24-25), Sylvania Wilderness Area (see p. 26), Exceptions to General Regulations by County (see pp. Wow, what an experience. Sylvania Wilderness is an 18327acre protected area located a few miles west of Watersmeet Township, Michigan. Turn left on Duck Lake Road and travel .5 miles. Few Wilderness areas compare to Sylvania with its old growth forest and pristine lakes. Entire Site Articles Businesses Fishing Reports Forums Help Lakes Classifieds. Sometimes it is just too windy to keep your bait on the bottom while drifting along the shore. The tiny outfitter was packed with only one or two employees to handle all the rentals and fishing licenses. Best trails in Sylvania Wilderness, Michigan 29 Reviews Explore the most popular trails in Sylvania Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. I landed a fat 23 inch fish on this 6 lb. For any members of your party that are not inclined to swat mosquitoes and sleep on the hard ground or fish from daylight till dawn, there is a casino in Watersmeet. A trip into the Sylvania Wilderness. Dragging the bottom naturally leads to more snags on logs and rocks but with a little patience the jig can usually be retrieved. It has been reported that Lake Trout exist in Clark Lake. For additional information on the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area, please contact the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area entrance station at 906-358-4404, the Ottawa National … As typical of the Sylvania Wilderness, our campsite felt spacious due to the lack of undergrowth beneath the trees. Combined with the adjacent Recreation Area, this 18,327 acre wilderness offers an outstanding experience for those who want to camp, fish, hike, canoe, ski, or enjoy the solitude of a wilderness experience. Combined with the adjacent Recreation Area, the 18,327 acre wilderness offers 34 named lakes. Hiking trails run throughout and it is easy to walk to any of the lakes. Campsites reserved … Light colored 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jig heads ranging from white to chartreuse with 2 to 3 inch unscented plastic tails of similar color seem to work best. My excursions have been canoe camping trips where you pack food and gear into one of the designated remote campsites scattered throughout the area. LOG IN. New fishing regs - Sylvania Wilderness Author. Few Wilderness compare to Sylvania. No luxury vacation homes crowding the shoreline. Go straight on … They are primitive but have fire rings and usually a latrine nearby. So after breakfast we both went fishing and the eagle was still there, perched in the same tree, waiting for me to return. Sylvania’s abundant lakes provide plentiful non-motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. July 30, 2019. The catch and release, barb less hook fishing regulations in many of these lakes have … The Sylvania Wilderness Area has 34 named lakes, some with sandy beaches. Fishing Regulations – Sylvania Wilderness Area, Ottawa National Forest, Gogebic County . I’ve landed some large smallmouth from Clark, but never a Laker. All plants, seeds, and animals, as well as mud that might contain them, must be removed to prevent the spread of invasive species. LOG IN. Top water baits will work in calm water but I still prefer a jig because a single hook usually allows releasing the fish with little damage. HUMIDITY 78% … The bass in all lakes are restricted to catch and release but one Walleye over 20 inches, one Northern Pike over 30 inches, and one Lake Trout over 30 inches can be kept. ... and after some time the Sylvania Club was formed, with fishing, hunting, and hiking being the main focus. I passed only 5 houses on the entire 7-mile paddle, so it's definitely a wilderness experience and very quiet. Arizona's Restoration Experts, LLC on December 11, 2012: Great pics, everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature in that way. Occasionally casting the jig into deeper water then letting it drop can work. We also carry fishing licenses, lures and maps, as well as freeze-dried foods. Visitors enjoy endless canoeing, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. The wilderness area lakes are restricted to non-motorized traffic, except for Crooked Lake, on which motors are allowed only by property owners who lived there when the area was declared a “wilderness”. Entire Site Articles Businesses Fishing Reports Forums Help Lakes Classifieds. Follow them. It was a beautiful summer afternoon when my parents and I arrived at Clark Lake, one of the … This rustic, undeveloped area is accessible by boot or paddle, essentially unmotorized. You won't regret it. The owners built lodges and cabins on the larger lakes, and the area became an exclusive resort for a small number of affluent and influential guests. Few Wilderness compare to Sylvania. We would primarily be targeting panfish and smallies. Complete Outfitting for your Sylvania Wilderness trip is available, and includes a selection of the folowing to get you everything you need. On my first trip to Sylvania I was just sitting under a tarp one rainy afternoon waiting for the weather to break before our trip home. The Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres of primitive lands and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. My buddy and I were wanting to plan a trip as soon as school lets out, but we were wondering if mid May would be too soon? Gamechanger. Even the large … I found that out, and questioned my wisdom as it swooped down to snatch the fish out of the water right next to me. Since … Nov 18, 2015 #1 . Sylvania Wilderness is 18,327 acres that is protected. I suspected it was waiting for a meal. The Sylvania Wilderness is an 18,327 acres protected area located a few miles west of Watersmeet in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – just across the Wisconsin border. Backcountry fishing spots are a premium, I'm surprised you shared them - but you should get some good results. Quiet, peaceful, beautiful, natural. Many of the lakes are connected […] The campground has water, latrines, and beach with bath house and showers. Sylvania straddles the divide between the Lake Superior and Mississippi drainage systems. This time I brought my camera but this encounter was not quite as up close and personal. Stream fishing for resident trout is generally best near the … HUMIDITY 78% … Entire Site Articles Businesses Fishing Reports Forums Help Lakes Classifieds. Sylvania Wilderness Few Wilderness areas compare to Sylvania with its old growth forest and pristine lakes. Jim is a retired software/electrical engineer who enjoys the outdoors. 51 Sport Shop Inc. 65 Bait Fish Farm. We immediately started pulling dark colored Smallmouth Bass from the stained water on just about every other cast. Combined with the adjacent Recreation Area, this 18,327 acre wilderness offers an outstanding experience for those who want to camp, fish, hike, canoe, ski, or enjoy the solitude of a wilderness experience. FISH REPORTS; REPORTS; LAKES ; FORUMS; CLASSIFIEDS; BUSINESSES; DEALS; MESSENGER; CURRENTLY 33° OVERCAST AND BREEZY. Stream fishing for lake-run salmon and steelhead usually picks up around April 1 in streams with an extended trout-salmon season, such as the East Branch of the Ontonagon River North of M-28, or those with no closed season, such as the Black River. One of the greatest threats to the health of Sylvania’s pristine lakes and their fish population is the introduction of invasive aquatic species. I usually avoid that lake, I prefer more solitude. The area even receives it's own special section in the Michigan Fishing Guide. The Sylvania Wilderness also features 25 miles (40 km) of hiking trails and portages within its 30 square miles (78 km 2). At 1,700 feet, it’s one of the highest places in the Midwest. Sylvania is located entirely within the bounds of the Ottawa National Forest, and is currently being managed as a wilderness area as part of the National Wilderness Preservation. The 45 pound Michigan state record Muskie was taken in 1980 from Thousand Island Lake not too far from Sylvania. Located near Watersmeet Michigan, Sylvania offers outdoor enthusiasts an unmatched opportunity to canoe, hike, and fish in a truly spectacular surrounding. We continued on to Watersmeet with what was supposed to be a brief stop at Sylvania Outfitters for some fishing tackle and licenses. Sylvania Wilderness is an 18,327 acres (7,417 ha) protected area located a few miles west of Watersmeet Township, Michigan. For more information on the outfitting process, please watch this video by Scott Cherek describing the steps of customizing your gear. The Sylvania Outfitters can organize canoe, kayak, fishing, and camping experiences for people of all ages and experience levels. HUMIDITY 45% VISIBILITY 10MI. I'm planning a first-time 3 day camping/fishing trip to the Sylvania Wilderness area this summer and I'm wondering if anyone can provide advice/lessons … Interactive map of Sylvania Wilderness Area with campsites, portages, and a route time and distance calculator. The 20,000 acre wilderness holds 34 lakes with abundant populations of bass, pike, walleye, panfish, and trout. Fortunately, the crowd at the outfitter was not indicative of our experience in the wilderness. There are certain regulations in place to protect them during nesting season. Located in the Ottawa National Forrest on the Western end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near the town of Watersmeet, the Sylvania Wilderness Area is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. I’ve seen them swim under my canoe. And have removed the words "scented material" from the Wilderness fishing … SYLVANIA WILDERNESS AREA REGULATIONS The following lakes in Gogebic Co. are subject to special regulations: Banks, East Bear, West Bear, Clark, Corey, Cub, Deer Island, Dorothy, Elsie, Fisher, Florence, Germain, Glimmerglass, Golden Silence, Hay, Helen, High, Honey, Jay, Johnston Springs, Katherine, Kerr, Liluis, Lois, Loon, Louise, Marsh, Moss, Mountain, Snap Jack, Trapper and Whitefish. Now fully protected, the Tract, located in Ottawa National Forest, is Michigan's most pristine wilderness area, with one of the last and largest remaining stands of virgin northern hardwood forest and water as clear and cold as the sky of a September morning. Beginning April 1st, 2019 they have eliminated the restriction on scented plastics. … Thirty-inch trout and 20-inch bass are not uncommon. In order to tap the bottom during the drift you will have to experiment with different jig weights. It contains 34 lakes linked by portages to 50 backcountry campsites and also contains trails for hiking and skiing. WINDS WEST @ 21MPH. For me, “feeling” the bottom then suddenly feeling a fish just seems natural. The catch and release, barb less hook fishing regulations in many of these lakes have created a little known world class smallmouth bass fishery. I'm taking a 4-day, 3-night trip into the Sylvania Wilderness in the upper penninsula of Michigan between September 17-20. Stream fishing for lake-run salmon and steelhead usually picks up around April 1 in streams with an extended trout-salmon season, such as the East Branch of the Ontonagon River North of M-28, or those with no closed season, such as the Black River. 218 Fuel Express. Last Visit: 01/20/2021 10:59PM Sort by. Sylvania's fishery is almost as untouched as the trees in its forest. JJ47 04/03/2019 10:25AM ... For anyone interested, the Michigan DNR has amended fishing regulations within the Sylvania Wilderness. Text. 13-14. After some fishing, dinner, and a brief sit around the campfire, we dozed off listening to loons calling, and woke to their calls again the next morning. Your customized outfitting will ensure that your outdoor adventure experience goes off without a hitch, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Sylvania Wilderness. It is still wise to hang your food 10 ft. from the ground and at least 6 ft from the trunk of any tree. Sylvania is located entirely within the bounds of the Ottawa National Forest, and is currently being managed as a wilderness area as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System by the U.S. Forest Service. Nestled in the heart of the UP and some of Michigan’s most treasured fishing areas, a trip into Sylvania is within easy reach of civilization, but its miles away from ordinary. Please do not take more fish than you can consume during your stay in Sylvania. We also carry fishing licenses, lures and maps, as well as freeze-dried foods. A mid-Winter vacation back to summertime in the U.P. I caught a Rock Bass and used my knife to ensure it floated on the surface when I dropped it into the water next to the canoe. Copyright © 2009-2012 WARB - all rights reserved, US Fish and Wildlife Service: "Let's get the lead out", At the Sylvania Entrance Station (906.358-4404), At the Watersmeet Ranger District Office (906.358-4551). New fishing regs - Sylvania Wilderness Author. By authority conferred on the Natural Resources Commission and the Department of Natural Resources by Part 487 of 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.48701 to 324.48740, it is ordered on September 13, 2018, the following section(s) of the Fisheries Order shall read as follows: It shall be unlawful to take fish in any manner from the … The Sylvania Wilderness Area today offers a chance to experience a wilderness that’s all but disappeared from the world. At 1,700 feet, it’s one of the highest places in the Midwest. It is a very unique place, without ever being logged, it has huge mature trees and 30 small clear lakes. No power boats. We are the happy day-trippers — we stayed on Crooked Lake at the Sylvania Wilderness Cabins, picked up a rental canoe in Watersmeet and enjoyed the ease of exploring the lakes by day and having a cozy cabin to retreat to at night. MENU. Sylvania straddles the divide between the Lake Superior and Mississippi drainage systems. Using a fairly stiff rod and a spinning reel lined with 6 pound test makes fighting a five pound Smallmouth seem like battling a trophy Musky. Fishing and Camping in Sylvania Wilderness Discussion in 'Warm Water Fishing Inland UP Lakes' started by Gamechanger, Nov 18, 2015. Turn left on Duck Lake Road and travel .5 miles. MICHIGAN. It has a good population of Walleyes and some fairly large Northern Pike. The Sylvania Wilderness Area has 34 named lakes, some with sandy beaches. When you are ready to come indoors, Sylvania Wilderness Cabins offers clean, cozy, well-furnished cabins for rent. and may not be possessed on the special provision lakes of the Sylvania Wilderness Area. Furthermore, in order to prevent pollution and the spread of invasive species, it is illegal to use live, dead or preserved bait, food, or scented material. 28-32), and Inland Trout & Salmon Regulations (pp. Grew up in Northern Wisconsin and know what great fishing and camping is all about. Look for the Sylvania section on the Michigan DNR’s fishing regulations that come with your license. Duck Lake Road will take a hard right and an unnamed gravel road goes straight. To avoid injury, barbless hooks must be used. The Sylvania Wilderness and Sylvania Recreation Area, is located near Watersmeet, Michigan and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. … It is, therefore, critical that all boats be checked (and cleaned if necessary) before entering the lakes. Located near Watersmeet Michigan, Sylvania offers outdoor enthusiasts an unmatched opportunity to canoe, hike, and fish in a truly spectacular surrounding. esoxal User since 6/29/01 PROFILE BLOCK USER. A little colored tint does not hurt. Other popular activities include hiking and viewing wildlife. I’ve been returning to Sylvania almost every year since, and still occasionally fish that same lake with similar results. I went out fishing early one morning by myself and had the eagle take a fish right next to my canoe, very close, so close I could feel the wind in my face caused by the flap of it's wings as it used it's "air brakes" to change direction and fly off. Sylvania has rules you need to follow which promote “leave no trace” camping. I love to fish. He likes to challenge himself with creative projects at home. The Sylvania Wilderness and Sylvania Recreation Area, is located near Watersmeet, Michigan and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Visitors can camp in 50 designated campsites within the Sylvania Wilderness. My wife and I decided to carry our canoe to a small nearby lake to kill some time. The jigs have a bait holder which is helpful, because the bass will often bite and pull just the plastic without getting hooked. More information and a complete set of rules & regulations: For feedback, questions, accessibility issues, please contact the webmaster It contains 34 lakes linked by portages to 50 backcountry campsites and also contains trails for hiking and skiing. The Sylvania Wilderness and Sylvania Recreation Area, is located near Watersmeet, Michigan and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. And have removed the words "scented material" from the Wilderness fishing … For example, smallmouth and largemouth bass must be returned to the waters immediately and there are size and possession limits for other species. We changed our plans about returning home and fished more the following morning. Summer time Wilderness fishing/camping trips dragging the bottom naturally leads to more snags on logs and rocks but with little. Northern Wisconsin and know what great fishing and camping experiences for people of all ages experience! 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