|
Contributed by Kevin Naze, Outdoor Writer
In less then one year, Wisconsin has another new state record steelhead to brag about! On Saturday, July 27, Debbie Morrison of
Bloomington, MN caught the 27.11 pounder, fishing Lake Michigan, off of Algoma, Wisconsin, edging out a '96- Milwaukee record by over 1 pound.
Debbie's uncle, Mel Johnson had just put the spoon out. An orange and silver Pro King spoon on a dipsey diver , 20 feet down in 120 feet of water. At 5:30 p.m. ,as soon as he turned around ,the monster smacked the bait!
This time of year, steelhead tend to hit close to the surface and rocket out of the water, the fish put up a beautiful fight skying once then screaming out line.
"They were awestruck", said Bonnie Johnson, Mel's wife. "There were no words- just big eyes and mouth hanging open."
Morrison's prize catch was taken on 20 pound fireLine with a 20lb XT leader, and if the line test correctly , could be listed as a new world record on 20lb test.
Only four other inland rainbow trout are heavier in the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame record book, the largest a 31 pound 6 ounce trophy taken in 1993 on Lake Michigan, fishing Illinois waters. The others from Cananda, Idaho and Montana.
Kevin can be reached at 1-800-487-0022, he has black and white and color photos available
|
|
 Debbie Morrison of Bloomington, MN with 27.11 record steelhead 42-1/2" long 26inch girth. Captured 7-27-97 Lake Michigan- Algoma, WI
DNR Fishery biologist, Terry Lychwick, estimates the trout to be five to six years old. Scale samples were taken which will reveal the true age.
Since it had no fin clip, the exact strain could not be determined, but anglers who observed the weigh-in believed it to be a skamania, one of three steelhead strains currently stocked by the state.
Fishing has been outstanding on Lake Michigan this year, DNR biologist attribute this to favorable weather, a rebound in the alewife population and improved methods of taking eggs and raising and stocking fingerlings.
Catch rates are up again this year for trout and salmon, and it keeps increasing,"Wisconsin's DNR Brad Eggold, said. In 1996 charter boats averaged .42 fish per hour, compared with .3 in 1986.
Many anglers still talk about the "good old days" of the 80's on Lake Michigan, "when we could go out and boat 10 salmon and trout over 20lbs", said one angler.----- But the fact is the good old days are happening right now!
 Sea Lamprey Funding Approved
|
|
|
O
ntario Natural Resources has launched Ontario's first
Take A Kid Fishing Week, which will run this year from August 2
The week has been established to introduce children to the joys, challenges and responsibilities of sport fishing.
"Children tend to have a keen interest in the environment in general," said Ontario's Natural Resource minister, Mr. Hodgson. "If we teach them to be good stewards of the fishery now, they can become important stakeholders in its future."
Take A Kid Fishing Week will be carried out in co-operation with the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation, a trade association of the recreational fishing industry. Anglers should look for special promotions and sales during the week.
|
|
Hodgson has declared Take a Kid Fishing Week on the recommendation of the Ministry's Fish and Wildlife Advisory Board. Mr. Hodgson appointed the Board last year to advise him on how revenues from angling and hunting should be reinvested in fish and wildlife conservation in Ontario. He recently re-appointed the Board and expanded its priorities.
If you fish, use this opportunity to "take a kid fishing." If you haven't fished before, why not try it? Take the kids and see what you can learn about fishing from a fishing friend or staff at a local tackle store. You may open a door to a lifetime of positive outdoor experiences.
Please note that all regulations apply, and licences are required for those fishing who are from 18 to 64 years old.
Goby Electronic Barrier
|
|
USFWS Press Releases
