FishingRC - Page: 1 of 1

By David Smrchek

Anyone who had been keeping up with the fishing reports in most of the popular outdoor publications for the past year can’t help but get the idea that Lake Huron is a fishing desert. Writer after writer and DNR press release after press release has done little but promote Salmon fishing in Lake Michigan and imply that Lake Huron has no fishing left. That’s not exactly the way I see it.

I have been fishing Lake Huron off Rogers City for 15+years. I will admit that the number and size of the Salmon are not what they used to be, but my 2005 season was one of the most productive fishing seasons I have had. For number and variety, the 2005 season was better than most seasons. The biggest problem I had was the 15-19 inch slot for Lake Trout. There was an abundance of Lake Trout pushing 10 pounds that just didn’t fit into the allowable slot.

My season stared in April for Browns and an occasional Walleye or Atlantic Salmon. Of course there were a lot of Lake Trout too but that season doesn’t open until May 1. Most of the April and May fishing is small boat in shallow water. Trolling with planner boards in 6 feet or less can be very productive. Simply casting spoons into warm water pockets can be surprisingly effective. One morning I caught 2 Lake Trout, a Brown, and a Walleye all 25-30 inches casting into my favorite hole. The next day I got a 29 inch steelhead in the same spot.

June to mid July was great for Lake Trout up to 10 pounds trolling in 30-50 feet of water. With light tackle, these fish can be a challenge to get to the net. There was also the occasional 8-10 pound Salmon starting to show up. Salmon spoons caught Lake Trout consistently. Dodgers also worked well. As the water warms a little the active Lake Trout suspend and much of the time seem to be above the Salmon.

From mid July through August Salmon were scattered, but it you took the time to look for them, there were 10-15 pound fish to be caught. Maybe not limits in two hours every trip, but enough to keep trying. Because of the warm water, Lake Trout seem to be in deeper water and are not as easy to catch unless you want to target them.

By early September the Salmon are starting to stage for spawning in Swan River. They can be a little inconsistent, but on the right day it pays to be out there. Lake Trout also move back into the shallow water and can be very cooperative. There are also good numbers of Brown Trout and the occasional Walleye to keep things interesting.

For 2006 I expect the same patterns to hold. There should be lots of nice Lake Trout and with the 22 inch and up size limit, we won’t have to throw the big ones back. There should be good numbers of Brown Trout with lots in the mid to high teens. Walleye numbers seem to be steadily increasing off Rogers City. A little one is 24 inches. Salmon numbers continue to be a question. There did seem to be a good smelt spawn last season so there may be some forage for Salmon. My guess is that there will be enough Salmon around to keep things interesting. Add in some really nice Steelhead and the occasional Atlantic Salmon and fishing off Rogers City should have something for just about anyone who enjoys a challenge.