Long lake and Grand lake have thawed out, the ice is gone. We are still plagued with unseasonably cold weather, and even have snow in the forecast this weekend, but the lakes are fish-able and that is good news. We also know that there will not be a huge rush to get out there in this weather, and that means we will delay our opening date by one week, and re-open this shop, May 17, 2013, Friday.We have been seeing temperatures about 10 to 20 degrees below normal, and high winds, and a lot of rain. Good lake filling rains, but not conducive to being in a small boat.We have taken a few trips around the lakes and also to the small boat harbor in Alpena. We have seen numerous flocks of wild turkeys around this area, particularly the Grand lake area. The harbor in Alpena is loaded with ducks of all kinds, Geese, Swans, Gulls, tourists and lunch visitors, and the docks are all in the water now. We have even seen a few boats trolling out in the bay, maybe looking for Walleye, Perch, or even an Atlantic. Most use the generic, ” whatever bites” line.The ninth street dam is running very fast now due to the huge rain and melting of snow. So fishing the river could be a bit hazardous.
We’re in a wait and see pattern here right now, but warmer weather is coming for sure. How warm and how fast is the big question.Walleye and Pike re-opens next Saturday, so those of you with a passion for fishing might want to try the waters. Good luck to you if you do.
We will re-open Friday morning at 7 A.M. May 17, stocked and ready for your smiley faces.We hope to see you then, at Buck’s Bait, ” HOME OF LORIE RIGS.’