DNR weekly fishing report

February 27, 2026

Little Bay de Noc: Yellow perch fishing in the head of the bay was fair, with anglers catching some large fish; however, reports generally indicated low numbers. Anglers used live bait on jigs or small spoons baited with minnow heads. Walleye anglers reported slow fishing, with most noting short bite windows and low bite numbers. The best fishing was reported prior to incoming weather fronts and during overcast conditions. Anglers also reported sightings of baitfish in areas near Escanaba and in the outer bay, leading some to attribute their presence to the reluctant bite. Ice ...

Scarification: The simple seed-starting trick that helps tough-coated seeds sprout faster

February 27, 2026

I'm currently dusting off my seed-starting supplies and sorting through seed packets from years past. Seed starting is an annual ritual for many gardeners, but if you're new to the party, it would be helpful to know that not all seeds should be treated the same way. Many seeds only require ...

Outdoors North: Content knowing nature is in control

February 20, 2026

“Some quiet evening, I sit by your side and we’re lost in a world of our own,” – Ben Raleigh and Sherman Edwards It was that instant mashed potato flake kind of snow — soft and fluffy, and it was piling up high as the nighttime moved slowly past. I was looking out the upstairs ...

What’s Flying: Still mornings provide a feast for the eyes

February 20, 2026

“The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy.” - Florence Scovel Shinn This winter has been filled with ironies. This past week saw a delightful string of beautiful, sunny, unseasonably warm days. Snow ...

DNR weekly fishing report

February 20, 2026

Little Bay de Noc: Mild temperatures during the day and below-freezing temperatures at night made for good travel conditions, even for wheeled vehicles. Perch anglers reported fair fishing, with most successful trip reports coming from the upper bay. Some large perch were reported. Anglers ...

Searchers find wreck of luxury steamer lost in Lake Michigan more than 150 years ago

February 20, 2026

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Searchers have discovered the wreck of a luxury steamer that sank in a Lake Michigan gale in the late 19th century, completing a quest that began almost 60 years ago. Shipwreck World, a group that works to locate shipwrecks around the globe, announced Friday that a ...