Early Spring Lake Michigan Salmon/Trout from small boat?

[jaid]

Just wondering what all of your thoughts are on this. Me and a few friends are thinking about heading out to Lake Michigan and trying our luck. We would be launching out of south haven. The boats in question are a 17' bass tracker, and an 18' bayliner cobra. Obviously the waves would have to be very small. I know when ive been out in the big boats weve often seen smaller boats than these on the water.

Is there a good time in the early spring to try this out?

Can salmon/trout be caught casting, or is trolling pretty much mandatory?

Any tips, suggestions, etc would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[huntingfool43]

jaid

You you can fish the big lake after the ice goes out,just keep an eye on the weather. I think downriggers ans dipseys are the main method used from boats. PM Steinfishki (sp) he has good luck in his 14 foot boat.

[jaid]

Cool, thanks!

We dont have any downriggers or dipsy's, as we are primarily bass/pike/musky anglers. Can you run just dipsy's, or are downriggers pretty much mandatory? We would probably be sticking fairly close to shore, in 20-40fow I would think. I know that when ive been out in the big boats we often ran a flat line for steelies, and hooked up every now and then. What are the chances on making a decent catch without dipsy's or downriggers?

[bluedevil]

I would definatly get a ship to shore radio if you go out on the great lakes. Some storms can come in very fast and its good in case you have engine problems.

If you dont have downriggers, dipsy divers work well but in the early spring you normaly fish shallow ( any were from 10 to 40 feet) so I use the smaller ones for the shallow waters. Fish are spooky in the shallow water.

Also yellow bird planner boards are inexspensive and work well.

You probably could cast for them but you would stand a better chance of hooking up on some fish if you troll and find the warmer water.

Good luck!

[GONE FISHIN(LARRY)]

early spring is a great to fish in a small boat out on lk. michigan,just watch the weather,right after ice troll the shallows,planner boards would help,either inline or iif you have a mast.after ice out a lot fish are in tight to shore and small boats have a advantage.

[Crawfish]

Get out as soon as the ice is out, and you won't need divers or downriggers. Just run planer boards, or inline boards (such as yellow birds), and flatlines. You'll find primarily cohos, steelies, and browns in anywhere from 2 to 15 feet of water. I tend stick between 8-10 feet of water, so I have one planer board off in about 4-5 feet of water, and the other side running out in about 12-13 feet of water. Make slow "S"s to find the right depth, speed.

Hot-n-tots, ThinFins, Shad Raps, Bomber Long A's, Smithwick Rogues, Thundersticks, Rebel minnows, 3-5" Rapalas (originals, jointeds, and husky jerks) all will catch fish.

As the fish move deeper, you can still catch fish without downriggers if you buy 2 - 4 dipsy divers. These can get very deep, and you COULD use just dipsys and no downriggers for the entire summer. Downriggers are easier to bring up and down when the fish are 120' down in July. But, when the fish are in 20 to 70 feet of water, you can still catch fish pretty easily with dipsy divers and planer boards.

Try it out, and if you like the spring fishery, invest in a couple dipsy divers. If you like fishing with those, maybe you'll decide you want to save your spare change for a couple of used downriggers.

Remember, as a relatively small boat fishing the Great Lakes, that the best tool you have at your disposal is the 24 hour nearshore marine forecast. Anytime you're thinking of heading out, check out this forecast starting the day before, check it again the night before, and check it before you leave for the launch.

[jaid]

Thanks for all the tips guys!

[tgafish]

What Crawfish said

plus

Don't be surprised if the forecast is wayyyyyyyy wrong when you get to the lake. Seems to happen more often than you'll wish.
and
You'll be pleasantly surpised at the amount of days there are that the waves are small enough to get out. In my short time I've found that the number of days you can fish are greater than the high wave days.

[DonP]

Jaid...

All the advice given here is very good. I was born and raised in South Haven and that is still my home port. I am very good friends with the owners of All Seasons Marine in South Haven and keep in touch with him a couple times a week about the ice conditions. It is going to be awhile before you can launch out of South Haven this year. (as with anywhere else too) Here is a very helpful webcam website that will help you check the ice conditions out at the end of the pier...

http://www.wwmt3.com/liveeyecameras/html/shaven.htm

As what some of the others said... you really don't need downriggers or dipsies to catch fish early in the season. I used to go out during relatively calm days in my 14 ft'er and do very well using flatlines (the first couple years... only used flatlines) and boards. Don't be afraid to run a shallow running stick bait off a board almost right up on shore in your pursuit (as little as 5 FOW). If you add anything to your presentations of flatlines and boards... I would get a couple of the smaller dipsies so you can get a little more depth and spread to your presentation. Alot of guys will head south out of the harbor and fish... but do not overlook heading north either as I have had some great days going that way.

If you have any other questions about South Haven... feel free to get ahold of me.

[fishctchr]

Don I'll get a power auger and we can cut the channel in a little. I'll bet the browns and steely's are getting real hungry by now.

[captdenny]

Spring weather can change rapidly, keep this in mind when leaving port. Do as suggested about a carring aboard a good FM radio. Let someone know where you are going, when going off shore in a small boat and never leave port without a good mag. compass. Fog can sock you in quick. Safe fishing. Fish-on