How To

I have spent my entire week answering the phone.  Almost every one of those calls was inquiring whether the spring, put & take trout had been stocked in one favorite waterbody or another.  I guess I understand, we have not published the exact dates of those stockings.  In the crazy coronavirus world we continue to live in, we do not want crowds gathering around stocking trucks.  So, the stocking schedule only says “The week of _______”. I swear, if we …

I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year, early spring.  On one hand, who is not happy to see spring roll around?  On the other hand, I hate to quit ice-fishing. We get a few days of nice weather this time of year and everyone thinks they are a fisherperson.  On the other hand, in my opinion, early spring is some of the toughest open-water fishing of the year.  The water is still cold, the fish are not …

By now you are probably familiar with the invasive nuisance species silver carp.  You know, the “flying fish” that jump out of the water like crazy.  You have probably seen news reports or YouTube videos of them. I found another video this week that might be the biggest silver carp I have ever seen. If you watch the slo-mo replay, notice that fish tail slaps both rods in the rod holders.  If I did not know better, that looked maliciously …

Last week we held public informational meetings via “Zoom”.  We promised that those meetings would be taped and available.  Here they are: First, the statewide session: Next I believe was the southeast regional meeting: Then was the northeast region: After that, the northwest regional meeting: And last, the southwest regional meeting: I am sure contact information for all of our regional fisheries biologists is provided in each one of those videos.  If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact …

Without a doubt, when we get some warm weather in early spring, everyone has the fishing bug.  To encourage that “sickness” we will be stocking catchable-size rainbow trout in waters around the state again this spring.  Here is the list: Week of March 8 Bridgeport Bridgeport NW 700   Terrytown Terry’s Pit 1,500   Scottsbluff Scottsbluff Zoo Pond 900   Morrill North Morrill Pond 2,250   Morrill Middle Morrill Pond 450   Venice Two Rivers SRA 13,000   Week of …

My son and I do not get to fish together all the time.  Still it is nice knowing that even though we are separated by miles, we are on the water.  Maybe apart for now, but still on the water.  In fact it is interesting how often we are doing the same things even though we are fishing individually. For example, each winter we target big bluegills, 10-inches and larger, just like we get after muskies in open water.  At …

*Blogger’s Note: Once again I am receiving a lot of requests for corned meat recipes because Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the bend. So, I am bringing back my blog about corning beef and wild game. I hope you find it informative and have the time to try one of these delicious recipes. I raise my glass to you and exclaim: “Sláinte!” (slawn-cha), which is an Irish Gaelic term meaning “health.” Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! GW. Saint Patrick’s Day is …

I got to looking through some old blog posts and discovered something interesting.  Seems as though in past years about this time, end of February, I have commented about people being in a foul mood and needing to lighten up!  I know that has sure been true again this week; lots of complaining.  I am telling you, people would be so much happier if they would just learn to ice-fish! So, this is for you.  In case you do not …

Proficiency on a foam block doesn’t always translate to real hunting scenarios during the season. Too many archery hunters practice archery and not bowhunting. Setting a foam target in the yard, walking back to a premeasured distance and flinging arrows all summer is good practice for hitting a foam target, but climbing into a blind for turkeys or a tree stand for deer is completely different. Being an effective bowhunter is about what you do with the shots you are …

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: • 1 pound of boneless perch fillets • 2 to 3 large eggs • ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour • 1½ cup of Panko breadcrumbs • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, plus extra • Freshly cracked pepper, to taste • 1 cup of mayonnaise • 4 teaspoons of Sriracha sauce • 4 teaspoons of lemon juice • Vegetable oil for frying • Lemon wedges, for serving 1. To make the spicy …