Natural Resources Board hears updates on spring hearings results for fisheries advisory questions
Justine Hasz, bureau director for the fisheries management program for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) spoke to the Natural Resources Board (NRB) regarding the fisheries advisory committee questions that were posed on this year’s spring hearings.
Wolf carries off dog in Woodruff
On Tuesday, July 30, Denise Coron’s day started out as normal. She grabbed a cup of coffee and let out her three dogs at her home near the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Service Center on Highway J.
Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series takes on a tough Lake Nokomis
Late last month the Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series Central Division anglers took on Lake Nokomis in their third stop of regular season fishing.
Surface Water Grant deadlines approach
Area lakes should start work now
Now is the time for lake organization to work on plans to apply for grants through the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Surface Water Grant Program.
‘Soul of the Outdoors’: a book to spur outdoor adventures
Recently Dave Greschner asked if I would take a look at his new book, “Soul of the Outdoors.” It sounded like it would be right up my alley, so to speak, so I quickly agreed. I was not disappointed.
Special tribute: A life well lived
Faith, family and fortitude - triangulating a career in fishing
As Greg Bohn was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 2016. The well-deserved award highlights his career of not only guiding, but also being a tackle innovator and manufacturer, teacher, author and public speaker.
Fishing a square-bill crankbait brings shallow-water success
Crankbaits are great search baits. They allow an angler to cover water quickly and to pinpoint active fish without wasting a lot of time. Square-bill crankbaits shine in shallower water, and many anglers have one tied on at all times.
ICAST reveals next greatest things in fishing
The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) is the largest fishing industry trade show in the country. Each year major brands bring forth their best new ideas, their “latest and greatest” baits and other products that are sure to be a “game changer” for the fishing industry. The show is in its 67th year and is now held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. ICAST is a product of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA).
Learning to read a lake map makes decisions on the water easier
Understanding a lake before even getting to the ramp can help an angler be more successful on the water as well as to locate fish more quickly once they launch the boat. For those unfamiliar with lake maps, they can look a bit confusing at first, but they are actually fairly straight forward.
Fish Like a GIRL
A sportsman remembers
I write this column today with a heavy heart. The fishing world has lost a true great — a kind and intelligent man who was humble beyond humble. As most know, Greg Bohn and his wife Audrey were killed last week in a car accident.
GreenFire presents literature review of wake boats effects on lake ecosystems at Lakes Convention
This year, at Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention, David Ortiz, a fellow with Wisconsin’s GreenFire gave a presentation entitled The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health, which was a literature review.
Using electronics to catch midsummer walleye
The most sought-after fish in the Northwoods, by far, is walleye. It is a favorite for shore lunches and Friday night fish fries at home. As with other times of the year, there can be many patterns for finding walleyes. In general, as water temperatures warm, fish will move deeper to places where they feel more comfortable and where they can expend less energy.
Know before you go: weather changes quickly in the Northwoods
Being outdoors is good for the mind and body. But being outdoors in inclement weather can be dangerous. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has some tips for those who love being out in nature.
Ruffed grouse drumming surveys show increase this year
Ruffed grouse are one of Wisconsin’s iconic wildlife species. It is one of the most popular upland game birds in the state. There has been concern in recent years that populations of ruffed grouse were on the decline.
Walleyes for Tomorrow presents at Wisconsin Water Week
Decades of working to help Wisconsin’s walleye populations
Ken VanDenPlas from the Shawano Chapter chairman of Walleyes for Tomorrow said the chapter has run a walleye hatchery on Shawano Lake for the last 12 years.
Deer Management Assistance Program helps land owners manage their land for wildlife
While this is the time of year gardeners are thinking about gardening, and keeping deer out of their vegetable patches, this is also the time of year when hunters really start to focus on managing their land for deer populations as well as other wildlife. While everyone has a different idea of what they want from their land, those looking to manage for a bigger, better deer herd can get involved in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP).
Fish Like a GIRL
To catch a thief
Ah, summer. I have been so happy watching my garden grow like crazy for the past couple of years, especially since we bought our house and Chet created my raised beds. It seems almost anything will grow in them.
Tragedy leaves Lakeland area heartbroken
Community grieves the loss of Audrey and Greg Bohn
Two Hazelhurst residents died Friday afternoon and one other person was seriously injured in a three-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 51 near the intersection of South Blue Lake Road in Hazelhurst.
Two recent wolf depredation incidents reported close to the Northwoods
In recent months, there were two wolf conflict incidents reported to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services that were close to the Northwoods. The first was called in on May 15 and took place in the town of Fifield.
Upper Midwest Bass Challenge takes on Willow Flowage
On Sunday, June 23 Central Division anglers of the Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series found themselves on the Willow Flowage.
2023 fish stocking totals available
Searchable database goes back to 1953
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released fish stocking totals for 2023. According to their press release, the department raises millions of yearling and fingerling fish each year and stocks them into Wisconsin waters. In 2023, over six million fish were stocked.
Lake Nokomis provides tough conditions for Wisconsin Bass Team Trail anglers
Saturday, June 29, was the second stop for anglers in the Wisconsin Bass Team Trail. They took on Lake Nokomis on a tough, seriously windy day.
Riders reminded to use caution when operating ATVs/UTVs
17 fatalities so far in 2024
So far this year, 17 people have been killed in ATV/UTV accidents, according to a recent press release from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Two of those happened on a frozen waterbody when the vehicle broke through the ice. One of those was in Price County, and the other was on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Iron County.
Fish Like a GIRL
A look forward to some great educational events
This week, I have been working on some curriculum for a kids class I am helping to teach called Nature Explorers’ Camp. I get to spend a couple afternoon with a bunch of kids to teach them about stream monitoring and all of the cool critters we can find in our streams.
What is a prop bait?
A prop bait is just what it sounds like. A top water bait with a prop, much like a boat motor prop, attached to either the front or the back. Many “old school” prop baits have the prop in the front of the bait, such as the larger one in the picture that accompanies this story.
WinMan Trails continues with improvements, updates for summer of 2024
The WinMan trails are a popular destination for many residents and visitors of the Northwoods alike. With year round silent sports trails available, it is a place the entire family can go to enjoy the outdoors and get in some exercise.
Natural Resources Board sets deer season framework
Once again, changes made for counties in Northern Forest
On June 26 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer program specialist Jeff Pritzl spoke to the state’s Natural Resources Board (NRB) about recommendations coming from the County Deer Advisory Councils (CDACs) regarding the 2024 deer hunting season.
Lynn Feldman’s years of service give her a place in the 4-H Hall of Fame
Lynn Feldman was recently inducted to the 4-H Hall of Fame. Her involvement in 4-H began in 1989 when her son turned five in 1989. She had always wanted to be a part of 4-H as a child, but it was not to be.
Boat safely this holiday weekend
Expect increased enforcement
With Fourth of July weekend already underway, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remind boaters to be safe on the water, not only this weekend, but all summer long. Responsible boating helps to ensure everyone makes it home from the weekend safe and sound.
Forest History Association of Wisconsin compiles and shares grand history of logging in the state
Forest History Association of Wisconsin is compiling history of forestry and logging. The Forest History Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery, interpretation and preservation of the forest history legacy of the state of Wisconsin, according to their website.
Fish Like a GIRL
The ‘Crazy Cat Lady’ starter kit
For most of my adult life, I have been a dog person. I have had retrievers, a springer spaniel, a husky and, most recently, a beagle and a rat terrier. As a child I had a retriever growing up, but I remember when I was very young always “needing” to have a cat in my life. As an adult now, I realize what my mom was probably thinking.
First aid fundamentals — the things everyone should know in the event of a medical emergency
Nothing dampens a fun summer day like an illness or injury. Knowing how to deal with emergencies that come up can make all the difference. Here are a few things everyone should know how to treat or diagnose.
Rhubarb cookies
Flour Included!
As many saw — I inadvertently left off the amount of flour to use in this recipe when it was first printed. I would like to say — I was just testing all of you bakers out there! Because baking is science, after all, right?
Invasive species awareness
June is Invasive Species Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Much awareness has been brought to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in recent years.
How anglers handle fish is important for their survival
Warmer water increases stress in fish
The lakes of the Northwoods are one of the main draws for vacationers, and some of the most important reasons residents live in the Northwoods.
Preliminary 2024 tribal harvest data available
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released tribal fish harvest data for the 2024 spearing season. In the spring of each year, the tribes exercise their treaty-given rights to harvest fish by spearing in lakes in the Ceded Territories. The tribal harvest season begins shortly after ice-out. The six Ojibwe tribes of Wisconsin may legally harvest walleyes through the use of several high-efficiency methods, but spearing is the most frequently used, according to the DNR.
Fish Like a GIRL
‘It’s a trolling motor!’
This column was inspired by a recent discussion at the Lakeland Times office. Brian Jopek and I were just shooting the bull over how expensive everything is these days. We were the “old salts” in the discussion, which included staffers Trevor Greene, Brett LaBore and Mikey Rottier.
Oneida County land and water conservation committee looks at clear-cutting, comprehensive plan
The Oneida County land and water conservation committee took up the matter of clear cutting along shorelines of lakes within the county.
Drop shot fishing for finicky fish
Good technique for all skill levels
A drop shot is a finesse technique that can be used to catch finicky fish that may not want a larger offering. The baits used are usually quiet small and, like the power shot, are kept up off the bottom by the way they are rigged.
Fish Like a GIRL
It is Pollinator Week!
This is Pollinator Week, a time to celebrate the little critters that provide a third of all of our food. It is interesting to think about — one of every three bites of food we put in our mouths is made possible by pollinators.
Fish of a Lifetime
Bob Diedrich recounts many good days on the water
Many musky anglers fish most of their lives without ever hooking into a 50-inch fish. Many anglers also do not boat four muskies in two days of fishing. But Vietnam veteran Bob Diedrich said he has caught quite a few big muskies with local guide Greg Bohn since the mid 1980s.
Fish Like a GIRL
Fishing is a mental game
One thing most non-tournament anglers don’t understand about fishing tournaments is how much of a mental game it is. When we break it down, it is really us against an animal which is said to have a brain the size of a pea. But I cannot count the number of times I have overthought a particular situation, or missed simple clues because I had a different idea stuck in my head.
Department of Natural Resources looks at walleye recruitment on Crescent Lake
Consider Walleye Lake of Concern status
Last week the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held an informational session regarding walleyes in the Northwoods and specifically on Crescent Lake.
UMBC anglers rise to the challenge on Lake Mohawksin
Conditions a bit tougher than Wisconsin Bass Team Trail tourney
Lake Mohawksin in Tomahawk is an early stop for not only the Wisconsin Bass Team Trail (WBTT) but the Upper Midwest Bass Challenge (UMBCS) Central Division.
What makes a swim bait a season-long option?
Swim baits are great baits for anglers of any experience level. Even the youngest or most inexperienced angler has a good chance to catch a fish with a swim bait. Swim baits are meant to mimic a bait fish swimming through the water. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, just like real bait fish.
History of fish management a topic at Lakes and Rivers Convention
An introduction to coarse woody habitat
This year’s Lakes and Rivers Convention was filled with informational sessions on various topics. Fish management is a topic near and dear to the hearts of many in the Northwoods, and this was the focus of more than one presentation at the convention.
Buzz baits make for topwater fun
Most anglers agree that there is nothing quite like a top water bite. Catching fish that are exploding toward the surface of the water is a heart-pounding experience.
Walleyes for Tomorrow banquet slated for June 20
Fundraiser helps chapter conduct walleye habitat work, stocking
The Headwaters Chapter of Walleyes for Tomorrow has been an integral partner in the study of the lack of walleye recruitment on the Minocqua Chain, but their work goes far past the chain. To support this work, the chapter holds a banquet each year.
Fish Like a GIRL
Lessons learned in the garden and a look ahead
Most readers know by now, summer means not only fishing and tournaments to me, but also gardening, which I can now do on a little bit bigger level than I could when all I had was a small balcony garden.
Fishing a jika rig for finicky fish
A jika rig is simply another way to present a bait to a fish. The technique came out of Japan years ago. It has not caught on as well as some of other presentations such as the Texas rig. Nor is it talked about as much. But it is still a good way to catch fish.