Outdoor Report

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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County discussing trail improvements

January 4, 2026

By Joan Young, MCP contributing writer A Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grant agreement being considered by the Mason County Board of Commissioners which would bring in $400,000 for improving trail at Mason County Campground. The local match would be $700,000. The item is currently at the committee level, at the Mason County Finance, Personnel and Rules Committee which will…

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We Love Those Autumn Reds!

November 19, 2025

By Joan Young, Contributing Writer How often in the fall, even a fairly spectacular season like this one, have we yearned for more of the passionate, bright red color?  Have you wondered why some trees turn red and others don’t? The answer is found in leaf chemistry.  I won’t make you balance any formulas or pronounce multi-syllabic words (well, I…

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Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks