More than 5,300 votes were cast in the online ballot to choose the 2016 fishing license button. Buttons were a common yearly piece from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission pre-1980s but have since been reintroduced in 2014. Overwhelmingly the Brook Trout pattern won by receiving 3,755 votes or over 70% of the total votes cast. [Lehigh Valley Live]

On-going study by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission shows that nearly 33% of steelheads caught are harvested. The highest harvest rates occur on Walnut Creek and Elk Creek. Perhaps driven by the steelhead experience, large crowds and cold weather, anglers want to be sure they have something to show for it. [PITT Gazette]

The Lehigh River was named the river of the year in Pennsylvania for the third time. The river was awarded the same title in 1997 amd 2007 and now has the award once again. A showcase river for over 75 years, the Lehigh is marked by great recreational programs, awesome fishing opportunities and one of the most comprehensive watershed conservation management plans in the state. [MORNING CALL]

Jeff Brockner of Callicoon, NY landing a 58 inch, estimated 60lbs muskie. The talk of the river, the fish was caught in the St. Lawrence River while Jeff was fishing with his father on their annual muskie trip. [PENNLIVE]

Pennsylvania State Legislators are expected to introduce legislation that would increase fishing license fees for the first time since 2005. The increase is expected to be 3% starting in 2017 and an additional 3% every year after until 2022. The proposal is expected to raise $5.4 million dollars and has the support of the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. [PITT POST-GAZETTE]

The 245 acre lake in Rickettes Glen State Park, which is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, is slowing coming back to life. Lake Jean was drawn down in order to replace the dam control tower, but now that repairs are complete the Pennsylvana Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is taking this opportunity to improve and increase fish habitat before the lake is restocked. Crews installed 17 porcupine crib structures and added 124 tons of limestone rock to help balance pH and provide habitat. [TIMES LEADER]

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced that Veterans Day will be an annual fish for free day. That's right, no license required to enjoy all the great waterways across New York State. While you are out enjoying the free fishing, be sure to thank a Veteran or active duty person serving our country so that you can enjoy the sport of fishing. [BUFFALO NEWS]

Angler and innovator, Dave Genz of St. Cloud Minnesota is credited with developing one of the first mobile ice fishing shelters. Dave is at it again, some 40 years after working the ice from a closed shanty. Dave is hitting the water with his ice fishing gear but this time in a boat. The design is two fishing holes through the bottom so its ice fishing year round. [Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal]

Oregon's hunting and fishing licenses are going up yet again. Residents who are purchasing a hunting and/or fishing license is down 8.3 percent in 2013. Could the rising license costs be adding to the decrease in the number of residents purchasing them? [Bend Bulletin]

Alaska had its second largest salmon harvest ever in 2015. However, price for salmon are among the lowest ever and the 263 million fish yielded only $414 million, a 28 percent decline in revenue from 2014. Sorry Pink Salmon anglers, its dock side price yielded only $0.20 per pound. [Alaska Dispatch]

As much of Pennsylvania stows their fishing gear for winter, one Pittsburgh angler is just getting going. Stephen Kuhajda of South Park, Pittsburgh takes to Cross Creek Lake in Washington County to fish mostly by himself. The lack of other anglers and the lake's tremendous crappie population let him reel in 70-80 crappie per day. [Pittsburgh Post Gazette]