Freshwater Fishing News

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has issued a consumption advisory for fish caught in the area of a July 1 oil spill in the Yellowstone River.

People who have caught fish in the river between Buffalo Mirage fishing access site near Park City and the confluence with the Bighorn River near Custer should be cautious about consuming them.

Fishing in that stretch of the river has been negligible since late spring because of high runoff levels and flooding. Most FWP fishing access sites in that stretch of river have been closed for several months by flooding.

FWP asked boaters to stay off of the river between the Laurel and Lockwood highway bridges to accommodate oil spill cleanup.

Recently, FWP biologists started capturing fish below the oil spill site and sending them to a laboratory for testing. Test results should be returned in the next two weeks and FWP will publish the data so fishermen can determine whether their catch is suitable for consumption.

Crude oil spilled into the river near Laurel July 1 when a pipeline feeding the ExxonMobil refinery in Lockwood broke.
People with additional questions about the oil spill may call the governor’s information line at 406-657-0231, go to the information office at 424 Morey Street in Billings or visit www.yellowstoneriveroilspill.mt.gov

source Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Throughout the United States, 21-27 May 2011 is “National Safe Boating Week (NSBW). During National Safe Boating Week and throughout the boating season, anglers should remember to practice safe and responsible boating. Always wear a life jacket and be alert and aware while on the water.

Here are some other tips from the United States Coast Guard to help boaters have a safe and pleasant summer on the water:

Wear your life jacket: Almost three-quarters of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, nearly 90 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Accidents can happen very quickly, sometimes leaving no time to don a life jacket. More than 90 percent of boaters who drown were not wearing their life jackets.

Bow riding is when passengers unsafely remain on the bow of a recreational vessel while it is making way. This is inherently unsafe when the bow is not outfitted with the appropriate safety equipment for seating passengers, such as non-skid, railings or seats. Even while wearing a life jacket, a person who is sitting on the bow can be at risk of a propeller strike if they fall overboard.

Make a float plan: A float plan states where you are going and how many people are on board your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and says what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

Check the local weather: Weather can change very rapidly, and you should keep a watchful eye on the forecasted conditions. Check marine radio weather reports often to stay abreast of small craft advisories and current weather forecasts.

Know how to operate your equipment: Have up to date nautical charts of the area in which you are boating, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel. VHF radio is the best method of communication while on the water. The Coast Guard monitors VHF channel 16. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery.

Don’t drink and boat: Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail terms.

Take care navigating at night and in unfamiliar waters: The most frequently reported boating accidents are collisions with other vessels, so it’s important to maintain a safe speed, post a lookout and ensure all navigation lights work. Spotlights can be very helpful, and ensure all safety gear is readily available and life jackets are worn. Be extra careful not to run over anchor lines in crowded areas, and don’t take shortcuts during periods of darkness.

Don’t overload your boat: Resist the urge to invite more friends or family aboard than what your boat was designed to carry. Heavily loaded small boats and those with little freeboard such as bass boats, are more susceptible to swamping from weather or wake action associated with heavy boating traffic.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: http://www.cgaux.org/

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

With cold weather here and anglers gearing up to head to frozen lakes and ponds, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has issued information on the dangers of ice and tips on how to follow basic safety precautions before heading out to favorite ice fishing spots.

“Before going onto a frozen lake or pond, it is important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice,” said Ryan Walt, PFBC Boating and Watercraft Safety Manager. “Remember, anglers take a risk any time they go onto the ice. Knowing how to judge ice conditions will help them make more informed decisions while enjoying their outing.”

Below are safety precautions and tips that anglers should keep in mind:

* When arriving at the water’s edge, visually survey the ice. Look for open water areas, and look for signs of recent changes in water levels. Ice sloping down from the bank because the water level dropped, or wet areas on the ice because the water level rose, can be an indicator of a very dangerous condition.

* Listen for loud cracks or booms coming from the ice. This can indicate deteriorating ice.

* Look for clear blue ice. New ice is stronger than old ice and usually has a blue tint.

* Remember that ice thickness is not consistent.

* Beware of ice around partially submerged objects such as trees, brush, embankments or structures. Ice will not form as quickly where water is shallow or where objects may absorb sunlight.

* A lifejacket or float coat should be worn at all times while on the ice.

* Anglers should use an ice staff to probe ahead of them. If the ice staff punches through then the angler should retreat back to shore slowly.

* Anglers should always carry a pair of ice awls – handheld spikes – in the case they do go through the ice so they can self-rescue. Anglers drive the spikes into the ice and pull themselves from the water.

* Never go out on ice that has formed over moving water such as a river or stream.

* Never go out on ice alone.

* Always let someone know your plans and when you expect to return.

For more information on ice safety, visit the Commission’s water and ice safety webpage at:

http://fishandboat.com/safety.htm.

source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

There is no bigger safety issue in ice fishing than thickness of ice.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has some tips for a safe outing on the lake:

- A minimum of 3 inches of clear, blue lake ice will support a single angler, 5 inches will hold several anglers in single file and 8 inches will support a snowmobile.

- Slush ice is about half as strong as clear lake ice, so anglers should double the minimum thickness figures when encountering such conditions. Ice weakens with age, and late in the season, when it becomes dark and honeycombed, it is time to quit fishing for the season.

- Be especially careful on any lake that has moving water in it. Water movement retards freezing, often leaving hard-to-detect thin spots.

- Materials imbedded in the ice such as weeds or logs weaken ice. Large objects on the ice such as duck blinds or ice shacks can absorb the sun’s heat and weaken ice. Ice near shore may be weakened by heat from the ground.

- The best tool for checking ice thickness is an ice chisel or spud bar, which may be used to strike the ice and evaluate ice conditions.

- Dress appropriately to stay warm and dry. Boots and hats are important, but the key to staying warm is layering. Start with a base layer of silk or synthetic underwear and add layers. Wool garments provide excellent insulation and will stay warm even when damp. Outer layers may include sweatshirts and jackets covered by heavy parkas, bibs or coveralls. Carry at least a couple pairs of gloves or mittens.

- Commercial or homemade ice picks should be worn around your neck in case the worst happens and you need something to grip the ice and pull yourself out of the water.

- Wear ice creepers or ice cleats on your boots to keep you on your feet.

- All ice anglers should have a long piece of rope in case of emergency.

Drowning is one immediate danger from falling through the ice, but hypothermia, a rapid, drastic lowering of body temperature that causes loss of the use of limbs, disorientation, unconsciousness, and heart failure, is the real threat. Be safe on the ice for an enjoyable winter of ice fishing.

source: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

In light of the recent activity in the Atlantic Ocean, boaters are reminded to make plans for protecting property and lives in the event of hurricanes or tropical storms.

Planning is important to minimize injury and loss of life. Most emergency response agencies recommend that boaters make plans well in advance of storms so that docking, mooring or hauling out their boat can be performed quickly and without delay.

When deciding on storm preparation plans, mariners should consider size, type of boat and location. Some locations may not offer protection from high winds or tides. Boaters should consider the following when making arrangements for their boats.

1. Remove valuable equipment from the boat to protect it from damage.

2. Consider removing the boat from the water to reduce damage from storm surge. Boats on land should be properly stored or tied down to prevent being damaged by winds. Small open boats can be filled with water to lessen the effect of the wind.

3. Boats that remain in the water should be moored in safe areas or berths. Lines should be doubled and high on pilings. Remember storm surges can cause tides over the pilings. Install fenders to protect boats from pilings, piers or other vessels.

4. Ensure that bilge pumps work properly and that the batteries that run them are fully charged. Seal all openings to make the vessel watertight.

5. Collect all documents, including insurance policies. Take photographs of the boat and equipment for insurance

6. Do not stay aboard boats during storms. Safeguard human life.

Advance planning can save property and lives. These actions should take place at least 48 to 72 hours prior to the storm to accommodate unforeseen problems.

During severe storms, people should stay away from waterways and reside in safe shelters. Storm conditions may delay or prevent response from emergency personnel.

source: MD Natural Resources