07-26-2003, 03:07 AM
Bear Lake Walleyes
This lake has walleyes scattered throughout
Dave Richey / The Detroit News
The village of Bear Lake on highway US-31 has a lake by the same name on the west side of the highway, and this can be a walleye hotspot during the summer months.
Bear Lake, at 1,744 acres, is in northern Manistee County and the lake has walleyes scattered throughout it. One special location can be very productive after sunset.
An unnamed point juts out into the lake from the south side of the lake, and this is a good place to wade and cast. Exercise some caution when wading to keep from walking off into deep water, and it's smart to stay back away from the edge to avoid spooking fish.
Minnow-imitating lures like Rapala, Rebel, Shad Raps, ThunderSticks and other plugs work well. Fan cast as the area is being waded, and make a dozen casts to all directions before moving another 30 yards. This gives the lure being used a chance to cover water before an angler wades through it.
Anglers are casting in the dark, and if a slight tap is felt on the lure but a fish is not hooked, speed up the retrieve for several feet. This speed-up makes the lure look like an injured minnow trying to get away, and it often provokes a walleye to strike. Set the hook whenever the lure stops: it's usually a nice walleye. Bear Lake does produce some walleyes to six pounds.
Anglers who have a boat should troll the 10 to 15-foot depths with the same lures during daylight hours. Concentrate the most fishing effort to the East Middle Grounds and the South Middle Grounds.
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This lake has walleyes scattered throughout
Dave Richey / The Detroit News
The village of Bear Lake on highway US-31 has a lake by the same name on the west side of the highway, and this can be a walleye hotspot during the summer months.
Bear Lake, at 1,744 acres, is in northern Manistee County and the lake has walleyes scattered throughout it. One special location can be very productive after sunset.
An unnamed point juts out into the lake from the south side of the lake, and this is a good place to wade and cast. Exercise some caution when wading to keep from walking off into deep water, and it's smart to stay back away from the edge to avoid spooking fish.
Minnow-imitating lures like Rapala, Rebel, Shad Raps, ThunderSticks and other plugs work well. Fan cast as the area is being waded, and make a dozen casts to all directions before moving another 30 yards. This gives the lure being used a chance to cover water before an angler wades through it.
Anglers are casting in the dark, and if a slight tap is felt on the lure but a fish is not hooked, speed up the retrieve for several feet. This speed-up makes the lure look like an injured minnow trying to get away, and it often provokes a walleye to strike. Set the hook whenever the lure stops: it's usually a nice walleye. Bear Lake does produce some walleyes to six pounds.
Anglers who have a boat should troll the 10 to 15-foot depths with the same lures during daylight hours. Concentrate the most fishing effort to the East Middle Grounds and the South Middle Grounds.
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