A generation ago, the idea of catching a legal fish and throwing it back seemed strange. Catch and ... what?

Now catch-and-release has become common, especially among bass anglers. But a Canadian study published last year says that fishing tournament anglers should adopt better release policies.

Black bass — the largemouth, smallmouth and ...Read more

MINNEAPOLIS — Sarah Strommen isn't the first Department of Natural Resources commissioner to realize the future of land, water and outdoor-recreation funding is strewn with land mines.

But she's the first to attempt to do something about it.

In an interview recently, Strommen outlined — at times broadly, at times more specifically — a ...Read more

BOISE, Idaho — At the end of May, Daniel Ritz again found himself in unfamiliar waters. The 33-year-old Boisean had just landed in Alaska, the latest destination in his pursuit of more than a dozen rare trout species.

Within a few days, Ritz had landed four of the six species he came to Alaska to catch, adding to the list of trout he'd ...Read more

Knowing when to fish in Minnesota is almost as important as knowing where to fish. Beginning with the walleye opener in mid-May and ending with muskie fishing just before freeze-up, the state's best open-water fishing follows fairly predictable patterns.

That said, in most years, the overall best time to fish Minnesota lakes is right now. ...Read more

Like everyone who has ever held a rod and reel in Canada, I have memories that just won't quit. Some feature walleyes, others lake trout, northern pike, Arctic grayling and more.

Which is why, in Minnesota, which likely sends more anglers to Canada every year than any other state, the border closing that prevents travel to Ontario, Manitoba, ...Read more

Among the most prominent avian singers this time of year are our migrant visitors, some of whom have traveled thousands of miles, bringing vibrant color and song.

Migration allows birds to winter in warmer climates but demands superbird caloric feats.

In human terms, it’s the equivalent of a 150-pound person gaining 15 pounds of pure fat per...Read more

Critics of an Idaho wolf law approved earlier this month have launched a petition that could reinstate Endangered Species Act protections for wolves that were lifted a decade ago.

The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity announced Wednesday that they petitioned the...Read more

In the past year, law enforcement officers too often have been considered contributors to society's ills, rather than part of the solution, which they are.

In Grand Rapids Friday, in northern Minnesota, the opposite of cops-are-the-problem was on display. The sad occasion was the funeral of Department of Natural Resources conservation officer (...Read more

MINNEAPOLIS — Craig Brown wears many hats, and on a recent day, one suggested he was a plumber, another designated him as a fishing guide, and still another labeled him as a dock boy at the resort that has been in his family 42 years.

The hats are figurative, of course. But the reference underscores the many and varied duties and challenges ...Read more

There’s another emerging insect that’s raising the hackles of Pennsylvania outdoors lovers. And to see them, you don’t have to wait 17 years.

Joe Henry will tell you all about his passion for fly fishing during the spring green drake hatch. He’ll describe the sensation of standing in the center of a dense swarm, and explain how his hand...Read more

Peak boating season is just around the corner and there may be more newbies out on the water.

During the pandemic, more people have sought outdoor spaces — including on the water. New boat sales in Washington were up 12% last year and the number of vessel registrations were the highest in 12 years, according to the Northwest Marine Trade ...Read more

Anglers in Tampa Bay will once again be allowed to keep snook, redfish and seatrout starting June 1 after wildlife officials voted Thursday to end restrictions implemented after a past Red Tide bloom.

The unanimous decision by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission followed extensive feedback from guides, captains and hobbyists, ...Read more