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AGFC Millwood Lake Fishing & Conditions Report, submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service each Monday/Tuesday. }><(((º> Millwood Lake Fishing Report 10 January 2011 <º)))><{ The Overall Picture: Navigation conditions are well below normal elevation during four foot drawdown. Use extreme caution during navigation on Millwood Lake. As of Monday 10 January, prior to the winter blast of ice and snow, Largemouth, Kentucky (Spotted), and White Bass are fair to good. Largemouth Bass, remain in close proximity to creek junctions and ditches along Little River. The Largemouths are ranging anywhere from 3-6 pounds, along river edges and creek channels. The warmer weather last week had the Largemouths biting very good, and all that changed with the arctic winter blast of ice and snow that froze the boat ramps Sunday and Monday this week. Over the past 2-3 weeks, good catches of bass continue on Millwood, best hitting Rat-L-Traps, Bomber Fat Free Shad Crankbaits, and jigs. War Eagle spinnerbaits continue to work around any remaining vegetation. The best bite remains heat of the day, and early afternoon forward, are the best times to make efforts. As of Monday 10 January, boat ramps were frozen and access limited. The ramps should thaw out and be accessible by mid week. The lake level has dropped from the recent rise from all the recent rains last week, and is 39.6 inches below normal pool and falling, with increased current in Little River of 2,750 CFS, and the four foot drawdown continues through February 11. Surface temps during the past week are currently ranging 43ºF early to 47ºF later, dependent on location and time of day. Use extreme caution at boat ramps, and navigation on Millwood during the four foot drawdown in effect through Feb 2011. Stumps and boat ramps are very shallow. Some cutover boat lanes through timber on main lake are inaccessible during drawdown conditions, and merely inches of depth remain! Call the USACE for lake level updates, tail water level, and on all USACE boat ramp closures. Lake level as of Monday 10 January, is 255.93 mfsl. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. The USACE has increased total discharge, to 2750CFS (cubic feet/ second) with 13 tainer gates open at 1 foot each, and 1 sluice gate open at 1 foot. Tailwater levels as of Monday 10 January, are 228.30. Clarity on main lake slightly improved over the past week with increased rain and current in Little River; currently ranging approx 10-12 inches, and 15-20" in Little River's low level of current depending on location. The oxbows clarity ranging approx 15-20" visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility can change dramatically on Millwood in just a few hours with high winds. Millwood's 4' drawdown is currently underway, to control unwanted aquatic vegetation, make scheduled repairs and complete other projects, such as shoreline improvements, Ranger Tony Porter said. It will take approximately 14 days and lower the water level to 255.2 feet, approximately 4 feet below normal and the project will last until 11 February 2011, when the lake will be filled to 261.2 feet, which is 2 feet above normal and return to normal elevation of 259.2 feet after two months, or approx 11 April 2011. Use extreme caution in lake navigation during the drawdown due to stumps nearing the surface in cut over boat lanes, and the river channel. Some boat ramps maybe inaccessible during the drawdown due to sedimentation build up and rebar at / near end of ramp concrete areas. Some boat lanes maybe inaccessible due to water levels. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office. To receive updates or volunteer, call the US Army Corps of Engr's toll-free information line at 888-697-9830. The Details: Largemouth Bass: The bass bite over the past week, prior to the arctic blast of ice and snow was good to very good for Largemouth. Bite continues to be best during heat of the day, in early and mid afternoon with increased daytime heating. The frigid temperatures this week had few fishermen out on the lake. Surface temps over this past week slightly dropped into the mid 40 range. Black Bass were good from 2 to 4 pounds each and fair up to 6 pounds each prior to the cold ice and snow this week. Largemouth bass from 2-6 pounds each remain near almost any major creek junction and points along Little River and close proximity to deep water access nearby and these fish are hitting Bomber Fat Free Shad Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, jigs, and War Eagle spinnerbaits. Best Rat-L-Trap colors continue to be the Tennessee Shad/Gold and Toledo Gold. Best Bomber Fat Free Shad crankbaits colors continue to be Tennessee Shad, White, or Citrus Shad. Spinnerbaits in Spot Remover or Chart/White are working fairly well along any remaining vegetation. Jigs in black and blue or Texas Craw are working for heavy egg-laden females, worked very slow. Slow is also the best method of crank bait retrieves or trolling the Bomber Fat Free Shad crankbaits in white, or shad patterns and the Rat-L-Traps. Work the ditches, points, and creek mouths, and intersections where dumps into Little River intersect, and around any remaining vegetation such as pondweed grass in these creek channel mouths, standing timber, and stumps as long as you remain in the creek channel, or deeper drop sections of the oxbows and river. Slow rolling War Eagle spinnerbaits in Spot Remover and White/Chart or slow moving jigs, along drops, points, ditches, and any remaining vegetation, are taking some keeper Largemouth Bass in the 3-5 pound class. Best jigs colors over the past week are Black/blue or Texas Craw colors, and are catching bass on stumps, and points, in deeper sections of the creek channels and creek channels that dump into the river. Bulky 10" worms or Magnum 8" lizards, in Black Neon, Chartreuse pumpkin, or Red Shad are catching Bass on stumps. Southern Pro Fattbut Gitzits with rattles are also working on stumps in Black Neon or Black/Blue. White Bass: were fair to good over the past week prior to the ice and snow, and very large schools continue roaming Little River, some intermingled with Largemouths. Whites remain in the immediate vicinities of Hurricane Creek, White Cliffs, and oxbows that connect with the Little River and the dumps into the river, over the past several weeks. These subsurface schools roaming Little River, and the deeper sections of creek channels dumping into Little River, remain hitting Bomber Fat Free Shads, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Gay Blades, Cordell CC Spoons, Little Georges and white/red Rooster Tails. Crappie: Crappie were beginning to stack vertically in brush prior to the ice and snow, and were hitting vertical jigging tiny jigs. Very few Crappie fishermen out this week. Cats: No report. }><(((º> Millwood Lake Level & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{ Navigation conditions are well below normal elevation during four foot drawdown. Use extreme caution during navigation on Millwood Lake. As of Monday 10 January, boat ramps were frozen and access limited. The ramps should thaw out and be accessible by mid week. The lake level has dropped from the recent rise from all the recent rains last week, and is 39.6 inches below normal pool and falling, with increased current in Little River of 2,750 CFS, and the four foot drawdown continues through February 11. Surface temps during the past week are currently ranging 43ºF early to 47ºF later, dependent on location and time of day. Use extreme caution at boat ramps, and navigation on Millwood during the four foot drawdown in effect through Feb 2011. Stumps and boat ramps are very shallow. Some cutover boat lanes through timber on main lake are inaccessible during drawdown conditions, and merely inches of depth remain! Call the USACE for lake level updates, tail water level, and on all USACE boat ramp closures. Lake level as of Monday 10 January, is 255.93 mfsl. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. The USACE has increased total discharge, to 2750CFS (cubic feet/ second) with 13 tainer gates open at 1 foot each, and 1 sluice gate open at 1 foot. Tailwater levels as of Monday 10 January, are 228.30. Clarity on main lake slightly improved over the past week with increased rain and current in Little River; currently ranging approx 10-12 inches, and 15-20" in Little River's low level of current depending on location. The oxbows clarity ranging approx 15-20" visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility can change dramatically on Millwood in just a few hours with high winds. Millwood's 4' drawdown is currently underway, to control unwanted aquatic vegetation, make scheduled repairs and complete other projects, such as shoreline improvements, Ranger Tony Porter said. It will take approximately 14 days and lower the water level to 255.2 feet, approximately 4 feet below normal and the project will last until 11 February 2011, when the lake will be filled to 261.2 feet, which is 2 feet above normal and return to normal elevation of 259.2 feet after two months, or approx 11 April 2011. Use extreme caution in lake navigation during the drawdown due to stumps nearing the surface in cut over boat lanes, and the river channel. Some boat ramps maybe inaccessible during the drawdown due to sedimentation build up and rebar at / near end of ramp concrete areas. Some boat lanes maybe inaccessible due to water levels. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office. To receive updates or volunteer, call the US Army Corps of Engr's toll-free information line at 888-697-9830. Wear your Life Jacket and kill switch!! If you are suddenly or unxpectedly thrown from your boat, it could be your only chance of survival. Use caution navigating Little River in low light conditions, SLOW DOWN, and pass friendly to other boaters! As always, careful watch for any random floaters and debris in Little River's current, and wearing your PFD and kill switch is a requirement!! Don't forget, be courteous, and respect the other guy's right to use the lake too. Release those big bass to spawn and fight again, and take home those little 16"ers to fry up! Use caution in low light conditions, and wear your flotation device! If you are suddenly thrown from your boat, or knocked unconscious, your life preserver can potentially be your only hope to survive. Visit us on the web for the most current Millwood Lake fishing report, updated weekly. See some great catch and release photos, sponsor links, tons of great information and resources on the lake available to you, along with excellent related direct links to Arkansas' State Parks, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Black Bass Program, The US Army Corps of Engineers, and Arkansas.com. And As Always, """""<º)))><{"""""GOOD FISHIN' !"""""<º)))><{""""""" Mike Thank you for your interest in Millwood Lake Guide Service ~ Arkansas' Best Bass Fishing! Quality Catch & Release Bass Fishing! Huge Crappie to Take Home! Mike Siefert Owner/Operator www.MillwoodGuideService.com P.O.Box 4957 Texarkana, AR/TX/USA 75505-4957 Come see what all the excitement is about! 21+ years in the guide business on Millwood Lake, since 1990! "Some Photos courtesy, Jason Sealock" "Your fun, we take seriously, so you don't have to!" """<º)))><{ """<º)))><{ ""GOFISH"" <º)))><{ """<º)))><{ """ Call US for your next trip!! Spring 2011 Trip Dates are booking in advance, be sure to get yours on our calendar, now! *Shop: (870) 772-6840 or visit our website and email us your desired dates that match your calendar! Access to 5 guides, w/over 80 years combined experience on Millwood Lake, with 2+ Million Purebred Florida Strain Bass stocked by AGFC since 1990!!

Administrator Schwaab defends fishing relief rejection, NMFS record in the face of widespread anger WASHINGTON (Saving Seafood) - Jan. 10, 2011 - National Marine Fisheries Service Assistant Administrator Eric Schwaab Monday defended the Obama administration's decision to reject Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's request for emergency relief from allocation limits, telling Saving Seafood in an exclusive 30-minute interview that it reflects the need to balance statutory requirements in fishing industry regulation. Since the decision was announced on Friday, reaction has been highly polarized, with every New England elected official or industry representative who has commented expressing anger and criticism, while every environmental group that issued a release expressed praise. "The bottom line there is that while the (Commerce) Secretary (Gary Locke) does have the authority to take emergency action based upon economic circumstances, he does not have the ability to supersede or undermine our responsibilities under Magnuson (Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) to use the best available science to meet the requirements to end overfishing and rebuild stocks," Mr. Schwaab said in the interview. When asked if the rejection of Governor Patrick's request was Obama Administration policy, Mr. Schwaab replied "No, that's an interpretation of the requirements of the statute to use the best available science to rebuild fish stocks in accordance with the timeline that's set out in the Magnuson Act." His comments come after Friday's letter to Gov. Patrick from Secretary Locke rejecting his and industry's argument that catch limits were set too low with sector management threatening the survivability of the state's fishing industry. Echoing the finding in the letter, Mr. Schwaab argued that while commercial impacts of the regulations are important, new biological data is needed to prove that overfishing is not occurring. "You have to read the statute in its totality," he said. "You just can't pick one section to the exclusion of others." But Locke also rejected pleas for $21 million in federal financial assistance, citing the fact that total aggregate fishing revenue increased 21 percent in the first five months of 2010. When asked about the financial relief decision, Mr. Schwaab acknowledged that the data cited ignores the cost of buying quota on net profits, but argued that the revenue increase is still an important consideration. He also added that solutions are needed to help address how smaller fisherman are being affected by the catch share system. "We are very clear in our letter about the fact that we remain very interested in working closely, again, with the (New England Fishery Management) Council, with the state, with the fisherman themselves to look at some of these more specific economic challenges and bring into play whatever mechanism we can to alleviate some of those kinds of concerns," said Mr. Schwaab. "But that is not an easy solution. This is a fisherman-by-fisherman, in some case almost trip-by-trip set of challenges. Trying to fix those problems is something that is going to require us to put our heads together and work through together." Just 11 months into his tenure as the head of NMFS following a nearly 30 year career at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Mr. Schwaab finds himself under attack by critics in the fishing industry, and their political allies, over both the impact of the catch share rules as well as over the responsiveness of NMFS, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Commerce Department to fishing industry and community concerns. When asked about charges that the Obama administration has been unresponsive to the needs of industry, particularly the smaller players, Mr. Schwaab noted that the Commerce Department has allocated money to set up permit banks to help reallocate some quota that could benefit small fishing operations and communities. In addition, he said that Commerce officials have made it clear to Gov. Patrick that if Massachusetts can make a more specific case for economic relief for a specific gear type or smaller fishing area, there is precedent for action. Mr. Schwaab also rejected criticisms from various lawmakers and local government officials that the federal government has been slow in it response to questions and to take action when requested, countering that none of the agency's actions occur in a vacuum. For instance, the negotiations over December's congressional approval of changes to federal law allowing regulators to increase catch limits in Georges Bank, a potential boon for U.S. yellowtail fisherman, took place during the much criticized 63 days it took to respond to Gov. Patrick's request for regulatory relief. "To the extent that we had authority and felt like we had authority to alleviate some pressure, we've moved aggressively to do that," said Mr. Schwaab. "To the extent that we haven't, its not because we are uncaring. It's because we have some limitations that we're bound to live up to under law. And frankly, some of those limitations are going to, over time, be shown to be in the best interest of the fisheries too." Mr. Schwaab also expressed defiance in the face of calls for NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco's firing from Capitol Hill, questioning of his qualifications to run the agency by Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk, and doubts about the agency's competence to manage fisheries by New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang. "I think there is progress on a number of fronts that the Secretary, (NOAA Administrator) Dr. (Jane) Lubchenco, and I deserve credit for," said Mr. Schwaab. "Have we fixed all of the problems? No, some of these problems were decades or more in the making. But are we on a positive path forward? I think the answer is yes." [click here and listen to the complete interview] Sign up for daily news updates from Saving Seafood. Visit www.savingseafood.org for the latest industry news. Saving Seafood Contact Information phone: 202-595-1222 e-mail: info@savingseafood.org

GOOD INSHORE FISHING SHALLOW FOR YELLOWTAIL , SIERRA, PARGO and CABRILLA 1-11 La Paz/ Las Arenas Fishing Report from Tailhunter International for Week of Jan. 2-9, 2010 We've had a great time in Denver this past week at the International Sportsman's Expo. Great to have seen so many of our amigos. The Tailhunter International Road Tour 2011 heads to chilly Billings, Montana this week for the Great Rockies Sportshow. If you're in the area, come by the booth and book your 2011 trip fishing trip to La Paz. ANGLERS WORK INSHORE FOR YELLOWTAIL, SIERRA, and ROCK SPECIES La Paz/ Las Arenas Fishing Report for Week of Jan. 2-9, 2011 GOOD INSHORE FISHING SHALLOW FOR YELLOWTAIL , SIERRA, PARGO and CABRILLA 1-11-5.jpg Some cloudy skies and wind this week in between some really nice fishing weather. Nice time to be in town. I think most of our anglers this week have been surprised at the variety of fish. Most of our fishing has been in the Muertos Bay area where even if the winds are a little blustery from the north, we can still be fairly protected since the fish are close and we’re on the lee side of the island. Species this week included pargo and sierra as well as cabrilla, but also a nice jag or two of yellowtail. Not big fish, but the yellowtail are certainly getting a little bigger than in the last few weeks and fun on light tackle or using the iron. The yellowtail were about 10 pounds before, but this week some skinnier 10-15 pounders were making themselves known. The other species readily ate live and chunked dead sardines. “Chunking” involves tossing handfuls of mashed and whole dead sardines into the current and letting it drift down. Anglers then pin another dead sardine to a hook and strip off handfuls of slack line which also drifts down with the rest of the “chunk.” It’s an effective way of getting stubborn fish like pargo, snapper, and cabrilla out’ve their rocky hideouts. Of course, once they bite, you have to turn them quick to kee’p them from heading back into the hole and cutting you off. WHALE WATCHING SEASON By the way, we’re also sending out whale watching trips now to Magdalena Bay as the grey whales have started taking up their winter residences in the shallow lagoons. Usually, the whales are around from January to March with February being optimal for viewing with the whales and their calves often coming right up to the boats. FISHING AND HUNTING SHOWS If you’re going to be in the area of Billings, Montana, the Tailhunter International 2011 Road Tour will be moving from Denver to Billings this week. Come by and pick up our new brochures and DVD’s and book your next La Paz fishing trip. After that in two weeks, we head to the International Sportsman’s Expo in Sacramento CA at the State Fairgrounds. That’s our story! Jonathan and Jill Jonathan Roldan’s Tailhunter International Website: www.tailhunter-international.com U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745 Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico Phones: from USA : 626-638-3383 from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863 . Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/ Tailhunter YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate “When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

Has overfishing ended in America? Just-Retired Top NOAA scientist says "yes" Jay Lindsay of the Associated Press caught up with just-retired top NOAA scientist Steve Murawski who told him that this year, for the first time in a century, not one species will be overfished by U.S. fishermen. Murawski, who retired just last week, called this a historic milestone. And while industry leaders mostly agreed, they were critical of Federal policies which they say needlessly destroyed the livelihoods of many fishermen in the process. BOSTON (AP) Jan. 8, 2011 - For the first time in at least a century, U.S. fishermen won't take too much of any species from the sea, one of the nation's top fishery scientists says. The projected end of overfishing comes during a turbulent fishing year that's seen New England fishermen switch to a radically new management system. But scientist Steve Murawski said that for the first time in written fishing history, which goes back to 1900, "As far as we know, we've hit the right levels, which is a milestone." "And this isn't just a decadal milestone, this is a century phenomenon," said Murawski, who retired last week as chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service. Murawski said it's more than a dramatic benchmark - it also signals the coming of increasingly healthy stocks and better days for fishermen who've suffered financially. In New England, the fleet has deteriorated since the mid-1990s from 1,200 boats to only about 580, but Murawski believes fishermen may have already endured their worst times. "I honestly think that's true, and that's why I think it's a newsworthy event," said Murawski, now a professor at the University of South Florida. But fishermen and their advocates say ending overfishing came at an unnecessarily high cost. Dave Marciano fished out of Gloucester, an hour's drive northeast of Boston, for three decades until he was forced to sell his fishing permit in June. He said the new system made it too costly to catch enough fish to stay in business. "It ruined me," said Marciano, 45. "We could have ended overfishing and had a lot more consideration for the human side of the fishery." "When you compare the United States with the European Union, with Asian countries, et cetera, we are the only industrialized fishing nation who actually has succeeded in ending overfishing," he said. Regulators say 37 stocks nationwide last year were being overfished (counting only those that live exclusively in U.S. waters); New England had the most with 10. But Murawski said management systems that emphasize strict catch limits have made a big difference, and New England just made the switch. Fishermen there now work in groups called sectors to divide an annual quota of groundfish, which include cod, haddock and flounder. If they exceed their limits on one species, they're forced to stop fishing on all species. About two-thirds into the current fishing year, which ends April 30, federal data indicated New England fishermen were on pace to catch fewer than their allotted fish in all but one stock, Georges Bank winter flounder. But Murawski said he didn't expect fishermen would exceed their quota on any stock. In other regions with overfishing - the South Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean - regulators project catch limits and other measures will end overfishing this fishing year. Already, South Atlantic black grouper and Gulf of Mexico red snapper are no longer being overfished. The final verification that overfishing has ended nationwide, at least for one fishing year, will come after detailed stock assessments. It will be a "Pyrrhic victory" in hard-hit New England, said Brian Rothschild, a fisheries scientist at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. He said regulators could legally loosen the rules and allow fishermen to safely catch more fish, but regulators have refused to do it, and fishermen have needlessly been shut out from even healthy stocks. The science is far from perfect, Marciano said. Regulators believed fishermen were overfishing pollock until new data last year indicated scientists had badly underestimated its population, he said. And some stocks, such as Gulf of Maine cod, have recovered even when fishermen were technically overfishing them. "To say you can't rebuild stocks while overfishing is occurring is an outright lie. We did it," Marciano said. Read the complete story by Jay Lindsay of The Associated Press at Google.

State Record Redbreast Sunfish Caught from Choctawhatchee River At approximately 11:30 p.m. on June 12, 2010, Archie Russ of Brantley, Ala., caught a 1 pound 4 ounce redbreast sunfish from the Choctawhatchee River in Geneva County. The fish was weighed on certified scales and was verified by fisheries biologist, Rob Andress at the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District IV Fisheries Headquarters in Enterprise, Ala. The fish measured 10.5 inches in length with a girth of 11.5 inches. Russ’ fish replaced a long-standing record of 13 ounces, which was caught from the Pea River in June1996. This fish was accepted as part of the “Alabama Angler Recognition Program,” which recognizes anglers who catch large sportfish from Alabama waters. To learn more about the Alabama Angler Recognition Program and to view current lake records, visit: www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/record/. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that it is accepting proposals under the Mid-Atlantic Council's Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program for research activities to be conducted in 2012. Applications must be received by NMFS on or before 5 p.m. EST on March 7, 2011. The Council, in coordination with NMFS and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, may set aside up to 3 percent of the total allowable landings (TAL) in certain Mid-Atlantic fisheries to be used for research endeavors. The RSA program provides a mechanism to fund research and compensate vessel owners through the sale of fish harvested under the research quota. Vessels participating in an approved research project may be authorized by the NMFS Northeast Regional Administrator to harvest and land species in excess of any imposed trip limit or during fishery closures. Landings from such trips are sold to generate funds that help defray the costs associated with the approved research projects. No Federal funds are provided for research under this notification. NMFS is soliciting proposals for research activities concerning the summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, Loligo squid, Illex squid, Atlantic mackerel, butterfish, bluefish, and tilefish fisheries. NMFS and the Council will give priority to funding proposals addressing the research needs as follows: 2012 Research Priority List Spanning Multiple Species - Fishery independent surveys for all Mid-Atlantic species, especially in the near shore zone (as provided by the Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program-NEAMAP). Interactions Between Loligo Squid, Butterfish, Atlantic Mackerel & River Herring - Evaluate potential improvements to observer sampling procedures on catches of butterfish and River Herring in the Loligo fishery, and River Herring in the mackerel fishery. - Mesh selectivity studies involving Loligo squid retention and butterfish escapement (both summer and winter). - Test gear modifications (in addition to mesh size) in the Loligo squid fishery to reduce bycatch of butterfish and other species. One example would be the use of 'Fishing Circle Mesh.' - Study mortality rates of Loligo squid that pass through trawl mesh. - Use of videography in documenting Loligo catches without any or minimal butterfish bycatch. - Investigate accuracy and precision of observer monitoring of (at-sea and/or port) catches of butterfish, river herrings, and shads in the Atlantic mackerel and squid fisheries. Summer Flounder - Evaluate the size distribution of landed and discarded fish in the summer flounder recreational fishery by sex. This could be considered for all catch components, which would include the commercial fishery. Bluefish - Evaluate amount and length frequency of discards from the commercial and recreational fisheries. - Collect size and age composition of the fisheries by gear type and statistical area. - Initiate fishery-dependent and independent sampling of offshore populations of bluefish during the winter months (consider migration, seasonal fisheries and unique selectivity patterns resulting in a bimodal partial recruitment pattern; consider if the migratory pattern results in several recruitment events). - Develop bluefish index surveys (proof of concept), including abundance/biomass trend estimates for the offshore populations in winter. Black Sea Bass - Validate methods used to age black sea bass (scales vs. otoliths). - Studies focused on life history and reproductive behaviors such as changes in sex ratio as a function of age and size or the evaluation of the sizes of territories in relation to mating or reproduction. - Increase age sampling across all components of the commercial and recreational fisheries. - Increase sea sampling to verify information from commercial logbooks toward providing better estimates of discards. - Develop a fixed gear survey of black sea bass similar to the one developed for scup. Scup - Develop indices for scup ages 2+. - Estimate the fishery components used to calculate scup mortality (commercial and recreational landings, and discards). - Expand age sampling of scup from commercial and recreational catches, with special emphasis on the aging of large specimens. Illex squid - Determine size and age-at-maturity and growth parameters for Illex squid. Tilefish - Effect of hook size on tilefish size selectivity in the longline fishery. Complete Details and to Apply For complete details and information on how to apply, please visit the Grants.gov web site (http://www.grants.gov). Click on the 'Grant Search' Quick Link on the upper right-hand corner of the page under FOR APPLICANTS and then search for Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-NMFS-NEFSC-2012-2002892 After clicking on the '2012 Mid-Atlantic Research Set-Aside' link under Opportunity Title, click on the 'Full Announcement' link in the middle of the bar at the top of the page. On the next page click on the 'Full Announcement' next to the Description 'Full Opportunity' to open or save the full text of the Announcement (21 pp) to your hard drive.

Hunter admits shooting mountain lion in Ray County Hunter admits shooting mountain lion in Ray County Conservation officials say no charges will be filed. RICHMOND, Mo.–A Ray County man has admitted that he, not a cattleman, shot a mountain lion on Jan. 2. Conservation officials say the admission brings their investigation to a close, and there will be no charges, because the shooter feared for his life. James “Jimmy” McElwee, 29, of Camden, admitted he shot the 115-pound mountain lion while hunting raccoons in rural Ray County. His confession followed the admission by Bob Littleton, 60, of Richmond, that his initial claim of shooting the mountain lion was false. “Mr. Littleton only said he shot the mountain lion to protect Mr. McElwee,” said Larry Yamnitz, Protection Division chief with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). “Based on the outcome of our agent’s investigation, no charges will be filed in this case.” According to Yamnitz, McElwee admitted to the shooting, saying he feared for his life. “He followed his dogs up a draw and shined a light up into a tree and saw eyes that were too far apart for a raccoon,” said Yamnitz. “When he realized it was a mountain lion, he was afraid to run, thinking it might attack him.” After killing the cat, McElwee and his hunting partner and father-in-law, Larry Danner, 52, of Richmond, contacted Littleton, who took responsibility for shooting the mountain lion. Yamnitz said everyone would have been better off if all parties involved had told the truth from the beginning. “The true circumstances of the incident were more clearly within the provisions of the Wildlife Code than the story they made up,” said Yamnitz. “Based on the evidence and statements by all the parties involved, you can make the case of self-defense. There will be no charges.” The Ray County mountain lion showed no signs of having been held in captivity and was in good health. MDC is conducting DNA tests to learn more about its origins and determine if it is the same animal photographed by a landowner in southern Platte County Nov. 26 The mountain lion (Puma concolor) is a protected species under the Wildlife Code. The Code allows the killing of any mountain lion attacking or killing livestock or domestic animals, or threatening human safety. Anyone who kills a mountain lion is required by law to report the incident to the MDC immediately. The intact carcass, including the pelt, must be surrendered to MDC within 24 hours. To report a sighting, physical evidence or other incident, contact a local MDC office or conservation agent, or email MDC’s Mountain Lion Response Team at mountain.lion@mdc.mo.gov. For more information on mountain lions in Missouri, visit www.MissouriConservation.org and search “mountain lion.” -Jim Low-

NEW MEXICO FISHING REPORT This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish and thefishphone.com, has been generated from the best information available from area officers, anglers, guides and local businesses. Conditions may vary as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities. Northwest Animas River - The flow is 328 cfs. Fishing is reported as slow with little pressure. Chama River - Upper section flow no read due to ice, no report on the fishing there. Below El Vado Dam, the flow is 87 cfs and the water is off color. There is very light traffic but a 22 inch brown trout was landed last week. The fishing is reported as fair for browns and rainbows depending on weather. Black and gold Panther Martins, night crawlers, wooly buggers and bead headed nymphs are reported working for both species. San Juan River - Upper section-Catch and Release flow is 464 cfs and visibility is 5 feet. No change this week from last week. The midge hatch has been epic all day long with large clusters from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The best fishing will be with midge pupa and larvae, size 22 and 24, clusters are working well. You can find fish eating midges of all colors, dark midges have been best, black, brown, dark gray and olive. Some fish have been eating cream as well. Try fishing BWO's from 11 a.m. to about 3 p.m. Dark brown and olive are the best colors in a size 22 and 24. Back to midges in the evenings. Black and brown have been killing it! Colored larvae will catch fish all day long, red, orange, white, black, pink, apricot. Lower section - Open waters, fishing is good with night crawlers, salmon eggs and the same flies as for the upper section. Abiquiu Lake - Fishing is very slow. The Army Corps of Engineers have switched over to winter staffing and all but a few primitive sites are closed for the season. There was very little pressure and fishing is reported as very slow. El Vado Lake – No report due to weather and light pressure. Heron Lake – Cold weather and ice have kept most anglers away from the lake. Jackson Lake – The fishing pressure is light and reports are slow for trout. Lake Farmington – Trout fishing is reported as slow to fair, some anglers are having luck trolling in deep water with streamers and woolly buggers. Morgan Lake – Bass fishing is fair. 5 - 6 inch Strike King Plastics and Finesse worms in dark colors with bright colored bellies are reported catching the fish. Navajo Lake – The pressure is very light, no report. Northeast Cimarron River - No read on flows below Eagle Nest Dam due to an equipment failure and no read due to ice near Cimarron. Fishing conditions are slow due to water levels and cold weather. Conditions will are not likely to improve much until spring when warmer weather and flows come back. Costilla Creek – The flow, no read due to ice near the town of Costilla. No report due to ice and low flows. Red River - Flows at Questa no read due to ice and 38 cfs below the hatchery. Fishing is fair for rainbows below the hatchery with bead head nymphs and various flies. Bait fishermen might try spinners, salmon eggs or Power Bait. Rio Grande - Flows are 294 cfs near Cerro and 476 cfs below the Taos Junction Bridge. Fishing is slow to fair at Pilar. Trout are fair with bead head nymphs and streamers. Best bet is to fish edges and eddies. Pike are reported as slow to fair using dare devils and whisters in red and white. Rio Hondo –Flows, no read due to ice. Lower section at confluence with Rio Grande is where the only opportunities are until spring. Trout are slow to fair with various flies, spinners and worms. Rio Pueblo - Flow, no read due to ice and there is no report this week. Cabresto Lake – Frozen over. Charette Lakes – The lake closed Oct. 31 and re-opens next March. Clayton Lake – The lake closed Oct. 31 and re-opens next March. Eagle Nest Lake – Fishing has slowed due to weather. The lake is starting to freeze up and boat ramps are closed for the season. Lake Alice and Lake Maloya – Very little pressure due to the weather. Trout are reported as slow in Lake Maloya using woolly buggers, Pistol Pete’s, dough baits and Power Bait. Lake Alice is frozen over. Maxwell Lakes – The lakes closed Oct. 31 and re-open next March. Santa Cruz Lake – No report. Shuree Ponds – Frozen over. Springer Lakes – Water levels are low and there has been light pressure. West-Central, including the Jemez Mountains Jemez River, East Fork, Guadalupe and San Antonio - Flow on the Jemez River is 23 cfs. The upper streams are starting to ice up and winter fishing is here. From now until spring the best bet is to fish the Jemez river below Battleship Rock. There is ice on the water and best fishing is in the afternoons during warmer days. Fly fishing is slow to fair with caddis, terrestrials, stimulators and bead headed nymphs. Panther Martins, Power Bait or worms are also working when conditions are favorable. Metro Drainages – Trout fishing is reported as fair to good for trout with all methods taking fish. The drainages along the Rio Grande were stocked last week with triploid rainbow trout; Albuquerque 700, Belen 875, Bernalillo 200, Corrales 551 and Peralta 875. Bluewater Lake – Fishing continues to be good for trout on peach Power Bait. Tiger muskies are reported as slow, some fish being hooked but few are being landed. Cochiti Lake – Very little pressure and no report. Fenton Lake – Frozen over, no ice fishing will be allowed due to unstable conditions. Tingley Beach - South Pond catch and release - Trout fishing in the South/Catch and Release Pond has been good to excellent. Anglers using small, bead-headed midges and nymphs are reporting the best success but a few anglers have been lucky fishing dry flies on top. Children's and Central Ponds – Trout fishing in the Tingley Beach Children's and Central Ponds is good. Best reports are from anglers using Power Bait, salmon eggs and olive colored Pistol Petes. The ponds were stocked with 1499 triploid rainbow trout last week. East–Central, including the Pecos River Coyote Creek - Flow is 6.3 cfs. The water is low and fishing is slow with no pressure. Pecos River - No read on flows near Pecos due to ice. The fishing is really slow above the town of Pecos. Mid-thirty degree water temps have the fish very tight lipped. Better fishing down at Villanueva State Park using worms, salmon eggs and Power Bait. The river was stocked with 200 rainbow trout last week from Villanueva to I-40. Conchas Lake – Fishing is reported as slow with very little pressure. No report. Morphy Lake – The lake closed Oct. 31 and re-opens next April. Santa Rosa Lake – No report this week. Storrie Lake – Fishing for trout is reported as slow due to weather. Success is being had with cheese, worms and Power Bait. Sumner Lake - Winter trout waters, stilling basin – Very little pressure on the lake. The river below the lake is reported as fishing slow to fair for trout with spinners and Power Bait. Ute Lake – Water temp is 46 degrees, main lake cloudy, river arms stained. Fishing continues to be pretty good, but you really need to be on top of the fish. The Walleye seem to like eating the minnows at 40 feet and the White bass seem to prefer the white Leprechaun slab in 30-40 feet of water. Catfish are also hitting the same baits in 40 feet of water. Southwest Gila River - The flow is 67 cfs and fishing is slow with very little pressure. Rio Grande - The flow is 7.7 cfs below Elephant Butte Dam. No report. Bill Evans Lake: Winter trout waters – No report Caballo Lake – Fishing is generally slow with light pressure. Water level are low and will remain so until spring. Reports remain the same. Anglers having success are fishing the deeper holes. Catfish are good using chicken liver, worms or shrimp. Walleye are reported as fair using night crawlers on the bottom. No report on other species. Elephant Butte Lake – Due to weather fishing pressure has been light with very little pressure. Not much change in the past few weeks. Catfish are reported as good on trot lines on the north end of the lake. No report on other species. Glenwood Ponds – Fishing has been slow with light pressure. Lake Roberts – Fishing is reported as fair using worms, salmon eggs and Power bait. Quemado Lake – No report. Snuffy's Tackle Shop has closed for the winter season, so there are no services at the lake at this time. Snow Lake – No report. Southeast Black River - Flow is 5.8 cfs. Fishing is reported as fair for trout using worms, salmon eggs and Power Bait Bonito Creek – No report. Rio Ruidoso - Flow is 2.0 cfs. Very little pressure due to weather. Bonito Lake - The lake closed for the season Nov. 30 and reopens next April. Bottomless Lakes: Winter trout waters – Fair for trout when using worms, spinners, Power Bait and salmon eggs. The lakes were stocked last week with 500 rainbow trout. Brantley Reservoir – There has been light pressure. Catfish are reported as fair at night with night crawlers. A mandatory catch and release is in place at Brantley Lake from the dept. of Game and Fish. Pesticides, DDT’s have been found in the fish, do not keep or eat them. Grindstone Reservoir – Fishing is reported as slow for trout using spinners, marshmallows, worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs. Lake Van: Winter trout waters – Fair for trout when using worms, spinners, Power Bait and salmon eggs. The lake was stocked last week with 2,478 rainbow trout. ### Tune in to New Mexico Game and Fish TV: “New Mexico Wildlife” 6:30 a.m. Saturdays on KASA Channel 2, Albuquerque 6:30 p.m. Sundays on KENW, Portales 7:30 p.m. Thursdays on KRWG, Las Cruces

White, Carbon, upper Puyallup rivers will close early to fishing Action: Close the White, Carbon and upper Puyallup rivers to fishing. Species affected: All game fish. Effective date: Jan. 16, 2011. Locations: White River: from mouth to R Street Bridge in Auburn will be closed to all fishing. Carbon River: from mouth to Hwy 162 Bridge in Auburn will be closed to all fishing. Upper Puyallup River: from mouth of Carbon River upstream will be closed to all fishing. Reasons for action: The 2010-2011 forecast of wild steelhead returning to the Puyallup River basin is well below the spawning goal. This closure will reduce the incidental hooking mortalities of wild steelhead. Puget Sound wild steelhead populations are listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Other information: The Puyallup River mainstem, from the mouth to the Carbon River closed to fishing Jan. 1, 2011. Rules re-opening fisheries in the Puyallup River basin will be listed in the 2011/2012 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet. Information Contact: Mike Scharpf, District 11 fish biologist, (360) 902-2710; Larry Phillips, District 11 fish biologist, (360) 902-2721.

Green River (King Co.) will close early to fishing Action: Close the Green River to fishing. Species affected: All game fish. Locations and effective dates: from the 1st Ave. South Bridge in Seattle upstream to the South 277th Bridge in Auburn will be closed to all fishing on Jan. 16, 2011. from the 277th Bridge in Auburn upstream to the Tacoma Headworks Dam will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011. Reasons for action: The 2010-2011 forecast of wild steelhead returning to the Green River is well below the spawning goal. This action will reduce the incidental hooking mortalities of wild steelhead. Puget Sound wild steelhead populations are listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Other information: The river is scheduled to reopen to fishing on June 4, 2011. Regulations for the fishery will be listed in the 2011/2012 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet. Information Contact: Aaron Bosworth, District 12 fish biologist, (425) 775-1311; Annette Hoffmann, Region 4 Fish Program manager, (425) 775-1311.