Have you ever gone to Girl Scout Camp, or 4 -H Camp? Me neither so we are making our own! Join us for a week in the U.P. of Michigan. WI Women Fish took a trip to the UP several years ago and they have been asking to go back ever since. We have rented an entire 4-H camp and it sits right on the water. Located on Sawyer Lake in Dickinson County, this 250 acre lake has great fishing, including big blue gills and crappies, nice bass and northern pike. Walleye have been planted in the lake several years ago but they are not yet abundant.
Right near this Camp is the beautiful Michigammee River. We plan on taking a day and kayaking this wonderful stretch that is close to the camp. Last time we caught bass, pike and walleye while kayak fishing this route. Deer and wildlife are plentiful and if you are lucky, you will see a moose.
The Summer Camp will be good for kayak’s, canoes, big and small boats. The shore fishing is ok near the camp and there are several nearby lakes that produce bass and pan fish close to shore. There are camp canoes to use on the lake.
The big water nearby, that boat owners will want to fish, is the Michigamme Reservoir or Peavy Falls Reservoir. Both of these waters are large and undeveloped, which makes for beautiful scenery. There are a ton of other small lakes near by that would be great to kayak or canoe. There is also a nice swimming beach right out front and several other lakes close by if you want to try something new.
In addition to fishing, swimming, kayaking and nightly fires, we have several other activities planned. We are having a cribbage tournament, a day of golf, a felt painting class, sporting clays, human Foosball and dinner at Silver Lake Resort and a few trips to experience the local establishments such as Taco Tuesday and a Friday Fish fry.
The camp has two large dorm rooms with bunks. Sure we would prefer private rooms and queen size beds but what the heck, the price is right. I plan on reserving one dorm room for people that snore. This can be disturbing to the rest of the group so don’t feel bad if you get booted to the snoring side. That being said this is a great place to bring ear plugs and run a fan for white noise. You will have to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and if you are like me, a little more padding for that bunk.
Here are some pictures of the venue.
Tentative schedule
Sunday – arrive after 3:00 p.m. Welcome dinner provided at orientation at 4 p.m. Get settled in. Launch your boats and fish Sawyer Lake. Gather around the firepit for your first night at camp.
Monday – Bigger boats can stay on Sawyer Lake and get to know the local fish. Kayaker’s can fish Sawyer or plan on going to Edey lake which is right across the street. At 4.p.m. we will head over the the Sportsman’a club and see what sporting clays are all about. We will have burgers and brats afterwards. The Sportsman’s club is right on Edey Lake so if you ventured over there, you will be at the right place.
Tuesday – Lets take the boats to Peavey Pond. Peavy Pond is
part of The Wilderness Shores Area, this lake (2400 acres) is best for fishing walleye, perch, northern muskellunge,and northern pike. The water averages 25′ with some deeper ares around. Lots of under water humps, cliffs, and islands for structure. Easy access from hard gravel road with a concrete ramp.
For those of you with out a boat, you can kayak, canoe, or rent a pontoon. You can launch at the Michi – Aho resort. The river runs right into Peavy Pond where the bigger boats will be. We previously did a trip there and it was beautiful. We have a pontoon on hold for the day. After you register and you want a spot on the pontoon, let me know. ( rental fee additional charge). Michi – Aho does rent kayaks and canoes and will provide a shuttle service for up to 8.
SInce this is Tuesday, lets spot for Taco Tuesday at the Ace of Clubs on the way back to camp.
Wednesday – The motor boats will go to the Michigamee and spend a day exporing the back waters. The Kayak anglers will go to one of our favorite stretches of the Michigamme River. We all meet back at camp and head over to Silver Lake Resort. There will be enjoy a game of human foosball and a dinner right at on the waters edge.
Thursday – Optional Golf at George Young Championship Golf . The non golfers can have a free day and stay on Sawyer Lake, explore other near by lakes, or revisit a place you went earlier in the week. Return back to camp and have a Yooper pasty for dinner.
Friday – Free day. Maybe return to the favorite spot you fished this week. Otherwise enjoy Sawyer Lake and the last day with your fellow campers. Friday night fish fry with all the fish we have caught during the week.
Saturday – Pack up and head for home.
Registration is now open. Click here to register.