Torch Lake 6-27-04

[garyrodbender]

The FAIR CATCH finally made it out fishing! Almost July...I need to get my priorities back in order.Hooked up with Mountainman at torch river.Splashed my rig,and did the short run to the south end of Torch.After running the boat a while we went along the west end about 5 miles up.Had 2 riggers down 55 and 62 in 65-120 fow , with clown husky`s on each.Also set 2 dipsys back 150 on 2.5. Both were green / green ring ,each had on mag DW green dolphins. It wasnt long after we were set the port diver rod started bounc`n and the reels drag was scream`n. I know longer got the rod out of the rod holder and took up any slack,the fish came out of the water like a missle.It must have leaped 6 times! We thought it was a rainbow at first.After a lengthy battle MM netted the fish. It wasnt a `bow, but what I believe to be an Atlantic Salmon 29 inches and just under 10 lbs.We tried to duplicate,to get a 2nd hookup but couldnt find a willing fish. A nice start to our season and hopes of a little more of the same in the near future for sure...

http://svr01.thump.net/2035/gary/atlanticsalmon62704.jpg

[garyrodbender]

The 1st mate and I just finished dinner, and the Atlantic Salmon is now a close 2nd behind coho.Mountainman hope you guys ate your share,fresh is always best.IMHO...Northcountry, just give me a call . I`m only a half hour away from the access!

[deerslayer62]

That is one nice fish, not too far from a Master Angler. I'm trying to get down to Torch soon (might have myself a bigger boat soon too -would like to slap my downriggers on it and get a few trial runs on Torch before heading out on the big water). Would be real nice to tie into one of those Atlantics. Have never caught one.

[Flyfisher]

Hard to tell from the pic, but looks more like a steelhead than atlantic...did it have spots (actually X's) on it? If not, probably a steelhead (rainbow). Nice fish nonetheless...sound like a lot of fun.

[Rich M]

Torch is my home port. Last night (6/28) we caught this small laker on a silver mag 90' down on the rigger over 160 fow. We were 1 for 3 with the knock off's both coming on a small green and silver cleo that was 80' down. No action on the dipsys running fish catchers and flies. I always have the vhf on, if you guys have radios we should share info on the water. BTW that is an atlantic, I've caught enough to recognize them.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/1100fish-med.JPG

[garyrodbender]

White jaw extends past eye,spots on tail,also tail beign square not vee`ed.Not a rainbow,sure came out of the water as though it thought it was... The lake was quiet , only 1'-1.5' waves. Going to try an evening run,530 pm `til dark.Thursday or Friday. Nice laker . The fish`s stomach was empty,should be stuffed with lake herring or smelt.

[Linda G.]

and a darned nice one...it's pretty rare for anyone to catch any that big, congrats, gary!!


July is a pretty good month for Atlantics on Torch for those who fish for them-I don't think very many people do. They all seem to come out of about 65 ft. of water or so...

This is a fishery that really needs to be promoted, as it's expensive for the DNR to keep it up, so it's good to hear that people are out there that enjoy the Atlantics...

I think they're THE best eating salmon-and their fight, when they rocket out of the water like that as soon as they're hooked, is second to none, even better than steelhead, imho...

But they are hard to catch.

Rich, Gary, I would LOVE to tag along on a trip with one of you for a story-no secrets will be written about, but a good Atlantic salmon story would be great for this area's fisheries, and the DNR would really appreciate it-please contact me. I'll buy the gas...

:)

[garyrodbender]

Linda G, that sounds like a reel nice idea.Made plans for tomorrow evening already, but an evening next week...maybe the 5th or 6th ? Thanks alot for posting and having this idea! Full Boxes...