fishing

This isn't anything ground breaking or to make a big splash about, but I thought it was pretty strange.  Our panfish at our cabin have a tendency to nibble at anything.  That's including the end of my fishing rod.  I had accidentally let the tip hit the water when I first noticed it.  I felt a small strike.  I tried it again, and each time they did it.  They are little sunfish, and they are hungry

Fishing can be an amazing way to bond with kids and this weekend the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources makes that activity easier than ever.

Fishing season is in high gear across the Northland and starting this weekend the muskie season begins, which will only add to the fun.

With the Minnesota fishing opener just a few days away, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced several Cook County fishing closures that will be in effect to protect concentrations of spawning walleye, which may be vulnerable to overharvest.

If you hold a Minnesota fishing, hunting or trapping license for 2016, the Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources wants to remind you that they expire Tuesday, February 28.

The Minnesota DNR shared some exciting news for the Mille Lacs Lake area as a popular fishing tournament will return this year.

In some areas of the state, the MN DNR is looking to make some big changes to Northern Pike limits.  They've set up a three zone system to manage the pike, as different regions have different eco systems.  In some areas, the harvest will be greatly increased to try to prevent smaller "hammer handle" Northern Pike from destroying the pan fish population.

Fly fishing can be a very relaxing activity that allows you to catch several different fish species, and it's a skill that can be learned a lot faster with an experienced instructor.  A program from the Minnesota DNR allows provides the perfect opportunity.

By now you would hope that many of us would be educated enough to know about the dangers of spreading invasive species with our watercraft.  The DNR has made a huge effort in the past decade to educate the public.  We're used to inspecting our boats and trailers for invasive species, but in some cases some of these species may spread and grow another way:  boat lifts and docks.

Add one more time to the list where I couldn't catch enough fish for dinner.   It's actually happened to the same friend and I three times now.  We promised we will never plan on it again, as it's always been the worse fishing.  We went out to a lake where we have always walked away with fish, and this time we didn't walk away with any keepers.  But that's ok!  We planned a back up.  Salmon pattie

It's time for wildlife artists across the Northland to get creative and design the 2017 Minnesota Trout and Salmon Stamp.

This is a great video that anyone who fishes should watch.  Catch n release is the thing to do when you get a big fish.  If you snap photos and take a quick measurement you can always get a replica made of your big fish, but let it go back in the water for someone else to enjoy.   However, it's important you handle the fish so you don't hurt it.  Pete Maina shares the technique here.