Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area closed its last public boat ramp on Aug. 15 due to historically low water levels from prolonged drought. Private vendors Van's Lakeview, Ski Patrol, and Big Mac Marina now provide launch services. Boaters are warned of dangerous mud flats and soft lake beds.

NOAA Fisheries reminds fishermen and boaters to maintain safe distances from whales, recommending 100-600 feet separation and 1500 feet from endangered North Atlantic right whales. Recent reports show humpback whales entangled in monofilament line and fishing gear, causing injuries. The Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network urges avoiding bubble clouds and reporting entangled whales to (866) 755-6622.

Yamaha Motor reported consolidated revenue of ¥1,498bn for the first half of fiscal 2026, up 17.2 percent, with CEO Motofumi Shitara noting record six-month profits. The company raised its full-year forecast citing strong motorcycle sales and favorable foreign exchange rates, despite higher raw material costs.

Justin Lucas won his second Bass Pro Tour title at Lake Erie using Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm, the same bait that secured his victory on the same lake six years prior. Lucas totaled 98 pounds, 11 ounces on 25 scorable bass, including a 6-pound, 11-ounce big bass, finishing third in Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year.

Major League Fishing announced the 50 professional anglers qualified for the 2027 Bass Pro Tour, led by reigning Angler of the Year Zack Birge. The roster includes established champions Jacob Wheeler, Dustin Connell, and Ott DeFoe, plus five Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit rookies: Ryan Lachniet, Connor Jacob, Carter Nutt, Brody Campbell, and Will Harkins.

Major League Fishing's 2026 Starlink Team Series Bass Pro Shops Patriot Cup streams live on MyOutdoorTV from Charles County, Maryland, August 16-21, featuring 12 two-man teams competing for $560,000 in prize money with hosts Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney providing commentary.

Bryan Schmitt won the SPRO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with 81 pounds, 7 ounces, earning his third Elite Series victory. Schmitt edged Chris Johnston by one pound to claim the $100,000 top prize, with Seth Feider finishing third.

The 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will be held at Leech Lake, Minnesota, August 20-22. According to 2025 Bassmaster Classic champion Easton Fothergill, weather conditions will determine tournament success, with winning teams earning spots in the 2026 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew's.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies commends the Department of the Interior's final rule expanding hunting and sport-fishing opportunities across national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries. The expansion adds 1,488 new opportunities at 111 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field stations across 32 states, representing the largest expansion in the Service's history.

CCA Florida, the Collier Community Foundation, and Collier County will deploy 50 reef modules in August within the Tod Sirod Artificial Reef Zone to expand marine habitat and support recreational angling in Southwest Florida. The $110,100 project includes 32 Goliath Reef Balls and 18 Supra Reef Balls manufactured by Reef Innovations.

The 39th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup will take place September 19, 2026, across Baldwin, Mobile, and Escambia counties. Coordinated by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Alabama People Against a Littered State, the event invites volunteers to remove marine debris from coastal areas as part of the International Coastal Cleanup effort.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation are hosting two fall Women's Fishing 101 Workshops on October 24 and November 21, 2026, at Waddill Wildlife Refuge in Baton Rouge. Applications open August 17 through September 20, 2026, for women 18 and older seeking to develop fishing skills including fish identification, equipment preparation, and fish handling.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division offers expanded outdoor education through the Outdoor Alabama Academy, including new webinar-based fishing and hunting workshops, the "Discover Alabama's Public Lands" virtual series, and partnerships with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's for Hunter Safety Education classes. Hunter education graduates now access PathPerks discounts from over 200 outdoor brands through a partnership with the International Hunter Education Association.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering a free Intro to Fly Tying program on August 28 at the Washington County Library in Potosi for ages 12 and up. Conservation Educator Matt Murray will teach participants basic tools, materials, and skills to tie their own flies, with all materials provided.

Alabama Bass Fest will take place September 11-13 in Decatur, Alabama, alongside the 2026 Bassmaster High School Combine presented by Skeeter. The three-day celebration features an interactive expo, job fair, angler seminars, and family activities, with Built To Work providing heavy-duty equipment simulators and career resources.

The Black River Sturgeon Hatchery will offer free tours on September 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visitors can see young lake sturgeon and learn about their biology from Michigan DNR researchers, Michigan State University, and Sturgeon for Tomorrow representatives. Fingerling releases into the Black River and Mullett Lake will follow the tours.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through September 11 on proposed changes to trout stream and lake designations affecting approximately 125 miles of trout waters across 11 Minnesota counties. Stream habitat supervisor Dean Paron explains the updates ensure management regulations align with waters' ability to support trout populations.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released the proposed 2027–2030 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan and environmental assessment for public review. The plan, updated every four years, identifies statewide fisheries-management goals and strategies to sustain Montana's fisheries. FWP staff will hold meetings across the state to discuss the updates.

As stream temperatures decrease, Montana FWP will lift hoot-owl restrictions and river-mouth closures on August 13 for multiple streams in Regions 2, 3, and 5. Simultaneously, sections of the Big Hole River will close to angling due to low streamflow and dissolved oxygen concerns outlined in the Big Hole Drought Plan.

Missouri Department of Conservation biologist Tom Boersig leads paddlefish research and management funded by Sport Fish Restoration dollars. MDC's work includes population monitoring at Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Reservoir, and Table Rock Reservoir, along with hatchery operations at Blind Pony Hatchery to sustain trophy paddlefish fisheries across the Mississippi River system.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduled a drawdown on Vernon Lake in Vernon Parish beginning September 15, 2026, to lower the lake level 8 feet for maintenance, vegetation control, and fisheries habitat improvement. The control structure will close for refill during the first week of January 2027.

Florida is fighting for a 31-day recreational Atlantic red snapper season in 2026 after a federal court halted its Exempted Fishing Permit. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission submitted a revised EFP to NOAA Fisheries to test improved state-led data collection. Public comments are being accepted through August 25, 2026.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has selected Leo Rosenthal as the new regional fisheries manager for Region 1 in northwest Montana. Rosenthal, a Butte native with nearly two decades of FWP experience, holds degrees from the University of Montana and Montana State University, bringing expertise in fisheries science and habitat conservation.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a public meeting on August 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Missoula to discuss the proposed 2027–2030 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan. The plan, updated every four years, identifies statewide fisheries-management goals and strategies to sustain Montana's fisheries and angling opportunities.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued an executive order establishing the 2026 recreational gag grouper season in Gulf state waters from September 1-30, aligning with NOAA's federal waters season to prevent exceeding recreational quotas.

Utah's Blue Ribbon Fisheries program allocated over $446,000 toward 13 projects to enhance 41 designated waterbodies. Key projects include habitat improvements at Jordanelle Reservoir through a partnership with Utah State Parks and Muskies Inc., angler access improvements at Starvation Reservoir, water quality enhancement at Panguitch Lake, and bank restoration on the Duchesne River.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing updates to fishing regulations, elk hunting rules, and amphibian and reptile collection policies for 2027-28, seeking public feedback through regional advisory council meetings and online comments on the DWR website.

Virginia DWR provides a comprehensive guide to drop shot rigging techniques for bass fishing. The article covers rig setup, bait selection, and specific Virginia waters like Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Anna where this finesse technique excels for catching smallmouth and largemouth bass.

Captain Wayne Justice shares expert topwater techniques for targeting red drum along North Carolina's Crystal Coast. He recommends using Live Target Minnow Jerkbaits in calm conditions and Oto Diving Pencils in choppy water, adjusting presentation speed based on water conditions for successful surface strikes.

Finnegan Arnold of Fort Lauderdale, Florida has set 26 IGFA Junior Line Class world records across freshwater and saltwater species using St. Croix Rods, with support from his father Jason Arnold. The 12-year-old angler has also earned five fly-fishing world records and recently accepted an internship with the International Game Fish Association.

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's R3 Fishing Program offers free beginner fishing workshops in August 2026 at Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery and Wells Mills County Park. Workshops cover fish biology, equipment setup, safety, casting, and fishing regulations with hands-on practice.

Utah's high-elevation streams and lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities from July through early October, with the Uinta Mountains and Boulder Mountain rated as Blue Ribbon Fisheries. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick recommends targeting trout species using various lures, baits, and fly patterns while following safety precautions in remote mountain areas.

Zack Birge of Blanchard, Oklahoma won his first Bass Pro Tour Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title with a fourth-place finish at Suzuki Marine Stage 7 on Lake Erie, earning $100,000. Birge's consistent performance throughout 2026, including victories and top-10 finishes, combined with his strategy of sticking to his strengths in power fishing, secured the championship over Jacob Wheeler.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) funded a specialized all-terrain mobility vehicle for Lake Guntersville State Park through the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA). The vehicle enables visitors with mobility challenges to explore trails and experience the park's scenic beauty with greater independence, continuing AMLA's accessibility initiative across North Alabama.

The West Palm Beach Fishing Club and Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation released a video documenting the region's sportfishing heritage through interviews with legendary captains and historic archives. Produced by AA Video Services, the film preserves the cultural significance of Atlantic sailfish sportfishing to the Palm Beaches.

Shimano introduces the Stradic FM spinning reel, engineered with technology from flagship models to deliver gear durability, advanced line management, and smooth drag power for reliable all-around spinning performance.

Savage Gear introduces the 3D Whitefish RTF swimbait, engineered for trophy musky and pike fishing. Built from a 3D scan of a real whitefish, the bait features a collapsible internal metal harness, mesh-reinforced tail, adjustable sink rate system, and premium hardware. Available in 9-inch, 11-inch, and 13-inch sizes starting August 2026.

DAIWA and Evergreen introduce the Flutter GIZMO 1.5" dropshot bait to North American bass anglers, combining insect silhouette with multi-appendage engineering for vertical and deep-water presentations with high-action micro-vibrations.

The SPRO Flappin Frog features TPE paddle legs that create surface disturbance while maintaining weedless performance over heavy vegetation. Built with a premium 4/0 Gamakatsu Nano-Coated double frog hook, it excels at skipping under docks and reaching bass-holding areas other frogs cannot access.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Resources Division is seeking qualified applicants for two vacancies on the Coastal Advisory Council, which advises the Georgia Coastal Management Program. The council has distributed over $29 million in Coastal Incentive Grant funds to nearly 500 projects over 29 years. Applications are due by September 14, 2026.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reminds hunters and anglers that 2026-27 hunting and fishing licenses go on sale August 15, with current licenses expiring at the end of August. License sales directly fund conservation efforts, fish stocking, habitat restoration, and public hunting leases. Digital license options are now available through the TPWD website and mobile apps.

DAIWA returns as sponsor of the 40th annual National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River, Wisconsin, August 20-23, 2026, showcasing its musky, bass, and walleye gear lineup including PROREX rods, LEXA reels, J-BRAID, and newly introduced XBRAID FULLDRAG X9.

Outdoor Sportsman Group's GAME & FISH TV platform achieved 10 million viewer tunings during Q2 2026, with the FAST channel available on 157 million devices across 96% of the U.S. population. The channel draws content from Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and MyOutdoorTV, contributing to OSG's unmatched reach of 70 million outdoor enthusiasts.

The Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Lake Erie presented by Battery Tender will take place August 20-22 in Buffalo, New York. Local guide Frank Campbell predicts competitors will need a minimum 20-pound daily average to reach the Top 10, with winning weights likely in the mid- to high-20s range caught in deep water using forward-facing sonar technology.

Major League Fishing announced historic changes to the 2027 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine, introducing a new team/solo format, five regional All-American Championships, and $120,000 Phoenix boat awards. The transformation includes increased prize money, direct REDCREST advancement for five anglers, and unrestricted forward-facing sonar use.

The 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft concludes Aug. 22-23 on Wisconsin's Wolf and Fox Rivers near Appleton. Anglers compete for Pro-Guide Batteries Angler of the Year points and qualification for the championship at Lake Murray Oct. 14-16.

The 2026 Major League Fishing Starlink Team Series Bass Pro Shops Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Hitches streams live on GAME & FISH TV from Charles County, Maryland, August 16-21, featuring 12 two-man teams competing for $560,000 in prize money across four Cup events.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries released 48,380 giant salvinia weevils into the Saline-Larto Complex in two separate releases as part of its integrated pest management strategy. The host-specific weevils feed on the invasive aquatic plant giant salvinia, with established populations helping suppress plant growth when combined with herbicide applications and monitoring.

This is the season when aquatic plants peak—welcome cover for bass anglers, a nuisance for swimmers, PWC riders, skiers and many lakefront owners. Some reservoirs turn into marshy wastelands as weeds thicken enough to foul props, burn out trolling motors and stop jet drives cold.

Alabama’s famed 69,000-acre Lake Guntersville is the extreme case.

For decades the lake’s vegetation has been both its greatest asset as a bass fishery and one of its biggest headaches for boaters. The same grass that shelters largemouths and panfish and their forage also clogs boat lanes, marinas and shorelines. Guntersville supports more aquatic vegetation than any other major Tennessee River reservoir because its physical layout is an enormous natural greenhouse.

Unlike deeper, steeper-sided TVA lakes, Guntersville flooded a broad river valley, creating thousands of acres of shallow flats, creek arms and gently sloping bottoms. Average depth is only about 15 feet, so sunlight reaches the bottom across vast areas. Peak surveys have recorded 15,000 to more than 20,000 acres of plants. The fertile watershed, long growing season and relatively stable water levels (typically only a couple of feet of seasonal fluctuation) further favor growth.

Those same conditions are very good for the fishery. Moderate vegetation provides nursery habitat, concentrates bait and gives adult bass ambush cover. It also sucks excess nutrient out of the water, increasing clarity, which makes it easier for bass and other gamefish to see and capture prey.

But, when the water gets thick enough to plow, it’s not so welcoming. It’s been a common occurrence on Guntersville. The lake has cycled through dominant species. Eurasian watermilfoil was widespread in the 1980s and 1990s. Hydrilla later formed legendary underwater jungles that helped cement the lake’s reputation for big bass, only to decline under grass carp, herbicides and changing conditions. The slowdown in ‘drilla didn’t end the vegetation problem.

Another plant—a true villain--was already expanding.

That plant is the hybrid eelgrass known as “Rockstar” (Vallisneria × pseudorosulata), a cross of two Old World Vallisneria species that apparently arose in cultivation. Researchers point to the aquarium and ornamental trade as a likely source. It was established in Florida lakes and rivers before appearing in the Tennessee River system; TVA biologists believe the Guntersville population originated there.

Reportedly it was once widely planted in restoration projects under the mistaken belief it was native Florida eelgrass. In any case, in Florida, the manatee population loves to eat the stuff—they keep it under full control.

Exactly how it reached Alabama remains unknown, but boat traffic is a plausible pathway. Guntersville draws anglers from across the eastern United States, including many from Florida who trailer boats north for tournaments and recreational trips. Alabama fishermen also travel to Florida and return with the same boats. A fragment lodged on a trolling motor, propeller, anchor, trailer bunk or other wet gear can survive a long haul. Only one live piece is needed to start a colony.

Major national tournament circuits reinforce this pathway. They usually schedule their first events of the year in Florida due to the warmer weather, then move northward to waters like Guntersville as spring progresses. This means dozens or hundreds of boats transporting whatever weeds are left in the bilge or on the trailer to launch at the tournament sites.

Some of the earliest Rockstar on Guntersville was around Goose Pond in 2019–20, next to a major launch heavily used during national bass events. The location doesn’t prove a tournament boat introduced the plant, but it’s a logical place for an aquatic hitchhiker to appear.

Once established, Rockstar goes crazy; fragments break free and are carried by wind, current and further boat traffic to start new colonies. It has since moved into neighboring reservoirs—Wheeler, Wilson, Pickwick and Nickajack—making it a system-wide issue for TVA.

Guntersville’s shallow, fertile, stable conditions favor the hybrid far more than most Florida waters. Rockstar is also cold-tolerant; ordinary Alabama winters don’t eliminate it. TVA has found that winter drawdowns help only when plants are fully exposed to freezing air and drying. Guntersville’s modest drawdown rarely achieves that lake-wide, so managers pursue control rather than eradication.

Mechanical harvesting clears floating mats from boat lanes and high-use areas. Selective herbicides treat public access points and developed shorelines. TVA removed roughly 120,000 cubic yards of eelgrass from Guntersville in 2023, about 90,000 in 2024 and approximately 70,000 in 2025—progress against the worst nuisances, though the plant is not disappearing. (Spraying is a whole issue in itself—lakefront homeowners love it, anglers say it ruins fishing and may actually kill fish, which TVA denies . . . .)

The grass is not a total blessing for anglers, in any case. The broken strands floating everywhere foul most lures, limiting fishing tactics. And in some areas the weeds form a mass so thick that bass can’t even use it as habitat—there’s no open water from bottom to top.

In time Rockstar will hopefully slow down, with coverage fluctuating according to rainfall, clarity and winter weather. Whether native water critters eventually exert some sort of natural control remains an open question.

The broader lesson is how readily a plant that finds ideal conditions can expand with human help. However Rockstar arrived this “weed” is a permanent part of the Tennessee River landscape and is likely to keep hitchhiking to other waters for the foreseeable future.

Clean, drain and dry, guys. And hope Rockstar does not come to a lake near you anytime soon.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor, The Water Wire