Big Rapids Area - Hardy 8-20?

[Bender]

I am up in this area for work a lot and would like some information on area lakes. I have not brought my boat up here yet but I might sometime. Right now I would like to know if there is anywhere with decent shore fishing areas. I went to Hardy Pond the other day but there was not much shoreline without 50'+ cliffs.
Or if anybody lives in the area and has an open seat I will buy the gas.

[Eric]

I am not much of a shore fish fishing guru, but these are areas I can think of you could readily shorefish.

On Hardy, the Baseline Rd (M-20 also) bridge offers lots of riprap that hold LM SM pike, walleye CARP, etc.  Brower park has a good riprap section along the river, as well as a couple of bays that will hold fish.  Sandy beach also has a riprap bank and some dock weeds.  THe dam itself has rocks and weeds, and is where I caught my biggest Hardy smallie.  Right below Rogers dam offers smallies and walleyes.

Above Rogers dam is a shore fishing park with a dock and boardwalk like thing that gives up fish.  Not sure what all kinds, I assume bass and walleye.

How long are you in the area?  I live 25 minutes or so to the SE.  Tons of awesome lakes down here.  I am pretty booked for this week and next, but might be able to squeeze in a trip.

[Bender]

I'm probably headed home this evening, maybe tomorrow. I've spent at least 3-4 weeks up here this year combined and get bored sitting in the hotel or working late since there is nothing else to do.
I'll check out those spots next time I get a chance, thanks. I drive home across M20 and the back roads and see a lot of lakes, Horsehead, Chippewa, Martiny, Blue, Mecosta, etc. So maybe it is worth the 13 MPG I get to tow the boat up here sometime. 

[Eric]

I don't know much about Horsehead, but the others I know very well.  And they fish very well.  Let me know next time you are coming, and we'll be sure to hook up.

[Bender]

Thanks again, I was stuck up here last night and went down to Roger's after work. On the opposite side of the dam from the fishing pier there is a Consumer's Energy public fishing area with trails all along the shore. I tried down the river a bit and got bit off twice and then went on the lake side and had 3 smallies on. 2 I lost in the weeds by the shore and I got one in. It is definitely more difficult landing fish from shore than in a boat. There were a ton of fish surfacing at dusk and I missed several more so I think I will go back there again.

[Bender]

anybody want to ride along on Hardy this evening? Maybe tomorrow too?
If not any tips? I can't find a map of the lake anywhere.

[fish hound]

I'd go tomorrow night.  wouldn't be able to get up there till 5-5:30, but I know the river pretty well.  I would rather bring my boat, but either way, Send me a PM if interested, and we'll set something up. 

[Bender]

Thanks again fish hound for going out there! There are some great fish in that big body of water. It sure is a lot different fishing a place like that. If you are ever on the east side of the state and want to fish let me know.
Here is my big one from the past couple of evenings out there:

[Northern Bass Bum]

Does that say 22"?

Nice fish, Chris!

-NBB 

[Bender]

Does that say 22"?

Thanks, 21 1/2". Wish I had a pic of me holding him.

[thedude]

that fish has a tell-tale color to it... i bet i can guess where abouts you caught it on hardy.

nice one!

[csfishslayer]

Nice fish . great job

[fish hound]

No problem Bender, I had a good time.  Kinda sucks about your DS rod, hopefully you got to Cabelas today and they had a replacement for ya.   If you get back up this way, give me a shout, theres a ton of good water we never saw.