St. Joe Outing Jan 18th thru the 21st... [Archive]

mich buckmaster

01-03-2002, 09:31 PM

I am new to this forum, only been on for about two months. I live near St. Joe and wouldnt mind joining you guys. I have a 6 month old here at the house that needs tending to so I just need to know some advance to get some sitters.

Where are you guys planning on fishing on the Joe. Are you wanting to put in by Berrien or Sportsman or what? Let me know what you have planned and are you all taking boats or shore fishing?

northern_outdoorsman

01-03-2002, 11:39 PM

Some of us will be in boats and some of us shore fishing. We are trying to find a hotel that will give a group discount, can you help with that since you live in the area? We don't know what Hotels are there....Thanks

mich buckmaster

01-04-2002, 01:37 PM

How many people are we talking about? I will take a look, I live in Niles and there are plenty of hotels here if you plan on fishing Berrien. Let me know..

Shoeman

01-04-2002, 04:53 PM

Not to burst anyone's bubble, but after a lengthy conversation with Toto and Splitshot, we may want to hold off on making any kind of decision on our accomodations.

The long term forecast calls for above average temperatures.
If we do get any type of substantial melt, the Joe might end up as a mud puddle.
In that case, we may have to run back to the north.
The PM, the Mo or the Big M would be our other options.

I would not be opposed to checking the prices of Barothy's near Baldwin, the Oakridge in Newaygo, someplace in Manistee or Wellston, or back at the Land's Inn. (Providing the Chef isn't working)

toto

01-04-2002, 06:23 PM

Well here we go again, but this time I really am gonna try to be there. I need to put a face to these names. I'll just cross my fingers for now and see what happens.

stelmon

01-04-2002, 08:32 PM

Whatever works for me if I can go, I just want to catch some STEEL!

northern_outdoorsman

01-04-2002, 10:18 PM

The Joe...The PM...Canada....ummm, ya ....

Where ever we go, I will be there fishin' a hole, Looking for Steel, to rip line off my reel!!!:D

Shoeman

01-05-2002, 08:21 AM

Another poet, oh boy

I'm starting another thread on SW rivers.

Appearently, some guys don't read the Outing Forum.

Spanky is celebrating his 41st birthday and is in need of likely targets for this occasion.

mechanical head

01-05-2002, 10:35 PM

I'll be there. If weather becomes a problem we may want to consider Muskegon. The mid, and lower sections have real decent #s of fish, trust me ;)

gunrod

01-06-2002, 02:41 PM

Mich Buckmaster, since you live in the area are you familar with any fly fishing shops in the area? I am looking to get a report as far as flies that are popular for the river and successful at this time so that I can begin tying some up in preparation for the outing.

Thanks....

mich buckmaster

01-06-2002, 05:16 PM

Yes there is a store called Lunker,s in Edwardsburg. The phone number is 616-663-3745. This store is as big as any gander mountain, DNR sports, etc. It has everything. Now I would generally make up some Wooly Buggers myself. Black is always a good color and also the wiggler pattern with brown. I also know that wobble glows are fairly productive along with spawn at this time. Anyhow, I hope to see you guys at the river. I will get back with you and let you know what I will be driving or if we are going to meet in the morning.

Spanky

01-06-2002, 08:12 PM

I will be at the Joe outing from sat thru monday aroung 1-2 pm. I will be taking the garbage scowl. I can fish either upstream at Berrien, or middle stretches around Oxbow and Jasper Dairy, or Lower stretches( usual haunts for me) in Benton Harbor up to Pipestone.I wouldn't worry too much about a big thaw, It usually brings in lots of steel.The Sw mich area doesn't have nearly as much snow as the northern areas, and our 22-24 inches of last week are now about 6-8 inches.I live in Kalamazoo, and I know that the areas south of me have less snow .

I will Do some research for lodging. Our steelheaders Chapter invites and entertains 50-60 Lk. St Claire walleye guys every spring, and have yet to find a problem getting motels. Ther are many more in the St Joe/Benton Harbor area than there are at Berrien Springs. It would be helpfull to get a head count of those who want to go and are at least 60/80% sure that they would go. I will Be there fore sure with only one exception.BLIZZARD CONDITIONS!

Ther are some limited areas to shore fish or wade. Up at the Dam in B.Springs there is a gravel run for flyfishers and spawn drifters, and an area near the shamrock park(Boat launch facility and campgrounds)I have personally watched many anglers WHACK the fish there!Mostly spawn drifting there. Sorry Split, too fast for the corks! to be continued!

Spanky

01-06-2002, 08:34 PM

Sorry about the 2 part post, but if I make to long of a reply, the darned "V buletin " thingy comes up and its all lost, and wasted time.:(

If we get a tentative head count, It will be easier to figure out places and prices. I am working on a couple different things right now. I will also find out if the camping facilities are still in use. They do have a shower/bath facility at shamrock park, just don't know if its heated or not!

We have had some really decent fishing at the Joe in Jan/Feb. Many times the river freezes in the lower end, but the upper stays open except for the very coldest winters. Plug fishing, and bouncing back steelhead spawn seem to be the most productive for me, But I don't drift fish spawn very much, I am just too lazy!:)

If anyone wants to come, I promise to do my best at finding info for fishing and lodging. I do have an idea or 3 of good places to have a refreshing drink!

I will check back in a day or two with additional info,Just get the time off,bring some steely spawn, and load the cameras! If anyone is interested please say so and state weather you will be fishing from shore or if you are bringing a boat, or if you are needing a ride. I will try to get as many aboard as possible, even if we do some short trips a few times during the day!;)

mich buckmaster

01-07-2002, 09:44 AM

Just for some of you that may want to get away. Our local Conservation Club is putting on a Hunters Rendesvous on Saturday, January 19 from 12:00 -5:00.

-Deer camp Chili
-Exhibits of locally harvested bucks, turkeys, elk, bear.
-CBM scorers will be on hand to score your trophy
-silent auction
-DU, MTA, Mi Bowhunters, NWTF, Rocky mountain Elk Foundation will all me there with displays and representatives.
-Q&A from DNR
-Virtual Hunting and Hunter Safety Training Equipment operated by DNR.
Mi. State Police "Fatal Vision" goggles.

This will be at the Dowagiac Conservation Club at M-51 North out of Dowagiac. This is the road that leads to Decator and goes right to 94. If any of you are interested. I thought I would let you know.

How are we going to meet. If someone has room for one more to fish on their boat I would like to ride along. I have a boat but it is having surgery at the present to get ready for February fishing. I will provide boat for next time someone can make it down.

stelmon

01-07-2002, 05:53 PM

Geesh, must have bad luck. I will probably also not be at this outing either:(:( I need to start saving up for a new jeep and if I go to this outing I will not beable to save up sooner then I want to.

Spanky

01-07-2002, 06:12 PM

Here is some lodging info for those interested.

There are 3 cabins at shamrock park that sleep 4 people each. They are 45 bucks a day and rent from 2 till 2. The camping rate for full hook-up is between 20 and 22 bucks a day.For anyone who wants to charter a guide, they may be available.

The number for any other info is 616-473-5691. This is the Shamrock park office.You can get reservations, fish reports and camping info all from this number.

I have heard that the fishing has been kinda slow, but these warming trends tend to bring in fresh fish, and they usually won't go up the ladder when the water is this cold. It takes 40 degrees or so before they start going up the ladder.This just stacks lots of fish in the 3-5 miles of river below the dam. It also brings loads into the lower river where I normally fish.

If you guys have mapquest, you may be able to find other lodging close to the area. We can all make a meeting place for a certain day/morning/ afternoon to get to meet everyone.

Stay tuned for additional info!:cool:

STEELHEAD

01-07-2002, 10:14 PM

I'm going to be fishing the St. Joe River out of Shamrock Park in Berrien Springs this weekend. I'm going to be bouncing spawn and pulling some plugs. I'll give you guys a report on the fishing and water conditions. I just got my boat back in business after putting some new seals in my lower unit. A charter that I know of has been doing pretty good on steelhead down there.

STEELHEAD

01-07-2002, 10:29 PM

Thanks. Hope to see some of you guys that weekend.

Spanky

01-08-2002, 06:59 AM

Thanks steelhead, just curious, who is your charter freind?Daryl, Bob,Butch,Rusty?:)

STEELHEAD

01-08-2002, 07:10 PM

Darryl. I don't know him personally. I know of him through a friend that knows him well.

mich buckmaster

01-08-2002, 08:06 PM

Are you guys meeting somewhere or just going all on your own. I dont know anyone and wouldnt mind meeting some of you. If you have a game plan let me know.

Spanky

01-08-2002, 08:20 PM

I am hoping we can set up a breakfast or a lunch type of meeting but as time gets closer we will have a plan!I am looking forward to meeting alot of folks from this site:D

In the next week or so It would be nice to find out how many are going. It looks like the weather trend should bring in a fresh run of crome.

I have to work thru the weekend again for the 3rd week in a row.I will be lookin forward to a 3 day break in a big way!:D :cool:

hypox

01-08-2002, 08:34 PM

I'll be there. I can't wait to finally meet everyone. I'll probably have to fish from the shore at berrien or a few other places. That is unless someone has extra room on there boat:)

Spanky

01-08-2002, 09:29 PM

A little bird told me that copious amounts of brew practically guarantee a spot in a fishing vessel;)

Andy!:cool:

gunrod

01-08-2002, 10:13 PM

I emailed a local guide regarding fishing conditions and bait/fly shops for information. He also sent some lodging information. I also am checking with my wife's friend who is a manager with a the Sterling Inn, which is a Best Western. She can sometimes work something out if there is a hotel in the area we need. Plus, they usually have a lounge where we can meet.

The ramada Inn at
exit 28 on I-94 is probably your best bet for what you asked. BJ'S Sports
should be able to help you out on the flies. 1-(616) 927-1172 Also, Lunker's
In Edwardsburg,MI. has a lot of fly fishing stuff and Info. 1-(616) 663-3745

mich buckmaster

01-09-2002, 01:28 PM

I will bring the wonderful beverage if someone has room on there vessel. If not I will join the shore fisherman.

Spanky

01-10-2002, 08:02 AM

For anyone interested, I am having some other captains come to participate in this event although they are not members of the site! I'm sure we can FORCE them to comply by the end of the outing!:cool: I am trying to get one or 2 more boats , so hopefully no one has to fish from shore unless they prefer too!:p

I'm not sure but I believe the cabins are reserved now, I am sure 2 of the 3 are. I have one, and my other captain friend has one. Mine is full, his isn't yet.

I am still looking into the food/recreation areas for those not fishing all the time.

The weather pattern is shaping up nicely:D

I will report any new findings

hasenpfeffer

01-10-2002, 09:04 PM

Okay, it's a done deal. I booked the last cabin at shamrock for friday and sat. I was supposed to work sat, but we'll just have to fix that somehow. No way I can get out of monday though.
Bringing at least two friends and maybe a third.

I was at the river wed and the water looked great. I think things will be fine as long as we don't get a bunch of rain the day before the outing. Right now the river is running pretty clear. It usaully doesn't get muddy until the snow is almost gone. I'll be heading over there this sunday again so we'll see whats happenin then.

BTW according to the IN dnr 8300 steelhead migrated past the south bend ladder this fall. Thats a whole lot of steel for the fall run. To put it in perspective. The entire fall run of fish, including salmon was 12,815 fish. Those are fish that made it all the way to south bend. I sure would like to know how many passed berrien springs.

broncbuster2

01-11-2002, 01:39 AM

Spanky:
Can you give us a clue as to what the charter captains will be charging.

hasenpfeffer

01-11-2002, 07:43 AM

BB2,
you can contact shamrock for guide info and rates for the guides that work out of there. Might be nice to sit inside of one of those heated enclosed boats. I must admit I have envied them more than once or twice, as I froze my butt off standing knee deep in the river:)

Shoeman

01-11-2002, 08:08 AM

Spanky, I must thank you for taking the bull by the horns.
We really appreciate the time and effort you are spending on this project.
This is shaping up to be a major event.

Can't wait.

Spanky

01-11-2002, 08:19 AM

They average about 80-90 bucks each person for a 1/2 day to 6 hrs. But call for reservations.Many charters are booked for 6-8 weeks in advance.

The captains that I have invited are not charters, They are personal friends.....with heated boats, some covered like mine!I explained to them what we(this site) were trying to put together, and they all liked the idea. They are members of our local Battle Creek steelheaders. We have these kind of events often throughout the year with many different groups.They are all experienced river captains with a good diversity of boats.I hope we get enough mich.sportsman members there to enjoy their generousity.sp*

I will repeat this though. DO NOT SPEED at the park. The ranger"Nick" is very tough on folks who go faster than the posted speed limit.

These captains/friends of mine do not require any payment, but as a courtesy, you may want to help out with some gas.

I would still like to findout who's in and who's on the fence, so I can get more boats if nI don't wanna have a bunch of empty boats sitting in the lot down there not being used either.
I think I will start another post just to find out...who and what days, help me out folks.;)

gunrod

01-11-2002, 09:48 AM

Spanky, you seem to know alot about the river and the area. Is there a map on the internet somewhere so that names like Shamrock Park and Jasper Rd mean something to me? My dad and I are planning on going but are really up in the air about how, when and where to fish since we have never been on the river.

Thanks...

gunrod

01-13-2002, 03:03 PM

Spanky, thanks for the map. I was hoping for a little more detail but this will do nicely. At least when you mention some place I have an idea of what you are talking about.

Well done on the organizational skills. This is shaping up to be a major shin-ding.... I am looking forward to it.