GROUNDED.  You might feel like it with the weather that’s rolling in for the weekend, so take advantage of today and what remains of our one-week sampling of spring!  We get you caught up on some fisheries and fishing knowledge in our Outdoors Update.

Featured Photo:  Squirreled Away.  A groundsquirrel (a/k/a gopher) ducks behind a tuft of green spring grass. Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Thu 5/16 – Cooler – Hi 66, Lo 52, Wind NE@16, G23
Tomorrow: Fri 5/17 – Rainy – Hi 56, Lo 40, Wind E@17, G25

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
6:07AM       9:12PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
6:41PM        5:23AM       Fol. Day       11:55AM

 

Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous (94% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:    5:15-6:15AM. Moonset and sunrise align for a good bite in today’s Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

 

OUTDOORS UPDATE:

JERKS. DEO’s Nick Simonson shares tips for fishing jerkbaits for all species, focusing on the less-active portion of the retrieve that sets fish off. Check it out at partner site Runnings.com on “The Run Down.”

SHRIMPS. The freshwater shrimp – or Gammarus, as detailed by lifeinfreshwater.net – is a popular prey item and comprises the base of many food chains in North Dakota waters.  From fueling the monster waters of Devils Lake, to sustaining many small stocked lakes in the state, these creatures, also known as “scuds,” are an important facet to fisheries.

SUCKERS. The NDG&F Department reminds anglers that white suckers can only be used as bait on the Red and Bois de Sioux rivers.  Legal baitfish include fathead minnows, creek chubs and sticklebacks.