Fishing

Fighting Invasive Mussels in the Great Lakes: A Cross-Border Call for Innovation The Great Lakes are among North America’s most cherished natural treasures, providing essential resources for local communities, robust fisheries, and a wealth of recreational opportunities. Yet, for decades, the introduction and spread of zebra and quagga mussels has transformed these waters into a […] More

Mastering Big-Water Trolling: An Opinion on the New DAIWA GREAT LAKES 40LC Reel The fishing world is no stranger to innovation, and few developments have stirred as much discussion among serious anglers as the introduction of the new DAIWA GREAT LAKES 40LC reel. Designed specifically for big-water trolling on the Great Lakes and beyond, this […] More

Community Engagement in Michigan’s Natural Resource Management: A Fresh Perspective As Michigan progresses into spring, a season of renewal and opportunities emerges for residents to voice their opinions on natural resource management and outdoor recreation. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has laid out an extensive schedule of meetings for advisory groups and public […] More

Assessing Federal Leadership in Protecting the Great Lakes Ecosystem The Great Lakes have long been recognized as one of North America’s most treasured natural resources. With their sparkling waters offering a myriad of recreational opportunities and supporting a multi-billion-dollar fishing industry, these lakes are truly a national treasure. Today, a recent federal memorandum has thrust […] More

Opinion: Safeguarding the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp The Great Lakes, a cherished natural treasure and a cornerstone of America’s recreational and economic life, now face a tricky threat from invasive carp. As one of the most valuable freshwater resources in the country—boasting a fishing industry worth $7 billion—the lakes have long been admired for […] More

Economic and Ecological Challenges in the Great Lakes Whitefish Industry The whitefish industry in the Great Lakes has been confronting a series of tricky parts and tangled issues that go beyond mere numbers and charts. In recent years, whitefish populations have been sinking at a pace that even the experts did not predict. For many […] More

Whitefish Decline in the Upper Great Lakes: A Crisis Affecting Economy and Culture Over the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that the whitefish population in the upper Great Lakes is facing a significant decline. As an avid follower of our region’s environmental health and local economies, I find this trend both concerning […] More

The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025: A New Chapter in Fisheries Management The passage of the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025 by the House of Representatives marks a turning point in the way we approach fishery management and ecological preservation in one of America’s most treasured regions. This opinion […] More

Overview: The Invasive Sea Lampreys in Lake Erie The story of the sea lamprey in Lake Erie is a fascinating, though troubling, chapter in the history of the Great Lakes ecosystem. These parasitic creatures, measuring 12 to 18 inches long, have managed to thrive for over 340 million years. However, their long tenure on Earth […] More

Celebrating the Enigmatic Sturgeon Moon This August The night sky is set to put on an unforgettable show this August with the arrival of the full Sturgeon Moon. As a passionate enthusiast for both travel and outdoor pursuits, I find this annual lunar event to be a delightful reminder of nature’s wonders. The full Moon, […] More

Introduction: A New Culinary Challenge for Arkansas In recent years, Arkansas has taken center stage in an effort that is as much about saving local aquatic ecosystems as it is about rethinking the nation’s culinary palate. Invasive carp—fish that have long been dismissed as a nuisance—are now at the heart of an intriguing strategy designed […] More

Reflections on a 62-Year Journey: The Tale of Mary Catherine and Lake Superior The story of Mary Catherine—a lake trout born during the presidency of John F. Kennedy and now recognized as the oldest known lake trout in the Great Lakes—offers more than a simple recounting of nature’s longevity. It provides a window into both […] More