Fishwhisper

Spot-tails(greys) and blues are available for sale as they have passed all the test and are VHS free. Bait-shops will be stocking product when the ice fishing begins and we hope that will be soon

We are getting hammered with a major snow storm today and it might be a good thing we do not have lots of ice. After the storm passes the temps are going to plummet into the teens at night. A few lakes are froze but this storm is not going to help, as there is no safe ice in lower michigan

THey are fishing a little on Munuscong Bay for walleye and perch, The ice fishing season has officially began at Dan’s Resort on Munuscong Bay ! It’s not thick enough for sleds or 4-wheelers yet. Everyone is walking out.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Not much is happening in this region of the state. Some lakes have a little ice, but there is no safe ice yet. Steelhead fishing is basically the only game in town right now.

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.

Pere Marquette River: Should still have some good steelhead fishing. Those fly fishing seem to catch more fish.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Thunder Bay River: Has pretty good perch fishing though many are running small. Fish ranging 7 to 8 inches have been caught using ice jigs with wax worms or minnow rigs. The better fishing was off the 2nd Street Bridge, the River Walk both upstream and downstream of the 2nd Street Bridge and the gas dock in the marina. Some are also catching the occasional steelhead or brown trout.

Oscoda: Pier anglers are getting steelhead on spoons or body baits.

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead between the mouth and Foote Dam. With a little effort, anglers are finding the spots producing the most fish. High Banks, the Boy Scout Camp and the Rea Road access sites have been active. Spawn is working best however try spoons or body baits at the mouth.

Houghton Lake: Has ice all the way across the lake however the ice is not safe. Those anxious to get out and do some fishing should stay in shallow waters only for safety reasons.

Au Gres River: Is still producing some perch although some were on the small side.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Newberry: Ice is forming on the inland lakes in the region however there is no safe ice yet. Deep snow from the upcoming storm will only insulate the ice and slow the freezing process.

The ice fishing season has officially began at Dan’s Resort on Munuscong Bay ! It’s not thick enough for sleds or 4-wheelers yet. Everyone is walking out.
Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Anglers are still getting walleye in Brest Bay. Some limit catches were reported by those using the bigger reef runners or husky jerks. Hot colors were pink, purple or fire-tiger. Some of the fish caught were between 8 and 11 pounds. Boats are launching out of Lake Erie Metro Park or Sterling State Park. Bluegills were caught off the docks in the Metro Park Marina. Try a teardrop with a wax worm. Perch and crappie were caught on minnows.

Huron River: Water levels are low but conditions are good for steelhead. Fish have been caught in the deeper holes.

Detroit River: Perch have been caught near the mouth, off Gibraltar and the border waters off Sugar Island. Anglers are not getting as many fish however some are measuring 12 to 14 inches.

Lake St. Clair: While ice fishing is not an option at this time, boat anglers are still heading out for perch. Muskie season closed on December 15th. The docks at the DNR boat launch have been removed. Those planning to launch boats will most likely need waders.

Saginaw Bay: Is producing a good number of walleye for boat anglers. Those fishing close to shore caught some perch.

Saginaw River: Walleye are being caught from the mouth all the way up to Wicks Park. Some are drifting shiner minnows while others are using Hot-n-Tots.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Pier and surf anglers are getting some steelhead along with the occasional whitefish.

St. Joseph River: Should have some fresh steelhead for the taking.

Kalamazoo River: Boat and shore anglers have caught steelhead below the Allegan Dam. They are using spawn or Hot-n-Tots. A few walleye were also caught.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers are catching steelhead along with a few brown trout or whitefish. Those surfcasting are taking fish when floating spawn bags.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Fresh steelhead were caught on size 6 or 8 jigs tipped with wigglers and wax worms or spawn bags. Boat anglers are dropping Hot-n-Tots over the side and then putting a spawn bag on the bottom. Walleye and steelhead have been caught behind the Post Office, off Pearl Street and the walk bridge. Walleye anglers have done well with bucktail jigs and shiner minnows under a bobber. Those fishing off the bridges for walleye are drifting shiners. Pike fishing has been good downtown. Most are using chubs, shiners or body baits. For crappie and bluegill, try Riverside Park or Millennium Park.

Grand River at Lansing: Catch rates were hit-or-miss at the North Lansing Dam. Some channel catfish along with a few small flatheads were caught by those fishing minnows above the Moore’s Park Dam. Good pike action at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. Some are using spinners but more fish were caught on golden shiners.

Morrison Lake: Is producing perch and crappie for those using minnows.

Reeds Lake: Was producing bluegill and crappie.

Muskegon River: Is fishable. Steelhead are still being caught as more move up into the river system.

Many lakes are froze with a few getting on Houghton Lake on East Bay off of Harvey’s. THere is no safe ice but a couple cold nights and ice fishing will be kicking off. Lake City, Cadillac, Gaylord, St. Helen, and Houghton Lake will be the first lakes we will be out on.

Pentwater they are getting out in boats and off the docks catching perch, reports are lots of perch but sorting to get a nice mess, guys using bigger minnows are catching bigger perch

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Some Lake have went over and next cold spell we will be ice fishing

Betsie River: Should have good steelhead fishing this week.

Manistee River: Is producing more steelhead and should continue through the week. Chrome colored fish are being caught mainly on streamers in both the Little Manistee and the Big Manistee Rivers. Anglers are reminded that the Little Manistee River closes to fishing on December 31st and will reopen on April 1st.

Pere Marquette River: Has good steelhead fishing for those drifting eggs, nymphs or streamers. A few were hitting on spawn but most were taken by those fly fishing.

Pentwater: Pier anglers were catching some whitefish and perch.

Long Lake by Traverse City has been good for perch in boats but most are waiting for ice

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Oscoda: Pier anglers are still taking steelhead as the fish continue to move in and out of the river system.

Au Sable River: Is producing the occasional steelhead.

Higgins Lake: Has no anglers and no ice.

Houghton Lake: Ice has started to form this week however there is no safe ice.

Au Gres River: Anglers are catching perch down near the mouth. Most are using perch rigs with minnows or small jigs.

Black Bass Bay on Grand Lake has ice a a few were getting out yesterday but ice is not safe

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Marquette: A few whitefish were caught off the lower harbor breakwall.

Munoskegon Bay a few are getting out but ice is not safe yet

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Is producing walleye in Brest Bay. Anglers are trolling body baits. Those casting off Sterling State Park have caught walleye off the rocks. Bluegills were caught in the Metro Park Marina.

Huron River: Is producing the occasional steelhead. Catch rates will improve once the water levels come up.

Detroit River: Has good muskie fishing. Perch are being caught in the marina at Grosse Ile and off the south end of the Cross Dike.

Lake St. Clair: The die-hard boat anglers are still out chasing muskie. Catch rates have been good and should continue until the season closes on Saturday, December 15th. Perch have been caught in the canals and marinas however most of these locations are private and hard to gain access without a boat.

Saginaw Bay: Has good walleye fishing off Linwood. Boat anglers are using Hot-n-Tots, husky jerks and reef runners.

Saginaw River: We have reports of walleye being caught by boat and shore anglers up near Wicks Park.

Tittabawassee River: Boat anglers caught walleye between Midland and Saginaw.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph River: Should still have some good steelhead fishing this week. The better spots to target are Berrien Springs, Buchanan or Niles.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead season continues with fish caught by boat and shore anglers. Some are using jigs with wax worms. Natural colors such as dark tan or black seem to be working better than bright colors. Anglers are casting rapalas or Hot-n-Tots. Boat anglers are bouncing spawn bags.

Grand River at Lansing: Walleye and pike have been caught on spoons or minnows at the Moore’s Park Dam. Bass and walleye were caught at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge and near Lyons. Anglers were using minnows and crawlers.

Looking Glass River: Continues to produce pike.

Muskegon River: Steelhead are being caught but catch rates were still hit-or-miss.

I called around today and had no reports of ice yet, Dan’s Resort in Pickford thought maybe this weekend they might get out on Munuscong bay as tonight they will get down to single digits. Think Ice!!!!!!!!!!

Steelhead fisherman have been doing fair on waxworms, wigglers and spawn. Two year cohos have been biting below Tippy Dam. Very few fishing inland lakes but those that venture out have been catching fish. We had ice on many lakes but warm weekend with rain took out the ice.

Warmer temperatures had bluegill and crappie biting in the inland lakes as well as the rivers, mainly the backwaters. The pike and bass have been aggressive as well. Rain did help to push more steelhead into the river systems. Walleye are also being caught.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rain took out what little ice was starting to form so we are back to fall fishing.

Boardman River: Continues to produce steelhead for those using spawn and wax worms.

Long Lake: Has reports of anglers out targeting perch and walleye.

Betsie River: Should have more steelhead after the rain. Try fishing between the mouth and the Homestead Dam.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead on the right day depending on wind direction and speed.

Manistee River: Recent rain may have pushed more steelhead up into the river. Look for chrome colored fish between the mouth and Tippy Dam. While some are floating spawn others are fly fishing.

Ludington: Pier and surf anglers are catching steelhead. Try spawn, wax worms or body baits in the early morning or evening.

Pere Marquette River: May also have more steelhead that moved up into the river. Try floating spawn under a bobber or drifting egg flies.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Alpena: Boat anglers are still taking whitefish in Thunder Bay however the peak of the action will soon be coming to an end.

Thunder Bay River: Shore anglers are catching the occasional steelhead or brown trout. Whitefish were still being caught up near the dam. Small perch were also reported down near the mouth.

Oscoda: Is producing steelhead and some whitefish for pier anglers.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are moving in and out of the river. Most of the fish caught were taken at Foot Dam and the mouth. Not many anglers have been fishing the holes between the dam and the mouth so it is hard to judge the number of fish in the river. Spawn seems to be working the best, but wax worms and body baits have also done well. The whitefish have slowed but those targeting them think they will still be coming in over the next few weeks.

Tawas: Is still producing some whitefish and the occasional perch.

Au Gres River: Was producing some nice perch for those using minnows near the launch site at the mouth. Those fishing the channels have caught bluegills.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay de Noc: Both day and night anglers are catching walleye especially around the Second and Third Reefs. While some are trolling stick baits or thundersticks, others are jigging minnows and wax worms. Green, orange and silver are good color.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Some are catching perch in Brest Bay while others are shore fishing at the Metro Park Marina. Walleye action was slow.

Huron River: Is producing steelhead near Huroc Park. Those fishing the backwaters have caught bluegill and crappie when using jigs with wax worms.

Detroit River: Had fair to good perch fishing at the Cross Dike, Hole-in-the-Wall and in the canals near Gibraltar. Most are using minnows.

Lake St. Clair: While most anglers have put their boats away for the winter, those still heading out reported good perch and muskie fishing.

Saginaw Bay: Word has it walleye are still being caught between Linwood and Pinconning. This is the time for shore anglers to target perch before ice-up. Good spots to try are the marinas at Linwood Beach, Sunset Bay and Bayshore. The better fishing is usually in the morning.

Kawkawlin River: Is producing some perch in the lower river.

Saginaw River: Perch can usually be found in the lower river between the Independence Bridge and the mouth. Look for walleye near the bridge as well.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Kalamazoo River: Continues to produce steelhead from the mouth to the Allegan Dam. Try floating spawn or casting spoons, and plugs. Walleye are also being caught up near the dam.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is producing steelhead behind the Post Office and off the wall. Anglers are using white jigs with wax worms. Those fishing near Fulton Street did well when back bouncing spawn bags. Fish have been caught throughout the river by those casting plugs, rapalas or Hot-n-Tots. Bluegill and crappie were caught in the backwaters.

Grand River at Lansing: Water levels are still low so not many steelhead have made it up this far. A couple fish were caught at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge however the bigger story there is the great pike action for those using shiners. Walleye were hitting on shiners at Moore’s Park. Pike and smallmouth bass have been caught below the North Lansing Dam on anything that shines like rapalas or spinners. Those using a white rapala have also caught fish.

Looking Glass River: Has good pike action right along with some nice crappie being caught in the deeper water.

Reeds Lake: Is producing bluegill and crappie.

Muskegon River: Water levels were up a bit after the rain so a few more steelhead moved up. Catch rates are still spotty however fish are being caught. Try a white jig with wax worms or floating spawn.

A good run of Two Year old coho are up to Tippy Dam this week, also this week should be a great week for steelhead fishing as the warm temperatures will increase catch rates. Some really nice fish have been caught below Tippy Dam by those fly fishing, spawn, waxworms or pitching small spoons.

I have had reports of fair steelhead fishing on the Betsie, Tippy Dam and Boardman with spawn and waxworms.

A few boats were out on Long this morning after walleye and perch and report fair success. Hopefully we will get cold soon for ice fishing

Putting your bait or lure at the depth the fish are—and then not moving it much—are the keys to catching fish through the ice. And using some simple devices that will help you know when you have a fish on the end of your line is a big help too.

Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says fish become lethargic when they’re under the ice.

“Fish will often stay at a certain water depth all winter long,” Cushing says. “Also, they aren’t as willing to move fast to catch their food.

“Keep those two things in mind,” he says, “and you should find plenty of fish on the end of your line this winter.”

Vertical to Horizontal. The style of one’s ice jig is just as important as its color. Most anglers are accustomed to using a tear-dropped shaped jig that hangs vertically in the water, such as Jammin’ Jigs Beetle or Teardrop jig. When fish stop biting vertical jigs, switch to a jig that hangs horizontally such as a Jammin’ Jig Bobber Fry. I have found that crappies and perch generally bite better on a horizontal jig. To observe a wide selection of both horizontal and vertical ice jigs on the internet, check out www.jamminjigs.com.

Line Twist. Most anglers only move their jig in an up and down jigging motion. Fish become accustomed to this presentation and stop reacting to it. For a change of pace, try holding the line between your index finger and thumb. Next roll or twist the line between your fingers. This will cause the jig to spin in the water while remaining at the same depth. Also try moving the jig around the perimeter of the hole without imparting any up and down motion on the jig. Fish respond especially well to this technique in shallow water.

Bounce the Bottom. An excellent way to add a few more jumbo perch to the bucket is to allow the jig to bounce off the bottom of the lake. Perch feed predominantly within a few inches of the bottom. By allowing the jig to bounce off the bottom, the small cloud of bottom debris and sound created by this action will attract fish from a distance. This trick also works for bluegills. At certain times, it is even more productive to allow the jig to hit the bottom and then lie at rest on the bottom. To use this approach, a spring bobber is helpful. The jig should just barely rest on the bottom of the lake, with enough of the jig’s weight on the spring bobber to hold it half way down. When a fish takes the bait, it will typically rise with the jig and cause the spring bobber to go up.

Change Sizes. When action slows, instead of changing colors, try changing the size of one’s jig. This tip works both ways – switching from a smaller to a larger jig and from a larger to a smaller jig. One of my favorite ice fishing jigs is a red and chartreuse size 10 Teardrop by Jammin’ Jigs. After catching as many fish as I can on this jig, I will switch from the size 10 Teardrop to the size 6 Teardrop which is nearly twice as big but in the exact same color. This often results in catching a few bigger bluegills. As a final matter, I will switch to the ultra small size 12, Teardrop jig and will catch a few more fish that would not take the other two sizes.

PowerPro. For deep water panfish, do not use ultra light monofilament line. Two pound test or lighter monofilament line has so much stretch that it is difficult to detect light bites or to set the hook in depths greater than 20 feet deep. The key to catching more fish in deep water is to use a super line. The most effective of these lines for ice fishing is PowerPro line. PowerPro makes a line with the diameter of one pound test monofilament but with the strength of eight pound test. In addition, PowerPro line has nearly no stretch and is extremely abrasion resistant. This lack of stretch means one can feel more bites and hook more fish in deep water.

Ice Fishing checklist:

Minimum to take if you are just ‘tagging along’ :

• Fishing rods-Large guides, sensitive tip, with some backbone. Cost should be about $15-$20 per rod
• Reels- Micro-spinning reel-$15-$20 per reel
• Line- 4-8 lb test ice line
• Bobber stops with beads
• split-shot
• Foam ice fishing bobbers-get the ‘Ice Buster’ brand!
• Fingernail clipper to cut line
• Ice scoop/ladle/dipper-for removing slush
• Jigs and spoons and hooks…etc.
• bait-wax worms, fatheads, crappie minnows etc…
• 5 gallon bucket to sit on
• Hand warmers
• Needle nose pliers
• Fishing License
• Proper Identification

Necessary ice fishing equipment if going alone:

• Ice auger
• Sled for auger or vehicle if the ice is thick enough.
• Bait bucket
• Small shovel-collapsable if possible
• Ice picks-could be a lifesaver!
• A compass
• Mouth spreader
• Hook sharpener

Preferred ice fishing equipment:

• Vexilar
• Ice Shelter
• Propane heater
• Spud bar (for checking ice thickness)
• Tip-ups-preferably the freeze-free type
• Leaders for tip-ups
• Quickstrike rigs for tip-ups
• Bait for tip-ups-suckers, blues, greys and golden
• Cell-phone
• Ice cleats
• Small flashlight. (I prefer one that you wear)
• Lantern
• Matches or Lighter (for propane heater)

Luxury ice fishing Equipment:

• Aqua-view or underwater camera
• Strike sensors for tip-ups

Optional odds and ends:

• Food
• Drinks
• Hand Towel
• gaff- to remove large fish
• Sunglasses

If you take kids:

• Extra gloves
• Tissues (those noses run all the time!)
• Lot’s of snacks
• A small sled to entertain them

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Very few fishing so reports are far and few. Hey anglers, too warm to hunt? Then grab your fishing gear and take advantage of some late fall and early winter action. Low, clear water in pretty much all the rivers is making steelhead fishing a bit more difficult, but the fish are there. Concentrate on the deeper holes and the lower stretches until we get some rain. Pier and surf anglers are getting steelhead and whitefish. Those fishing the inland lakes have caught bluegill and perch on wigglers.

Many of the perch lakes have had good perch bites but very few fishing, what people are fishing minnows and wigglers are there preferred bait. Steelhead fishing has been good but nothing like last Nov. when the rivers has lots of fishing following the salmon. Smallmouth bass fishing has been awesome with most using minnows as they are on a feeding frenzy before winter.

Certified Shiners(greys and blues) will be available in mid December as they are in quarantine for testing which takes 30 days and cost $1000.00 a pond.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

If fishing the inland lakes in the region for bluegill, perch, crappie, walleye, pike, and bass, anglers will want to try a variety of lures and baits such as spinners, rapalas, minnows, wigglers, crawlers, leaf worms, wax worms or leeches.

Boardman River: Is producing steelhead between the lake and Sabin Dam however the better fishing seems to downstream because of the low water levels.

Betsie River: Is producing steelhead. Try flies, spoons or spawn. A couple fish were taken on crawlers.

Manistee: Pier and surf anglers are catching a few fish.

Manistee River: Low, clear water is hampering steelhead fishing. Needless to say, the better fishing will be in the deeper holes or in the lower river. Try drifting or floating spawn or flies.

Ludington: Pier and surf anglers are catching a few fish. Early morning or late evening are best especially with the warmer temperatures.

Pere Marquette River: Has steelhead however low water levels continue to challenge anglers. Try back bouncing or drifting spawn and flies across the deeper holes. Some are using bright colored spoons or yarn.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Alpena: Has a good number of whitefish on the reefs in Thunder Bay. Two of the better spots to target are Partridge Point and the Grass Island Reef in the early morning or late evening.

Thunder Bay River: Has good whitefish action up near the 9th Street Dam at dawn and dusk. Steelhead anglers are urged to check their catch for the missing adipose fin. Many of these fish have a small coded-wire tag, which is implanted in the head of the fish however it is invisible to the naked eye. These fish are part of a study to help the DNR improve steelhead fishing.

Oscoda: Is producing whitefish for pier anglers.

Au Sable River: Is producing whitefish right along with the occasional steelhead or brown trout. Try floating spawn and wax worms or casting flies. Whitefish in the lower river were caught on wax worms or a single egg.

Higgins Lake: Anglers are reminded that this is the time of year to find whitefish in the shallows as they prepare to spawn or perch around the Sunken Island.

Tawas: Is producing whitefish off the state dock. Try a Swedish pimple with a single egg or wax worm just off the bottom in the early morning or late evening.

Au Gres River: The better steelhead fishing has been in the deeper holes and down near the mouth. Those fishing the East Branch have caught fish in the lower end of Whitney Drain and near the Singing Bridge. Some are surfcasting.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay de Noc: Walleye catches slowed with the warmer weather. Those fishing at night did best when trolling stick baits in 10 to 23 feet of water along the reefs near Kipling. Catch rates were fair to good between Gladstone and the “Black Bottom” when trolling stick baits in 14 to 30 feet of water. Northern pike action was fair to good for those trolling large crank baits or spinners in the channel at the Escanaba Yacht Harbor. Perch reports were fair at best for those using crawlers or minnows in 8 to 14 feet of water around Butler Island.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Walleye were caught by those trolling or drifting reef runners and husky jerks off Sterling State Park. Most were fishing 12 feet down in 20 feet of water. Good bluegill action at the Metro Park Marina. Try minnows or wax worms.

Huron River: Anglers have caught steelhead however most are still waiting for that big push of fish which could come by the weekend if it rains. For now, try the deeper holes between Huroc Park and I-75 when trolling flat fish in bright colors or floating jigs with wax worms.

Detroit River: Continues to produce perch for those using minnows or wax worms around the islands.

Lexington: Anglers have caught steelhead and brown trout on body baits, crawlers or minnows.

Harbor Beach: Still has one dock in at the boat launch.

Saginaw River: Walleye fishing slowed with the warmer weather. Look for better action by the weekend with rain and much cooler temperatures.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Is producing some whitefish for pier anglers. Try a wax worm or a single egg. Those casting small spoons, spinners or plugs caught steelhead.

St. Joseph River: Still has decent steelhead fishing from Benton Harbor up to Niles. There appears to be some steelhead in the lower river that have not moved up yet.

South Haven: Steelhead anglers are getting a few fish off the pier in the early morning or late evening. Try spoons, spinners or shrimp and spawn under a bobber.

Kalamazoo River: Anglers continue to catch steelhead below the Allegan Dam. Boat anglers were casting spinners and plugs or back bouncing with spawn. Shore anglers continue to use spawn, yarn or small spinners.

Grand Haven: A few whitefish are being caught off the pier at night. Anglers are using a single egg or wax worm on the bottom or jigging small spoons.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are still low so boat anglers looking to fish up past I-96 need to use extreme caution. Anglers will find decent steelhead fishing all the up to the Lansing area but rain would certainly help. Try bouncing spawn or back trolling with Hot-n-Tots. Those casting spinners have also caught fish. A few walleye were caught.

Grand River at Lansing: Is producing some steelhead at the Moore’s Park Dam, Portland Dam and the Webber Dam. Most are using spinners, crawlers or flies. For walleye, try below the North Lansing Dam, Moore’s Park Dam and the Smithville Dam near Eaton Rapids. The fish were hitting on leaf worms, leeches or spawn. Pike were caught on minnows at Moore’s Park. Good smallmouth bass action near the dam at Muir. Try minnows, crawlers or leeches.

Looking Glass River: Continues to produce pike for those fishing off Babcock’s Landing or wading upstream. Try orange and chartreuse spinners or minnows.

Muskegon: Night anglers are catching whitefish off the piers. Most are jigging small spoons or putting a single egg or wax worm on the bottom.

Muskegon River: Water levels are very low so steelhead fishing has become hit-or-miss. The better fishing may be downstream or in the deeper holes when floating spawn. Those fly fishing have done well with streamers.

The Milwaukee Musky Expo in cooperation with Outdoors First Media and The National Professional Anglers Association is pleased to announce the Second Annual Hand Crafted Musky Lure Building World Championship that will be part of the 2013 Milwaukee Musky expo, February 15-17, 2013. The competition will highlight hand-crafted, hand painted original lures made by talented lure artisans from all over the world. There has been growing interest regarding custom lures in angling circles as well as internet forums, especially the unbelievable paint jobs which are worthy of being placed in art studios. The 2012 competition had over 20 original lures and raised over $1300 which was donated to help promote musky fishing education in association with the National Professional Anglers Association. These lures are created by the most talented craftsmen in the world, and not only do they have to craft a lure with enticing action they have to paint them to attract a musky, and appeal to the discriminating eye of today’s musky fisherman.

The lures will again be displayed at the Outdoors First Media Booth at the show where visitors can look at the lures up close and vote for their favorite one. Some changes will be made to accommodate additional lure styles and lure crafters, which will in-turn, raise more money for musky education. The competition will consist of 6 categories including: topwater, crankbait, glide/jerkbait, blade bait, soft plastic and repaint, along with an overall best of show winner. The competition will also consist of 2 divisions within each category including masters, and amateur for a total of thirteen winners, and each winner will receive a plaque and $50. Patrons entering the show will be given a judging form in which they can vote for their favorite lure. A panel of professional judges will also critique the lures and a combined patron and professional vote will decide the winners. New this year as well, the one of a kind lures will be tested in the musky tank which will show interested fishermen the designated action of each lure. A silent auction will also be set up this year and will allow more people to bid on the lures which will benefit musky fishing education in cooperation with the National Professional Anglers Association. Entrants interested in being part of the competition can obtain an entry form from the Milwaukee Expo website.

See below.
http://www.muskieexpo.com/pages/new-world-championship-handcrafted-muskie-lure-contest.php