IRON MOUNTAIN — Operation Dry Water, a national campaign to promote sober boating, is underway this holiday weekend.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in boating fatalities and a significant cause of on-the-water incidents.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges boaters to always:

— Use an engine cut-off switch.

— Check that all safety equipment is present and functional.

— Share trip details with a trusted person before heading out.

— Monitor weather conditions and be prepared for changes.

— Follow navigation rules and consistently look out for other boaters.

The Michigan DNR notes that 87% of victims who drown in recreational boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

The Wisconsin DNR reports that so far in 2025, there have been five boating fatalities in Wisconsin, and two victims were confirmed not wearing life jackets. In 2024, there were 14 Wisconsin boating fatalities, 10 of which involved a victim not wearing a life jacket.

Most people who drown in boating-related incidents know how to swim but become incapacitated in the water, such as being injured, unconscious, exhausted or weighed down by clothing.

For more information, including more safety resources, go to Michigan.gov/Boating or https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Boat/safety.

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As summer heats up, the mid-day heat and bright sun can push fish into deeper, cooler water or heavy cover. If fishing during the day, the Michigan DNR suggests targeting shaded shorelines, weed edges, drop-offs or deeper holes. Using natural bait like leeches or nightcrawlers can also help.

Fish are also more likely to be actively feeding early in the morning or around sunset.

The DNR reported this Upper Peninsula activity:

Little Bay de Noc: Walleye anglers reported catching smaller fish in the head of the bay. Anglers fishing farther south, in the outer bay caught some large fish near drop-offs. Anglers casted reaction lures and jigs with soft plastics or live baits. Fish were also caught by those trolling or drifting crawler harnesses.

Big Bay de Noc: Smallmouth anglers reported good fishing. Northern pike catches were also reported.

Fairport: Anglers caught salmon in a variety of sizes, reporting plenty of smaller salmon around. Bigger fish were reported caught as well. Anglers had success trolling spoons and using flasher fly combinations.

Keweenaw Bay/Huron Bay: Anglers reported catching good numbers of coho salmon as well as an occasional Chinook salmon. These were caught trolling spoons and flasher/flies from 40 to 80 feet of water. Those fishing for lake trout were successful when trolling and jigging both natural and artificial presentations in 50 to 150 feet of water.

Marquette: Lake trout were found trolling from northeast of White Rocks out toward Granite Island.

Munising: The salmon bite slowed down, boat anglers trolling picked up some lake trout around Grand Island and in deeper waters outside of the bay. Boat anglers targeting yellow perch did well around the bay, with the bite being best early in the morning.