The Midwest Walleye Challenge's third year introduces County Captains and Weekly Challenges to boost participation and strengthen local pride. The Nebraska Walleye Challenge, running April 1-June 28, is a citizen science event where anglers compete for $10,000 in prizes while providing catch data to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife awarded 10,127 Fish Ohio pins to anglers in 2025 for catching trophy fish across 26 species. Lake Erie led with 3,867 qualifying catches, while popular inland destinations included Mosquito Creek Lake, Buckeye Lake, and Alum Creek Lake. The program celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.
North Dakota's 2026-28 fishing regulations are effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2028, with new licenses required. Notable changes include allowing white sucker as live bait on specific waters, reinitiation of chinook salmon snagging season, elimination of darkhouse spearfishing registration requirements, and increased white bass limits to 30 daily and 60 possession.
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department warns that ice conditions on lakes and ponds are changing rapidly due to warm temperatures and rain. Game Warden Major Jenna Reed urges ice anglers to use caution and carry safety gear including self-rescue picks and spud bars when recreating on ice this season.
Yamamoto has launched the all-new Shibo Swimmer, a paddle tail swimbait designed to outperform traditional baits with enhanced water displacement and a powerful tail kick. Available in three sizes with 12 color options, the bait works effectively on bladed jigs, Alabama rigs, and ballhead jigs across various fishing conditions.
Fish Monkey offers 26 models designed for various angling scenarios. Quality fishing gloves provide comfort, sun protection with UPF 50-plus ratings, hand protection from cuts and scrapes, and eliminate the need for sunscreen that can harm live bait.
Unoccupied fish houses must be removed from all waters beginning March 15. Fish houses may be used after this date if removed daily, and anglers are encouraged to clean up any trash left behind.
Michigan's 2026 fishing licenses are now available for purchase and valid through March 31, 2027. Anglers ages 17 and older must purchase a license to fish public waters, with options ranging from $2 youth licenses to $76 nonresident annual licenses. Licenses can be purchased through Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks permitted 28 ice fishing contests for winter 2025/2026 and 46 open-water contests for 2026. FWP uses a permitting process to balance recreation with conservation, requiring applications for larger tournaments while exempting small events with fewer than 30 participants and under $500 in prizes.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept archery paddlefish permit applications from March 1-14, with a nonrefundable $7 application fee. Permits will be awarded through random drawing based on preference points, with results available by March 20 and payment due by April 5.
The Michigan DNR reminds anglers that lake sturgeon caught while ice fishing must be released immediately to ensure survival and comply with regulations. The DNR partners with state, federal, and tribal agencies to rehabilitate lake sturgeon populations listed as threatened since 1994.
Fish Monkey offers a complete spring saltwater fishing system featuring the Pro 365 Guide glove, Freestyle glove, and Stubby glove, all designed with UPF 50-plus sun protection and non-slip silicone palms. The company also provides Guide Series merino wool socks and Fish Monkey Face Guards for comprehensive hand, foot, and face protection on the water.
Michigan residents and visitors can fish without a license during Free Fishing Weekend on February 14-15. The state is also waiving Recreation Passport fees and offering free vehicle entry to all 103 state parks and over 1,000 DNR-managed boating access sites.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reminds anglers that ice fishing shanties must be removed before ice weakens or by March 29th, whichever comes first. Failure to comply can result in fines and license points.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify Youth Fishing Instructors at five locations across Nebraska this spring. Instructors receive training, loaner equipment, and educational materials to conduct youth fishing clinics and can volunteer for Family Fishing Nights and outdoor expos.
Minot angler Evan Trottier caught a state record tiger trout weighing 6 pounds, 2 ounces through the ice at Hooker Lake in Rolette County on January 4, verified by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The hybrid brown and brook trout measured 24.75 inches.
Nebraska Game and Parks released its 2026 Fishing Forecast and Fishing Guide, available for download at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at retailers selling fishing permits. The expanded guide features larger type and includes regulations, public fishing areas, and information on top fishing locations based on 2025 lake sampling.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program is hosting an ice fishing workshop in Havre on February 13-14 for women 18 and older. The two-part workshop includes an indoor session on ice fishing essentials and a hands-on outdoor session on a frozen pond or lake, with registration costing $15.
Big Bite Baits has launched the Spotlight Minnow, designed by pro Drew Gill for Forward Facing Sonar fishing. Available in three sizes with snappy action and rolling profile, the lure is now available at Baits.com.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides essential ice fishing safety guidelines, including maintaining minimum 4-inch ice thickness, wearing life jackets, using ice cleats, and dressing in layers. Additional recommendations include carrying ice picks, fishing with others, and avoiding alcohol to prevent hypothermia.