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 about deer hunting on Beaver Island?
A: In short, deer hunting is very good. The deer herd varies from year to year. Our hard-working Wildlife Club runs an active feeding and habitat improvement program and works closely with the DNR. A large number of antlerless permits are usually available. A few trophy bucks are taken each year.
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 it is! Once again, our Wildlife Club is the key. They provide winter-feed for a large flock. 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: | 
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Steve West
Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 5
Beaver Island, MI. 49782
231-448-2505
chamber@beaverisland.org |
