Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!! We are Getting Real Close to Ice Fishing in Northern Michigan

Day-of-the-Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!

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I’m hearing of a few places that there is ice fishing but the ice is not safe. There is very little live bait around this week so it will be hard to find till next week, as most are not ready for this early of ice. We will have safe e ice next week and will keep you posted on where the safe ice is. Have a great Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!

.Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Thunder Bay River: Anglers are catching some perch in the river and boat harbor. No word on whitefish this week but anglers should still find some.

Oscoda: Steelhead have been caught by pier anglers floating spawn or using small spoons and body baits. The occasional walleye was caught near the mouth however it is hard to get a read on the volume of walleye that might be present because few anglers are targeting them.

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead moving in. Fish have been caught all the way up to the Whirlpool and Foote Dam. There are plenty of fish and they are good size. Boat and shore anglers are taking fish. Shore anglers are drifting or floating spawn up toward the dam.

Tawas: Those fishing off the state dock were still taking the occasional whitefish and some perch. Try teardrops with wax worms or minnows.

Au Gres River: Has steelhead. Those surfcasting near the Singing Bridge are taking a few fish on spawn or small spoons.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Not much to report this week as winter has hit full force. The inland lakes are starting to ice up however there is no safe ice yet.

Boardman River: Steelhead are still around for those seeking trout.

Betsie River: Has good steelhead fishing. Anglers are using trout beads and a single egg. The best fishing was between the Homestead Dam and US-31.

Manistee: Pier and surf anglers are taking steelhead. Some are casting small spoons and spinners while others are floating spawn.

Manistee River: Water levels were dropping and clarity was improving. Steelhead are being caught in both the Big Manistee and the Little Manistee.

Pere Marquette River: Still has a good number of steelhead and some brown trout.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay De Noc: This will be the final report for 2013. Very cold temperatures have started the ice making process. Anglers are waiting and if the cold weather persists, ice fishing will not be too far off.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Bluegills are being caught in the Metro Park Marina. For perch, try near Fermi and Stony Point.

Huron River: Continues to produce steelhead.

Detroit River: Walleye are being caught in the lower Trenton Channel. Try hand-lining with rapalas or long-lining with husky jerks. Perch anglers are targeting Rat Island, Sugar Island and Stony Point.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Had good steelhead fishing for pier and shore anglers. Whitefish are in around the piers. Try a single egg just off the bottom.

St. Joseph River: Is still producing steelhead. With the colder weather, try smaller presentations and light line. The fish ladders are now closed as movement declines significantly when the water temperature drops below 45 degrees.

South Haven: Is producing whitefish for those fishing at night. Good steelhead action for both pier anglers and those surfcasting.

Kalamazoo River: Has good steelhead fishing with fresh fish in the system.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead. Whitefish are in and around the piers. Better fishing is usually at night or early morning.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Most of the ladders along the Grand are now closed however the ladder at Sixth Street is always open. Steelhead are still being caught including some bright silver fish. Anglers will want to use smaller lures and light line especially in the colder weather.

Grand River near Lansing: The fish ladders at Portland, Grand Ledge, Lyons and the Webber Dam are now closed. They will re-open in March or when water temperatures are above 39 degrees in the spring. Lansing remains open all year.

Muskegon: Pier anglers are catching whitefish.

Muskegon River: Has good steelhead fishing with lots of fresh fish. Some are floating spawn while others are fly fishing.

Ice Fishing Tips

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Fishing is a year-round pursuit and for anglers who can’t get enough. That means a big shift in gears this time of year. There’s very little open water in Michigan in winter and if you want to get into the wet stuff, that usually means you have to cut a hole in the hard stuff first.

Ice fishing ranges from pastime to passion; for some anglers, it’s more enjoyable than fishing in the summer. And it has its advantages. Anglers who don’t have boats, for instance, can get just about anywhere on the lake when there’s a foot of ice covering it.

Ice fishermen can pursue almost every fish they chase in open-water season, with the exception of bass (the season closes Jan. 1). But pike, walleye, and all species of panfish are open and anglers can fish for trout in select waters. There are even some opportunities – sturgeon on Black Lake, for instance, that are allocated to ice anglers.

Fishermen need three basic tools to get started ice fishing: something to make a hole in the ice, something to clear the hole and keep it open, and something to fish with.

Two basic tools are used to open a hole in the ice spuds and augers. Spuds look like metal spears with chisel-like heads. Anglers use spuds to chip open a hole. Augers, on the other hand, look like cork screws with cutting blades along the edges. There are both power and hand operated augers.

A skimmer or slush scoop, which looks like a perforated ladle, is used to clean the hole and keep it open.

Anglers can use spears for some species. It’s best to spear from inside a shanty. Not only does it provide shelter, it also blocks the light, making it easier to see into the water.

Tip-Up-for-Pike-Fishing

As for fishing gear, anglers are generally limited only by their imaginations. Most popular are short rods with spinning reels, though some folks prefer simple poles with spring tension spools that are used basically as line
Starting on the ice is not expensive. The basic ice fishing equipment tools are a rod / reel combination, drill, bucket with a seat, jigs and bait. Adding portable ice fishing shelters to your gear, especially after the first few times if the decision has been made to stay in the sport.

A spinning combination with 24″ light action rod. The Frabill 24″ Ultra Light Panfish Popper Plus Ice Combo for its ease of use and spring bobber. If budget allows, purchase two combinations. The reels are ultra lights, which can also be used during open water times of the year.

Next, comes a drill. This tool is essential, and a hand model may be preferred at the beginning, mainly because of cost. If you think you’ll stick the sport,a power drill may be considered to drill your holes.

Another essential of the sport is a stool to sit on while you’re out on the ice. Frabill has a combination of bucket and seat called a Sit-N-Fish, which also has an area for bait and tackle. This multi-functional product has a padded foam snap – on seat lid and beverage holders on inner bucket lid.

When it comes to ice fishing jigs,sticking to the basics. Custom Jigs & Spins is one of the most popular and productive products in ice fishing tackle. The assortments he uses are the glow colors in the Ratso, Rat Finkee and Demon models, in sizes of 12 through 8.

Wax worms are a good all around bait, but make sure to have spikes, wigglers and perch minnows

One-man portable ice shanty is an excellent choice for any ice angler, no matter what level of experience. For a few more dollars, 2 to 3 man ice shelters can be purchased which will give room for a buddy, as well as extra equipment. More tips on choosing an ice shelter can be found here: http://www.farmandfleet.com/services/articles/article_ice_shelter.asp
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Ice fishing safety is very important, so be sure to have the proper warm clothing, including a good pair of gloves. Frostbite and hypothermia can be a serious problem for ice anglers. Wear thick gear like a Carhartt jacket and flannel lined jeans.
Another product for safety on the lake is a set of ice picks that are worn around the neck on a cord. Hopefully a person will never have to use this device, but if they fall through the ice, it is the easiest way, other than having a rope thrown out by another person, to pull out of the hole.
The U.S. Army recommends a minimum thickness of two inches of ice for a 200-pound load. Avoid areas where the ice is discolored, where vegetation or timber protrude through the ice, or where there is an inlet or outlet – moving water, from a creek or springs, can weaken ice.

Ice safety experts recommend that anglers wear a personal floatation device and carry a rope so they can reach someone in trouble without approaching them too closely. Simple ice picks can help someone who falls in gain hold on the ice to pull themselves back out.

Some anglers prefer to use tip-ups like this one. Tip-ups sit on the ice above the hole and dangle the bait in the water. They feature small reels that are submerged beneath the ice and a spring-loaded flag that’s bent down and attached to the reel. When a fish bites, the flag tips up.
Ice fishing can be fun and productive, but it isn’t worth taking unnecessary risks. Always pay attention to the direction of the wind, especially on large bodies of water, as ice can break off and drift away.

Should you fall, try not to panic. The first order of business is to get out. Always turn toward the direction you approached, where you last had good ice, and try to slide out. Once you’re back on the ice, do not try to get up until you know you are on good ice. Crawl or roll away from the hole.

As with everything, remember, safety first. Make sure the ice thickness is good (at least 3 to 4 inches). Check the ice fishing reports in your area. If possible go with a buddy, or where there is a group of other ice anglers close by. Even experienced ice fisherman can find themselves in some tricky situations if they let their guard down.

Northern Pike Ice Fishing
So you found them, huh. Well how do we catch em? The most common way to ice fish for Northern Pike is by using Tip-ups. This ice fishing contraption is simple and effective.

Tip Up for Pike Fishing
More Northern Pike have probably been caught using a plain hook and a sucker minnow on a Tip-up then any other method.

Live bait is the only good option to be used with Tip-Ups. Generally the bigger the Pike you’re after the larger the minnow you’ll want to use. Generally a 3-6 inch minnow is used in NY, but if you’re in Canada or New England a 6-8 inch minnow is more common because the Pike are usually larger. We recommend adding two brightly colored red beads to the line and leader to make it even easier for the Pike to see.

You can catch Northern Pike while ice fishing for any fish, however, because they’re known to eat almost anything. Even small jigs with meal worms may catch a Pike or two.

Michigan Fishing Report 11/22/13

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The guys that catch wild shiners (blues and greys) have the minnows in their ponds and now they are in quarantine for 30 days so they will be able to sell them just before christmas. There are very few fishing and most are waiting for hard water and it looks like with cold blast coming in we could be ice fishing in a couple weeks. Deer success has be good around Northern Michigan and many small bucks are going to have another year to get bigger.

The report is limited this week due in part to deer hunting and bad weather. Those heading out to fish the rivers and streams need to use caution and watch for unstable trees along the banks and floating debris.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Boardman River: Had good steelhead fishing all the way up to Sabin Dam. Try flies, spoons, spawn or crawlers.

Betsie River: Continues to produce a good number of steelhead.

Manistee: Pier and surf anglers continue to catch steelhead when the weather permits.

Manistee River: Has a good number of steelhead. The water is high and dark but as it comes down fishing will be good. Anglers will need to watch for debris coming down the river.

Pere Marquette River: Catch rates may slow a bit but will resume as water levels come down.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

This is the best time of year for whitefish action especially for Alpena, Oscoda and Tawas. The number of fish may be down from previous years but anglers should still find some good fishing right now.

Thunder Bay River: Is producing whitefish. Try floating a single egg or wax worm. Good catches of small perch were reported in the river and the Alpena Boat Harbor.

Oscoda: Walleye are still being caught off the pier. Best time to fish is between late evening and early morning with small spoons or body baits. No word on whitefish.

Au Sable River: The water is high and fast. Anglers need to use caution when wading or fishing off the banks. Strong winds have weakened trees along the river. Watch for broken branches or trees that could come down at any time. Steelhead fishing seems to be getting better and better. A good number of fish have been caught near the mouth however more fish are moving up into the river and were caught up near Foote Dam. Spawn, wax worms, spoons and body baits have produced fish.

Au Gres River: Has steelhead in the East Branch.

Rifle River: Also has a number of steelhead up into the river.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay De Noc: Few anglers have been out but those targeting walleye at night have caught fish from the reefs near Kipling. They are trolling stick baits in 10 to 24 feet of water at night or crawler harnesses with crawlers during the day in 18 to 30 feet. A few perch were caught on minnows in 10 to 20 feet around Butler Island. Water temperatures were holding in the low 40’s.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Strong winds have muddied up the water. The only report this week is some panfish caught in the Metro Park Marina.

Huron River: Water levels are up and steelhead are in the river. Catch rates should pick up by the end of the week.

Detroit River: Water levels are coming up but the water is muddy after all the rain and strong winds. Very few anglers have been able to get out. A few perch have been around the islands by those using minnows and wax worms.

Lake St. Clair: Strong winds have the lake stirred up and muddy. These conditions continue to make fishing a challenge.

Saginaw River: Walleye fishing slowed with the warmer weather but catch rates should pick up by the weekend. Water flow is up after all rain. Be sure to watch for floating debris.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Had good steelhead fishing for pier and shore anglers when the weather permits.

St. Joseph River: Water levels are coming up but anglers will have to watch for a lot of debris after the storm. Steelhead fishing has been good and walleye are still being caught.

South Haven: Is producing whitefish for those fishing at night. Good steelhead action for both pier anglers and those surfcasting.

Kalamazoo River: Has good steelhead fishing but anglers will need to navigate carefully and watch for floating debris.

Sautatuck: Is also producing steelhead for pier and shore anglers.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead. Whitefish are also being caught at night.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are coming up and steelhead fishing continues to be good. Anglers will need to watch for debris coming down the river.

Grand River near Lansing: Anglers are catching steelhead in Prairie Creek near Ionia and near Lyons. Try spawn, wax worm or crawlers. No word yet on steelhead in Lansing.

Muskegon: Pier anglers are catching whitefish at night when floating a single egg.

Michigan 2013 Firearm Deer Season Buck Poles

_MG_3349The 2013 Firearm Deer Season kicked off at daybreak on Friday, November 15th, and as record numbers of Michigan hunters filled the woods in search of the elusive buck, not all were impressed with the weather. Opening day was unusually warm and calm weather wise and as opinions vary on what the weather does for hunting, one thing was certain; the bucks were out there. While the huge “Trophy Buck” may not have been seen or taken, everything from spikes to ten pointers were filling up many of the traditional Buck Poles around Roscommon and Crawford Counties.

Buck Poles usually contain contests and prizes for things like, First buck on the pole, first female to hang a buck, oldest and youngest hunters and so on. Some poles add prizes for largest rack and heaviest deer. Each hunter has their own thoughts and traditions on how to call in and bag the big one and some hunters have started using non-traditional methods. Cindy Warren of Herron, Michigan stated that she finally pushed enough to get women allowed at deer camp as has taken three bucks in as many years. When asked how she did it this year, Warren Laughed and said, “I downloaded a deer call app on my phone and kept playing it over and over in the woods. I don’t know if that actually worked or not, but he walked right in on me and I dropped him.”

Malcolm’s Tackle Box in St. Helen gives straight out cash prizes for the top ten bucks. Their order was as follows, Mike Guijzala ( 8 point and $200), Gene Earl (8 point and $150), Scott Prelop (8 point and $100), Mike Zocher (8 point and $85), Steven Cameron (8 point and $75), Mike Jarosz (8 point and $65), Mark Smith (7 point and $60), Eric Wiles (6 point and $50), Cindy Warren (5 point and $40) and Mike Bednarik (4 point and $35).

Fred’s of Roscommon is always a Hot Spot in the county for their Buck Pole, this year hanging 22 on opening day. Having $1200 in cash prizes to give out this hunting season adds to the excitement and anticipation of hanging a buck on the pole. Winners at Fred’s include, Jenny Travelbee (largest rack), James Sersing (heaviest buck), Dylan Kuebler (youngest hunter), Ralph Schultz (oldest hunter), Sherrie Ciaramitaro (first woman to hang buck) and Kurt Waterman (first buck on pole).

mancelonaA grand total of 20 deer would make their way onto Mancelona’s 59th annual Buck Pole. Numbers took a slight dive in 2013, but spectators continued to flood in throughout the two-day event.Despite a lower success rate for hunters over the weekend, the Mancelona Buck Pole continued to be a big draw for spectators, many of which show up to town annually for the event.
Organizers reported that over 300 people were on hand for Saturday’s closing ceremonies. They also noted that there was a steady flow of visitors to the buck pole throughout each day.
Ron Vrandenburg was credited with having the ‘first deer hung’ this season. Colton Drew had the ‘heaviest deer’ (165 lbs.). Tim Schienke won the prize for ‘most points’ (12). Robbin Enslen claimed the ‘widest rack’ category (19 1/4″).
Jim Flynn took a $200 cash prize in the ‘lucky hunter’ drawing. Spencer Huffman and Amanda Kippe each won a youth hunter prize.

Pop-A-Top Party Shop in Houghton Lake, under new ownership is relatively new to the buck pole scene. While things seemed to be slower on the Prudenville/Houghton Lake side of Roscommon County, it did not deter those that bagged a buck from hanging it up, at least for a little bit. Taking award money at Pop-A-Top was Danielle Dowland. Dowland took honors of hanging the first buck on the pole and first female to hang a buck.

Crawford County proved itself a hunting hot spot in Northern Michigan as two buck poles were ran. Skip’s managed to see 16 bucks hanging on opening day. Winners include Sierra Schreiber (heaviest), Mallory Hatfield (youngest and first woman to hang a buck), Curly Lamotte (first buck on pole and oldest hunter) and Shane Lewis (10 point, largest rack).

This year, for their first time, the Lovell’s Home Center threw their hat into the buck pole ring and it proved to be a fantastic move as they hung a whopping 94 bucks over a two-day period. Opening day results include Brad Ochs (heaviest and biggest rack), Matt Boyd (second place), and Tyler Boyd (third place). The Home Center wanted to give a special thanks to Donna Bumgardner as they gave away three big prizes and held over 25 random drawings each day of the two-day period, giving away a total of 38 prizes each day.

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Knutson’s Buck Pole

This is the 26th year for Knutson’s Buck Pole, which will accept deer until 6 p.m. Those entered have the chance to win more than $6,000 in cash and prizes.

Hunters started rolling in steady after about 9:30 a.m. to have their deer weighed and hung on the pole. It was a little busier than Tom Knutson expected.

“I’m really happy with this start,” Knutson said. “This will really tell us what’s going on with the deer herd now and how bad of shape or not it is in.”

Knutson is referring to the effects of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, which reached a record-breaking 30 counties in the state last year. It’s spread to animals through midges and can cause severe internal bleeding or induce fevers in deer which eventually lead to death.

For Steve Lowe of Brooklyn, this year’s opening day was about the best he can remember. The 181-pound, 10-point buck he brought to Knutson’s pole is the biggest he’s ever bagged.

“It was a perfect morning,” Lowe said. “He came in with his nose to the ground about 20 yards behind a doe about 100 yards out from me. They are chasing the does like crazy right now.”

The 8-point, 136-pound buck Jenna Berry of Norvell shot through the heart from 100 yards away isn’t the first deer she’s gotten, but it is the biggest, she said.

“I was a little nervous because he was so far away,” she said. “It’s an exciting day.”

Women hunters are growing in numbers, Knutson said.

“Used to be you’d see one lady about every two years,” he said. “I bet 20 percent of the deer taken today will be by women. That’s a good deal.”

Knutson estimates there could be about 60 deer on the pole by day’s end. The largest at noon was a 192-pound, 8-point buck shot by David Lindeman Jr. of Clark Lake.

 

Almost a full buck pole at Fred's of Roscommon

Almost a full buck pole at Fred’s of Roscommon

A few bucks hanging at Malcolm's Tackle Box in St. Helen

A few bucks hanging at Malcolm’s Tackle Box in St. Helen

Skip's in Grayling seen numerous bucks opening day

Skip’s in Grayling seen numerous bucks opening day

First year buck pole at Lovell's Home Center

First year buck pole at Lovell’s Home Center

 

 

Hardy Jackson’s Big Buck

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My friend Hardy Jackson shot this awesome buck yesterday. It was shot at Campos Viejos which Hardy Owns in Rio Grande Texas.

Hardy’s father, who passed away in June, believed that results came from hard work, discipline and just plain “doing it right”. He walked the walk…and that’s what we’ve done here. We don’t do breeder deer…never have. This ranch is the culmination of 12 years of dedication and attention to detail. And this buck is the testament to it all. It may be harder, cost more, take longer to do it right…but the rewards are So much sweeter.

Michigan Firearm Fishing Report

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There are a few guys fishing steelhead with great results and perch fishing but the weather is turning bad along with fisherman’s attention turning towards Mr. Whitetail. Be safe everybody and hope you have a great hunt this week.

It is that time of year when fishing reports are harder to come by as most anglers turn their attention to deer hunting. Those heading out for the opening day of gun season are reminded to take along a fishing pole! There is no better time of year to enjoy the opportunities of “blast and cast”. Hunt during the day then target steelhead and whitefish in the evening. Already got your deer, remember late fall and early winter can offer some prime fishing on the inland lakes. You will find big perch, bluegill and crappie as well as walleye, bass and pike.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Thunder Bay River: The opening day of deer season marks what is usually the best week of whitefish action for both pier or river anglers and the whitefish are in. Target the lower river below the 9th Street Dam with ice jigs or other small tackle and wax worms. Anglers can hunt during the day and target whitefish in the evening.

Otsego Lake: Shore anglers caught a few walleye.

Oscoda: Pier anglers have caught the most steelhead. Walleye have also been caught late at night or early in the morning. Try spoons or body baits.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are moving in and out between the pier and Foote Dam. Fish are being caught all hours of the day or night. The fish are healthy and putting up a good fight. Spawn has been the most productive, but small spoons, body baits and plugs are also taking fish. The better fishing was off the pier but those moving up into the river should start to see more fish holding in the deeper holes.

Tawas: Starting with the deer opener on Friday, anglers should be able to find some good catches of whitefish. Pier anglers will want to try ice jigs with a wax worm. A good number of walleye anglers were reported.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Boardman River: Is producing steelhead between the mouth and Sabin Dam.

Betsie River: Those braving the cold have caught a good number of steelhead.

Manistee: Those steelhead fishing off the piers or while surfcasting have done well depending on the day.

Manistee River: It’s all about steelhead fishing right now. Catch rates were very good on both the Big and the Little Manistee River.

Ludington: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead. Try floating spawn or casting small spoons and spinners.

Pere Marquette River: Has fresh fish and good catch rates for steelhead.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Menominee River: With one gate open at the Hattie Street Dam, anglers were catching walleye and whitefish when using jigs with crawlers or minnows in the current. There are plenty of whitefish in the river. Those night fishing off the Cat Walk caught walleye on large rapalas and thundersticks fished in the current.

Little Bay De Noc: Water temperatures are averaging the mid to low 40’s. Most anglers are fishing north of the “Narrows”, the Kipling Flats or the Second and Third Reefs. The better walleye fishing was at night. Anglers are trolling stick baits in waters 8 to 23 feet deep. Some are still getting a few perch along the north end of Butler Island. Try still-fishing with minnows in 10 to 20 feet.

Manistique River: Does not have much in the way of salmon however steelhead are in the river.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Strong winds and gale warnings have limited the opportunities for boat anglers. Pier anglers caught a few walleye when using minnows or bombers off Luna Pier. Perch were caught by boat anglers.

Huron River: Those steelhead fishing had limited success. Quite a few gizzard shad were reported up near Huroc Park.

Detroit River: Anglers are still picking up a few walleye in the Trenton Channel. They are hand-lining or jigging. No report this week however those fishing off Horse Island last week caught a few perch.

Lake St. Clair: Windy conditions have made fishing a challenge however muskie anglers are still heading out and have caught some big fish.

St. Clair River: Walleye fishing has been very good if anglers can get out. The number of days with decent weather has been limited. Steelhead were caught by those fishing off the wall at Port Huron.

Saginaw River: Usually offers some good walleye fishing this time of year. Fish move up as far as the Tittabawassee River and beyond. Try jigs with minnows and wax worms. Boat anglers will want to try bouncing spawn off the bottom.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Pier anglers are catching steelhead and a few whitefish when the weather permits.

St. Joseph River: Flows are about normal for this time of year. Water temperatures have declined rapidly with the onset of cold weather. At Niles, the water temperature was 43 degrees. The cold weather has slowed the upstream movement of steelhead however anglers are catching some nice walleye.

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead action has slowed. Anglers will want to target the deeper holes during the cold spells.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has good steelhead fishing. Anglers are floating a jig and wax worm, bouncing spawn on the bottom, floating white flies or casting chartreuse and hot pink spinners. Walleye have been caught by those casting floating rapalas or trolling. Some caught walleye on twister tails. White and chartreuse were good colors.

Grand River at Lansing: No report on steelhead yet. Walleye were caught over by the Moore’s Park Dam. Those fishing below the dams might hook a large catfish or pike.

Muskegon River: Is producing steelhead all the way up to Newaygo and Croton Dam. With the cold weather, check the deeper holes.

Deer Hunting Checklist

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Deer Hunting Checklist will serve as a tool to help you remember important items and improve your deer hunts. Be safe, have fun, and shoot straight!

Deer Hunting Pre-Hunt to do’s

Buy License
Continue learning-articles, books, videos
Repair/Replace/Fix/Clean equipment
Sight in archery equipment or firearm
Practice shooting
Practice calling
Get permission or scout public land
Scout treestand locations
Treestands put up
Clear shooting lanes
Pre Plan-choose effective path to stand
Wash clothes
Store clothes
Organize gear
Deer Hunting Gear:

Bow/Crossbow/Firearm
Arrows
Broadheads (sharp)
Ammunition
Flashlight
Climbing Treestand
Treestand Harness
Tree steps/Ladders
Bungee cord
Ratchet strap
Weapon hoist
Bow/Equipment Hanger
Backpack
Water
Snacks
First aid kit
Cell phone (Charged)
Whistle/Signal mirror
Map
Compass/GPS (good batteries)
Knife
Flashlight/Headlamp
Folding saw
Scent masking spray
Optics
Lens Cloth
Range Finder
Wind direction finder (dental floss or powder)
Deer calls
Deer Scents
Deer decoy
Hand warmers
Deer Hunting Clothing:

Shirts
Pants
Thermal underwear
Belt
Socks
Boots
Hat (Blaze Orange or Camouflage)
Gloves
Jacket (Blaze Orange or Camouflage)
Rain Gear
Winter gear

After the Deer Harvest:

Trail tape
Pen/Pencil
String for license
Tag deer
Camera
Disposable gloves
Knife sharpener
Pelvic saw
Baby wipes
Small bag for liver and heart
Small bag for tarsal glands
Game bags
Deer drag
Deer cart

Thanks To All The Veteran’s

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Thanks To All The Veteran’s it is really appreciated by Buc’s Fishing Report and hope your fishing will be awesome in the following year

“Those Honored Dead”
“Why do you fly the flag today?”
My Grandson wants to know.
I fly it for the graveyards
Where the countless crosses grow.

I fly the flag for children
Whose fathers are a name.
A half-remembered memory
of a face within a frame.

I fly it for the families
of sons and daughters lost.
They know the price of liberty
How terrible the cost!

I fly the flag for veterans
who lost their youth in blood.
And saw their comrades slaughtered
in the carnage and the mud.

I fly it for the ones who marched
In cadence off to war
To close their eyes forever
Upon some foreign shore.

I fly the flag for grief poured out
Upon a granite wall.
The laying-on of hands that heals
The scars within us all.

I fly it for the sound of Taps—
That melancholy tune
That lays to rest those honored dead
Who always die too soon.

Copyright 1994 Marion G. Mahoney

Michigan Fishing Report for 11/7/13

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Action has been good on many lakes but no fisherman as most are in the woods or somewhere warm. Cooler temperatures and rain should push steelhead up into the rivers. Those fishing the inland lakes are finding pike, walleye, bluegills and bass. Catch rates increase during the month of November because fish go on a feeding frenzy before winter comes.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Bear River: Should have more steelhead moving up towards the dam. Try spawn, yarn, crawlers or a jig and wax worm.

Elk River: Is producing the occasional coho and some steelhead. Anglers are floating spawn or casting spoons and spinners.

Boardman River: Is producing steelhead between the mouth and Sabin Dam. Recent rain helped to bring more fish into the river system.

Frankfort: The steelhead action has been very good. Boat anglers are trolling the shoreline with orange spoons and pier anglers are using spawn.

Betsie River: Is producing a good number of steelhead.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are taking steelhead when the winds allow. Most are floating spawn or casting small spoons and spinners.

Manistee River: Rain helped to bring the water levels back up. Anglers will find a good number of steelhead in the river. Some are drifting spawn while others are casting small spoons or flies.

Ludington: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead.

Pere Marquette River: Rain has brought some fresh steelhead into the river.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Fall’s River: Is producing some steelhead. Try drifting crawlers and spawn or casting small spoons and spinners.

Cedar River: Is producing smallmouth bass for those fishing in the deep hole under the Interstate Bridge. Casting crank baits and drifting crawlers were the ticket. Those trying for trout and salmon near the first rapids had little success.

Menominee River: Those trying for trout and salmon near the rocks on the Michigan side said the bite was slow. Walleye have finally made it up into the river. Anglers were casting rapalas off the Cat Walk. Yellow perch fishing was good for shore anglers behind the City Campground and near the Mystery Ship boat launch.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye fishing picked up especially for those fishing at night. Most are trolling stick baits in 10 to 23 feet along the reefs near Kipling. Daytime anglers fished the reefs in the early morning then moved out to deeper waters while trolling stick baits or crawler harnesses in 19 to 30 feet. Perch fishing was fair for those using minnows or crawlers in 10 to 25 feet around Butler Island. The Escanaba Yacht Harbor opened up again but watch for more dredging in the future.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: Still has some fish to catch. Anglers are reporting chinook between 3 and 5 pounds and also some lake trout that must be released immediately. Fish were caught off the point south of the port in 85 to 100 feet. Anglers will also want to try north off the State Park when the weather permits. The key is to find the baitfish.

Thunder Bay River: Should have more steelhead moving into the river by the weekend.

Harrisville: Salmon were caught by those floating spawn or casting body baits. Look for steelhead to start making their way into the harbor. Try spawn, small spoons or body baits.

Oscoda: Pier anglers have caught steelhead. Walleye were caught late at night.

Au Sable River: As the salmon wind down, steelhead are hanging out around the mouth and making their way up into the river. Anglers have caught fish from the pier all the way up to the dam. Those scouting the holes can them flashing on the beds. Spawn, flies and small spinners are producing fish. There have been reports of walleye being caught late at night between the pier and the bridge. Small glow spoons or body baits worked best.

Au Gres River: Watch for steelhead to be moving up into the river. Those fishing the East Branch will want to try casting near the Singing Bridge.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Perch have been caught off Stony Point, the Fermi Plant and Rat Island, which is the smallest island off the mouth of the Huron River.

Huron River: Is producing some steelhead in the lower river.

Detroit River: Continues to produce a fair number of walleye in the lower Trenton Channel. Perch have been caught on minnows and crawlers around Sugar Island.

Lake St. Clair: Boat anglers are catching muskie when they can get out on the lake. Perch anglers were targeting the waters near the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.

Port Sanilac: Pier anglers caught a few brown trout and steelhead when casting spoons and spinners in the harbor.

Saginaw Bay: Trolling for large walleye off the mouth of the Saginaw River could be productive when the weather allows. For those looking for perch, start hitting the river mouths around the opener of deer season and keep at it until ice forms. The better fishing is usually between dawn and 11 AM.

Kawkawlin River: Anglers are just starting to target perch. Some were fishing off the bridge on State Park Drive.

Saginaw River: Had anglers fishing for perch or walleye near Veterans Park.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Pier anglers are catching some steelhead and a few whitefish.

St. Joseph River: Steelhead fishing should be good by the end of the week as rain will help bring water levels up.

Kalamazoo River: Has a fair to good number of steelhead all the way up to the Allegan Dam. Those casting spinners or flatfish have done well.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is producing a few walleye for those fishing off the wall and off the bridges. Steelhead are in the river and hitting on spawn, Hot-n-Tots or a jig and wax worm. Boat anglers were back bouncing with spawn.

Looking Glass River: Those using minnows or small bluegills caught the occasional pike off Babcock’s Landing.

Muskegon River: Water levels were up and steelhead are being caught. Try spawn, flies or flatfish.