1955 Fishing Chart of Lake Saint Clair
the Vintage Map Shop
Regular price $45.00
Unit price per
By: Alvin Engler
Date of Original: 1955
Original Size: 23 x 29 inches (58.5 x 73.5 cm)
This is a fine print reproduction of Alvin Engler's 1955 Fishing Chart of Lake Saint Clair, a wonderfully illustrated map celebrating one of North America's most productive freshwater fishing destinations. Combining detailed cartography, natural history, and colorful illustrations, the map offers a fascinating look at the lake and its recreational fishing culture during the mid-20th century.
Located between southeastern Michigan and Ontario, Lake St. Clair forms an important link in the Great Lakes waterway, receiving water from Lake Huron through the St. Clair River and draining into Lake Erie through the Detroit River. Although considerably smaller than the five Great Lakes, its relatively shallow waters, extensive marshlands, and abundant aquatic vegetation provide excellent habitat for a remarkable variety of fish. By the early 1900s, the lake had become a popular destination for recreational anglers, particularly those pursuing muskellunge, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch. The surrounding St. Clair Flats, Anchor Bay, and river channels were especially well known for their productive fishing grounds.
Engler's map highlights this rich fishing heritage through illustrations of 24 different fish species, accompanied by information on average weights and record catches. Particularly noteworthy is the muskellunge, commonly called the Muskie, a large predatory fish that has helped establish Lake St. Clair's reputation as one of North America's premier Muskie fisheries. Additionally, the map identifies surrounding communities, waterways, and the deep-water shipping channel maintained for commercial navigation between the United States and Canada.
Decorative details include a compass rose, illustrated cartouche, lighthouses, ships, waterfowl, local business advertisements, depth soundings, and historical and educational notes. Together, these features capture the importance of Lake St. Clair as both a major transportation corridor and a celebrated destination for sport fishing in the 1950s. The map also contains a stereotypical portrayal of Indigenous people, characteristic of some commercial illustrations of the period.
Inventory #81072
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