Lake St. Clair

[dukeboy]

Can anyone fill me in on how the fishing was in Anchor Bay this past weekend? The in-laws were in town, couldn't get out. Thanks in advance, Ed.

[Joe Archer]

I didn't get out much. I fished for a couple hours Sunday morning in shallow water on Anchor Bay and got about 25.
Today I had the day off and fished a local canal and got 40 big crappie and gills. The fish were hitting, just had to be on top of them. <----<<<

[dukeboy]

Thanks Joe, you seem to be an ole pro on this channel from your profile. Maybe catch ya on the ice in the bay sometime. Ed

[fishindude644]

hey joe can you help me out and give me a hint where you were getting the gills? my email is fishman644@yahoo.com it would be greatly appreciated. we fished in a cna there last year and did real good on gills and would love to get into another mess of them. everyone seems to be concentrating on the big water right now.

[Joe Archer]

Generally, I fish for gills and crappie in canals. I bet you can probably go into any canal and find the fish fairly easilly. Best bets are "dead-ends" that cary above average depth for the canal. The only place on the open water that I have ever found gills and crappies (hope this doesnt get anyone mad) is about a mile south of the acces next to Selfridge, and 1/4 mile from shore. I havent fished this area in quite some time, but has been very productive in the past. <----<<<

[Young Steve]

Two of us went out off of cotton road 1/14. fished 7:00am until noon. First fish came around 10:30. 3 fish for the day. not very productive. moved 4 times. We'll try it again soon.

[Joe Archer]

Something I wanted to share. The BEST bait shop that I know of for honestly putting you on fish is The Bridge. He is on the west side of Jefferson south of Cotton Road (between Cotton Road and 21 mile. I buy all my bait and equipment from him, and when I need help he puts me on the fish. If it is slow, he will tell you straight out. Young Steve, give him a try next time you fish the Cotton Road area. <----<<<

[This message has been edited by Joe Archer (edited 01-16-2001).]

[Young Steve]

Hey Joe Archer, That's where I go in at and he did tell us that the morning bite was slow. He also told us that the last hour to hour and a half is when it picked up. He wished all us fishermen would realize that so he could sleep in!! Two weeks ago I fished all day out there with only about 8 fish until 4:30 then someone turned on a switch and I caught about 30 in the last hour. 5 of which were 9"+


[This message has been edited by Young Steve (edited 01-16-2001).]

[Mick]

I fished there last weekend. Moved all around the bay, didn't catch a darn thing.

Fished north of cotton Rd. Sunday morning,got a fare anount of fish with a couple nice ones, 11 inch. found a weed bed in 4ft of water, best one I've found this year.

[Joe Archer]

I havent been out for awhile. My neighbor was fishing off of Brandenberg last Saturday and he said he caught 20 perch over 9 inches. <----<<<

[Joe'sCat]

So it's good to fish in weeds? Some people have told me avoid the weeds. I've seen weeds on the ice too, but it wasn't clear enough whether they decided to stay a while.

I've never noticed shanty parking tracks and weeds on the ice together.

Hey, might give me something new to try.

[ESOX]

Green weeds=Northerns

[Joe Archer]

Fish will always be around weed beds, winter, spring, summer or fall. <----<<<

Joe, I've been icefishing the pond for a long time and from personal experance I've found that finding weed beds can sometimes produce more fish then fishing away from them. I located a weed bed on Sunday and did real well on the perch, and also had alot of other fish come in to. (pike,bass,bluegill) My buddies were out about 50yrd. from me and didn't have any weeds and did ice any fish until the moved back in to where I was and we all went home with a real nice dinner that day. Weeds don't mean your going to do better then everyone else but sometimes it does help.

The one above this was for Joe'scat not intened for Joe archer

[rick adams]

In the summer I always look for a vertical wall o'weeds.Cast into and let fall or troll parrallel to it.The edges of the weed beds are the targets.

[Joe Archer]

Found the perch again on Anchor Bay. I got 50 Sunday morning and had em for dinner that night. I havent had to move far off shore yet this year. I am still in in five feet of water next to a drop. I fish with spikes and many of the perch I am catching are carying minnows. <----<<<

Where about were you Joe A. out from Selfridge or Cotton Rd. Only reason I ask is I've been fishing those areas "Alot" this year and haven't been able to bring home 50 yet.
Unless your keeping the dinks to then I can believe your report.

[Joe Archer]

There are ALOT of dinks. To keep 50 fish I probably throw 250 back! Honestly though, I dont keep anything under 9 inches. The 50 I kept were predominately 10 - 12 inches. <----<<<

[moose]

Hey Joe,

I'm fishing Lake St. Clair for the first time this Saturday. I'm taking out a beginner that lives in that area. Where have you been most successful? I've been reading the Lake St. Clair report for the past two months trying to prepare for this day and it seems Cotton Rd is more successful. What do you think? Please keep in mind we will be on foot. How far out approximately would be also helpful?

thanks for any info.

Originally posted by Joe Archer:
There are ALOT of dinks. To keep 50 fish I probably throw 250 back! Honestly though, I dont keep anything under 9 inches. The 50 I kept were predominately 10 - 12 inches. <----<<<

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Moose

[This message has been edited by moose (edited 01-30-2001).]

Moose, If joe's catching 50 fish all over 9inchs then I'm the king of sheba. I'm not saying that it's not possible but if he is telling the truth then he is the only one out of maybe 15 to 30 fisherman on the ice at one time that is finding fish that size. Now im not knockin ya Joe but I'll make you a bet, you pick the day and time and I'll meet you at Selfridge boat ramp or cotton road dirt lot or any where else you are finding these fish and I'll bring the bait, beverage, and anything else you want and I'll pay you $50 bucks, and you show me you are catching half that many fish from 9 to 12 inchs and I wouldn't even fish I'll just watch. Ok? You just let me know if your up to the challenge.

[moose]

Jeffk - Where would you say has been the best perch fishing? Thanks for any info.

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Moose

[Jeff C]

Joe Ill throw 50 bucks in that pot also and Ill pay for the steak dinner after words!!!!


Jeff

Joe A, I didn't mean to start anything but your up to $100 for a tottering lesion and a steak dinner, Not Bad. I know the fish are out there but lately they just aren't fitting. You and I should get together and one day and exchange tactics and storys we both sound like were avid perch fisherman.
The offer still stands, Ha Ha.

Moose, It's hard to put someone in a spot and know that there going to catch fish. This year has been real slow and a day to day thing. I've fished one spot, and moved around quite a bite and did good on that day, then went right back to the same area the next day and moved alot that day and couldn't do any good. If I was to give you advise on where to go I would have to say that Anchor Bay has been the one place that I've done the best this year in numbers and not to bad in size eather. Try starting out from Selfridge boat launch to the south in about 3 to 4ft of water and if your not picking up perch within 15 to 20 min. move out and around to some deeper water. If you fish a spot and don't even get a bump within 15min. or so then move to another spot and keep doing this until you locate some fish. You might never find them on that day put the next day in those same holes you could slam them. Good luck!!

[This message has been edited by jeffk from greatmich.com (edited 01-31-2001).]

[The Whale]

Joe A.,....wake up dude, no ones catches fish like that ALL the time. Keep the B.S.'n to a minimum please.

[igotgame]

Originally posted by The Whale:
Joe A.,....wake up dude, no ones catches fish like that ALL the time. Keep the B.S.'n to a minimum please.WOW!! Back off guys. I didn't get the impression that Joe Archer has been Bullsh**ing us in any of his previous posts, and I don't now. Some guys do have all the luck, and I have heard of other people that have had some good days out there this year. Though Few and far between.
So lets give the guy a break, he's been helpful to this forum for a long time.

Good Luck!

[Joe Archer]

Wow, stay away for a few days and people start throwing darts! It's ok though, I have broad shoulders. I'd love to say that I could take you out and show you how to catch perch and net myself $100.00. Unfortunately it is not that simple. Most of the tiem it requires work and persistence. Last weekend for example, I took my youngest son out Saturday afternoon. I fished every single spot that I caught fish this year. We covered at least 5 square miles and caught two keepers. Saturday night my bro-in-law calls me up and wants to go fishing. He suggests we go try off Cotton Road. I respond that I would rather stay away from the crouds and go try a new spot that I had a "hunch" may hold some fish. I told him if we find the fish there we will have them to ourselves. He said sounds like a plan. The fish were there. Will they be there this weekend? Your guess is as good as mine. Honestly, $100.00 bucks isnt worth disclosing my honey holes even if i do find the fish there. Make it worth my while and I'll take a couple vacation days, find the fish again, and let at least three of ya get your limit.<----<<<

I thought maybee 100 and a steak dinner would make it worth your while, just kidding.
Your so right about the day to day thing. I too have been trying spots around the pond that I have never fished before and have done real good in them. Keep-up the good work and if there is ever a day that you might want to get together let me know I always like to meet a new fishin buddy.

[Joe Archer]

Moose, I am fishing closer to New Baltimore. Between Cotton road and New Baltimore. What has surprised me completely this year is the shallow depths in which I am finding the fish. Usually, this time of the year, I have to go out a mile or so on the bay and fish deep water. This year the fish I am on havent moved out of 5 to 6 feet of water yet! I know it is hard to believe, I told a friend who was fishing with me last weekend (John, if ya read this back me up?)that I was having uncommonly good luck and that I couldnt believe the depths we were catching the fish in. I cant really disclose my spot, but I honestly have stayed away from the crouds and fished shallow water. I guess no matter where you fish, even if you believe me or not, what harm can there be in your starting shallow and working your way out? One more thing, I wont post here anymore unless I take pictures as proof. Good fishin ya'll! <----<<<

[This message has been edited by Joe Archer (edited 02-01-2001).]

[DaveW731]

Joe:
KEEP ON POSTING, BRO!
If I were catching fish like you are, I wouldn't care if some guys didn't believe me. Part of the fun of the game is to hope that the next time you go out, fish are going to be jumping out of the hole at you. Reports like yours keep the dream alive. In fact, I've got my own story. Lake Cadillac, buddy and I went crappie fishing. Talked to a couple of locals, who each caught two fish. I said to my buddy, so these guys could hear, "I think the fish are 47 feet that way". We walked over, cut two holes, stayed there all day, limited out and started culling. Threw back everything under 10". People 30 feet away from us in any direction were not catching a thing.
It DOES happen!!!
Dave

I agree with Dave Joe, don't stop posting just because of what I said, I was only razzin ya about your catchis of limits. You truly have found some great spots where noone else has and I applaud you for that.
Keep the good reports comeing in and good luck to you the rest of the year.

[Ice Wizard]

Joe don't stop your info has helped. I haven't caught near the amount that you have but I have caught more when i fall your reports.

See there Joe you've become quite the celebrity around here. LOL......

[Banditto]

Hey you guys take it easy on Joe. Joe has been a loyal member of this board for quite some time and has always been honest and helpful.

One thing to consider on fishing is sometimes certain people *DO* catch fish all the time. Haven't you noticed one guy you know who consistantly catches more fish than everybody else? I have friends like that.

Even out at Gino's and Metro people are always commenting on how nobody has been doing any good, except they saw 1 guy carry a bucket of perch to his truck.

I have fished at Gino's when nobody was doing any good and I personally pulled home 27 jumbo's (none under 10"), 2 of which were mountable in my oppinion (14.5"+ and fat). Some days it pays to fish the shanty, and some it doesn't.

That's why they call it fishing!

[igotgame]

Originally posted by Joe Archer:
Moose, I am fishing closer to New Baltimore. Between Cotton road and New Baltimore. What has surprised me completely this year is the shallow depths in which I am finding the fish. Usually, this time of the year, I have to go out a mile or so on the bay and fish deep water. This year the fish I am on havent moved out of 5 to 6 feet of water yet! I know it is hard to believe, I told a friend who was fishing with me last weekend (John, if ya read this back me up?)that I was having uncommonly good luck and that I couldnt believe the depths we were catching the fish in. I cant really disclose my spot, but I honestly have stayed away from the crouds and fished shallow water. I guess no matter where you fish, even if you believe me or not, what harm can there be in your starting shallow and working your way out? One more thing, I wont post here anymore unless I take pictures as proof. Good fishin ya'll! <----<<<

[This message has been edited by Joe Archer (edited 02-01-2001).]Joe, you don't need pictures to prove your posts. Just keep on posting 'em and if someone thinks you are exagerating your success, they don't have to heed your advise. I for one have appreciated your info and advise.
To the other non-believers, please accept all posts like we do fishing reports from the baitshops, with a certain amount of skeptecism. We know not all reports are completely accurate, but we listen to the information, compare and add it to our own experiences, and then make our own decisions on what to do and where to go.
If people like Joe have to supply pictures with their posts to prove something to you, we all will lose. Because, we need involvement and imput from people like Joe. We don't need to be running anyone away from this great forum Steve has set-up.
Just my two cents worth!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

[Jeff C]

Joe:
I wasnt calling you a liar I was saying I would give you 50 bucks and a dinner for a bucket of perch I havent had the luck this winter with the perch and at like $12.00 a pound fifty would be cheap!! So i give up about 70.00 and get over a hundred in perch back and a great day of fishing.

[Joe Archer]

Jeff C, email me sometime. I went out for two hours Saturday and kept 37 perch in the 8 - 10 inch range. Maybe a few 7 inchers, but in my book a good meal. <----<<<

[igotgame]

Originally posted by Joe Archer:
Jeff C, email me sometime. I went out for two hours Saturday and kept 37 perch in the 8 - 10 inch range. Maybe a few 7 inchers, but in my book a good meal. <----<<<Joe, what about me? I need some help. I am fishing the same waters as you and my luck sucks. same results as usual on friday. 1 walleye, 4 perch

[moose]

Thanks to Jeffk and Joe!

I was able to pull out about 35 Perch this past Saturday Morning (20 Keepers). I went out of Selfridge and fished fairly close to a spring. (5 foot of water) I probably would have came home with about 30 or 35 keepers if I was with another experienced ice fisherman because they were biting. I think I would have moved around 10:30 because I'm pretty sure they were in closer later in the day. If I could of fished for two more hours I could have brought home about 30.

thanks for the info...I'll be back next year....

[fishctchr]

Just remember that 10% of the fishermen catch 90% of the fish. Believe me It's true most of the time and it sounds like maybe joe is in the 10% group. Go get em buddy and keep up on the posts. I've got a good blue gill lake by me and they slowed down for everyone but I am still catching my limit every trip although some don't believe me either.
fishctchr

[fishctchr]

Just remember that 10% of the fishermen catch 90% of the fish. Believe me It's true most of the time and it sounds like maybe joe is in the 10% group. Go get em buddy and keep up on the posts. I've got a good blue gill lake by me and they slowed down for everyone but I am still catching my limit every trip although some don't believe me either.
fishctchr

[Jeff C]

Hey Joe thats a deal I will email you sometime but maybe we will have to do a little bass fishing or something because I am a new Parent my son was born 2/2/01 his name is Brenden Robert Cox so I will be busy the next couple of months getting use to the being a father thing.

Thanks,Jeff

[Joe Archer]

Hey Jeff Congrats! How is the air up there? I know, it is thebest feeling you can imagine! Is this your first born?

If you want to go for some bass, or perch thru the ice just let me know.

Congratulations again! <----<<<

Igotgame, email me tonight if you can make it tomorrow afternoon around 2:30ish. Your welcome to join me this weekend too, just not sure when I will get out. Most likely Saturday afternoon. <----<<<

[This message has been edited by Joe Archer (edited 02-05-2001).]

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Went to Fair Haven Monday 8-12:30pm. Caught about 12 decent ones. Saw alot but would not bite. (I"m in a shanty) Had a chub hanging off to the side and either a pike or musky came in and swiped it. No time to crab the spear or identify if. It went about 30-35". Went about a mile out in a cluster of shanties straight out from DNR launch.Ice in most spots 16-18". (see "not zesty" topic

[Jeff C]

Joe yes it is my first and yes I am way up on cloud 100 thanks alot and I will e in touch!!!!!!

[FischInMich]

Hey guys,

Anyone heard of any papermouths (crappies) moving in off of Brandenberg yet? It shouldn't be long now. Please post if so.

Fischman

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Fischman

Ice is getting bad on the pond fisherman, lets all us good judgment and stay dry.

[FischInMich]

The weather's looking pretty shady boys and girls. I just got home from work and it's raining like a cow peeing on a flat rock! Let's keep our heads together and play it safe!!! FISH ON!!!

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Fischman

[ESOX]

I know it's hard to give up guys, but if you really gotta get out, do your loved ones a favor, grab a rod,find an open creekmouth (shouldn't be hard) hook up a large chub or sucker on a jig and inch it back in. You'll be in for a suprise!

a good amount of open water on the north west end of the pond, around Brandenberge park. fishings been slow hit and miss.