Fishwhisper

With 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 15^th. 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.

Bob Stockton and Kirstie Kelly Wakeley are quite the pair and fish fear them on Higgins lake and Bob is noted for one of the best fisherman on the lake. He puts his time in the lake and knows where the fish are and has a guide service on the lake. His facebook page is Bob Stockton .

 

Here are some photos of their fish and thanks to Bob And Kirstie for letting me share their images.

5 year old Rileigh Carpenter enjoyed catching her first pike.

Really she did!  Fishing on Lake Mitchell this 26 inch pike is

a MONSTER.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP

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.

Bob Stockton with a 24.5 laker out of Higgins Lake yesterday

As I was going to Baitshop to Baitshop the fishing has picked up everywhere. Big Glen is still good for perch with reports of guys fishing on the North-end in twenty five feet of water on a weed bed are slamming the perch but you need a snowmobile or quad as it is a long way from the access site.

Long Lake by Traverse has picked up with walleye biting but lots of small ones.

Crystal Lake is great for lake trout and whitefish, perch are small.

Skegemog is awesome this week with lots of perch being caught.

Green Lake is good for smelt this week

Higgins Lake has been awesome for smelt this week as hundreds have been fishing off the west access site. Hali jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes. Lake trout and whitefish are biting great also, lots of perch 7 to 9 inches no jumbo’s this week

Houghton Lake has one of the best bluegill bite in many years out in the middle ground some up to a pound. Also a great perch, pike and walleye bite this week they are driving trucks out.

Lake Missaukee has picked up this week as Casey Miller of Miller’s Corner says the walleye have picked up, but the gill bite has been great the last two days.

Wixom Lake limit catches of panfish this week and guys are driving cars on the lake

Northwestern Michigan

 

Leroy- Reports are guys are getting out and gills are biting with good pike action Call Eye’s Have It for latest info 231-768-5653

 

Baldwin- The little lakes around  Baldwin are safe and pan fish has been fair.  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. They hope the snow melts and get down to ice so thew walk out to the middle will be easy. 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 and walleye bite, South Lake Leelanau is froze with 8 to 12 inches of ice and fair walleye, perch and pike. 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:  They are fishing the whole lake with the better bite off of Cresant shores and a great perch bite.  They are catching nice perch but lots of short walleye. Call MC Sports @ 231-933-6158

 

Skegemog- They a driving trucks out on the ice and  still good perch and pike bite, Also Elk Lake is froze with lakers  biting. They have been seeing some nice muskie’s with a 54 incher being caught.  Call Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892

 

Fife Lake- Has good ice and a few big pike have been caught, along with perch.  The fishing has picked up the last twodays 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 pike, walleye crappie and gills being caught. 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, pike and gills with walleye being slow this week.15 inches of good ice with pike and gills are biting good Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440 or Hopkins Outfitters@ 231-839-FISH (3474). Also Millers Corner has a big fishing contest this weekend

 

Lake Cadillac: Is producing good numbers of crappie and pike off the boat launch on the northwest side. Those fishing at night have done well for crappie and the occasional walleye.. Call Pilgrim Village for latest info@ 231-775-5412

 

Lake MitchellIs producing bluegill and crappie along the west side of the lake. Those with tip-ups continue to take pike. Call Pilgrim Village for latest info@ 231-775-5412

 

Pentwater: Pentwater Lake is froze and the perch fishing has been ok also a few pike. The ice is breaking up in front of  Pentwater Angler and this might be the last weekend on the lake.. Call Pentwater Angler for the latest info@ 231-869-5357

 

Whitehall: White lake has ice with good pike and perch bite today. 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, pike and walleye are biting Call Mid Lakes Market @ (989) 786-3227

 

Mio- Fishing has been fair around Mio with many pike being caught.. Call Jig’s Bait Shop@ (989) 826-3467

 

Lake St. Helen- Fishing has been good with 20 to 24 inches of ice lots of pike, with pan fish on the bite with a few walleye being caught. 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 and pike. 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 12 to 20 inches of ice and a good walleye bite 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 and Long Lake- Both lakes are safe and fisherman are venturing out catching perch and 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-  The lake is completely froze with 18 to 24 inches of ice and good fish being caught. The walleye bite has been slow but perch and pike have been fair. There are quite a few shanties on the lake.  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. Has ice and snow. Use caution near Big Creek and the Conference Center. Pike are hitting on tip-ups along the drop off in 35 to 40 feet of water. Those spearing are also taking fish. 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. No big numbers of smelt yet, but the fish are there. Try down near the West Launch or Big Creek when fishing at night in 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 on Good pike, perch and walleye. Dave @ 4 season says off of long point good perch and walleye are being caught. he hurt his back so he had to take his shanties off the lake but fishing is good

 

Lyman’s has their shanties out call them for your reservations@ 989-422-3231 the bite has been good around his shanties with guys in the sleeper catching walleye at night. 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 also has shanty retail call him @ 989-202-4422 ask for Lou.

 

Korbinski’s also rents shanties and has a full line of bait and Tackle 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: Was frozen over so no early steelhead fishing just yet. Whitney Drain was frozen over.

 

Au Gres River: Some were fishing the lower river but catch rates were spotty.

 

Pine River: Is producing some small perch in the lower river.

 

Upper Peninsula Report

 

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

 

Munuscong Bay –Dan’s Resort in Pickford reports : Had good walleye and perch fishing for those jigging in the deeper water. They have there last chance walleye tournament this weekend Try off Rocky Point in 10 to 15 feet.. For perch, most are jigging or still-fishing with minnows.. 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.

 

Lake Gogebic: Had good walleye fishing with many legal size fish caught. Copper Harbor: Conditions were dangerous as the ice is breaking up.

 

Keweenaw Bay: Travel can be difficult as float ice is piled high in some areas. Lake trout were caught in 180 to 260 feet of water off Whirl-I-Gig Road, 200 to 260 feet off Pequaming and 150 to 240 feet near Big Reef. Coho and lake herring were slow off Sand Point and the L’Anse Marina. Whitefish action was slow but a few fish were caught east of the Baraga Marina in 80 to 100 feet of water.

 

Huron Bay: Lake trout action was slow. Smelt fishing on the Baraga side of the bay has continued to get better.

 

Marquette: Much of the area from the Chocolay River to the Upper Harbor is covered with floating pack ice. A few were fishing from the “Bubblers” but activity is limited due to the moving pack ice. A road near the “Bubblers” was plowed out so anglers have access. Both the Upper and the Lower Harbors were iced in past the lighthouse.

 

Chicagon Lake: Ice conditions are good but travel conditions are not. Those with motorized vehicles are getting stuck in the deep snow and slush. Perch were active and some bigger fish were caught by those jigging small spoons. A couple walleye were caught in 20 feet of water.

 

Iron Lake: Travel on the ice here is also difficult due to the snow and slush. A few crappie ranging 8 to 11 inches were caught by those jigging minnows. Catch rates for bluegill were spotty.

 

Groveland Mine Ponds: Still have ice with deep snow and slush.

 

Lake Antoine: Still has ice but the snow is deep. There are plowed roads to reach most areas of the lake. Some are getting stuck. Perch were caught on wax worms. Most of the fish were 8 to 10 inches. Those targeting other species caught a couple smallmouth bass however bass season is closed. Pike action was slow.

 

Little Bay De Noc: Travel remains difficult in some areas because of drifting snow, slush and pressure cracks. Most anglers are now in the northern end of the bay and looking for walleye. Catch rates were fair to good with the better action at night on the Center Reef and the Third Reef with tip-ups and sucker minnows in 12 to 23 feet. Good numbers of fish were marked in the north end but catch rates were fair at best. For perch, many have caught good numbers of smaller fish. Those fishing deeper in 19 to 23 feet caught a few jumbo perch near Kipling. Near Gladstone, whitefish were caught on dead minnows in 30 to 35 feet of water. Fish were also caught near Escanaba and Sand Point in 75 to 85 feet.

 

Au Train: Few anglers were out because of the pack ice. Those jigging for coho caught nothing. The mouth of the Rock River and the Au Train River were iced in.

 

Munising: Walking on the ice may be a challenge because of deep slush in some areas. The whitefish bite was slow. Splake were still scattered. Perch were still being caught near Sand Point. Those spearing reported low visibility in the water. Trout Bay did have fishable ice but catch rates coho were slow. Anglers did manage to catch a few smelt and herring.

 

Cedarville and Hessel: Good numbers of perch and pike were reported in Musky Bay, Hessel Bay and Government Bay. Try 10 feet of water with wigglers, wax worms and minnows.

 

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

 

Lake Erie: The only location for active fishing was the containment ponds at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Perch were caught for those willing to walk the two miles to get to the ice.

 

Huron River: Anglers are trying for steelhead at the Flat Rock Dam.

 

Detroit River: Angers are still taking some nice bluegill and perch in the protected areas along the shoreline. Caution needs to be used when the warm weather moves in. Those fishing in Airport Bay caught perch and the occasional pike. Pay close attention to ice conditions.

 

Lake St. Clair: With temperatures in the 40’s, ice conditions will deteriorate on a daily basis as more water opens up. This looks like the end of ice fishing season. The only thing caught was small perch.

 

Port Austin: About a third of the ice is gone so anglers are bringing their shanties in.

 

Harbor Beach: Had a couple perch anglers in the harbor but few were caught.

 

Saginaw Bay: Perch action off Palmer Road was slow. Anglers crossing the first crack did find some walleye in 10 feet of water. Perch were caught off Newman Road, Newburg Road and Townline Road in 5 to 8 feet of water. A few walleye were caught in the evening. Some nice perch and a few walleye were caught off the Bay City State Park in 5 feet of water. Fish were caught off the mouth of the Saginaw River near Spoils Island in 10 feet of water. Off Quanicassee, perch were found in 6 to 7 feet of water off Vanderbilt Park. Up near Fish Point, there is open water about two miles offshore so anglers should avoid that area. At Sebewaing, the only thing caught was small perch inside the harbor. Due to low water levels, there is almost no activity out on the bay. Those looking for crappie had to go out to Maisou Island just to find enough water under the ice to fish in. The ice was not good in Wildfowl Bay. At Caseville, most of the ice shanties have been removed from the harbor and the marina basins.

 

Saginaw River: Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution especially with the cracks and open water. The Rust Avenue Ramp is iced in. The ice through downtown Saginaw is not safe. The ice around Zilwaukee was iffy at best. Those fishing Cass Avenue caught some walleye. Further downstream, walleye and perch were caught below the Independence Bridge however there is open water and ice conditions were not consistent. Walleye and perch were caught near the mouth. Anglers were using the Patterson Road access for the lower bay and Spoils Island.

 

Tittabawassee River: A few were carrying their boats so they could access the river. There is deep snow in the parking lots and launch ramps at Gordonville Road and Center Street. Those heading up to the Dow Dam from Gordonville and downstream to the confluence with the Shiawassee off Center Street caught some nice fish and some took limit catches.

 

Shiawassee River: Is producing small bluegills and some crappie in the backwaters.

 

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

 

Ice fishing on most lakes is producing some bluegills but the bite is slow. Crappie and yellow perch fishing continues to improve. Ice conditions were fair on most of the inland lakes.

 

St. Joseph River: Steelhead and walleye action is picking up. They are catching steelhead downstream from the Berrien Springs Dam.

 

Kalamazoo River: Walleye were caught between M-89 and the Allegan Dam. Steelhead are becoming more active.

 

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has steelhead and walleye up near the dam.

 

Grand River at Lansing: Anglers are catching pike and walleye at the North Lansing Dam and the Moore’s Park Dam. Minnows and crawlers worked best.

 

Muskrat Lake: In Clinton County was good for crappie.

 

Duck Lake: In Calhoun County was producing pike, walleye and some big bluegills.

 

Jackson County: Had low angler activity but those heading out were catching panfish.

 

Muskegon Lake: Perch fishing continues. Though many are small, anglers are still taking the occasional fish measuring 10 inches. Be careful along the shoreline as the ice starts to deteriorate.

 

Muskegon River: Was producing a good number of steelhead and a couple walleye that were keepers.

 

White Lake: Is producing bluegill and sunfish.

Terry Eising (w son Evan) 38 3/4 Pike & 34 3/4- He took 1st & 2nd places in the Pike Category. Awesome fishing guys!

 

Alexis 9 5/8 Crappie, 8 1/2 Gill

 

Alman took 1st in Walleye at 25 3/4

 

 

Dan’s Resort on Munuscong Bay Last Chance Walleye Derby March 8-9th. Begins at 1am Thursday and the last weigh in at 7:30pm Saturday. First place: $400, Second place: $250, Third place: $150. Adults $15 entry, kids $5. There are many opportunities to win with the mystery weight contents, fish bowl drawings and the weekly Dan’s Resort Tourney. Tickets, minnows, and lures for sale in the shop. fish on!

 

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FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2013

The area filled another weekend with snowmobilers, skiers and ice fishermen.  Cadillac has it all.  Snow and ice conditions are good.  Over 200 miles of groomed trails for the sleds.  Caberfae and Crystal Mountain are a short distance for the skiers.  Most important, Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell for ice fishing.

The deeper holes on the west side of Lake Mitchell is and has been one of the better areas to fish.  The gills and crappie live in the weeds.  Eating bugs off the cabbage weeds.  The pike and walleye eat the panfish.  It’s a food factory.

There are clusters of ice shanties on Lake Cadillac off the Kenwood Park Boat Launch.  Crappie and pike limts are common in the area.  Several have found that night fishing over lanterns or underwater lights can be productive.  Mostly crappie but even a walleye or two are caught late into the night.

Eric Stein was happy holding the 21 1/2″ walleye he caught

on Lake Mitchell.

Tyrus Leigh and partner hold the 30 inch pike they caught

while fishing Lake Cadillac.

It takes two hands for Ben Snyder to hold his

limit of pike.  A good day on Lake Mitchell.

SMELT – Numbers at Green Lake seem to be picking up.  The words out.  The Parking Lot on the Karlin Side often fills up. Get there early.

The 2013 Fishing Licenses are now on sale.

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

Also, those who applied for 2013 Spring Turkey Licenses can get the drawing results by going to

www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings on March 1, 2013.

 

From the reports I got today the fish have started biting again with a great gill bite on Houghton Lake on the middle grounds with limit catches reported with good perch, pike a a few walleyes. Lymans report a good bite around his shanties with pictures above to prove it last weekend

St. Helen is reporting a good pike and gills have started to bite with waxworms working best on gills.

Wixom Lake has finally cleared up and the crappie and gill bite is on and saw lots of trucks on the ice today.

Lake City’s Missaukee Lake has started again on the panfish and crappie, walleye still slow.

HIggins Lake was slow this week but getting reports that today fish started biting again when the sun came out, and smelt have picked up tonight.

Osborn’s Sport reports Portage Lake has picked up today on all fish.

Big Glen was fair today

Crystal Lake has been real slow this week on perch and smelt with fair success on laker trout

 

Northwestern Michigan

 

Leroy- Reports are guys are getting out and gills are biting with good pike action Call Eye’s Have It for latest info 231-768-5653

 

Baldwin- The little lakes around  Baldwin are safe and pan fish has been fair.  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. 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 and walleye bite, South Lake Leelanau is froze with 8 to 12 inches of ice and fair walleye, perch and pike. Call Fishhook@ (231) 256-9496 for latest info

 

Manistee Lake by Kalkaska-  Good 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 catchin g pike and a few lake trout this week.

 

Green Lake: is producing bluegill and a few small perch. For pike, try tip-ups off the State Park. Smelt are being caught just not in big numbers. Try just off the Music Camp which is north of the State Park. Spikes and waxworms on Hali Jigs for smelt.

 

Long Lake:  They are fishing the whole lake with the better bite off of Cresant shores and a great perch bite.  They are catching nice perch but lots of short walleye. Call MC Sports @ 231-933-6158

 

Skegemog- They a driving trucks out on the ice and  still good perch and pike bite, Also Elk Lake is froze with lakers  biting. They have been seeing some nice muskie’s with a 54 incher being caught.  Call Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892

 

Fife Lake- Has ice and a few big pike have been caught, along with perch.  There was a bunch of guys off the access site today but report have been slow after the snow. Call Lakeside Party @ 231-879-4346

 

Portage Lake-Osborn’s contest was a big success with lots of big fish being caught out of portage lake. The perch bite has slowed this week with all the snow but pike are still on the bite. Call Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775

 

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

 

Bear Lake- Has 12 to 15 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, pike and gills with walleye being slow this week.15 inches of good ice with pike and gills are biting good Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440 or Hopkins Outfitters@ 231-839-FISH (3474). Also Millers Corner has a big fishing contest this weekend

 

Lake Cadillac: Ice fishing continues but the bite is harder to come by. Try something new like a small hair jig with a small minnow or spike. Anglers are still catching pike on tip-ups. Call Pilgrim Village for latest info@ 231-775-5412

 

Lake Mitchell: Is producing fish but again the bite is slow. For panfish try teardrops or anything small with minnows or wax worms. Pike are still hitting on tip-ups. Call Pilgrim Village for latest info@ 231-775-5412

 

Pentwater: Pentwater Lake is froze and the perch fishing has been great also a few pike. There was 50 shanties in front of Pentwater Angler and said the perch bite was on today. Call Pentwater Angler for the latest info@ 231-869-5357

 

Whitehall: White lake has ice with good pike and perch bite today. 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.

 

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, pike and walleye are biting Call Mid Lakes Market @ (989) 786-3227

 

Mio- Fishing has been fair around Mio with many pike being caught.. Call Jig’s Bait Shop@ (989) 826-3467

 

Lake St. Helen- Fishing has been good with 20 to 24 inches of ice lots of pike, with pan fish on the bite with a few walleye being caught. 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 and pike. 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 12 to 20 inches of ice and a good walleye bite Call Parrots Outpost for the latest ice conditions (989) 733-2472

 

Mullet Lake- Has been good for perch the last few days call Mullet Lake Party store@ (231) 627-4644 or  Topinabee Market@ 231-238-9578

 

Burt Lake: Perch and walleye fishing has been good. Call Pat & Gary’s Party Store 231-238-6776

 

Grand lake and Long Lake- Both lakes are safe and fisherman are venturing out catching perch and 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-  The lake is completely froze with 18 to 24 inches of ice and good fish being caught. The walleye bite has been slow but perch and pike have been fair. There are quite a few shanties on the lake.  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. Has ice and snow. Use caution near Big Creek and the Conference Center. Pike are hitting on tip-ups along the drop off in 35 to 40 feet of water. Those spearing are also taking fish. 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. No big numbers of smelt yet, but the fish are there. Try down near the West Launch or Big Creek when fishing at night in 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 on Good pike, perch and walleye. Dave @ 4 season says off of long point good perch and walleye are being caught. he hurt his back so he had to take his shanties off the lake but fishing is good

 

Lyman’s has their shanties out call them for your reservations@ 989-422-3231 the bite has been good around his shanties with guys in the sleeper catching walleye at night. 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 also has shanty retail call him @ 989-202-4422 ask for Lou.

 

Korbinski’s also rents shanties and has a full line of bait and Tackle call Rod@ 989-366-9500

Pappa’s Bait reporting great fishing off the middle grounds on Houghton Lake989-429-5780

 

Lake Avalon: In Montmorency County is producing a few bigger splake.

 

Van Etten Lake: Is producing some walleye, pike and perch.

 

Au Sable River: With temperatures rising and the day’s getting longer, conditions on the river are getting better. Most of the access points were open. Steelhead seem to be moving from the mouth to the dam and back out. The fish are silver which means they are fresh from the lake. Most were caught on spawn.