Fishing purely for amusement! I think that deep down, the reasons we go fishing are many and varied...but the crux of it all lies in relaxation and taking in whatever happens in the...

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

I think that deep down, the reasons we go fishing are many and varied...but the crux of it all lies in relaxation and taking in whatever happens in the great outdoors during the adventure.

This morning I decided to treat myself to a few hours of pursuit for an unlikely quarry...line fishing for the common alewife. A few days ago I posted a story about what seems like a bumper "crop" of Lake Michigan alewives this season, and over the days that have followed, many millions more have been flooding into local streams, creeks and shoreline habitations where I live.

The Boardman River, running thru downtown Traverse City, MI is no exception to what is going on around our region. Many folks that encounter the alewife on a regular basis will think that I've gone looney to pursue them, but sometimes I find it strictly amusing to go after fish in a certain way, and to take advantage of a specific opportunity.

Started out using a 3 weight fly rod already set up with a tandem pair of bluegill flies, and they ignored them whether floating or suspended. I was not surprised, and quickly changed things up to a light spinning rod and a perch rig revved up with flashabou bead flies. That was the ticket! Since the hoards of alewive were everywhere, and on a mission to spawn, not all fish were willing to stop and notice my offering. That being said, I did find about 6 dozen 6" to 8" customers that were happy to be found dangling from my line. Had a few doubles on, but mostly singles.

In between action on the "wives", I managed to lure in a few small yellow perch as well as some gobies.

Of course none of this would qualify as "trophy" fishing, and some would say that it might even border on being childish or downright silly. In my book, it would fall into the category of amusing entertainment. Sort of a small sliver on the overall spectrum of the fishing pie chart. I had great time, and would have stayed all day had a storm system not begun to encroach on me.

I snapped a few pictures and had a splendid time of it. Since I am an avid salmon fisherman, but typically use artificial lures for them, I just might return this evening or tomorrow to keep several dozen alewives in the freezer as "cut bait" for running meat rigs during the Summer/Fall salmon season.

In closing, I would comment that I sure hope this onslaught of alewives does not have too much effect on the routine warmwater gamefish that we pursue around here. Bass season opens this weekend, and although our fish are actively out looking for spawning habitat it makes me wonder if the bass will get "spooked" by all of the marauding alewives!

A typical Great Lakes alewife...looks just like the hundreds of millions of his/her other kin folk. They have a nice glimmer and really flitter about once hooked!

An incidental yellow perch...caught within the maelstrom of alewives.

Gobies, although despised as an intruder in the Great Lakes, seem to be providing plenty of food for larger gamefish such as bass and lake trout.

Not a fish, but could not resist taking a photo of this cherry tree in blossom behind where I fished today.

A little out of context, but while my wife and I are trying to establish a new oriole feeding station, this pesky raccoon has shown up and I need to do a live capture and relocation soon!

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

fishyaker wrote:

I think that deep down, the reasons we go fishing are many and varied...but the crux of it all lies in relaxation and taking in whatever happens in the great outdoors during the adventure.

This morning I decided to treat myself to a few hours of pursuit for an unlikely quarry...line fishing for the common alewife. A few days ago I posted a story about what seems like a bumper "crop" of Lake Michigan alewives this season, and over the days that have followed, many millions more have been flooding into local streams, creeks and shoreline habitations where I live.

The Boardman River, running thru downtown Traverse City, MI is no exception to what is going on around our region. Many folks that encounter the alewife on a regular basis will think that I've gone looney to pursue them, but sometimes I find it strictly amusing to go after fish in a certain way, and to take advantage of a specific opportunity.

Started out using a 3 weight fly rod already set up with a tandem pair of bluegill flies, and they ignored them whether floating or suspended. I was not surprised, and quickly changed things up to a light spinning rod and a perch rig revved up with flashabou bead flies. That was the ticket! Since the hoards of alewive were everywhere, and on a mission to spawn, not all fish were willing to stop and notice my offering. That being said, I did find about 6 dozen 6" to 8" customers that were happy to be found dangling from my line. Had a few doubles on, but mostly singles.

In between action on the "wives", I managed to lure in a few small yellow perch as well as some gobies.

Of course none of this would qualify as "trophy" fishing, and some would say that it might even border on being childish or downright silly. In my book, it would fall into the category of amusing entertainment. Sort of a small sliver on the overall spectrum of the fishing pie chart. I had great time, and would have stayed all day had a storm system not begun to encroach on me.

I snapped a few pictures and had a splendid time of it. Since I am an avid salmon fisherman, but typically use artificial lures for them, I just might return this evening or tomorrow to keep several dozen alewives in the freezer as "cut bait" for running meat rigs during the Summer/Fall salmon season.

In closing, I would comment that I sure hope this onslaught of alewives does not have too much effect on the routine warmwater gamefish that we pursue around here. Bass season opens this weekend, and although our fish are actively out looking for spawning habitat it makes me wonder if the bass will get "spooked" by all of the marauding alewives!

I think that deep down, the reasons we go fishing ... (show quote)

You have been a busy little puppy, yaker.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

👍👍

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

fishyaker wrote:

I think that deep down, the reasons we go fishing are many and varied...but the crux of it all lies in relaxation and taking in whatever happens in the great outdoors during the adventure.

This morning I decided to treat myself to a few hours of pursuit for an unlikely quarry...line fishing for the common alewife. A few days ago I posted a story about what seems like a bumper "crop" of Lake Michigan alewives this season, and over the days that have followed, many millions more have been flooding into local streams, creeks and shoreline habitations where I live.

The Boardman River, running thru downtown Traverse City, MI is no exception to what is going on around our region. Many folks that encounter the alewife on a regular basis will think that I've gone looney to pursue them, but sometimes I find it strictly amusing to go after fish in a certain way, and to take advantage of a specific opportunity.

Started out using a 3 weight fly rod already set up with a tandem pair of bluegill flies, and they ignored them whether floating or suspended. I was not surprised, and quickly changed things up to a light spinning rod and a perch rig revved up with flashabou bead flies. That was the ticket! Since the hoards of alewive were everywhere, and on a mission to spawn, not all fish were willing to stop and notice my offering. That being said, I did find about 6 dozen 6" to 8" customers that were happy to be found dangling from my line. Had a few doubles on, but mostly singles.

In between action on the "wives", I managed to lure in a few small yellow perch as well as some gobies.

Of course none of this would qualify as "trophy" fishing, and some would say that it might even border on being childish or downright silly. In my book, it would fall into the category of amusing entertainment. Sort of a small sliver on the overall spectrum of the fishing pie chart. I had great time, and would have stayed all day had a storm system not begun to encroach on me.

I snapped a few pictures and had a splendid time of it. Since I am an avid salmon fisherman, but typically use artificial lures for them, I just might return this evening or tomorrow to keep several dozen alewives in the freezer as "cut bait" for running meat rigs during the Summer/Fall salmon season.

In closing, I would comment that I sure hope this onslaught of alewives does not have too much effect on the routine warmwater gamefish that we pursue around here. Bass season opens this weekend, and although our fish are actively out looking for spawning habitat it makes me wonder if the bass will get "spooked" by all of the marauding alewives!

I think that deep down, the reasons we go fishing ... (show quote)

Good pics and a good day on the water fy. Quite the dilemma with Mr Coon there. Perhaps a coon skin cap in the making there.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

You have a lot on your plate.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

flyguy wrote:

You have been a busy little puppy, yaker.

Yes indeed...trying to stay active and get after the fish as much as possible. The kayak group I fished with last Saturday has been in contact and we are trying to figure out where we'll go for opener of bass season. The best places will be heavily sought after by the dedicated bass guys around here...so we'll probably pick a lake that get's overlooked.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

plumbob wrote:

Good pics and a good day on the water fy. Quite the dilemma with Mr Coon there. Perhaps a coon skin cap in the making there.

Thanks plumb! Just back from another rally of fishing for those alewives. It was raining the whole time but I just wore shorts, a raincoat and crocks. I barely got wet.

Kept 64 fish and have them vacuum sealed and in the deep freeze waiting for use during the Summer. I may even go after some catfish, just to mix things up a bit this season. I bagged them by the half dozen for efficiency.

I placed a nice plump alewife in my live trap this evening, so I should have that coon by morning! I like to let those kinds of critters go, so I'll be making him a new passport with traveling papers for a new residence about 20 miles away!

Future salmon and catfish bait....

Jeremy Loc: America

fishyaker wrote:

Thanks plumb! Just back from another rally of fish... (show quote)

Take coon where it will have plenty of natural food if you like them. If you call a service they will catch it in a trap and usually suffocate it with Co2. I always took them to an area where I know they have ants and other things to eat.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Jeremy wrote:

Take coon where it will have plenty of natural food if you like them. If you call a service they will catch it in a trap and usually suffocate it with Co2. I always took them to an area where I know they have ants and other things to eat.

Good idea Jeremy. I definitely want it to "live". He...or she...is a cute little rascal. My wife and I saw it a few doors down a week ago running thru a yard with a mole it it's mouth. I thought that was pretty cool...did'nt know that they would dig one up!

Lynnz Loc: Texas panhandle

Interesting post and love the pics!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Lynnz wrote:

Interesting post and love the pics!

Thank you Lynnz! Having "fun" is always at the top of my list when I go fishing!

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

fishyaker wrote:

I think that deep down, the reasons we go fishing are many and varied...but the crux of it all lies in relaxation and taking in whatever happens in the great outdoors during the adventure.

This morning I decided to treat myself to a few hours of pursuit for an unlikely quarry...line fishing for the common alewife. A few days ago I posted a story about what seems like a bumper "crop" of Lake Michigan alewives this season, and over the days that have followed, many millions more have been flooding into local streams, creeks and shoreline habitations where I live.

The Boardman River, running thru downtown Traverse City, MI is no exception to what is going on around our region. Many folks that encounter the alewife on a regular basis will think that I've gone looney to pursue them, but sometimes I find it strictly amusing to go after fish in a certain way, and to take advantage of a specific opportunity.

Started out using a 3 weight fly rod already set up with a tandem pair of bluegill flies, and they ignored them whether floating or suspended. I was not surprised, and quickly changed things up to a light spinning rod and a perch rig revved up with flashabou bead flies. That was the ticket! Since the hoards of alewive were everywhere, and on a mission to spawn, not all fish were willing to stop and notice my offering. That being said, I did find about 6 dozen 6" to 8" customers that were happy to be found dangling from my line. Had a few doubles on, but mostly singles.

In between action on the "wives", I managed to lure in a few small yellow perch as well as some gobies.

Of course none of this would qualify as "trophy" fishing, and some would say that it might even border on being childish or downright silly. In my book, it would fall into the category of amusing entertainment. Sort of a small sliver on the overall spectrum of the fishing pie chart. I had great time, and would have stayed all day had a storm system not begun to encroach on me.

I snapped a few pictures and had a splendid time of it. Since I am an avid salmon fisherman, but typically use artificial lures for them, I just might return this evening or tomorrow to keep several dozen alewives in the freezer as "cut bait" for running meat rigs during the Summer/Fall salmon season.

In closing, I would comment that I sure hope this onslaught of alewives does not have too much effect on the routine warmwater gamefish that we pursue around here. Bass season opens this weekend, and although our fish are actively out looking for spawning habitat it makes me wonder if the bass will get "spooked" by all of the marauding alewives!

I think that deep down, the reasons we go fishing ... (show quote)

Thanks yaker, for the message and pictures. That Cherry Tree pic is beautiful.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🇺🇦

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

hacksaw wrote:

Thanks yaker, for the message and pictures. That Cherry Tree pic is beautiful.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🇺🇦

Thank you hacksaw! Glad you enjoyed them. Catching those alewives has been a blast. Kind of addicting while the run is on. I went to the same spot this afternoon for a short while and brought home another 2 dozen for the bait freezer. I'd better stop at that...I think I'll have plenty to last the season when I start using them.

Also saw a few giant steelhead cruising around so I plan to go back tomorrow and focus on some "real" fish!

The fragrance in the local orchards is breathtaking with the blooms in full. Bees buzzing around and that sweet scent of the floral blooms wafting thru the breezes makes you want to sit in a lawn chair under a shady tree with a tall glass of lemonade and just take it all in.

Also picked up a larger trap for that raccoon! Last night our visitor showed and outsmarted me by tripping the door from outside, and then trying to get the fish thru the small holes in the rear. It's way too big for the trap I had on hand, and I knew it might be a challenge to get him to go inside. I have a 7" x 7" door on the old trap, but the new one is 12" x 12". I hope that is enough! I'm gonna have to put my thinking cap on tonight. I plan to stake the trap to the ground so it won't roll over. That should help a lot!

lipsticker Loc: Hartford Wisconsin

Yaker, piece of a banana…. They can’t resist them. Why I haven’t a clue but guarantee it will be in the trap.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

lipsticker wrote:

Yaker, piece of a banana…. They can’t resist them. Why I haven’t a clue but guarantee it will be in the trap.

Thanks for the tip. I will definitely try that! Last night was a "no show". Not sure if something has it spooked, but after shelling out a hundred bucks for a bigger trap I sure hope it get's used! Maybe the alewife is not so attractive as a bait. I've also heard about using canned cat food too.

My initial amazement was how quickly it had keyed in on the grape jelly I had put out for the birds.