Lots of Ice Fishing

bucs-3Fisherman are ice fishing hard in Northern Michigan with many getting out on the small lakes. Green Lake by Interlochen opened back up today, but calm and cold it should go over again. Duck Lake has lots of fisherman out of Strawberry Point.

Skegemog guys are getting out about 300 yards.

Lake City and Houghton Lake report lots of people trying their luck today. Lake Margrethe has good action along with Otsego Lake by Gaylord.

Harrison and Farwell report lots of guys out on the small lakes with pike and panfish biting great. Leroy Area report good ice and fishing is great

Burt and Black Lake should be safe soon as lots of cold weather this week

Little Glen, Bar Lake and loon are not safe

Reports are they are getting out on Little Bay De Noc today but have not heard ice conditions yet

Saginaw bay has a couple inches of ice and many feel they will be fishing soon.

Reports downstate there is still no safe ice.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

Enjoy the Holiday–The ice is fine!  The weather’s cooperating making ice nightly.  Expect 4 to 8 inches (plus) on lakes Cadillac and Mitchell.  Permanent shanties and pop-ups dot the lakes.  Not recommended, snowmobile tracks trace the edges.  Prudence dictates using a spud to check your way where ever you go.
Pike fishing has been good – very good.  This is just the start and we’ve measured several over 30 inches.  Tip-ups account for most.  Northerns can’t resist a sucker or shiner meal.
John Dunbar & Gordon Reed  Brandon Bailey
         Close friends, John Dunbar and Gordon Reed first day      Visiting from Middleburg, Florida, Brandon Bailey
         on the ice was successful.  After releasing 10 undersized,    holds a 10 pound, 33 inch pike caught on Lake Cadillac.
          they took turns catching a 38 1/2, 32, 31 and 28 inch.

Tim Miller

Tim Miller poses with a pike caught the day before
Christmas.  Doesn’t fit under the tree, 36 5/8″, 11.57 pounds.
Walleye fishing has been better then average.  Although days have been good, best catches are at last light.  Be ready when the street lights turn on.  For some, limits have been common.  Jigging spoons tipped with minnows, and/or tip-ups are effective.
Jeff Thomas  Ken Clous
         Smiling Jeff Thomas holds a 24″, 5 pound plus walleye      Ken Clous takes walleye fishing seriously.  After a couple of
         caught on Lake Cadillac.                                                   hours fishing he returned with a pair.  A 20 1/4 and 19 inch                                                                                                   walleye each over 3 pounds.
The Pilgrim Village Pike Contest is off to a good start.  Although Jim Cornelius was the first on the board with a 26 1/2, 3.85 pike he since dropped to 4th Place.  He’ll soon upgrade.
Standings often change on a daily basis.  12/30/2012
                                             1st Place           Mark Gagnon             34″               8.79 lbs.
                                              2nd Place          Joe Brooks                29″               4.87 lbs.
                                              3rd Place          Gary Swiger               28 1/2″         4.60 lbs.
                                              4th Place           James Cornelious       26 1/2″         3.85 lbs.
Mark Gagnon  Joe Brooks
                  Mark Gagnon 34″; 8.79 lb.  northern pike                                 Joe Brooks 29″; 4.87 lb. pike

Gary Swiger

Gary Swiger  28 1/2″; 4.60 lb pike
Youth Division
                                       1st Place           Caitlyn Brooks          15 yr. old          25 1/2″          3.17 lb.
2nd Place          Marissa Brooks          11 yr. old          25″           3.17 lb.
The Brooks family all fish.  Close call between the Brooks Sisters.
Caitlyn Brooks  Marissa Brooks
          15 yr. old Caitlyn Brooks shows off the head shot on        Marissa Brooks may only be 11, but knows how to spear.
           her 25 1/2 nothern.                                                          This one is 25 inches.

Lots Of Fisherman Trying their Luck

HPIM1742

 

Many Fisherman were out today trying their luck as Missaukee had ice shanties on the lake from Lake City with pike biting great on golden.

Houghton Lake they were out in differnt places as the ice was 2 to 6 inches. St Helen has the best ice with 5 to 8 inches and they are catching fish the last two days.

Pratt Lake and Wiggins by Gladwin have lots of fisherman out and good pike and panfish. Sanford Lake and Wixom they are fishing  shallow bays with good panfish and pike.

Harrison and Farwell they are out on the small lakes catching panfish and pike

Black, Mullet and Burt are froze and a few will be out on Black Lake but the ice is not safe.

Cadillac and Mitchell looked like little city on the ice, and good pike fishing reported

Around Traverse the small lakes are getting fished and a few are going to Little Glen to see if the pike and perch are biting tomorrow.

They are getting out on Little Bay De Noc today

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2012

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Ice Fishermen your prayers are working. Part of Lake Mitchell is FISHABLE – selected area only.
As of this morning the South East Side of Lake Mitchell from Mitchell State Park to the boat launch by Thirsty’s has 4+”. Fishable depths at the park range from 5 to 15′. This is good tip-up area for pike and walleye. The ice is slick, no snow. Pack your creepers, stay away from the canal.
At this writing the popular panfish area, the Big and Small Coves are not safe, nor is the North Side. Skim ice only.
You’ll have to wait longer to fish Lake Cadillac. The East (city), North and Middle have open water areas. The Causeway to Mitchell State Park on the West Side will be the first safe access points.
Night temperatures are predicted 15º and teens through out the week. The ice is growing and more area will be safe by mid week. We’ll keep checking.
We are selling bait to bluegill anglers fishing Lake Missaukee. We are told of 4″ but have not physically checked it out as we have on Lake Cadillac and Mitchell.

Maybe Next Week for Ice Fishing

HPIM0931

We are getting hammered with a major snow storm today and it might be a good thing we do not have lots of ice. After the storm passes the temps are going to plummet into the teens at night. A few lakes are froze but this storm is not going to help, as there is no safe ice in lower michigan

THey are fishing a little on Munuscong Bay for walleye and perch, The ice fishing season has officially began at Dan’s Resort on Munuscong Bay ! It’s not thick enough for sleds or 4-wheelers yet. Everyone is walking out.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Not much is happening in this region of the state. Some lakes have a little ice, but there is no safe ice yet. Steelhead fishing is basically the only game in town right now.

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.

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.

Pere Marquette River: Should still have some good steelhead fishing. Those fly fishing seem to catch more fish.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Thunder Bay River: Has pretty good perch fishing though many are running small. Fish ranging 7 to 8 inches have been caught using ice jigs with wax worms or minnow rigs. The better fishing was off the 2nd Street Bridge, the River Walk both upstream and downstream of the 2nd Street Bridge and the gas dock in the marina. Some are also catching the occasional steelhead or brown trout.

Oscoda: Pier anglers are getting steelhead on spoons or body baits.

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead between the mouth and Foote Dam. With a little effort, anglers are finding the spots producing the most fish. High Banks, the Boy Scout Camp and the Rea Road access sites have been active. Spawn is working best however try spoons or body baits at the mouth.

Houghton Lake: Has ice all the way across the lake however the ice is not safe. Those anxious to get out and do some fishing should stay in shallow waters only for safety reasons.

Au Gres River: Is still producing some perch although some were on the small side.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Newberry: Ice is forming on the inland lakes in the region however there is no safe ice yet. Deep snow from the upcoming storm will only insulate the ice and slow the freezing process.

The ice fishing season has officially began at Dan’s Resort on Munuscong Bay ! It’s not thick enough for sleds or 4-wheelers yet. Everyone is walking out.
Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Anglers are still getting walleye in Brest Bay. Some limit catches were reported by those using the bigger reef runners or husky jerks. Hot colors were pink, purple or fire-tiger. Some of the fish caught were between 8 and 11 pounds. Boats are launching out of Lake Erie Metro Park or Sterling State Park. Bluegills were caught off the docks in the Metro Park Marina. Try a teardrop with a wax worm. Perch and crappie were caught on minnows.

Huron River: Water levels are low but conditions are good for steelhead. Fish have been caught in the deeper holes.

Detroit River: Perch have been caught near the mouth, off Gibraltar and the border waters off Sugar Island. Anglers are not getting as many fish however some are measuring 12 to 14 inches.

Lake St. Clair: While ice fishing is not an option at this time, boat anglers are still heading out for perch. Muskie season closed on December 15th. The docks at the DNR boat launch have been removed. Those planning to launch boats will most likely need waders.

Saginaw Bay: Is producing a good number of walleye for boat anglers. Those fishing close to shore caught some perch.

Saginaw River: Walleye are being caught from the mouth all the way up to Wicks Park. Some are drifting shiner minnows while others are using Hot-n-Tots.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Pier and surf anglers are getting some steelhead along with the occasional whitefish.

St. Joseph River: Should have some fresh steelhead for the taking.

Kalamazoo River: Boat and shore anglers have caught steelhead below the Allegan Dam. They are using spawn or Hot-n-Tots. A few walleye were also caught.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers are catching steelhead along with a few brown trout or whitefish. Those surfcasting are taking fish when floating spawn bags.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Fresh steelhead were caught on size 6 or 8 jigs tipped with wigglers and wax worms or spawn bags. Boat anglers are dropping Hot-n-Tots over the side and then putting a spawn bag on the bottom. Walleye and steelhead have been caught behind the Post Office, off Pearl Street and the walk bridge. Walleye anglers have done well with bucktail jigs and shiner minnows under a bobber. Those fishing off the bridges for walleye are drifting shiners. Pike fishing has been good downtown. Most are using chubs, shiners or body baits. For crappie and bluegill, try Riverside Park or Millennium Park.

Grand River at Lansing: Catch rates were hit-or-miss at the North Lansing Dam. Some channel catfish along with a few small flatheads were caught by those fishing minnows above the Moore’s Park Dam. Good pike action at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. Some are using spinners but more fish were caught on golden shiners.

Morrison Lake: Is producing perch and crappie for those using minnows.

Reeds Lake: Was producing bluegill and crappie.

Muskegon River: Is fishable. Steelhead are still being caught as more move up into the river system.

We have Ice but not safe yet

bucs2-76

Many lakes are froze with a few getting on Houghton Lake on East Bay off of Harvey’s. THere is no safe ice but a couple cold nights and ice fishing will be kicking off. Lake City, Cadillac, Gaylord, St. Helen, and Houghton Lake will be the first lakes we will be out on.

Pentwater they are getting out in boats and off the docks catching perch, reports are lots of perch but sorting to get a nice mess, guys using bigger minnows are catching bigger perch

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Some Lake have went over and next cold spell we will be ice fishing

Betsie River: Should have good steelhead fishing this week.

Manistee River: Is producing more steelhead and should continue through the week. Chrome colored fish are being caught mainly on streamers in both the Little Manistee and the Big Manistee Rivers. Anglers are reminded that the Little Manistee River closes to fishing on December 31st and will reopen on April 1st.

Pere Marquette River: Has good steelhead fishing for those drifting eggs, nymphs or streamers. A few were hitting on spawn but most were taken by those fly fishing.

Pentwater: Pier anglers were catching some whitefish and perch.

Long Lake by Traverse City has been good for perch in boats but most are waiting for ice

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Oscoda: Pier anglers are still taking steelhead as the fish continue to move in and out of the river system.

Au Sable River: Is producing the occasional steelhead.

Higgins Lake: Has no anglers and no ice.

Houghton Lake: Ice has started to form this week however there is no safe ice.

Au Gres River: Anglers are catching perch down near the mouth. Most are using perch rigs with minnows or small jigs.

Black Bass Bay on Grand Lake has ice a a few were getting out yesterday but ice is not safe

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Marquette: A few whitefish were caught off the lower harbor breakwall.

Munoskegon Bay a few are getting out but ice is not safe yet

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Is producing walleye in Brest Bay. Anglers are trolling body baits. Those casting off Sterling State Park have caught walleye off the rocks. Bluegills were caught in the Metro Park Marina.

Huron River: Is producing the occasional steelhead. Catch rates will improve once the water levels come up.

Detroit River: Has good muskie fishing. Perch are being caught in the marina at Grosse Ile and off the south end of the Cross Dike.

Lake St. Clair: The die-hard boat anglers are still out chasing muskie. Catch rates have been good and should continue until the season closes on Saturday, December 15th. Perch have been caught in the canals and marinas however most of these locations are private and hard to gain access without a boat.

Saginaw Bay: Has good walleye fishing off Linwood. Boat anglers are using Hot-n-Tots, husky jerks and reef runners.

Saginaw River: We have reports of walleye being caught by boat and shore anglers up near Wicks Park.

Tittabawassee River: Boat anglers caught walleye between Midland and Saginaw.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph River: Should still have some good steelhead fishing this week. The better spots to target are Berrien Springs, Buchanan or Niles.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead season continues with fish caught by boat and shore anglers. Some are using jigs with wax worms. Natural colors such as dark tan or black seem to be working better than bright colors. Anglers are casting rapalas or Hot-n-Tots. Boat anglers are bouncing spawn bags.

Grand River at Lansing: Walleye and pike have been caught on spoons or minnows at the Moore’s Park Dam. Bass and walleye were caught at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge and near Lyons. Anglers were using minnows and crawlers.

Looking Glass River: Continues to produce pike.

Muskegon River: Steelhead are being caught but catch rates were still hit-or-miss.

Ice Report

bucs2-21

I called around today and had no reports of ice yet, Dan’s Resort in Pickford thought maybe this weekend they might get out on Munuscong bay as tonight they will get down to single digits. Think Ice!!!!!!!!!!

Fishing Report 12/6/12 (Waiting for Ice fishing)

Steelhead fisherman have been doing fair on waxworms, wigglers and spawn. Two year cohos have been biting below Tippy Dam. Very few fishing inland lakes but those that venture out have been catching fish. We had ice on many lakes but warm weekend with rain took out the ice.

Warmer temperatures had bluegill and crappie biting in the inland lakes as well as the rivers, mainly the backwaters. The pike and bass have been aggressive as well. Rain did help to push more steelhead into the river systems. Walleye are also being caught.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rain took out what little ice was starting to form so we are back to fall fishing.

Boardman River: Continues to produce steelhead for those using spawn and wax worms.

Long Lake: Has reports of anglers out targeting perch and walleye.

Betsie River: Should have more steelhead after the rain. Try fishing between the mouth and the Homestead Dam.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead on the right day depending on wind direction and speed.

Manistee River: Recent rain may have pushed more steelhead up into the river. Look for chrome colored fish between the mouth and Tippy Dam. While some are floating spawn others are fly fishing.

Ludington: Pier and surf anglers are catching steelhead. Try spawn, wax worms or body baits in the early morning or evening.

Pere Marquette River: May also have more steelhead that moved up into the river. Try floating spawn under a bobber or drifting egg flies.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Alpena: Boat anglers are still taking whitefish in Thunder Bay however the peak of the action will soon be coming to an end.

Thunder Bay River: Shore anglers are catching the occasional steelhead or brown trout. Whitefish were still being caught up near the dam. Small perch were also reported down near the mouth.

Oscoda: Is producing steelhead and some whitefish for pier anglers.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are moving in and out of the river. Most of the fish caught were taken at Foot Dam and the mouth. Not many anglers have been fishing the holes between the dam and the mouth so it is hard to judge the number of fish in the river. Spawn seems to be working the best, but wax worms and body baits have also done well. The whitefish have slowed but those targeting them think they will still be coming in over the next few weeks.

Tawas: Is still producing some whitefish and the occasional perch.

Au Gres River: Was producing some nice perch for those using minnows near the launch site at the mouth. Those fishing the channels have caught bluegills.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay de Noc: Both day and night anglers are catching walleye especially around the Second and Third Reefs. While some are trolling stick baits or thundersticks, others are jigging minnows and wax worms. Green, orange and silver are good color.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Some are catching perch in Brest Bay while others are shore fishing at the Metro Park Marina. Walleye action was slow.

Huron River: Is producing steelhead near Huroc Park. Those fishing the backwaters have caught bluegill and crappie when using jigs with wax worms.

Detroit River: Had fair to good perch fishing at the Cross Dike, Hole-in-the-Wall and in the canals near Gibraltar. Most are using minnows.

Lake St. Clair: While most anglers have put their boats away for the winter, those still heading out reported good perch and muskie fishing.

Saginaw Bay: Word has it walleye are still being caught between Linwood and Pinconning. This is the time for shore anglers to target perch before ice-up. Good spots to try are the marinas at Linwood Beach, Sunset Bay and Bayshore. The better fishing is usually in the morning.

Kawkawlin River: Is producing some perch in the lower river.

Saginaw River: Perch can usually be found in the lower river between the Independence Bridge and the mouth. Look for walleye near the bridge as well.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Kalamazoo River: Continues to produce steelhead from the mouth to the Allegan Dam. Try floating spawn or casting spoons, and plugs. Walleye are also being caught up near the dam.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is producing steelhead behind the Post Office and off the wall. Anglers are using white jigs with wax worms. Those fishing near Fulton Street did well when back bouncing spawn bags. Fish have been caught throughout the river by those casting plugs, rapalas or Hot-n-Tots. Bluegill and crappie were caught in the backwaters.

Grand River at Lansing: Water levels are still low so not many steelhead have made it up this far. A couple fish were caught at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge however the bigger story there is the great pike action for those using shiners. Walleye were hitting on shiners at Moore’s Park. Pike and smallmouth bass have been caught below the North Lansing Dam on anything that shines like rapalas or spinners. Those using a white rapala have also caught fish.

Looking Glass River: Has good pike action right along with some nice crappie being caught in the deeper water.

Reeds Lake: Is producing bluegill and crappie.

Muskegon River: Water levels were up a bit after the rain so a few more steelhead moved up. Catch rates are still spotty however fish are being caught. Try a white jig with wax worms or floating spawn.