WINDY WEEK.  Gusts will continue throughout much of the week as a springlike pattern settles in over the region aiding in melting and drying.  Early meteogram runs are showing midweek gusts on Thursday near 70 mph (SEVENTY?!?) which would be downright amazing.  We’re thinking spring with boating and fishing tips in today’s Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:   BUSHED.  Rooster pheasants relate to the shade of a bush in a cut wheat field near Judson, ND on Saturday. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Mon 3/2 – Shift – Hi 41, Lo 20, Wind SW 15, G25
Tomorrow: Tue 3/3 – Melt On – Hi 42, Lo 30, Wind WNW@13, G25

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
7:19AM        6:30PM

Moonrise         Moonset        Overhead      Underfoot
11:09AM         1:46AM           6:55PM            6:30AM

Moon Phase:  First Quarter

EDGE HOUR:   6:00-7:00PM.  Sunset and moon overhead again give you the advantage in today’s Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

THINKING OPENWATER.  As the melt makes its way in this week, remember to pick up registration for boats as you start thinking openwater this spring.  We’re in a new three-year licensing cycle and the NDG&F Dept. has more information online and at the main office for those looking to get their watercraft set for the season.

SPRING THINGS.  A fun thing to try each spring and summer is a new plastic creature bait for bass.  Whether it’s a lizard with wings, a chunk with claws or a crawdad with a bunch of extra legs, tossing something new at fish might just help you find a new favorite or a new tactic that puts more bass in the boat.

STICK IT.  Round pricing stickers for garage sales make great markers for fishing gear.  Either as a marker at the bottom of a jig compartment with color and weight or on the center of a fly spool with line type, they help provide at-a-glance reference when restocking, organizing and grabbing on the go.