Hello, Spring!

By: Jenny Ciolek Michigan Out of Doors

Winter has finally released us from its dormant icy and snowy grasp, and given way to the powerful and energy-charged changes of Spring! We will miss the ice fishing, snowmobiling and skiing, but we welcome the warmer weather and watching our outdoor world renew and grow once again.

As the trees are budding and perennial flowers are fighting their way through the cold ground, the fishing opportunities in our great state abound. Spring is synonymous with walleye fishing in the southeast part of the Lower Peninsula. These delicious sportfish create a frenzy for anglers of all ages during their massive spawning run –most notably in Lake Erie, and then on the Detroit River and the St. Clair River. This time of year also welcomes a world-class bass fishery on Lake St. Clair, with families and tournament anglers alike casting the waters of this amazing and ever-plentiful body of water. Michigan’s trout season opens statewide the last Saturday in April, bringing with it a powerful story of an outdoor heritage steeped in tradition. Spring warmups also signal the mighty steelhead to begin their spawning runs. Anglers will battle their fair share of Michigan spring steelhead on the Pere Marquette, Muskegon and Big Manistee Rivers. There’s virtually a never-ending list of fishing opportunities here in the Great Lakes State!

Spring in Michigan also marks the return of robins and red-winged blackbirds, with their unmistakable songs echoing in our backyards. Another feathered species that brings excitement with its springtime calls is the wild turkey. Turkeys can be found in most every county in the lower Peninsula, and many areas in the upper Peninsula as well. Hunters take to the woods and fields each spring in pursuit of this wary species that proves to be both exciting and frustrating to hunt. Majestic toms are the focus, and their piercing gobbles fill the woods and roll through the early morning fields in April and May. Through successful management efforts by the state and private organizations alike, the wild turkey is absolutely flourishing in Michigan.

Springtime is also a time for foraging Michigan’s forests for edible resources. Careful naturalists hike the land and harvest many edible plants and mushrooms in our great state. There’s plenty of delicious foraging opportunities for novices as well. The morel mushroom is a unique and tasty addition to many dishes, and folks love hunting for them in the spring. Both white morels and black morels can be found here in Michigan. Many people have their triedand-true ways to find them, whether that’s under dead elm trees or in the remains of large burn sites in forests. Fiddleheads from ferns, and wild ramps (or wild leeks) are other delicacies here in Michigan but may only be harvested off of private land. This year, when you see farmers planting their crops and the woods turning green, look to Michigan’s outdoors for an unending list of ways to enjoy all of our protein-packed (and edible) renewable resources Mother Nature provides. ■