This below zero weather has shut down fishing but the fish have started to bite in many places so hopefully they will continue with warmer weather. It has been really bad this week but a warm up tomorrow should help. It is really slow around Northern Michigan as lakes have too much snow also have an extension on your power auger as ice is 36″ to 45″ on many lakes
The 2014 Fishing Licenses went on sale March 1st. This gives anglers one month to purchase their new license before they are required on April 1st. The 2014 Fishing Guides will be available at all license vendors so be sure to ask for your copy!
Ice fishing activity is down. It seems many are getting tired of the extreme cold, deep snow, difficult travel conditions, and trying to drill holes through excessive ice.
Around Manistee Lake by Manistee this week walleye have been biting
Phil fortin 9.76lb 30in manistee lake 1st place osborns walleye
Manistee lake Also and walleye master john caught these. Call Dewey@ Don’s Sport Shop 231-723-5028 for latest info on Maistee Lake
Grand Traverse Bays are still good for whitefish and lake trout, and a few perch off of dock rd. on east bay.
Saginaw Bay: Morning fishing was slow for walleye but the evening bite was pretty good. Anglers can see the fish in the morning but they would not bite. Catch rates picked up considerably between late afternoon and dark especially in 18 to 20 feet near the Black Hole, 15 to 23 feet off Linwood and 3.5 miles north of Spoils Island. A couple perch were caught near the first pressure crack off the Bay City State Park. The Hot Pond and Vanderbilt Park were slow. Walleye were caught in 20 feet of water off the end of Callahan Road but that is a long way out! Those fishing off Thomas Road caught a few walleye from the Slot. Bluegills and crappie were caught in the marina at Sebewaing. Those fishing the river and marina at Caseville caught a few small perch.
Saginaw River: Fishing was generally slow from Wickes Park north through Saginaw, around the Zilwaukee Bridge, and the Middle Grounds at the south end of Bay City. Anglers say the fish are there but they are not biting. A couple walleye were caught after dark at the Middle Grounds, below the Independence Bridge and downstream of the U.S.S. Edson. Some perch were caught off the cement plant at Essexville. Try perch rigs and minnows.
Northwestern Michigan
East and West Grand Traverse Bay are still good for whitefish and lake trout, and a few perch off of dock rd. on east bay. The East Bay is producing lake trout. The numbers are good but the fish were on the small side. Anglers are jigging glow pimples in 120 to 140 feet. Yuba was producing some good catches. In the West Bay, good numbers of some nice lake trout and burbot were caught. Some reported 10 pound lake trout and burbot over 8 pounds caught near Lee’s Point in 135 to 165 feet of water when jigging glows.
Green Lake: In Grand Traverse County is producing some smelt and big pike. Smelt have been slow with the arctic front. red spikes, white spikes, waxworms with a hali jig have been the best bet. Ice is good at both landing with many shanties out off the south access .
Skegemog- Perch are biting when the wind not blowing 100 miles a hour also pike have been biting Call Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892
Torch Lake: Is producing a limited number of whitefish. Atlantic salmon and lake trout have also been caught. Call Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892
Fife Lake- Fishing has been slow but some gills and perch have been biting Lakeside Party @ 231-879-3341 for latest info
Lake Missaukee- Is producing a few perch and crappie. The better fishing is usually along the weed beds on the west side of the lake with a minnow or spike. Pike have started to bite Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440. Also they are having Miller’s Corner 3rd Annual Fishing Tournament go to there facebook page miller’s bait
Crystal Lake: Lobb road has been ok for smelt and perch has excellent smelt fishing at night in 45 to 50 feet of water. Use Hali jigs with wax worms. Look for perch along the weeds in 25 to 35 feet of water. Try tear drops tipped with a minnow or spike.
Lake Cadillac: A couple nice crappie were caught however this was the exception, and not the rule. A fair to good number of walleye have been caught by those using tip-ups with minnows for pike. Call Pilgrim Village 231-775-5412 latest info
Lake Mitchell: Continues to produce some walleye, pike and crappie. Catch rates for bluegill and perch were hit-or-miss. The better fishing seems to be early evening and night. Try Big Cove for pike, crappie and bluegills. Call Pilgrim Village 231-775-5412 latest info
Portage Lake: Ice anglers are catching perch and pike. The better perch fishing is usually in 6 to 18 feet of water along the south end between the two camps. Perch and Ciscoes have been biting the last two days Call Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775 for latest fishing report. Also Don’s Sporting Goods@ 231-723-5028
Pentwater- Has been slow this week call Pentwater Angler for latest info@ 231-869-1055
Manistee River: Is pretty much locked up with ice from High Bridge down. A couple steelhead were caught at Tippy Dam. Call Pappy’s Bait for latest info on Tippy Dam@ 231-848-4091
Hamlin Lake: Was producing some bluegills, crappie and walleye. Early morning or late evening was best. Try 10 to 18 feet along the weed beds with Hali jigs and small spoons with wax worms or cut bait such as the head of a minnow. Hamlin Grocery@(231) 843-2058 and Capt. Chucks @ (231) 843-4458
Pere Marquette River: Has steelhead. Those wading have caught steelhead and the occasional brown trout.
Pere Marquette Lake: The fishing has picked up the last two days with nice perch being caught.The U.S. Coast Guard is warning anglers and other recreational users to use extreme caution due to ice breaking operations. They will be making two trips and stopping at Ludington’s Occidental Chemical Facility. Officials say ice fishermen should remove their ice shanties and equipment from these areas. Recreational users should plan their activities carefully and avoid the shipping channels. Capt. Chucks @ (231) 843-4458 for latest info.
Long Lake, Lake Leelanau has started to pick up this week with walleye and perch as lake is in better shape.
Big Glen a few perch have been caught but little glen has been slow .
Duck Lake by Interlochen Slow this week too much snow
Lake Bellaire has been fair for walleye and pike.
Northeast Michigan
Black Lake: Pike and walleye have been spotty this week Call Parrots Outpost for the latest ice conditions (989) 733-2472
Mullet Lake- Is producing perch for those using minnows and waxworms call Mullet Lake Party store@ (231) 627-4644 or Topinabee Market@ 231-238-9578
Burt Lake: Slow on walleye and perch.. 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 very Slow
Fletchers Pond: Was producing a few crappie for those using minnows, wax worms or spikes. A few pike were taken on tip-ups. Fishing should get better this week call Wild Bills Bait and Tackle@ (989) 742-4874
Otsego Lake- Fishing has been slow on Otsego Perch fishing has been fair on Bradford, chub Lake trout fishing has been good. The sturgeon have been slow but a 65″ did get caught this week this week Call Northern Sports@ 987-448-2014 for latest info
Higgins Lake- NO SMELT! Lake trout are being caught on greys. Perch anglers were starting to catch a few bigger ones in 8 to 12 feet of water on the east side of the lake off Maple Hurst Road and Flag Point. Perch were caught south of the Sunken Island by those using minnows, spikes and wax worms. Rainbow trout can be found in the shallows off Big Creek and the Conference Center. Most are using blues. Perch were caught near Big Creek, Treasure Island, or B & B Marina. On the south end of the lake, perch were caught off Sunken Island. A few pike were taken on tip-ups and large minnows. Those spearing were seeing smaller pike. Kelly Beach on the south-end has been great for perch and today they were biting..
.Call Erik@ Silver Dollar Express (989) 821-6227 or Dave@Sports Barn 989-821-9511 for latest fishing info.
Houghton Lake- Catch rates for bluegill should pick up with the warmer weather. Walleye anglers were doing well also some jumbo perch. Try along the weed beds in 10 feet or more for walleye. Middle Grounds has been good for walleye as I saw a limit catch from this week at Pappa’s Bait
Angelo’s Party Store has shanties call for the latest info@ 989-202-4422
Dave at Four Season Party Store has his shanties out and they were catching fish call Dave @989-422-5230
Lyman’s Shanty rental @ 989-422-3231 says pike walleye and perch have been fair with a walleye once in a while just before dark.
Korbinski’s Shanty Rental call Rod@ 989-366-9500
Pappa’s Bait reporting walleye fishing off the middle grounds on Houghton Lake he also some pike and perch. 989-429-5780
Hubbard Lake: has been steady.
Lake Margrethe: Is producing some walleye, perch and pike. Above a huge muskie 50 inches was taken there Wednesday. Call Skips Sport@ 989-348-7111 for latest info
Wixom Lake has been slow for gills, pike and crappie but warm weather got some water flowing so things should pick-up Crappie fishing should get better with the warm-up Gladwin County. Be sure to stop at Sandys Market or Big R’s to get your bait! call Joe (989) 435-9688
Sanford Lake has been fair call Sanford Sport for info on Wixom and Sanford @ 989-687.5161
Secord Lake has been fair for panfish. Sandy’s Market call Joe (989) 435-9688
Wiggins and Sugar Springs have been good for pike and panfish. Call Chappel Dam Grocery @
(989) 426-7503 or check out their facebook page
Lake St. Helen: Catch rates are slow this week. For pike, try tip-ups with large minnows. Anglers will find crappie in waters 8 feet or deeper. They were hitting on small minnows and wax worms. The lake is producing a few perch ranging 10 to 12 inches but no big numbers. Most anglers are fishing First Lake especially the north and northwest side as well as off the boat launch. Call Dave @ Malcomb’s 989-389-2100 for latest info.
Around Baldwin a few pike and gills being caught but ice conditions are good.
Hesperia reports good pike fishing and a few gills but lakes still have lots of snow.
Cedar Lake: About five miles north of Oscoda is providing a fair to good number of perch, bluegill, crappie and walleye.
Clear Lake: In Montmorency County is producing splake though most are sub-legal.
Au Sable River: Has yet again unstable river flow below Foote Dam. Extremely cold weather causes the river above the Alcona Impoundment to turn to slush, create anchor ice and finally ice dams that create large changes in downstream flows. These conditions can make it very difficult for fishing or floating below Foote Dam.
Van Etten Lake: Ice conditions remain good. Access sites at the park and Air Force Beach are clear of snow. Perch, bluegill and crappie were caught in good numbers.
Tawas: Fishing was slow on the bay. Perch anglers inside the harbor are getting a few. Walleye anglers were marking and seeing fish but they would not bite.
Au Gres: Had slow fishing. At Palmer Road, walleye anglers were going out about four miles and fishing in the evening. Fishing pressure was light as most were heading down to Linwood.
Upper Peninsula Fishing Report
Inland lakes in Delta, Alger and Schoolcraft Counties have been slow with thick ice and deep snow deterring most anglers from even trying. Au Train Lake was producing a few perch and pike.
Keweenaw Bay: Bitter cold temperatures are keeping most anglers at home. Those brave enough to head out said the bite was very slow.
Munising: A hard top crust in the bay makes for easier walking. Anglers are targeting splake, whitefish and coho. Try 60 to 70 feet when bouncing an egg off the bottom. Many were small but keepers were reported. The bigger splake and a couple 15 inch coho were caught off Sand Point. Smelt are being marked but none were caught. Catch rates were spotty in Trout Bay however anglers did manage to catch coho, lake trout and steelhead.
Menominee River: Still has unsafe ice from where the ice breaker went upstream to Marinette. Those fishing at the Menikaunee launch caught small yellow perch when jigging wax worms. The bite was still slow for northern pike. Anglers can see them with cameras but the bite is not there. Those jigging for walleye through the ice at the dam caught a few fish. They are using a piece of minnow or wax worms.
Little Bay De Noc: Many anglers have installed extensions on their augers because the ice is so thick. Travel conditions improved and more anglers were targeting walleye. Catch rates were fair between Gladstone and Garth Point. At the head of the bay, most used tip-ups with sucker minnows in 8 to 20 feet. Those fishing the Second and Third Reefs were jigging rapalas or using tip-ups in 18 to 30 feet and those at Gladstone were jigging rapalas in 28 to 32 feet. Catch rates were best at dusk. For whitefish, catch rates were fair in 30 to 35 feet at Gladstone or 75 to 85 feet at Sand Point. Perch reports were down but a few were taken on minnows and wigglers in 19 to 30 feet along the Second Reef.
Munuscong: Has excellent ice however catch rates remain slow in Raber Bay. Dan’s Resort Says I know its cold, and you are sick of the cold weather, but there is still lots of fishing left. When its 95 degrees this summer you’ll be wishing you were ice fishing. Lots of snow on the ice, mostly sleds going out. fish on!
Dan’s Resort
Phone (906) 647-8753
Email dansresort@gmail.com
Website http://www.dans-resort.com
Cedarville and Hessel: Those fishing Government Bay at Cedarville or Wilderness Bay at Hessel are seeing perch but very few bites.
Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
Lake Erie: Anglers caught a few big perch in the Metro Park Marina. Catch rates for walleye improved some in Brest Bay. Try early morning and late evening.
Huron River: Those fishing the couple spots with open water caught steelhead. Try Labo Park or up near the dam at Flat Rock.
Wayne County: Panfish anglers are experiencing varying levels of success because of the changing weather. Most are using teardrops with wax worms or mousies.
Washtenaw County: Inland lakes are producing a light number of pike and panfish.
Detroit River: Those fishing Grosse Ile are still taking some perch in Airport Bay. A slight warm-up by the end of the week may push some bigger fish up into the canals.
Lake St. Clair: Overall perch fishing was spotty. Small perch seem abundant however bigger fish were seen but they would not bite.
St. Clair River: Has ice flows coming down. No word on fishing conditions.
Saginaw Bay: Morning fishing was slow for walleye but the evening bite was pretty good. Anglers can see the fish in the morning but they would not bite. Catch rates picked up considerably between late afternoon and dark especially in 18 to 20 feet near the Black Hole, 15 to 23 feet off Linwood and 3.5 miles north of Spoils Island. A couple perch were caught near the first pressure crack off the Bay City State Park. The Hot Pond and Vanderbilt Park were slow. Walleye were caught in 20 feet of water off the end of Callahan Road but that is a long way out! Those fishing off Thomas Road caught a few walleye from the Slot. Bluegills and crappie were caught in the marina at Sebewaing. Those fishing the river and marina at Caseville caught a few small perch.
Saginaw River: Fishing was generally slow from Wickes Park north through Saginaw, around the Zilwaukee Bridge, and the Middle Grounds at the south end of Bay City. Anglers say the fish are there but they are not biting. A couple walleye were caught after dark at the Middle Grounds, below the Independence Bridge and downstream of the U.S.S. Edson. Some perch were caught off the cement plant at Essexville. Try perch rigs and minnows.
Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
Ice fishing activity has been slow on the inland lakes. Some have caught panfish and pike but overall catch rates were down. Many lakes are running low on dissolved oxygen so fish have moved higher up in water column.
St. Joseph River: Is giving up some steelhead. Try a jig and wax worm or spawn.
Kalamazoo River: Those fishing up near the Allegan Dam caught steelhead and the occasional walleye. They are using spawn or a jig and wax worm.
Calhoun County: Catch rates were slow on the inland lakes. A few panfish were caught in Warner Lake.
Calhoun County: Catch rates were slow on the inland lakes. A few panfish were caught in Warner Lake.
Lake Macatawa: Was giving up limit catches of yellow perch. Catch rates for bluegill were slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has steelhead but no big push yet, still too cold. Those targeting walleye reported seeing more fish. Most are fishing up near the dam. Ice flows were not a problem.
Grand River at Lansing: Anglers will want to target pike at the North Lansing Dam and Moore’s Park. One steelhead was caught near the dam at Moore’s Park.
Jackson County: Fishing activity was slow.
Reeds Lake: Was producing a few more pike.
Muskegon River: Is producing some steelhead with incredible color. Most anglers are using flies or artificial bait in the deeper holes. Fish movement should improve with warmer temperatures the next couple days.