Sterling State Park Closed for the entire 2002 season

[Netminder]

With Sterling State Park on Lake Erie Mi. closed for the entire 2002 season due to construction, does anyone have any suggestions for a launch site close to Brest Bay?
Netminder

[perchjerker]

Yes, there are a few choices.

There is Bolles Harbor.

Hellenberg Field in the Raisin River.

Brest Bay Marina.

Otter Creek mouth.

Lake Erie Metropark

Pointe Mouille State game area.

[Rich(MI)]

Last year Brest Bay Marina would not let you use the ramp if you did not have a dock rented. It was not a public ramp. You might want to call them to check 313-289-1234

[Netminder]

I have called Breast Bay Marina; they do not have a ramp available. As far as Bolles Harbor, Hellenberg, Otter Creek, Lake Erie Metropark, & Pointe Mouille are concerned, I was hoping to find something closer to Breast Bay. If anyone knows of one I would be grateful.
Thanks, Netminder.

[perchjerker]

Thats news to me about Brest Bay Marina.:'(

They used to let anyone launch there for a fee.

I kept my boat there for a few years so I didnt know they changed their policy.

Bolles Harbor is probably the closest you are going to find, then,its just to the south.

There is also Swan Creek, but normally its really shallow there.

On a good day, I can get from Pointe Mouillee or Lake Erie Metropark to Brest Bay in a resaonable amount of time.

[Tom (mich)]

Bolles will be your best choice, though with Sterling closed it'll be a madhouse on the weekends. Moullie (sp?) is an option only for the shallowest drafts possible and will only be worse this year.

[perchjerker]

There is a little known private marina in Estral Beach. Years ago, I used to launch there. It is a old place, the gate was locked all the time. You paid $65 a year for a key pass. I am going to see if its still open. Its shallow in there as well, but the owner's son had a dredging business there, he had a few cranes on barges. The problem they had was getting permits for dredging from the DNR. Maybe its a little different now with all the low water.

Now that you guys tell me Brest Bay Marina isnt an option, I am going to take a drive down there and see if they are still in business.

[Netminder]

My brother & I did the shore line drive last Saturday, I’ll post results later tonight.

Netminder

[Netminder]

My brother & I spent most of Saturday morning checking out boat launches around Brest Bay. With the exception of Hellenberg which is a small launch we were unable to find any other launches close to Brest Bay. Bolles harbor is not exactly close and if I’m not mistaken they don’t open until late April. Water level could be a big factor for a few of the other ramps. I hope one of you knows of a private launch in that area.

Netminder

[Try]

If Brest Bay is closed, try Belly Button Bayou. Or the lowland dark forest ramp.

[perchjerker]

You missed a few places. I am going to take a drive this weekend to see what I can find out. The 2 places I am thinking about are probably still closed, there was no answer when I tried calling this week.

[Dan(MI)]

Don't forget its only another hour drive to Port Clinton area, and on the way are some other marinas to look into, I don't know the names of them, but they are there. Catawba State Park n/o Port Clinton puts you close to alot of fish.
Go Fishin
Dan

[perchjerker]

Yes, I think that I might try that a few times. One thing I liked about Huron last fall was how the water gets deep so quickly!

[StoneyPteTom]

Sorry to say but there is no good news on this topic. Hellenberg and Bolles Harbor are going to be your best bets for access to the Brest Bay area this summer. The only functional private launch in this area is in Pointe Aux Peaux Farms of Stoney Point. It is private for residents use only. Believe it or not but it has a sign hanging on the gate that says " Closed" in big letters and in small " recommended by U.S. Federal Government".

I would warn against trying to use Swan Creek in Newport. Last fall there was about 6 inches of water at the launch. I do not even think it had enough water to float a boat.

I live in Stoney Point and I plan on using the launches in Bolles Harbor this summer for access to the Lake. There are no better options while the State Park is closed down.

[perchjerker]

Tom, I was thinking about the Swan Creek boat club, not the public launch. I was going to call to see if they allow pay & launch, but they probably dont.

Thanks for the info.