Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Bass Fishing => Bass Fishing Tips, Techniques & General Discussion => Topic started by: dartag on April 02, 2011, 06:45:36 AM

Title: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: dartag on April 02, 2011, 06:45:36 AM
only 4 weeks and it looks like the ice may be gone.  Me and Cheetam will be on White Lake.  The one north of M-59 in Highland.  Fish till noon then lunch at the White Lake Inn then back to fishing.  Just look for the white Ranger with one guy flippin and the other guy throwing pretty painted crankbaits.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: mikesmiph on April 02, 2011, 07:36:40 AM
A bunch of us did that last year. There was another post earlier about the same thing. I think several people already said they were going to White again. Veronica and I will be there, if the boat is done. Big IF right now.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: bob o on April 02, 2011, 08:33:46 AM
that sounds like fun, count me in
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: markgoetsch on April 02, 2011, 09:03:24 AM
I'll be on St. clair in the morning wacking pig smallies and Detroit River in the afternoon tearing up some fat largies! Then I'm going to do it all over again Sunday!!! It's going to be a great weekend and it can't get here fast enough.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Firefighter Jeff on April 02, 2011, 04:42:30 PM
    I work on the open of C&R but I plan on heading to St. Clair for a few days that following week.   8)
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: huston on April 02, 2011, 04:49:59 PM
LSC for me too, but that White lake trip sounds inviting too. Never fished it and could use some expert advise if I come. Man I can't wait. I'm out in the garage waxing it now. The Money Pit
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: VinceR on April 02, 2011, 06:02:35 PM
Kentucky Lake, finally. I've been wanting to fish there, forever.

My first outing in Michigan waters will probably be Lake Ovid, the following weekend, then St. Clair on the 14th.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Redbone on April 02, 2011, 07:11:45 PM
Hmmm.... I dunno.  But I cant wait till its warm!
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: McCarter on April 02, 2011, 07:50:11 PM
think i will join you guys out on white lake again.  last year was fun.  we caught them on just about everything.  Bobber lost a state record smallmouth on a blade too.  it was so big even the scales were the size of a 50 cent peice.  very small mouth, too.  it was like a super smallmouth. 

McCarter himself :-\'
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: djkimmel on April 02, 2011, 10:39:05 PM
Vince... I might go warm up Ovid for you...

But more likely I'll be in Barry County fishing shallow, dark bottom bays. Or maybe Gull Lake. Or the Grand River in Lansing... or... ?? Maybe I will put 10 lakes... no 20 lake names in a hat and have my wife draw out 2.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: bob o on April 03, 2011, 08:07:06 AM
Quote from: djkimmel on April 02, 2011, 10:39:05 PM
Vince... I might go warm up Ovid for you...

But more likely I'll be in Barry County fishing shallow, dark bottom bays. Or maybe Gull Lake. Or the Grand River in Lansing... or... ?? Maybe I will put 10 lakes... no 20 lake names in a hat and have my wife draw out 2.

now that's a great idea for a "DRAW" tournment
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Skulley on April 03, 2011, 01:45:44 PM
My plan is to be on Lake St. Clair for the C & R opener on April 30.  That will be the only day I will be able to fish so I want to make the most of it.  The next day is a what they call in Alec's soccer league a "Game Day".  That means he will have two (2) games on May 1.  At least I will get one day out there.  White Lake seems inviting also.  Been a while since I have been there.  Didn't make it there at all last year.  Usually I get there 2 or 3 times a year.  It will depend on the LSC weather forecast...........but the opening day plan is LSC.


BD                                  ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Fishmael on April 03, 2011, 07:43:21 PM
Probably Big Whitefish.  Gotta see how the crankbait bite survived the winter...  ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: LGMOUTH on April 03, 2011, 07:53:20 PM
I will be in Kentucky hopefully catching some toads.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: djkimmel on April 03, 2011, 07:55:27 PM
Quote from: LGMOUTH on April 03, 2011, 07:53:20 PM
I will be in Kentucky hopefully catching some toads.

I might be there a little earlier in the week LGMOUTH. I'll check out your spots for you! ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: LAPORTE on April 03, 2011, 09:01:59 PM
Belleville lake  ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: bassmandan on April 03, 2011, 09:34:15 PM
hopefully stoney creek
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: motocross269 on April 04, 2011, 12:01:03 PM
If things don't change up soon we may be Ice fishing.... :'(  I drove by lake Nepessing Yesterday and it was still Froze over...
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: MIBasser on April 04, 2011, 10:30:33 PM
I'll be on Higgins Lake or Houghton Lake, hopefully ice is gone....
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: thedude on April 05, 2011, 08:45:18 AM
probably hardy if it ever thaws out.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Durand Dan on April 05, 2011, 09:01:12 AM
Looks like I'll keep fishing in Ohio!
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: djkimmel on April 05, 2011, 03:01:35 PM
Quote from: Durand Dan on April 05, 2011, 09:01:12 AM
Looks like I'll keep fishing in Ohio!

Lucky you...
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Revtro on April 05, 2011, 05:45:23 PM
Ahh the ole "where ya gonna be on the opener" post.   ;D  Kinda warms your heart doesn't it?  I love this annual post because it signals that the season is finally upon us after a long and cold winter.  I'll be on LSC barring a hurricane. 

New tackle in the boxes...Check.
New line for the reels...Check.
New Rods to replace broken ones...Check.
Spark plugs...Check.
Batteries...Check.
Foul weather gear...Check.
New flares...Check.

Just have to test the trailer lights and brakes, grease the wheels, and get licenses, and we're good to go.  We're just about there!  Yee Ha!  ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: FishermanJohn on April 06, 2011, 07:37:26 PM
Fiance is graduating from Oakland U on the Opener (poor planning on her part   ;D ) so I have to stick nearby.  I think I am going to head out to Orchard.

I'm excited...I've had my rods and reels cleaned by November, tackle organized by December, and have been obsessively/compulsively checking it monthly since. 
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: djkimmel on April 06, 2011, 10:12:57 PM
Do you need anything else to do? (My stuff is sitting about how I left it last fall) ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: FishermanJohn on April 06, 2011, 11:57:39 PM
Quote from: djkimmel on April 06, 2011, 10:12:57 PM
Do you need anything else to do? (My stuff is sitting about how I left it last fall) ;D

Nope!  Hitting the Maumee already for some walleye action!
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: djkimmel on April 07, 2011, 12:00:53 AM
Lucky you
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Durand Dan on April 07, 2011, 05:12:59 PM
Quote from: FishermanJohn on April 06, 2011, 11:57:39 PM
Quote from: djkimmel on April 06, 2011, 10:12:57 PM
Do you need anything else to do? (My stuff is sitting about how I left it last fall) ;D

Nope!  Hitting the Maumee already for some walleye action!
I wacked a couple (Rattletrap) on Oxbow Lake outside Defiance on the way home from work this morning! I great to be on it again!!
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: djkimmel on April 07, 2011, 05:29:52 PM
Well I did say lucky you. :)
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: mikesmiph on April 08, 2011, 07:14:41 PM
Well, it looks like we're going to have to miss it this year. I have to go back in the hospital for a SMALL procedure again on my leg, on the 29th. Will be spending the night. If I get out in time on Saturday, maybe Veronica and I will meet you guys for lunch.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: djkimmel on April 08, 2011, 07:56:12 PM
That's a bummer Mike. Make sure the surgeon knows you have important things to do the next few days!
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: dartag on April 22, 2011, 03:22:45 PM
only 7 more days.  Going to be interesting since the water is so cold.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: McCarter on April 22, 2011, 05:47:23 PM
i cant friggin wait.  the cold water is actually going to make it great for blades and jerkbaits.  a lot of the fish were already spawning this time last year so the smallies were a little tough to target on the main lake.  but this year it is going to be lights out.

McCarter himself :-\'
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: EKennedy on April 22, 2011, 06:42:57 PM
LSC...if the weather holds.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Mike S. on April 22, 2011, 08:45:49 PM
Muskegon on Saturday.  White on Sunday.  I also have Monday off, but don't know where I'm fishing.  Guarantee it will be a different lake than the first 2 days.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: BNL on April 23, 2011, 09:58:31 AM
Water temps were in the high 40s (48-49.6) when I launched my boat this past Thursday.  What is the temperature when smallies start moving up to spawn?  Next full moon isn't until May 17-19.  Given the tight weather conditions, would you think the smallies would be on beds by then?  After that the next full moon is in the middle of June, which seems like a more like time for the largies to move up.

It is going to be an interesting spring.

Anyone have an open seat for the gathering at White Lake? Just curious.

Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Durand Dan on April 23, 2011, 02:41:40 PM
I got my Metro Parks Stickers in the mail today. I'm thinking Kensington!! ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: fuzzygrub1611 on April 23, 2011, 03:41:18 PM
 LSC or Belleville Sat. 4/30
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: bassinman#1 on April 23, 2011, 05:57:09 PM
Kent for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: bassfan586 on April 23, 2011, 06:37:46 PM
LSC  on sat
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: dartag on April 24, 2011, 06:53:50 AM
the warmer weather this week will help.  not sure about bed fish.  was on my lake today and the warmest I found was 45 degrees.  lots of 42 degree water.   
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: fiker on April 24, 2011, 07:50:12 AM
Was on Portage, Bass line, and Tamarack last week Thursday.  Warmest water I found was 49. 
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: tjrock on April 24, 2011, 08:16:56 PM
I wanted to join everyone on White Lake, but I found out today that my sister is having my nephews 1st birthday party at 1:00 on Saturday. I guess I'll have to stay closer to home and hit LSC until about 12:00 and then make a mad dash for the birthday party.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: dartag on April 25, 2011, 05:14:12 PM
weather looks nice.  but it is 6 days away and this is Michigan. 


High
64°F

Precip
20%

Wind: From SE at 13 mph 
Humidity: 59%
UV Index: 5 Moderate
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: stackenem on April 25, 2011, 05:33:58 PM
So with 13 mph winds from the s/e where would you fish on LSC
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: thedude on April 25, 2011, 06:52:57 PM
forecasting 70 and dry for the first time.... well ever, this year anyway. Hope it holds up.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: huston on April 26, 2011, 08:50:16 AM
IN the coves and bays of Anchor, Belvedere, L'Anse Creuse around sea walls up in canals.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Firefighter Jeff on April 26, 2011, 03:43:36 PM
Quote from: huston on April 26, 2011, 08:50:16 AM
IN the coves and bays of Anchor, Belvedere, L'Anse Creuse around sea walls up in canals.

Is that your first choice for St. Clair, Huston, or are you fishing there because the water may be real muddy or windy??  I'll be interested to hear the reports for St. Clair this weekend.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: dartag on April 26, 2011, 04:11:29 PM
 Bobo  your IM box is full.  This should  answer your IM.

Planning on getting to White lake about 6:30 am.  should be light by then.  fish till noon then have a quick lunch at the inn.  we were there to long last year.  then fish till about 4:00.  I will be in a white GMC with a white Ranger 185.

see yall there.

Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: mikesmiph on April 26, 2011, 04:13:47 PM
I'm still going to try and make lunch. Might even bring a rod with me in case someone has an open seat.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: huston on April 26, 2011, 09:00:08 PM
Large heads and crappie go up in the canals in LCS this time of year and the water warms up in the canals sooner than the main lake. Besides that, if it's too windy out in the lake, you can fish sea walls for bass, Rock and Large heads. L'Anse Creuse and Anchor has some nice canals. I'll see who heeds this info Saturday and Friday cause that's where I'll be.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: dartag on April 29, 2011, 06:30:11 AM
Partly sunny and mild temps tomorrow.    Drove by White yesterday.  Not a lot of docks or boats in. Bet tomorrow there will be a lot of traffic at the launch.  Going to be there early.    :D ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: bob o on April 29, 2011, 07:32:15 AM
i think i'll be on sylvan lake
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: dartag on April 29, 2011, 04:37:16 PM
Quote from: bob o on April 29, 2011, 07:32:15 AM
i think i'll be on sylvan lake

should be exciting getting under the telegraph bridge with all the rain.  the clinton should be really flowing.  hope you get um.. 
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: bob o on April 29, 2011, 07:41:53 PM
Quote from: dartag on April 29, 2011, 04:37:16 PM
Quote from: bob o on April 29, 2011, 07:32:15 AM
i think i'll be on sylvan lake

should be exciting getting under the telegraph bridge with all the rain.  the clinton should be really flowing.  hope you get um.. 

was no big deal last week ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Revtro on April 29, 2011, 07:48:47 PM
A friend of mine asked me today "can you catch bass in Lake St. Clair?"  Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!

We'll see in the morning.   ;)
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Skulley on April 29, 2011, 10:51:47 PM
I'll be there Rev.  Launching at Metro and fishing up towards the north in Anchor Bay and all canals in between.


BD               ;D
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: Revtro on April 29, 2011, 11:05:01 PM
CYA out there!
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: bob o on April 30, 2011, 05:04:00 PM
i wacked the largies on sylvan, i must have caught 25 fish "i lost count" and it only took three trys to load the boat on to the trailer hahaha that water was flowing fast today
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: tjrock on April 30, 2011, 06:40:36 PM
Did pretty good out on LSC for the limited amount of time we had. To start the day off I woke up late, about 6:30 instead of 5:30. I was out late last night at a Whitetails Unlimited dinner. Then when I picked up my dad he asked me if his license from last year was still good. To Meijers we went that put us about 30 more minutes behind. We finally got to the Harley Ensign launch at about 8:30 instead of 6:30 like I wanted. Tried a couple different spots to the north with no luck. Then at about 9:45 I decided to head towards the mile roads. We ended up landing 5 in the next hour and lost a few others. All of them were caught on tubes. Then we had to leave at 11:00 so we could make it to my sisters by 1:00 for my nephews first birthday party. All in all a great day. I was glad my dad caught a couple today. He won't be able to go out again for a while because he goes in on the 18th for back surgery and will be laid up for a couple months. All I can say is it felt great to feel that tug on the end of the line again. Its been a long winter!!! See ya all on the 14th

(http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b404/tjrockwell/april302011bass003.jpg)
(http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b404/tjrockwell/april302011bass004.jpg)
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: mikesmiph on April 30, 2011, 06:59:25 PM
Got out of the hospital WAAAAAAAAy later than I had hoped. Missed lunch at White Lake Inn, but met a couple friends at Kent. Only got to fish for a couple hours. I got skunked, like I always do at Kent. Theo caught a couple northerns. At least I was in a boat again.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: fuzzygrub1611 on April 30, 2011, 07:15:55 PM
 I was on Kent today too. I got skunked too. But i did get my new boat out for the first time. II am one happy camper!
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: dartag on April 30, 2011, 07:55:25 PM
Had a pretty good day on White.  Fished a Jig and Chatterbait all day.  caught most of the fish shallow near docks or cover.  Explored a most of the canals since the wind was really blowing on the lake.  Even caught 2 nice smallies under docks after lunch.   Water was 52-55 degrees.  Caught 5 pike and only gave them one jig.

Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: t-bone on May 02, 2011, 08:12:12 AM
Fished with Capt Charlie on White. I had 10 bass, 4 keepers. Two were decent size 3 to 4lbers. All largemouth. had 4 pike as well, they were everywhere. I caught most of my fish on jerkbaits.  Vision 110 was getting it done, switched to a clankin rap and that made a difference. While waiting for the ramp to clear, I caught 3 bass in about 10 casts. That was a nice flurry.

Charlie had a handful of bass and couple pike, with a lot of followers.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: huston on May 02, 2011, 09:32:40 AM
Tjrock, I saw you guys coming in when I was launching at Harley Ensign. Your father was walking kind of stiff and said to mee he was going in for back surgery. Hope it all works out. I was in the green & gold Astro with my nephew. We went to the canals in Anchor Bay since I didn't want to deal with the wind and waves. We caught Largemouth and Rock Bass. It was my first time out and I was not sure about electronics, boat maintenance, etc.... also so I stayed around that area. I sure wish we had some good weather.
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: thedude on May 02, 2011, 09:40:34 AM
we ended up in a smaller local lake not far from my house. was going to do hardy but with the wind and muddy water, figured it was going to be more of a hassle than anything.

Showed up, hit a windy flat and smoked about a 15lb limit in the first 45 minutes. Moved around the lake and caugh fish sporadically here and there including a few nice ones. Went back the well a few times and got a few more. Good day all in all. several 4+ lb fish, probably 20-25 fish total including a nice walleye.

sunday i met a friend at "big lake" down south of town. we fished for a few hours and boated a few smaller fish, biggest was probably 2.5lbs. Normally this time of year i'm chucking traps or jerkbaits non-stop, but the jig bite has been on fire.  Nothing quite like the feeling of leaning back into a 5lber on a jig... love it.

(http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/220531_10150257833205120_567205119_9130623_2614638_o.jpg)
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: t-bone on May 02, 2011, 12:39:02 PM
Here is the picture of my largest on White Lake - short but fat, the fish that is!

(http://www.greatlakesbass.com/forum/gallery/942_02_05_11_11_37_05.jpeg)
Title: Re: 2011 C & R Opener where you gonna be.
Post by: tjrock on May 02, 2011, 05:17:18 PM
Huston, Thanks for the well wishes for my dad. He goes in on the 18th for back surgery. He broke it in a car accident back in 1976 and they had to put two pins and a plate in it way back then and now he has two herniated discs and arthritis below where the pins and plate are. He said they are going to fuse it below the pins and plate and replace the two pins. Hopefully this works as he's already had about 25 injections and is on quite a few pain meds which don't seem to be helping much anymore. It sucks he retired 4 years ago and now can't enjoy it because he's in so much pain. I was glad he felt well enough to go out that day and actually catching a few nice smallies made it even better.