Photo by Ron Sinfelt

By Mike Gnatkowski

There are some spring rituals that you always look forward to. Putting the boat in for the year, pulling the gas grill out of storage or planting flowers to brighten up your humble abode. Another is planning a summer vacation. The actual planning may begin months earlier, but when crunch time approaches is when the tough decisions have to be made. I don't know about you, but any summer vacation that I'm going on is going to have fishing as one of the main activities, but you need to find somewhere that offers fun for the whole family.

Following is a selection of great locations that should make everyone happy.

Water is a big part of the allure of Marquette. Its rich shipping heritage can be seen everywhere, including the Marquette Underwater Preserve, which encompasses 24 miles of shoreline where scuba divers can dive on wrecks of schooners, steamers and commercial fishing vessels claimed by the ferocity of Lake Superior. Several area museums celebrate the shipping and mining heritage the area is famous for. There are two marinas on Lake Superior for families who want to bring their own boats, or they can book a charter-fishing trip on one of several charter boats that operate out of the marinas. There are miles of Lake Superior beaches visitors can stroll looking for unique stones, or they can travel one of the many hiking and biking trails that lead to several breathtaking scenic lookouts. There is also golfing, a Gus Macker tournament, Art on the Rocks, waterfalls, the chance to see a moose and exploring in several spacious wilderness tracts. Camping and lodging facilities abound. There is no shortage of things to do and see while you're vacationing in Marquette.

For more information on accommodations, amenities and things to do in and around Marquette, contact the Marquette County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-544-4321 or online at www.marquettecounty.org.

Finding a place to wet a line in and around Marquette isn't difficult. Deciding which place to try and what to fish for can be, however. One place that usually produces steady action for a variety of species that will keep kids interested is 210-acre Witch Lake.

Witch Lake is located southwest of Marquette between Channing and Republic off M-95. The lake reaches depths of up to 100 feet, but features plenty of gravel shoals that support good populations of walleyes and smallmouths. Weedbeds are abundant, and those looking to keep young anglers smiling will find plenty of perch and bluegills close to the weeds. Use a slip-bobber to suspend live bait just off bottom and chances are you'll catch a smorgasbord of species. Try worms, minnows or leeches. A hotspot for a variety of species is on the east end of the lake along the contour that leads to deep water. Around a small island on the southwest side of the lake is a good starting point. There is a public access on the south side of the lake that features a paved ramp.

For more information on Witch Lake and other Marquette County lakes, contact the Western Lake Superior Management Unit of the DNR at (906) 353-6651.

First planted in the early 1900s with walleyes, Lake Gogebic continues to produce consistent walleye action, although the fish tend to run on the small side. The modest 'eyes are great eating though. Some of the perch the lake gives up rival the walleyes in size. Jumbo perch in the 12- to 14-inch range are not uncommon. If you work at it, a perch dinner is guaranteed.

Targeting Lake Gogebic's walleyes and perch isn't difficult. Both species are suckers for live bait either suspended below a slip-bobber, or dragged or drifted along the bottom. Worms or minnows will catch both perch and walleyes, but wigglers often work the best for perch. The deepest spot in Lake Gogebic is just over 30 feet, so fish can be found just about everywhere. One hotspot for panfish is anywhere you see diamond-shaped markers along the shoreline. The markers indicate fish shelters that have been placed in the lake. Lake Gogebic is a sleeper for smallmouths and the brown bass will add some excitement when the perch or walleyes aren't cooperating.

Lake Gogebic is located in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties near the town of Bergland. There is a boat launch at Lake Gogebic State Park on the lake's southwest shore and a public launch on the north end of the lake near Bergland.

Several resorts cater to families who like to fish. Contact Nine Pines Resort at (906) 842-3361 for more information.

Lake Gogebic is only a short drive from Porcupine Mountains State Park. One of the gems of the park is Lake of the Clouds, which has some tremendous smallmouth fishing. Hiking trails lead to scenic vistas, numerous waterfalls, striking geologic formations and the Lake Superior shoreline. Walk quietly and you might see a black bear or wolf.

For more information on in the western U.P., contact the Western Upper Peninsula Convention & Visitors Bureau at (906) 932-4850 or online at www.westernup.com.

Several locations can be counted on to provide excellent panfishing. Structure and weeds in Boedne Bay on the lake's northwest corner make it a natural hotspot for slab crappies and bluegills. Long and Fox Points along the south shore are two locations that produce buckets of panfish. Christensens Bay on the lake's far east end is good, too. Walleyes frequent the midlake reefs and humps. All species are susceptible to crawlers suspended below a slip-bobber or drifted along the bottom.

Contact Lorente's Landing at (906) 643-9308 for information on resorts, fishing maps and live bait.

Brevoort Lake is only a short drive from some of the U.P. premier attractions. You're close to Kitch-iti-Kipi Spring at Manistique, the Seney Wildlife Refuge, the Pictured Rocks, the Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island, and thousands of acres to explore within the Hiawatha National Forest. There are museums, golf, canoeing, casinos, boat tours and much more. There are plenty of reasons to make Brevoort Lake your family fishing destination this summer.

For more information, contact the Mackinac Area Tourist Bureau at 1-800-666-0160 or online at www.mackinawcity.com.