Early Season Launching

[DW72]

Hello All,

Was reading last year's early posts and saw that some were able to get out early on nice days before the wooden docks were put in at the State Parks. Was wondering where good places to launch might be this time of year. I cannot remember how much concrete there is at Catawba and Mazurik's. I need to be able to tie up to park the truck and need a little extra time to warm up the I/O. I'm mobile so anywhere from Huron to PC would work for me. Thanks in advance. Am pumped up to get back out there.

[itsbob]

The first open water launching usually occurs at Huron ramp.The river melts/ removes the ice earlier than Catawba or Mazurkas.Think Huron has a concrete pier to tie off of.Have not read of anybody venturing out yet but may be soon.

[island troller]

The first open launch may not be the safest one to use. Need to do your homework this time of year as in wind direction and ice potential movement. As long as there is ice still floating around the potential of not getting back to the launch is there. Have to eliminate that possibility. You don't want to be that guy the internet judges enjoy going after. Check the satellite and fishermen and know what's out there.

[DW72]

Sorry guys, to clarify....

I didn't mean now. I was thinking end of February or early March when all ice is definitely gone and hopefully not much debris.

I saw that a couple of the captains were fishing that timeframe last year. The earliest I went previously was the end of March after the docks were in. Thanks again for your thoughts.

[puge1212]

Huron leaves one dock in all year. It can get a little blocked up with debris after thaw or heavy rain events. I don't believe the concrete bases at Catawba extend into the water very far, but if you can get into the boat from the trailer, you can at least launch and then go tie up over on the wall, then go park.

[DW72]

Great info, thank you. I just looked it up and last year my first trip was in the first week in April. Everything from Kelley's west was chocolate milk water. We had to run all the way to Huron to find clearer water. Maybe middle to end of March would be a reasonable expectation to go out. I would think there should be some fish around Huron at that time? I could always run a bit west if needed towards Kelly's.

[Fishing Tiger]

We started fishing out of Mazurek's Mid to late March last year. Finding clean water was a challenge. But when we found clearish water the eyes were stacked.

BTW Mazureks has two concrete courtesy docks always available.

[DW72]

Thank you Sir! Always appreciate your input and info.

[Capt Juls]

Already mentioned were the courtesy docks at Mazurik's, but I just wanted to add that at Catawba, you can tie up to the main pier, while you go take your trailer to the lot.

Dempsey's also has a permanent courtesy dock.

[Lynn M]

Anyone know if Catawba or Mazuriks is clear of ice yet? I'm assuming Huron is ok but would like to launch further west. Thanks!