FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

JPMATLOCKA regular at Tippy Dam, JP Matlock holds a 29 1/2 inch

steelhead he recently caught.  Nice chromer.

Easter has passed and some are still ice fishing.  Last year at this time many had made several trips in their boats.

The lakes look empty.  Currently expect 16 inches and more.  However, the shore lines show evidence of rotting.  Great things are suppose to happen at last ice.  So far the crappie and gills have been spotty.  One day we do well, the next only a few.  You just have to be there.  On the catching days, it seems the crappie are suspended to the top 4 feet.

Even with the remaining cold weather our safe ice fishing days are numbered.  All good things come to an end.

While the ice is declining, river fishing has caught most anglers attention.  The Manistee River has turned many anglers into River Rats.  Guys and girls both are catching steelhead fever.

The river’s cold but there’s plenty of fish.  The parking lot at Tippy Dam is starting to fill up.  Lots of stories of numbers caught, several in the 10 pound range.  As the snow thaws fishing will only get better.

You’ve been warned.  Your 2012 Fishing License expired 3/31/2012.  The 2013 licenses are the same price.
No increase.  This is the time to get a 15 percent discount if you purchase 4 or more
licenses at one time.  Some restrictions apply.

Higgins Lake Update

higgins_lake_3_16Higgins Lake is getting bad along the shoreline by Big Creek and some of the road ends. The west access site the ice has pushed up making it hard to get on the lake.

Smelt have been biting but things are winding down in a hurry with the ice getting thin along the shoreline.

 

Good ice on Houghton but the fishing was slow today.

Panfish are biting

Kirstie_bob_laker

Kirstie Kelly Wakeley and Bob Stockton with lake trout from Higgins Lake this week.

Most lakes up north still have good ice and the panfish are biting.

Lake Missaukee has a great gill bite with wigglers, waxworms, and spikes working best. Also crappie are biting

Lake Ann guys are reporting good gill bite which is rare on that lake or they keep have been keeping it a  secret the last couple years but the secret is out.

Portage Lake has been great for gills and perch wigglers are the hot bait.

Smelt and perch are biting on the north-end of Higgins Lake

Lots of guys out on Cadillac and Mitchell today.

Houghton Lake the gill bite continues with crappie and perch biting

Saginaw Bay the ditches opened and the perch bite is on.

 

Michigan Fishing Report 3/28/13

Stephanie-GramesThe weather has been great this week and lots of guys are getting out for last ice as the sun is starting to get the shore ice. Bluegill are on the bite on many lakes up north and waxworms are working best. We are getting close to last ice if temps get up in the 50’s

 

On Monday, April 1st, all anglers 17 years of age and older will be required to have a 2013 fishing license. Be sure to pick up a copy of the 2013 Fishing Guide when you purchase your license. Even though the calendar says spring, ice fishing is going strong in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. While spring is slow to arrive this year, a long, slow warm-up is better for fish production.

 

 

 

 

Northwestern Michigan

 

Leroy- Reports are guys are getting out on last ice for crappie and gills.  Call Eye’s Have It for latest info 231-768-5653

 

Baldwin- Ice fishing is winding down but gills are biting on smaller lakes.  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-  There are very few fishing as high winds and lots of snow have slowed people from going out.  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, South Lake Leelanau has a good perch bite in front of the Cedar River. 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, things have picked up this week Call Roy’s General Store @ 231-946-5633

 

Lake Ann: The gills have been biting and some are real hogs this week

 

Green Lake: is producing bluegill and a few small perch. 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:  Perch have been biting but the guys catching perch are pretty tight lipped on where.. Call MC Sports @ 231-933-6158

 

Skegemog-  Perch have been on the bite big time this week with many limit catches.Call Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892

 

Fife Lake- Real slow this week Call Lakeside Party @ 231-879-4346

 

Portage Lake- Osborn’s  says big perch are biting and in town limit catches of gills this week . Call Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775

 

Hamlin Lake- Has had a good bite this week with crappie and gills being caught in limit numbers. Call PM Expeditions@ 231-425-8913 or Hamlin Grocery@(231) 843-2058 and Capt. Chucks @ (231) 843-4458

 

Bear Lake- Has been slow Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775

 

Lake Missaukee- Fishing has been great with crappie, and gills on the bite. Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440.

 

Betsie River: Is producing a fair number of steelhead. Try flies, spawn or a wax worm in the deeper holes until it warms up.

 

Manistee River: Steelhead fishing was decent. Bright chrome fish have been caught in the deeper holes.

 

Lake Cadillac: Ice fishing continues for panfish. Bluegill and crappie are hitting on minnows, wigglers and wax worms. Try early morning or late afternoon.

 

Lake Mitchell: Still had good ice. Anglers are catching more panfish.

 

Pere Marquette River: Is producing steelhead. Try flies, spawn, wax worms, small spoons or spinners.

 

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

 

 

Crystal Lake Many are fishing off Lobb Rd. for perch, whitefish and smelt.  Whitefish in 60 feet of water with a hali jig tipped with a perch minnow or wiggler and 4lb line.

 

Northeast Michigan

 

Lewiston-  Both East and West Twin are froze and perch are biting Call Mid Lakes Market @ (989) 786-3227

 

Mio- Fishing has been fair around Mio with a few below the Dam.. Call Jig’s Bait Shop@ (989) 826-3467

 

Lake St. Helen- Fishing has been good for gills with 16 to 20 inches of ice lots with pan fish on the bite . 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. 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- Ice is getting bad but gills are biting.. Call Bill’s @989-742-4874

 

Black Lake- Has good ice with perch being caught. Call Parrots Outpost for the latest ice conditions (989) 733-2472

 

Mullet Lake– Is producing perch for those using minnows and wigglers call Mullet Lake Party store@ (231) 627-4644 or  Topinabee Market@ 231-238-9578

 

Burt Lake: Catch rates have been good onperch un Maple Bay. Call Pat & Gary’s Party Store 231-238-6776

 

Grand Lake: Was producing a few perch. Try 15 to 25 feet of water around Grand Island.

 

Long Lake: Is producing bluegill and perch. Try a teardrop with a minnow or wiggler.. Call Bucks@ 989-595-2121

 

Otsego Lake- Fishing has been fair on Otsego  Perch fishing has been fair  on Bradford, chub Lake trout fishing has been good. Call Northern Sports@ 987-448-2014

 

Lake Margrethe-  Margrethe has safe ice and things have been slow. Call Skip’s Sport @ 989-348-7111

 

Higgins Lake- Still has good ice, no slush and 4 to 5 inches of the powder snow. Lake trout can be found along the drop-off in 80 to 100 feet of water. Rainbow trout and brown trout have been caught near the creeks where the warm water comes in. Anglers have caught a 24 inch rainbow and a 27 inch brown trout. Perch fishing was slow but the bigger fish should start moving closer to shore. Try around Treasure Island in 20 to 30 feet of water or the drop-off around the Sunken Island with minnows and wigglers. Smelt fishing was good until the weather changed. Catch rates should pick back up by the weekend.Call Phoenix Park 989-821-7220 or Sports Barn 989-821-9511 for latest ice conditions

 

Houghton Lake- Ice fishing is good on the middle grounds with lots of gills being caught, but the wind has slowed the bite yesterday, but report have been good today. The ice is still good. Bluegill action has picked up with fish ranging 10 to 12 inches being caught. Most are using wigglers and wax worms in 7 to 9 feet of water out by the Middle Grounds.

 

Lyman’s @ 989-422-3231 says bluegill have been biting along with nice perch and crappie.

 

Korbinski’s call Rod@ 989-366-9500

 

Pappa’s Bait reporting great bluegill fishing off the middle grounds on Houghton Lake. 989-429-5780

 

Oscoda: Pier anglers caught steelhead on spawn, spoons, spinners or body baits.

 

Tawas: Ice anglers caught small perch near Jerry’s Marina in Tawas Bay. Those fishing inside the state harbor are getting brown trout and lake trout on tip-ups and short rods and the bigger live minnows.

 

Tawas River: Is producing some steelhead. A few fishing at the mouth were casting lakeward for walleye but the bite was slow.

 

Au Gres: Some are walleye fishing in the big water off the mouth of the river however catch rates were slow.

 

Au Gres River: Steelhead were reported in good numbers in the East Branch both upstream and at the mouth near the Singing Bridge.

 

Rifle River: Dip-netting for suckers is open at Omer but the suckers were not running yet. They should start moving in soon.

 

Pine River: Has opened up but there was no fishing activity.

 

Upper Peninsula Report

 

Keweenaw Bay: Catch rates for lake trout were spotty. Those fishing on the reefs are using lead head jigs cut bait such as smelt or suckers in 120 to 180 feet of water. Those fishing out from Whirl-I-Gig Road and Pequaming were in 240 to 275 feet of water but catch rates for coho, lake herring and whitefish were hit-or-miss. A nice lake trout measuring just over 37 inches was caught off Big Reef. Anglers say they can see clouds of smelt on the fish finders however it seems they are not feeding because catch rates were slow.

 

Falls River: Was producing a few rainbow trout.

 

Marquette: Changing wind directions have been shifting the ice so much that it is no longer safe to venture out. The Lower Harbor and breakwall were still iced in at the launch. The Upper Harbor has one launch open for boat access. Anglers did manage to catch some coho, lake herring and splake near the “Bubblers.” They were using small jigs and spinners tipped with crawlers or cut bait.

 

Carp River: Those casting from shore had no luck for coho and steelhead.

 

Chicagon Lake: Whitefish are active in 45 to 65 feet of water most mornings. Perch fishing was spotty.

 

Iron Lake: The morning bite was good for perch and bluegill. Use minnows or wax worms in 14 to 17 feet of water. Slush is making travel difficult.

 

Groveland Mine Ponds: Few anglers were out because of deep snow on the lakes. The road getting to the lakes is in poor condition because of the deep snow. Those that could make it out did catch some nice bluegills in 25 feet of water near the boat launch on South Lake. They were jigging wax worms at different depths.

 

Lake Antoine: In Dickinson County also has a good amount of ice but deep snow continues to make travel difficult. The few anglers that were out did catch a few small perch on wax worms near the middle of the lake.

 

Little Bay De Noc: Ice was holding across the Bay however large ships have been moving in and out near Escanaba. Angler participation has been low with many removing their ice shanties. All shanties must be off the water by midnight March 31st. Perch fishing was fair between the “Narrows” and the Second Reef. Some jumbo perch were caught on minnows and wigglers in 8 to 30 feet of water. Good catches of small perch were reported around Butler Island in 5 to 10 feet of water. Whitefish anglers off Sand Point were lucky to catch a couple fish in 75 to 85 feet of water when using minnows or spawn.

 

Au Train: The bay is still iced in. The Brownstone Launch still has about 3 feet of snow and wayside near the river is not plowed. The Rock River remains frozen with no flow at the spillway.

 

Au Train River: Is open near the mouth. Anglers jigging for coho had poor results.

 

Munising: Few anglers were out and few fish were caught. There continues to be about 6 to 12 inches of slushy snow on the ice and some soft spots as well. Catch rates for trout and salmon were not good and the whitefish action has slowed as well. Splake were scattered. The fish caught ranged from sub-legal to about 20 inches. Perch anglers were getting mostly 7 to 8 inch fish near Sand Point and in Murray Bay. Those jigging halfway down near Sand Point did catch a few smelt. Those trying to spear herring had poor results. Trout Bay had fishable ice. Anglers did well for coho, some herring and even a few smelt. Use caution in this area as conditions can change quickly.

 

Munuscong Bay: Catch rates were slow however those targeting perch are fishing the north end by Moon Islands in 8 to 10 feet of water. Raber Bay may also produce some fish in 10 to 15 feet of water.

 

Cedarville and Hessel: Hessel Bay is producing some nice yellow perch in 10 to 12 feet of water for those using minnows. Musky Bay, off Rice Point is producing fewer fish but those caught were good size. In Government Bay, try minnows in 20 to 27 feet of water for bigger perch.

 

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

 

Steelhead runs appear to be underway in area streams but the suckers didn’t get the memo about dip-net season opening on March 20th because no fish were in the Rifle River yet.

 

Huron River: Is producing some steelhead and the occasional sucker.

 

Detroit River: Walleye anglers are fishing the lower river including the Trenton Channel. Catch rates were slow as water temperatures are still quite cold. Perch were caught in the canals around Grosse Ile and Gibraltar.

 

Lake St. Clair: The slow start to spring has really stalled fishing. Most of the ramps are open however the Parks and Recreation Division have not yet installed the skid piers at the DNR sites. Windy conditions will have the lake stirred up for a few days. Look for catch rates to improve by the weekend.

 

Harbor Beach: The ice is not safe. The Edison Channel is all open water.

 

Saginaw Bay: Ice conditions are quickly deteriorating, but anglers staying close to shore are getting some perch. Ice fishing continued off Palmer Road however catch rates were hit-or-miss for 6 to 8 inch perch. Small bluegills, crappie and perch were caught in the basin of the Eagle Harbor Marina. Last-ice perch anglers caught fish in 5 feet of water off Newman and Newburg Roads. Average was 10 to 25 fish for those using minnows and beads. A few perch were caught off the State Park however the honeycomb ice is not encouraging. Be extremely careful. Not much going on east of Bay City as the ice is bad with lots of holes, thin spots or ice that has piled up. A few boat anglers looking for perch were going out of Quanicassee but success was spotty. Those fishing the marinas at Sebewaing, Bay Port and Caseville did manage to catch a few perch.

 

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

 

St. Joseph River: Water levels were getting back to normal. Water temperatures dropped back down to 37 degrees. Very few steelhead moved through the Berrien Springs ladder during the cold spell. Fish movement is expected to increase over the weekend with the arrival of rain and warmer weather.

 

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead fishing slowed but there are still fish to be caught.

 

Gull Lake: Still had some ice on the south end but those fishing said the bite was really slow with only a few bluegill and perch biting during the day and a few smelt at night. Extreme caution needs to be used this time of year.

 

Grand River at Grand Rapids: As water levels come down, water clarity improves. Rain and warmer temperatures by the weekend should help to move fresh fish into the river.

 

Grand River at Lansing: Steelhead are now being caught near Ionia in Prairie Creek, so they are moving this way. Those looking for bluegill or crappie might want to check out the backwaters.

 

Muskegon River: Water levels are back to normal and the clarity is nice and clear. The steelhead bite slowed with the cold weather. Look for good fishing once spring gets here and stays.

 

 

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

 

Winter isn’t ready to back down.  The first week of Spring has been nothing but snow and colder weather.  Our ice has now reached 20+ inches with more being made as you read this.

 

We have yet to experience the famous “last ice”.  For now we are still stuck in the mid winter slow period, the fish aren’t checking their calendars.  Crappie have been showing up on the east end of Lake Cadillac by the City Dock area.  We have also seen some come in off the Big Cove on the west side of Lake Mitchell.  Small plastics have been working the best tipped with a spike or a waxworm.  The bite has been light, so always be ready to set the hook.

 

SMELT – Reports of getting smelt on all the smelt lakes, Crystal, Higgins and Green.

 

The 2013 Fishing Licenses are now on sale.

 

Prices are the same as last year.  No increase, No Excuse.

 

Your 2012 Fishing License is valid until March 31, 2013.

 

STEELHEAD – Steelhead anglers are having the time of their lives on the Big Manistee.  Fish are spread throughout the river.  Some locals claim they are landing over 10 or more a day.  Flies have been working the best but don’t forget spawn and jigs.

 

 

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

bucs-18FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

Winter isn’t ready to back down.  The first week of Spring has been nothing but snow and colder weather.  Our ice has now reached 20+ inches with more being made as you read this.

We have yet to experience the famous “last ice”.  For now we are still stuck in the mid winter slow period, the fish aren’t checking their calendars.  Crappie have been showing up on the east end of Lake Cadillac by the City Dock area.  We have also seen some come in off the Big Cove on the west side of Lake Mitchell.  Small plastics have been working the best tipped with a spike or a waxworm.  The bite has been light, so always be ready to set the hook.

SMELT – Reports of getting smelt on all the smelt lakes, Crystal, Higgins and Green.

The 2013 Fishing Licenses are now on sale.

Prices are the same as last year.  No increase, No Excuse.

Your 2012 Fishing License is valid until March 31, 2013.

STEELHEAD – Steelhead anglers are having the time of their lives on the Big Manistee.  Fish are spread throughout the river.  Some locals claim they are landing over 10 or more a day.  Flies have been working the best but don’t forget spawn and jigs.

Portage Lake

DSCF9119_osbornesOsborn’s Sport reports Portage Lake was great yesterday as lots of guys were out on the lake. It was his best weekend since the contest and reports guys did good on the perch.

Ice Fishing Good Today.

bucs-30On my travels today around Traverse guys are getting out on Big Glen, Crystal and Lake Leelanau catching perch most places and whitefish on Crystal. Wigglers and minnows working best, big blues for the bigger perch.

Kalkaska the action seems to be on Skegemog with a good perch bite reported.

Grayling reports real slow out on Margrethe the last two days.

Higgins Lake the smelt are biting steady the last two days at night and during the day. The ice is in great shape with quads driving everywhere with a few trucks also. The perch have been biting off the sunken island, west rd. and off of Kelly Beach. Whitefish and Lake trout have been fair in 80 to 100 foot of water guys are catching smelt then using them on tip ups, also sandkickers have been catching whitefish, it has slowed down but today it was better.

Houghton Lake was busy with guys driving there trucks everywhere. Bluegill, crappie and perch have been biting. Guys are catching the bigger perch on big blues, crappie on minnows and wax for the gills. They are still catching huge gills but it has slowed as limit catches have been hard to come by this week. The best places seem to be the middle grounds, Muddy Bay and off the high school and Elks Club.

Lake Missaukee had a pretty good crowd today with trucks driving out from Green Rd. Gills have been biting on waxworms, crappie on minnows.

Michigan Fishing Report 3/21/13

HPIM0940With high Winds and lots of snow this week in Northern Michigan the fishing has been very slow or should I say the fish are biting but nobody is ice fishing. River fishing has been slow as the rivers are icing back up and single digit temps in the morning very few are out fishing.

 

The weather is suppose to break this weekend with great weather so get out and chase smelt, bluegill, and crappie now. Lake trout have been biting great on Higgins this week on smelt.

 

 

 

Northwestern Michigan

 

Leroy- Reports are guys are getting out on last ice for crappie and gills.  Call Eye’s Have It for latest info 231-768-5653

 

Baldwin- Ice fishing is winding down but gills are biting on smaller lakes.  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-  There are very few fishing as high winds and lots of snow have slowed people from going out.  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, South Lake Leelanau has a good perch bite in front of the Cedar River. 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: The gills have been biting on strawberry point.

 

Green Lake: is producing bluegill and a few small perch. 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:  Perch have been biting but the guys catching perch are pretty tight lipped on where.. Call MC Sports @ 231-933-6158

 

Skegemog-  Perch are still biting but  very few out this week with a foot of snow.Call Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892

 

Fife Lake- Real slow this week Call Lakeside Party @ 231-879-4346

 

Portage Lake- Osborn’s  says perch are biting but very few out trying . Call Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775

 

Hamlin Lake- Has had a good bite this week with crappie and gills being caught in limit numbers. Call PM Expeditions@ 231-425-8913 or Hamlin Grocery@(231) 843-2058 and Capt. Chucks @ (231) 843-4458

 

Bear Lake- Has been slow Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775

 

Lake Missaukee- Has been fair with crappie, and gills Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440 or Hopkins Outfitters@ 231-839-FISH (3474).

 

Betsie River: Is producing a fair number of steelhead. Try flies, spawn or a wax worm in the deeper holes until it warms up.

 

Manistee River: Steelhead fishing was decent. Bright chrome fish have been caught in the deeper holes.

 

Lake Cadillac: Ice fishing continues for panfish. Bluegill and crappie are hitting on minnows, wigglers and wax worms. Try early morning or late afternoon.

 

Lake Mitchell: Still had good ice. Anglers are catching more panfish.

 

Pere Marquette River: Is producing steelhead. Try flies, spawn, wax worms, small spoons or spinners.

 

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

 

 

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 are biting Call Mid Lakes Market @ (989) 786-3227

 

Mio- Fishing has been fair around Mio with a few below the Dam.. Call Jig’s Bait Shop@ (989) 826-3467

 

Lake St. Helen- Fishing has been good with 20 to 24 inches of ice lots with pan fish on the bite . 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. 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 good ice with perch being caught. 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: Was producing a few perch. Try 15 to 25 feet of water around Grand Island. For pike, try tip-ups in Black Bass Bay or Whiskey Bay. Call

 

Long Lake: Is producing bluegill and perch. Try a teardrop with a minnow or wiggler. Those using tip-ups with sucker minnows are taking some pike. Call Bucks@ 989-595-2121

 

Otsego Lake- Fishing has been fair on Otsego  Perch fishing has been fair  on Bradford, chub Lake trout fishing has been good. Call Northern Sports@ 987-448-2014

 

Lake Margrethe-  Margrethe has safe ice and perch and gills have been biting this week.  Call Skip’s Sport @ 989-348-7111

 

Higgins Lake- Still has good ice, no slush and 4 to 5 inches of the powder snow. Lake trout can be found along the drop-off in 80 to 100 feet of water. Rainbow trout and brown trout have been caught near the creeks where the warm water comes in. Anglers have caught a 24 inch rainbow and a 27 inch brown trout. Perch fishing was slow but the bigger fish should start moving closer to shore. Try around Treasure Island in 20 to 30 feet of water or the drop-off around the Sunken Island with minnows and wigglers. Smelt fishing was good until the weather changed. Catch rates should pick back up by the weekend.Call Phoenix Park 989-821-7220 or Sports Barn 989-821-9511 for latest ice conditions

 

Houghton Lake- Ice fishing is good on the middle grounds with lots of gills being caught, but the wind has slowed the bite yesterday, but report have been good today. The ice is still good. Bluegill action has picked up with fish ranging 10 to 12 inches being caught. Most are using wigglers and wax worms in 7 to 9 feet of water out by the Middle Grounds.

 

Lyman’s @ 989-422-3231 the bite has been good around his shanties with guys doing fair off the high school and elks club.. 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 @ 989-202-4422 ask for Lou.

 

Korbinski’s call Rod@ 989-366-9500

Pappa’s Bait reporting great bluegill fishing off the middle grounds on Houghton Lake. 989-429-5780

 

Oscoda: Those fishing off the end of the pier have caught steelhead on small spoons. Some walleye were also caught but most are targeting steelhead. If anglers are looking for walleye, be sure of the boundary cut-off between the lake and the river. Ice conditions are not safe for the most part. Shorelines are receding and pressure cracks are forming because of the strong winds.

 

Au Sable River: Even with a down turn in the weather fishing continues to get better. Steelhead were plenty between the mouth and the dam. The fish are hitting on spawn or wax worms.

 

Tawas: Ice anglers are still fishing off Jerry’s Marina. Perch and lake trout were caught in 10 to 15 feet of water. The State Harbor and marina were producing brown trout and lake trout for those using treble hooks and minnows.

 

Tawas River: Those floating spawn bags have caught steelhead.

 

Au Gres: A few walleye were caught in 4 feet of water north of the breakwall.

 

Au Gres River: Some are surfcasting for steelhead off the East Branch. Ice is a problem in the lower river.

 

Rifle River: Was high, turbid and too much ice.

 

Upper Peninsula Report

 

opper Harbor: Has no ice and no anglers.

 

Keweenaw Bay: Catch rates for coho and lake herring were poor. Lake whitefish smelt and lake trout were spotty. Anglers could be found at the Center Reef, Newton’s Reef and Big Reef in waters 80 to 260 feet deep. Try ¾ to 1 ounce jigs with smelt or cut bait such as suckers. Some are using Swedish pimples in 80 to 150 feet. Hot colors were white, orange and white, green and white or hammered brass.

 

Marquette: Was starting to produce a few coho and splake. Fishing was limited by a large area of ice. Those fishing near the “Bubblers” are using assorted jigs and spoons with spawn or cut bait. Dawn is the best time to fish. Strong winds will be shifting the ice packs this week. Most of the area still had ice with large pressure cracks near shore. Use caution. Whitefish action was slow.

 

Carp River: Anglers caught a couple steelhead. Try small orange in-line spinners, spoons or spawn. Not much open water at the mouth.

 

Groveland Mine Ponds: Travel on the lakes remains difficult. Island Lake had good bluegill action with a few nice ones in the mix. East Lake was producing some bluegills for those jigging wax worms. A few limit catches were reported.

 

Lake Antoine: Travel is difficult due to deep snow. Anglers need to use caution. There are two layers of ice after the thaw and refreeze. Some got caught up on broken ice. Bluegill and perch were in the middle of the lake but the bite was slow.

 

Little Bay De Noc: Ice remains but travel is difficult because of the snow cover. With walleye season closed, anglers are targeting perch. A few jumbo perch were caught in the Kipling Flats. Try wigglers or wax worms in 19 to 25 feet of water. Near Gladstone, try 30 feet of water. The better catches came near the Day’s River for those using large minnows in 14 feet. Those targeting whitefish off Sand Point had fair catches in 80 feet of water when using minnows or spawn. Anglers need to use caution in this area as the Coast Guard has cut shipping lanes.

 

Au Train: Few anglers fished the Bay because of limited access with ice and snow. Ice extends out past Au Train Island. The Rock River remains frozen with no water flow over the spillway. Ice is still packed in tight at the mouth. The Brownstone ramp still has a good 3 feet of snow. Those jigging for coho off the mouth of the Au Train River said catch rates were poor.

 

Munising: Was producing a few splake, smelt and coho in the waters of Lake Superior. Perch were caught in Garden Bay but fishing was slow.

 

Munuscong Bay: Still has ice however fishing was slow. Anglers will start perch fishing soon.

 

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch fishing is fair to good. Hessel Bay, Musky Bay and Government Bay were the hot spots for anglers using minnows, wigglers or wax worms in 10 feet of water.

 

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

 

Lake Erie: A few holdouts were fishing the ponds at Pointe Mouillee. A couple boats were seen out in Brest Bay but other than that, there was little activity.

 

Huron River: Is producing a few steelhead. Anglers are using small jigs in a variety of colors with spawn or wax worms.

 

Detroit River: Boat anglers are jigging minnows for walleye. Try the hot water discharge off the Trenton Edison Plant. The launch at Elizabeth Park is not open yet so most are using the Metro Park. Boat and shore anglers caught jumbo perch in the canals and marinas of Grosse Ile and Gibraltar. They are using perch rigs with shiners, a piece of crawler or leaf worm. A few pike were caught in the canals and marinas. Boat anglers need to go slow and watch for ice coming down the river.

 

Lake St. Clair: Is in between fishing seasons. There is no ice left. The boat launches were ice free however the docks were not in. Anglers will need waders if they want to launch a boat.

 

Clinton River: A few perch were starting to move into the river and the spillway. Minnows were the preferred bait.

 

Harbor Beach: A couple anglers were fishing right off the boat launch.

 

Saginaw Bay: Palmer Road had limited ice fishing in 5 feet of water. Catch rates for perch were slow. Very small perch were caught in the Eagle Bay Marina. Those fishing off Neuman Road, Townline Road and the State Park caught perch on minnows and beads in 4 to 6 feet of water. Walleye were in 7 feet. The ice in Wildfowl Bay was bad. Small perch were caught in the Sebewaing Marina and off Caseville. Most were using perch rigs with ice fishing poles.

 

Saginaw River: Not much going on since walleye season closed. Ice is still a problem along the river.

 

Quanicassee River: Boat anglers were fishing in the morning.

 

Flint River: Suckers were starting to move in before the cold weather returned.

 

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

 

There are still a few lakes providing ice fishing opportunities. Check with local bait shops for locations and use extreme caution. There have been some reports of anglers going through the ice.

 

St. Joseph River: Has decent steelhead fishing below the Berrien Springs Dam. Most anglers are back bouncing spawn. Fish were in the deeper holes. Video files from the fish cam indicate that a large push of steelhead moved through the ladder on March 10th. Fish movement has slowed with the return of the colder weather however preliminary signs suggest that there is going to be a good run.

 

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead fishing is fair to good. The bite is better on warmer days. Try spawn or wax worms under a bobber, spinners, or back trolling plugs.

 

Grand Haven: Pier anglers were catching the occasional steelhead. The activity was light and very weather dependent.

 

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Had some steelhead activity at the Sixth Street Dam. With the water clarity try using bright colored yarn and flies. Boat anglers are plugging the deeper holes with the colder weather.

 

Grand River at Lansing: Was producing a few crappie in the backwaters. The fish ladders at Lyons, Webber, Portland and Grand Ledge are open but no steelhead yet. It’s time to starting thinking catfish. Try live baits, fresh dead minnows, shrimp or small bluegills.

 

Muskegon River: Water levels are still a bit high and clarity is not so good but anglers are catching steelhead. Most are fly fishing with egg patterns. Yellow perch were caught near Davis Bridge which is on White Cloud Road, north and west of Stanwood, just off U.S. 131.

 

 

 

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.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

kykeKyke Stumbo shows the end of  the season pike he caught fishing on Lake Mitchell.  A healthy 36 incher.

 

There’s a major change in March.  Not the time change.  Not the possibility of Spring weather.  It’s the closing of the  pike and walleye season in the lower penninsula inland waters.  Most of us are having withdrawals.  What are we supposed to  until the season opens again,  the last Saurday in April, some of the better panfishing is ahead of us – and the Manistee River is starting to fill with steelhead.  We won’t be bored.

Ice conditions are still great.  Power augers are a must with 16 to 18 inches.  Because of  the law there’s no permanent shanties out there, but quads, snowmobiles and trucks, still run the lakes.

Panfishing for crappie and bluegills is picking up.  Those dark, gray days have been better than the bright ones.  Often the crapppie have been right under the ice.  They suspend so high that electronics may miss them.  On any day, the best bite seems to be that last hour into dark.

SMELT – reports are that smelt on Crystal slowed down, good lake trout, whitefish and burbot.

             – Green Lake reports of descent numbers and the Karlin Launch isn’t as crowded as it was.

The 2013 Fishing Licenses are now on sale.

Prices are the same as last year.  No increase, No Excuse.

Your 2012 Fishing License is valid until March 31, 2013.

STEELHEAD – March 23rd and 24th, a Steelhead Cllinic with be hosted by the Carl I Johnson Fishing Center.  Catch more Steelhead.  Learn about gear, techniques, and habitat.  The First Day is all in the class room.  The Second Day they take you out to the Manistee River with a DNR Interpretive Guide.  You must register prior to attending.  Seating is limited.

Steve_Karling

Steve Kailing tried fishing at the Kenwood Park area oLake Cadillac and caught his largest crappie of the year. Big ones come at the end of the season.

Ice Fishing Report for 3/15/13

dicknick_perchlaker_kristyWith high water levels in many of the river systems, boat and shore anglers need to use caution. Anglers are reminded that walleye, pike and muskie season on the Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters and the St. Mary’s River as well as the Lower Peninsula inland waters will close on March 15th at midnight.

 

The last stand tomorrow for pike and walleye, but most are chasing smelt, bluegill, and crappie now. Lake trout have been biting great on Higgins this week on smelt.

 

 

 

Northwestern Michigan

 

Leroy- Reports are guys are getting out on last ice for crappie and gills.  Call Eye’s Have It for latest info 231-768-5653

 

Baldwin- Ice fishing is winding down but gills are biting on smaller lakes.  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. The walking is easy now that the snow is off the lake. Fisherman on the north end are doing good but you need wheels as it is a long ways there but great perch bite. 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, South Lake Leelanau has a good perch bite in front of the Cedar River. 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:  The guys are hitting it hard the last two days before it closes after the 15th. Call MC Sports @ 231-933-6158

 

Skegemog- They a driving trucks out on the ice and  still good perch bite, Also Elk Lake is froze with lakers  biting. Call Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892

 

Fife Lake- A few guys getting out for perch and bluegill, also Spring Lake has picked back up for gills. 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 crappie and gills being caught in limit numbers. 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, and gills Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440 or Hopkins Outfitters@ 231-839-FISH (3474).

 

Lake Cadillac: Ice fishing continues. The bluegill and crappie bite has picked up for those using small jigs with minnows, spikes or wax worms.

 

Lake Mitchell: Still had good ice. Anglers are catching more panfish.

 

Pere Marquette River: Is producing steelhead. Try flies, spawn or wax worms.

 

Pentwater: Pentwater Lake is not safe along shore and most are waiting for it to open up for boats.  Pentwater River has been great for steelhead this weekCall Pentwater Angler for the latest info@ 231-869-5357

 

Whitehall: White lake is not safe but a good steelhead bite this week in the White River. 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 are biting Call Mid Lakes Market @ (989) 786-3227

 

Mio- Fishing has been fair around Mio with a few below the Dam.. Call Jig’s Bait Shop@ (989) 826-3467

 

Lake St. Helen- Fishing has been good with 20 to 24 inches of ice lots with pan fish on the bite . 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. 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 good ice with perch being caught. 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: Was producing a few perch. Try 15 to 25 feet of water around Grand Island. For pike, try tip-ups in Black Bass Bay or Whiskey Bay. Call

 

Long Lake: Is producing bluegill and perch. Try a teardrop with a minnow or wiggler. Those using tip-ups with sucker minnows are taking some 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-  Margrethe has safe ice and perch and gills have been biting this week.  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. Ice is good but anglers might want to bring cleats for easier travel. Smelt were caught in good numbers including some during the day. Try 20 to 40 feet of water. Catch rates for lake trout were decent with a 25 pounder taken in 30 feet of water as they are chasing the smelt. The perch have started to move in closer to shore, catch rates were better in the evening. Rainbow trout and brown trout can be found off Big Creek. They are hitting on wigglers.                                                                                                                                            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.. Call Phoenix Park 989-821-7220 or Sports Barn 989-821-9511 for latest ice conditions

 

Houghton Lake- Ice fishing is good on the middle grounds with lots of gills being caught, but the wind has slowed the bite yesterday, but report have been good today. The ice is still good. Bluegill action has picked up with fish ranging 10 to 12 inches being caught. Most are using wigglers and wax worms in 7 to 9 feet of water out by the Middle Grounds.

 

Lyman’s @ 989-422-3231 the bite has been good around his shanties with guys doing fair off the high school and elks club.. 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 @ 989-202-4422 ask for Lou.

 

Korbinski’s 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: Has open water fishing again. Steelhead were caught on spawn.

 

Au Gres River: On the East Branch, Whitney Drain and the Singing Bridge was not fishable as it was still iced over.

 

Upper Peninsula Report

 

Newberry- Has good ice on most the small lakes with pike biting fair.

 

Munuscong Bay –Dan’s Resort in Pickford reports : Perch fishing picked up with warmer weather. Walleye were caught in 10 to 20 feet of water in Raber Bay and off Rocky Point. 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.

 

Keweenaw Bay: Lake trout fishing was slow off Jentoffs, the Center Reef, Whirl-I-Gig Road and Pequaming. Those moving around in 120 to 270 feet of water did manage to catch a few. Some were caught in 100 to 150 feet of water off Newton’s Reef, Farmers Reef and Big Reef or the south end of Big Reef in 260 feet of water. Coho, lake herring and smelt were slow but should pick back up.

 

Marquette: Most of the area is covered with floating pack ice. Boats now have access from the beach. Jigging for coho was slow. A couple anglers were fishing from the coal docks in the Lower Harbor but caution needs to be used. Strong winds will cause the ice to shift.

 

Chicagon Lake: Is producing a good number of small perch. The few walleye that were caught were taken in waters 25 feet or deeper. The slushy conditions are worse than they have been all winter. Don’t drive on it if it is not plowed.

 

Iron Lake: Fishing was slow with only a few small pike and some bluegills caught. Deep snow and slush make for difficult travel.

 

Groveland Mine Ponds: Still have ice however slush is making travel more difficult. Island Lake is producing a lot of small bluegills for those jigging wax worms. Perch and crappie were also caught. West Lake was producing bluegills and perch out in the middle. Anglers on South Lake were fishing near the boat launch but catch rates were slow for perch, crappie and bluegills.

 

Lake Antoine: Still has ice but slush is making travel difficult. Both the south end and the east side of the lake have produced some perch. Many were small but anglers still managed to catch some ranging 8 to 10 inches. Bluegill fishing slowed but a few were caught in the middle. Anglers are jigging wax worms or still-fishing with tip-ups and minnows. Pike spearing was slow.

 

Little Bay De Noc: Has ice but travel has become difficult after the rain and heavy wet snow. Walleye catches were fair at best with the majority of anglers north of the “Narrows”. Most of the fish caught were females measuring 25 to 30 inches. Walleye were caught in 3 to 6 feet of water around Garth Point when using tip-ups with sucker minnows. Even though scattered catches were reported all along the reefs the overall harvest was much lower than this time last year. Perch fishing was best along the Kipling Flats and the “Narrows”. Most are jigging minnows and wigglers in 19 to 30 feet of water. At Sand Point, anglers need to use caution and watch for areas where the ice is breaking up along the pressure cracks.

 

Au Train: Still had some ice beyond Au Train Island. Anglers need to use caution as some of the ice has started to buckle. Anglers were jigging for coho off the mouth of the river but catch rates were poor. The Brownstone launch had an average of 2 or 3 feet of snow.

 

Munising: Ice conditions changed as heavy wet snow and drifts were difficult to navigate. There continues to be 6 to 12 inches of snow and slush in some areas. Anglers are widespread throughout the bay with fishable ice from the West Channel near Christmas to Sand Point. The whitefish bite was slow and the keepers were typically 9 to 14 inches. Splake were still scattered and size ranged anywhere from sub-legal to 20 inches. A few perch ranging 7 to 10 inches were caught at Sand Point. Those targeting lake trout in the West Channel reported slow catch rates. Those spearing for herring did best in the early morning. Some are picking up a few smelt. Trout Bay had fishable ice but catch rates were slow. Always use caution in this area as ice conditions can change rapidly.

 

Cedarville and Hessel: The better perch fishing was in Hessel Bay, Musky Bay and Government Bay. Try 10 feet of water with minnows, wigglers and wax worms.

 

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

 

Lake Erie: Rumor has it a few walleye were caught in Brest Bay. Perch were caught off the docks in the Metro Park Marina.

 

Huron River: Is producing steelhead between the dam and the mouth. Anglers are using small hair jigs or spawn. A couple walleye were also caught.

 

Detroit River: Anglers need to be careful and watch for ice flows. Boat anglers were catching perch up near Gibraltar and off South Gibraltar Road. Most are using perch rigs with minnows or a piece of crawler.

 

Lake St. Clair: Ice fishing here is done. Nearly all the ice is gone and ice along the shoreline is no longer safe. Boat fishing will be day-to-day until flow ice from southern Lake Huron passes through.

 

Saginaw Bay: Ice conditions on the bay and the river are deteriorating but those fishing near shore in a few locations are starting to get some nice perch. Palmer Road was producing perch in 5 to 10 feet of water and some walleye were caught in 10 to 12 feet. There was good perch fishing off White’s Beach in 6 to 8 feet and off Cody-Estey Road and Newman Road in 5 to 7 feet. Try minnows or minnow heads on small spoons. Catch rates were better during the week, too many people on the ice during the weekends. Those fishing at Bay City State Park reported seeing lots of walleye through the ice, but they did not bite. Anglers need to use extreme caution as the strong west winds have caused the sheet ice to break off and blow out about a mile offshore from the beach at the State Park. On the east side, perch were caught off Tietz Drain in 4 to 7 feet of water but the weekend crowds seem to shut fishing down. Anglers were ice fishing in the marinas at Sebewaing and Caseville but only small perch were caught. The shore ice is breaking up. Be especially cautious of the ice off Mud Creek and into Wildfowl Bay. Honeycomb ice can be found throughout the bay.

 

Saginaw River: Had lots of anglers launching at Rust Avenue and catching good numbers of walleye down as far as Zilwaukee. Most were vertical jigging with spoons or jig heads baited with minnows or Gulp baits. The ramp at Zilwaukee is ice free. Those launching have caught walleye as far down as Cass Avenue. The ice in Bay City is dangerous and should be avoided. Water levels are rising and becoming more turbid after all the rain and snow melt. Anglers are reminded that walleye, pike and muskie season closes on March 15th and will re-open on Saturday, April 27th.

 

Tittabawassee River: Has high water levels and is over the banks at Midland. The high muddy water will make fishing very difficult. Before the rain, boat anglers fishing just upstream of Gordonville Road were taking walleye on a white twister tail or a spoon. Those launching off Center Street caught walleye near the M-46 Bridge.

 

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

 

St. Joseph River: The Fish Cam at the Berrien Springs fish ladder was restarted last week. Only a few fish were moving through last week however with rain and snow melt, steelhead movement has increased. The fish ladders at Berrien Springs, Buchanan, and Niles are open.

 

Kalamazoo River: More steelhead are showing up. Try jigs with wax worms and spawn or flies under a bobber. Those fishing below the Allegan Dam have caught some walleye.

 

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has a good push of steelhead and walleye coming into the river. For steelhead, try jigs with wax worms or spawn and peach cobbler wobble glows. Those fishing off the east side boat launch are using a 6 to 8 foot leader with flies and yarn. Pink and chartreuse were good colors. Those fishing off the wall were using jigs and wax worms or wobble glows. In the lower river, boat anglers are plugging the holes or back bouncing with spawn. For walleye, try jigs and minnows, husky jerks, floating rapalas, and twister tails. Off Fulton Street, try ½ to ¾ ounce bucktail jigs with walleye minnows.

 

Grand River at Lansing: The fish ladders at Lyons, Webber, Portland and Grand Ledge are all open but no steelhead to report this far up. Those out for last minute pike fishing have done well below the dams. They are floating golden shiners under a bobber or fishing them right on the bottom. The occasional walleye was caught.

 

Red Cedar River: A small section of the river that passes through the MSU campus is now open to fishing. The downstream boundary is a fence that designates a wildlife protection area and the upper boundary is the bridge near the Sparty statue.

 

Reeds Lake: Anglers say the ice is holding. For crappie, try 15 feet down in 40 feet of water just before dark with minnows and glow lights. Bluegill and perch were in 8 to 40 feet of water. The pike action was still good.

 

Muskegon River: Water levels are up and steelhead are being caught as fresh fish move up into the river. Try jigs with wax worms or flies under a bobber.

 

White River: Is producing steelhead.

 

 

 

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.