Fishwhisper

It has been butt ugly and brutal this week for fishing. Some place get an inch of snow go 20 miles and they have a foot. Lots of slush on many lakes this week

Pentwater Lake has been good for perch this year end many say thew best in years. Call Pentwater Angler for the latest info@ 231-869-5357

White lake also has been good

Last week of Tip-up town USA

Higgins Lake has a great perch bite with keepers being caught with a few jumbo’s, lake trout and pike are also biting.

Green Lake is slow for smelt off the south access

Bradford Lake by waters has been good for perch this week with minnow and waxworms

Crystal has been slow

Big Glen has been good for perch

Rodney Sanders says
Hey just wanted to tell you if people want to catch crappies go to Lake Cadillac out in front of the junior high that’s the north east side find pillars going every night getting at least 50. Between 3g uys just visiting though so really can’t use the spot ps. Get the word out

THIS NICE WALLEYE CAME OUT OF MUSKEGON LAKE!!!

Northwestern Michigan

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 have been biting and many fisherman have been out trying. here luckCall Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892

Fife Lake- People are back out and catching some nice perch Call Lakeside Party @ 231-879-3341 for latest info

Portage Lake- Osborn’s says big perch are biting and pike, walleye, and gills are biting Call Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775 for latest fishing report. Also Don’s Sporting Goods@ 231-723-5028

Hamlin Lake- Thet are getting back out on the lake with pike, walleye, gills and crappie biting Hamlin Grocery@(231) 843-2058 and Capt. Chucks @ (231) 843-4458

Lake Missaukee- Is producing bluegill, crappie and the occasional perch. The better fishing is usually along the weed beds on the west side of the lake with a tear-drop and minnow or spike. Great pike fishing also Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440.

Crystal Lake: Anglers are starting to fish for smelt however extreme caution needs to be used. This is a very deep lake and takes much longer to freeze.

Lake Cadillac: Panfish anglers were doing well off Kenwood Park which is on the northwest side of the lake. They caught bluegill, crappie and a few perch in waters 10 to 12 feet deep. Try minnows and red spikes. Pike have been caught along the weed beds by those using tip-ups.Call Pilgrim Village 231-775-5412 latest info

Lake Mitchell: Usually produces more pike than Lake Cadillac. Anglers are using tip-ups with large minnows. For bluegill, try the coves on the west side of the lake with teardrops and wax worms. Crappie can be found off the State Park. Call Pilgrim Village 231-775-5412 latest info

Manistee River: Still has steelhead though the bite will slow once again with the cooler temperatures. Fish the deeper holes with eggs or spawn.

Pere Marquette River: Iced over

Long Lake, Lake Leelanau had a good bite going last week but very few out.

Big Glen is froze and big perch have been biting.

Duck Lake by Interlochen has been good for pike and some gills off of Strawberry Point

Lake Bellaire has been fair for walleye and pike.

Clam LaKE HAS BEEN GOOD FOR PIKE

Northeast Michigan

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 call Mullet Lake Party store@ (231) 627-4644 or Topinabee Market@ 231-238-9578

Burt Lake: Was producing a fair number of 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 producing walleye and perch. Call Bucks@ 989-595-2121

Otsego Lake- Fishing has been fair on Otsego Perch fishing has been fair on Bradford, chub Lake trout fishing has been good. They have been seeing lots of sturgeon this weekCall Northern Sports@ 987-448-2014

Higgins Lake- The entire lake is frozen and ice shanties are starting to show up. Lake trout were caught out deep by those using greys on tip-ups or jigging Swedish pimples and sand kickers. Rainbow trout including one 27 inch fish were caught on wigglers near the Conference Center and Big Creek. Whitefish have been caught just off the bottom in 85 to 120 feet by those chumming. 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.
.Call Erik@ Silver Dollar Express (989) 821-6227 or Dave@Sports Barn 989-821-9511 for latest ice conditions

Houghton Lake- Ice continues to build thanks to artic temperatures in the region. Strong winds were blowing the snow around. Before the cold spell, anglers were catching pike and perch. Walleye action was fair to good along the south shore in 6 to 8 feet of water. The better fishing was after 6pm. Anglers still need to use caution and watch for snow drifts and pressure cracks. 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 before the big freeze, guy are getting back out today call Dave @989-422-5230
Lyman’s Shanty rental @ 989-422-3231 says pike walleye and perch

Korbinski’s call Rod@ 989-366-9500

Pappa’s Bait reporting walleye fishing off the middle grounds on Houghton Lake. 989-429-5780

Hubbard Lake: Was producing some limit catches of walleye.

Au Sable River: Anglers fishing below Foote Dam need to be aware that water flows are fluctuating widely at this time because of ice damming issues above Alcona. Anglers should check the USGS river flow gauges for the most up-to-date conditions. Severe cold causes the river above the Alcona Impoundment to turn to slush, creates anchor ice, and forms ice dams that create large changes in downstream flows. Thus, conditions may be very difficult for fishing or floating below Foote Dam. Those fishing for steelhead had success all along the river with wax worms and spoons. Most points are accessible however the banks, parking lots and fishing platforms are icy. The best launch for small boats would be Whirlpool. The store launch was clear and Rea Road is open, but icy and parking is limited. High Banks and Foote Dam have limited parking and the stairs were icy. If using the snowmobile trails to access parts of the river, watch for traffic as most are not expecting to see people on the trail.

Lake Margrethe: Is producing some walleye, perch and pike. Call Skips Sport@ 989-348-7111 for latest info

Tawas: Those heading out should stay on the well-traveled trails in order to avoid getting stuck in snow-drifts. There’s quite a bit of fishing activity off Jerry’s Marina where anglers have caught some nice perch and walleye in 15 feet. Those spearing pike have taken a few nice fish. Anglers heading out to 20 feet of water near the tip of Tawas Point caught walleye at dusk.

Au Gres: Most walleye anglers were going off the end of Santiago Road and Booth Road and fishing a mile or two out. At Palmer Road, anglers reported slow walleye and perch fishing. They can see fish but they will not bite.
Au Gres River: Is mainly producing sub-legal walleye with a few keepers.

Wixom Lake has been great for gills, pike and lots of crappie.Ice fishing is great here on Wixom Lake, Gladwin County. Be sure to stop at Sandys Market 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 great for big crappie. Sandy’s Market call Joe (989) 435-9688

Wiggins and Sugar Springs have been good for pike and panfish

Hubbard Lake: Was producing some limit catches of walleye.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Menominee: Bay anglers are heading out near Red Arrow Park on the Wisconsin side or Hennes Park on the Michigan side. Most are targeting whitefish and catch rates were fair to good with a jig and wax worm.

Menominee River: Walleye can still be found on the Wisconsin side near the Hattie Street Dam. Try jigging minnows and wax worms. Pike are showing up on camera near the Mystery Ship landing however they would not bite. Try tip-ups with large minnows. Those jigging near the lighthouse caught bluegill and crappie.

Little Bay De Noc: Ice conditions remain good although travel has not been easy due to deep and drifting snow. The weight of the snow has opened up some pressure cracks. Extreme caution needs to be used when crossing them. Walleye catches were best in the southern bay between Aronson Island and Portage Point when jigging rapalas with or without a minnow in 40 to 50 feet. Some were fishing in 25 to 35 feet near the Escanaba River however this area is DANGEROUS. Whitefish anglers did well at Gladstone when using minnows or spawn in 45 feet and off Sand Point in 75 to 85 feet. Perch anglers reported small fish near Kipling and Garth Point. A few jumbo perch were caught near Gladstone and the “Narrows.” Try minnows or wigglers in 18 to 35 feet. Pike have been speared at Kipling and northeast of Butler Island in 10 feet.

Munuscong: Has ice and a good amount of slush. Though the perch and walleye action has slowed, persistent anglers are fishing with tip-ups and minnows.

Cedarville and Hessel: Musky Bay and Hessel Bay are slow with very few perch being caught. Slushy conditions make travel a little more difficult.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Still had some anglers taking a few perch in the Metro Park Marina. Catch rates at the Banana Dike were fair however the cold spell will more than likely slow the bite. Some were fishing at the marina near the mouth of the Huron River. Walleye anglers are fishing Brest Bay. Try 14 to 17 feet with orange and silver spoons tipped with a shiner.

Detroit River: Airport Bay was producing some perch. Most are heading off Groh Road and taking Frenchman’s Creek out to the bay. Some are fishing the border waters however extreme caution needs to be used. Those fishing off Bellenger Park caught some perch on minnows.

Lake St. Clair: Perch fishing has been hit-or-miss. The water is clear and those using spears had good success. While there is ice and plenty in some areas, there is still some open water because of the currents. Anglers still need to be very careful about venturing too far from shore.

Port Sanilac: Had some anglers out but all they caught were small fish. There is dredging equipment in the southeast corner and that is where anglers usually fish.

Saginaw Bay: Strong winds last weekend have opened up an active pressure crack three to four miles offshore. The crack runs from Linwood south to an area off the Bay City State Park. It opened to a width of 3 to 4 feet and a lot of people ran into it causing damage to their ATV’s and snowmobiles. Anglers need to use caution. On the east side of the bay, those heading off Thomas Road were fishing near the shipping channel. Perch fishing was poor off Vanderbilt Park. Those pike spearing were still having trouble with turbid water at Sebewaing and Mud Creek. Walleye anglers were heading out from Geiger Road. Perch are still being caught off Mud Creek and the marina basins at Caseville. Anglers fishing out near the end of the breakwall with a camera reported walleye, whitefish and lake trout but they would not bite.

Saginaw River: The best perch was in the lower river. Walleye were caught off Wickes Park in 14 feet. Fishing is slow through most of downtown Saginaw, but improves downstream of the Zilwaukee Bridge and north to the south end of Bay City. Anglers are catching a lot of sub-legal walleye for every keeper. They are using chartreuse, orange or clown-colored jigs with minnows or jigging rapalas with the head of a minnow on the center of the hook. Fishing was slow at Cass Avenue and the Middle Grounds. Those fishing downtown Bay City did catch a few keepers off Veteran’s Park during the first and last two hours of daylight. Walleye and perch were caught downstream from the old Navy destroyer. They are using jigs, perch rigs and jigging rapalas.

Tittabawassee River: There’s no fishing at the present time. There is too much ice for boats but not enough to stand on yet.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph River: Steelhead fishing has once again slowed with the cold weather. Those heading out will want to try Hot-n-Tots, spinners or a jig and wax worm.

Kalamazoo River: Has steelhead for those willing to try. Walleye may also be found up near the Allegan Dam.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead are still being caught but the bite did slow. Try the deeper holes with spinners, wobble glows, yarn, flies or wax worms. Try the backwaters for panfish.

Lake Lansing: For bluegills, try the weedy areas in deeper water along the northwest and south end. Those pike spearing have taken a few fish.

Muskrat Lake: Anglers caught a few crappie and bluegill but the bite was slow.

Lake Ovid: Anglers are out fishing but few reports have come in.

Jackson County: The inland lakes are producing panfish and even some limit catches for those willing to spend time on the lake.

Muskegon River: Continues to provide fair to good steelhead action. Anglers are floating spawn or fly fishing. Some have also caught brown trout.

Probably the cutest fisher-women! Little DeZeeuw’s. 30″ Northern Pike, Lake Missaukee.

Call Miller’s Corner for the latest fishing info on Lake Missaukee@ 231-839-0440

33″ Northern Pike, Lake Missaukee

37″ Northern, Lake Missaukee

Smelt still slow on Green Lake but guys and gals are reporting on their fish finders it is solid smelt from top to bottom also they see the smelt with there underwater lights so smelt have lock-jaw right now.

Higgins Lake it is really slow on smelt also. Great perch, laker and pike bite

Crystal Lake they are catching some smelt but in deep water.

This cold weather has slowed thew bite down and many lakes still have lots of slush still

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

30TH North American Snow Festival
Ice Fishing Contest
Sponsored by Fox Motors of Cadillac
Saturday, February 1, 2014

Rules and Registration

You must have a $5.00 NASF Button to be eligible and your badge number registered at either MC Sports,
Pilgrim Village Fishing Shop or Schafer’s Bait and Sporting Goods prior to fishing.

Prizes awarded for the largest Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill (Sunfish), Crappie and Perch. Measured by length.
Any ties will be determined by weight, If weight is a tie then by a coin toss. Judges decisions are final.

Fish must be caught from Lake Cadillac or Lake Mitchell on February 1st between 8 AM and 3 PM.

All Michigan Fishing Laws and regulations apply to this contest.

Contestants are responsible for their own safety, actions and property at all times. NASF or the Sponsors are not responsible for any injuries or accidents. A waiver of liability must be signed by all participants.

All participants over the age of 5 require a NASF Button and must be registered.

All registered participants will be entered for prize drawings whether you catch a fish or not Only 1 prize per person.

You must be present for prize drawings at the Cadillac Junior High School.

Officials will not accept any fish with sunken eyes, or freezer burn or suspected of being caught from another lake.

Bring your catch to the Cadillac Junior High School located at 500 S. Chestnut St. Measuring begins at 2:00 PM and ends promptly at 3:30.

Prizes will be awarded at approximately at 3:30.

Miller’s Corner customers that bought bait and went to Higgins Lake caught these huge pike on Higgins Lake and stopped back to have their photos taken. They have been catching nice fish on Lake Missaukee also call Miller’s Corner@ 231-839-0440 for latest update

Caught with Miller’s minnows! 45″ Northern @ 25lbs. HIggins Lake

40″ Northern Pike Higgins Lake

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2014

The Kenwood Park Area on Lake Cadillac has been one of the better areas to fish, if you’re looking for panfish. Good catches of crappie, gills, mixed with a few keeper size perch are coming from depths of 12 foot or deeper.

Crappie have been hitting on small minnows, their favorite – but red spikes are also working. Often, they suspend and may be just under the ice. Skill and the use of electronics make the difference on what’s in the skillet. They are not aggressive. Watch your line. We’re told they just suck in baits and not move.

This is not a secret spot. Expect numbers of anglers in this area. Look for the shanties.

Pike, Pike and more Pike. Try either lake any where there are weeds. Lake Mitchell traditionally has the numbers. Cadillac is known for fewer but often larger pike.

Fishing Buddies Josh Beyrle and Bill Harman show us
the mixed bag of crappie, gills, perch and pike caught
fishing the Kenwood Park Area on Lake Cadillac.

Great crowd everywhere it seems out ice fishing today. Some had luck others said it was slow.

HIggins Lake is reporting lots of keeper perch this year with a few jumbo’s, but this is the best bite in many years. Good pike and lake trout also. smelt are far and few so far.

Houghton Lake has a great walleye bite and lots of blues were sold today. Middle Grounds has been great but slush is Hampering travel out there

Lyman’s on the Lake reports there is about 20+ inches of ice on the lake with about 3-6 inches of slush on top. Rough lake surfaces. Pike walleye and perch being caught on the south shore and east bay. Yes, walleye coming out of our rental shanty’s.

Dave at Four Season Party Store Houghton Lake reports his shanties are on the hot spot with great catches of walleye, perch and pike call Dave @ 989-422-5230

This morning at Miller’s Corner there was a herd of guys heading out on Missaukee with reports of fish finally biting the last couple days.

Wixom and Secord are both hot for gills and crappie.

Lake Cadillac had about two hundred guys off of Kenwood park and the crappies are biting.

Duck Lake by Interlochen off Strawberry Point were catching pike and gills.

Long Lake by Traverse had a ton of guys out but have not heard a report

Crystal they are catching smelt, lake trout and perch

Bud E Lane caught these walleye in Benzie County my Guess big platte lake

Green Lake was Slow Last Night from many reports as the change in the barometer gave smelt lock Jaw

Mike Kerby with a couple Northern pike caught on tip-ups yesterday! 28″ 27″

Mike Kerby with a couple Northern pike caught on tip-ups yesterday! 28″ 27″

They are catching lots of gills on Secord Lake by Gladwin this week but some sorting from a couple reports.

The bad weather returned for a couple days and dumped snow on Northern Michigan and some lakes are slushy;

Pentwater Lake has ben good for perch this yearend many say thew best in years. Call Pentwater Angler for the latest info@ 231-869-5357

Tip-up town starts this weekend

Higgins Lake has a great perch bite with keepers being caught with a few jumbo’s, lake trout and pike are also biting.

Ellis and Boardman lake by Traverse have been good this week for pike and gills on Ellis.

Green Lake is still good for smelt off the south access

Bradford Lake by waters has been good for perch this week with minnow and wigglers working best

Crystal has been slow

Big Glen has been good for perch

Northwestern Michigan

Green Lake: In Grand Traverse County is producing some smelt and big pike. The better fishing has been late afternoon this week with reports of 100 or more of smelt the last few days. 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 have been biting and many fisherman have been out trying. here luckCall Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892

Fife Lake- People are back out and catching some nice perch Call Lakeside Party @ 231-879-3341 for latest info

Portage Lake- Osborn’s says big perch are biting and pike, walleye, and gills are biting Call Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775 for latest fishing report. Also Don’s Sporting Goods@ 231723-5028

Hamlin Lake- Thet are getting back out on the lake with pike, walleye, gills and crappie biting Hamlin Grocery@(231) 843-2058 and Capt. Chucks @ (231) 843-4458

Lake Missaukee- Is producing bluegill, crappie and the occasional perch. The better fishing is usually along the weed beds on the west side of the lake. Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440.

Crystal Lake: Anglers are starting to fish for smelt however extreme caution needs to be used. This is a very deep lake and takes much longer to freeze.

Lake Cadillac: Has been good for pike, panfish and the occasional walleye. For panfish, try small jigs with minnows or spikes and for walleye try jigging rapalas or using tip-ups. Pike are being taken by those using tip-ups and by those spearing. Call Pilgrim Village 231-775-5412 latest info

Lake Mitchell: Is good for pike and panfish. For bluegill, try the coves on the west side of the lake with teardrops and wax worms. Crappie are good off the State Park. Call Pilgrim Village 231-775-5412 latest info

Manistee River: Still had some shelf ice in the lower river however the upper section had open water and was producing some steelhead. Pappy’s Bait is open for the season at Wellston shop hours are 8 to 5 right now call@ 231-848-4142 he gets reports daily on Tippy Dam

Pere Marquette River: Steelhead and brown trout fishing slowed with the extremely cold temperatures. Fish the deeper holes until it warms back up.

Long Lake, Lake Leelanau had a good bite going last week so with the warm-up things should be good.

Big Glen is froze and big perch have been biting.

Duck Lake by Interlochen has been good for pike and some gills off of Strawberry Point

Lake Bellaire has been fair for walleye and pike.

Clam LaKE HAS BEEN GOOD FOR PIKE

Northeast Michigan

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 call Mullet Lake Party store@ (231) 627-4644 or Topinabee Market@ 231-238-9578

Burt Lake: Catch rates have been slow on perch un Maple Bay. 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 producing walleye and perch. Call Bucks@ 989-595-2121

Otsego Lake- Fishing has been fair on Otsego Perch fishing has been fair on Bradford, chub Lake trout fishing has been good. Call Northern Sports@ 987-448-2014

Higgins Lake- Had water on the ice but it is going down. Lake trout are being caught in 100 feet of water by those jigging Swedish Pimples or using tip-ups just off the bottom. A few pike were taken in 30 feet off Sam-O-Set which is off the southern part of the north end. Perch were caught off Big Creek in 40 feet. Try minnows or wax worms. Pike were also caught by those jigging a spoon that resembles smelt. Rainbow trout could be found in shallow water near the Conference Center and Big Creek. Anglers are setting up for smelt as they begin to move their shanties off the west launch. Perch bite has been great on the lake
.Call Silver Dollar Express (989) 821-6227 or Sports Barn 989-821-9511 for latest ice conditions

Houghton Lake- Ice continues to build thanks to artic temperatures in the region. Strong winds were blowing the snow around. Before the cold spell, anglers were catching pike and perch. Walleye action was fair to good along the south shore in 6 to 8 feet of water. The better fishing was after 6pm. Anglers still need to use caution and watch for snow drifts and pressure cracks. 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 before the big freeze, guy are getting back out today call Dave @989-422-5230
Lyman’s @ 989-422-3231 says pike walleye and perch

Korbinski’s call Rod@ 989-366-9500

Pappa’s Bait reporting walleye fishing off the middle grounds on Houghton Lake. 989-429-5780

VanEttan Lake: Has ice and good access at Ratliff Park and the campground off F-41. Anglers caught perch, bluegills, brown trout and steelhead.

Au Sable River: With the cold temperature, most of the river has ice making it difficult to fish. There are steelhead from the mouth to the dam. Most of the fish are lying in the deeper holes which are on the bends and layered with ice however it is possible to drift bait under the ice. Access to the river was limited after all the snow and the only sites that were cleared to launch boats were the River Store and the Whirlpool.

Lake Margrethe: Is producing some walleye. Call Skips Sport@ 989-348-7111 for latest info

Tawas: Snow and slush is making for difficult travel on the bay. They’re getting some small perch in 15 feet and walleye in 20 feet off Jerry’s Marina. Those not able to get out on the bay have also caught perch and walleye inside the State Harbor.

Au Gres: Anglers have caught some walleye three to four miles off Santiago Road in 20 feet of water. Some are heading south and going off the end of Hale Road.

Au Gres River: Is mainly producing sub-legal walleye with a few keepers.
Wixom Lake has been great for gills, pike and lots of crappie.Ice fishing is great here on Wixom Lake, Gladwin County. Be sure to stop at Sandys Market to get your bait!call (989) 435-9688

Sanford Lake has been fair call Sanford Sport for info on Wixom and Sanford @ 989-687.5161

Secord Lake has been great for big crappie.

Wiggins and Sugar Springs have been good for pike and panfish

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Menominee: A few whitefish were caught in front of Hennes Park however the ice is very rough which makes for difficult travel.

Menominee River: Anglers had fair to good catch rates when jigging for panfish at the Menekaunee landing area and off the Foundry parking lot. They are using wax worms and minnows. In front of the Mystery Ship Marina and boat launch, anglers were targeting pike and walleye but the bite was slow. Steelhead were caught in the open water near Stephenson Island when casting spoons and rapalas or drifting spawn. Open water on the Michigan side near the Hattie Street Dam was also producing some steelhead. Anglers are fly fishing, casting rapalas or drifting spawn and wax worms. Some nice walleye were caught through the ice on the Wisconsin side. Anglers are jigging minnows or wax worms and the bite improved after dark.

Little Bay De Noc: Still has ice but the warm weather caused the pressure cracks to open up and getting across them is causing some issues especially for those taking motorized vehicles out. Anglers still need to use CAUTION especially in the southern part of bay where the ice varied more than the northern end. Walleye catches were fair to good between Aronson Island and Portage Point for those jigging rapalas or using tip-ups with a minnow in 25 to 35 feet. Fish were also caught near the mouth of the Escanaba River in 20 to 35 feet. The perch were active but most caught only small fish. Try out from Brach’s Cabins in 15 to 24 feet with wigglers or minnows or out from the Day’s River in 8 to 26 feet. Good catches of whitefish were taken at Gladstone in 30 to 40 feet with minnows or spawn.

Munising: Anglers are catching splake and whitefish in the bay.

Manistique Lake: Is producing some yellow perch and pike. Walleye were slow, but a few have been caught.

Munuscong: Has more snow on the ice than Cedarville and Hessel. Perch fishing was fair but the walleye were spotty for those fishing tip-ups with minnows in 3 feet of water near Grassy Island.

Cedarville and Hessel: Musky Bay and Hessel Bay are slow. Anglers are seeing fish and trying a variety of baits but catch rates were slow.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Perch fishing was steady late in the day when using small jigs tipped with a minnow or red spike at the Metro Park Marina. Some did well with mousies. Perch and the occasional walleye were caught in 19 feet off the Banana Dike. Walleye were caught in Brest Bay in the morning and evening. Anglers are jigging rapalas or a spoon with a shiner minnow.

Huron River: Shelf ice is limiting access and fishing.

Detroit River: Has a lot of ice coming down the river. Airport Bay was producing some jumbo perch and those fishing up near the Ecorse River caught perch off the seawall at Bellanger Park.

Lake St. Clair: Still has ice. Water clarity has been very good for spearing. Catch rates for perch were spotty with lots of small ones caught.

Saginaw Bay: Rain left the ice covered with anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of slush and standing water which made travel difficult. Linwood had a lot of anglers. They are going three to four miles out and getting walleye near and beyond the first pressure crack. Walleye are being caught in the old shipping channel off the Bay City State Park. Open-water anglers fishing at the mouth of the Hot Pond are taking some walleye and pike when casting any lure with a chrome or silver finish. Over at Quanicassee, those spearing off Vanderbilt Park are getting a few pike. Anglers off Thomas Road are going to the middle of the Slot and taking walleye in 15 feet. The only activity at Sebewaing is pike spearing. At Mud Creek, persistent perch anglers are getting an average of 10 keepers per trip and those pike spearing are taking a few fish. Perch were caught at Caseville.

Saginaw River: A few limit catches of walleye were taken near Wickes Park by those using a white jig with minnows or a blue and silver rapala in 10 feet of water. There was a lot of fishing activity in front of the St. Mary’s Health Building on Washington Avenue. Walleye were caught on a chartreuse jig with minnows in 25 feet of water in the mid-channel. Walleye caught between the Zilwaukee Bridge and Bay City were smaller. There was a lot of fishing pressure downstream of the Independence Bridge. Walleye were caught but anglers had to sort out the small ones. Perch were taken on perch rigs. Some decent catches were taken near the railroad bridge down by Essexville and the mouth.

Tittabawassee River: Anglers are being warned to stay off because of increase flow with all the rain. The ice is not safe anywhere.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

The ice is holding in this region but there was a lot of slush which should firm back up with colder temperatures. Anglers are still doing well for bluegills on most lakes with the better fishing in the evening and at day break. Wax worms were the ticket. A few northern pike have been taken near the inlets by those using tip-ups and minnows.

St. Joseph River: Is producing some steelhead however the bite is slow which is typical for time of year.

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead were caught below the Allegan Dam. Try small plugs or a jig and wax worm.

Gull Lake: In Kalamazoo County has some nice pike for those using tip-ups.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are up and steelhead are still being caught. Try a jig and wax worm, wobble glows or spinners.

Lake Lansing: Was producing a few crappie. Try tip-ups for pike.

Round Lake: Was producing some nice bluegills but catch rates were spotty.

Muskegon River: Water levels are up and the steelhead fishing improved with the warmer weather.

64th Tip-Up Town USA January 17-19 & January 24-26, 2014

2014 is the 64th year for Tip-Up Town USA, a family festival held on Houghton Lake. Activities for all ages that include parade, ice fishing contest, ice slide, family fun tent, carnival, outdoor games, snowmobile drag races and more. January 17 – 19 and January 24 – 26, 2014. Phone (989) 366-5644 or (800) 248-5253 for more details.

It’s hard to put into words how Tip Up Town USA has come to be the very description of winter fun and enjoyment for the whole family at Houghton Lake. Thousands of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and neighboring residents return each year to see this largest Winter Festival in Michigan.
Don’t miss this fun-filled family event. We are looking forward to having you as our guests.

Tip Up Town Web Site

Friday, January 17
12:00 – 4:00 Snowmobile Drags
6:00 – 10:00 Tailgate Party at Beverage Tent with Lester Bangs Family Skating with Hot Dogs & Cocoa
Saturday, January 18
9:45 5K Fun Run
10:00 Grand Parade & Bed Races
10:00 – 4:00 Snowmobile Drag Races
11:00 – 6:00 Beverage Tent with Live Music with Lester Bangs
11:30 Winning floats arrive at Tip Up Town Site
12:00 Flag Raising
12:00 – 4:00 Oldsmobile Outdoor Club’s Kids’ Casting Contest
12:00 – 6:00

Family Fun Tent, TUT Merchandise, Carnival Rides & Games, Ice Slide, Vendors, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Red Neck Horseshoes, Live Reindeer Exhibit, Antique Snowmobile Display, Softball on Ice, Monster Truck Rides, Ice Fishing Contest
DUSK Fireworks
Sunday, January 19
10:00 – 1:00 Ice Fishing Contest Weigh-In
11:00 Church Service
12:00 – 4:00 Family Fun Tent, Prize Wheel, Carnival Rides & Games, Vendors, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Redneck Horseshoes, Monster Truck Rides
Friday, January 24
6:00 – 10:00 Tailgate Party with “Revolver” at Beverage Tent
Saturday, January 25
10:00
Ice Sculpting Judging (Weather permitting)
11:00 – 6:00 Beverage Tent with Live Music by “ Revolver”
Family Fun Tent, TUT Merchandise, Prize Wheel Carnival Vendors, Pony rides, Petting Zoo, Reindeer Exhibit, Ice Slide, Horseshoes, Ice Fishing Contest, Red Neck Horseshoes, Chain Saw Carving, Softball on Ice, Kids Medallion Hunt, Monster Truck
11:00 – 4:00 Spicer’s Boat City Poker Run
1:00 Polar Bear Dip
DUSK Fireworks
Sunday, January 26
10:00 – 1:00 Ice Fishing Contest Weigh-In
11:00 Church Service
12:00 – 4:00 Family Fun Tent, Carnival Vendors, Ice Slide, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Horseshoes, Red Neck Horseshoes, Helicopter Rides, Reindeer Exhibit, Monster Truck Rides