CADILLAC: Get ready for steelhead, walleye, bass and turkey seasons with DNR skills clinics in Cadillac.
As part of its Outdoor Skills Academy, the Department of Natural Resources will offer opportunities to learn more about steelhead, walleye and bass fishing and turkey hunting with upcoming clinics at the Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center in Cadillac, Michigan.
Steelhead Clinic – Saturday and Sunday, March 25-26 —
This class, taught by instructors with more than 30 years of experience fishing steelhead in Michigan, is for both beginners and advanced anglers. Participants will spend the first day in the classroom and the next day on the river. Saturday’s session runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there are two Sunday morning sessions, 8 to 10 a.m. and 10 a.m. to noon. Cost for the class is $40 and includes lunch. (Click here to get a jump on Steelhead fishing tips)
Turkey Hunting Clinic – Saturday, April 1 —
The Outdoor Skills Academy welcomes the National Wild Turkey Federation for the academy’s first wild turkey clinic. Starting at 10 a.m.and running four to five hours, this “A to Z” class on how to hunt wild turkeys will cover everything a beginner needs to know to get started, including how to find a location, scouting, calling and gear. The clinic will be held both in the field and in the classroom. The cost for this class is $25, which includes lunch.
Open Water Walleye Clinic – Sunday, May 7 —
This four-hour class, starting at 10 a.m., will go through how Outdoor Skills Academy pro-staffers Steve Berry from Church Tackle, and Matt Peterson from Fishbones Custom Lures spend their days chasing trophy walleye. The class will cover everything from which rod and reel to use, to how to use your electronics. DNR staff members also will be on hand to answer any rules and regulations questions participants may have. Cost is $25 and includes lunch.
Bass Fishing Clinic – Saturday, May 13 —
In this class for beginners, starting at 10 a.m., the Outdoor Skills Academy pro-staff will present various strategies and techniques for pursuing northern Michigan bass. Feel free to bring your own gear. This clinic will cover a wide range of fishing techniques for both smallmouth and largemouth bass, but will focus on the use of various plastic presentations, including Texas rigging, Carolina rigging, tube jigs, etc. Cost for this class is $25.
The Outdoor Skills Academy is a DNR program focused on developing and honing outdoor recreation skills, with classes offered at the Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center.
The Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center is located in Mitchell State Park, at 6093 E. M-115 in Cadillac. A Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park. To learn more about the Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center and its programs, visit www.michigan.gov/huntfishcenter.
— Press Release provided by Department of Natural Resources