Indholdsfortegnelse for June/July 2025 i Game & Fish

Some of my fondest childhood fishing memories involved floating the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania with my grandpa and brother in an aluminum jon boat. Float trips were a big deal, a highly anticipated adventure, each summer—mainly because they meant we’d be fishing for most of the day rather than just a few hours. For my brother and me, a float down the Susquehanna brought aspirations of catching smallmouth bass (and maybe even a muskie!) in what we considered nearly uncharted waters. Grandpa made sure the trips almost always included a section of river his grandsons had yet to fish in their young lives, and the unknown fostered a giddiness for days before any float. Like most trips I’ve embarked on, even as an adult, one of the best parts…

Just as sure as beads of sweat will roll down your forehead and sting your eyes, the heat of summer will spark terrific inshore fishing in many areas. Down South, for instance, popular targets like redfish, speckled trout and snook are characteristically active as water temperatures climb, feeding aggressively in preparation for their summer or fall spawning. In the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, striped bass and bluefish embark on epic feeding frenzies as they gorge on schooling baitfish. Whether you’re chasing limits of eating-size fish or a trophy for a viral photo-op, this is truly the time to tap into the inshore action. When faced with such apparent bounty, however, many anglers encounter a significant speed bump that can derail any outing before it begins. It’s precisely the number of choices…

For decades, Montana hunters have gotten the opportunity to relive their big-game season months after it ended when contracted phone surveyors call to learn whether hunters were successful. The surveyors don’t call every Montana hunter. Instead, they phone a subset of hunters that’s large and randomized enough to be considered statistically valid. The information they glean is used by wildlife managers to estimate total harvest, key data that helps them recommend bag limits and seasons for the year ahead. Critics of the phone survey have slammed Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) for what they consider an antiquated system that collects dubious data, and discontent with the system escalates when big-game populations drop but hunting seasons aren’t adjusted accordingly. That very dynamic is happening now, with mule deer populations crashing…

Summer’s heat often chases many sportsmen indoors to wait patiently for cooler temperatures. This approach is easy to defend; however, there are ways to get outdoors in the summer months without wilting. For instance, there are ample fishing opportunities for early-rising anglers who don’t mind beating the sun to the water, as well as for night owls who venture out after dark. Hunters don’t have many options in June and July, but predators provide the chance to pull triggers across most of the Midwest, and they’re often active at night. For those with school-aged children, summer is perfect for a family trip to an outdoor destination where fishing can be mixed with a little fun in the sun. A combination of fishing, boating, swimming and camping is a great way…

The mighty smallmouth bass has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many avid bass anglers focusing on smallies almost exclusively. This is especially true around the Midwest’s large river systems and associated lakes. Smallmouth bass are highly resilient and one of the most plentiful species in the Mississippi River and Great Lakes watersheds—and in most river systems in the region. They’re often the most dominant gamefish species, thriving everywhere from the main flows of massive rivers to the smallest tributary creeks. Smallies are also one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish, and their booming popularity has created a subculture of sorts that includes specialized river boats and a vibrant, seasonal river guide industry. River smallies are opportunistic feeders with many available forage options during summer months. Due to their curious…

Wipers are aggressive, strong-swimming fish that readily take a variety of baits and lures and appeal to many anglers. Fortunately, they’re heavily stocked across much of the region, including a quartet of reservoirs offering particularly good wiper action. SUNFLOWER STATE STUD At nearly 16,000 acres, Milford Lake is Kansas’ largest reservoir. Its wiper population is on the upswing, with good carry-over numbers and mature fish being the norm. For a turnkey experience, Brad Roether with Grandpa Boone’s Cabin and Outfitters (lakemilford.com) is a long-time guide specializing in group trips. Traveling anglers can stay at Acorns Resort, which offers a boat ramp, beach front, pool, RV sites, cabins and lodge-style rooms. After fishing, grab some drinks and pizza or burgers at Milford Tropics Bar & Grill. CORNHUSKER COUPLE Nebraska’s roughly 5,000-acre…

Ely offers far more than just world-class multi-species angling opportunities. It’s a top destination for year-round family fun. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the North American Bear Center and the International Wolf Center, where up-close animal encounters provide an unrivaled look into the species’ behavior and ongoing conservation efforts. History buffs will appreciate Ely’s rich heritage, from its roots in iron mining to its significance as a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Ely-Winton Historical Society Museum offers fascinating exhibits, while guided tours provide even further insight into the area’s past. Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy, from classic American fare to upscale farm-to-table dining, as well as coffee spots for that early-morning cup of joe required for long days on the water. Beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss…

If you like lever-action rifles, we can be friends. If not, how long have you been a member of the communist party? Jokes notwithstanding, lever-action rifles are a practical choice for hunting and are also exceptionally fun. When it comes to rimfires, however, our current era is dominated by semi-autos, which may make lever guns seem at least antiquated if not irrelevant. Nonetheless, no other type of rifle has the heralded form factor and ergonomics, as well as the nostalgia, of the lever action—rimfires included. The new Savage Revel .22 LR checks all these boxes. I was predisposed to being unimpressed with this rifle. I heard it had an aluminum receiver, thought it would feel cheap and didn’t expect much from this affordable lever action. That was before I handled…

THE GREAT DIVIDE OVER NEW DEER CARTRIDGES Are the new and latest deer loads any better than the tried-and-true ammo from the past? From the standbys of .308 and .30-06 to the 6.5 PRC and 6 mm Creedmoor loads, here’s a look into how these cartridges stand up to each other. Check out our “Gear” section for more. SUMMER CAMPING GUIDE From helpful how-tos on campsite tasks and family-favorite outdoor recipes to the best gear and destinations, our Summer Camping Guide sets you up for success in the great outdoors. YIPPEE KI-YAY While e-callers are great at getting the attention of coyotes, underused and underappreciated howler calls are incredibly effective in calling dogs in from a long way off. See our “Hunting” section for more. LONG-RANGE MATH Take a deep…

If you want your boat to deliver more tomorrow than it does today, it’s time to enter the spin zone, because getting your propeller dialed in is the number one way to attain the performance you’re looking for. And if you haven’t tried swapping props in the past, chances are the one you’ve been using is no longer in optimal condition and is robbing you of fishing time and money at the gas pump. IMPORTANCE OF PROP SELECTION Why don’t all boats come with the perfect prop in the first place? Because the ideal choice depends on a number of variables, including the hull’s design and dimensions, the weight of the boat and its load, and the performance aspects on which you place a premium. Top speed, fuel efficiency, hole-shot…

As a bass angler, few things are more satisfying than having success when fishing a body of water for the first time. You throw yourself into something unfamiliar, put a plan together, adjust as needed and ultimately figure out the bass. However, this can be especially difficult if you haven’t strayed from a favorite lake or river much, or if the conditions aren’t in your favor. When I’m fishing a new body of water, whether for a tournament or for fun, there are a few things I do to try and shorten the time it takes to put those puzzle pieces together. STUDY UP If I’m able to research a new body of water prior to my arrival, I do. I’ll look at detailed contour maps of the lake (I…

Biologists and pond management specialists note that many very large bluegills come from smaller lakes and ponds. These waters typically have limited, shallow water and a good population of larger bass that eat most of the smaller bluegills, leaving more food for survivors. Gain access to a lightly fished farm pond with plenty of big bass, and you may find a mother lode of big bluegills, too. Asking for permission at the farmhouse may get you access, especially if you offer to bring the family a stringer of fish. Those who don’t have—or can’t obtain—access to private ponds shouldn’t fret, as the Midwest has ample public lakes known for consistently producing nice bluegills. Michigan’s Houghton Lake, particularly the flat west of the Cut River inlet, yields large bluegills May through…

The Midwest has many great smallmouth bass fisheries, some universally renowned for outstanding smallmouth fishing and others that fly under the radar. In fact, most Midwestern anglers are often only a short drive away from some truly incredible smallmouth rivers. The Upper Mississippi River and its tributary, the St. Croix River, form the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Each state also has many major Mississippi tributaries, including Wisconsin powerhouses like the Wisconsin, Flambeau and Chippewa rivers. These waters all consistently pump out big fish. On the Wisconsin border with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Menominee River and major tributaries are outstanding smallmouth fisheries. This stream drains into Lake Michigan, and if you’re keeping score, no other Great Lake possesses such a wealth of outstanding smallmouth stream systems. The list is long, but some better-known…

In the 1980s, aquatic biologists successfully crossed white bass and striped bass, producing the hybrid wiper. Two types of wipers exist: the palmetto bass, made using the striped bass egg and white bass sperm, and the sunshine bass, made using the white bass egg and striped bass sperm. Like its striper parent, the wiper has two rows of teeth near the rear of the tongue instead of the white bass’ single-tooth patch on its tongue. The world-record wiper is a 27-pound 5-ounce fish caught in 1997 on Arkansas’ Greers Ferry Lake. Many state agencies stock wipers in various lakes and river systems, and they’re fairly common across the Midwest. This hybridized fish species can act as a primary predator in an aquatic ecosystem while providing anglers with an amazing game…

Growing up on the banks of a well-known smallmouth bass river in West Virginia, I have been fishing for that species nearly my entire life. My introduction to fishing was a simple affair—a walk down to the riverbank when Dad got home from work with a closed-face reel to cast a worm I gathered by flipping rocks along the way. My fishing career trajectory was boosted when float fishing replaced bank fishing, utilizing canoes and running sections between bridges that provided easy access to the river for put-ins and take-outs. Learning to paddle the shoals and minor rapids was a learning curve; doing it correctly kept us dry and prevented the canoe from sinking and losing our gear. It took many years to become efficient at running the river, competently…

The Weatherby Model 307 bolt action introduced in 2023 reminds us that the Weatherby family gene of doing things their way is still present in their DNA. But why would the company take on another bolt-action product line with the Model 307? The defining Mark V introduced in 1958 and the Vanguard in 1971 would seem to have the market covered. However, after 50-plus years, Weatherby felt it was time to introduce something new. The 2019 move from California to Wyoming facilitated onsite machining and engineering resources so Weatherby could consider a fresh design and more importantly the manufacturing capacity to make the Model 307 at the new Sheridan headquarters. By the way, 307 is the area code for Sheridan—a nice way to pay homage to Weatherby’s new community. Weatherby’s…

As a hunter, I’ve killed a lot of bears, but I’ve never had to shoot one that was trying to chew on me. I’ve also done a lot of hunting with handguns and have conducted a lot of terminal ballistics evaluations. However, few things are as valuable as first-hand experience, and Tim Sundles, who owns Buffalo Bore Ammunition, has had a lot of firsthand and up-close experiences with bears and handguns. Anyone curious about protecting themselves from bears with handguns would be wise to hear his thoughts on the subject. Before I share Sundles’ advice, though, I want to tell you about Ian McMurchy, who had more experiences with bears—black bears, brown bears, little bears and big bears—than anyone I’ve known. Ian retired from the Saskatchewan Department of Wildlife in…

In three summers of guiding at Cree River Lodge, Terrell Steels (above) and Cliff Salisbury have seen the good, bad and ugly from anglers who fish the remote northern Saskatchewan waters. They sat down on the last evening of our four-day trip to discuss common but easily avoided mistakes. 1. NOT BEING READY TO FISH. “On this river system there are so many tight little spots where I pull in,” said Salisbury, “and if you’re not already casting as we’re coming in, you’ve blown the spot.” 2. CHANGING LURES UNNECESSARILY. When you’re changing lures, you’re not fishing. Change when moving from spot to spot, and ask your guide’s opinion. “Let me know when you’re changing and I’ll stay off the spot until you’re ready,” Steels said. A pet peeve: “People…

The Buckeye State may be an overlooked musky destination compared to places like Wisconsin’s Chippewa Flowage and Minnesota’s Lake Mille Lacs that are renowned for producing giant, 50-plus-inch fish. However, Ohio is no slouch in the musky department, especially in recent years. Muskellunge are native to Ohio waters, but wild fish numbers have diminished over the years due to habitat loss, pollution and overfishing. However, a robust stocking program by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife (DOW), known as the Ohio Muskellunge Program, has turned the state into a prime musky destination. “Anglers from across the United States come to fish for muskellunge in Ohio,” says Kevin Page, an ODNR DOW fisheries biologist. “The goal of the Ohio Muskellunge Program is to provide trophy fisheries in…

Hybrid striped bass, or wipers, as they’re sometimes called, have some of their parents’ best qualities. They’re feisty and hard fighting like white bass, and they grow fast and big and are strong swimmers like striped bass. Wipers are known for powerful strikes, vigorous fights and putting tackle to the test. These fish actively use much of the water column and can be caught a variety of ways. They’re also stocked widely across the region, providing exciting opportunities for anglers, whether they use live bait or artificials or even sight-fish with a fly rod. FIND THE FISH Wipers almost always relate closely to baitfish. So, if you understand baitfish movements, you can often track down hybrids. Baitfish, like gizzard and thread-fin shad, typically move into shallower water during nocturnal hours,…

While I can appreciate the convenience, accessibility and affordability that comes with urban angling, fishing to me has always been about connecting with nature. There are plenty of wild places across the United States, but few—if any—can rival the remote beauty of Ely, Minn. Nestled in the northeastern corner of the state and surrounded by the pristine expanse of the Superior National Forest, Ely is known as the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). For many, Ely serves as the launching point to the sprawling, million-acre Boundary Waters—a federally protected labyrinth of around a thousand lakes and countless rivers and streams that require permits to enter. This untouched maze of waterways is the largest expanse of wilderness east of the Rockies and north of the Everglades. It…

For information on permits for the Salmon River and all required equipment, go to recreation.gov, or contact the Salmon-Challis National Forest River Office at sm.fs.salmonriver@usda.gov or 208-481-2625. Contact Idaho Fish and Game for fishing license Information at idfg.idaho.gov, licenses@idfg.idaho.gov or 208-334-3700. All watercraft must be clean, drained and dry upon arrival at the launch site. Each boat must have an appropriate Idaho Invasive Species sticker. Information can be found at parksandrecreation.idaho.gov or by calling 888-922-6743.…

“Ever been night fishing?” asked Marvin McGhee, owner of McGhee’s tackle shop, as he wiped a stream of sweat from his forehead and sighed. Although his shop was air-conditioned, it was just enough to prevent the plastic worms from melting together in their packages. “Nope, never really even thought about it,” Shane replied. “I figure the fish have to sleep sometime, too.” “It’s the way to go, especially right now with this wretched heat wave,” said Marvin. “It’s nice and cool at night, and it’s when the big ones feed. Yessir, I caught my two best bass at night.” Shane’s head began to spin with possibilities as he swirled his lawn money around in the pocket of his Levis. Now that he could drive, he could fish every night of…