Green Lake Smelt

smelt

Green Lake Smelt are biting on the south-end by Karlin and reports the access site was full last night. There are 2 to 8 inches so be careful where you walk and have a spud. Hali Jigs tipped with waxworms working best. No huge amounts but some caught 50 and some caught zip.

Great Perch Bite

girls_pike

A awesome perch bite on Portage and Pentwater Lake with limit catches and some jumbo’s being caught. Osborn’s and Pentwater Angler report one of the best perch bites in many years. Hamlin Lake has been great with crappie, gills and pike.

Matthew Bogart reports Long Lake by Traverse City has ice in front of the store. About 3-4 inches of clear and then another 3-4 inches of slush/white ice. It varies around though. Just went out today. Only ventured out about 100 or so yards from shore though. Doesn’t look like anyone’s gone out further.

South Lake Leelanau has a great walleye bite and many are fishing out by the RV Park and Bingham. North is not safe in the deeper water.

Skegemog has a good perch bite with the slush still a problem, but good ice.

Lake Margrethe has been fair on walleye but pike and perch have been fair.

Higgins Lake a couple guys were fishing off of big creek for rainbows, a couple guys off the west access in 4 feet of water fishing for rainbows also. The little township park on the south end had about 20 fisherman out trying there luck for pike.

Houghton Lake has a good walleye bite off the south weed bed and east bay. Some are trying to get out to the middle grounds but 12 inches of snow and slush is hampering quads and snowmobiles. Perch and pike are biting off of Lyman’s on the Lake around there shanties along with a couple walleye.

Lake Missaukee had lots of fisherman out most are reporting the slush was up but fish were biting. Casey a Miller’s Corner reports lots of guys going off of Green Road and panfish, pike are biting great

Cadillac has many guys out today on both Cadillac and Mitchell. A huge group of guys were off the causeway catching crappie and pike.

Green Lake is still not safe a few guys fishing pike in the shallow bays.

Duck Lake is not safe in most places but a few guys are fishing off of strawberry point for pike and panfish.

slush

Snow has Hampered Fishing

Tip-Up-for-Pike-Fishing

Snow has hurt most lakes in Northern Michigan as slush is making it hard to get around.

The snow over the weekend hurt the ice in many places many report the ice is 4 inches with slush most places in the snow belt. Please take a spud

Houghton Lake and Margrethe have 9 to 12 inches of ice and many are driving ATV”S out of and shanties are on the lake but there is slush on the lakes.

Higgins Lake is completely froze over but the ice is not safe but what a early start this year. I saw a shanty and two guys off the table top but the lake is not safe as snow has slowed the freezing process

A good report from Manistee Lake by Kalkaska as there is a good perch bite this week

Reports there is good ice on Skegemog and very little slush off of Baggs Rd. Perch and pike have been biting

Lake Missaukee has good ice but snow has put some slush up on the ice, there was a couple trucks driving on the ice monday

Portage Lake has been good for gills and pike. Perch are starting to bite the last cou[le days

White Lake by Whitehall has been awesome for gills this week with wax and spikes

Pentwater lake has a good pike and perch bite

Around Traverse Long Lake, Green Lake , Duck Lake have ice and guys are fishing but be careful. Shallow bays on Green Lake have produced some huge pike over the weekend

Otsego Lake has great ice but some slush with a good pike and perch bite.

Snow! Snow! and more snow! Snowmobilers and skiers are delighted. The Weatherman’s new term “Snow Showers” has left over 14″ on the level, not counting drifts. Good for them but its causing problems for ice fishermen. The amount of snow is insulating the ice. Even with cold temperatures its forming new ice much slower than you’d expect. The depth of snow is causing slush along the shore lines.

Anglers on Lake Mitchell find 5 to 8″ of clear ice. There’s slush along the shore lines and where the fishermen congegrate. The dry areas are obvious, most fish them.

Lake Cadillac requires more caution. Depending on where you are, there’s 3 to 5″s with the conditions of slush.

The smaller lakes surrounding Cadillac all have the same conditions. A few brave snowmobiles and quads run the shore lines or to and from shanties. Its sloppy but we’re catching fish.

Dress approximately and use your spuds to check your way.

Spearing Season is open and many are taking advantages of early ice.

Be more cautious of Lake Cadillac. The West side to Kenwood Park has basically the same ice as Mitchell. The East side, the last to freeze, has areas where a couple of hits with a spud go through.

Wixom Lake has good ice and a great gill and pike pike. Crappie bite has been great with slabs being caught.

Sanford Lake has been good for gills and pike by the first fill

Lake St. Helen has great ice and pike, walleye, and panfish have been biting.

Farwell area has good ice and most lakes are producing fish

Harrison Reports good ice on Budd Lake with fish biting also long lake they are fishing. Most area lakes have good ice

Around Baldwin the snow on the ice has hurt ice conditions and many lakes are not safe.

Fife Lake has a few shanties with safe ice and pike, perch, gills and walleye have been biting

Spider Lake and Arbutus Lake have good ice and fish have been biting

Lake Leelanau has ice but be careful as there is slush and thin ice, the South-end perch and walleye have been biting

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Cadillac: Ice fishing is on for the west side of the lake however the east side takes longer to freeze. Anglers need to use caution and check the ice carefully. Panfish action has been slow to get started. Those using tip-ups are getting some pike. Those jigging small spoons or rapalas are taking some walleye. Those targeting crappie have done well with wax worms or spikes.

Lake Mitchell: Those ice fishing are taking a good number of panfish. Slush is forming under the snow so anglers need to be careful. Fish have been caught in the coves and off the State Park.

Lake Missaukee: Has ice and some good action for panfish.

Manistee River: Those braving the cold have caught some nice steelhead below Tippy Dam. The lower part of the river near M-55 is iced over so anglers will have to fish further upstream.

Pere Marquette River: Fishing was a bit slower but anglers are still taking some nice steelhead and a few brown trout. Some are bottom bouncing flies or spawn while others are swinging flies.

Anglers are reminded that large and smallmouth bass season closes on all waters of the state on December 31st. If the weather holds, anglers should be ice fishing through the holiday season.

Hamlin Lake has a good Bite

chPike

Reports from Hamlin Lake that a great pike bite with some up to 35″ Good gill and crappie bite also’

Green Lake by Interlochen has produced some huge pike in the 40″ class this week from shallow water and the hole in the sandbar off little betsie river. Snow on Green Lake has made the smelt grounds unsafe from most reports.

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Portage and Pentwater Lake have a good perch bite but limit access on the lakes with lots of slush and parts still not safe

Great Holiday Weekend of Fishing

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Snow has hurt many lakes as slush came up on many lakes so we hope it freezes up over Christmas for our present form Santa Claus. Green Lake has 2 to 4 inches but all the snow made the ice scary this weekend.

Joe from Sandy’s Market on Wixom Lake has been catching limits of crappie on Wixom Lake in 24 feet of water 12 feet down.Call Joe at (989) 435-9688 for updates on Wixom Lake. Photo above was on of Joe’s crappie from wixom lake

Lake Missaukee had trucks driving on it this weekend with great gill and pike fishing. Call Miller’s Corner for the latest info on Lake Missaukee 231-839-0440

Houghton Lake was great for walleye last weekend with south weed bed, east bay, middle grounds having the best bite. Lymans has his rental shanties out and they did catch walleye around the shanties last weekend along with pike and perch.

Lake Leelanau has been good for walleye but most are fishing off the rv park with 6 inches of ice.

Long Lake has been fair for walleye but all the snow has made the lake real slouchy.

Lake St. Helen has been great for panfish , pike with a few walleye. Call Dave at Malcomb’s Tackle Box 989-389-2100

Skegemog has been fair for perch, and pike.

-FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP

Snow! Snow! and more snow! Snowmobilers and skiers are delighted. The Weatherman’s new term “Snow Showers” has left over 14″ on the level, not counting drifts. Good for them but its causing problems for ice fishermen. The amount of snow is insulating the ice. Even with cold temperatures its forming new ice much slower than you’d expect. The depth of snow is causing slush along the shore lines.

Anglers on Lake Mitchell find 5 to 8″ of clear ice. There’s slush along the shore lines and where the fishermen congegrate. The dry areas are obvious, most fish them.

Lake Cadillac requires more caution. Depending on where you are, there’s 3 to 5″s with the conditions of slush.

The smaller lakes surrounding Cadillac all have the same conditions. A few brave snowmobiles and quads run the shore lines or to and from shanties. Its sloppy but we’re catching fish.

Dress approximately and use your spuds to check your way.

Spearing Season is open and many are taking advantages of early ice.

Those registered in the Pilgrim Village Spearing Contest find the standings have been changing daily.

1st Place Ed Pascoe 33 1/2″ 7.45 lbs.
2nd Place Don Hiltz Jr. 28 1/2″ 5.02lbs.
3rd Place Gary Swiger 28 1/2″ 4.40lbs.
4th Place Dave Weronko 26 3/4″ 4.45lbs.
YOUTH DIVISION

1st Place Marcus Julie 29″ 5.31 lbs.
2nd Place Joey Brooks 27″ 4.32lbs.
OTHER

Bullhead Dave Weronko 12 1/2″ 1.0lb.

Northern Michigan Ice Fishing Report 12/19/13

Northern Michigan Ice Fishing Report 12/19/13

Andy_Lobbezoo

The snow over the weekend hurt the ice in many places many report the ice is 4 inches with slush most places in the snow belt. Please take a spud

Houghton Lake and Margrethe have 9 to 12 inches of ice and many are driving ATV”S out of and shanties are on the lake.

Higgins Lake is completely froze over but the ice is not safe but what a early start this year.

A good report from Manistee Lake by Kalkaska as there is a good perch bite this week

Reports there is good ice on Skegemog and very little slush off of Baggs Rd.

Lake Missaukee has good ice but snow has put some slush up on the ice

Portage Lake has been good for gills and pike.

White Lake by Whitehall has been awesome for gills this week with wax and spikes

Around Traverse Long Lake, Green Lake , Duck Lake have ice and guys are fishing but be careful

Otsego Lake has great ice but some slush with a good pike and perch bite.

Lake Mitchell froze before Cadillac. Expect 5/6 inches of solid, clear ice, some areas more. The first 20/25 yards from shore may be wet. Slush is forming under the snow. Past a certain point its dry. We’ve had snow showers everyday. The lakes have about 6 inches of snow with occassional drifts. Its not recommended but the ice is so solid that some are driving quads and snowmobiles to their favorite places. Fishing has started in the Big and Small Coves on the West side, Thirsty’s and behind Mitchell State Park.

Be more cautious of Lake Cadillac. The West side to Kenwood Park has basically the same ice as Mitchell. The East side, the last to freeze, has areas where a couple of hits with a spud go through.

Wixom Lake has good ice and a great gill and pike pike.

Sanford Lake has been good for gills and pike b y the first fill

Lake St. Helen has great ice and pike, walleye, and panfish have been biting.

Farwell area has good ice and most lakes are producing fish

Harrison Reports good ice on Budd Lake with fish biting also long lake they are fishing. Most area lakes have good ice

Around Baldwin the snow on the ice has hurt ice conditions and many lakes are not safe.

Fife Lake has a few shanties with safe ice and pike, perch, gills and walleye have been biting

Spider Lake and Arbutus Lake have good ice and fish have been biting

Lake Leelanau has ice but be careful as there is slush and thin ice, the South-end perch and walleye have been biting

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Cadillac: Ice fishing is on for the west side of the lake however the east side takes longer to freeze. Anglers need to use caution and check the ice carefully. Panfish action has been slow to get started. Those using tip-ups are getting some pike. Those jigging small spoons or rapalas are taking some walleye. Those targeting crappie have done well with wax worms or spikes.

Lake Mitchell: Those ice fishing are taking a good number of panfish. Slush is forming under the snow so anglers need to be careful. Fish have been caught in the coves and off the State Park.

Lake Missaukee: Has ice and some good action for panfish.

Manistee River: Those braving the cold have caught some nice steelhead below Tippy Dam. The lower part of the river near M-55 is iced over so anglers will have to fish further upstream.

Pere Marquette River: Fishing was a bit slower but anglers are still taking some nice steelhead and a few brown trout. Some are bottom bouncing flies or spawn while others are swinging flies.

Anglers are reminded that large and smallmouth bass season closes on all waters of the state on December 31st. If the weather holds, anglers should be ice fishing through the holiday season.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Ice anglers are fishing the inland lakes for bluegill, crappie, perch, walleye and pike.

Munising: The bay has ice and some are taking their shanties out. Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Grand Lake: Should have good ice but use caution.

Long Lake: Should have good ice but use caution.

Fletchers Pond: Has fair to good ice and providing some good opportunities for anglers. Those using spikes and minnows have caught bluegill and perch. A few pike were taken on tip-ups.

Hubbard Lake: Takes longer to freeze because it is much deeper. Anglers should wait a bit longer before they start to venture out.

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead. As of this report, the ramps at Rea and Whirlpool were usable but those launching are encouraged to have 4-wheel drive and some rock salt or gravel just in case. The river near Oscoda is forming ice, so floating may be limited to the upper river below Foote Dam.

Higgins Lake: Had some ice out to the drop-off but there is snow on the ice so anglers should stay off. The ice is not ready yet.

Houghton Lake: Ice continues to build thanks to artic temperatures in the region. The lake is snow covered so anglers need to use caution and watch for pressure cracks. Some are starting to take ice shanties out. Most are catching pike and a few walleye however bluegills should also be available.

Lake Margrethe: Has ice and anglers are fishing for panfish.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Cadillac: Ice fishing is on for the west side of the lake however the east side takes longer to freeze. Anglers need to use caution and check the ice carefully. Panfish action has been slow to get started. Those using tip-ups are getting some pike. Those jigging small spoons or rapalas are taking some walleye. Those targeting crappie have done well with wax worms or spikes.

Lake Mitchell: Those ice fishing are taking a good number of panfish. Slush is forming under the snow so anglers need to be careful. Fish have been caught in the coves and off the State Park.

Lake Missaukee: Has ice and some good action for panfish.

Manistee River: Those braving the cold have caught some nice steelhead below Tippy Dam. The lower part of the river near M-55 is iced over so anglers will have to fish further upstream.

Pere Marquette River: Fishing was a bit slower but anglers are still taking some nice steelhead and a few brown trout. Some are bottom bouncing flies or spawn while others are swinging flies.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Those fishing in the Metro Park Marina were catching bluegills when using small teardrops with spikes or wax worms. Anglers might want to check out the Banana Dike.

Huron River: Has some shelf ice. The river is fishable but use caution. Steelhead are still being caught. Try Hot-n-Tots or a black jig with a wax worm.

Detroit River: As of this report, anglers were fishing Airport Bay which is along the south end of Grosse Isle. Though catch rates were slow, anglers were starting to catch a few perch. Try small spoons or teardrops with minnows.

Oakland County: Has ice fishing with anglers reported on Green, Oxbow, Cass, Cooley and Long Lake. A few crappie were taken on wax worms.

Lake St. Clair: Has ice but heavy snow is not helping with the freezing process. There are numerous bad spots with thin ice and slush so ice thickness is not uniform by any means. About the only reports coming in were a few perch caught at Fair Haven.

Saginaw Bay: Ice is forming out in the bay and it seems the fish are scattered as those going out had not caught any fish.

Saginaw River: The Coast Guard is bringing an ice breaker up into the river to make way for a barge. Anglers should stay off the ice along the upper river and also in bay near the mouth until it freezes back up.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

There is some ice fishing on the small lakes, mostly in the bays, small channels or along the shoreline. Ice thickness is not uniform so anglers need to use extreme caution.

St. Joseph River: Continues to produce steelhead below Berrien Springs.

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead action was fair below the Allegan Dam. Try spoons, plugs or spawn. A few walleye have also been caught.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Continues to produce steelhead and walleye. For steelhead, try white jigs with wax worms or bright colored spawn bags. For walleye try Hot-n-Tots, husky jerks, bucktail jigs or minnows under a bobber.

Muskegon River: Continues to produce some nice steelhead. There is some shelf ice along the banks and access can be tricky as the launch sites are snow covered and slippery.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

HPIM0824

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

Last report I told you I’d see you on the ice. The ice is here!

Ice conditions: Lake Mitchell froze before Cadillac. Expect 5/6 inches of solid, clear ice, some areas more. The first 20/25 yards from shore may be wet. Slush is forming under the snow. Past a certain point its dry. We’ve had snow showers everyday. The lakes have about 6 inches of snow with occassional drifts. Its not recommended but the ice is so solid that some are driving quads and snowmobiles to their favorite places. Fishing has started in the Big and Small Coves on the West side, Thirsty’s and behind Mitchell State Park.

Be more cautious of Lake Cadillac. The West side to Kenwood Park has basically the same ice as Mitchell. The East side, the last to freeze, has areas where a couple of hits with a spud go through.

Regardless where you fish use your spud to check the ice. Don’t go helter skelter because of the cold weather.

Catching numbers of pike on both lakes. Tip-ups should be your first choice. Many jigging for walleyes with Rapalas or spoons are catching both. More then normal walleyes have been caught. Several throw backs reported in the 12 inch range from past stockings. Large and Small mouths Bass eat the same baits. Some over 20 inches have been caught.

Panfish catches have been on the slow side. No known limits of bluegills/sunfish. Its been a few here or there. Perch catches have been the same except lots of 5/6 inchers. The bright spot has been crappie. Both lakes have given up some good numbers of crappie – some 12 inch slabs. Reports of specks seem to improve daily. Soft plastics on micro jgs seem to catch larger ones whlle spikes and wax worms are more consistent.

The season has just started and we’re exploring the lakes drilling holes until we find a school of fish. Check the weed beds you found in the summer.

The Darkhouse guys are taking advantage of the early ice. The 12th Annual Pike Spearing Contest has started

Great Ice on Many Lakes

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Reports today has Lake Missaukee with 9″ of ice, Houghton Lake with 9″ inches of ice, Lake St. Helen has 7 tp 9″ of ice. Wiggins and Pratt Lake have 7 to 9″ of ice. Lake Margrethe has 9″ of ice along with Otsego Lake. Manistee Lake by Kalkaska has 7 to 9″of ice also.

The deeper lakes have just froze and will not be ready for another week. Burt is not safe and Mullet is open.

Green Lake finally went over last night and should be ok in a week. Skegemog, Long Lake, Duck lake, Cedar, Lake Leelanau will be ready next week with safe ice.

Portage lake is completely froze and some are venturing out by oneckama, but but just went over so be careful.

Cadillac and Mitchell they have been running quads and fishing has been fair.

Wixom Lake is completely froze and has safe ice except where there is strong current, the pike and gill fishing has been super this week

Lymans on the lake in Houghton Lake will have ice shanties for rent next week, Angelos Party store in Houghton Lake has his rental shanties out. Call (989) 202-4422.

Brutal Cold Weather Slows Ice Fishing

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Many lakes are froze and have good ice but nobody has been fishing as the cold temps and wind have kept most in the house.

Around Traverse City- Spider Lake, Lake Doubenet, Little Glen, Twin Lakes, Fife Lake, Turtle Lake, has good ice all the smaller lakes are froze and have good ice. Long Lake, Silver, Green Lake, Duck Lake, Lake Leelanau, Cedar Lake had open spots tuesday with all the wind that day but should go over tonight with single digit temps and no wind

Cadillac reports good ice on both Mitchell and Lake Cadillac and pike and walleye have been great, panfish has been slow but weather has stop many from sitting on a pail.

Lake Missaukee has good ice and fish have been biting but very few venturing out call Miller’s Corner for the latest info@ 231-839-0440

Kalkaska reports Manistee lake has good ice and many think Skegemog should have good ice but nobody has ventured out and reported back. Call Jacks Sport @ 231-258-8892 for the latest info

Lake Margrethe report up to 9″ as a fisherman went out when I was there and he had with his tape measure 6-9″ Call Skips @ 9789-348-7111

Otsego Lake has 7 to 9 inches of ice and there are shanties on the lake call Northern Sport or Jays Sporting Goods for the latest info. They are doing good on pike, walleye, and perch. Chubb Lake has been fair for trout and perch.

Higgins Lake had shore ice and off the table top it was froze to the island. Could go over in another week.

Bear Lake and Portage are both over and fisherman have been out with 3 to 5 inches of ice no reports yet on catches. Call Osbornes Sport 231-889-3775

Ludington’s Hamlin Lake is froze with 5″ of ice and good gill and pike fishing this week call Captain Chucks @231-843-4458for latest info

Baldwin area lakes has 3 to 6′ of ice and good gill bite this week

Houghton Lake has good ice and a few shanties are out with fair walleye and pike fishing. Call Angelo’s Part Store@989-2024422 Lymans@ 989-422-3231, Pappa’s Bait@989-429-5780, 4 season Party Store@989-422-5230

Lake St. Helen reports good ice and pike, walleye and panfish have been biting call Malcomb’s Tackle Box @989-389-2100

Good ice report in the Clare Harrison area on all the lakes

Gladwin Sugar Spring, Wiggins and Pratt have good ice and pike have been biting. Secord just went over but a few have caught some nice crappie. Wixom Lake Muddy bay has been awesome for panfish.

Sanford lake has safe ice and the first fill has been good for gills call Sanford Sport Shop @989-687-5161

Munuscong Bay has good ice but 15″ of snow put tons of slush up on the ice so nobody been out as they were getting stuck call Dan’s Resort at Pickford @ (906) 647-8753

Manistique Lake has good ice with walleye and perch biting good along with Indian Lake. call Top O lakes Sport (906) 341-5241

Around Leroy the ice is good call Ey’e Have it @ 231-768-5653

Mio Pond is froze with pike biting this week

lakecity

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Charlevoix: A few people are fishing on smaller lakes in the area.

Manistee Lake: Near Kalkaska has ice and anglers are starting to fish.

Lake Cadillac: Has ice but no reports on fishing.

Lake Mitchell: Has ice. A few walleye were caught off the State Park access site.

Lake Missaukee: Ice fishing has started but no word on ice thickness or catch rates.

Manistee River: Artic conditions have pretty much shut down the steelhead fishing. The fish are still there for those brave enough to try.

Pere Marquette River: Still has a good number of steelhead including lots of fresh fish for the taking. Cold weather has slowed angler participation but good fishing should continue through the winter. Most anglers are swinging flies or floating spawn.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay De Noc: Ice is forming along the head of the bay. Some are out fishing however anglers need to use caution as ice thickness will vary.

Manistique Lake: Ice fishing has begun and a few walleye were caught.

Munuscong Bay: Is producing some walleye.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Ice conditions are slowly improving especially on the smaller lakes. Those starting to fish have caught a fair number of walleye, pike and panfish. Be sure to check the ice before venturing out as ice thickness will vary.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are still moving into the river in good numbers. Catch rates were good between the mouth and Foote Dam. Spawn, body baits, and wax worms seem to be the most popular. Fish the deeper holes along the river bends. This fishery seems to be getting better and better, so look for an increase in fish numbers throughout the winter. As water flow goes up and down, new snags are emerging throughout the river.

Higgins Lake: Ice is trying to form but windy conditions keep blowing the ice out.

Houghton Lake: Is making ice however there are no shanties on the lake yet. Anglers are starting to fish off the north end of the East Bay.

Lake Margrethe: Has ice and rumors of anglers out fishing.

Rifle River: Is iced over but no safe ice yet.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Bluegills were caught in the Metro Park Marin but thin ice has stopped anglers from fishing.

Huron River: Is one of the better options right now as steelhead are still being caught.

Detroit River: Not much to report this week. A few boat anglers were out but cold temperatures have kept most at home.

Lake St. Clair: Cold temperatures are making ice but not a lot of safe ice yet. Some are ice fishing in the canals and marinas. They are catching bluegills, sunfish and a few perch but muddy water conditions are limiting success. A few perch were caught near Fair Haven.

Saginaw Bay: Has some ice fishing opportunities. Anglers are going out from Whites Beach and Palmer Road but catch rates were slow.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Ice is forming but there is no safe ice yet. The far west counties have about 6 to 8 inches of snow. This will make ice conditions hazardous. A few have already fallen through the ice which should be a warning to those anxious to head out.

St. Joseph River: Is producing steelhead below the Berrien Springs Dam. Try fishing the deeper holes with wigglers, flat fish or spawn.

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead fishing did slow but fish were still being caught on spawn and plugs below the Allegan Dam. Anglers reported good walleye fishing below the dam. Try crawlers or Hot-n-Tots.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead are in the river and will be wintering in the deeper holes during the cold weather. Try small white jigs with a couple wax worms or pink and chartreuse spawn bags. Walleye are hitting on husky jerks and bucktail jigs. Some are bouncing a jighead with a minnow on the bottom.

Grand River near Lansing: It sounds like steelhead are in and around the area. Anglers reported seeing a number of fish in the river and one large fish was taken near Lansing.

Muskegon River: Contains a good number of steelhead. The fish are good size and in good shape. Anglers are casting flies or floating spawn. Steelhead fishing should be good throughout the winter.

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