J and silent Jeff go on a road trip

**spartannation** · 09-05-2018, 06:06 PM

Today was the day to start scouting locations for the Michigan CDC 2019 spring camp. We had a kinda-sorta plan on what we wanted to accomplish with time built in for screwing around, if the opportunity struck. We pulled out about 7:15.

We made it as far as Six Lakes before we pulled into a local bait and tackle, partly to look at his wares and partly to shake the county cop that had been following me for 15 miles. Not that we were doing anything wrong, I just don't like having them follow me. The next stop was at the Beats-a Tent for a bathroom break and wellness check. Everything A-OK.

Our trip continued north through Big Rapids, Reed City and Cadillac, then west on Boon Road to the Boon store where we bought 1/2 pound of the famous Boon sharp colby cheese for a mid morning snack. Next stop was on 15 Road to visit the cabin that my grandpa used to own. I still vividly remember hopping out of the home made bunk beds and trying to avoid the teeth and claws of his bear skin rug, I was certain the beast was playing possum and was laying in wait to devour me before I knew what had happened.

Next was a stop at the Harrietta Fish Hatchery. We were lucky enough to run into an employee who had been working there for 30 years and he gave us a VIP tour explaining how the hatchery operates today as well as how it operated in the past. We were taken into the inner sanctum where he showed us the entire process of hatching, raising and stocking rainbow trout and brown trout. One thing I never realized is that well water can be too "bubbly" and can give the young fish the "bends". They run it through a series of waterfalls to make the water flat then re-oxygenate it.

The rest of the day was pretty ho-hum with stops at a number of campgrounds. talking with campground employees and campers and one final stop at Holland Lake to check my sisters property and pontoon, again A-OK. We have eliminated several campgrounds and have a couple that stood out, having everything our group needs, private launch, fish house, cabins, large pull through lots, camp store and pavilion. And hopefully good fishing. Stay tuned for further details.

Jeff has a few pictures of the day.

**Billbob** · 09-05-2018, 07:14 PM

Great time

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**vbottom** · 09-05-2018, 08:07 PM

Jerry forgot to mention we had a stowaway named Wilbur with us and got in the pic at Harrietta. There is also a pic inside one of the tanks at the hatchery. More fish in the tank then a guy could catch in multiple lifetimes...this hatchery raises salmon and trout. The other pics are from one of the potential sights we scouted. Fun day all and all. Name: IMG_20180905_105757697.jpeg
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**spartannation** · 09-06-2018, 01:11 AM

How could I forget Wilbur? As you can see, Jeff modified Wilbur so he would fit in the truck better, now he will be able to go on more road trips.

**Just Steve** · 09-06-2018, 03:12 AM

Glad to see you guys were out and about, and letting Wilbur out of his pen too! I like the “mobile” version.

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**yankee doodler** · 09-06-2018, 06:37 AM

Good to see you two are involving Wilbur in the search or I might be more concerned. Good job guys.

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**wicklundrh** · 09-06-2018, 10:04 AM

That was a trip down memory lane for me. As many of you know, I grew up less than 5 miles from the fish hatchery and know that area extremely well. Did you happen to get the name of the person working at the hatchery? I'm sure I know them.

I'm probably one of the only people that was legally allowed to fish the ponds outside of the hatchery. The man who used to run it was a Lt on the fire department where my dad was the assistant chief. I've turkey hunted a good many times behind that building. There used to be a fire truck filling station next to the hatchery as that was one of the only places that you could literally dump 5000 plus gallons of water in no time flat.

The boon grocery is obviously known for it's cheese and there is quite a history about it and how it came to be. You should have picked up some pickled eggs while you were there. Another one of my favorites. They are also known for having the coldest beer around. I'm not sure how they do it but they are known for it!

The minute I saw the photograph of the water, I knew exactly where you were at. I recognized the point in the background. A lot of things have changed as it has been more than 19 years since I activly fished that location. From the pavilion to the boat launch, the cabins, the fish cleaning stations, store, you name it. I went to school with a kid who's grandfather used to run the place in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. I went to medic training with the guy that took over when the name changed to Northern Exposure (might have given away too much)! I can tell you that it has come a long way since they took over. First issue was getting rid of the 100's of people that had yearly sites. There used to be very few spots for other people. The beach is totally different as there used to be a rather large bank before going in to the water.

As I said, it has been almost 19 years since I have been on that water however, I have thought of it often. I never caught crappies on this body of water but, back during that time, I wasn't fishing for them. Rarely did we have the opportunity to pickup minnows and during that time, I didn't trust much of the aftificial baits out there that we have now. I fished a ton of perch and walleyes in this impoundment (another clue) and it boast a rather large small mouth fishery. I've seen pike at 46 and 54 inches come out of here and the catfish they planted years ago have really taken to the area.

I could go on for days about the area as it was my home town. Back when there were actually things in town!

**spartannation** · 09-06-2018, 07:11 PM

And I thought Steve couldn't keep a secret.

Remember, it's just one of the places we checked out and we have several more to visit before a decision is made. I don't know if it has crappie but from the stumps I would guess it does, just might have to hunt for them.

**skillett007** · 09-06-2018, 09:10 PM

Sounds like a destination that’s been on my hit list for a while now, it really reminds me of another body of water that’s been good to me other the years. Can’t wait for the final decision. If you guys need some help with anything let me know, I believe this is the best part of spring camp!!!!!

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**Just Steve** · 09-07-2018, 05:01 AM

Originally Posted by spartannation

I don't know if it has crappie but from the stumps I would guess it does, just might have to hunt for them.

Sounds like you and Jeff may need to practice "due dilligence" and go fish these lakes to find out if there are any crappie. I know a guy who would volunteer in that capacity to aid in the study of what fish species are in any particular lake you may deem a candidate.

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