Fishing
FISH STOCKING PROGRAM INSURES LAKE ONTARIO’S VIABILITY Lake Ontario is boasting some of the best sport fishing among
Not all of the fish stocked in Lake
the Great Lakes, thanks in large part to a successful stocking
Ontario are native, but “it’s a bit of a
program by New York State’s environmental management agency,
juggling act” between a historically
according to a March 18 article in Innovation Trail. The N.Y. Dept. of
native lake with what can survive
Environmental Conservation (DEC) pumps ample supplies of trout
today, said Steve LaPan of the
and salmon into Lake Ontario and its tributaries to attract more than
DEC’s fisheries research station.
2.5 million anglers to the lake each year.
“Overall, there are some negative
The health of Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes has been
aspects to stocking non-native
steadily improving since the 1970s, when they were nearly an
fish,” he said. “But I think if you look
ecological disaster, according to Dave MacNeill, a fisheries expert
at the way the lake is functioning
with New York Sea Grant.
ecologically and the economic benefits people along the lakeshore
“As improvements in water quality occurred, a sea lamprey control
NYSDEC
are enjoying, I’d say it’s highly successful.”
program began and stocking of trout and salmon really took hold,
The economic impact of the sport fisheries industry translates to
creating a multimillion dollar industry and perhaps the best of any of
$113 million each year for communities along the lake, according to
the fisheries in the Great Lakes,” he said.
the DEC’s most recent survey, done in 2007.
GRUNDENS USA SPONSORS SALMON DERBY SERIES Grundens USA will
more than $750,000 in cash and prizes. The series of tournaments
sponsor the 2014 Lake
begins May 3-4 with the Michigan City Hoosier Coho Club Classic
Michigan Tournament
and continues throughout the summer, wrapping up with the LRCR
Trail, a salmon derby
Manistee Monster Mania, September 6-7.
tournament in which anglers set out in challenging water and weather conditions in search of salmon. The tournament series not only pits anglers against the fish, but also against hundreds of other fishermen seeking to earn prizes and bragging rights. The Lake Michigan 2014 Tournament Trail is a series of 18 salmon and trout tournaments that draws thousands of anglers chasing
These events bring together some of the region’s best fishing teams fighting to catch king salmon, coho salmon, and lake trout that call Lake Michigan home. This popular, competitive series has its own magazine, Tournament Trail, and is the subject of Salmon Showdown, a reality fishing TV show that brings the excitement of tournament salmon fishing to the Pursuit Channel. Grundens USA, a manufacturer of foul weather gear apparel and accessories, will be providing the fishermen with lightweight breathable protection against rain, spray, and bad weather found on the water and in the great outdoors.
STATE HARBOR RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE The online reservation system for Michigan state parks and harbors
With this Passport, Michigan motorists get access to state parks,
is now accepting reservations through mid-September 2014. State
recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state
recreation officials recommend making spring and summer plans
trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation
now to avoid the last-minute rush.
Passport holders can enjoy real savings at businesses and retailers
Reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-44-PARKS (800-447-2757). An easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan is by checking “YES” for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices).
46 GLB | May/June 14
that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.