Harrisville is located in northeast Michigan in Alcona County at the junction of M-72 and U.S. 23. The town was founded by a fisherman in 1857, according to Info-Michigan.com, which should tell you something about the fishing opportunities the town has to offer. Today tourism is the region's main business, and according to the state's official tourism website, the area has "more trees than asphalt and only one traffic light." Miles of Lake Huron beachfront, three lakes and three major streams provide access to a variety of fish.
Fish
You will find brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, splake and a variety of salmon in Harrisville streams and lakes, and Lake Huron is home to these and many other species of fish. Brook trout like streams, rivers and lakes that are cold and clear. They average 10 to 12 inches and a half-pound to a pound in Michigan waters. Brown trout can live in warmer, more cloudy waters than brook trout. They can grow to be anywhere from 12 to 30 inches and 1 to 12 pounds. Nonmigratory rainbow trout prefer cool streams and rivers but they tolerate warmer lakes and ponds with cooler waters at depth. Most are between 9 and 20 inches in Michigan and average 0.36 to 3.4 lbs.
Places to Fish Inland
There are 25 inland lakes in Alcona County, according to Michigan's Department of Natural resources. Three of these lakes are listed in the Department of Natural Resources fishing guide: O'Brien Lake, Reid Lake and South Hoist Lake. You are also permitted to fish in the following County streams: Au Sable River, Black River and Pine River.
Considerations
O'Brien Lake and the Au Sable River are open for fishing from the last Saturday in April to September 30. You can fish in Reid Lake, South Hoist Lake, Black River and Pine River year round. Lake Huron is also open to fish year-round. For bait and tackle Side Door Bait and Tackle in Sprue Michigan (west of Harrisville), Jim's Rod and Reel Service in Oscoda (south of Harrisville) and Clem's Live Bait and tackle in Alpena (north of Harrisville) can all provide you with what you need to fish in Harrisville. If you plan on exploring Lake Huron but lack a boat and knowledge of the Lake, you can employ the services of Worm Dirt Charters, Gail Force Charters, Dobis Charter Service and Cricket Charter service, which are all located in Harrisville.
Regulations
You are permitted to catch a maximum of five fish daily in Harrisville's inland lakes and rivers, and only three of these fish may be over 15 inches. Different size restrictions are set for particular species of fish in particular bodies of water. Check with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the latest information on these restrictions. Particular rules for the use of dip nets and other fishing gear in addition to the traditional rod and reel.
License
You will require a fishing license to fish in Harrisville if you are over the age of 17. In 2010 an annual fishing license for residents of the state is $28. A nonresident annual license is $42. Discounted licenses are available for seniors over 65, members of the military and anglers that do not wish to fish for trout and salmon.
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