Outdoor Report

DNR: Early spring fishing slow on local waterways; conditions expected to improve

April 1, 2026

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has released its latest weekly fishing and waterways report, showing early spring conditions continue to impact anglers across West Michigan, particularly along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Mason and Manistee counties. Cold water temperatures, lingering ice and recent weather patterns have slowed activity in both the Ludington and Manistee areas, though conditions…

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Clear Springs Nature Preserve

March 30, 2026

Story and photos by Joan Young, MCP Contributing Writer Whenever you are in need of a short or moderate hike on the way from the Mason County area to Muskegon, Clear Springs Nature Preserve, just off the US 31 freeway near Montague, is a great option. There are several loops of trails ranging from easy to moderately hilly, and visitors…

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DNR: Steelhead fishing improving across West Michigan rivers

March 26, 2026

LANSING — Steelhead fishing is picking up across rivers in West Michigan as anglers take advantage of improving spring conditions, according to the latest weekly fishing report from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Recent warmer temperatures and increased river flows have improved steelhead activity in several rivers, including those flowing into Lake Michigan. Anglers have reported success using spawn,…

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Outdoors: The Great Falls in the Big Woods

March 8, 2026

By Joan Young, contributing writer I am in the East this week, traveling through my home territory of the Finger Lakes in New York. Although it’s not in Michigan, I really have to share a very special place. Yes, it’s special to me, but it’s pretty significant in the grander scheme of things as well. Taughannock Falls (say tuh-GAN-uck) near…

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Outdoors: Try a triathlon- it’s fun!

February 1, 2026

By Joan Young, MCP contributing writer Photos provided by Jodie Seese What comes to mind when you think of a triathlon? Hawaii? Ironman? Unbelievable feats of endurance? High-cost participation events? Who are triathletes? Maybe slim and muscled young bodies appear in your imagination. Would you conjure up images of middle-aged women? Distances and costs that actually sound reasonable rather than…

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