Fans of marbled-eye “Walters” — the Great Lakes walleye — don’t need a boat to get in on the action this month.

Walleyes have been running up the Fox River for weeks, and more recently began their spawning journey into west shore tributaries like the Oconto, Peshtigo and Menominee.

While areas below dams are always popular, there has been action in holes from the river mouths on up. In other words, there’s plenty of room to spread out if you don’t like fishing in a crowd. Some anglers cast from the bank, while others wade. Those in boats have the advantage of being able to try new spots much more quickly.

Meanwhile, Lake Michigan tributaries have been producing fresh-run steelhead (rainbow trout) for those who’ve learned the art of drifting spawn, beads or other egg imitators. Spinners, spoons and stickbaits get an occasional strike, but spawn is king this time of year.

Outdoor field trips

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) of Wisconsin, the group is offering a wider variety of hands-on nature experiences for adults and families all across the state.

Led by experts, there are 280 different adventures to choose from this year. The NRF has been leading field trips since 1993, but was formed seven years earlier.

The field is available to all NRF members (you can still join), and proceeds from trips support conservation. Trip registration is first-come, first-served, and opens at noon next Wednesday, April 8.

Trips range from physically challenging to wheelchair-accessible. There are hands-on experiences like searching for frogs and salamanders, identifying native turtles and tagging monarch butterflies. There are hikes, paddles and bike tours and educational outings at state-of-the-art facilities.

Some trips fill up within minutes of opening, so you should join or renew the foundation in advance in order to be ready at noon. Learn more at https://www.wisconservation.org/field-trips/guidebook/.

Bird celebration

See live raptors, get advice on native plant gardening and learn how you can best help birds at a World Bird Day Celebration at Algoma High School on Saturday, April 25.

This year’s theme, “Every Bird Counts — Your Observation Matters,” highlights ways you can help. There will also be door prizes, educational displays and presentations and product sales. The Steel Belly BBQ food truck will be on site outside the cafeteria and Lakeshore Singers will be holding a bake sale inside.

For more information, check out the Bird City Algoma Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Algoma2012, or the Bird City website at https://birdcityalgoma.com/index.html.

Trout tournament

Hundreds of anglers are expected to try their luck in the Baileys Harbor Brown Trout Tournament April 16-19. Fishing is allowed in Green Bay and Lake Michigan off of Door and Kewaunee counties.

Tickets are $25 and are available online, or in person at Baileys 57 and Lakeshore Adventures in Baileys Harbor; Howie’s Tackle, Greystone Castle and Cherryland Shell in Sturgeon Bay; Hooked Up Tackle Shop and Jandu Petroleum Citgo in Algoma; Yacht Works in Kewaunee; and Virlee Gunworks in New Franken. For online options and more info, visit https://baileysharbor.com/browntroutinfo/.

Instructors wanted

Last week the Department of Natural Resources was looking for more volunteer hunter education instructors. This week, the agency put out a call for ATV/UTV, snowmobile and boating safety volunteers as well.

In order to get certified, volunteer instructors must be at least 18 years of age, have experience in the specific program of interest (including a safety education certification) and demonstrate the abilities, time and effort needed.

A background check must be passed.

You can learn more at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Volunteer/SafetyEducation/VolunteerInstructor.

Early trout opens

Wisconsin’s trout harvest season for inland streams, springs and spring ponds opens Saturday, a month earlier than usual. This earlier harvest season (you can still practice catch & release if you prefer) does not apply to inland lakes and ponds. For those waters, the traditional first Saturday in May opener applies.

Last season’s fishing licenses and stamps expired at the end of the night Tuesday, March 31. Be sure to pick up your new licenses before doing any type of fishing.