Michigan offers
a wealth of fishing spots.
Famous for its trophy fishing, Michigan offers four Great Lakes, more than 11,000 inland lakes, hundreds of rivers, streams, creeks and mine ponds. Fresh water containment ponds, remnants of mining operations, are located all across the Upper Peninsula of the Wolverine State. Many old ponds are a dangerous hazard. However, many have been reclaimed within state and federally-managed recreation areas to add to the abundance of fishing opportunities Michigan affords.
Instructions
1. Cast your line in the Groveland ponds. Located in Dickerson County near the abandoned Groveland Iron Ore Mine, the Groveland Recreation Area offers four man-made ponds, covering more than 600 acres. The ponds originally provided fresh water for producing iron ore pellets. Now they are diverse ecosystems supporting a rich population of bass, perch, crappie and bluegills. Launch your fishing boat at the newly constructed boating access sites. East Pond, West Pond and Island Pond have concrete boat ramps, gravel parking lots and restroom facilities, making the recreation area a favorite for family outings. Hiking trails, picnic areas and wildlife viewing are summer attractions. The road to the ponds is rough and requires a four-wheel drive vehicle. Because of the road condition, winter fishing is not recommended. Fishing from a boat or the bank, anglers use jigs, live bait (minnows, maggots or earthworms) or spinners to land record-setting catches. Fish the shallow waters at the edge of the ponds. The big bass hide in shadows of the bank vegetation.
The 5,637-acre recreation area is a part of the Copper County State Park, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (call 906-875-6622 for information on fishing conditions).
2. Gene's Pond in the Copper County State Forest offers excellent fishing opportunities for northern pike, walleye, perch and bluegills. The 2.3-mile trail around the pond offers views of the old mining operations in the area. The county road to the pond is in good condition. Call 906-875-6622 for information. Fishing is free. The pond borders both Michigan and Wisconsin, so a fishing license from either state is acceptable.
3. Set up a portable ice shanty during the cold winter months when the ponds are frozen solid. Auger a fishing hole and set your bait for perch, bass and crappie. Anglers report success on glow micro jigs and two-pound test line.
Related posts
Gypsum mines are located across Michigan's Lower Peninsula.Gypsum has many interesting features and has unique crystal habits. Michigan has large deposits of gypsum, and gypsum mine tours of Michi...
Michigan's mineral rights laws are complex and vary by mineral and location. Mining is an important part of the state economy. The state ranks second among the 50 states in production of iron ore,...
The pH of a body of water - its reading on the pH scale, which determines how acidic or basic the water is - is a critical component of maintaining the health of that body of water. Even the most...
If the water in your pond isn't clear, you won't be able to enjoy sights like these koi.When heavy rains fall, the soil can be washed into nearby ponds and lakes making the water very cloudy. When...
There are a variety of bicycle tours offered in Michigan.Michigan, with its varied landscapes and demographics, offers a wide variety of bicycle tours for cyclists to enjoy. The tours can take you...
