Copyright 2006 by R.D. Mauzy. All rights reserved.

Women seeking the opportunity to improve their outdoor skills are invited to register for the 13th annual “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” (BOW) program, June 4-6 in Big Bay, 30 miles north of Marquette. The program will be held at Bay Cliff Health Camp, a universally accessible facility, located in a picturesque wooded setting overlooking Lake Superior.

Sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, this program offers instruction in more than two dozen kinds of outdoor activities, including canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, fly-tying, archery, boating, birding, rock climbing and shooting sports. According to Sharon Pitz, the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman U.P. program coordinator, BOW instructors will provide basic and advanced instruction that’s uniquely tailored to each participant’s individual ability – a key reason the participants achieve so much in a short time.

“The best part, for me, is to see all the smiles on our guests’ faces when they have accomplished personal goals or faced down fears in their lives and just want to keep learning even more,” Pitz said. “After a program, most women will comment on how much they’ve learned, how tired they are – but it’s a ?good tired’ – and that they just can’t wait to try out their new skills and come back with friends to learn even more.”

The $175 registration fee includes all food and lodging, as well as most equipment and supplies (except as noted in the registration materials). Participants will be housed in a dorm-style facility with numerous amenities, including a pool, sauna, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails and easy access to Lake Superior.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops are for women, 18 and older, who wish to learn outdoor skills in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. The U.P. BOW program also includes special evening programs, such as birding hikes, group bonfires and more.

Early registration is recommended. Class information and registration materials are available online at www.michigan.gov/bow. For more information, contact Sharon Pitz at the DNRE office in Marquette at 906-228-6561 or e-mail pitzs@michigan.gov.

For more information on all of these programs and more, call 517-241-2225, email DNR-Outdoors-Woman@michigan.gov or visit www.michigan.gov/bow.

As for the water itself, we need some rain. The river is running low and clear for this time of year, and the woods are very dry. In fact, watch those cigars if you’re out there — it would only take a moment of carelessness to take out a huge chunk of the forest in a wildfire.

Even the South Branch of the Au Sable is easy to navigate in waders. The North Branch is unusually low, too, for this time of year. I can’t remember the start of season quite like this.

Despite the trickle of bugs, you’re still best advised to be looking to your streamer boxes for help in catching Mr. Big Trout. Be patient and be prepared to cover some water, if you’re going to find an eater.

Despite the fact that Opening Day is still weeks away, keep in mind that the flies-only water on Manistee is available to you — the run for M-72 bridge to the CCC, which of course includes lots of good spots including the Yellowtrees Landing area.

The DNR fishing report for major Michigan waterways is available here.

State records were also broken for pumpkinseed (twice), redear sunfish and Great Lakes muskellunge.

A 41.45-pound brown trout, caught by Thomas Healy of Rockford on the Manistee River on Sept. 9, has been certified as a world record by the International Game Fish Association.

Overall anglers entered 503 fish in the catch-and-keep category and 930 fish in the catch-and-release category, up from 430 and 871, respectively, in 2008.

The Master Angler Program recognizes anglers who catch fish that weigh more (catch and keep) or measure longer (catch and release) than established standards.

“Fishing was excellent in 2009 as evidenced by the large number of quality fish entered into our Master Angler Program,” said DNRE Fisheries Divisions Chief Kelley Smith. “This only reaffirms what we’ve long known – there’s world-class fishing in Michigan.”

For complete lists of Master Angler fish submitted in 2009, visit the DNRE Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing, and click on Angler Information. Anglers who think they may have a record fish may contact Barbara Dilts in the DNRE Fisheries Division at 517-373-2966.

Image copyright 2010 by Andy Ward

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds everyone that Winter Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Feb 13-14. On that weekend, everyone – residents and non-residents alike – can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations apply.

Michigan has been celebrating Winter Free Fishing Weekend annually since 2000 as a way to promote natural resources awareness. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,000 miles of river and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a natural match.

“Fishing is a great way to connect with our natural resources,” said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries. “It’s a perfect way for families to spend time together while celebrating the bounty of Michigan’s wonderfully diverse outdoor heritage.”

A number of activities at state parks and state fish hatcheries have been scheduled to coincide with the weekend, while clubs and conservation organizations stage events, too. Many provide free equipment and bait. The events often include experienced anglers willing to introduce novices into the joy of fishing.

For a list of Free Fishing Events scheduled across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing.