|
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | checking in from MI50. I do a lot of local fishing in PA, but the guys from the site said this would be a good place to pose the question. I'm not looking for locations or secret spots, just some advice so I don't waste money and a weekend sitting in a motel in Detroit haha. So it looks as though I may have a 4 day weekend over thanksgiving and was seriously contemplating taking the old man to st clair. (8hrs) Its going to be the end of November in Michigan however. Is it too late for some muskies before the puddle ices over? Cold doesn't bother me, but I don't want to fish chocolate milk and 3' whitecaps if I can help it. Also, will the shad run be over by then? I figure I will be chucking big rubber and trolling in and around the mouth of the Detroit river, so any suggestions on places to stay without getting car jacked would also be appreciated. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1529
| if its open fish. dress warm. anchor bay or the Canadian side..
google winds/weather before you leave |
|
| |
|
Posts: 299
| Car jackings everywhere... It's mass chaos and where the weak are killed and eaten. I don't know if a guy from PA can survive it...come'on man..quit the digs on Detroit. Yes we have are financial problems but there's problems in every major city. I'm a born and raised Detroit boy. Have worked in Detroit nearly all my life and in and around Detroit daily. Bottom line stuff happens everywhere but no need to worry. Most open launches this time of year aren't even open in Detroit. There's one and it all depends on water levels and how big your boat is. What should really concern you is all the killer wind we've had lately mixing the water causing pure mud. November weather is one of the most unpredictable weather patterns. It's too far away on the dates your thinking to know what the weather will be like but I would just plan on rough weather and then it's a bonus if the lake cleans up a bit and wind lays down. Depends on the type of boat you have, wind direction, area your gonna fish and if your willing to make a long run to good fishing spots. Or just launch in Canada on Detroit River then your close and a very short ride to fishing or safety. Fish bite up till Dec 15th. Fishing trips are always a gamble so go for it and be safe. You never know until you try...just be careful if you catch a Detroit Muskie. I heard they are sometimes "packing" and known to be very violent on the Detroit side of river. If your on the Canadian side you should be safe. Those Muskie just really don't get involved in any shenanigans. Good luck!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | detroithardcore - 11/15/2013 7:34 AM
Car jackings everywhere... It's mass chaos and where the weak are killed and eaten. I don't know if a guy from PA can survive it...come'on man..quit the digs on Detroit. Yes we have are financial problems but there's problems in every major city. I'm a born and raised Detroit boy. Have worked in Detroit nearly all my life and in and around Detroit daily. Bottom line stuff happens everywhere but no need to worry. Most open launches this time of year aren't even open in Detroit. There's one and it all depends on water levels and how big your boat is. What should really concern you is all the killer wind we've had lately mixing the water causing pure mud. November weather is one of the most unpredictable weather patterns. It's too far away on the dates your thinking to know what the weather will be like but I would just plan on rough weather and then it's a bonus if the lake cleans up a bit and wind lays down. Depends on the type of boat you have, wind direction, area your gonna fish and if your willing to make a long run to good fishing spots. Or just launch in Canada on Detroit River then your close and a very short ride to fishing or safety. Fish bite up till Dec 15th. Fishing trips are always a gamble so go for it and be safe. You never know until you try...just be careful if you catch a Detroit Muskie. I heard they are sometimes "packing" and known to be very violent on the Detroit side of river. If your on the Canadian side you should be safe. Those Muskie just really don't get involved in any shenanigans. Good luck!!
The car jacking comment was meant as a joke, but I do appreciate the input. What is everyone's recommendation as far as lodging on either side? I have a passport, so that makes no difference. The boat I'll be fishing out of is a 18' tracker targa. Is the lake fishble when the water is muddy? |
|
| |
|
| detroithardcore - 11/15/2013 6:34 AM
Car jackings everywhere... It's mass chaos and where the weak are killed and eaten. I don't know if a guy from PA can survive it...come'on man.. QUOTE]
HAHA! Ive actually had more issues with boat launches and people problems in Vilas County
Edited by toothycritter88 11/15/2013 6:50 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1529
| the answer is yes if the waters dirty. you don't want gin clear water anyway. bait hides in off water.
my reasoning of Canada is its a hop skip and jump to fish.
as for Detroit I love that city. its 2 miles from my house across the Detroit river. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 299
| I know bro...just messing around. Seriously though its been really muddy and windy. Watch extended forecasts and if it looks like less winds a week or so before your trip you could be good to go. This system turns overs and flushes it all out pretty quickly when the winds lie down. Check the satalite link on Michigan Sportsman and it will give ya a view (cloud cover pending) of what the lake looks like. There's also other places to fish. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1529
| yes in Detroit the weak are eaten lol..
my buddy got 10 t-day on georgie baits in dirty water..
straights are the ticket t-day.
the rules will change tomorrow lmao. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | woodieb8 - 11/16/2013 8:49 PM
yes in Detroit the weak are eaten lol..
my buddy got 10 t-day on georgie baits in dirty water..
straights are the ticket t-day.
the rules will change tomorrow lmao.
What do you mean by "straights are the ticket t-day"? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 299
| Straight baits, not jointed |
|
| |
|
Posts: 906
Location: Canada | woodieb8 - 11/16/2013 8:49 PM
straights are the ticket t-day.
We went 14 for 17 and it was a combination of both straights and jointeds, most of our fish were taken on LML's (Lawrence Muskie Lures) - we just had it dialed in on baits, colour and speed etc. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1529
| before the blow this morn. chocolate perch 9 in. straights...
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 299
| Good job trollers!! You guys definitely prove they'll bite in pure mud!! As a caster I find it so challenging to stick a fish when it's really muddy out there!! Stained...and it can be on fire but muddy and its a struggle. We got a big one a week or so ago in pure mud which really surprised me. Crushed a pounder....trollers are dialed in!! Good job guys!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1529
| every way as long as ya get slimed.. cast jig troll fly fish.
some days dynamite don't work |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | it looks as though the wind is going to be pretty substantial again today, but die down after this. I know the system turns over fairly fast. Is it reasonable to think that the lake will be in shape by the 26th? Also, I have a decent selection of minnow baits (jakes, flatsticks, ect), but nothing that dives much over 12-15ft. I am a caster but acknowledge that trolling may be the ticket some days. Any suggestions on how to get these baits to depth, or do I run them suspended in the water column? Thanks guys. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 360
Location: Algonac, MI | Unless your fishing in the Detroit River proper, you won't need to worry about weighting baits down, while trolling.
Fish are staged in the main lake & river mouths, in anywhere from 6-12 fow. At most 2oz of weight, with no more than 20' of line out for a 10" Jake. Likely you will run them much higher and tighter, if you fish less than 8 fow.
As stated in another post - too soon to judge for the 26th. I predict between now and 26th, lake will get trashed and cleaned up, at least 3 more times.
Edited by Contender 11/18/2013 8:01 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1529
| contender your correct. were at mother natures mercy and well at this time of year theres lots of pms. |
|
| |
|
| so any suggestions on places to stay without getting car jacked would also be appreciated.
Hotel Yorba |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | Well I am committed to the trip. I will be there Wednesday morning rain/shine/tidal waves, ect... Looks Like the baymont inn in roseville gets the nod. The launch I am planning on is just off of 9 mile road at the corner of Jefferson Ave. Does anyone have any suggestions on a better/closer launch? And being that it is nearly a week closer, how is the water looking? I have been checking windfinder and it seems as though the wind is going to get progressively better as the week goes. It also seems like the temperature is going to drop with it (mid to low 30s). |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River | lennyg3 - 11/23/2013 12:33 PM
Well I am committed to the trip. I will be there Wednesday morning rain/shine/tidal waves, ect... Looks Like the baymont inn in roseville gets the nod. The launch I am planning on is just off of 9 mile road at the corner of Jefferson Ave. Does anyone have any suggestions on a better/closer launch? And being that it is nearly a week closer, how is the water looking? I have been checking windfinder and it seems as though the wind is going to get progressively better as the week goes. It also seems like the temperature is going to drop with it (mid to low 30s).
I'm 99% sure that the 9 Mile ramp is closed for the season. I believe it is open from April 1st through October 31st. The ramp is owned by the city of St. Clair Shores, they have 2 other ramps & those close the same as the 9 Mile ramp.
The only other ramp that is close to there that's on the Michigan side is the Alter Rd. ramp, which is open all year. The ramp is in Detroit right on the border with Gross Pointe Park. I've never had any issues using the ramp & the guy that owns it lives in the house next to it & he keeps an eye on it plus the US Border Patrol patrols that area frequently. The ramp is on a canal & gets to be shallow this time of the year & depending on the wind direction it gets even shallower with the wind sucking the water out of the canals. If you plan on launching there let me know & I'll give you more info.
The only other public ramp that's open now is the Crooker DNR ramp & that's off of Jefferson just south of 16 Mile.
If you have a passport then you can also launch on the Ontario side in Windsor.
Edited by Zib 11/23/2013 1:04 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 518
Location: Cave Run Lake KY. | Lenny, That sounds like the launch we use, south of Lakeside fishing shop on 10 mile & Jefferson. the launch we use we drive through a park and through a gated lot with a 2 ramp launch. if you need info on fishing Licenses you can get info from Lakeside phone # ( 586 ) 777-7003 ) or any info you need. They have one great fishing shop. The only thing I can tell you is that launching on the west side is to watch out for a northwest wind coming back in at night as it picks up just at sun down. GOOD FISHING TO YOU Marv. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | Zib - 11/23/2013 2:03 PM
lennyg3 - 11/23/2013 12:33 PM
Well I am committed to the trip. I will be there Wednesday morning rain/shine/tidal waves, ect... Looks Like the baymont inn in roseville gets the nod. The launch I am planning on is just off of 9 mile road at the corner of Jefferson Ave. Does anyone have any suggestions on a better/closer launch? And being that it is nearly a week closer, how is the water looking? I have been checking windfinder and it seems as though the wind is going to get progressively better as the week goes. It also seems like the temperature is going to drop with it (mid to low 30s).
I'm 99% sure that the 9 Mile ramp is closed for the season. I believe it is open from April 1st through October 31st. The ramp is owned by the city of St. Clair Shores, they have 2 other ramps & those close the same as the 9 Mile ramp.
The only other ramp that is close to there that's on the Michigan side is the Alter Rd. ramp, which is open all year. The ramp is in Detroit right on the border with Gross Pointe Park. I've never had any issues using the ramp & the guy that owns it lives in the house next to it & he keeps an eye on it plus the US Border Patrol patrols that area frequently. The ramp is on a canal & gets to be shallow this time of the year & depending on the wind direction it gets even shallower with the wind sucking the water out of the canals. If you plan on launching there let me know & I'll give you more info.
The only other public ramp that's open now is the Crooker DNR ramp & that's off of Jefferson just south of 16 Mile.
If you have a passport then you can also launch on the Ontario side in Windsor.
I'll probably end up using the ramp on Alter rd. then. Thanks for the heads up. My tracker drafts about 2-2.5 feet I think. Will I have any problems getting out of there?
I do have a passport as does the old man. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | ChinWhiskers - 11/23/2013 2:22 PM
Lenny, That sounds like the launch we use, south of Lakeside fishing shop on 10 mile & Jefferson. the launch we use we drive through a park and through a gated lot with a 2 ramp launch. if you need info on fishing Licenses you can get info from Lakeside phone # ( 586 ) 777-7003 ) or any info you need. They have one great fishing shop. The only thing I can tell you is that launching on the west side is to watch out for a northwest wind coming back in at night as it picks up just at sun down. GOOD FISHING TO YOU Marv.
the NW wind is something I was concerned with coming from that launch. Hopefully I wont have to deal with too heavy of winds, but I have rain gear and will take my time.
Thank you everyone for all of your help so far!
Edited by lennyg3 11/23/2013 8:10 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1529
| bring your longjons and electric sox. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | woodieb8 - 11/23/2013 8:01 PM
bring your longjons and electric sox.
Have plenty of cold weather gear. Also bringing a heater to thaw out the gear if need be as well as to warm the hands. foot warmers for in the boots. I know its going to be cold, but one fish will warm me up quite nicely for a little while. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River | lennyg3 - 11/23/2013 3:48 PM
Zib - 11/23/2013 2:03 PM
lennyg3 - 11/23/2013 12:33 PM
Well I am committed to the trip. I will be there Wednesday morning rain/shine/tidal waves, ect... Looks Like the baymont inn in roseville gets the nod. The launch I am planning on is just off of 9 mile road at the corner of Jefferson Ave. Does anyone have any suggestions on a better/closer launch? And being that it is nearly a week closer, how is the water looking? I have been checking windfinder and it seems as though the wind is going to get progressively better as the week goes. It also seems like the temperature is going to drop with it (mid to low 30s).
I'm 99% sure that the 9 Mile ramp is closed for the season. I believe it is open from April 1st through October 31st. The ramp is owned by the city of St. Clair Shores, they have 2 other ramps & those close the same as the 9 Mile ramp.
The only other ramp that is close to there that's on the Michigan side is the Alter Rd. ramp, which is open all year. The ramp is in Detroit right on the border with Gross Pointe Park. I've never had any issues using the ramp & the guy that owns it lives in the house next to it & he keeps an eye on it plus the US Border Patrol patrols that area frequently. The ramp is on a canal & gets to be shallow this time of the year & depending on the wind direction it gets even shallower with the wind sucking the water out of the canals. If you plan on launching there let me know & I'll give you more info.
The only other public ramp that's open now is the Crooker DNR ramp & that's off of Jefferson just south of 16 Mile.
If you have a passport then you can also launch on the Ontario side in Windsor.
I'll probably end up using the ramp on Alter rd. then. Thanks for the heads up. My tracker drafts about 2-2.5 feet I think. Will I have any problems getting out of there?
I do have a passport as does the old man.
I haven't launched there this year but have heard the water level has been up with all the rain we've had. The depth in the fall ranges from about 1.5' to 3.5 in the canal that the ramp is on'. Last year it was very low (1.5') & I had to use my trolling motor to get to the other canals before I could use my motor. If launching there, when looking at the water launch on right side of the dock but head out to your left then make a right then a left then another left. Going to your right (the short way to the river) from the ramp you will run into some rocks or concrete near the red house.
If you cross the border there's a ramp across from Peche Island in Windsor. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 906
Location: Canada | Fished down there today. Tried the lake in the early AM but the winds picked up and quickly pushed us off the lake. By 3:00 this afternoon the winds were blowing so bad it wasn't even funny! Very cold too! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | CU301DSV - 11/23/2013 10:23 PM
Fished down there today. Tried the lake in the early AM but the winds picked up and quickly pushed us off the lake. By 3:00 this afternoon the winds were blowing so bad it wasn't even funny! Very cold too!
How was the water clarity? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 906
Location: Canada | I don't know what to tell you, where I was fishing is not known for having clear water to begin with. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 360
Location: Algonac, MI | Lake was pretty brown this morning, and has a nice gelatin look too it, as it is partially freezing. NW 15-30kts for two days straight. Ar temps in the mid teens, and water temps in the hi 30s, low 40s.
Supposed to go SW which will help south shore out. But still blowing NW as this is typed.
Edited by Contender 11/24/2013 7:58 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 360
Location: Algonac, MI | Update - SW wind this morning. Changed last night around 11pm, been 20-30kts since.
North end of the lake - brown this morning, with lots of brash ice, and gelatin slurry going on. South shore should start clearing up. Bigger problem will be ice.
20* outside. All three north end, lake launches are frozen (Fair Haven, Brandenburg & Rosso Hwy). North Channel ramps will stay clear, from current & duck hunters. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 267
| Fished 11/23/2013 with Matt and Spencer - started early out of Clinton river cutoff with Matt. Conditions were ok - varying water clarity depending upon the area but overall pretty dirty water for that lake. As the day went on, we had a succession of mini cold fronts (with snow) move through and wind really whipped up out of the NW. Moved up into Anchor Bay at midday with Spencer where he had moved fished earlier in the day and wind really began kicking. Eventually, we couldn't keep up with our gear (and entire topside of boat due to spray ice) freezing up on us and we were begrudgingly forced off the water at around 3:00. Water temp was down to about 37 after starting the day at 41. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 360
Location: Algonac, MI | I think we seen you guys Saturday, fishing south of Grassy (nuts!!)
We were duck hunting in our layout rig (could also be considered nuts), near Brandenburg Park. (We set up there, to hide from the NW gales) We were in 2' waves 1/2 mile off shore. All the decoys has a nice 1/4 coating of ice, with 18* temps and the 30kt NW blow.
We could see, what looked like 3 guys standing, fishing in a dark colored boat a few miles deeper out. Looked really rough out there, betting 3-4 footers. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | As much as I hate to type this I think I am going to throw in the towel. I want to get this last trip in so badly, but it is my understanding that the launches are pretty frozen, and the weather looks to be rough until Thursday. It was suggested that I go to cave run, and while I think it is a great idea, don't have time to properly plan the trip. I won't go on a 10hr road trip with no planning at all. I will make it to LSC, it just won't be this year.
I would like to thank everyone that helped me. It saved a bunch of time,
Money and frustration on my end. Great group of people here, and glad to be a part.
Edited by lennyg3 11/25/2013 9:13 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 360
Location: Algonac, MI | Anchor Bay Drive launch, and Harley Ensign launch both have open water.
Bring knee boots, hip boots or waders though, as the docks have been pulled. You have to access your boat from your trailer or standing in the water. FYI
Edited by Contender 11/26/2013 5:13 PM
|
|
| |
late season lake st clair