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.
Yamamoto Baits has launched three new fuzzy baits featuring threaded skirt materials: the Fuzzy Senko in 4" and 5" sizes, the Fuzzy Nuki in 2.5" and 3.5" versions, and the compact 1.5" Fuzzy Nut. All products are available at Baits.com.
AGFC fisheries biologists urge anglers pursuing trophy bass to properly handle fish caught from deep water, which can experience barotrauma. Jeremy Risley, the AGFC's Black Bass Program coordinator, and Will Lancett, Arkansas Legacy Lunker program coordinator, provide guidance on using venting tools, weighted fin clips, and proper handling techniques to maximize fish survival for the Arkansas Legacy Lunker program.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is hosting a two-day ice fishing workshop in Kalispell on February 6-7 for beginner women. The $15 workshop includes classroom instruction on ice safety and gear selection, plus hands-on field training at a local frozen lake.
Bonehead Tackle, part of GSM Outdoors, introduced two new fishing products: the Tangle-Free Weight designed to eliminate wrapped lines, and the Crappie Scope Head featuring a lead keel for stable horizontal presentation with Mustad hooks.
Cuda Fishing, in partnership with Mark Zona, has introduced a new titanium tools line for 2025, featuring the Mark Zona Series 8.75" Ti Needle Nose Split Ring Pliers, 5.25" Ti Mini Snip, 3" Ti Micro Scissor, and 5.5" Ti Bonded Large Braid Shear designed for durability and performance.
Northland Tackle introduced the Manitoba Mullet jig designed for large predators like trout, pike, and muskies, available in four colors and two sizes. The company also expanded its Smeltinator jig, Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon, and Smeltinator Underspin Jig lines with new sizes and colors.
Big Bite Baits and SteelShad have released new lures including the McMoney Jig designed by pro Mike McClelland, the Alloy Blade, and the SteelShad Coastal Series with premium saltwater hardware and VMC hooks.
Yamamoto Baits has expanded its popular Hinge Minnow line with three new sizes (3", 5", and 7") and introduced the Uni, an urchin-style bait featuring bulbed appendages and custom TPE formula for enhanced action and buoyancy.
It’s fitting that someone with the last name “Bass” would make angling history. Tucker Bass, 12, of Shoshoni, has officially set a new world record recognized by the International Game Fish Association.
It was another big year in 2025 for the Florida Saltwater State Records program, with 18 records approved. The program has seen a drastic increase in participation since launching the Adult and Youth Length and Youth All Tackle categories last year.
Anglers who have received a mailed survey about Nebraska fishing — or the text or email version — are encouraged to complete it. Their responses will help shape the decisions Nebraska Game and Parks makes about fisheries management.
While skiing and snowboarding are often what first comes to mind when people think of Utah and winter recreation, ice fishing is another great way to get outside and enjoy the season. If you are planning to go ice fishing this winter, here are a few things you should know before hitting the ice.
Any fish house left unoccupied on North Dakota waters must be made of materials that allow it to float. In addition, fish houses do not require a license. The North Dakota’s free ice fishing weekend is Dec. 27-28, and resident anglers may fish those two days without a license.
In the world of freshwater angling there are people who become focused on a species or a given style of fishing. There are walleye guys, bass guys, muskie guys, panfish guys, and don’t forget the carp guys. And, of course, each category has gals too.
Arkansas anglers interested in hooking into an epic-sized trophy fish can apply for a 2026 Alligator Gar Trophy Tag from now until the end of 2025.