Great news for Northern Michigan anglers!

[MallenManson]

Ok, I know....I'm the only one around here, but I know Bender and MiBasser have been up this way a time or few.

Crystal Lake is a great fishing lake for several species, including Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.

I'm happy to announce that boaters no longer have to wait in line, for up to an hour, and block traffic to put in their boats in downtown Beulah!

The 2 year project is finished and the new launch just off M 115 is up and running!

Stopped by there for the first time today and it is nice!

Parking is up top, with the launch at the bottom of the hill. Everything is paved, and there's truck/trailer parking for 40 vehicles, and probably close to the same number for single vehicles.

This should have been done years ago. Benzie County has probably lost a ton of money due to downstate fisherman going right on past Crystal Lake to head further north to Torch, Elk and other large lakes with better facilities.

[kennethdaysale]

That's a fine looking facility......some of my fondest funniest memories are from when I lived a few minutes from a nice big public ramp on Clarks Hill Res. in Ga....Oh what fun to go to the ramp on a busy holliday saturday...get your head right...and goof on all the green peas attempting to load/unload.....

[Bassboss]

What? No ice? lol

Looks good Mallen, hope it works well for ya!

[MallenManson]

Maybe I'll go take a pic of the Beulah launch today, for comparison sake

[MIbasser]

That's some great news Mallen!! I was actually in TC last night. I was in shock to see no ice on the bay (I stayed at the H.I west bay). It was a beautiful day there yesterday. Good luck with the snow thats coming in!

[MallenManson]

How's it goin, MI? You didn't hang out in Shimmers did you? lol I'm guessin it's about as much your thing as it is mine.
I was there once....ONCE!

The new launch is really nice. The only drawback I see, is the fact that once you put your boat in, you have to go park on top of the hill, then walk back down. Kind of inconvenient, but other than that, it's impressive.

I had read there was going to be a boat wash station, but I didn't see that. Maybe in the Spring

I haven't fished Crystal but a couple times. Plan on changing that this spring

[MallenManson]

Until now, this was the best launch on the lake.
And yes lol, I'm parked on a road, and that is another road at the stop sign.
Not much of a launch point.
There are 2 more launches on the lake but I'm pretty sure they're both gravel launches with VERY minimal parking

Pretty sad for a 9700 acre lake with depths up to 175'.

That lake has Browns, Rainbows, Lakers, SM, LM, Coho, Perch and Smelt, among others.

Water clarity is 25'
Boggles the mind don't it?

[kennethdaysale]

25 feet...color me boggled...I fish some places around here that have legit claritys over 10 ft...........if i wuz you i'd be snorklin as much as fishin

[bamabassman]

What's that white stuff? Hahahahahaha!!!!!

[MallenManson]

Kenneth, i work with 2 guys that are brothers.
Joe will take his pontoon out on Crystal, hop in the water and snorkel around to find the fish.
Then he'll pop up and tell PJ (not what I call him!) where to cast

[Kolabeeryi]

This is my first time I visit here. I found so many interesting stuffs in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.

[joedog]

Kolabeeryi, Welcome to the Forum!
Lots to learn and lots of fun learning!
Kola where ya from?
I look forward to learning from you!