicki’s hus- ruary 20, 2021 with a slow retrieves. Likewise, would be difficult to reach the other loop. Leaving a make it appear alive as it band Gary, introduced her celebration of life to take highly curved spoons like with a boat. long tag end to the leader sweeps through the holding to the Michigan Steelhead place in summer of 2021. the Little Cleo and BC In recent years, minnow now enables you to attach water. and Salmon Fishermen’s Memorial contributions Steel will wobble at fairly plugs or stick baits have split shot or hollow pencil Utilizing a small, black Association. For the last may be made to the Arthri- slow retrieve speeds. been very successful in lead to it. The weight needs duo-lock snap on the end 30 years she served the tis Foundation. Arrange- Spinners and, to a catching steelhead. They to be heavy enough to keep of your line will allow you organization in numerous ments are under the care somewhat lesser extent, are also best fished against your offering near the bot- to quickly change lures to capacities at both the state of the Wilson MILLER spoons have a resistance or quartering against the tom but not so heavy as to match the holding water. and local levels including Funeral Home. that you feel when they are current. They may be ap- drag and snag frequently. Cutting and retying takes retrieved. That means the pealing to the feeding in- You are much better off to time and is a bother and lure is working properly. A stincts of the steelhead but be a little high in the water you probably won’t both- sensitive rod and smooth I am guessing the rain- column than to be er even though you know running reel enhance your bows don’t like other fish, up all the time. a different spinner or plug ability to feel the lure even small ones in their Float anglers also need would be better for the situ- working. If you don’t space. These plugs seem to add weight unless us- ation at hand. If you pre-tie sense resistance, the lure to become especially effec- ing a jig. Small split shot some leaders and floats you could be fouled or working tive as spawning time ap- spread out in a pattern on can even switch from cast- improperly. Or, more often proaches, perhaps because the leader are usually em- ing lures to drift fishing. than you might think, the steelhead don’t like other ployed. Keeping your of- Remember that steel- reason could also be that a fish to be around when they fering suspended a foot or head need cover on their steelhead has softly inhaled start laying eggs. two above the bottom will river migrations, and while the lure. When in doubt, Drifted lures such as be most effective as steel- they orient to current, they set the hook. flies, jigs, beads and light, head look forward and up. also need to be able to rest. High action, compact often buoyant drift “lures” If the surface current is not You can think of cover as plugs or crankbaits are tra- also work well for spring riffled or choppy you can anything that keeps the fish ditionally backed down- steelhead. With this group enhance the effectiveness hidden from view. The sim- stream at a rate slower than we are using the river’s cur- of your offering, especial- plest cover is water depth. the current speed. This rent to deliver our offering. ly marabou dressed jigs by The clearer the water, the can be accomplished from While some anglers still jiggling your bobber with deeper the hole must be to an anchored boat or a drift stick with traditional bot- your rod. provide protection. A rif- boat that is rowed to keep tom bouncing techniques, There are large numbers the vast majority of Great of commercial drift lures the craft moving slower “Steelies” than the current. Wading Lakes anglers are now us- available. You can also tie anglers can also drop back ing floats. your own flies, jigs, and Continued on page 14 plugs when they can wade in above the holding water. Hotshots, Wiggleworts, Kwickfish, Flatfish, Mag Lips, Hot-n-Tots, and Brad’s Wigglers are all Online Signup! favorites for plug pullers. Many other high action Real-time Sc o r i n g! bass or walleye crankbaits Friday Womens Tourney! can also be effective but be sure that the hooks and split rings on them are strong enough. Choose light and bright colors to get the steelhead’s attention as you invade their territory. Fluo- rescent chartreuse, orange, pink, and red are all excel- lent hues. Metallic finishes and contrasting colors are also great at getting the at- tention of a big ironhead. Copper has been hot in rea- Jul 30 - Aug 1, 2021 son years and rattling plugs help the steelhead zero in when the water is stained Holland, Michigan or turbid. You can also cast and www.bigredclassic.com retrieve these plugs for Page 12 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021

2021 Manistee County Event Schedule

presented by: All 2021 Events Have:

June 25-27, 2021

in the

www.MCSFA.org July 23-25, 2021 plus the all new $10,000 Guaranteed

www.tournamenttrail.net/manistee-splash August 13-15, 2021

www.tournamenttrail.net/onekama August 20-22, 2021 www.tournamenttrail.net Be Sure to check out these other MCSFA events: - Spring Banquet - Sat. May 1 - Small Boat Tournament - Sat. May 1 - Salmon Derby - May 29 thru Sept. 6 - Kids Fish - Wed. June 23 www.tournamenttrail.net/manistee-monster Find Out More: www.MCSFA.org March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 13

To help save the experience you are accustomed to today, we need you to support our grassroots “Share the Resource” campaign that will be used to protect Michigan’s sport fishery. Donate by going to http://www.mssfa.org/ Click on DONATE now!

You can’t save the recreational fishery alone, but together with MSSFA, we can save it with your help! Scroll down to Join the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association today! Click on BECOME A MEMBER Now! mssfa.org — mssfa.org — mssfa.org Page 14 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021 ing slows, try a different Some lure-makers call their color before you leave. The version of white pearl, oth- Lure Color Counts fish may have become con- ers call them shad color. If ditioned to the black jig, but it looks white, I have confi- By Bob Jensen glers that I know change if you put a white jig out dence in it. colors often. When the there, a few more will eat However, I’ve also had As the sea- fish aren’t hitting the color it. And, before you leave outstanding success with a son starts to wind down they’re using, they try a dif- the spot, try an entirely dif- chartreuse tail. That’s way and the open water fishing ferent color. When the fish ferent presentation, maybe at the other end of the col- season gets closer, it’s good are hitting the color being a slip-bobber . I’ve seen or spectrum, but I’ve seen to think about some of the used, they change colors to fish get conditioned to a days when the fish hit white things that can affect our see if a particular color will color lots and lots of times. and chartreuse tails with fishing success. There are trigger even more fish or Walleyes, smallmouth bass, equal enthusiasm. Another a good number of those bigger fish. and crappies mostly, but go-to color is watermelon, things. We think about The time-tested rule of largemouth bass also. and I’m guessing that other where we’re going fishing, thumb that suggests we use Personal experience anglers have different go-to when we’re going fishing, natural or subtle colored with color also plays a role colors. The key is, try dif- or who we’re going fishing baits in clear water, and in color selection. In the ferent colors until the fish with. Then when we get to brighter, gaudier colors in past many number of fish- show you what they want. the chosen fishing location stained water is still good ing seasons, I’ve come to Using different colors, at the chosen time with the advice. But when that count on a few different if nothing else, makes us do chosen person/people, we time-tested rule of thumb presentations. In particular, different things, and that’s need to choose a bait to put doesn’t work, try some- when I just want to get bit, often what it takes to catch in the water. Sometimes thing else. Most walleye and that’s a lot of the time, more fish. During the re- that’s a harder decision anglers have experienced I’ll tie on a 3/8th ounce jig mainder of the ice season than the who/when/where numerous situations when head and thread a 4 inch and in the coming open wa- decision. Different lures a bright chartreuse or or- action tail onto it. A Rage ter season, be willing to try have different qualities that ange bait in clear water was Grub would be a good ex- colors you haven’t tried in enter the picture. Some of the most productive. ample of this type of tail. the past. If you do, you’re those qualities are lure size, The best time to switch These baits catch walleyes, going to catch more fish. shape, speed at which it’s colors is when you’re deal- smallmouth, largemouth, To see new and old ep- fished and so on. Another ing with conditioned fish. and pike, and they’re easy isodes of Fishing the Mid- quality is the color of the If you’re fishing a specif- to fish. You cast them out west television, fishing -ar lure. For many of us that’s ic spot, say a small rock and slowly reel them in. ticles and video tips, go to an important consideration, hump, and you’ve been Most of the time I’ll fishingthemidwest.com This clear water walleye liked the subtle look of a and for others, it’s not that catching the fish good on a start with a white tail. Crystal Shad Pink Belly pattern Lucky Shad. big of a deal. However, black jig, but then the fish- many of the most success- ful anglers agree that there are times, actually quite a few times, when having the lure with the right color on the end of your line can be the difference between catching a few and catch- ing a lot. Keep these color considerations in mind next time you’re tying on a lure that you want the fish to eat. EVENTuntil POSTPONED! Jan. 6-9, 2022 We should always con- sider color, and we should always be experimenting with color. The best an- March 25-28

“Steelies” Continued from page 11 fled surface helps hide the fish and allows them to lie in shallower water. The Largest Boulders, submerged logs, and clay or rock shelves or ledges provide Pure Fishing Show both cover and serve to break the current for mi- grating steelhead. Steelies in North America – will usually lie quite close to these obstacles. A billed cap and polarized sunglass- 7 Acres! es are essential for success, both to see the cover struc- ture and possibly the fish. If you are not ready to trade in your spawn sacs FISHING FISHING FISHING ICE FISHING for something artificial, you can still employ hard- BOATS TRIPS TACKLE VILLAGE ware as an aid. Casting spinners or pulling plugs will help you find scattered fish, and once a concen- tration is located, you can drift the holes with eggs. Conversely, if you are drift- ing a run with bait that you know holds steelhead but they are not taking, you can Commemorative use hardware as a change Dardevle Lure of pace. The flashing lure to the More seminars SHOW HOURS: might also agitate them by THURSDAY 1 pm – 9 pm into changing position and First 500 People than any other show FRIDAY 11 am – 9 pm becoming more receptive on Thursday SATURDAY 10 am – 8 pm to your eggs or beads. and Friday. in the Midwest! SUNDAY 10 am – 5 pm Finally, adding yarn or a 12 MILE RD . bright drift lure above your EXIT TWELVE OAKS MALL 160 EXIT hook will make your spawn 162

. 96 RD . bag more visible to the fish SHOW RD BECK PLACE Grand River One Mile West of Novi Road and may excite them into NOVI GRAND RIVER AVE. taking it. 10 MILE RD. UltimateFishingShow.com March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 15 Centerpin vs. Spinning Reels for Tributary Steelhead

By Michael Graves Photo Credit: fisherreel.com ical drag working for you. ning reels even have what Compared to a centerpin, is called a fighting drag, Fishing historians are where your fingers are the which is an additional lever unsure of where float fish- mechanical drag or brake, a to the drag knob to set/con- ing originated, but one spinning reel sort of has it trol the amount of drag you thing is for sure, and that built in. Another great thing need while battling a fish. is that float fishing for about spinning reels is that Perhaps the biggest steelhead trout and salmon you can pre-set the drag drawback to spincasters works! The idea is to cast simply by turning a knob. is their tendency to create your offering (in this case) Furthermore, you can ad- just this drag setting while into a tributary of the Great “Reels” Lakes. Then let your bait battling a big steelhead or travel downstream in a nat- King salmon. Some spin- Continued on page 21 ural fashion, watching and feeling for an “indication” that a fish has taken your bait. In fact, float fishing is also known as indicator fishing. Centerpin reels Recently, I discovered so that your line doesn’t as you make your cast or centerpin reels. In the past, freewheel—just yet! Your drift. I thought centerpin reels rod hand not only holds and In drift fishing, the bail were just reels casts the bait, but also acts is usually left open, and with no ball bearings. But as a brake on the centerpin the float, split shot, swivel, quite to the contrary, cen- reel. Hold the rod and reel hook and bait pull the line terpin reels fully incorpo- so the handle side of the off the spool as they drift rate ball-bearing technolo- reel is tilted slightly up, to- downstream. You some- gy. wards your face. times must help the line Perhaps the main char- Now we come to the come off the spool, with acteristic that differentiates key point, which is gener- the idea being, again, to a spinning reel from a cen- ating and controlling line match the float speed to the terpin is line lo- inertia. With rod, reel and stream’s current, i.e. flow cation relative to your casts body in position, you need rate. and retrieves. to “take the brakes off”— One of the best attri- When we cast a bait into that is, let the spool be able butes of a spinning reel is to freewheel by applying no that once you close the bail, the stream with a spinning Photo Credit: fisherreel.com reel, the line uncoils or pressure to it. Then rapidly you instantly have mechan- comes off the spool some- pull down on the line while what perpendicular to the you cast. stream. That is, the line A good tip is to pull the SAA SH HA A P HA comes off the reel at about line down from a bottom a 60- to 90-degree angle rod eyelet. to the stream. On the other The centerpin is now hand, a centerpin is more going to freewheel, and the like a waterwheel. Think of line will come off rapidly a waterwheel rotating in a as you aim for your casting creek, stream or river. The target. If this wasn’t enough on the center- to do, you now must time pin, just like a waterwheel, the braking of the free- is in line with the stream wheeling with your reel when it comes off the reel control finger or fingers, or is retrieved back onto the so you cast out the desired reel. amount of line while not This makes for a much letting the reel overspin and better presentation of your tangle up. bait, because with a center- Hopefully, your float pin reel, there is less fric- will hit the water’s surface tion or tension on the line right where you wanted it. caused by the reel itself. Once it has, let the float, Your bait will, therefore, tackle and bait “ride” the look more natural as it trav- water’s current while you th th els downstream. “feather” the spool with August 6 - 8 2021 The drawback to cen- your rod hand finger or fin- terpin reels, in my opinion, gers to keep it freewheel- is that they are hard to cast. ing nicely. You want to let It takes some practice to the reel’s spool freewheel th Annual Denny Allen Memorial ig Fish Tournament successfully get the hang rate match the flow rate of casting with a center- (i.e., current) of the creek, st Place guaranteed pin. The trick is to control stream or river. Depending Sponsored by ets Pia the freewheeling of the reel on how fast the water flow FRDA AGST 6TH - RE-TORAMET SHOOTOT with your rod-hand fingers is, you sometimes need to when you make a cast. help the freewheeling ad- vance with your rod-hand There are several ways to cast with a centerpin fingers or thumb. DENN ALLEN MEMORIAL Sponsored by Saugatuck Sport Fishing Association reel, but for simplicity, I am If your float goes under Entry Fee: $50 $5000 First Prize Pro Division - based on 15 entries going to stick with what is or acts irregularly, firmly Guaranteed 15 Places $500 early fee paid by August 1st, $550 after grasp the spool with your known as side casting. As $2500 First Prize Am Division its name implies, you will rod-hand finger or fingers hold your rod to the side of (hit the brakes) and set the For early entry or pre-tournament $250 early entry fee paid by August 1st, $300 after your body with the rod tip hook. If you don’t remem- shootout go to 20 Places paid in the AM Division (35 Teams) pointed up at about a 45- to ber to grasp the reel’s spool, www.saugatucsportsfishing.com Location of Captains Meeting, eight In, and Awards the line will unravel, and 60-degree angle. To contact us: Coral Cables in downtown Saugatuck To begin the casting you’ll have an unwanted outcome on your hands… ohn atson at 1137watsongmail.com motion, pull about 18 to 24 Or Call Tournament Director August 6th - Free Pig Roast at Captains Meeting inches of line off the reel in literally! August 7th - 8th Free Hamburgers and Hot Dogs Spinning reels at 616-218-6686 a downward direction while at Weigh-in and Awards Ceremony applying pressure to the Spinning reels are often For Doc Space contact: reel’s spool with your rod used by steelhead and salm- Tower Marine at 269-857-2151 finger or fingers, and then on anglers. These types of Sergeant Marina at 269-857-2873 pause, with full pressure on reels have a lot going for the centerpin’s spool. Most them. I think they are easier centerpin anglers rod hand to cast than centerpin reels. is placed above the reel, to- With spinning reels, there is wards the rod tip. no worry about freewheel- Liz Engel Remember to keep your ing of the spool. The line rod-hand finger or fingers uncoils off the spool when of choice on the reel’s spool the bail of the reel is open MSSFA was organized in 1971 by a handful of individuals who knew that Michigan’s newly formed trout and salmon fishery was something worth working to protect. They were a small group who wanted to not only protect their fishery, but learn how to catch their elusive prey and tell fishing stories.

MSSFA chapters have membership meetings with guest speakers to learn about all the aspects of sport fishing. MSSFA chapters also sponsor fishing clinics, seminars, sport-fishing shows, derbies and tournaments. And are active sponsors for fishing outings for kids, seniors, veterans and our handicapped.

For those who love to fish but have no means, MSSFA chapters sponsor a “Crews” program that allows a sign up as a crew member for a day of fishing.

With a common goal, and a close working partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, MSSFA helps to enhance the resource and sport fishing in our rivers, streams, inland lakes, and of course the mighty Great Lakes. MSSFA is a front-runner at all levels of the legislature and in courtrooms, and has spent countless hours working behind the scenes and attending hearings.

So why join the Steelheaders... Got kids, love fishing.. JOIN NOW! ...and become a member of he largest organized groups of fishermen in the Midwest. There are chapters throughout the entire state. You too can help protect and preserve this world-class sport fishery for you, your children and generations to come. THE GREAT LAKES SPORT FISHING NEWS (GLSFN) The Great Lakes Sport Fishing News is owned and operated by The Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association.

Better than forty years ago, The Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association began to publish a magazine called the “Guide to Great Lakes Sport Fishing”. Five years later the magazine became a monthly format called “The Great Lakes Steelheader”. Today the newspaper is called “The Great Lakes Sport Fishing News”.

This paper has no paid writers and has a grass roots style. Its writers are the every day fishermen who share their techniques and fishing adventures; and the paper has become well known for it’s January Special Edition or “Show Edition” that is seen at all the spring expos and sport, boat and fishing shows throughout the Great Lakes.

Information in the paper covers the entire Great Lakes Basin region from Minnesota to New York including all five of the Great Lakes and their tributary streams.

Chapter members receive the paper as part of their membership. And because of the diversity of fishing in the Great Lakes, the information covers everything from river fishing, big lake fishing to inland lake fishing. The paper also offers a direct route for all new products and techniques on the market offered by our advertisers.

Executive Director Grand Haven Great Lakes Bay Region Metro-West - Livonia Southwest Michigan Traverse City Area Dennis Eade Paul Zelenka, President Mark Trudell, President Eric Braden, President Jim Marohn, President Jim Heengeman, VP 616-298-8842 and State Director 989-839-4920 419-344-2541 269-983-7298 231-495-1381 [email protected] 616-638-3273 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Membership Jon Moore, Director Robert Schulz, State Director Joe Montella, Director Ted Ewald, Secretary / State Director Website: www.ghsteelheaders.com 989-642-5721 248-915-0043 616-283-4296 231-313-2032 Deb Shephard [email protected] 269-655-4704 [email protected] [email protected] facebook.com/Great Lakes Bay Region [email protected] Website: www.swmisteelheaders.com Grand Rapids Steelheaders Website: facebook.com/Traverse City Area facebook.com/Southwestern Steelheaders Randy Spence, President www.metroweststeelheaders.org Steelheaders Battle Creek 2650 Pheasant Run Drive #101 Website: http://steel-headers.com facebook.com/Metro West Steelheaders www.traversecityareasteelheaders.org Kentwood, MI 49512 Thunder Bay Jeff Root, President Dan Bouchard, President 734-552-1921 (after 6pm) 269-370-8515 989-255-7350 Cell [email protected] [email protected] Holland South Haven [email protected] White River Steve Weatherwax, President Rich Chapman, President Clint Pollock, President Frank Smith, Director Bob Strek, State Director Page 16616-836-3809 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News and March/AprilState Director 2021 Gerry Sickon, Director 231-893-0210 269-908-6577 616-723-1268 [email protected] [email protected] 734-624-4490 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Alex Fergus, State Director Website: Terry Clark, Director Search on facebook: Grand Rapids 616-610-2410 www.southhavensteelheaders.com Thumb Chapter 231-730-6628 battlecreeksteelheaders.com Steelheaders OfficialPage [email protected] facebook.com/South Haven Steelheaders Kevin Ramsey, President / Alt. Director [email protected] 989-550-9227 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Website: www.hollandsteelheaders.org facebook.com/Holland Steelheaders Dr Ken Merckel, State Director Walter Godzwon, Membership Chair 810-404-5826

The firstWebsite: thumbsteelheaders.org 80 first time new members to joinfacebook.com/Thumb the Michigan Chapter Michigan Steelheaders Steelheaders will receive a FREE MSSFA Chapter Locations one year subscription to the Great Lakes Angler Magazine. Promotion starts - March 1, 2021 Alpena Sign up ONLINE Traverse City Go to http://www.mssfa.org and scroll down to click on the button: BECOME A MEMBER Now!

Harbor MSSFA State and Chapter Dues (Yearly): Midland Beach Whitehall Grand Grand Haven Rapids Holland Battle South Haven Creek Livonia For questions email: [email protected] Saint Joseph

Copyright © Free Vector Maps.com Opposition to Removal of 63 Trees Delays The following Chapters accept online payments via Credit Card and/or PayPal. A PayPal account is not needed-use the option creditConstruction card. Note: some Chapters of charge Fish a small Sorting fee for processing. Channel Battle Creek www.battlecreeksteelheaders.com/membership • Holland www.hollandsteelheaders.org Metro-West (Livonia) www.metroweststeelheaders.orgBy Justine Lofton judge is now • charged South with Haven position www.southhavensteelheaders.com is not directly re- junction, WPBN/WGTU ater and steps to the water. is primarily funded through [email protected] determining whether that’s lated to the Fishpass but reports. Prior to the delay, it was the Great Lakes Restoration Southwestern( Saint Joseph) www.swmisteelheaders.comthe case. • Traverse Citythe parkland www.traversecityareasteelheaders.org surrounding it, “There is to be no earth expected to be completed Initiative and led by the TRAVERSE CITY, MI – The $19.3 million Union spokesman Marc Gaden. moving, no tree cutting, no in spring 2023. Great Lakes Fishery Com- The construction of a “glob- Street Dam Fishpass Proj- “We stand ready, along construction on this project The project would lever- mission in partnership with ally significant” fish sorting ect in downtown Traverse with our dedicated local, pending further order of the age the knowledge of fish Traverse City, Grand Tra- channel and upgrades to an City is aimed at reconnect- state, federal and tribal court,” Power said. biologists from around the verse Band of Ottawa and accompanying park are on ing the Boardman/Ottaway partners, to move forward The project, which is world to evaluate fish sort- Chippewa Indians, Mich- hold after citizens came out River and Grand Traverse with this globally signifi- four years in the making, ing technologies to combat igan Department of Natu- in opposition to the remov- Bay to restore the ecosys- cant project once the judi- would reconnect the Board- invasive species, such as ral Resources, U.S. Army al of 63 trees, which is part tem - positively impacting cial process is complete,” man River to Lake Michi- the sea lamprey, from mov- Corps of Engineers, U.S. of the construction process. at least 30 key species. he said. gan and is the final piece ing upstream while allow- Fish and Wildlife Service, Work was set to get One of the groups be- Shortly before site of an ecosystem restoration ing native species to pass. U.S. Geological Survey, underway last week, but a hind the project, the Great preparation, including in- project for the river. Plans The innovative approach U.S. Environmental Protec- judge put a stop to it before Lakes Fishery Commis- stalling fencing and remov- also include a renovation could be used to reconnect tion Agency and Fisheries it could begin. Citizens sion, is “disappointed with ing trees, was expected to of the Union Street Dam lakes and rivers around the and Oceans Canada. opposed to the project be- the delay” but remains “ex- begin, Judge Thomas Pow- Park, including new green world, thereby restoring lieve they should have had cited and optimistic” that er of the Grand Traverse spaces, a foot bridge over- ecosystems. a chance to vote on it; the it will move forward soon, County 13th Circuit Court looking the river, docks, a This final phase of the especially because the op- ordered a preliminary in- kayak launch, an amphithe- river restoration initiative

A before photo is juxtaposed with a design rendering of Union Street Dam Park after the FishPass Project is complete. The project near downtown Traverse City is expected to be completed in spring 2023; construction began this week. Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 17

A Hearty Fish Stew: The Perfect Meal for a Cold Winter Day Turn your favorite fish into a world-class comfort food

Recipe from: www.mercurymarine.com and noted outdoorsman Blaine Garrett from Mercury: Cook Your Catch

Some days are just made for good, hearty stew – the kind that fills the house with a homey scent and makes your taste buds sit up and take notice. Ingredeients: Start to finish: 30 minutes Servings: 6 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium red onion (about 1 1/2 cups), diced 4 garlic cloves 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 cup stock 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 cup water 8 to 10 ounces of potatoes (three to four small red potatoes), cut into cubes 2 medium tomatoes, cut into cubes Salt and pepper 2 pounds fish of choice, cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks 2 tablespoons cilantro 2 tablespoons chives 2 tablespoons lemon juice bread or crackers

In a multicooker set to the sauté setting, add the olive oil and red onions. Sauté the onions for a few minutes.

Add chicken broth and garlic, then sauté for another minute.

Add white wine. Allow it to deglaze for a minute or two.

Add seafood stock, water, potatoes and tomatoes.

Salt and pepper to taste, then stir well

Put the lid on the multicooker, close the vent and change the setting to pressure cook. Cook for 5 minutes at high pressure.

When finished, release steam and remove lid. Change the multicooker back to the sauté setting.

Gently stir in the fish chunks and cook another 5 to 7 minutes. You want the fish to be done, but not so done that it starts to fall apart

Turn off the heat and add cilantro, chives and lemon juice. Stir well.

Add additional seasoning to taste. Serve with choice of bread or crackers.

And there you have it: In a half-hour or so of prep work and cooking you can have a fish stew that will smell and taste like you tended to it all day. Try this recipe with bluegill, crappie, tilapia, walleye or just about any other fish you have in the freezer, and don’t be afraid to experiment with a few of your other favorite spices or perhaps a sliced jalapeno. Page 18 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021 Michigan Department of Natural Resources DNR Fisheries Managers Hopeful on New Cormorant Control Rule By Randy Claramunt, ming (wild) and stocked In anticipation of the Lake Huron Basin fish. In addition to two in- new rule becoming ef- Coordinator formational webinars to be fective, MDNR fisheries held on the new ruling, the managers have built a list USFWS has reached out to of specific sites with justi- Michigan is often State and Tribal Govern- fications for control levels viewed as a leader in ments in Michigan to begin based on the goal of reduc- double-crested cormorant discussion on the details for ing conflicts and balancing (DCCO) activity, both in implementation of the new DCCO consumption of fish terms of DCCO-fisheries permit system. with conflicts as well as engaged Given the long history objectives. The new rule stakeholders and managers of DCCO-fisheries conflicts provides flexibility to the working towards solutions. in Michigan, fisheries man- State for site selection for For those reasons, fisher- agers and anglers alike are control activities, noting ies managers in Michigan most interested in the bot- that Federal lands will be were not surprised with tom line for the new rule: exempt. The take levels the release of the Environ- will the State be allowed for DCCOs have been set mental Impact Statement to control DCCOs, at what at approximately 121,000 (EIS) by the U.S. Fish and areas, and at what level(s)? nationally, of which ap- Wildlife Service (USFWS) The State will be allowed to proximately 78,000 will be and publication of their fi- apply for lethal control of allowed for the Great Lakes nal rule announced late in DCCO, following the guid- region. Once these take 2020 with an effective start ance in the ruling, but the levels are allocated to each date of February 12, 2021, specific take levels have yet state, we will prioritize our as the State has been high- to be defined for the State. list of sites and develop a ly involved throughout the That being said, the State strategy to maximize man- process. has a long track record doc- agement activities based on The new ruling is aimed umenting DCCO-fisheries the goal of minimizing DC- at addressing management conflicts that will serve as CO-fisheries conflicts. conflicts associated with a solid basis for requesting As with any new man- DCCOs, through a new adequate take levels to al- agement system, successful permit system for State and leviate the most highly im- implementation will require Tribal agencies, that would pacted areas where DCCOs allow lethal control DCCOs consumption is in conflict “Cormorant” to protect both free-swim- with the fisheries. Continued on page 23

Women on Ice, Advancing the Sport of Ice Fishing

By Joe Henry better,” explains Carey, a lines they represent. Make event was based out of Riv- ATV. It was set up with a gas? I have a gas can in the midwestoutdoors.com retired police officer from no bones about it—along er Bend Resort, located at Raymarine GPS, so Carey trailer. Let me grab it for Madison, Wisconsin, and with the work, there was the mouth of the Rainy Riv- knew exactly where she you.” This kind of team- The goal of Women on founder of Women on Ice. some fun, which included er that leads into Lake of was both on land and on work resonated. Ice is to inspire and moti- Carey and other leaders ice fishing. “Normally at the Woods. This was home the ice. It also allows her to Naturally, some of the vate women who want to from Women on Ice were this event, we would invite base, where the ladies were follow her plot line to and ladies had more experience learn the sport of ice fish- up at Lake of the Woods women who would like to staying in cabins overlook- from fishing spots on the than others, but it didn’t ing, as well as generate earlier this ice season. It join us to learn more about ing the river and across the ice, making sure she didn’t matter. What mattered is awareness and recognition was mainly a work trip, ice fishing, or simply get to ice to Canada. get off course. making sure everyone was for women anglers. This gaining assets for spon- know other women who ice As a guest at the Wom- For the ladies who safe, helping to accomplish movement started seven sors—which is another way fish. Because of COVID, en on Ice event, my main didn’t have a unit on their the mission of the trip and years ago and has been of saying providing imag- we had to hold off on that role was to stay out of the sled or ATV, Carey insist- having a good time. building. “Awareness of es and videos—as well as part of the event,” ex- way! These ladies are pro- ed they use their Navionics The Women on Ice women in the sport of ice getting the word out about plained Carey. ficient with a capital “P!” app in their smartphone. At event was very organized, fishing has gotten much the benefits of the product The Women on Ice I rode with Carey on her one point, just as the sun with safety being of prime was rising and everyone importance. was getting ready to hit the Once on the ice, these ice, Carey pulled one of the ladies, if they weren’t in- group aside and asked her, volved in shooting a video “Do you have your Navi- or creating some cool-look- onics on? Do you know ing still shots of ice fishing how to drop a plot line so products, were after wall- you can find your way back eyes. Once we stopped in if need be?” It was all part an area, augers were cutting of it—teaching, promoting ice, collapsible fish houses leadership and enabling were being set up and heat- ladies with the skills and ers were started. Some of tools to be self-sufficient as the ladies started fishing in ice anglers. the open, simply to get their When I rode with Carey, lines in the water. All were she pulled two collapsible dressed for the weather. fish houses, one attached to I have to say, the Wom- the other. Her K-Drill auger en on Ice group needed was attached to the front of nobody’s help. In fact, I her ATV. She made sure to am confident they could take my Vexilar in a buck- provide some good learn- et and put that in the front ing for the majority of ice rack. “With any electron- anglers. If they did, they ics, I like to put them on would be cool about it. the front rack so they don’t These are a group of very get so beat up, banging good-natured female ice around in the fish house.” anglers who simply love There weren’t many details ice fishing, the camaraderie missed. Equipment was ac- and being ambassadors in counted for and secured. a sport they hold near and The Women on Ice dear to their hearts. Wom- group was very good about en on Ice—advancing the helping each other out. sport of ice fishing. “Are you topped off with March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 19 Page 20 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021 Event Calendar Disclaimer: 2021 Great Lakes Bay Region Steelheader’s Calendar of Events Month Date Event Location / Time Please visit your chapter website for the latest status March 2 Board Meeting VFW Hall 6:00 March 20 Big Man / Bear Creek Daylight – 1:00pm on the activities listed. Many events are being postponed April 3 Big/Lil Man, Bear, Betsie, P.M. Daylight – 1:00pm April 5 Board Meeting VFW Hall 7:00pm or canceled due to state restrictions. Call, text or email any April 24 Walleye River/Statewide TBD – 1:00pm additional questions or need for direction. May 1 Linwood Beach Walleye 7:00am – 1:00pm May 4 Board Meeting VFW Hall 7:00pm May 15 Manistee Salmon 7:00am – 1:00pm 2021 Battle Creek Steelheader’s Calendar of Events May 29 Linwood Beach Walleye 7:00am – 1:00pm Month Date Event Location June 1 Board Meeting VFW Hall 7:00pm March 6 St. Joe River Challenge Sand Bar June 12 Sebewaing Walleye Kids Outing 7:00am – 1:00pm March 20 Kalamazoo River Spring Steelhead Allegan Dam June 26 Augre Walleye 7:00am – 1:00pm May 22 Lake Michigan Spring Tournament Benton Harbor July 6 Board Meeting VFW Hall 7:00pm July 10 Manistee Salmon 6:00am – 1:00pm Meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month. 6:00 pm Social, 7:00 pm Meeting July 24 Ludington Salmon 6:00am – 1:00pm Meeting Location: Travelers Cafe and Pub, 5225 Portage Rd. Exit 78 off I-94. FOR MORE INFORMATION: August 14-15 Ludington Salmon (2 day) 6:00am – 1:00pm/12:00pm River Tournament - Joe Foy at 269-303-1894 / Lake Tournament - Dan Foster at 269-370-3693 August 28-29 Manistee Salmon (2 day) 6:00am – 1:00pm/12:00pm battlecreeksteelheaders.com September 7 Board Meeting VFW Hall 7:00pm September 11 Frankfort/Manistee TBD 6:00am – 1:00pm 2021 Grand Haven Steelheader’s Calendar of Events October 5 Board Meeting VFW Hall 7:00pm November 6 Big/Lil Man. Bear Creek Daylight – 1:00pm Month Date Event Contact Info November 9 Board Meeting VFW Hall 7:00pm April 15 Spring Banquet December 4 Big Man., Bear, Betsie, P.N. Daylight – 1:00pm May 1 Event TBD December 7 Board Meeting VFW Hall 7:00pm June 3-6 Grand Haven Offshore Challenge December 11 Annual Christmas Banquet Cocktails 5:00pm/Dinner 6:00pm July 31 GH / GR Silver Spoon Event K of C Garfield Rd. Auburn, MI

August 12 Summer Picnic Membership meetings held at: December 2 Christmas Party 3013 Bay City Road, Midland, MI 48642 989-496-3410

Other Events TBD Board meetings begin at 7:00pm For information on these events and other information on the Grand Haven Steelheaders Please call the Port Chairman no later than Monday prior to the outing whether you plan on attending or not attending. contact GHS President and State Director Paul Zelenka at [email protected] On the day of the outing, call in on Marine Radio, Channel 72. www.ghsteelheaders.com Weigh-in follows each outing. Picnics follows weigh-in on Saturdays only. Outings: All Steelheader members pay $5.00. All non-Steelheaders pay $10.00 to participate. Children 16 and Under are free. Picnic is $5.00 for everyone. If interested in2018 fishing Grandwith us please Rapids contact: Steelheader’sGary Decker at 989-859-7472 Calendar of Events...continued 2021 Grand Rapids Steelheader’s Calendar of Events Visit our web page www.steel-headers.com Month Date Event Information Month Date Event Information March 9 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC March 7-13 Spring River Week Long Contest STC 2021 Holland Steelheader’s Calendar of Events March 18-21 Ultimat Sports Show DeVos Place Month Date Event March 18-20 Ultimate Soprts Show Fishing Contest DeVos Place March 1 Board Meeting March 29 Membership Meeting Social Hour 6:00pm, Meeting 7:00pm March 13 Annual BanquetSTC* = Date subject to change ** = Members and Family Only. (All other events open to the public) March 31 2020 Year Long Fish Contest Ends April 5 Board Meeting April 1 2021 Year Long Fish Contet Starts May 3 Board Meeting April 13 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC May 11 Tuesday Night Fishing League Starts April 26 Membership Meeting Social Hour 6:00pm, Meeting 7:00pm May 20 Membership Meeting May 1 Spring Big Lake STC May 22 Spring Challenge May 11 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC June 7 Board Meeting May 24 Membership Meeting Social Hour 6:00pm, Meeting 7:00pm June 12 All Species Tournament June 5 Steelheaders Free Kids Fishing Derby STC June 26 Kids and Kings Tournament June 8 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC July 10 Fishing with Veterans June 11-13 Lake Erie 3 Day Walleye Contest STC July 12 Board Meeting June 28 Membership Meeting Social Hour 6:00pm, Meeting 7:00pm July 22 Membership Meeting July 12 Chapter Family Picnic 6:00pm at Johnson Park Shelter House ** July 24 Summer Challenge July 13 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC July 30-31 Big Red Classic August 7 Fall Big Lake STC August 1 Big Red Classic Fishing Tournamennt August 10 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC August 2 Board Meeting August 30 Membership Meeting Social Hour 6:00pm, Meeting 7:00pm August 14 Ladies Tournament September 14 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC September 7 Fishing League Final Night September 27 Membership Meeting Social Hour 6:00pm, Meeting 7:00pm September 13 Board Meeting October 1 Chapter Sponsored Buck Contest Begins ** October 4 Board Meeting October 12 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC November 1 Board Meeting October 24 Fall River Contest STC November 6 River Tournament October 25 Membership Meeting Social Hour 6:00pm, Meeting 7:00pm December 2 Membership Meeting November 6 Fishing Partners Manistee Contest STC December 4 River Tournament Novembeer 9 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC December 6 Board Meeting November 22 Membership Meeting Social Hour 6:00pm, Meeting 7:00pm December 6 Chapter Family Christmas Party 6:00pm - Diamond Hall ** Board meetings held at: Turks of Holland, 977 Butternut Dr., Holland MI 49424 7:00 PM General Membership: Bayshore Yacht Club, 1862 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland MI 49424. December 14 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm STC Doors open at 6 pm., Dinner at 7 pm, speaker to follow

For event information, go to hollandsteelheaders.org, or call Jeremy Erdman 616-510-9405, STC* = Date subject to change or email Steve Weatherwax at [email protected] ** = Members and Family Only. (All other events open to the public)

“Spawning” tions in Lake Erie or did second largest fishery in the our valuable natural re- small, orange, circles; Titta- locations are indicated by Continued from page 9 not spawn every year,” ex- Great Lakes, and the single sources in the Great Lakes.” bawassee River walleye are dark red (Tittabawassee plained Dr. Hayden. “Con- most valuable fishery in The movements of four large, red, moving circles; River) and dark blue (Mau- “Based on these find- versely, due to the high Lake Erie,” said Commis- walleye from the Titta- Maumee River walleye are mee River) shades. Credit: ings, the current paradigm spawning site fidelity of sioner Jim McKane, chair bawassee River and three large, blue, moving circles; Todd Hayden, MSU. of managing the western walleye to the Tittabawas- of the Great Lakes Fish- walleye from the Maumee and the walleye release Lake Erie walleye stock as see River, managers may ery Commission. “Studies River during 2011-2014, points are green triangles. Project lead, Dr. Todd a single population may be need to consider treating which inform management generated by compiling Detections on receivers Hayden of Michigan State justified given that approx- that river as its own unique practices, such as the one detections of tagged fish are indicated by light pink University, marks a receiv- imately 30% of walleye we population to conserve ad- conducted by Dr. Hayden on receivers and interpo- (Tittabawassee River) and er location on a GPS. Cred- tagged did not return to the aptations of those walleye and colleagues, are essen- lating movement paths be- light blue (Maumee River) it: Andrea Miehls, GLFC. Maumee River but likely to the area.” tial to maintaining produc- tween detections. Receiver shades of the walleye cir- spawned at different loca- “Walleye support the tive fisheries and protecting locations are denoted by cles, whereas interpolated March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 21

2021 Metro West - Livonia Steelheader’s Calendar of Events 2021 South Haven2019 Steelheader’s Metro West Calendar - Livonia of ...continuedEvents Month Date Event Chair / Location Month Date Event Month Date Event Chair March 2 General Membership Meeting Zoom Video Conference March 25 Best Chance Fishing Seminar South Haven Moose Lodge March 11-14 Novi Boat Show (Cancelled) Bob Schulz March 25 Membership Meeting 7:00 pm - Best Chance Fishing Seminar April 15 Lake Michigan Fisheries Workshop South Haven Moose Lodge, Dr. Dan O’Keefe presenting March 20 MWS Banquet MWS Board April 15 Membership Meeting 7:00 pm March 26 Comedy Club Fundraiser (Friday night) May Be Moved: Karen Westphal May 13 Membership Meeting 7:00 pm March 27 MI Steelhead Challenge Manistee River/Pier w DS Adam Trenz/Eric Braden May 14 South Haven Tournament Captains South Haven Moose Lodge April 3 New Buffalo Coho Tournament Dave Hutton/Dennis Cheshure Meeting April 3 Muskegon River Tournament Phil Bustos May 15-16 South Haven Pro Am Tournament April 6 General Membership Meeting (SWAP Meet) June 12 SHS Ladies Tournament ** ALL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC** 7:00 PM at The New Livonia Seniors Center at the Southeast Corner of Farmington Road and Five Mile Road April 17 Clinton River Clean Up Jay Labban June 17 Membership Meeting 7:00 pm WEB Site: Go to www.metroweststeelheaders.org April 24 Detroit River/Lake Erie Walleye TBD July 15 Membership MeetingIf you have questions,7:00 contact pm Henry Nabors - [email protected] or call 248 225 4964. August 14 SHS Fish Boil (Blueberry Festival August 12th -15th ) May 1 Benton Harbor Coho Tournament Dave Zawacki/Kirk Traver Contact: President Larry Tabaka 313-215-8979 / Membership Director Henry Nabors 248-225-4964 May 2 Benton Harbor Coho Tournament Marc & Kirk Traver August 19 Membership Meeting 7:00 pm August 21 SHS Operation Injured Soldier/SH Salute to Veterans May 4 General Membership Meeting August 28 SHS Merle Morris Tournament May 8 MWS Banquet MWS Board September 16 Membership Meeting 7:00 pm May 15 Bruin Lake Kayak/Small Boat Chuck Davis October 21 Membership Meeting 7:00 pm May 22 Benton Harbor Salmon Tournament Sat Chris Thompson/Kruszewski November 3 Pro Am Tournament Committee Kick-off meeting May 23 Benton Harbor Salmon Tournament Sun Brad Allan/Mark Platt November 18 Membership Meeting 7:00 pm May 29 Toledo Beach Walleye/Pt Moulle’ SM Bass/ Bob Schulz & Braden/Childs November 27 SHS River Tournament Invitational (must be a member to participate) Walleye December 11 SHS Holiday Party 2021 June 1 General Membership Meeting December no regular meeting due to Holiday Party June 5 Kids Fishing Outing at Kensington Park Brad Allan

June 5 Lake Erie Brest Bay Walleye Tournament Len Wood Membership Meetings Held at 7 pm at: South Haven Moose Lodge, 1025 East Wells Street, South Haven, MI 49040 June 5 Sterling St Park SM Bass & Walleye Eric Braden For more information email: [email protected]

June 12 Grand/South Haven Salmon Pier Event Eric Braden June 19 Muskie Tourney at lake Hudson Kayak/SB Michelle Braden 2021 Southwest MI Steelheader’s Calendar of Events June 26 Walleye Tournament (Saginaw Bay or L. Erie) Fabian Sepulveda Month Date Event Information 2019 Southwest MI ...continued June 26 Island/Kent Lakes Kayak Jason Jones Due to uncertainty of public meetings as a result of CV19 please check online for the latest information. Month Date Event Location / Contact Info July 6 Club Summer Picnic Jim Robertson/Dave Zawacki www.swmisteelheaders.com www.facebook.com/southwestmichigansteelheaders July 10 Flint River Kayak Jason Jones March 11 Membership Meeting Check online for latest information (see above) July 15 Erieau Tournament – Thur. Erieau, Canada Clyde Schoen April 8 Membership Meeting Check online for latest information (see above) July 17 Erieau Tournament – Sat. Erieau, Canada Ron Bellemore/Henry Nabors May 6-8 Summer Challenge Tournament www.fishthesummerchallenge.com July 17 Huron River Kayak (Hudson Mills to Dehli) Catherine Withrow June 10 Membership Meeting Check online for latest information (see above) July 24 Manistee River Cleanup Day @ High Bridge Roger Hinchcliff June 18 Trolling with the Troops www.trollingwiththetroops.com July 29 Ludington Salmon Tournament – Thu Gale Frazee/Tom Abdelnour Membership Meetings Held at: July 8 Membership Meeting Check online for latest information (see above) July 30 Ludington Salmon Tournament – Fri Marc Traver/Dave Hutton St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Elks 541, 601 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor MI 49022 August 12 Membership Meeting Check online for latest information (see above) Monthly meeting second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM July 31 Ludington Salmon Tournament – Sat Dave Zawacki No meetings in May or August September 9 Membership Meeting Check online for latest information (see above) Contact: Jim Marohn 269-208-2784 August 1 Ludington Salmon Tournament – Sun Dennis Kelley October 14 Membership Meeting Check online for latest information (see above) August 3 General Membership Meeting November 11 Membership Meeting Check online for latest information (see above) August 7 Independence Lake Kayak/Small Boat Chuck Davis December 4 Winter Challenge Tournament St. Joseph River August 7 Clinton River Cleanup Day Jay Labban

August 14 Salmon Tournament – Manistee – Sat Henry Nabors/Dave Hutton Membership Meetings Held at: August 15 Salmon Tournament – Manistee – Sun Marc Traver/Kirk Traver St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Elks 541, 601 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor MI 49022 Board Meeting 5:30 - 6:30 PM, Social 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 PM August 21 Lake Tournament – Frankfort Robert Grech Contact: Jim Marohn 269-208-2784 August 22 Salmon Tournament – Frankfort Bill Dodge September 7 General Membership Meeting 2021 TCAS Steelheader’s Calendar of Events September 11 Frankfort River/Kayak/SB Phil Bustos/Keith Childs Month Date Event September 18 Muskegon Kayak Salmon Eric Braden September 18 Manistee River & Pier Tournaments Jordan Pontoni/Eric Braden All events are TBD September 20 Captain/Crew/River Angler 2021 Calendar Mtg Kelley/P. Bustos/Nabors/Zawacki October 2 Manistee Lake/River (Steelhead) Tournaments Dodge/Hutton/Sepulveda There are thousands of fishermen, women and children TCAS meets the first Wednesday of each month except July (Cherry Festival) and December (Christmas Party) October 5 General Membership Meeting Meetings begin at 7 pmwho at the Traverse need City to Senior join Center, in 801 taking Front St., next care door to the Maritime Academy. November 2 General Membership Meeting of the Great Lakes and its fishery! November 6 Manistee River/Pier/Shore Tournaments w DS Dave Zawacki/Eric Braden/Adam Trenz 2021 Thumb Chapter Steelheader’s Calendar of Events November 20 PM River or Betsie River Tournament Phil Bustos Month Date Time Event Location / Information December 7 CHRISTMAS PARTY - HAPPY HOLIDAYS March 18 7:30pmLet’sRegular get Meeting them Ublyto Foxhunters join! No calendar events this issue so just header with contact-Scott December 11 Huron River Tournament Hinchcliff/Brown April 15 7:30pm Regular Meeting Ubly Foxhunters Stanke 989-553-0972 May 1 6:00am Can2Can Fishing Tournament Harbor Beach Marina - Need Workers! ** ALL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC** May 20 7:30pm Regular Meeting Ubly Foxhunters 7:00 PM at The New Livonia Seniors Center at the Southeast Corner of Farmington Road and Five Mile Road Thumb Contact info page WEB Site: Go to www.metroweststeelheaders.org June 12 6:00am Veterans Fishing Outing Harbor Beach Marina - Contact Kevin Ramsey Scott Stanke, Pres If you have questions, contact Henry Nabors - [email protected] or call 248-225 4964. JuneThis is 17a year-long7:30pm Regular contest. Meeting Ubly Foxhunters (989)553-0972 Contact: President Eric Braden, [email protected], 419-344-2541 JulyYou need15 not7:30pm be presentRegular Meeting to win! Ubly Foxhunters [email protected] Membership Director Henry Nabors 248-225-4964 AugustFor new19 membership7:30pm Regular sign-upMeeting only!Ubly Foxhunters September 16 7:30pm Regular Meeting Ubly Foxhunters October 21 7:30pm Regular Meeting - Election of Ubly Foxhunters Bob is now State Director - use phone and email listed Here’s how it works!Board/Officers November• You (current member)TBD are the sponsor. Bob Golochowicz, Dir “Reels” ing experience. Regardless should be somewhere in the December• Have the new memberTBD fill out the application. Continued from page 15 of reel type, line change- 2500 to 4000 series range. • On the bottom of the application, put your name out/replacement due to When you get up to size in “SponsoredMichigan By” section. Steelhead & Salmon loops or kinks in your line, kinking, abrasion, stretch- 6000 and above, the reel Contact Scott Stanke at 989-553-0972 for inquiries. which ultimately lead to ing and old age is neces- might be too heavy for re- • For each member signed up by you, you get a ticket. • Your ticket(s) are putFishermen’s into a pot for a drawing. Association tangles. There is no doubt, sary. peated casting. I’ve caught Chapter Calendars are continued on page 23 though, that spincasters With any type of fish- many brown trout in the • The drawingsProtecting, are held at the April Presidents’ meeting.If you agree give you a (built-in) me- ing, reel size is relative to 3- to 6-pound range fish- • There are betweenPromoting 15 - 25 drawings. or disagree with chanical advantage over the size of the fish you are ing Lake Michigan’s shore • The more tickets in the pot, the more chances to win prizes. centerpin reels. With a cen- pursuing. In terms of reel with a 2000 series spinning Joinand a Chapter,Enhancing Join the Fun!this guide’s rules, terpin you, and you alone, size in a centerpin, you will reel spooled with 8-pound- Sport Fishing in are the gears and drag sys- be better off with a big- test line. However, this was For more information, become a tem of the reel. ger diameter reel for larg- in open water (i.e., no log contact yourthe Great Chapter Lakes and Membership memberDirector Spinning reels are very er steelhead. For tributary jams, rocks, or other obsta- Connecting Waterways or [email protected] influence the next utilitarian, because you can steelhead fishing here in the cles), not to mention gener- since 1971... easily switch them from Great Lakes Region, a 4- to ally smaller fish than I catch printing. float fishing to casting with 4.5-inch diameter centerpin in the tributaries. Hence, a your favorite lure. will mostly likely land you 2000-sized spinning might The appeal for many more fish than something be a tad on the small size centerpin anglers is to get smaller. for tributary fishing. more “in-touch” with their Spinning reel size for mssfa.orgWe’ll HOOK YOU UP with the latest news! quarry, and the whole fish- tributary steelhead fishing

Change the Traverse City Membership Director to Dick Hartrick Dick758@ aol.com 231 536 2271 Page 22 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021 What Does It Mean to Become A South Haven Steelheader? By Rich Chapman sided in and around South ment which was known at ciation (MSSFA). The first annual May fishing tourna- Fund/Historical Assoc. of Haven, Michigan. Starting the time as the “South Hav- chapter of the MSSFA was ment. Since that time the South Haven. This list only First, some of our his- in 1970, this group of men en Sportfishing Safari”. formed in South Haven on name has changed to the names a few. tory: The Michigan Steel- worked together to bring In 1971, The Michigan January 15, 1974 by those South Haven Steelheaders The South Haven Chap- headers organization was awareness to the new fish- Steelheaders organization same 50 men. Slight orga- Pro Am Tournament and ter also has been a major formed in 1967. There were ery that was developing in was incorporated as the nizational name change or we are gearing up for our player in maintaining and about 50 or so members of Lake Michigan by hosting Michigan Steelhead and not, these men continued 36th annual event to be held supporting the Offshore this organization who re- the 1st local fishing tourna- Salmon Fisherman’s Asso- the tradition of hosting the May 14th thru 16th, 2021 Data Buoy project, Buoy in South Haven, Michigan. #45168. The buoy is locat- The primary purpose of this ed off the coast of South event is to obtain fish for Haven and annually has our annual Blueberry Fes- one of the highest numbers SOUTH HAVEN STEELHEADERS tival Fish Boil which is the of requests for information chapter’s primary fundrais- in the entire NBDC organi- er. This fundraiser provides zation. We coordinate the the money we use to donate raising of approximately to organizations, support $15,000 annually for buoy local and statewide projects maintenance. Every year, and fund our annual schol- the buoy is deployed in 2021 arships for high school se- April and retrieved in Oc- niors. tober. From these humble be- In 2017, the South Ha- Pro Am ginnings, the state organi- ven Chapter was instru- zation and our chapter has mental in applying for the grown and prospered. As Fisheries Trust Fund grant May 15th & 16th always, fishing and water to build the new $400,000 Jason Blowers Photography quality issues remain a pri- handicap accessible fish ority for the chapter. How- cleaning station at Black Guaranteed Guaranteed ever, the chapter also feels River Park in South Hav- it is necessary to give back en which opened in 2020. $6,000 1st place PRO $3,000 1st place AM to the community. Thru There is room for 8 people Robert J. Keorkunian (based on 20 entries) (based on 25 entries) our main fundraiser, the to clean fish at one time and South Haven Chapter has the station includes a state **Over $30,000 in cash and prizes** sponsored various area of the art grinder to dispose youth teams such as soc- of the waste created. cer, football, baseball and Finally, and as a chap- softball. Other projects that ter we are very proud of donations have been made the fact the South Haven to include the South Pier Steelheaders were named **Special tournament prize for highest scoring boat Catwalk Lights, South Ha- the 2018 Non-Profit Orga- ven Public Schools Foot- nization of the year by the where all crew members are Michigan Steelheaders** ball Scoreboard, Friends South Haven Area Cham- of Ratcliffe Field renova- ber of Commerce. NEW Special Dock Rates! Head to South Haven after the tions, We Care Founda- So, what does it mean Schu’s Summer Challenge to pre-fish all week! Buy 7 nights for $80 tion, South Haven Hospice, to become a South Haven Al-Van Humane Society, Steelheader? You will join ($20 each additional night). CALL 269-637-3171 to book now! South Haven High School an organization the truly pitching machine, City of cares about the sport-fish- RULES ALL BOATS: South Haven Boat Ramp ery and water quality in • Fish 9 Rods • Catch 15 project, Help with grant to South Haven, the State • Weigh 12 • No more than 6 Lake Trout the City of South Haven of Michigan and the en- for fishing projects such tire Great Lakes. You will ENTRY FEES: RETURNING as the new Black River become part of a greater Received before Received May 9, 2021 Park Fish Cleaning Station organization whose objec- May 9, 2021: or after: for 2021: opened in 2020, Veter- tives are educating the gen- For more information: - Star of the Lake an’s Memorial in Bangor, eral public on improving, Pro: $500 Pro: $550 Michigan, Fourth of July preserving and promoting Chad Bard Friday 5 Challenge Fireworks – Light up The sport fishing in the Great 269-214-6934 Am: $250 Am: $300 - Dual Port Challenge Lake, South Haven Coast Lakes and their tributary Guard Auxiliary, Michigan streams and rivers. You DIVISIONAL: All Species Big Fish Contest Maritime Museum, Special will also become part of a - $50 entry fee Olympics, South Haven brotherhood of fishermen Emergency Services – de- who freely share informa- southhavensteelheaders.profishingtournaments.com fibrillators, and South Pier tion, techniques, enjoy the Lighthouse Restoration outdoors and support their communities locally and statewide. We invite you to visit our website southhaven- steelheaders.com. It is full of information about fishing in the South Haven area, the history of the South Haven Steelheaders and the sport fishery in South Haven.

South Haven Rich Chapman, President and State Director [email protected]

Website: www.southhavensteelheaders.com

facebook.com/South Haven Steelheaders March/April 2021 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News Page 23 “Cormorant” 2021 Thunderbay Steelheader’s Calendar of Events Continued from page 18 Month Date Time Information March 6 4:00 pm Annual Meeting / Dinner a new level of commitment April 5 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting and coordination among May 3 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting management agencies and May 15 6:00 am Alpena tournament stakeholders. Challenges June 12 6:00 am Presque Isle Tournament will arise such as potential- June 25, 26 6:00 am Tournament location to be determined ly having to providing new evidence of inefficiencies July 5 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting for non-lethal methods as August 9 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting part of the new permit sys- August 28 6:00 am Rogers City Tournament tem allowing lethal take, September 13 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting being required to provide October 4 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting assessments of the control November 1 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting activities, or being able to adequately fund the December 6 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting control activities for the State. However, we have Contact Dan Bouchard at [email protected] for inquiries. a path forward and fisher- ies managers are hopeful that this is the start of a 2021 White River Steelheader’s Calendar of Events longstanding management framework for dealing with Month Date Time Event information Location DCCO-fisheries conflicts March 4 7:00pm Meeting Phone Tag moving forward. April 8 7:00pm Meeting Montague VFW

Note: Meeting dates and times are subject to change – Any questions or to verify dates/times please call Clint Pollock at (231) 893-0210 or Terry Clark at (231) 893-6805. Announcing MSU Distinguished 36th Annual Academic Staff Charlevoix Area Trout Tournament Award Recipient June 11•12•13, 2021 By Jeffrey W. Dwyer, gram areas and expertise PhD include recreational and Brown Trout • Salmon • Steelhead • Lake Trout • Walleye Director, MSU Extension charter fisheries and aquat- ic nuisance species (ANS), Over $17,500 Cash & Prizes!! among others. Dan’s excep- Michigan State Univer- tional work ethic and integ- sity is pleased to announce rity set a superior standard Info: 231-675-7623 or 231-330-0867 that Dr. Daniel O’Keefe of excellence in Extension Registration: June 9th & 10th has been selected to receive scholarship. He has earned East Park, Downtown Charlevoix Register online 2021 MSU Distinguished a reputation with stake- www.fishcharlevoix.com Academic Staff Award. The holders as a neutral facili- Entry fees: Distinguished Academic tator and purveyor of infor- Like our Facebook page Staff Award recognizes the mation. His many strengths Adult Early Bird by May 24th $30 outstanding achievements include understanding and of those professionals who explaining the complexities After May 24th $35 Kids Fishing Pond serve the university in ad- of interjurisdictional Great Children 14 and younger $10 Saturday June 12th from 10am to 4pm vising, curriculum develop- Lakes fishery management, ment, outreach, extension, Great Lakes ecology and East Park, Trout Pond • $5 research and teaching. Up the intertwined histories of to four MSU Distinguished fishery dynamics and exot- Academic Staff Awards are ic invasions. Dan’s many Unfortunately due to Covid-19 there will not be a Trout Tournament Dinner this year. given annually to mem- accomplishments during bers of the academic staff his time with MSU Exten- who are appointed as aca- sion / Michigan Sea Grant, demic specialists or MSU including his research, Extension academic staff. his willingness to try new These awards provide uni- things and develop new ini- versity-wide recognition tiatives, his commitment to and reward to outstanding being an honest broker, and individuals with careers his significant contribu- demonstrating long-term tions to our Michigan Sea excellence and exceptional Grant program make him a contributions to Michigan valued member of our team State University. and most deserving of this Daniel O’Keefe is a prestigious award. Michigan Sea Grant senior Extension educator and has (Editor’s Note: Dr. Dan- worked with stakeholders iel O’Keefe received the Dr. in seven coastal counties to Howard Tanner Award from apply science-based knowl- MSSFA in 2017 recogniz- White River Steelheaders edge and address Great ing his contributions to the 2019 Schedule of meeting dates Lakes and southern Lake anadromous fish sport fish- Michigan issues. His pro- ery. See photo below) January 4, 2019 Meeting at Montague VFW meeting starts at 6:30pm February 7, 2019 Meeting at Montague VFW meeting starts at 6:30pm March 7, 2019 Meeting at Montague VFW meeting starts at 6:30pm April 4, 2019 Meeting at Montague VFW meeting starts at 6:30pm May 2, 2019 Meeting at Montague VFW meeting starts at Dr. O’Keefe 6:30pm also received June 6, 2019 Meeting at Montague Boat Launch (weather an award permitting) – If raining meeting at Montague VFW - starts from MSSFA at 6:30pm in 2017 July 4, 2019 No Meeting this month August 1, 2019 Meeting at Montague Boat Launch (weath- Page 24 Great Lakes Sport Fishing News March/April 2021