Sault Ste Marie

[TedC]

Can anyone tell me about walleye fishing in the Saint Mary's river system near Sault Ste Marie, MI? I just watched the 2000 PWT video, and this looks like a good place to take a fishing vacation. What are the best places to launch, fish, and stay?

Also, is there any good walleye fishing in Whitefish bay, or is the water too cold? I used to fish for perch in the bay when I was a kid, but I'm sure things have changed in the last 25 years. I know the perch fishing isn't what it used to be.

[Ya Right]

Don't believe everything you see on T.V.. The power of editing for a show make's hero's out of everyone. There are alot better places to go for a fishing vacation than the St. Mary's river. The fishing was tough to say the least and not that many fish were caught, and yes the P.W.T. is going back there for another chance at trying to catch fish. I'm not sure why but they are.

[TedC]

Well, I'd like to fish the western basin of Lake Erie or Lake Huron Saginaw bay, but I don't have a big enough boat. Fishing may not have been the best during the PWT tournament, but that's probably due to the three consecutive cold fronts that moved through during that time. You can't judge the state of a fishery based on a single tournament.

[Keith Krych]

The "SOO" is a great place to fish, except when the PWT was there this year.

The walleye fishing is usually great just after the spawn in late May, or in August when the baitfish are moving up the river.
Hot spots in May are Munuscong Bay, Drummond Island, and Echo Bay. The main river is best in August.

You have to watch for rock piles just off the shipping channels. Many PWT pro's (thankfully not me) lost lower units and props to the rocks.

I would look into a resort on Drummond Island if I were you. There are many resorts on the island with boats for rent and good lodging. Many also have privet boat launches if you take your own boat.

Another place to go is "Harry's Place" on Munuscong Bay.
They have good cabins, a boat launch, and bait available on the premises.

Good luck fishing the UP
Keith
NPAA #372

[TedC]

Thanks for the info Keith!

[Fishbomb]

I've fished the system maybe 6 times in the last 10 yrs and mid-August is the time to go especially if your taking your family. The weather is the nicest it will ever get then and the fish are usually pretty active. You can also get some salmon, chinooks, atlantics and pinks at that time.

[legend]

In addition to the St. Mary's River fishing , there are many great family activities around the Sault for day trips and rainy weather alternates, including Mackinac Island, the Locks, Agawa Canyon Train (In Canada), etc.

I have never fished there, but know some locals and there are a lot of fish to be caught. Muniscong Bay has a great reputation. It would be hard to believe the PWT would go back if the fishing potential was not there.
Regards.

[Tracy]

Ted,
I would suggest Captains Cove if you go to Drummond Island. I have spent many weeks over the years on Drummond. We always stayed there (used to be Mossings Resort). I have not been back for the past 6 years so I can not be of much help as far as the fishing goes now, but it it used to be great for smallmouth, pike, and decent for walleye and perch.
If you do end up on Drummond I could help you out with specific areas to fish.

Good luck!
Tracy

[TedC]

Thanks for the info Tracy (and legend, msg. below). I'm not 100% sure that I'm going to make the trip this year, but I'm leaning in that direction. Any fishing tips and locations you can pass along will be appreciated!