Written By - - 05/12/2007
Link to Original Article here

Bruce Elberg's catch on April 14 is the first entry on North Dakota's list of state record fish since 2005. The Burlington angler reeled in a 6-pound, 13-ounce smallmouth bass from Lake Darling.

The 19 and one-quarter inch fish broke the old record of 5 pounds, 15 ounces taken by Roger Haugen of Jamestown in 2003 at Spiritwood Lake.

A new state record smallmouth from Lake Darling is not a total surprise, according to Greg Power, fisheries chief with the state Game and Fish Department. "Although big smallmouth bass in Lake Darling are not common, the heaviest smallmouth registered with the department's Whopper program last year did come from there," Power said.

Smallmouth bass opportunities throughout North Dakota have increased dramatically, Power mentioned, as a result of new introductions and stocking efforts that began about 15 years ago. "Today, most lakes and reservoirs in which smallmouth bass were introduced now have self-sustaining populations," he said.

In the past four years, more than 50 smallmouth bass of at least four pounds and a handful over five pounds were entered in the Whopper Club (three pound minimum) from 15 different North Dakota fisheries.

Although some people harvest big smallmouth bass, Power said most anglers continue to practice catch-and-release. In the past four years, more than 450 catch-and-release reports have been recorded.

To qualify for the department's Catch and Release Club, a smallmouth bass must measure 16 inches.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop Set Aug. 10-12
Women at least 18 years old who want to learn more about outdoor activities are encouraged to participate in the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop Aug. 10-12 at Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau.

Applications are now being accepted and enrollment is limited to 100 participants. The cost is $120 with an Aug. 1 registration deadline.

The workshop, sponsored by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, offers 26 different seminars, each of which lasts more than three hours.

Classes are held outdoors, and each session contains 45 minutes of lecture with the remainder dedicated to hands-on instruction. Each session has room for 12 women. Participants are limited to four sessions.

New classes offered this workshop include basic knot tying, dragonflies and butterflies, and GPS treasure hunt. Other classes include fishing and fly-fishing, bird identification, plant identification, canoeing, predator calling, decoy carving, archery and shotgunning.

Participants will stay in dorms and must provide their own bedding and towels. All camp facilities are handicap accessible. Equipment will be provided unless noted in the course description.

The University of North Dakota Professional Development for Educators has approved the workshop for one continuing education college credit upon completion, submission of an essay and the fee for credit.

To receive an information brochure and enrollment form, contact Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 or call 701-328-6312, or visit the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov.