Lake Huron, Turnip Rock, Kayak and Fly Fish Adventure!
I blew into Port Austin, MI before sunrise with only myself and an Eric Church CD cranking on the truck stereo! I grabbed a can of energy drink and a granola bar at the local go-go juice station. I just needed a little treat to get the mojo going. I've always wanted to paddle on the big water of Lake Huron and experience some of the rocky shoreline that many don't realize is so close to Southeastern MI. I dropped in the water and headed east. This is just one section of a water trail known as Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail. The trail consists of 45 launch locations and 139 miles of Lake Huron Shoreline. I paddled my Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5 from Port Austin Harbor to Pointe aux Barques, taking in the view and doing some fly fishing along the way. The following is a sample... click on the pictures to enlarge!
This one is called "Turnip Rock." Most of the following
rock walls and cliffs are quite large around 20'-30' tall!
Lots of rocky shoreline and crystal clear water!
Turnip Rock and Port Austin Lighthouse in the distance.
Clear water and rocks! That must mean...
SMALLMOUTH!
Rest stop on a rocky shoal.
The shoreline of Michigan's Thumb is a very under appreciated area. There are many small country-coastal towns with gift shops, mom and pop eateries, bars, cottages, and beautiful harbors with first class marinas. The sandy beaches and clear waters are less crowded than the west side of the state and are much shorter drive from Oakland County and the Detroit Metro Area. Check it out sometime!
"Oh yeah!... If you don't have a kayak, no problem you can rent them in town. Great family fun!" Port Austin Kayak.
Jeff Those rock formations are awesome. Some of those places there remind me of fishing my local’s water on Smith with all the rock walls and ledges. The clear water probably called for some long distance casting. What did you land the smallmouth on? Great Post.
I did not know the Thumb had that kind of scenery. I picture it as all flat farmland. I may have to bring my kayak down and take a look. The smallmouth are just added incentive.
5 comments:
Beautiful photos Jeff! Your trip sounds like a lot of fun...got to get a yak.
Jeff
Those rock formations are awesome. Some of those places there remind me of fishing my local’s water on Smith with all the rock walls and ledges. The clear water probably called for some long distance casting. What did you land the smallmouth on? Great Post.
Thanks fella's... caught that smallie on a #2 Murdich Minnow, all silver color. Yes... needed to make long clean casts.
I did not know the Thumb had that kind of scenery. I picture it as all flat farmland. I may have to bring my kayak down and take a look. The smallmouth are just added incentive.
Lake Huron looks like my kind of paradise! How amazing it will be to go there and do nothing but camp out, kayak, and fish. I could live there.
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