The state of Michigan’s lake trout regulations are scheduled to change in 2011, and again in 2012. According to Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries biologist Brian Breidert, for the Hoosier portion of Lake Michigan, Indiana anglers could benefit by both changes.

This year, Michigan’s lake trout season will open April 1 and end Oct. 31. In prior years, the season opened May 1 and ended Sept. 30. In 2012, Michigan’s lake trout season is scheduled to open Jan. 1 and close Oct. 31.

While the state of Michigan has lake trout seasons, Indiana does not have a closed season on lake trout. Breidert advised that as water temperatures warm each spring in Lake Michigan, Hoosier anglers have fantastic fishing opportunities for trout and salmon.

Breidert said although Indiana has no closed season on lake trout, Hoosier anglers do not typically catch lake trout in large numbers in Indiana waters. The reason is it is a long-lived species usually found in depths greater than 60 feet. The deep waters are primarily outside of Indiana’s boundaries of Lake Michigan.

Michigan’s regulation change should increase the harvest of lake trout coming back to Indiana ports in the spring.

Michigan’s change will simplify regulations for Hoosiers on one front, but possibly create confusion on another. Indiana has a daily bag limit of five trout and salmon, of which no more than two can be lake trout greater than 14 inches. Michigan has the same five-trout-and-salmon catch aggregate, while no more than three may be lake trout, brown trout or steelhead trout with a size limit of 20 inches for lake trout.

“Increasing the fishing season could certainly show some increase in lake trout harvest, especially in the spring,” Breidert said. “For anglers fishing in April, I am sure many will see this as a positive move.”

Indiana anglers often fish within Michigan waters. In previous years they were required to release any lake trout they caught. Now lake trout will be able to be included as part of the catch.

“As a result, we may see fewer salmon brought back to Indiana during the spring fishing season,” Breidert said. “The spring catch will be monitored during our annual creel program, through which we analyze the long-term catch and harvest coming back to Indiana ports on southern Lake Michigan.

“Undoubtedly, we will see changes in our spring catch composition as a result of this change by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.”

Upper Wabash eagle watch

A prime wintertime location will give the opportunity to view bald eagles in the wild during the annual Upper Wabash Eagle Watch, Feb. 18-19.

On Feb. 18, participants will meet at the Salamonie Interpretive Center at 5 p.m. and travel by caravan to the roost site, with one stop along the way. Coffee will be available at the roost site, for a donation. The evening is for those who are unable to spend an entire afternoon watching eagles.

On Feb. 19, participants will meet at the Interpretive Center at 3 p.m. and caravan to several locations on the way to the roost. Once at the roost, the Wabash Valley Coonhunters Assoc. will be offering chili, coffee or hot chocolate for a $3 donation.

The sessions begin with a talk about bald eagles at the Interpretive Center. After the information session, participants will travel to popular eagle spots. A stop will be made at a nearby roost site to watch the bald eagles fly in for the night. The areas have had many eagles in years past.

Be sure to dress for the weather, bring your binoculars, snacks and drinks and make sure you have a full tank of gas.

Registration is required. There will be van seats available for a limited number of people. The number of cars to be included in the caravan will also be limited. Register early to secure a seat in the van or your place in the caravan.
To register, call 260-468-2127 or visit the Salamonie Interpretive Center in the Lost Bridge West Recreation Area, 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, IN 46702.

Bluebird nesting box workshop
The bluebird workshop at Clifty Falls will give participants an opportunity to assemble a bluebird nesting box. The workshop gets under way on Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Clifty Falls Inn.

Participants will learn about the ecology and needs of bluebirds, and other information essential to attracting bluebirds. Nesting box kits are limited to one per family. Participants will need to bring a No. 2 medium Phillips screwdriver.
Fees are $2 per person for ages 5 and older, and $10 per kit. No park admission fee will be collected. Children ages 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Space is limited. Individuals wishing to participate must register in advance. For more information or to register, call park Interpretive Services at 812-273-0609.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Jack Spaulding may contact him by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.