The fourth of July has come and gone, but the excitement on the lakes keeps  on approaching. The fishing has been good on Long and Grand lakes, and there have even been a few hints of Salmon and Steel-head  coming in from Rogers City to Rockport Harbor.

First, the inland lake activities. Grand lake is having their 36 th annual fishing derby this coming July 14 and 15. This event is put on by the Grand Lake Sportsmen club. There is no need to sign up or pay, just show up. Get your bait and tackle  [ we can outfit you with all of that } and then just simply show up at the pavilion at the north end for the prizes. You must weigh in first though at either Fireside Inn, or Sand Bay Marina. by 1: pm Sunday [ measure length only]. Then you will go to the Fletcher Gilcrest  Park at the very north end of the lake, on highway 638 East, by the dam  to receive your prize.

Then, on August 4, a one day event on Long Lake,The annual family fun fishing derby takes place. You will need a membership card, cost $15.00 to fish this event. All children receive a prize, and there are lots of raffles with great prizes to win. One of the best prizes this year is a Kayak, which can be seen at Gambles store in town. There are cash prizes for adults and children, and a Jerry Baker youth prize for the biggest Walleye. This all takes place at the Dodge Marina, on Long Lake Park road.

There have been a few folks coming into the store with  stories of Steelhead and Salmon being caught in the area. They have pictures to back up their stories, and are buying tackle for that purpose, which really convinces me they are serious. They have told me that the fish have smelt, alewives, and gobies in their  bellies. They also said some of the fish are as big as 15 pounds. this could be the start of big news for the area, or just a few lucky catches, time will tell. We sure hope something good is going on out there.

Regardless of the outcome, folks here are having a great time fishing, as would be expected, and we highly recommend you give fishing a try too.

We are open now 7 to 6 7 days a week.