The Obama administration’s new pick to lead the Forest Service and farmland conservation programs has drawn criticism from environmental and hunting and fishing groups concerned about his past role in controversial roadless rule decisions.Harris Sherman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, has been nominated as Agriculture undersecretary for natural resources and environment. The post directs the Forest Service and conservation projects at the Natural Resources Co

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Fishing – Chapter By Chapter Just like a book, fishing can depend a lot on your ability to read. Instead of reading through pages, you are observing everything around you. Pay attention to the weather conditions like wind, tidal movement, surface and water temperature. All of these factors can help make a decision on how to fish, whether that is by boat, kayak, wading or using light tackle.Now that the basic decision-making is done, you can head for the water to do some more heavy readi

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The tide was falling quickly when we decided to fish the cuts on the backside of San Jose Island, where the lakes drain into the Aransas Bay. It was a Saturday that I had picked up 3 clients and, as I figured, there were some redfish sitting around the cuts. After a few trial and error casts, we changed the lures over to Devil Eyes in Gold Rush and Pink Hologram with a 1/16 oz jig as my clients fished from the boat while I drifted along the cuts. The fish just were not nailing the lures as t

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Lake Erie is a unique lake in that it’s waters contain a wide variety of fishes, some here by accident, but most here naturally. The walleye is a lake native. So is the yellow perch. But there’s one species that has captured my curiosity. It’s the lake whitefish. I’ve never seen one—dead or alive— and I’ve never caught one. Yet they are a mainstay of the commercial fishing industry around the Great Lakes. And, yes, they are native to Lake Erie. The whitefish is a member of the trout/sal

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Number 1. Always use ultra light fishing gear if you are fishing for trout. Too many times, anglers attempt to use medium-action gear when at the stream trying to snag trout. It’s a big mistake and won’t allow you to catch fish. Instead, you have to use an ultra light rod and reel and the lightest fishing line possible.

Personally, I’ve found that four-pound test monofilament line works best when fishing for trout. Using light line and gear are paramount for trout fishing, especially if you’re fishing small rivers and streams.

Number 2. Be aware of your shadow; you need to avoid casting a shadow on the area you will be fishing when fishing small rivers and streams. Casting a shadow is a sure-fired way to scare away the larger, older trout from the area. If you want to catch trout, you must be aware of your shadow.

Number 3.  No artificial bait or lure beats the effectiveness of a plain-old live worm when it comes to catching trout. For me, a live worm riding the current of a small river or stream will attract trout most times the fish are present. And the best way to rig a live worm for trout fishing is to use a set of gang hooks. Gang hooks and live worms is the perfect combo for trout fishing.

Number 4. Using small spinners, in the 3-7/16 range, are terrific bait for catching trout. While effective in many trout fishing situations, the small spinners are perfect for fishing rivers and streams. Popping your rod tip while allowing the spinner to flow with the current can be especially effective. Using black, browns and other dark colors with gold blades is optimal. Be sure to attach your spinner to your line with a small barrel swivel for best results. Not only will it stop your line from twisting, but it will also ensure that your spinner works efficiently.

Using any or all of these tips will make you a much more effective trout angler. There you have it. Just put these tips into practice, as the sooner you do, the more likely you are to reel in the big one.