August has given us quite a few cool morning, and hot afternoons, but not too hot to handle. The fishing reacted in a very positive way, especially on Long lake and Grand lake. And the beauty of these lakes is incredible.

We personally have had the opportunity to fish several times these past two weeks, and the results have been very good.We have brought in Blue Gills, Bass, Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, and even a few Perch. The big catches of Perch, especially the large ones, has not  really been seen or heard of yet. This usually happens here, after Labor Day when the water really cools down. Why this happens we do not have an explanation for, but after 18 years in this shop, it is just the way it is. There are Perch caught, but not in the number we will soon see.

We have been fishing mainly in the North third of  Long Lake, drifting mostly, or anchoring when the fish bite is on. We see folks trolling their favorite spots, like Big Gravelly to Parker House in search of Walleye, and there have  been some pretty good success stories there too. We have heard from our friends on Grand Lake, that while the fishing  is generally good, and a lot of fish are being caught, there seems to be a lot of almost legal Walleye being caught and released. Pretty much the same story for Bass [very good ] and Gills, and some nice Pike.

The most effective live baits here as always, for summer, is a mix of either night crawlers or leeches. Minnows in the summer is and has been a second choice for bait, if only due to the heat factor being so hard on minnows. The colors on the harnesses and fly rigs has been very consistent  this year with green and purples, and pinks. But lately, orange has become a top color for our Lorie Rigs. We mention Lorie Rigs every post lately because they work so well. they are made right here in Alpena, and are the best  method we know of to get those crawlers and leeches into the water, as well as minnows if you choose. Remember, the fly rigs come in sizes 2,4,6,8, and 10. And so easy to use.  For artificial baits, Hot’N’Tots, jointed Rapalas, Hula Poppers, and Jitter Bugs have all landed top notch fish in our family this summer.

The summer is coming to a very rapid end now as Labor Day approaches, and as of this posting, only 2 weeks left. Then the vacations are over for most, school is in session, and we are forced to reduce our hours for September. I will post the new times when appropriate. So my advice for  those of you who want to fish, or just enjoy the beautiful sights on the water, hurry, get off that couch and get on the water, and catch some dinner.

open 7-6 daily

until Sept 4, when the hours will change.