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.
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.