Where Reel Fish Tales Begin by Captain Travis

May 8th-June 8th 2010

St. Mary's Guide Company

Fishing Report for Sault Ste. Marie, MI

May 8^th-June 8^th 2010

Weather Conditions:

The weather over the past month has been unseasonably warm overall. The month of May saw multiple days that approached or exceeded record highs as well as ample sunshine. The weather over the past month was predominately stable with very little precipitation, creating extreme drought conditions across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As of late, the weather has been more seasonable, with daytime highs around 70F. This week has finally brought with it a bit of precipitation and cooler overnight temperatures, which may help improve the current river conditions.

River Conditions:

Water temperatures in the St. Mary’s River between the Twin Cities are currently in the range of 55-57F, which is roughly 10F above normal for this time of year. This has general fishing patterns wildly off schedule. The water levels in Lake Superior and throughout the river are at least one foot below last year’s levels. This means that extreme caution should be used by boaters and fishermen even when navigating in familiar waters.

Fishing Report:

The steelhead fishing this spring was excellent during late April and early May, although nearly all of the spawning fish have left the river and have returned to Lake Huron. Some of our resident Rainbow Trout can still be taken throughout the summer. The Atlantic salmon are starting to make an appearance in the St. Mary’s River, and more will be showing up as the summer progresses.

The walleye fishing has been very hit and miss since the season opened in May. The spawning bays were productive for a few days early on, though the peak of this bite is long past. Some anglers are still reporting catches of walleye in Munuscong and Raber Bays. Brimley Bay has also be producing fish, perhaps more consistently than elsewhere; however these fish have been predominately small. The bite in Lake George has been picking up and should continue to improve. Though angling pressure has been minimal in the main shipping channel North of Neebish Island, anglers have also reported catches of walleye in certain locations between 9 Mile Point and the Sugar Island ferry crossing.

Lots of Northern Pike have been caught throughout the river system this spring, though they’ve been predominately small in size. Anglers targeting Northerns may consider fishing any of the waters around the South end of Sugar Island and throughout Lake George. Some good Smallmouth opportunities are also coming up as water temperatures throughout the system rise.

Anglers have been catching Whitefish behind the Edison Soo Hydroelectric Plant in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. There also appear to be numbers of Lake Herring appearing throughout the river. It is not too early to start targeting Herring before the fly hatches kick into full swing. There are Mayflies coming off the backwaters already, and the next warm weather pattern will surely accelerate the insect activity.

Comments:

Keep in mind that your angling experience is impacted by other fishermen, and, likewise, your angling impacts the experience of others. Be courteous to other fishermen, and plan your actions accordingly. Avoid causing frustration on the water by not crowding other boats and by handling your vessel in a manner that does not directly interfere with the intended course of another watercraft. Keep it safe and don’t forget to activate navigational lights before sunset to comply with US Coast Guard regulations.

Help do your part to protect and enhance the fishery on the world-class St. Mary’s River system! There are many ways to help promote conservation in order to create better fishing opportunities for everyone. Get acquainted with the practices of catch and release and selective harvest. Many fishermen do not have the discipline or the mindset to practice catch and release and selective harvest, which are two effective methods of protecting breeding fish, supporting healthy, growing, and sustainable fish populations, allowing for the growth and development of trophy fish, and ensuring that there are ample angling opportunities for future generations.  To learn more about catch and release and selective harvest, contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources or Captain Travis White at the St. Mary’s Guide Company.  Not every fish has to end up on the dinner table. The experience, memories, and pictures alone certainly justify this great American pastime!

Until next time, tight lines!

Captain Travis White

River Guide and Conservationist

St. Mary’s Guide Company LLC

www.whitesguidedfishing.com

906.748.1353

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