Weekly News

The fall walleye fishing on Lake Erie was one of the best in years. Large fish and willing to take your offering, 6 to 8 miles off Sandusky and Huron seemed to be the best producers. As in recent years trolling spoons and worm harnesses were the top producers. Thirty inch fish were almost an everyday occurrence. The weather also finally worked to our benefit, after all the windy days we experienced throughout the early half of the year. Trophy class fishing, beautiful fall weather; what more could anyone ask for. Now's the time to plan that trip for 2001. Capt Gary Rosebrock www.walleye.com/steppinstonecharters.htm

As the Happi Hooker trolled along off Racine, those magic words ring out FISH ON. The sound of the reel screaming out line is music to any captain's ears. After 20 minutes of much advice, the real words come out "get the net". In comes the fish, and it is a nice 24 lb king. What makes all this worth while is the sound of happiness because that excited boy is my grand son Chad Coleman my fishing buddy. Stop and take a little time to take those kids fishing. Capt Dale Coleman www.happihookercharters.com

Again, Ludington MI was one of the leading ports for salmon and trout this year. Kings in the 30# class were common in August and September. Large coho & steelhead were also present. Try your luck, contact the Ludington Area Charterboat Association, www.ludingtoncharterboats.org or call 1-800-843-FISH.Capt Wally Hodges, F.B.I. Charters

Trolling for trout and salmon on beautiful Lake Michigan off the port of Sheboygan was very consistent aboard the two Dumper Dan charter fishing boats. From the marine band radio talk to local fishing reports it sure sounded like many anglers cashed in some fantastic fishing off Sheboygan. The spring run was very good during April and May as we fished close to shore looking for warmer water and found active Browns, Lakers and an occasional Salmon. June was the best it's been in a long time as limits of Steelhead, Cohos and King Salmon were common for everyone from charter boat operators to private boat anglers. During July and August fish began to move to deeper water as lake temperatures started to warm up, and we caught Kings, Lake Trout and Browns in the deeper water. September and October was the good old spawning trout and salmon run. Anglers from river and piers to trollers really had fun with these bigger spawning fish near the rivers and harbor mouths during the fall which really ended our fishing season in the new millennium with a bang! Capt Dan Welsch www.bytehead.com/~dmprdan

You say you want to catch your first ever muskie? Come visit Ohio muskie lakes because here in Ohio you will have the opportunity of a life time. If you have never caught a muskie you might want to fish Leesville Lake near Bowerston, Ohio. The lake is known as the best lake in the state for a first time catch and also produces the most Huskie Muskies (muskies over 42") year after year. If you want to catch many muskies your choice might be Leesville Lake or Clearfork Reservoir, Lexington, Ohio. Want a chance at a 50" Muskie? Try Saltfork Lake or West Branch Reservoir. If you want to try for a new state record, Piedmont Lake presently holds that record; a muskie of over 55 lbs. How about a lake that is showing larger muskies in less time by age than other Ohio lakes. That would be Alum Creek Lake near Columbus, Ohio. I had the opportunity in 2000 to have my second best year ever catching these monster fish over 50 muskies caught and released. One of those was my 500th muskie since I started in the early 1980's. Don Weaver, President Ohio Huskie Muskie Club, Inc.

I've been taking my 10-yr.old grandson with me for browns, walleyes, salmon and perch. He's our only grandchild so we do a lot with him. I even bought him a Lifetime Sportsman's License so he'll be able to hunt and fish in N.Y. for free forever. Encourage others to do the same. Not very many people even know about it. Most states do have lifetime licenses. Bill Thomas, ELOSTA & retired Charter captain

A state forest and hiking trail are growing thanks to help from one Hoosier family, conservation groups and thousands of Hoosier motorists. Using funds from the sale of environmental license plates, the Indiana Heritage Trust has purchased 280 acres of forestland to expand Jackson-Washington State Forest and improve public access. The state forest and the hiking trail are managed by the Indiana DNR.

The Trust provided nearly $340,000 or 92% of the funds needed to purchase the property. Hoosier motorists who purchase environmental license plates have helped set aside and protect 25,000 acres during the past eight years for recreation and wildlife. More than 500,000 eagle and sun environmental license plates have been sold since the program began in 1973, generating more than $12.5 million for the Indiana Heritage Trust. At the request of Gov. Frank O’Bannon and then-Gov. Evan Bayh, the Indiana General Assembly also has appropriated $15 million for the Trust.

Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area now open

Indiana's new Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area is now open to the public for hunting and wildlife watching. The 2,500-acre property created from reclaimed mine land will offer waterfowl, deer and small game hunting opportunities. Fishing is not currently permitted yet but shoreline fishing will be open March 1, 2001 and boat ramps will be constructed next year.

All contents Copyright © 1996 - 2000, GLSFC All Rights Reserved.