HAPPY FRIDAY!  Birds are chirping, temperatures are warming and things are looking pretty good for the weekend as we get set to start May! We’ve got more on why you hear that loud chorus in the morning along with spawning factors for fish and a watch for ANS with the NDG&F as part of our Outdoors Rounup.

Featured Photo:  Zeebz.  Zebra mussels attach to a piece of dock metal.  The NDG&F covers the outlook for these creatures and more. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Fri 5/1 – May Day – Hi 72, Lo 52, Wind NW@19, G29
Tomorrow: Sat 5/2 – Pleasant – Hi 71, Lo 41, Wind NW@9, G18

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
6:26AM        8:53PM

Moonrise         Moonset       Overhead     Underfoot
1:34PM           3:56AM           9:08PM            8:41AM
Moon Phase:  Waxing Gibbous (56% Full)

EDGE HOUR:  8:30-9:30PM.  Finish the day on a strong bite with moon overhead and sunset in our Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

MORNING CHORUS.  Wired has the info on just why that chorus of robins is singing so loud outside of your window before dawn.  It’s likely many reasons – territory, mating rituals, and inability to do other things – factor into the pre-sunrise songfest from birds in your area serving as your makeshift alarm.

SPAWN ON.  Speaking of spring rituals, the primary factors for most spawning activity include water temperature and length of daylight.  Fish will consistently make their runs when the sun is gaining strength in spring and water temperatures are rising.  As each fish species finds its best conditions, watch for their runs this spring.  With pike pretty much wrapped up and walleyes in late spawn bass and panfish are yet to come.

ANS UPDATE.  In this week’s webcast, the NDG&F Dept. highlights the efforts to prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species in the state’s waters.  From plants such as curly leaf pondweed to the dreaded zebra mussel, these invaders can have severe impacts on fisheries and water usage.