Wow, So beautiful in both, but I especially love the photo from the summer of '99. No wonder my husband and I want to move to the Keeweenaw...the summer photo reminds me of a loch and a cottage in Scotland (one of our other favorite travel spots). Fortunately, we can drive to the Keeweenaw and save a lot more money!

Where is Smith Fisheries?
I enjoy logging onto Pasty Cam each morning and viewing the fine pictures and reading the many comments regarding the Copper Country. Keep up the good work.

Out on the Keweenaw Peninsula beyond Bete Grise, not quite as far as Montreal Falls.

If you have a map there, look at the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. That part going out into the lake, on the east side of that, it says Bete Grise. It's on the south side of that bay.

Is the Smith Fishery still operational? I was raised in the Copper Country during the 1950's and my Mother would get fresh lake trout from them. Is there any lake trout left in Superior? What happened to all of the original local people? It seems like everyone living in the area is from someplace else.

I had the honor of meeting the last owners of the fishery, Ned and Neil H. last October. They were on a sentimental journey standing next to the fish cleaning building shown in picture. We started talking and, alas, we have become close friends and have kept in touch ever since. The fishery has been closed a long time but there's a lot of history there I learned from them. I've wanted to say before that although the scenery is candy for the eyes, the people you meet there are candy for the heart and soul. I'll call them to let them know this is here today so anybody who remembers them, please send them a "hi" message. Neil lives in California and Ned lives in Port Washington now but may relocate back to the Keweenaw soon.

Well since nobody jumped in, I'll continue. I don't write often but when I do.......In addition to the folks I met near lac la belle (Ned, Neil, Dutchie and Crabby Jack), I've spent many happy hours in conversation with Doug Johnson, owner of the Eagle Lodge/Lakeside Cabins. If anybody wants to meet one of the friendliest people up there with a great place to stay on Lake Superior, try this place (it's on the web). 2 years ago I was a stranger wondering around with my Golden Retriever named Peaches (my wife preferred to stay in Illinois) and we were always made to feel welcome wherever we went. My message to those who haven't been there is--don't just look at the beautiful surface, try to got to know the folks there too, they're special. Ok I'm done.

Joel - I was born and raised in Calumet and the one thing I miss most of all is the "family" feeling where everyone is so friendly and considerate. I moved to the lower half and after quite a few years I was able to find some good friends. There is nothing like the "Yoopers". Some day I hope to get back home for more than just a visit. All my family lives up there and I sure do miss them. I look forward to seeing the pictures and being home for those few minutes.

Oh what memories. Spring 1973, freshman at MTU, our Wads House S.N.O. take a CCT to Bete Grise and decide to hike it out to da Fishery. All along the lake shore the sites were amazing. A dozen of us out and back. What a great Saturday away from the books.

2003

Hey Donna, I couldnt have said it better myself~ I too grew up in Calumet/Laurium and I now live downstate in East Lanisng..But I agree with you ...people in the Keweenaw are much more considerate and friendly~ Its nice to have grown up in a town with such a "family" aptmosphere where there is always a person to wave to as they drive by, or to talk to you on the street...I miss "home" alot and my heart will always be in the U.P.!

I fish there every summer.I love the scenery.
My motor broke down one time and had to row in to Smiths.Mr.Smith let me take his Scout to get
another motor.Great people

Dave

Thanks for the kind words from my new dear friend, Joe. I had the great fortune of growing up with the fisheries as a big part of my life. I was active working on the lake and remember fishing with pound, trap, and gill nets. We started the fishery in 1943 and remained fishing there until 1968. We continued to own the property until 1988. Although I am not actively up and running online, please drop me a note at HC1 Box 70A, Mohawk, MI 49950 and I will try my best to respond. -Ned L. Huwatschek

Dear Ned,
I found the information you gave most interesting.....especially about the pound, trap, and gill net fishing! My parents took me up to Keeweenaw when I was a baby and our whole family "loved" our summer vacations up there in Aug. of every year. We also were invited to the Smith Bros. Fisheries for parties and work.
Sincerely,
Lenys Walden

Some of my family members have hiked from the Smith Fisheries along the shoreline to Copper Harbor. They have some great pictures from their 3 seperate hikes. Average length of the hike was 3 and a half days!! Slept under the stars and kept watch for bears!!! Lost only 1 canteen and a candy bar! Ha! Ha!

That is funny kath!!! I know about the bears in the UP very well..I have not been to Smith Fisheries but know the White fish point and Paridise area very well..And don't I know you Very well too?? This is beautiful and love the UP too!!

How does one get to Smith Fisheries at this time of the year? Snowmobile? A year ago this past Sept. my husband and I drove to the fisheries in a full size van only to discover the van was wider then the road in some spots. Once we got there, the owner of the property greeted us. Up to that point I did not realize this was now private property. He was very freindly and allowed us to look around to enjoy the beautiful scenery. He indicated the only way he could get there in the winter was skiing or a snowmobile.

Hey Donna Utzman,
I grew up in Laurium and had some Utzman friends on Pewabic Street; Laddie and Maggie Utzman; would you be related to them and if so, where are they now? David Sandretto-FL. now but Yooper at heart.

Would like to announce another viewer to Pasty.com... Ashely Dawn ! born March 20 at 10:08 pm, 6lbs 12 oz !! We cant wait to visit the U.P. on our next vacation.

mike, tx

Mike,

Congratulations!! Feed dat baby right!

I loved the picture of Yooper Baby Food sent by Toivo from Toivola. I'm still laughing.

My uncle Hank Aho fished for the smith fisheries. I would like to see more info on him also

Thanks Toivo! Looks like great Baby food! Ashley says thank you too :)

Congratulations, Mike,on the birth of your daughter, Ashley. Toivo has the right idea, you have to introduce Yooper gourmet food to her early in life. Great picture, Toivo!! Maybe the Gerber company will pick up your idea.

Actually, patron, soft Pasty babyfood was first introduced by Cheesehead John back in March 2000. I been known to nibble a little now and then myself.

It sure is good to see picture of the Smith Fisheries site. I remember hiking around the Keweenaw Point on a backpacking trip in the spring of 1974 and stopping to reflect on the days when it was busy fishery. Back then it was a great place to just look around. We took 4 days to hike around the point to Copper Harbor. I caught the biggest steelhead I had ever had the priviledge to hook at fight at the mouth of the Montreal River on that trip. That is a great spot as well. I use the photo of that fish to show all my Colorado friends here what a real fish looks like. Thanks for the memory

LOL at Toivo!

Just a note of thanks to the current and all former owners of the Smith Fisheries property for allowing the public access to and through their property for all these years. I know the timber companies gated the road for a few years in the early 70's, but since that time we have been free to travel the road at will. Also a special note of thanks to the current owners for providing the bypass trail near their summer home for all the fishermen(and women), campers, hikers, tourists, etc. on their way to the Montreal River. I hope everyone will continue to respect both the property and the privacy of the current owners.

Steve: Nice Shot!

Where in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada can I buy Gerbers baby food Multiple allergies rule out anything produced by Heinz