FAQ: HUNTING & FISHING ON BEAVER ISLAND

Q: What are the fishing regulations and when are the hunting seasons for various fish and game on Beaver Island?

A: Beaver Island is part of Charlevoix Country and we live under the same laws as folks on the mainland. Hunting and fishing regulations change each year to some extent. The best source of information is the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. (DNR)
www.michigan.gov/dnr

Q: Can you buy resident and non-resident licensees on the Island?

A: Yes indeed. McDonough's Market is a DNR license dealer.

Q: Are there inland lakes on the Island, what kinds of fish are in them, and is the fishing any good?

A: Four inland lakes provide good to excellent fishing for pan fish, perch, pike and largemouth bass. The Beaver Island Wildlife Club has been working for several years to develop Lake Geneserath as a walleye fishery. Walleye as large as nine pounds have been caught. The excellent largemouth bass fishing on Font Lake is largely "undiscovered." Bass in the 4-5 pound range are common. A seven pounder hangs on the wall of a summer resident's home. Our lakes are small and fragile. Keep a trophy or a meal and release the rest.

Q: What about the salmon and lake trout fishing in Lake Michigan?

A: Salmon fishing varies from year to year but is generally good in July and August. The most popular area is a few miles east of Sand Bay. Fishing for the long-lived slow-growing lake trout continues to improve. The area west and south of Beaver is a lake trout sanctuary. See the DNR web site www.michigan.gov/dnr for details.

Q: How about smallmouth bass and perch fishing in the Beaver Archipelago?

A: Both species are less abundant in part because of a huge increase in the population of the double crested cormorants. However, cormorant control measures are now underway and showing signs of success. Smallmouth bass fishing around Garden and Hog Islands has improved some in recent years. Many large fish have been caught and released. We are hopeful that by continued work with the state DNR and federal officials we can return smallmouth bass fishing to its once world-class level. In the meantime the Chamber of Commerce asks that you practice artificial-bait catch-and-release only fishing for smallmouth bass in the archipelago. The season for bass in Beaver Archipelago waters does not open until July 1st.

Q: What’s this I hear about fly fishing for carp Fishing on Beaver Island?

A: Fly fishing for carp has GREAT potential for Beaver Island. The flats surrounding us are the best in the Great Lakes. Carp are respected game fish in the rest of the world. Only we Americans don't get it. The salt water bone fish was considered trash until it was "discovered" by sport fisherman. Michigan outdoor writers are already calling the carp the "golden bone."
Read more at www.flymasters.com

Q: What about deer hunting on Beaver Island?

A: The current deer herd is low and out of buck / doe balance. The Beaver Island Wildlife Club and the Beaver Island Conservation Club are working with the DNR to address the issue.

Q: How about small game like grouse and rabbit?

A: Small game populations are subject to a similar level of variation as on the Michigan mainland. Generally speaking, small game hunting is very good with a few "off years" and a few "outstanding years."

Q: I hear that turkey hunting is good?

A: Yes, turkey hunting is excellent! The Wildlife Club provides winter-feed for a very large flock. It is  worth the trip to Beaver Island for world class turkey hunting. The DNR web site is the best source for permit and season dates. Currently we have both a spring and fall season.



What Others Say
A few great artilces that have appeared in the media about hunting and fishing on Beaver Island in recent months:

• Prime Time Beaver Island Carp
  By Kevin Morlock
  Click to Read
  
  New Video: Fly fishing the flats around Beaver Island
   
• Lake Michigan's Beaver delivers gobblers, friendly folks
  By David V. Graham
  Click to Read
   
• Remote Beaver Island on Lake Michigan is coyote hunting paradise
  By David Graham
  Click to Read
   
• Michigan's Outdoor Jewel–Beaver Island
  By Linda Gallagher
  Click to Read
   
• Sportsmen Working to Create Island Walleye Fishery
  By Linda Gallagher
  Click to Read
   
• Beaver Island - A Little Bit of Paradise
  By Linda Gallagher
  Click to Read
   
• Duck Hunting Worthwhile on Beaver Island
  By Linda Gallagher
  Click to Read
   
• Beaver Island, MI.
  Northern Island
  Angling Paradise
  By Brandon Butler
  Click to Download Article from Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine

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