What's so special about our walleyes? Click here.

While that is a very bold statement, LCA has begun a project to make it a reality.

By Dan Mishler, LCA First Vice President

Wouldn't it be great to know a "honey hole" where you could take your child or grandchild to introduce them to fishing with a very successful trip!

We believe that this can be accomplished with a comprehensive plan to install natural cover and improved spawning habitat for both game fish and feeder fish, in the form of trees, stumps and other woody debris. Our project aims to improve the overall health of the fishery in Lake Charlevoix and improve angler success.

We have held two formal meetings with interested people, the second including a discussion led by Todd Kalish of the DNR Fisheries Division.Everyone in attendance, including Todd, was very enthusiastic about our vision for this project and all indicated that they are willing to pitch in to make the project successful.

The next general meeting will be held on February 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sommerset Pointe Yacht Club.At that meeting we will be organizing committees to take on specific tasks prior to reef installation.We hope you will attend.

Some Background

Many parts of Lake Charlevoix are nearly devoid of the natural structure which is so important to fish spawning and survival.This situation has been made much worse through the years by over-development along the shoreline, which has virtually eliminated the normal events of trees falling into the lake.This near shore cover is vital to spawning success and survival of the young of both feeder fish and game fish.

Our comprehensive plan includes installing both deep water reefs, in 15 to 30 feet of water, and shallow water structures, 1 to10 feet, in many locations spread around the 60-mile circumference of Lake Charlevoix. The LCA has applied to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and The Army Corps of Engineers for the permit required for the installation of these structures. We are seeking a joint permit to cover the whole lake for the 5-year project.

The DEQ oversight will ensure that the project will not harm the environment, while the Army Corps will make sure that we don't do anything that could be a hazard to boating, swimming or other recreational lake uses. This will include making sure that the deep-water structures have at least 10 feet of clear water above them and that they are anchored down using approved methods.

The Deep Water Reefs

We have selected potential locations for 125 deep water reefs (pending written permission from riparian owners), which can be viewed at this link.

Please click here to view and print a permission form that you can fill out and mail back to us. We need permission before we can improve the fishery.

The reefs will consist of 5 - 20 or more individual structures arranged in a grouping. The number of locations may seem like a huge project, and it is. But we want to make a difference to the lake and we also want to make sure that we don't overly concentrate anglers in just a few newly prime locations.

We also feel that with the number of volunteers we expect to have and the fact that this is a 5-year project, building 125 reefs will be manageable.

We have access to many stumps that experts tell us would be excellent. The "Slabwood Tree" will require a bit more preparation, but will be easier to transport and sink. We are still exploring other options as well. We'll need help getting the stumps to the lake, into the water and anchoring them down. If you are interested in helping, please get in touch with me.

Adopt a Reef Program - Develop Your Own "Honey Hole"

We are looking for individuals or even better a group of individuals who would like to "adopt" a reef.

Our strict guidelines must be followed and attending a training session will be required, but this would be a great opportunity for a group of adjacent homeowners on the lake or any group of anglers to band together and build a reef on their frontage. This is a great chance to develop your own honey hole close to your dock! If you have interest in this opportunity, please email dan@lakecharlevoix.org to get on the list. If you would like to invite your neighbors to "Adopt a Reef" in your part of the lake, click this link to download a letter you might use to send to them.

Shallow Water Structures - We Need Help From Homeowners!

This is another opportunity for individuals or groups of property owners to get involved. Because our lake is nearly completely developed, trees are no longer falling into the lake. As a result, the near shore lake bottom does not have the natural cover that should be there and spawning and survival of fish is compromised.

We are investigating ways that structure can be added in a way that will not negatively impact beach usage. One example that is gaining momentum is installing "pallet-like" structures under our docks.

The critical time for these structures to be in the lake is from about May 1 to mid-July, a bit early for most of us to put our docks in. Some of us in the volunteer group are planning to build some eight foot by three foot structures from free slab wood and sink them where our docks will go. They won't likely make it through the ice season, but can be placed after ice-out in 2 to 10 feet of water and then we can put the dock right over it. Even if installed later when the dock is put in, they would still help.

If enough people did this, it could make a huge difference in the amount of cover in the lake. We'd like as many people as possible to participate in this portion of the program, and we plan to have volunteers available to help homeowners with the construction and installation of these structures.

Project Time Lines

This project is planned to be a five-year program. In 2011 our enthusiastic volunteers will do a minimum of 10 reefs in deep water and as many shallow water structures as we can. If we get even more enthusiastic volunteers, we will consider installing more than 10 reefs the first year, with the first ones going in between ice out and spawning time (~May 15).

More installation will also occur in mid to late summer, when it is enjoyable to have a project out on the lake.

Then as we learn what works and what doesn't in the first year, we will increase the number of reefs we do each year as matched to our volunteer base and availability of materials.

Project Funding - Where's the Money Coming From?

The Lake Charlevoix Association has budgeted $2,000 from our general fund for 2011 to get the project off the ground. We have also set up a dedicated account to accept donations and grant monies that we plan to acquire over the duration of the program. Cash donations as well as adopting a reef will both be greatly appreciated and put to great use. If you know of grant opportunities for which you think we might qualify, please let us know.

Project Information - Getting Involved and Staying Informed

There are several places that we are making information available.

First and foremost is this website. Check back regularly for updates.

If you want to be more involved, please send an email to dan@lakecharlevoix.org to be placed on our email list. Once on that list you will receive regular updates in your inbox. If you would like to actively participate, please state your interest in the email to Dan.