Walleye season opens on Oneida Lake on May 1, 2024, marking the 15th consecutive month that Matt Gutchess has fished the lake from his boat due to unusually warm winter temperatures. The early spawn and reduced ice cover have resulted in an abundance of walleye and perch, leading to expectations of a strong inshore bite. Anglers are advised to start shallow and work their way out into deeper water, using small swimbaits or stickbaits in emergent weeds.
California is set to open its first new state park in nearly a decade on June 12, 2023. The park, known as Dos Rios, is located in the San Joaquin Valley near the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers. The 1,600-acre park will offer visitors a glimpse of the valley’s waterways before agriculture, but many activities and amenities will be added in the future. Visitors can currently enjoy guided hikes and use picnic tables and shade structures, with plans for biking, swimming, fishing, and nonmotorized boating in the works. The park’s name is still to be determined, and an official grand opening is planned for later this year.
Spanning a vast 377 acres, Dune Harbor Park has emerged as Muskegon County’s newest and most extensive park. Set to open its gates to the public in June 2023, this breathtaking sanctuary boasts a quarter mile of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline, complemented by two serene inland lakes.
California is preparing to open its first new state park in a decade. The Dos Rios tract, a 1,600-acre expanse located in the Central Valley near the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers, will officially open to the public on June 12. Visitors to Dos Rios will have access to hiking and picnicking opportunities, with plans for swimming and boating to be added in the future. The establishment of Dos Rios State Park aligns with California’s broader climate change mitigation efforts, with Governor Gavin Newsom announcing ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on natural lands.
The East Windham Conservation Area, a 700-acre natural preserve, will hold its grand opening on May 4th. The area boasts trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, and connects to other conservation areas in the region. The opening of the conservation area marks the completion of phase one of a three-phase development plan.
As the beauty of spring envelops mid-Michigan, the Freeland Walleye Festival triumphantly returns for its 38th year. This highly anticipated annual event will take place from Thursday, April 25th, through Sunday, April 28th, inviting fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to gather in the vibrant community of Freeland.
