Many folks followed the Alaskan gold rush of 1896. They panned for gold in the cold Klondike River for months.

Still others watch for rainbows, knowing very well there is a pot of gold at the end of it.

But gold does exist right here in Delta County.

Big Bay de Noc and Little Bay de Noc are teaming with gold. You must be lucky enough or skilled enough to land Bay de Noc’s gold.

Karen Wils

Walleye is known as the Bay de Noc’s gold!

Today is the opening day for walleye fishing in our area. It is about the anticipation. The boat is ready. Rods, reels, crawler harnesses and lures are carefully selected and ready to go.

Layers of warm clothes, a lucky hat and a thermos of hot coffee set the stage for a wonderful day of walleye fishing.

Even though the early sunrise in mid-May is a lovely thing to see dancing on the water, overcast skies are more often prayed for on opening day. Warmish weather, a gentle breeze and two-foot chops on the Bay are ideal for the wary walleye stalker.

As days go by, the lake water slowly warms, the lilacs bloom by the Bayshore and the hungry eyes bite. A traditional battle commences. Will there be a “wall hanger” over thirty inches long? Will the fisherman or woman catch many of the fifteen-inch-long fish, the perfect eating size? Will they limit out before noon?

The Bay de Nocs have often been called “the walleye capital of the world.” Many of our great grandparents fished the Bays for this tasty fish sometimes in a simple wooden rowboat. By the 1960’s, walleye populations plummeted due to habitat degradation and pollution.

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement came around in the 1970’s, and the fish habitat slowly began to improve. Restocking efforts and cleaner waters brought the walleye numbers back like in the olden days.

The Bay de Noc’s gold brings many fishermen to the Escanaba area and dollars into our community.

My husband planned our wedding date around the opening day of walleye season. His nickname was “Walleye Willie” until my son, Bob, was old enough to fish. Now Bob catches more walleye than his dad. So, now Bob is the official “walleye Willie.”

Some say walleye are called gold because of the golden brown coloration on their bodies, which is caused by tannin from leaves in the water. This may be true, but the real gold is when walleye is breaded and deep fried.

They come out of the fryer golden brown and delicious!

Bay de Noc’s gold is a meal fit for a king or queen. Be careful out there, and good luck!