A Day on the Water — Creature Popper

Wakely lake is one of Michigans too few, catch and release, hike in lakes. 108 acres that is known for big bluegills, formerly very large bass and occasional pike. Only one car with a rack was in the lot, nobody on the lake after the 1/2 mile carry down the back trail.  I started out using 50 lb bite leader hoping for a big pike. I trolled a silver bullet fly from the south end to the northwest shore to get up wind so I could drift and cast.  While casting the silver bullet over scattered emergent curly leaf pondweed in deep...

Wakely Lake is one of Michigan's too few Catch and Release, off road fishing opportunities.  It is a 1/2 mile walk in with a kayak on wheels down a gravel road.  The Bluegills are bigger.  The Bass are smarter and the occasional Pike are as mean as ever.  I found no active bluegill beds and fishing for small bluegills and small bass back in the beautifully lush shallow weed cover was hard work for small fish.  There were a few larger male bass guarding nests back behind the bull rushes, under low overhanging cedars, tough targets.  Where are the big girls? ...