by John R. Goss, DNR Director
An e-mail recently forwarded to me entitled "Another successful trip to Indiana" reminded me how Hoosiers sometimes downplay our own successes.
And how it sometimes takes fresh eyes to remind us of blessings resulting from hard work and vision.
Indiana has become "the hot spot" for steelhead trout and muskie anglers nationwide.
Hoosiers also have been catching these big fish. Photos of St. Joe River steelhead trout and Webster Lake muskellunge get passed around the office frequently nowadays. But this message and photo from out-of-state hit me -- we had arrived. Anglers thinking about long fishing trips are looking at Indiana maps.
The e-mail message from Will Schultz of Michigan (which prides itself on its sport fishing and water-based tourism) to his buddy in the Michigan DNR read:
I made it to Webster in Indiana for the first time last Saturday. The weather was terrible but I was fortunate enough to catch this 50-inch 40-lb. class muskie. They really have created quite a fishery down there. It gives us something to strive for. I hope everything is going well for you and your family...
The Hoosier Muskie Hunters fishing association says 156 anglers from eight states tested Indiana waters during last spring's Muskie Classic fishing tournament in Kosciusko County.
All along Indiana's Lake Michigan coast, and in Mishawaka and South Bend, businesses related to sport fishing are booming -- from increased sales at gas pumps, to fishing tackle suppliers, to Amish awning artisans covering fishing boats for cold weather service. Surveys show anglers on the St. Joseph River spend six million dollars yearly in St. Joseph County alone.
A glance through the guest book at Parker's Central Park Bait shop in Mishawaka shows the river's growing international allure. There are entries from across North America, and two entries from other continents.
But fishing in all our fisheries is managed well and appreciated, be it the Ohio River, the Wabash River, our state reservoirs or even at fish and wildlife areas.
Add our trout/salmon and muskie fisheries to the list of reasons why Indiana excels at recreational and tourism activities. There are other reasons, not the least of which is our world famous Brown County State Park, when the fall foliage tour is in full force.
Soon, the Indiana State Museum will open along the shining White River in a state park in Indianapolis, and the anniversary of the Lewis & Clark Expedition is bringing historians and tourists to the Ohio River at Falls of the Ohio State Park.
The DNR's role in managing resources has given the state an outstanding reputation when it comes to measuring up our recreational opportunities with other states.
But you knew that already. Didn't you?
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