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Paint Creek

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7.5K views 31 replies 19 participants last post by  SNAREMAN  
#1 ·
Hi, I'm going to Paint Creek in the Rochester area the middle of May and was wondering what species should i go for/ what is there to catch? I'd appreciate knowledge on the Creek. Thanks guys!
 
#9 ·
The paint isn't a stream where a novice learns IMO. (Not calling you one or anybody here just saying) Seasoned anglers can do very well there. I'm not going to go into specifics because it's burned me in the past but I will say if you have F5 rapala's and work them like a slash bait on an ultra lite combo you can have a ball. If you have some rapala CD1's you can always get fish. Be sure to play with presentations with both lures though. A countdown method works well, a stop an go and a jerking and pause all are good for the CD1. Have fun, if you'd like to meet up maybe we could do that too.
 
#12 ·
DE82, just curious, how many rapalas do you go thru in a season of fishing them on the Clinton? I mostly roll bait on the river, but I have been thinking of adding gulp plastics in a manner simular to what you are doing with the Rapala. If I could buy Rapalas for $1 a piece (I believe alot of serious walleye fishermen's wives believe that is the real cost) I think I would be using Rapalas. Unfortunately I still believe I can thread a bait thru the trees, so until I hit the lotto I do not think rapalas would be a wise choice. I would be interested in hearing what you have to say on the subject, even if it's just you're way smarter than me. BTW have you tried the river at night using the Rapalas, I have thought about trying that, but have not tried yet.
 
#13 · (Edited)
DE82, just curious, how many rapalas do you go thru in a season of fishing them on the Clinton? I mostly roll bait on the river, but I have been thinking of adding gulp plastics in a manner simular to what you are doing with the Rapala. If I could buy Rapalas for $1 a piece (I believe alot of serious walleye fishermen's wives believe that is the real cost) I think I would be using Rapalas. Unfortunately I still believe I can thread a bait thru the trees, so until I hit the lotto I do not think rapalas would be a wise choice. I would be interested in hearing what you have to say on the subject, even if it's just you're way smarter than me. BTW have you tried the river at night using the Rapalas, I have thought about trying that, but have not tried yet.
To be honest with you Fisheater if I keep from throwing them into tree's I rarely lose one. Still it happens from time to time. I would guess I lose a couple dozen total for a year fishing both the paint and the clinton total and I fish the clinton year round(since it's open year round) and my girlfriend is so close to the paint(or used to be) that I often fish that 3-4 times a week if not more.

If snags are your worry I say go with the CD1. A single size 12 treble on that bait rarely if ever snags. I have one in my box so chewed up that I've used for years and the trout and panfish just love the thing, not to mention pike and bass. There are also some spots on the paint that you must use artificial only so it helps to have them.

You mentioned gulp and IME the 1inch smelt gulp minnow is awesome for trout and so is the berkley honey worm on a 1/32oz jig head

have used them on the paint at night with good results, a 14incher was probably the biggest but I've only done that a few times
 
#14 ·
I fished the paint creek today.......Caught and released a 12 inch rainbow. There is a restriction on part of the Paint Creek, however, I copied the restriction from the DNR website. "GR from Gunn Rd. to Tienken Rd." GR meaning Gear Restriction. Maps can only be found online at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing. Paint Creek (Oakland County) from Gunn Rd. to Tienken Rd.: Fishing season: last Saturday in April through September 30 for all species of trout; Possession season: last Saturday in April through
September 30 for all species of trout; Tackle: artificial lures only;
Daily possession limit: two (2) trout; Size limits: minimum size
limit: all species of trout – 14 inches. Mileage: 5.0 miles.........
Hope this is helpful.....Good luck and happy fishing....
 
#17 ·
I fished the paint creek today.......Caught and released a 12 inch rainbow. There is a restriction on part of the Paint Creek, however, I copied the restriction from the DNR website. "GR from Gunn Rd. to Tienken Rd." GR meaning Gear Restriction. Maps can only be found online at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing. Paint Creek (Oakland County) from Gunn Rd. to Tienken Rd.: Fishing season: last Saturday in April through September 30 for all species of trout; Possession season: last Saturday in April through
September 30 for all species of trout; Tackle: artificial lures only;
Daily possession limit: two (2) trout; Size limits: minimum size
limit: all species of trout – 14 inches. Mileage: 5.0 miles.........
Hope this is helpful.....Good luck and happy fishing....
Well you did so illegally because the entire stream doesn't open up until saturday :rolleyes: Some people just don't get it.

I thought better of this comment and deleted it but this is exactly why most seasoned paint creek anglers don't post in here anymore. You get law breakers that take advantage of the postings. I know I won't, maybe I'll try again next year
 
#19 ·
Paint Creek is open enough to fly fish in most sections provided you are using a shorter rod and know how to roll cast. Due to the streamside cover, performing a false cast is pretty much out of the question in most of the river. I generally run a 7ft 3 wt when fishing the creek and do just fine. If I take my 9ft rod I really have to watch the overhanging brush along the creek.
 
#21 ·
Just wondering if you guys are seeing beaver sign thru-out the paint and if so have they dammed it up anywhere?I trapped a small section (north of rochester)of it a few yrs ago and from the sign I saw and the #'s I caught ,they had been there for awhile.
 
#22 ·
Just wondering if you guys are seeing beaver sign thru-out the paint and if so have they dammed it up anywhere?I trapped a small section (north of rochester)of it a few yrs ago and from the sign I saw and the #'s I caught ,they had been there for awhile.

on saturday the 30th near Tienken road, i saw some beaver sign (about a half dozen fresh cut trees)... have not noticed any lodges or dams, but i didnt walk up or down stream too far...
 
#25 · (Edited)
Just wondering if you guys are seeing beaver sign thru-out the paint and if so have they dammed it up anywhere?I trapped a small section (north of rochester)of it a few yrs ago and from the sign I saw and the #'s I caught ,they had been there for awhile.
There's been beaver in there for many years

Both kinds...

One encounter back in the late 70's and I was finally able to confirm my theory about 6 years ago noticing the gnawed trees and piled brush all the way down past Ryan

Oh and grinners too....:D
 
#26 ·
Thanks for the info guys.And yes i'm allways interested when it comes to trapping beaver,have an ADC license so I can trap outside the season but prefer to do it during season and not waste the animals.If anyone happens to talk with any landowners,keep me in mind ;).