Michigan lakes

[Harry DeWitt]

We are an Indiana group of 8 fisherman who have traveled to Ontario the past 15 years for an annual fishing trip. Due to Customs issues/concerns and fishing limitations (and the long drive) we have decided to move our trip back to the States. We are looking at Otsego Lake and Upper/Lower Clear Lakes in Michigan. Can anyone offer information on these locations-good bluegill, bass and/or Walleye lakes?

We are avid bluegill fisherman, but will fish other species when we feel we have enough gill for a meal. We do not over-harvest our catch and practice catch and release on many fish caught - just looking for a nice lake to relax and fish in June 2014.


We have a travel trailer but prefer to rent cabins or housing on one of the lakes.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

[Rick King]

Hi- I moved from Tri-lakes - Columbia City Indiana - to retire in the UP - I live in Iron Mountain Michigan now,k it might be a little east from where you want to go. There are a great many lake in my area. I fly fish for blue gill and one of my favorite fishing is Walleye. Also do allot of small-mouth fishing on the Menominee river that run between Wi and the UP and empties into Lake Michigan.

There many places to camp in the state forest and park an camper or RV or just set up a tent camp.I never fish the same lake twice only because I just move up here last March. I use a 16' sylvan and have fished Michigammie Game preserve north of Chapleau On. for the past 30 years;. I moved here for the very same reason you are looking for new fishing lakes.

Semper Fi

Rick

Check out goggle earth if the area around where I live. It is about 9 hr from Fort Wayne In. to give you an Idea about travel time. I use to drive 13hour to get through Canada

If I can help you in any way just let me know , it always nice to talk to fellow Hoosiers .

[Rick King]

I meant to say West of

[Harry DeWitt]

Thanks Rick,

I am a home grown Auburn person and very familiar with Columbia City!!  I may take you up on the assistance at a later date and may come up your way now that we have good information on the fishing in your area.   At this time we are looking for that "location" that we will spend our next 15 years.  Michigan is the logical choice for us and most likely will spend a lot of time up your way in the future!

 

Thanks again!!

[Jay Fogle]

I am also a Hoosier and have long pondered the.same idea. I will be interested how this turns.out.

Thanks

Jay

[Harry DeWitt]

Good to hear from you Jay.  Not many responses yet, but it is probably because I failed to include the correct lakes.   I originally noted Upper/Lower Clear lakes when it should have said Upper/Lower Crooked Lakes.  These lakes appear to be in the same region as Otsego Lake, but all review thus far has shown these lakes to be good fishing lakes. 

[Slip Sinker]

i have recently been studying areas of expansion in my fishing endeavors and have come across a string of lakes in Martiny, Mi that looks very promising. Campgrounds are available.

my recent scouting from a vehicle to some of the boat launches leaves me feel anxious.. everywhere you look gives the impression of being in a wilderness. master angler listing looks good. the string of lakes are linked together and would provide a lifetime of exploring. thought id share. check out the satellite images.

 

 

boat launch... no cottages in sight... awesome!

 

[Harry DeWitt]

Thanks Ken,

This appears to be the type of location we are looking for!! Having a difficult time finding a campground, but finally found a location on Tubbs lake.   Haven't had a response from my email and phone call, but hope this location works.  Looks like you can go from lake to lake through channels, and the lake acreage is the perfect size!!  Thanks for your info!!  And yes, it appears there are little or few cottages.. Looks like a great 'gill lake!

[Slip Sinker]

Havnt fished it yet but i may try early or late ice for crappies and gills. Im hoping to camp there this spring for some early pre spawn crappies and gills. Ill let you know how well i do. Glad to be of some help.