Lake Charlevoix 6/26

[TCook]

Fished Charlevoix yesterday for the first time. My buddy was on vacation with his wife and said I could use his boat while he went to mackinaw so I made the drive at 1AM and pulled an all nighter. Had ideal sightfishing conditions after the fog burned off until the wind kicked up at about 2PM. There were many beds on the northern section of the main lake, surface temps ranged from low to mid 60s. I never checked south or the east arm since I only had one day to fish and wanted to focus on the cooler water since it is so late in the year. The fish definitely ran on the small side most were 2.5-3 pounds, Had about 10 that went 3-4 pounds with a 5-7 and a 5-8 maybe 60-70 fish total. I thought the lake looked awesome and would like to go back next year earlier during the spawn when more big ones are up.

My buddy Mike snuck a couple hours in the AM before he had to take off so he was able to take a pic of this one.

[djkimmel]

Charlevoix is LOADED with smallmouth bass now. Last year I saw more beds in a couple days then I've ever seen before on an inland lake before. This year I was up there 1 day for some work and they were just coming on. Lots of bass caught off the breaks and on some sand breaks but when I had the chance to look shallow, there were already plenty of early beds again.

Counted 18 in one short stretch even though the water was 'too cold.' I can only imagine what it was like a week ago or a couple weeks ago! I'd go up there too.