Is it a possibility that we are underestimating the musky fishery up there? About 10 years ago I unintentionally caught two ski's about 25 inches while bass fishing the Indian river. Also, I can't remember which publication, I think bassmaster, gave a report of those lakes and mentioned multiple muskies caught while burning spinnerbaits for smallmouth. What do you think?
Some may underestimate the Indian River sytem (myself included)…..thing is for me and I think most "downstaters"…..we can hit LSC and TC (other GLS) options with an hour less of drive time. I would have to do a lot of studying before I set off to tackle this sytem. Realistic natural reproduction numbers arent going to have fish jumping in ur boat.
Not sure what you mean by underestimating. If you are implying that those lakes/river systems have a high density I would have to disagree, but that would be the case in any self-sustaining body of water. Then again, what is the definition of "high-density". I can’t remember if I’ve seen any density numbers for those lakes but I would guess Burt/Mullett/Black has less than 1 fish per acre. I fish that area a few times every year for 2-3 days of all day fishing and we're generally successful at getting a fish, but our expectation is always, "let's fish like mofos and try to get one fish in the boat". There is definitely something special about catching a GLS muskie in their natural environment, regardless of the size. Every year we hear about large muskies being harvested out of those lakes and this has been going on forever and while I realize this has not led to a total collapse in the muskie population, it would be great if these lakes and many others had regulations in place to better protect what is there. Hopefully through education and regulation changes, we will see less harvesting and more people within and outside the state actually wanting to come to Michigan to fish for muskies in lakes other than LSC.
No, I didn't mean to imply that it was high density if thats the way I sounded. I'm just wondering if it's as fragile as it is perceived to be. I'm no expert for sure, the farthest thing from. As matter of fact, I don't have a solid opinion on it at all. I believe in what the experts and studies tell us. It's just a very big body of water and I wonder if maybe it contains more muskie than we actually think.
I see your point in regards to the system having a self-sustaining population of muskies that have continued to survive and grow despite the annual harvesting that is seen year after year. It's just difficult to come to a consensus on what "fragile" means in regards to muskie populations in those lakes. I know when I see large fish get speared it gets me upset, even though I realize there are more fish that size in the system. I think it would be better for those lakes and many others for that matter if/when regulations get put into place that help to limit the harvest or even ban spearing on some lakes, but I as a muskie fisherman have a selfish viewpoint. I do think that having more large muskies in those lakes can have a positive impact on the economy in those areas and can actually lead to a better fishery overall. A creel survey was conducted on Black Lake in 2005 and produced an estimated total catch of over 43,000 fish for ALL species combined, but the total estimated muskie catch was ONLY 3 fish. If those lakes had muskie fishing opportunities like say Vermillion, I and many other muskie fisherman would spend money in and around Cheboygan every year.
Ricky, Where you using the launch on the east side of I-75 just below Mullet Lake? If so, that is where we were taking eggs to start the Green Bay program in 1993. The very first net we stopped at had a 48" female which was the first GLS I had ever seen up close. That area and the little side bayou lake are nice bass areas and noted for muskie early in the year.
I've fished Burt/Mullet/Indian River for the last 4 years. We go up as a family every summer and stay in Topinabee. I've fished both lakes alot, all the way up the Cheyboygan River to Black River and all over the Indian River. 4 years ago is when I decided I need to step away from other species and focus strictly on Muskie. I still have never seen a bigger fish then the one I saw in Mullet Lake 4 years ago. Although in 4 years I've never connected and caught a Muskie out of this system, I have seen a half dozen or so in the 4 years and all of them were very big fish. The area and water highway is goregous and I feel it's a body of water where monsters roam. It could take you years to find fish but I've been lucky to at least lay eyes on some of these fish while bass/pike fishing. It's such a massive system and becomes difficult to choose where to fish. I spent 2 full days fishing up and down the black river where it connects to the Cheybogan and contacted several muskies in the smaller range but no eaters.
We'll be going back up again this July and I'll keep pushing to find a decent muskie out of this lake. I've gotten to know Mullet and connecting rivers pretty well but just need more time out on the water to dial into a pattern. I love this area!!!!
"Steve S" said:
How do we open the eye of the Govenor & politicans that this would bring in more tourism dollars. Granted this isn't like opening a new plant and creating 2000 jobs. How do we get them to look at the tourism in WI. & MN. and see that this could help this state.
WE need to do the work if WE want them to see what could be gained. Simply saying they need to look at something isn't going to get it done.
"How do we open the eye of the Govenor & politicans that this would bring in more tourism dollars. Granted this isn't like opening a new plant and creating 2000 jobs. How do we get them to look at the tourism in WI. & MN. and see that this could help this state."
First, most folks are not aware of how active and powerful the many Chambers of Commerce are around this state. We can use these guys, they can help us help them but we need to take the lead. Here's a quick draft plan…
1) MMA47 develops a clear, brief, easyily understood message …."We have to get decision-makers to understand we are competing with WI, MN, IN, OH etc for tourism dollars in a sport that is growing geometrically." We need data, how much money?
2) MMA47 Members learn about upcoming Chamber meetings in thier area, call and request a opportunity to make a brief statements regarding fishing and tourism at the meeting.
3) MMA47 Members recruit baitshop owners, marina owners, hotel owners, resort owners, resteraunt owners, anyone who needs tourism income.. We share our ideas and ask that they please attend the Chamber meeting to show support and maybe provide input.
4) The goal is to get Chamber members to agree that the muskie thing is importantant enough to pass a resolution in support. That written resolution is forwarded to the Chamber area's elected officials.
5) MMA47 Members quickly follow up the mailed resolution with 1) a thank you letter to the Chambers and 2) phone calls to the politicians' offices to thank them for making such sweeping progress. (Now, they didn't do anything except receive the resolutions. It is a calculated mistake to lobby the officials in this way, but they love being thanked even if someone else did the work.)
There's one way to go about it. Many Chamber members have personal relationships with State Reps and Congressfolk, too. UP Chambers should be especially interested because I believe tourist dollars are second only to the timber industry income.
any, some thoughts
I still like the idea of organizing a tourney where our boat guests are elected officials.
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