August

Early August is when most lake water temperatures peak, so you want to be mindful of creeks and inlets that are pouring cooler, more oxygenated currents into the lake, especially if the bottom drops at that spot. Also understand that in most lakes, baitfish (and the bass that follow them) like to school on structures below the thermocline (where water temperatures transition from warm to cool). For water 15 feet deep or more, try a drop-shot rig, where you have a heavy weight at the end of your line, and suspend a smaller-sized soft plastic worm on a hook above that. You want to use eight-pound to 12-pound test line and a medium- or light-action spinning rod in this situation, because finesse and feel are important.

Tip courtesy of  Anglers’ Legacy

June

In June, before water temperatures approach their peak (especially in northern states) you’ll still find good numbers of bass cruising in water less than 10 feet deep. This is a great time of year to try different baits and lures. Among the favorites are spinnerbaits, especially in the mornings. If you get an early start, try fishing buzzbaits, or even a surface-riding swimbait. In the warmest hours, you might try throwing jigs and soft plastics. With these options, concentrate your casts around points and drop-offs, and try flipping into weed mats with a weighted “green pumpkin” colored jig.

Tip courtesy of  Anglers’ Legacy

by Mark Herwig

Did you ever wonder why elk and antelope sometimes gather in big herds?

A few autumns ago I tagged along with a friend to learn how to hunt elk. His license was for the rugged wilderness south of Rawlins, Wyoming.

The night before, the high country where the elk, deer and antelope like to eat received a lot of snow, covering up their feed. In the morning, we found snow clogged roads and no elk.

We knew, however, that when it snows a lot, the animals have to migrate down to lower, snow-free range to eat. So, we headed off the mountain . . . and it wasn’t long before we found game. As we drove around a big hill on a lonely dirt trail, we spotted a huge herd of antelope walking fast down a broad, flat valley! But still, no elk.

The next day, we stayed low, but had to stop where the road was blocked by deep snow. So, we got out to walk. We didn’t go far before we spotted a big hill to the south that was covered with hundreds of elk! more…

by Dan Hare

As much or more water collects and flows underground than in this Tennessee surface river.

“Water…water…everywhere and not a drop to drink” is a well-known phrase that reminds us that wildlife need clean water to survive. If we try to think about water as part of a wildlife habitat complex, we need to get a better idea of how water becomes such an important habitat element. How does it affect the land and the wildlife trying to survive there? While we are at it, we need to remember how important it is for our survival as well.

We all know that food, shelter and water are the primary things necessary to sustain life, but water is pretty high up the ladder of survival! For many of you, if you took a look out your window this past winter you wondered if the snow was ever going to leave! There were many parts of the country that experienced extreme cold, ice and snowfall.

Well, there is the first clue as to where the water comes from. Whether you are from the mountain states of the West, the upper Great Plains states or Midwestern states, you probably recognized all of that snow! As you read this, all the snow is gone from the front yard. But…just where did it go?
more…

Item code: 910270003

Kids Gone Paddlin’ By Tom Watson
Review By Rylee Young, 16, Atkinson, NE
Does the color of your life jacket really matter? Can the shape of your canoe or kayak determine how fast you go? Where’s the best place to go canoeing or kayaking? All of these questions plus many more can be answered in Tom Watson’s book Kids Gone Paddlin’. In this fascinating book you will discover the ins and outs of canoeing and kayaking. You will find new skills to use while out on the water. You will also learn what gear to use, some good places to go and other things you can do while canoeing or kayaking. All this information along with a variety of detailed pictures can be found in this great book.
more…