The U.P. Outdoors 

Don't end up like this truck... check the ice conditions first.

Early Winter Fishing and Trail Report

posted on Thursday, January 7th 2010

It's the time of year when Michigan's Upper Peninsula is in full winter splendor. Local motels begin to fill up with ice fisherman, snowmobilers, and skiers looking to make the best of the cold weather and snowy conditions we're so famous for. So far this season, the Marquette area has received 83.2 inches of snow. That is pretty much right on pace with a 'normal' winter for us (actually it's 7" more than normal). With plenty of base snow and fairly consistent new snow falling, the area snowmobile trails are in fantastic condition. Regular grooming is taking place on all major trails and I have not heard a complaint for any riders about trail conditions. One thing to mention is a detour in the L'Anse area due to winter logging. Trail number 14 is partially closed from L'Anse to Anderson's Homestead, riders can use Trail 8 or Trail 5 instead. This closing should be over very soon, we'll let you know when it reopens. Remember you'll need a Michigan Trail Permit on your sled to ride on the trails. They are available at all area motorsports shops and many local retailers. The price is $35, up from $25 last year (but well worth it considering the condition of our our trails).

As for ice fishing, I haven't heard many reports from fisherman this year. I did hear that a couple guys were having luck on Teal Lake (Ishpeming), but they wouldn't reveal what they were using as bait. That is really the only information I've heard so far this season. Dave and I have plans to fish a smaller private lake next week, so hopefully we'll have some first hand information soon. I have, however; heard plenty of reports of vehicles breaking through the ice! One thing that all can anglers agree with is that the ice is just not as strong as it was this time last year. Especially in the southern counties of the UP ice is spotty at best. It may appear fine in one location and be completely different in another... be careful out there! The late winter, considerable snow cover (insulation), and warmer temperatures we've lately, all contributed to the iffy conditions. At least 5, yup 5 vehicle have went through the ice in that pst couple of weeks. Two trucks, a snowmobile, a side-by-side UTV, and a car. Dave and I will be walking to our fishing hole... at least until we hear consistent reports that the ice is sufficient for additional weight. Good luck and be safe out there!

Have a good Labor Day weekend! :-)

Early September U.P. Fishing Report

posted on Friday, September 4th 2009

I've gotten a lot of good fishing reports on the big lake lately. The water temps are holding right around 60 degrees, so it's finally summertime for the fish! Those fishing from the points in Keweenaw Bay have been catching Lake Trout in 120 to 150 feet of water using spoons. I've also gotten reports of fisherman catching Lake Trout in 220 to 250 feet of water using cut bait. With water temps in the low 60's in Marquette, the Lake Trout have been pretty active. The Chinook and Coho have been moving a little slower recently, but fisherman have been reporting the best luck catching salmon at the mouths of Carp and Dead Rivers...with the occasional brown trout. Not bad! And once again, the Au Train and Munising area has had excellent Lake Trout action. Most fisherman out there have been catching limits around the islands when trolling with spoons or jigs with cut bait. Now, if your still looking to bring in that trophy Muskie for the summer, head inland to Lake Michigamme. The big ones have been hitting on body baits. Sorry, I haven't been able to get a single hint on the location of these monsters! Down south on the Bays De Noc, fisherman have been consistently catching Walleye when trolling the shallow waters. Try using the locally made moonshine lures or stick bait. I've also gotten a few reports of decent Smallmouth action in 10 to 20 feet of water using spoons. Well, hopefully with the sunny and unseasonably warm weather for the long weekend there'll be some good action on the water wherever you are. Get out there and enjoy yourself!

Aerial view of the Escanaba Municipal Marina

Early to Mid August U.P. Fishing Report

posted on Tuesday, August 11th 2009

I am more than happy to inform you that the Bassmaster fishing tournament has finally made it's way to the U.P.! Eight 12-member teams from 8 states will be competing in Delta County's Bays de Noc of Lake Michigan. The tournament kicks off at 6:30am Wednesday morning from Escanaba Municipal Marina and ends with a final weigh-in Friday afternoon. The Marina is located in the City's 120 acre Ludington Park complex on the west shore of Green Bay. Eight people from this tournament will be moving on to the National Championship, and from there one of them will move on to the Superbowl of fishing...the Bassmaster Classic. Big and Little Bay de Noc are typically known for their excellent Walleye fishing, but for the next few days they will be put aside in the hunt for the ever popular Bass!

This mayfly looks a lot more appetizing to a fish...hopefully!

Mid June U.P. Outdoor Fishing Report

posted on Monday, June 22nd 2009

Well, now that Summer has arrived in full force the fishing is really starting to explode. The recent warm and sunny weather has gotten many folks just itching to get out on the inland lakes and try their luck. Dave and I were able to get out on Fish Lake in Champion recently and caught quite a few Pike including a nice sized Walleye. Do I need to say who the lucky fisherman was! I certainly like to try my luck using the classic bobber with a fat crawler on the end, and I tell you, I wasn't disappointed. Once I threw the line in the water I don't think 5 minutes went by before I had the catch of the evening! I've also gotten excellent reports on folks targetting panfish in 4 to 10 feet of water. Once again, try using a fresh crawler or spinner baits. Rivers have been producing a lot of action, and I've heard the best reports from fisherman using a "Blue-winged Olive" fly. Right now you can try pretty much anything that imitates the mayfly. The most popular size is either an 18 or 20...and for those of you that are a little more bold, try a bigger size 16. Big Lake fishing in Keweenaw Bay has produced some Lake Trout in 200 to 240 feet of water when jigging with cut smelt or suckers. In Marquette, some Lake Trout were caught in 140 to 180 feet of water. The best trips were made in the early morning hours or late evening. Take the time to get out there and enjoy this early Summer weather...and let me know how the fishing goes!

If bringing in a large Walleye isn't fun enough, look at what you get to enjoy later that evening!

Early June U.P. Fishing Report

posted on Friday, June 5th 2009

Let's talk about fishing the Big Lakes! Fisherman trolling in Keweenaw Bay have caught Chinook, Coho, and a few Lake Trout here and there in 30 to 60 feet of water. The word is that salmon fishing is continuing to pick up. Fisherman that have braved the winds and rain in Marquette have pulled out a few large 20+ pound Lake Trout. Due South in Big Bay and Little Bay De Noc Walleye catches have been fair when trolling either crank baits or drifting crawlers in anywhere from 10 to 30 feet of water. Don't call it a day once the sun goes down since the fishing may start picking up...hint, hint! I've also gotten a lot of reports on good smallmouth fishing throughout the Bay in 5 to 10 feet of water using either spinners or crawlers. Fisherman in Grand Marais have been catching quite a few large Whitefish in the morning hours, but the action on smaller Whitefish seems to pick up at night.

Well, I thought it was about time to throw in another recipe I recently came across. Dave and I have personally been doing a lot of grilling lately so get out there and try this one out!

GRILLED WALLEYE

Wash and place walleye fillets skin side down on grill. Baste with a mixture of: 4 Tbsp Melted Butter, 1/2 tsp Paprika, 1/2 tsp Onion Salt, 1/4 tsp Black Pepper. Continue to baste until the fish flakes and the skin is blackened.

I haven't tried this recipe myself, so feel free to let me know how it is!

This is just one of the many smallmouth brought into the boat this week...not bad, hey!

Last Weekend of May U.P. Fishing (and Morel) Report

posted on Friday, May 29th 2009

First of all, the word around is that morel hunting is going great. The rain we've gotten this past week helped out quite a bit and folks are starting to find more and more white morels in the southern half of the U.P. The northern U.P. takes a little more time, but still has plenty of black morels. I haven't heard any complaints! If you're wondering where the best places to find these tasty treats are, target old growth forests. If you don't find anything there...well, someone else just may have beaten you to it! I've gotten good fishing reports on many of the inland lakes all across the entire U.P. Fisherman have been catching both large and smallmouth bass using crawlers. Break out the bobber and just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Dave and I were out on Schweitzer's Basin south of Ishpeming earlier this week and the smallmouth were hitting the tried and true Mepps Aglia as well as light brown tube jigs. We tried quite a few areas and had the most luck casting on the northern shores of the Basin...one right after another! Believe it or not, the day before that we couldn't catch a fish out there to save our lives. With that being said I do have to admit that the weather hasn't been too consistent so the luck of the catch may be hit or miss right now. You're either out at the right time catching them by the dozens, or you're out there having no luck at all. Don't get discouraged, just keep trying. Another thing to remember is that the warm weather is here to stay and the rising temps of the water turn the northern pike into eating machines. Right now a lot of the water is still cold and they tend to be more spread out, but once the water warms up the northern go on a feeding frenzy. Find the food, and find your trophy pike. Also keep in mind that warmer weather brings out the bugs and fly fishing the rivers really starts to pick up. Hey! If the thought of more bugs turns you off I hear the fishing is pretty decent below the bridge!

I'll be sure to bring you more fishing reports on the big lakes next week. Stay tuned!

Mmmm... looks good

UP Outdoor Recipe Time!

posted on Friday, May 1st 2009

The temperatures have been climbing, the snow is just about gone (come on...it's the UP, eh!) and one of the first things that gives you that Spring/Summer feeling is grilling out! I figured since the Coho fishing has been pretty steady for the last couple of months I'd throw one of my favorite Salmon recipes out there. If you like a little spice here and there, make sure you write this one down!

Superb Salmon

2 to 3 lb. Salmon Fillet
4 Tbsp. or more Salmon rub (below)
Mayonnaise (optional)
Charcoal

Salmon rub:
3 Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. light or dark brown sugar
2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. celery seed
2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground fennel seed

If you prefer (for less oily Salmon), first rub the fish with a thin layer of mayonaise. Combine the rub ingredients, and work it into the flesh side of the fish. When the coals are ashed over (medium temp for gas grills), place the fish on a lightly oiled cooking rack, skin side down, and close the grill. DO NOT flip the fish over at any time. Depending on the heat of the grill and your preference, cooking time may range from 15 minutes to one hour. The Salmon is done when it separates with a fork. Serves 4 to 6

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Feel free to write it and let me know how it was!