I KNOW WHERE THE FISH ARE BITING IN MICHIGAN
Bob Stockton and Kirstie Kelly Wakeley are quite the pair and fish fear them on Higgins lake and Bob is noted for one of the best fisherman on the lake. He puts his time in the lake and knows where the fish are and has a guide service on the lake. His facebook page is Bob Stockton .
Here are some photos of their fish and thanks to Bob And Kirstie for letting me share their images.
5 year old Rileigh Carpenter enjoyed catching her first pike.
Really she did! Fishing on Lake Mitchell this 26 inch pike is
a MONSTER.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
It’s March. Expect extreme weather changes. The mild temperatures and rain is melting the snow.
There’s plenty of ice. Both Lake Cadillac and Mitchell still are in the 16 to 18 inch range. Don’t put away your power auger.
The lakes look empty since most of the permanent shanties have been removed before the March 15th deadline. A prudent move because there’s enough ice for those who drive their trucks, quads and snowmobiles on the ice.
Only a few days left before pike and walleye season closes on the 15th. Most of us will have withdrawals but must give the pike and walleye a rest.
Crappie have been suspending and at times are just under the ice. Most are just eaters in the 8/9 inch range.
Better numbers of bluegill have been caught lately. Tiny jigs tipped with spikes or wax worms are effective.
SMELT – Finally catching smelt on Crystal. Told of good numbers and larger size than the other smelt lakes.
Green Lake – average numbers seem to be in the 60/80ty range. Some brag numbers over 100.
The Karlin Boat Launch is popular and parking can be difficult if you don’t get there early.
Bob Stockton with a 24.5 laker out of Higgins Lake yesterday
As I was going to Baitshop to Baitshop the fishing has picked up everywhere. Big Glen is still good for perch with reports of guys fishing on the North-end in twenty five feet of water on a weed bed are slamming the perch but you need a snowmobile or quad as it is a long way from the access site.
Long Lake by Traverse has picked up with walleye biting but lots of small ones.
Crystal Lake is great for lake trout and whitefish, perch are small.
Skegemog is awesome this week with lots of perch being caught.
Green Lake is good for smelt this week
Higgins Lake has been awesome for smelt this week as hundreds have been fishing off the west access site. Hali jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes. Lake trout and whitefish are biting great also, lots of perch 7 to 9 inches no jumbo’s this week
Houghton Lake has one of the best bluegill bite in many years out in the middle ground some up to a pound. Also a great perch, pike and walleye bite this week they are driving trucks out.
Lake Missaukee has picked up this week as Casey Miller of Miller’s Corner says the walleye have picked up, but the gill bite has been great the last two days.
Wixom Lake limit catches of panfish this week and guys are driving cars on the lake
Northwestern Michigan
Leroy- Reports are guys are getting out and gills are biting with good pike action Call Eye’s Have It for latest info 231-768-5653
Baldwin- The little lakes around Baldwin are safe and pan fish has been fair. Steelhead fishing has been great on the PM this week Call Baldwin Bait @ 231-745-3529 or Ed’s Sport @ 231-745-4974
Big Glen- Fishing has been good this week with 10 to 15 inches of ice, they are catching perch, trout and ciscoe’s. Had many reports of guys catching 12 to 14 inchers but there is no pattern on the bite as it has been later in the day and when they bite it last for about an hour. They hope the snow melts and get down to ice so thew walk out to the middle will be easy. Most are going out till they hit 40 feet of water off the access site and catching some perch and ciscoe’s Call Fishhook@ (231) 256-9496
Little Glen- Has ice the perch are biting fair Call Fishhook@ (231) 256-9496.
Lake Leelanau: North Lake Leelanau has ice and a good perch, lake trout and walleye bite, South Lake Leelanau is froze with 8 to 12 inches of ice and fair walleye, perch and pike. Call Fishhook@ (231) 256-9496 for latest info
Manistee Lake by Kalkaska- Slow fishing this week with perch, pike, walleye and a few gills in the canals ice is 10 to 15 inches Call Jacks Sport Shop 231-258-8892
Spider Lake and Arbutus- 16 to 20 inches of ice, slush on the lake and things have been slow this week Call Roy’s General Store @ 231-946-5633
Duck Lake: They have been catching pike and a few lake trout this week, a couple 40 inchers plus have been reported
Green Lake: is producing bluegill and a few small perch. For pike, try tip-ups off the State Park Is producing a few more smelt. Try off the northeast side near the Music Camp. Night anglers sometimes do better in 30 to 50 feet of water. Spikes and waxworms on Hali Jigs for smelt.
Long Lake: They are fishing the whole lake with the better bite off of Cresant shores and a great perch bite. They are catching nice perch but lots of short walleye. Call MC Sports @ 231-933-6158
Skegemog- They a driving trucks out on the ice and still good perch and pike bite, Also Elk Lake is froze with lakers biting. They have been seeing some nice muskie’s with a 54 incher being caught. Call Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892
Fife Lake- Has good ice and a few big pike have been caught, along with perch. The fishing has picked up the last twodays Call Lakeside Party @ 231-879-4346
Portage Lake- Osborn’s had 20 cars waiting for him to open as guys are back out on Portage big time, The perch have been biting this week. Call Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775
Hamlin Lake- Has had a good bite this week with pike, walleye crappie and gills being caught. Call PM Expeditions@ 231-425-8913 or Hamlin Grocery@(231) 843-2058 and Capt. Chucks @ (231) 843-4458
Bear Lake- Has 18 to 22 inches of ice today with a few getting out catching pike and a jumbo perch bite the last two weeks. Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775
Lake Missaukee- Has been fair with crappie, pike and gills with walleye being slow this week.15 inches of good ice with pike and gills are biting good Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440 or Hopkins Outfitters@ 231-839-FISH (3474). Also Millers Corner has a big fishing contest this weekend
Lake Cadillac: Is producing good numbers of crappie and pike off the boat launch on the northwest side. Those fishing at night have done well for crappie and the occasional walleye.. Call Pilgrim Village for latest info@ 231-775-5412
Lake MitchellIs producing bluegill and crappie along the west side of the lake. Those with tip-ups continue to take pike. Call Pilgrim Village for latest info@ 231-775-5412
Pentwater: Pentwater Lake is froze and the perch fishing has been ok also a few pike. The ice is breaking up in front of Pentwater Angler and this might be the last weekend on the lake.. Call Pentwater Angler for the latest info@ 231-869-5357
Whitehall: White lake has ice with good pike and perch bite today. Call armstrongs@231–894-6753 or Johnson’s Outdoors @ 231-893-6688
Betsie River: Continues to produce some steelhead.
Big Manistee River: Is fishable and should have a fair to good number of steelhead including some fresh fish. Many are fly fishing below Tippy Dam. Pappy’s Bait is open for the season at Wellston shop hours are 7 to 5 right now call@ 231-848-4142 he gets reports daily on Tippy Dam
Little Manistee River: Is producing steelhead and the occasional brown trout however the river will close to fishing on January 1st and will reopen on April 1st.
Crystal Lake Has safe ice and a great lake trout bite the last week, also getting out of Lobb Rd. for perch, whitefish and smelt. Chimney Corners for Lakers in 90 to 150 feet of water
Northeast Michigan
Lewiston- Both East and West Twin are froze and perch, pike and walleye are biting Call Mid Lakes Market @ (989) 786-3227
Mio- Fishing has been fair around Mio with many pike being caught.. Call Jig’s Bait Shop@ (989) 826-3467
Lake St. Helen- Fishing has been good with 20 to 24 inches of ice lots of pike, with pan fish on the bite with a few walleye being caught. Call Macomb’s Tackle Box @ 989-389-2100
Pratt Lake and Wiggins Lake– has safe ice and many have been doing good on pan fish and pike. Call Chappel Dam@ 989-426-7503
Wixom and Sanford Lake- Reports are the lake is safe and fisherman have been getting out on the shallow bays catching crappie, gills and pike. Call Sanford Sport Shop@989-687-5161 or Sandy’s Market@ (989) 435-9688
Secord Lake has had a great crappie bite this week Sandy’s Market@ (989) 435-9688
Fletcher’s Floodwaters- Those using tip-ups caught some nice pike. Crappies were taken on minnows, wax worms or spikes. Call Bill’s @989-742-4874
Black Lake- Has 12 to 20 inches of ice and a good walleye bite Call Parrots Outpost for the latest ice conditions (989) 733-2472
Mullet Lake– Is producing perch for those using minnows and wigglers. Pike continue to hit on tip-ups with sucker minnows. call Mullet Lake Party store@ (231) 627-4644 or Topinabee Market@ 231-238-9578
Burt Lake: Catch rates were spotty with light numbers of perch and walleye taken.Call Pat & Gary’s Party Store 231-238-6776
Grand lake and Long Lake- Both lakes are safe and fisherman are venturing out catching perch and pike, Call Bucks@ 989-595-2121
Otsego Lake- The ice is safe and many shanties are on the lake. A few sturgeon have been caught off the State Park and good perch, pike and a few walleyes on Otsego Lake. Perch fishing has been fair on Bradford, chub Lake trout fishing has been good. Call Northern Sports@ 987-448-2014
Lake Margrethe- The lake is completely froze with 18 to 24 inches of ice and good fish being caught. The walleye bite has been slow but perch and pike have been fair. There are quite a few shanties on the lake. Call Skip’s Sport @ 989-348-7111
Higgins Lake- Smeltville is in full force off the west access site with some doing good on the smelt but lights are the key right now. Has ice and snow. Use caution near Big Creek and the Conference Center. Pike are hitting on tip-ups along the drop off in 35 to 40 feet of water. Those spearing are also taking fish. Lake trout are just off the bottom in 100 feet of water. Try Swedish pimples tipped with minnows, smelt or minnow heads. Whitefish were caught by those jigging a Swedish pimple with minnows, wax worms or wigglers. For perch, try near the Sunken Island, Main Island, and Big Creek in 30 to 50 feet of water. No big numbers of smelt yet, but the fish are there. Try down near the West Launch or Big Creek when fishing at night in 50 feet of water. . Call Phoenix Park 989-821-7220 or Sports Barn 989-821-9511 for latest ice conditions
Houghton Lake- Ice fishing is on Good pike, perch and walleye. Dave @ 4 season says off of long point good perch and walleye are being caught. he hurt his back so he had to take his shanties off the lake but fishing is good
Lyman’s has their shanties out call them for your reservations@ 989-422-3231 the bite has been good around his shanties with guys in the sleeper catching walleye at night. Also Dave @ Four Season Party Store said last night they did good on the walleyes and pike. Call him @ 989-422-5230.
Angelos Party Store also has shanty retail call him @ 989-202-4422 ask for Lou.
Korbinski’s also rents shanties and has a full line of bait and Tackle call Rod@ 989-366-9500
Pappa’s Bait reporting great bluegill fishing off the middle grounds on Houghton Lake. 989-429-5780
Lake Avalon: In Montmorency County is producing a few bigger splake.
Van Etten Lake: Is producing some walleye, pike and perch.
Tawas: Those fishing near Jerry’s Marina in Tawas Bay have caught a few perch in 15 to 20 feet of water. A couple pike were speared and a few walleye were also caught. Perch anglers report seeing a lot of smelt down the holes, more than they have seen in years. A big field of ice off Tawas Point broke free and drifted out so anglers are pretty much staying well inside the Point.
Tawas River: Was frozen over so no early steelhead fishing just yet. Whitney Drain was frozen over.
Au Gres River: Some were fishing the lower river but catch rates were spotty.
Pine River: Is producing some small perch in the lower river.
Upper Peninsula Report
Newberry- Has good ice on most the small lakes with pike biting fair.
Munuscong Bay –Dan’s Resort in Pickford reports : Had good walleye and perch fishing for those jigging in the deeper water. They have there last chance walleye tournament this weekend Try off Rocky Point in 10 to 15 feet.. For perch, most are jigging or still-fishing with minnows.. Call Dan’s Resort @ (906) 647-8753
Manistique– Ice is good on Indian Lake and Big Manistique and the Call Top O Lakes Sport@ 906-341-5241
Slush has become an issue on most of the inland lakes.
Lake Gogebic: Had good walleye fishing with many legal size fish caught. Copper Harbor: Conditions were dangerous as the ice is breaking up.
Keweenaw Bay: Travel can be difficult as float ice is piled high in some areas. Lake trout were caught in 180 to 260 feet of water off Whirl-I-Gig Road, 200 to 260 feet off Pequaming and 150 to 240 feet near Big Reef. Coho and lake herring were slow off Sand Point and the L’Anse Marina. Whitefish action was slow but a few fish were caught east of the Baraga Marina in 80 to 100 feet of water.
Huron Bay: Lake trout action was slow. Smelt fishing on the Baraga side of the bay has continued to get better.
Marquette: Much of the area from the Chocolay River to the Upper Harbor is covered with floating pack ice. A few were fishing from the “Bubblers” but activity is limited due to the moving pack ice. A road near the “Bubblers” was plowed out so anglers have access. Both the Upper and the Lower Harbors were iced in past the lighthouse.
Chicagon Lake: Ice conditions are good but travel conditions are not. Those with motorized vehicles are getting stuck in the deep snow and slush. Perch were active and some bigger fish were caught by those jigging small spoons. A couple walleye were caught in 20 feet of water.
Iron Lake: Travel on the ice here is also difficult due to the snow and slush. A few crappie ranging 8 to 11 inches were caught by those jigging minnows. Catch rates for bluegill were spotty.
Groveland Mine Ponds: Still have ice with deep snow and slush.
Lake Antoine: Still has ice but the snow is deep. There are plowed roads to reach most areas of the lake. Some are getting stuck. Perch were caught on wax worms. Most of the fish were 8 to 10 inches. Those targeting other species caught a couple smallmouth bass however bass season is closed. Pike action was slow.
Little Bay De Noc: Travel remains difficult in some areas because of drifting snow, slush and pressure cracks. Most anglers are now in the northern end of the bay and looking for walleye. Catch rates were fair to good with the better action at night on the Center Reef and the Third Reef with tip-ups and sucker minnows in 12 to 23 feet. Good numbers of fish were marked in the north end but catch rates were fair at best. For perch, many have caught good numbers of smaller fish. Those fishing deeper in 19 to 23 feet caught a few jumbo perch near Kipling. Near Gladstone, whitefish were caught on dead minnows in 30 to 35 feet of water. Fish were also caught near Escanaba and Sand Point in 75 to 85 feet.
Au Train: Few anglers were out because of the pack ice. Those jigging for coho caught nothing. The mouth of the Rock River and the Au Train River were iced in.
Munising: Walking on the ice may be a challenge because of deep slush in some areas. The whitefish bite was slow. Splake were still scattered. Perch were still being caught near Sand Point. Those spearing reported low visibility in the water. Trout Bay did have fishable ice but catch rates coho were slow. Anglers did manage to catch a few smelt and herring.
Cedarville and Hessel: Good numbers of perch and pike were reported in Musky Bay, Hessel Bay and Government Bay. Try 10 feet of water with wigglers, wax worms and minnows.
Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
Lake Erie: The only location for active fishing was the containment ponds at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Perch were caught for those willing to walk the two miles to get to the ice.
Huron River: Anglers are trying for steelhead at the Flat Rock Dam.
Detroit River: Angers are still taking some nice bluegill and perch in the protected areas along the shoreline. Caution needs to be used when the warm weather moves in. Those fishing in Airport Bay caught perch and the occasional pike. Pay close attention to ice conditions.
Lake St. Clair: With temperatures in the 40’s, ice conditions will deteriorate on a daily basis as more water opens up. This looks like the end of ice fishing season. The only thing caught was small perch.
Port Austin: About a third of the ice is gone so anglers are bringing their shanties in.
Harbor Beach: Had a couple perch anglers in the harbor but few were caught.
Saginaw Bay: Perch action off Palmer Road was slow. Anglers crossing the first crack did find some walleye in 10 feet of water. Perch were caught off Newman Road, Newburg Road and Townline Road in 5 to 8 feet of water. A few walleye were caught in the evening. Some nice perch and a few walleye were caught off the Bay City State Park in 5 feet of water. Fish were caught off the mouth of the Saginaw River near Spoils Island in 10 feet of water. Off Quanicassee, perch were found in 6 to 7 feet of water off Vanderbilt Park. Up near Fish Point, there is open water about two miles offshore so anglers should avoid that area. At Sebewaing, the only thing caught was small perch inside the harbor. Due to low water levels, there is almost no activity out on the bay. Those looking for crappie had to go out to Maisou Island just to find enough water under the ice to fish in. The ice was not good in Wildfowl Bay. At Caseville, most of the ice shanties have been removed from the harbor and the marina basins.
Saginaw River: Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution especially with the cracks and open water. The Rust Avenue Ramp is iced in. The ice through downtown Saginaw is not safe. The ice around Zilwaukee was iffy at best. Those fishing Cass Avenue caught some walleye. Further downstream, walleye and perch were caught below the Independence Bridge however there is open water and ice conditions were not consistent. Walleye and perch were caught near the mouth. Anglers were using the Patterson Road access for the lower bay and Spoils Island.
Tittabawassee River: A few were carrying their boats so they could access the river. There is deep snow in the parking lots and launch ramps at Gordonville Road and Center Street. Those heading up to the Dow Dam from Gordonville and downstream to the confluence with the Shiawassee off Center Street caught some nice fish and some took limit catches.
Shiawassee River: Is producing small bluegills and some crappie in the backwaters.
Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
Ice fishing on most lakes is producing some bluegills but the bite is slow. Crappie and yellow perch fishing continues to improve. Ice conditions were fair on most of the inland lakes.
St. Joseph River: Steelhead and walleye action is picking up. They are catching steelhead downstream from the Berrien Springs Dam.
Kalamazoo River: Walleye were caught between M-89 and the Allegan Dam. Steelhead are becoming more active.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has steelhead and walleye up near the dam.
Grand River at Lansing: Anglers are catching pike and walleye at the North Lansing Dam and the Moore’s Park Dam. Minnows and crawlers worked best.
Muskrat Lake: In Clinton County was good for crappie.
Duck Lake: In Calhoun County was producing pike, walleye and some big bluegills.
Jackson County: Had low angler activity but those heading out were catching panfish.
Muskegon Lake: Perch fishing continues. Though many are small, anglers are still taking the occasional fish measuring 10 inches. Be careful along the shoreline as the ice starts to deteriorate.
Muskegon River: Was producing a good number of steelhead and a couple walleye that were keepers.
White Lake: Is producing bluegill and sunfish.
Terry Eising (w son Evan) 38 3/4 Pike & 34 3/4- He took 1st & 2nd places in the Pike Category. Awesome fishing guys!
Alexis 9 5/8 Crappie, 8 1/2 Gill
Alman took 1st in Walleye at 25 3/4
Dan’s Resort on Munuscong Bay Last Chance Walleye Derby March 8-9th. Begins at 1am Thursday and the last weigh in at 7:30pm Saturday. First place: $400, Second place: $250, Third place: $150. Adults $15 entry, kids $5. There are many opportunities to win with the mystery weight contents, fish bowl drawings and the weekly Dan’s Resort Tourney. Tickets, minnows, and lures for sale in the shop. fish on!
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The area filled another weekend with snowmobilers, skiers and ice fishermen. Cadillac has it all. Snow and ice conditions are good. Over 200 miles of groomed trails for the sleds. Caberfae and Crystal Mountain are a short distance for the skiers. Most important, Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell for ice fishing.
The deeper holes on the west side of Lake Mitchell is and has been one of the better areas to fish. The gills and crappie live in the weeds. Eating bugs off the cabbage weeds. The pike and walleye eat the panfish. It’s a food factory.
There are clusters of ice shanties on Lake Cadillac off the Kenwood Park Boat Launch. Crappie and pike limts are common in the area. Several have found that night fishing over lanterns or underwater lights can be productive. Mostly crappie but even a walleye or two are caught late into the night.
Eric Stein was happy holding the 21 1/2″ walleye he caught
on Lake Mitchell.
Tyrus Leigh and partner hold the 30 inch pike they caught
while fishing Lake Cadillac.
It takes two hands for Ben Snyder to hold his
limit of pike. A good day on Lake Mitchell.
SMELT – Numbers at Green Lake seem to be picking up. The words out. The Parking Lot on the Karlin Side often fills up. Get there early.
The 2013 Fishing Licenses are now on sale.
Prices are the same as last year. No Increase, No Excuse.
Also, those who applied for 2013 Spring Turkey Licenses can get the drawing results by going to
www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings on March 1, 2013.
From the reports I got today the fish have started biting again with a great gill bite on Houghton Lake on the middle grounds with limit catches reported with good perch, pike a a few walleyes. Lymans report a good bite around his shanties with pictures above to prove it last weekend
St. Helen is reporting a good pike and gills have started to bite with waxworms working best on gills.
Wixom Lake has finally cleared up and the crappie and gill bite is on and saw lots of trucks on the ice today.
Lake City’s Missaukee Lake has started again on the panfish and crappie, walleye still slow.
HIggins Lake was slow this week but getting reports that today fish started biting again when the sun came out, and smelt have picked up tonight.
Osborn’s Sport reports Portage Lake has picked up today on all fish.
Big Glen was fair today
Crystal Lake has been real slow this week on perch and smelt with fair success on laker trout