Small group going to Monroe

[djkimmel]

Not to change the subject, but, I watched a Michigan Out of Doors show years ago when Fred Trost was still the host and they filmed an episode somewhere off of Saginaw Bay that was also a hot pond. They were fishing in the middle of winter throwing crankbaits and catching big carp on them one after another. Does anyone know were this could be. It was a backwater area that had a warm water discharge from some sort of plant or factory. 

Just outside the river mouth around the corner to the East. Been so long I can't remember how I got in there. I imagine it is real interesting to get in their now. Not sure if you can get a big boat in there now? If I can think of someone to ask who might have been in there in recent seasons, I'll check on it. I used to stalk a number of spots in that area in the ancient days. I know one of them is now inaccessible.

Checked one source that says it is 1 foot or less at the mouth and not accessible by a bigger boat unless you get a north wind. Of course, a strong N wind and you probably don't want to be out there. Says it's mostly shore fishing now - a long walk from the end of Jones Rd @ 1/4 mile west.

A long, long time ago I would launch from Jones Rd and drive the ditch out to the bay. Way back, I went to Jones Rd and it was about dry. Nothing but a canoe could 'launch' there. I don't think that has changed. Maybe not even a canoe now with a portage.

[mikesmiph]

Does anyone have an address for the boat launch?

[BRONZEBACK67]

Is there a seat available?
I would really like to check this out.

[BRONZEBACK67]

Hey fellas, would like to throw my name into the hat for sunday as well.
As of right now I have an open seat and wouldnt mind sharing with a fellow GLB'er with some knowlege of the place having never fished there yet. Anyone interested gimme a shout!

Aaron

Aaron, I have never been there either,but if the seat is still open, I would certainly appreciate the ride.
Joe

[Manxfishing]

Does anyone have an address for the boat launch?

Mike

It's exit 11 off of I-75
When you get off the E-way, hang a left cross the E-way and it's on the left

Any ? you have the number, give me a call

[markgoetsch]

If I show up I'll have someone in the boat with me.  Just let me know sat. or sun.

[Manxfishing]

If I show up I'll have someone in the boat with me.  Just let me know sat. or sun.

"OK so we are on for SUNDAY 7:45."

From above

[mikesmiph]

We'll be there. Weather forecast keeps getting just a little better. 57 and 30% chance of light rain. Now to only hope they know what they are talking about, this time. Thanks Manx, yes I have your number. I'll call if I get lost.

[Manxfishing]

Hey fellas, would like to throw my name into the hat for sunday as well.
As of right now I have an open seat and wouldnt mind sharing with a fellow GLB'er with some knowlege of the place having never fished there yet. Anyone interested gimme a shout!

Aaron

Aaron, I have never been there either,but if the seat is still open, I would certainly appreciate the ride.
Joe

Hope to see you guys there
If you've never fished the hot pond It's one place you'll walk away from thinking
it's cheating. There's just a ton of good bass

[bigjc]

How far is the boat ride from Bolles?

[markgoetsch]

about 1 mile.

[Manxfishing]

How far is the boat ride from Bolles?

Not far at all
Run out to the last bouy and then start back in towards the hot pond
It's to shallow to just cut over from the launch

The bass fishing is like no other place that I've fished
Big bass this time of the year and there's lot's of them
Catching 20-30 would be a slow day, 50 plus would be avg.
I'm told there's Walleye and big cat's in there as well but i've never targeted them yet

[TCook]

I heard they eat shoelaces in there. Sounds like alot of fun but no challenge at all.

[Mike S.]

Man, I wish I would have known about this before I volunteered to work all weekend. I would've drug my boat over there for sure. Still not even thinking about winterizing yet. Hot water this time of year holds a dear place in my heart. I have a power plant on Muskegon, just 5 minutes from home. Have fun guys. I will make it next year if you do it again.

[Manxfishing]

I heard they eat shoelaces in there. Sounds like alot of fun but no challenge at all.

They do
That guy on the BBC is a friend of one of my friends
He fishes the hot pond all winter. During hard water he drags a small boat
over the marsh to the hot pond

While the fishing is easy
The challange is getting the bigger fish or more then the other boats
If you what to settle for 2 pounders there every or every other cast

First time there for me
we had some very good advice from some very good people
And it still took me a little time to really get the game going
Best part was my game was nothing like we were told.
You still neeed some skill in there

This year I'd like to try swim baits and maybe DS the deeper water

[Mojo]

Stil on - this Sunday 27th, 7:45 am at the ramp. Here is the group to date:

Mighty Frank   and      Mojo
MikeSmiph      and      Veronica  plus      friend
Manxfish         and      Friend
Rock n Fish     and      Bronzeback67
MarkGoetsch   and      Friend

Let me know who else to expect - Maybe we could keep our best 3 for fun ? Ut OH.... We may have enough for a sandbar party ? Does anyone know if there is a park nearby or on the walkway with a grill or picnic tables ? I know we could all pull up to the sandbar near the entrance on the inside and pull up. I can bring chicken and regular brauts and a grill ? Do we want to fish and go or maybe fish and celebrate a great day just behind December ? What time does everyone need to leave ?

[Mojo]

One rule, if you are new to the hotpond - you shouldn't, as a gentlemens rules,  use this place during the year to pull your tournament fish. Hot Pond has been Catch and Release for many many years. Keeping the big fish in there is what makes the place special so if you show someone new, you should be passing this rule on to them. Plus if its early spring or fall, pulling the fish (which is used to 68 degree water) and then dropping it in 55 or 60 degree water could make the fish suffer. Anyway, use some extra conservation ethics for the Hot Pond .... is all thats requested.

[Revtro]

Ugh, why does it have to be on a Sunday? 

Wish I could join you fellas.  It sounds like a great way to end the season.

[Waterfoul]

Anyone in the Grand Rapids area want to tow my boat over there?  Love to go... still need to replace a wheel bearing in the Tahoe though so I can't make the drive with it, and I just don't trust my old Escape to tow it that far.

[Mojo]

Anyone in the Grand Rapids area want to tow my boat over there?  Love to go... still need to replace a wheel bearing in the Tahoe though so I can't make the drive with it, and I just don't trust my old Escape to tow it that far.

It is across flat land