Northeast Lake Huron sport fishery shore facility study an assessment of the sport fishery impacts on Northeast Lake Huron fishing access sites : a research report

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

NORTHEAST LAKE HURON SPORT
FISHERY SHORE FACILITY
STUDY

Michigan

1987

SH
219.7
-H87
N67
1987

NORTHEAST LAKE HURON SPORT FISHERY SHORE FACILITY STUDY/

An Assessment of the Sport Fishery Impacts on Northeast
Lake Huron Fishing Access Sites.

A Research Report Prepared By

Northeast Michigan Council of Governments
P.O. Box 457
123 W. Main Street, Suite 332
Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Telephone: (517) 732-3551

F 0 R E W 0 R D

This study is made possible by a grant from Michigan Department of
Natural Resources' Coastal Management Program in conjunction with matching@
funds from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the U.S. Economic
Development Administration, and NEMCOG Member Units of Government.

NEMCOG wishes to thank all of the people who provided information,
opinions, and recommendations by responding to the Questionnaire,
participating in interviews, attending meetings, and reviewing the Draft
Report. NEMCOG would like to thank, especially, Mike Kessler of the DNR's
Coastal Management Program for his overall support and guidance in completing
this report.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Research Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NELH REGIONAL SPORTS FISHING ACTIVITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

NELH Future Fish Stocking Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NELH FISHING ACCESS SITES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Future NELH Fishing Access Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

COASTAL COMMUNITY ATTRIBUTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE I NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISH PLANTS . . . . . . . . . . . ......... 4
TABLE 2 TOTAL NUMBER OF FISH PLANTED EACH YEAR BY COUNTY . . . . . 4

TABLE 3 DNR CREEL CENSUS ESTIMATED SPOT CATCH AND EFFORT FOR

ROCKPORT, ROGERS CITY AND HARRISVILLE FOR 1985 AND

1986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

TABLE 4 MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES YEARLY TARGET

STOCKING LEVELS FOR TROUT AND SALMON THROUGH 1990 -

LAKE HURON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TABLE 5 NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE INVENTORY . . . . 10
TABLE 6 NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE AREAS OF CONCERN.' 14

TABLE 7 PROPOSED NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES . . . . 18

TABLE 8 NORTHEAST LAKE HURON CONASTAL COMMUNITY ATTRIBUTES . . . . 21

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1 NORTHEAST LAKE HURON STUDY AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
FIGURE 2 NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISH PLANTING SITES . .. . . . . . . 5

FIGURE 3 NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES . . . . . . . . 9

FIGURE 4 PROPOSED NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES MAP 20

APPENDIX SHORE FACILITY STUDY QUESTIONNAIRE . . . . . . ... . . . 25

INTRODUCTION

In 1983, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) doubled the
number of trout and salmon being planted in the Norltheast Lake Huron (NELH)
area. At that time , many people predicted that, in two to four years, the
sport fishing public would be placing a great demand on the fishing access
sites along the NELH shoreline. Now, four years later, this report looks at
the impacts from the increased fish stocking program "through the eyes" of
locally involved individuals. The area under study includes the 191 miles of
Lake Huron Shoreline (see map on page 2) within the four counties of Alcona,
Alpena, Cheboygan, and Presque Isle.

The purpose of this study is to provide community decision makers and
other interested parties with locally derived information regarding the
expected sport fishing activity and the current sport fishery shore facility
concerns. The specific shore facilities being studied include: public
marinas and boat launches, and private marinas and boat launches that allow
use by the general public. Although the Northeast Lake Huron Shoreline is
one of the last sport fishing areas to be developed in the Lower Peninsula,
the area already enjoys wide-spread popularity. Many of the features which
make the area popular, (i.e. good fishing in relatively uncrowded condi-
tions), are already beginning to change. All of the NELH area marinas have a
waiting list of people requesting boat slips. Many of the area 's boat launch
sites are experiencing periodic overcrowding and long waits to launch/
retrieve a boat.

This study presents information on the existing fishing access sites and
on proposed new sites and site modifications; area fish stocking data and
sport fishing activity; and opinions on community attributes which may impact
the ability of communities to attract the sport fishing public. It is hoped
that this information will aid coastal communities in their efforts to
develop the wise use of the NELH sport fishery.

Research Methodology

Over a four month period, May through August 1987, information regarding
Northeast Lake Huron (NELH) fishing access sites, sport fishing activity, and
community attributes which might impact angler's decisions to visit the area
was provided by over 100 individuals representing local government, busi-
nesses, charter boat operators, Great Lakes fishermen, MDNR representatives,
and shoreline property owners. A questionnaire was mailed to community
businesses, officials, and residents who expressed interest in the project
and to a selected group of participants from the 1987 Alpena Brown Trout
Derby. The questionnaire was also placed on the windshield of vehicles with
boat trailers at NELH boat launch sites. A copy of the questionnaire is
included in the Appendix. Of the 185 questionnaires distributed, 69 (37%)
were returned.

FIGURE 1

AC KINAW C I-rY

NOR THEAS T LAKE HURON

HEBOYGAN
STUDY AREA

CHEBOYGAN

13 INDIAN
RIVER ROGERS CITY

WONAWAY
P RIE-S Q U-E I.SLE

UPOSEN

ALPENA _--nALPENA

OSSINEKE

ALCONA LINCOLN

HARRISVILLE

Additional information and opinions were obtained through interviews
conducted with fishermen, DNR district staff, access site administrators,
charter,boat captains, and interested community leaders. In an effort to
explore the issues and concerns in greater detail, interested local residents
were invited to attend meetings that were held in each of the impacted
counties.

It should be noted that the opinions and concerns expressed in this
report are a compilation of individual responses and do not necessarily
represent attitudes of any single group or community faction. As a reminder,
the purpose of this research project was to share locally obtained infor-
mation and recommendations with involved state agencies and the impacted
coastal communities.

NELH REGIONAL SPORT FISHING ACTIVITY

The fish stocking program for Lake Huron began with Lake Trout, in the
mid 1960's. In the early 70's Chinook and Coho Salmon were added, along with
other species of trout. According to Regional DNR personnel, the goal of the
NELH stocking program is to develop a quality open lake and near shore fish-
ery which provides good fishing throughout the entire spring, summer and fall
fishing season. Within the four county,study area of.Alcona, Alpena, Cheboy-
gan and Presque Isle, a total of 10 different species have been planted.
Since 1972, almost 22 million fish have been stocked. Tables 1 and 2, on
page 4, present, respectively, summary data on the number of fish planted by
species for each county and the total number of fish planted each year, by
county. As Table 2 indicates, beginning in 1983, the DNR increased the
number of trout and salmon being stocked from approximately 1,000,000 fish
(except for 1973) to over 2,000,000 fish per year. Figure 2, on page 5,
shows the locations of the 1972-1987 fish planting sites for the Northeast
Lake Huron area. Because of the significant increase in sustained plantings,
the sports fishing public and the DNR anticipated a large increase in fishing
activity and improved fish catch rates within the NELH area during the period
1985-87. Generally speaking, no one was disappointed. A good illustration
of this point can be found by comparing the results of the 1984 and 1987
Alpena Brown Trout Derby. In 1984 a total of 1100 trout and salmon were
caught, averaging 5 1/2 pounds each. In 1987, over 2700 fish were caught,
with the average weight of each fish almost 11 1/2 pounds

In an effort to track the fishing activity and the fishing success of
anglers, the DNR began a creel census program at Rockport and Rogers City in
1985 and at Harrisivlle in 1986. Table 3, on page 6, presents the DNR's
Creel Census estimate of the sport fish catch and effort at the three ports
for the two most prominent species, Lake Trout and Chinook Salmon. As this
Table indicates, there was a significant increase in both angling effort and
fish catching success between 1985 and 1986. The Alpena/Thunder Bay area
has the most extensive fishing data within the NELH region, however, this
data, which spans 13 years, could not be compiled in a timely manner for this
report. The DNR did indicate that the Alpena data would be available in a
report format, sometime in 1988.

NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISH PLANTS

Table 1 Number of Fish Planted by Species
and County for the Years 1972-1987

Species Alcona Alpena Cheboygan Presque Isle Totals

Atlantic Salmon 30,404 30,404
Brook Trout -- -- -- 61,748 61,748
Brown Trout 102,046 2,181,939 10,000 312,347 2,606,332
Chinook Salmon 4,088,134 132,200 -- 4,677,295 8,897,629
Coho Salmon -- --
1 776,525 776,525
*Lake Trout 2,725,753 2,084,900 271,165 2,030,700 7,112,518
Rainbow Trout 82,746 506,454 85,029 275,957 950,186
Splake (Mich.) 50,000 50,000 -- 50,000 150,000
Steelhead 54,652 257,061 545,136 421,225 1,278,074
Walleye -- 100,000 -- -- 100,000

TOTALS 7,103,331 5,342,958 .911,330, 8,605,797 21,963,416

*Does not include 1987 Lake Trout plantings.

Table 2 Total Number of Fish Planted Each Year by County

Year Alcona Alpena Cheboygan Presque Isle Totals

*1987 333,189 156,628 20,000 1,072,503 1,582,320
1986 585,621 805,924 20,000 1,238,716 2,650,261
1985 577,733 328,750 20,000 1,263,485 2,189,968
1984 524,735 365,270 22,000 1,288,960 2,200,965
1983 549,945 385,542 30,000 1,225,238 2,190,725
1982 550,400 275,313 10,017 236,032 1,071,762
1981 423,900 152,000 10,000 217,5,74 803,474
1980 555,182 220,002 10,000 262,400 1,047,584
1979 540,000 155,000 25,000 200,000 920,000
1978 509,000 386,187 36,000 205,581 1,136,768
1977 341,299 208,573 32,560 229,865 812,297
1976 365,790 383,525 30,184 215,707 995,206
1975 361,256 204,052 31,069 234,345 830,722
1974 308,225 297,978 104,252 152,076 862,531
1973 370,975 847,784 445,764 548,195 2,212,718
1972 206,081 170,430 -64,484 ..... 15,120 456,115

TOTALS 7,103,331 5,342,958 911,330 8 21,963,416
605,797

*Does not include 1987 Lake Trout plantings.

FIGURE 2

A INAW CITY
NORTHEAST LAKE HURON

2
FISH PLANTING, SITES
CHEBOYGAN

CHEBOYGAN 5 6 7
0 INDIAN 9
RIVER ROGERS Cl

WONAWAY

PRESQUE ISL

UPOSEN

TROUT PLANT
SALMON PLANT
WALLEYE PLANT ENA
ALP" ENA 13
1. REYNOLDS REEF 14 0%
2. DUNCAN BAY
3. CHEBOYGAN RIVER
4. HAMMOND BAY *16
5. OCQUEOC RIVER
6. NAGELS CREEK
7. ROGERS CITY HARBOR OSSINEKE *17
8. SWAN RIVER
9. ADAMS POINT
10. PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR
11. ROCKPORT
12. MIDDLE ISLAND 19
13. EL CAJON BAY
14. THUNDER BAY RIVER
15. PARTRIDGE POINT 2
16. THUNDER BAY(various) 'ALCONA LINCOLN
17. SCARECROW ISLAND
18. BLACK RIVER ISLAND HARRISVILLE 22.
19. BLACK RIVER 23
20. STURGEON POINT
21. STURGEON POINT REEF 24
22. HARRISVILLE HARBOR -
23. MILL CREEK
24. GREENBUSH

TABLE 3. DNR CREEL CENSUS ESTIMATED SPORT CATCH AND EFFORT
FOR ROCKPORT,_ROCERS CITY AND HARRISVILLE FOR 1985 AND 1986

198@ 1986
Lake Trout Chinook Salmon Total Lake Trout Chinook Salmon Total Totals

Rockport
Total Fish Caught (C) 74 1938 2012 283 7863 .9875
Total Angler Hours (H) 32,173 32,354 64,527 55,490 55,572 111,062 175,589
Fish Catch Rate (C/H) 0.0023 0.0599 0.0312 0.0051 0.1364 0.0708 0.0562

Rogers City
Total Fish Caught (C) 1861 7670 9531 3410 19,052 22,462 31,993
Total Angler Hours (H) 101,694 101,455 203,149 160,849 160,640 321,489 524,638
Fish Catch Rate (C/H) 0.0183 0.0756 0.0469 0.0212 0.1186 0.0699 0.0610

Harrisville
Total Fish Caught (C) N/A N/A 9544 6077 15,621 15,621
Total Angler Hours (H) N/A N/A 134,233 134,150 268,383 268,383
.Fish Catch Rate (C/H) N/A N/A 0.0711 0.0453 0.0582 0.0582

Totals
Total. Fish Caught (C) 1935 9608 11,543 13,237 32,709 45,946 57,489
Total Angler Hours (H) 133,867 133,809 267,676 350,572 350,362 700,934 968,610
Fish Catch Rate (C/H) 0.0145 0.0718 0.0417 0.0378 0.0934 0.0655 0.0594

Another factor which indicated the change in fishing activity in the NELH
area, is the number of people that participated in the region's major fishing
tournaments. Tournament directors indicated that all of the tournaments
.experienced record growth in the number of participants for 1987. Unfortu-
nately, most of the data on the fishing tournaments has never been adequately
perserved, and therefore, was not available for making comparisons in this
report.

Respondents to the questionnaire also felt that fishing activity has been
increasing over the last four years and that it will continue to do so (see
Questions 5 and 6 on the questionnaire). The reasons given for this expecta-
tion include: DNR's fish stocking program; overall area fishing success;
better area promotion; existence of fishing tournaments; recent improvements
to harbor and launch facilities; the number of boats being sold to fishermen
is increasing, reaction to overcrowding in northwest Michigan, and generally
people have more time and money to spend on activities such as fishing.

NELH Future Fish Stocking Program

In April, 1986, DNR Fisheries Division issued a memo outlining their
Great Lakes and Anadromous Fish Planning Program targets for the period 1986
to 1990. Table 4 on page 8, summarizes the level of stocking by Site and
County for each fish species. The actual yearly planting schedule may vary.---,--
and will depend on the following factors: 1) recommendations from DNR field
biologists; 2) hatchery rearing capacity for the existing mix and size of
species combined with needs for future egg production; 3) balancing plantings
to the available forage fish; 4) settlement of the treaty Indian fishing
dispute; and 5) commitments toward Lake Trout rehabilitation. Generally
speaking, the proposed plantings sites and stocking volumes within the
Northeast Lake Huron area will remain relatively constant and approximate the
1983-87 levels. Anyone with questions regarding the fish stocking program
should contact the DNR Fisheries Division at (517) 373-3375.

NELH FISHING ACCESS SITES

Based on information obtained during all phases of the study and after
conducting an on site tour of the NELH shoreline, a total of 26 fishing
access sites were identified as being used by the sport fishing public. The
sites range in quality from an unimproved dirt road access point, up to, full
service marinas, complete with bath houses and fish cleaning stations.
Figure 3, page 9, graphically represents the locations and type of site along
with the major.interstate, U.S. and state highways that provide access to
these sites. A site inventory was then prepared. Table 5, on pages 10-13,
lists the site name, ownership, location, and basic site information. Eleven
.of the twenty-six sites are marinas, which provide 469 boat slips and tie up
dockage for 57 boats. Twenty-one sites provide boat launch capability with
47 total ramps; 42 of which are hard surface ramps; 3 gravel ramps and 2
unimproved dirt sites. . I
Throughout the study, participants were asked to state their opinions on
the problems or concerns they have regarding the fishing access sites that
they were knowledgeable about. Table 6 on pages 14-16 list the participants
areas of concern. It should be noted that the most popular access sites
received the most comments. For this reason, the number of comments does not
reflect the quality of the site but most likely reflects interest in the
site. - @ I I
7

TABLE 4 - MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
YEARLY TARGET STOCKING LEVELS FOR TROUT AND SALMON THROUGH 1990 1 - LAKE HURON

Brook Lake
Area County Trout Trout 2 Chinook Steelhead@ Rainbow Brown

ROCKPORT Alpena 150,000 15,000

THUNDER BAY:
North Point Alpena 90,000

River @ 9th Street Alpena 30,000

Boat Harbor Alpena 15,000
Partridge Point Alpena 100,000
50,000

Scarecrow Island Alpena 120,000

BLACK RIVER ISLAND Alcona 120,000

STURGEON POINT REEF Alcona 150,000

GREENBUSH Alcona 150,000

HARRISVILLE Alcona 300,000sf 10,000 10,000

CHEBOYGAN RIVER Cheboygan 20,000

HAMMOND BAY Presque 351000 20,000
Isle

OCQUEOC RIVER Presque 10,000
Isle

40 MILE POINT Presque 90,000
Isle

ROGERS CITY Presque 30,000 20,000
Isle 30,000

SWAN RIVER Presque 900,000sf
Isle

ADAMS POINT Presque 120,000
Isle

PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR Presque 20,000
Isle

SIX FATHAM. BANK 210,000ff

1Yearling aged'fish are stocked unless indicated as --@-sf (spring. fingerling) or ff- (fall).
Actual number stocked may vary according to inventory. Adjustments up or down are made
during stocking season if surplus or shortages occur based on a priority system. That
system is designed to assure that those waters stocked will rece ive at least the minimum
of fish to provide a fishery.
2Lake Trout will come from.both Federal and State-facilities. Target projections are for
1987-1990.
3Target levels include summer steelhead. Summer steelhead are an experimental program;
therefore, individual port targets may be adjusted from year to ye'@r depending on avail-
ability of fish and the success-of the proqram.

FIGURE 3

NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES

ACKINAW CITY
3 14

1-75 5 A 10
8
us

-33
M
3:.
C 'EBO"MAN 14
M-68
ROGERS CITY
5

A
6
PRESQUE I E

33
IM-65
11"M
17
LEGEND
Unimproved Access site P ALPENA
1
m- 32
Gravel Launch Ramp-Limited water
Depth 19- 20
Hard surface Launch Ramp-Limited
Water Depth 2 022
OSSINEKE

Hard Surface Launch Ramp-Sufficient
Water Depth For Most Trailered Boats
Marina Or Refuge Harbor With No U S 2 3@--:. 24
Boat Launch
.0
10
Marina Or Refuge Harbor With Boat '0
Launch For:.fMost Trailered Boats
State Highway. .-ALCONA -2

HARRISVILLE
U.S. Highway M-72 26

W,ra Interstate Highway
M-65

TABLE 5.

NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE INVENTORY

Site Site Name
No. Location and Administration Site Information 2 hard
1 MACKINAW CITY MARINA AND BOAT LAUNCH; User fee, 106 boat slips,
located downtown and operated by surface launch ramps, paved park-
Mackinaw City. ing for 54 vehicles.

2 CHEBOYGAN COUNTY MARINA BOAT LAUNCH; No user fee, 4 hard surface
located downtown Cheboygan on west launch ramps, paved parking for
side of Cheboygan River; owned by 80 vehicles.
County of Cheboygan.

31 CITY OF CHEBOYGAN BOAT DOCKS; located user fee, tie-up dockage for 30
downtown on west side of Cheboygan boats-, municipal parking-lot -
River, upstream of US-23 bridge; nearby.
operated by City of Cheboygan.

4 CHEBOYGAN DAM AND LOC BOAT LAUNCH; User fee at LOC, 2 hard surface
located in City of Cheboygan on launch ramps, gravel parking for
east side of Cheboygan River, up- 20 vehicles.
stream of Cheboygan Dam; operated
by DNR Waterways Division.

5 CHEBOYGAN CITY WEST FIRST STREET No user fee, 1 hard surface
BOAT LAUNCH; located downtown on launch ramp, gravel parking,for
west side of Cheboygan River; 4 vehicles.
owned by City of Cheboygan.

6 LUND'S MARINA; located downtown User fee 20 boat slips with
Cheboygan on east side of Cheboygan tie-up dockage for 10 boats,
River, upstream of US-23 bridge; private Parking available.
privately owned.

7 CHEBOYGAN CITY EAST ELM STREET BOAT No user fee, 1 gravel launch
LAUNCH; located downtown on east ramp, gravel parking for 8
side of Cheboygan River;- owned by vehicles.
City of Cheboygan.

TABLE 5 (continued)

Site Site Name
No. Location and Administration Site Information

8 CAPTAIN'S THREE MARINA BOAT DOCKS; User fee, tie-up dockage for
located downtown Cheboygan on west 7 boats, private parking
side of Cheboygan River, downstream available.
of US-23 bridge; privately operated.

9 BUTLER ROAD (DUNCAN BAY) BOAT LAUNCH; No user fee, 1 hard surface
located east of Cheboygan, 1/2 mile launch ramp, dirt parking for
north of US-23 on Butler Road; owned 2 vehicles.
by Benton Township.

10 HAMMOND BAY REFUGE HARBOR AND BOAT User fee, 12 boat slips and 2
LAUNCH; located on US-23 four miles hard surface launch ramps,
southeast of Cheboygan-Presque Isle gravel parking for 20 vehicles.
Counties boundary line; operated by
DNR Waterways Division.

11 GRACE HARBOR ROAD (ADAM'S PUB) ACCESS No user fee, hard sand access
SITE; located on US-23 seven miles site, dirt parking for 6
southeast of Cheboygan-Presque Isle vehicles.
Counties boundary line; owned by
Presque Isle County.

12 HAMMOND BAY TRADING POST 130AT LAUNCH; User fee, 2 gravel launch
located on Ocqueoc River at US-23, ramps, private parking
fifteen miles northwest of Rogers available.
City; privately operated.

13 HAMMOND POINT ACCESS SITE; located on No user fee, hard sand access
Ray Road off of US-23, thirteen miles site, dirt parking for 6
northwest of Rogers City. vehicles.

14 ROGERS CITY YACHT HARBOR AND.BOAT User fee, 79 boat slips, 4
LAUNCH; located downtown Rogers City; hard surface launch ramps,
operated by Rogers City. paved parking for 100 vehicles
with gravel overflow parking
for 150 vehicles, fish
cleaning station.

TABLE 5 (continued)

Site Site Name
No. Location and Admini stration Site Information

15 PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR BOAT LAUNCH; loca- User fee, 1 hard surface launch
ted 5 miles east of US-23 'on County ramp, gravel parking for 20
Road 638, fifteen miles southeast of vehicles.
Rogers City; owned by DNR Waterways
Division, privately operated.

16 PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR PIER; located five User fee, tie-up dockage for 10
miles east of US-23 on County Road 638, boats, private parking available.
fifteen miles southeast of Rogers City;
owned by DNR Waterways Division, pri-
vately operated.

17 ROCKPORT BOAT LAUNCH; located on Rock- No user fee, 2 hard surface
port Road 3-1/2 miles east of US-23, launch ramps, gravel parking for
10 miles north of Alpena; owned by 70 vehicles.--.
Consumers Power Company, operated by
DNR Waterways Division.

18 ALPENA NORTH PARK BOAT LAUNCH; located User fee, 2 hard surface launch
downtown Alpena on north side of ramps, paved parking for 40
Thunder Bay River; operated by City vehicles.
of Alpena.

19 ALPENA MUNICIPAL MARINA AND BOAT User fee, 55 boat slips, 8 hard
LAUNCH;,located downtown Alpena, surface launch ramps, gra
south of Thunder Bay River mouth; parking for 126 vehicles, fish
operated by City of Alpena. cleaning station.

20 PARTRIDGE POINT MARINA AND BOAT User fee, 100 boat slips, 3
LAUNCH;. located on Partridge Point hard surface launch ramps ,
Road, east of US-23, three miles private parking available.
south of Alpena; privately operated.

21 SANBORN TOWNSHIP BOAT LAUNCH; located No user fee" 1 hard surface
at the mouth of Devil's River in launch ramp, gravel*parking
Ossineke; owned by Township of for 10 vehicles.
Sanborn.

TABLE 5 (concluded)

Site Name
No. Location and Administration Site Information
site

22 DEKETT'S MARINA AND BOAT LAUNCH; located User fee, 6 boat slips, 1 hard
on Washington Avenue in ossineke at the surface launch ramp, private
mouth of Devil's River; privately parking available.
operated.

23 SNUG HARBOR BOAT LAUNCH; located two No user fee, 1 hard surface
miles south of Ossineke on Nicholson launch ramp, dirt parking for
Hill Road, 3 miles east of US-23; 10 vehicles.
operated by DNR Waterways Division.

24 BLACK RIVER MOUTH BOAT LAUNCH; located No user fee, 1 hard surface
three miles each of US-23 on Black launch ramp, dirt parking for
River Road, north side of Black River; .10 vehicles.'
operated by DNR Waterways Division.

25 HARRISVILLE BOAT LAUNCH; located down- User fee, 6 hard surface launch
town Harrisville, north of marina; ramps, paved parking for 130
operated by DNR Waterways Division. vehicles.

26 HARRISVILLE HARBOR MARINA; located User fee, 97 boat slips, paved
downtown Harrisville, south of DNR's parking for 70 vehicles.
*boat launch site; operated by City
of Harrisville.

TABLE 6

NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE AREAS OF CONCERN

Site
No. Site Name Concerns

1, Mackinaw City Marina & No fish cleaning station; parking during
Boat Launch periodic peak periods and slip space is
limited; need marina expansion which caters
to fisherman because capacity of current
facility is taken up by recreational
boaters.

2. Cheboygan County Marina No fish cleaning station; bathrooms not al-
Boat Launch ways open; need more launch ramps.

3. City of Cheboygan Boat No comments received.
Docks

4. Cheboygan Dam and Lock No comments received.
Boat Launch

5. Cheboygan City West No comments received.
First Street Board
Launch

6. Chebo7gan-Lund's Marina No comments received.

7. Cheboygan City East Elm No comments received.
Street Boat Launch

8. Chebo7gan-Captain's No comments received.
Three Marina Boat Docks

9. Butler Road (Duncan Bay) Ramp is silted in; launch area needs
Boat Launch dredging.

10. Hammond Bay Refuge Launch area.silts up frequently; no fish
Harbor & Boat Launch cleaning station; commercial fishing nets
are a problem; if Air Froce bombing range
is developed, the site would go unused due
to noise and jet fuel smell; needs better
highway signs; launch area needs dredging;
needs seasonal slips for locals.

11. Grace Harbor Road No comments received
Adam's Pub) Access
Site

12. Hammond Bay Trading River needs dredging; limited parking;
Post Boat Launch launch ramp needs improvement

13. Hammond Point Access No comments received.
Site

TABLE 6. NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE AREAS OF CONCERN (continued)

Site Site Nam Concerns

14. Rogers City Yacht Harbor Experiences limited parking and slip spaces
and Boat Launch during period peak fishing periods; needs
direction signs in Rogers City; during
periodic overcrowding, site needs improved
management in the area of traffic control
and marine safety.

15. Presque Isle Harbor Launch areas needs dredging; needs fish
Boat Launch cleaning station; needs more parking or
area will only serve local property owners;
needs dock; needs improved launch ramp;
rough access road; needs improved
directional signs.

16. Presque Isle Harbor No garbage container; piers need repair;
Pier rough access road.

17. Rockport Boat Launch Needs fish cleaning station; dock too short
narrow channel; not enough launch ramps and
needs dredging; parking spaces to accom-
modate peak fishing periods; needs harbor
location lights; needs improved road signs;
at times rough access road; needs parking
18. Alpena North Park Boat lot lights.
No restrooms; needs directional signs in
Launch city.

19. Alpena Municipal Marina Needs longer docks; needs additional slips
and Boat Launch and parking to accommodate peak fishing
periods; needs to complete breakwall.

20. Partridge Point Marina No comments
and Boat Launch

21. Sanborn Township Boat Ramp silted in - shallow water; needs di-
Launch rectional signs in Ossineke and U.S. 23;
needs additional parking.

22. DeKetts Marina and No comments
Boat Launch

23. Snug Harbor Boat Area needs dredging; launch ramp needs im-
Launch proving; parking needs improving; needs
highway directional signs on U.S. 23 and
access road.

TABLE 6. NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE AREAS OF CONCERN (continued)

Site Site Name Concerns

24. Black River Mouth Launch ramp needs upgrading; inadequate
Boat Launch docking; poor care of toilets; no fish
.cleaning station; needs directional road
signs; needs breakwall.

25. Harrisville Boat Not enough launch ramps; needs fish clean-
Launch ing station; needs new ashphalt in launch
area; needs highway directional signs;
needs "no wake" signs.

26. Harrisville Harbor Needs more seasonal slips and parking to
Marina accommodate peak periods; harbor needs
deepening; needs fish cleaning station;
needs improved dock security; has poor gas
pump set-up; needs harbor location light
good to six miles out; needs 60 amp 220
volts electrical hookups at docks; needs
overflow parking signs for upper parking
area.

Future NELH Fishinit Access Sites

Information generated during the study identified 18 potential fishing
access site projects for the NELH area. Table 7 on pages 18 and 19 describe
the potential projects. If constructed, these projects would add approxi-
mately 385 boat slips and 10 boat launch ramps to the present system. The
project site locations are graphically presented in Figure 4 on page 20.

COASTAL COWMTY ATTRIBUTES

One of the areas of interest, during the study was the opinions people
had regarding the coastal communities themselves. The major ports within the
four county study area, which serve as the base of operations for most of the
sport fishing public, include Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Rogers City, Alpena,
and Harrisville. Because these communities provide the necessary fishing
support services, they play a crucial role in the fishing access site
selection process. Listed in Table 8 on pages 21 and 22 are the comments
that were received concerning community attributes. Again, it should be
noted that the opinions and concerns expressed do not necessarily represent
the majority of any single group or community faction. The information
presented is intended to assist local communities, state agencies, and other
interested parties with the overall sport fishery planning process.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECON41ROATIONS

In a 1986 DNR study, the Economic Value of the Lake Huron Sport Fishery
was placed at $62.7 million. Using this figure as a yardstick, the value to
the NELH local and state economy, just from the 1986 effort anglers made to
catch Lake Trout and Chinook Salmon (700,934 hours) at Harrisville, Rockport
and Rogers City, equates to over $9 million. It is clear that sport fishing
means big business to the Northeast Lake Huron region.

Based on input received during this study, it is evident that the sport
fishery along the NELH shoreline is divided into two zones. Zone 1 is an
area where the sport fishery already is in high gear, due to numerous plant-
ing sites and high numbers of fish being planted, and the concerns expressed
represent an interest toward improving this resource. Zone 1 includes the
NELH shoreline from Greenbush in southern Alcona County northward to Hammond
Bay, which is located northwest of Rogers City. Zone 2 includes the shore-
line from Hammond Bay northwest to Mackinaw City.. This zone is characterized
by an Indian commercial gill net fishery, few planting sites and lower
stocking rates. For these reasons Zone 2 is an area where the sport fishery
has yet to be developed. It is evident from the opinions expressed that the
attitudes and concerns vary dramatically between these two zones.

The demand on sport fishing shore' facilities in the NELH area should
continue to "increase as the number of anglers visitng the region continues to
rise. For this reason, coastal communities should continue to pursue
additional access sites and plan for developing necessary fishing support
services and facilities (i.e. restaurants open during fishing hours and
establishing public or private campgrounds.

TABLE 7.

PROPOSED NORTHEAST I-An HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES

Site No.* Site Location and Description

1 Mackinaw City - Local citizens and municipal officials are investi-
gating the potential of building a boat launch ramp at the site of
the old State Ferry Dock. Status: Seeking additional local sup-
port and funding sources.

2- Mackinaw City - Local citizens and municipal officials are investi-
gating the potential of developing the old State Ferry Dock into
a public fishing pier. Status: Seeking additional local support
and funding sources.

3 Cheboygan - The Cheboygan State Park is considering a plan to locate
a boat launch ramp within the park. Status: Discussion of project
is on-going.

4 Cheboygan - Cheboygan County in cooperation with MDNR Recreation
Division plans to construct an 86 slip public marina on the west
side of the Cheboygan Rivermouth. Status: Money for Phase I
Construction is in DNR's 87-88 Budget.

5 Cheboygan - Walstrom Marine of Harbor Springs is developing-a-39
slip private Marina on the east side of the Cheboygan River down-
stream of the U.S. 23 Bridge. The Marina will serve as a boat
sales, service and storage facility. Status: Under construction.

6 Ocqueoc River - DNR has considered purchasing land along the river
to locate a boat launch ramp. Status: Unknown.

7 Rogers City - Citizens have suggested locating a primati-4e.- boat
launch ramp for local use on the north side of town at Sea Gull
Point. Status: Unknown.

8 Rogers City - A.private.developer is considering the development
of a 110 slip private marina to be located adjacent to the public
yacht harbor. Status: Feasibility study under way.

9 Rogers City - Citizens have suggested locating a primative boat
launch ramp for local use on the south side of town at the Little
League park. Status: Unknown.

10 Presque Isle Harbor - DNR is planning to construct, in phases, a
public refuge harbor with breatkwater, boat slips, boat launch ramp,
and 50 vehicle parking. Status: Phase I funding in DNR's 87-88
Budget'.

.11 Rockport - DNR is planning to construct two additional boat launch
ramps and expand the parking area. Status: Money for project is
in DNR's 87-88 Budget.

TABLE 7.

PROPOSED NORTHEAST 1JM HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES (concluded)

Site No.* Site Location and Description
12 Thunder Bay @sland - Citizens have suggested locating refuge harbor
at this island so that boats don't-have to make the long run into
Alpena. Status: Unknown.

13 Alpena - City of Alpena, in conjunction with State and Federal
agencies, is planning to expand, in phases, the existing harbor
to include breakwater extension and an addition of 100 boat slips.
Status: Phase I funding in DNR's 87-83 Budget.

14 Partridge Point - DNR has considered purchasing land on Partridge
Point to locate a boat launch ramp. Status: Unknown.

15 Snug Harbor - DNR is planning to construct a boat launch facility,
including breakwater, ramps, and a 20 vehicle parking lot. Status:
Proposed for DNR's 88-89 Budget.

16 Black River - Alcona Township is improving the launch site at the
mouth of the Black River. Status: Dredging has been completed and
the township is seeking a permit to construct a 50 ft. finger pier
to help control erosion and sedimentation.

17 Harrisville - Area Charter Boat operators have suggested developing
their own docking slips within the existing harbor. Status: Seek-
ing informational and financial assistance.

18 Harrisville - DNR Fisheries Division is proposing the development of
the harbor breakwater into a public fishing pier. Status: Discus-
sion of project is ongoing.

NOTE: Site numbers correspond to the Project locations on the map (Figure 4),
on page 20.

FIGURE 4

ACKINAW CITY PROPOSED
2 3 NORTHEAST LAKE HURON
4 CHEBOYGAN FISHING ACCESS SITES
5

CHEBOYGAN 6 8 9
0 INDIAN 7
RIVER UONAWAY ROGERS CITY 10
PRESQU-E ISLE

NPOSEN

ALPENA ALPENA
LEGEND

PLANNED 14ARIIIA PROJECTS OSSINEKE 15

PLANNED BOAT LAUNCH PROJECTS

PLANNED FISHING PIER PROJECTS

SUGGESTED MARINA PROJECTS
0 SUGGESTED BOAT LAUNCH PROJECTS ALCONA Is LINCOLN1
HARRISVILLE
18

TABLE 8. NORTHEAST LAKE HURON COASTAL COMMMTY ATTRIBUTES

Community Favorable Attributes Unfavorable

Mackinaw City Good fishing; variety of tou- Community support (public &
rist attractions available; private) for general tourism
good motels & restaurants; is much stronger than for
good harbor facilities; deep sports fishing; currently has
water fishing near shore; only fair fishing because it
marine repair facility avail- has not promoted properly; to
able; not just a parking lot many nonfishing tourists.
for Mackinaw Island.

Cheboygan Downtown area within walking Tribal commercial fishing in
distance; access to Cheboygan the area; not enough fish
River system and its ameni- being planted; need a variety
ties. of species planted; limited
dockage & facilities; area
does not have a favorable
fishing image.

Rogers City Good fish stocking rate; deep Slow two lane access road dur-
water fishing near shore; ing peak season; harbor-too-
good harbor facilities; few small for a good charter boat
nets to navigate; good fish- fishing business; not enough
ing; good water quality; lodging facilities; no over-
friendly port; some tourist night camper parking facili-
attractions available; good ties; no full service marine
restaurants. repair facility.

Alpena Good Brown Trout fishery; No tourist attractions; poor
friendly port; good shop- salmon plants; far from deep
ping; adequate motels; water fishing; slow two lane
good fishing; inexpensive access road during peak sea-
to stay in area; good res- son; city government needs to
taurants, marine repair promote the area's fishing;
facilities available; harbor most camping and motel accom-
close to downtown; sheltered modations are distant from the
harbor. harbor.

Harrisville Good harbor; good fishing; Need private camping ;accommo-
friendly community; state dations; lacks land based
park camping available; radio during late hours; slow
good charter boats; busi- two lane access road during
ness community now interested peak season; not enough motel
in providing needs of the accommodations during peak
anglers. fishing season; security
lighting needed around bath
house and beach area.

TABU 8. NORTHEAST LAKE HURON COASTAL COMMUNM ATTRIBUTES (continued)

Regional Comments:

Good overall water quality; need to promote the region's fishing tourna-
ments in the Midwest; need to assign promotion of fishing to a professional
organization and not have it tied to DNR; charter boat operators believe slip
rentals are too high; DNR needs to coordinate information on proven facility
designs (i.e. a fish cleaning station or dock e'xtension, etc.) within the
various divisions involved so that the information can be easily disseminated
to coastal communities; need better radio and newspaper coverage for Lake Huron
area specifically; need to conduct a spring and fall offshore fish locating
scan (similar to the scan done in July of this year off of Alcona County) at
the major ports so that fisherman will become involved in an expanded great
lakes fishing season.

Listed below are recommendations for the Northeast Lake Huron area and
its coastal communities which this author believes would improve the regions
sport fishery resource.

1. Coastal communities need to collect and preserve sport fishery informa-
tion from all sources and then pool this information to provide effective
area promotion. During this study it was generally found that historical
data concerning the sport fishery was either not available or could not
be produced without difficulty.

2. The coastal communities should cooperatively develop a regional promo-
tional strategy to attract the sport fishing public into the area. The
NELH region is a unique area that needs to develop and promote its own
identity. One method that was suggested involved creating a "Triple
Crown" fishing tournament which ties together the regions three largest
tournaments; Harrisville's Lake Trout Festival, Alpena's Brown Trout
Derby; and Rogers City's Salmon Derby.

3. Information on downstate and out of state visitors should be collected
from area launch sites, marinas, and fishing tournaments and then
reviewed to determine the best marketing areas and to determine what the
main intersts are of the fishermen and their families. Alpena's Chamber
of Commerce conducted a small study similar to this concept using infor-
mation from their 1986 fishing tournament.

4. The coastal communities should explore potentials for private sector
involvement and public-private cooperation in developing sport fishery
shore facilities. Funding for many of the potential NELH projects (see
Table 7) will come from local sources in combination with Federal/State
funding from one or more of the following programs; 1) Michigan Natural
Resources Trust Fund - a State program which provide funding to help buy
land and develop recreation facilities; 2) Land and Water Conservation
Fund - a Federal program which provides funding for similar purposes as 1
above; 3) Waterways Program - a State program which provides funding to
construct harbor facilities and boat launching access sites; 4) Urban
Waterfront Recreation Program - a State program designed to help coastal
communities develop and redevelop their urban waterfronts for public
recreation use; 5) State Park Improvement Fund - State program that uses
revenue from State Park Motor Vehicle Permits to develop or refurbish
State Park facilities. Could have potential to develop launch facilities
at state parks along NELH shoreline; and 6) Coastal Management Program -
a joint Federal/State program which provides funding for planning recre-
ation/economic development opportunities. All NELH coastal communities
should contact the DNR's Recreation Services Division to obtain more
detailed information on these programs.

5. Each community within the NELH region needs to develop its "Total
Attraction Package". In addition to the fishing "draw", communities need
to promote their unique scenic and geographical features and attractions.
Fishing alone, generally, will not support building a new motel or camp-
ground. Communities must promote a mix of things-to-do, so that tourists
(fishermen and their families) will be more likely to visit during the
off-peak fishing periods, as well as, during the on-peak periods.

In summary, the information, opinions, concerns and recommendations,
included in this report are meant to be shared and hopefully discussed among
and between community decision makers and other interested par,ties, so that
the sport fishery planning process for the Northeast Lake Huron Region may be
improved.

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I APPENDIX
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I

NORTHEAST LAKE HURON SPORTS FISHERY SHORE FACILITY STUDY

Sponsored by: Northeast Michigan Council of Governments

Return Questionnaire to: Doug Hyde
N.E.M.C.O.G.
P.O. Box 457
Gaylord, MI 49735
Phone: (517) 732-3551

PLEASE RETURN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 7, 1987

Background Statement

The purpose of this study, which is made possible by a grant to NEMCOG
from the Coastal Management Program of the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources, is to estimate what the expected increase in sports fishing
activity will be for Northeast Lake Huron and to project what shore access
facilities may be required by the impacted coastal communities to adequately
accommodate the sports fishing public. This study includes the Lake Huron
coastal area within the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, and Presque
Isle.

The shore facilities being studied are the fishing access sites including
public marinas and boat launches, as well as private marinas and boat
launches that allow use by the general public.

This questionnaire has been prepared to obtain information from local
residents and users of the Northeast Lake Huron fishing access sites. The
information and opinions that you supply are vital to this project. Should
you have any questions, please write or call NEMCOG at the above address and
phone number. c7r-- @- --L -
- L

Please complete the following questions:

1. Where is your ermanent residence?
'G" 15
From.; i@@ -Li@-,
City State

2. What is your involvement with the Northeast Lake Huron Fishing Access
Sites? Check all that apply.
dq A. Great Lakes Sports Angler
B. Local Business Person
C. Charter Boat Operator
D. Local Government Official (County, Township Municipal)
E. Access Site Administrator
F. -DNR Personnel
-7 G. Lake Huron Shoreline or Rivermouth Property Owner
H.- Other Specify 92-j P 4Q]k:;, 111-115@ya C, I
I
Z&7

3. Following is a list of fishing access sites in the counties of Alcona,
Alpena, Presque Isle and Cheboygan. Please indicate which of the
site you have considerable knowledge about. Check all that apply.

Harrisville Marina Presque Isle Harbor Pier
Harrisville Boat Launch Presque Isle Harbor Boat Launch
Black River Boat Launch Rogers City Yacht Harbor
Partridge Point Marina Rogers City Yacht Harbor Boat
Partridge Point Marina Boat Launch
Launch /0 Hammond Bay Trading Post Boat
Snug Harbor Boat Launch Launch (Ocqueoc River)
2/ Alpena Municipal Marina Zy Hammond Bay Refuge Harbor
= Alpena Municipal Marina Boat LZ Hammond Bay Refuge Harbor Boat
T7-
Launch Launch
Alpena North Park Boat Launch /0 Cheboygan City Marina
Rockport Boat Launch Cheboygan County Marina Boat
_1,2-Mackinaw City Marina Launch
Mackinaw City Marina Boat Cheboygan Dam Boat Launch
Launch Other: Specif
acc@ ;zi@;- A,
-acL e. -6 ajPA.U4-
4. For any of the access sites you checked in 6uestion #3, please list
any concerns or deficiencies in their usefulness or in the services
provided at the sites. For example, a deficiency in usefulness might
be inadequate road signs that provide direction to the site or
shallow water depth at the site. Examples of a deficiency in
service might be no fish cleaning station or not enough docking
slips at a marina. Please list additional sites on back page.

A. Site Name
Deficiency
B. Site Name 62
Deficienc

C. Site Name
Deficienc

5. In your opinion, to what degree has the number of sport fishing
anglers changed at the sites you are familiar with ... over the last
year... and over the last 4 years? Check appropriate lines.
.Last 4 yrs. 1986-1987

A. Decreased a Great Deal q
B. Decreased Somewhat
C. Remained the Same
D. increased Somewhat 19
E. Increased a Great Deal
F. I do not know 0140 0WA;"'

Currently, very little historical data is available regarding the usage
patterns at Northeast Lake Huron Eishing Access Sites.

6. Based on your experience and observations, do you anticipate that the
number of sport fishing boats using these access sites will increase
over the next 5 years? EZ'Yes No 'q;'WkO-C4
I.
Please state your reasons why.

In your opinion, are additional access sites needed along the North-
east Lake Huron Shoreline? 36 Yes J;L No il 17c? aw-0 et),eA

If you have any sites in mind, please indicate where you believe the
sites are needed by listing the County, nearest Community, and the
name of the body of water where the site should be located, i.e. the
name of a bay, river, harbor, point, etc.

County Community Body of Water

Periodically, access sites are modified by increasing the number of parking
spaces, ramps, and marina slips or by adding services, such as a fish-
cleaning station.

8. To your knowledge, are any capital improvements or additions being
planned by Eederal or State Agencies or a local community for the
fishing access sites in Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, or Presque Isle
counties? z R Yes _,)LN o _15',no a Z4kW V7

If Yes, to the extent of your knowledge, please complete the chart
below.

Site Name Responsible Agency Planned Change

The reasons anglers choose or do not choose a particular community or loca-
tion to fish the Great Lakes, obviously, depends on many more factors than
just the quality of the fishing access sites. Factors such as travel dis-
tance, fish species, boat repair facilitiesl overnight accommodations, water
quality, area geography, mix of businesses, tourist attractions and condition
of highways, etc., may all play a role in the decision-making process.
9.1 Based on your knowledge of individual Northeast Lake Huron coastal
communities, please list the main attributes which you believe
i enhance that community's ability to draw the sport fishing public
into their area.

Community Attributes

_7
7

10. With reference to Question 9, please list the major factors which you
believe have inhibited a community's ability to draw the sport fishing
public into the area.

Community Factors

SZE A

If you have any additional comments, please provide them in the space
below:

Thank you for your time and valuable information.

9. Based on your knowledge of individual Northeast Lake Huron coastal
communities, please list the main attributes which you believe
enhance that community's ability to draw the sport fishing public
into their area.

Community Attributes

10. With reference to Question 9, please list the major factors which you
believe have inhibited a community's ability to draw the sport fishing
public into the area.

Community Factors

A--

If you have any additional comments, please provide them in the space
below:

Thank you for your time and valuable information.

OMMINIMIM
3 6668 14109 6356