Fishing fever hits Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Author's note: The Michigan DNR is now writing a monthly feature column for the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette. They — and I — believe the topics will be of interest to you so I plan to share these columns on a regular basis. And for further proof that it is indeed a small world, I used to work at The Daily Mining Gazette a couple of decades(!) ago.

Word has it there’s something catchy going around these days. Reported symptoms include: Difficulty concentrating, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, obsessive/compulsive behavior, and an aversion to weekend yard work. The diagnosis: Fishing Fever has officially hit the Upper Peninsula.

With the trout season now open, and the walleye, pike, muskie and catch-and-release bass openers less than a week away, the month of May is full of reasons to get outside and enjoy the quality inland and Great Lakes fishing opportunities found in the U.P.

This year, anglers will once again notice DNR creel clerks visiting lakes and streams as part of the Statewide Angler Survey Program, a data collection process that helps fisheries biologists better manage recreational fisheries based on your experiences on the water.

Creel clerks will typically ask what species you were fishing for, how many fish were successfully landed, and how much time was spent fishing – an interaction that usually only takes a few minutes, tops. If an angler has a trophy fish or other notable specimen, the clerks may also ask to take measurements and scale samples for our records.

Although taking the time to answer these questions may not seem like a priority when you’re ready to head home for a fish fry, it’s important to keep in mind that those who spend a few minutes chatting with a creel clerk are providing valuable information that will directly contribute to future management of that fishery. So even if you got skunked, that’s something we want to know. And keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be a one-way street – DNR creel clerks are a great source of information if you’re curious as to where and when the fish are biting, so don’t be shy about asking a few questions of your own!

Another way for anglers to get involved with fisheries management in Michigan is to share their opinions about proposed fishing regulation changes that are currently on the table regarding the U.P. brook trout bag limit and the statewide regulations for northern pike and muskie.

A series of public meetings were recently held across the U.P. to introduce these proposals to the public and gain some preliminary feedback. But those meetings weren’t the only opportunity to share your opinion on the matter. Until May 25, you can also participate in surveys -- either online or by telephone -- that will help us gauge public support for the proposed changes.

To participate in the surveys and find details regarding each proposed change, go to www.michigan.gov/fishing. Be sure to click on each section (one each for brook trout, muskie and pike) to access the separate surveys for each respective species. Those who prefer to participate by phone can call 269-685-6851 to do so. Just remember, the surveys close on May 25, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of this policy-setting process!

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr