Is it still pristine?

[streamlover]

I think I need a little help from the fishing community in the U.P.. Basically I live in the Ruby Creek area near Baldwin and because of the over-use and unreal abundance of snaggers and low-lifes that visit the area especially during salmon season, I am considering a move to the U.P. possibly in the Spring.I am a master trim-finish carpenter/subcontractor so I need an area that has a healthy population to support my business. My primary focus however is the flyfishing possibilities. Any suggestions as to an area where I could support my family and yet enter streams where trash, mono,and bare snaggers hooks hanging from trees with 80 lb. mono attached, would not be the normal sight, would be respected and appreciated. I truly believe there has to be areas left still pristine. I'm sure there are others who have felt as I do. Thats why you live in the U.P. I'm sure. Feel free to contact me at: Streamlover@webtv.net Thankyou for your assistance!

[ZobZob]

The Houghton area is nice. Lots of nice trout streams and I never see anyone. A decent population of potential clients. Michigan Tech is up there and there are lots of old houses that would probably need your services. I'm sorry I can not elaborate on the specific streams as my family has sworn me to secrecy since some of them live up there. Marquette is another possibility.

Zob

[streamlover]

Thanks for your response Zob Zob- I have been studying the demographics for the Marquette area and they do look promising. I haven't been in that area since high school and I am not familiar with the stream types. Are they basically silt/sand or gravel or do they run the whole gambit?

[Northern Steel]

The Marquette area has both types of rivers/streams. I am from se mich but attend school at Northern. I have noticed that the last couple of times i have fished the P.M. and other rivers downstate i get frustrated because there are people on every bend in the rivers. I have become severely spoiled when i can fish all day long and not see another soul. I need to find a job up here when i graduate or get back into combat fishing!! Good Luck in your endeavor, hope it works out for you.

[Whit1]

Living in Manistee County to your north, I find plenty of fishing water around here that doesn't fit the description you give. Of course, I don't fish the Big Manistee during prime salmon and rarely during steelhead time. The same goes with the Betsie R. and Bear Cr. There are miles of streams that don't get that heavy pressure during the regular trout season, eveing on Opening Day and if they do get fished a lot it is only on that first weekend of the season.

In answer to your question, I would look into the Marquette or Escanaba area. There are plenty of trout streams that are both sand, gravel, or stone based, with the opportunity to fish in solitude (is there any other way?.....yes I know about combat fishing and it leaves me cold).

You need to be prepared, mentally at least, for the long, cold, snowy winters, especially in the Lake Superior area. The days and days of heavy snowfall can get to people who haven't experienced that yet. In our area we haven't had a long, tough, winter since the early 80s and nothing like those in the late 70s.

I hope you find what you need and do keep us posted.

[ZobZob]

I've never fished the Marquette area rivers but I wouldn't imagine they would be all that different than the Houghton area rivers. Some rivers are freestone, some have a slate type base and some have a sand bottom. The fishing is good in all types but you must be very careful in the slate type and rivers with large stones as it is very slippery. I've taken a couple of baths in my life!

I love fishing up there. I catch a lot of brookies, resident bows and pre-migrant steelies. Browns are scarce. I'm not sure if it is like this for the rest of the U.P. I do not usually make it up there til May or later but I sometimes see a few steelies milling around. It's nothing like down in the northern lower for them but I would imagine once you get to know your rivers you could do well.

Zob

Zob