Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Last Weekend for Tip Up Town
We’re getting ready for another great Tip-Up Town USA! Michigan’s largest winter festival takes place on January 22-24th, and 29-31st. It’s the Diamond Anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than ever before! Bookmark this site to keep up to date with all the activities planned for 2010. So starting making plans for the best fun that winter has to offer - Tip-Up-Town USA in wonderful Houghton Lake!
Click here for some short videos of some of the fun activities offered at Tip-Up Town USA
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
Higgins Lake is safe and things have been slow with the weather change but look for the smelt to start biting
Brutal weather has set in the last two days and very few fishing. The bite has been slow on many lakes still and hope things pick up this week. We have a great weekend of weather with 30’s predicted
Lake St. Helen is reporting great pike and panfish bite this week
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with panfish and pike..
Margrethe and Otsego have good ice and many shaties are showing up on the lakes with a fair bite. A huge muskie was caught on Lake Margrethe
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye are biting. Some are getting off the north-end.
Crystal Lake is froze on the south -end with a few guys getting out for perch
Portage Lake is froze, and they report a good perch and walleye bite. Also lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Skegemog Lake - Ice anglers are catching perch and many shanties out for spearing muskie and pike.
Lake Missaukee - Has ice and anglers are out targeting panfish.
Lake Cadillac -Is producing some nice northern pike for those spearing or using tip ups with large minnows. Walleye anglers were doing well when using tip-ups with light line. Those seeking panfish have caught good numbers of crappie along with some bluegills and perch. Many are fishing the west side of the lake.
Lake Mitchell - Is also producing some nice northern pike. The better walleye bite has been in the early morning or late evening. Black crappie were caught.
Hamlin Lake is reporting a good panfish and pike bite with lots of people out and about this week. At midweek the upper lake had around 8 inches of ice. And there is 4 or more on the bayous. Pretty good ice, but, still be cautious this early in the year.We are riding snowmobiles just about anywhere. The bait of choice for bluegills seems to be spikes over waxworms. There have been good catches in the mornings and evenings using bright colored jigs. ccording to Hamlin grocery the hot colors were orange and yellow and chartreuse and purple. The National ice fishing circuit comes to Hamlin lake Jan. 28-31, 2010 The first prize of 7,500 will certainly draw lots of anglers. This is a simple event, you fish for five hours with your favorite fishing partner, bring back your eight heaviest bluegills and crappies. You only have to beat the other 149 teams. The event kicks off Jan 26 above sportsman’s Irish pub. The next day there is a free ice fishing seminar and then on Sat. there will be a USA Team qualifier, which could qualify a team for the world championship tournament. Last years event was in Poland. Then there is a rules meeting at Ramada Sat night. Sunday the tournament starts at 8.am. Fishing ends at 1.00 with a weigh in and chili cookoff in the James street plaza downtown Ludington. We have rooms and snowmobiles available We also are having our free lodging special again this year. With the popular response we had, it seemed like the thing to do. If you rent a snowmobile for a day you get a free night, of a two night stay. If you rent a snowmobile for 2 days you get 2 nights free, on and on. The more sleds you rent the larger the free unit, up to 3 bedroom. Same goes for atv’s. The hot tub is on and hot, ready for soaking. Come on up and enjoy, give us a call, 888-845-5187, thanks,
Saginaw Bay - Anglers are cautioned to be very careful if contemplating going out fishing. Ice conditions were deteriorating and the pressure cracks are very active which was causing the ice to buckle and pile up in places. Strong southwest winds may cause the ice to separate near the pressure cracks, which will increase the possibility of anglers being stranded on ice flows. A number of anglers fell through the ice near Linwood last weekend. A few perch were taken east of Quanicassee off Vanderbilt Park, the marina at Sebewaing and near Rose Island in 3 feet of water.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions worsened with the warm temperatures and rain. Anglers should avoid those areas near pressure cracks and the mouth of rivers as several vehicles have gone through the ice. The ice shifting near the pressure cracks has created some barriers. Extreme caution needs to be used. Anglers were still heading out for walleye. Good numbers of fish were caught in the flats near Kipling however most were on the small side. Try rapalas or tip-ups with minnows in 25 to 35 feet of water. Perch action in 10 to 17 feet of water out from the Day’s River and south towards Kipling. Anglers are jigging wigglers and minnows. Most anglers reported few catches however some large jumbos have been caught. Good pike spearing east of Butler Island in 10 feet of water on natural and artificial decoys.
Big Manistique Lake - Has ice and is producing walleye along with some perch.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Cedarville and Hessel - A few yellow perch in the 10 to 13 inch range have been caught in 8 to 10 feet of water in Hessel Bay. Wigglers worked best. Those fishing Musky Bay caught perch and pike but many were sub-legal. Cedarville Bay and the waters around Little Joe Island were producing a few more legal size perch.
Houghton Lake - Ice anglers are taking northern pike on tip-ups with minnows. Walleye have been caught out by the Middle Grounds. Most are jigging along the weeds in 6 to 8 feet of water. Dave at Four Season Party Store is out looking for a good spot as last year hotspot the weeds are down and not holding fish. Dave at Four Season party Store is out looking for a good spot and has done well the last few days so give him a call at 989-422-5230 for his hot-spot He caught four keeper walleye last night.. Lyman’s on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly pike contest
Monday, January 25, 2010
Ice is safe after rains
Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac are not know for “Big” walleye, but they are there. The past DNR stockings are improving the numbers but there’s still good adult, “Big” walleye in both lakes. This past week several trophy size were caught from both lakes.
Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac are not know for “Big” walleye, but they are there. The past DNR stockings are improving the numbers but there’s still good adult, “Big” walleye in both lakes. This past week several trophy size were caught from both lakes.
Nathan Tykwinski holds a 29 1/2 inch walleye caught on Lake Mitchell almost 8 pounds it takes two hands to hold.
Smelt Fishermen - it’s time! Green, Higgins and Crystal all have ice. Good catches have started. Remember, there is a two gallon possession limit this year. Most Catches have been reported from Green Lake. Jesse Nelson is pictured with some 9 inchers caught there. Green has the reputation for small (but tastey) smelt. Maybe they’re growing.
Ice is good on all the lakes and with the cold weather ice will be awesome with no snow.
Fishing has been slow but hope the cold snap will turn the bite back on.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Stop the Asian Carp
In December 2009, DNA testing found evidence that Asian carp were within a few miles of Lake Michigan, yet the locks which provide the carp with a direct path into Lake Michigan remain open. As a result, on behalf of the citizens of Michigan I sued the State of Illinois and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to force the immediate closure of these locks. Almost immediately, other Great Lakes states supported us in court, including New York, Wisconsin, Ohio and Minnesota. The Province of Ontario joined us as well. However, the Obama administration and the State of Illinois are opposing our suit and refuse to close the locks.
You can help us convince federal and local authorities to close the locks and protect the jobs and ecology that depend on the health of the Great Lakes by signing this e-petition. We will present the petition to President Obama and hope that he changes his position. Please go here to sign petition
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tip Up Town USA
We’re getting ready for another great Tip-Up Town USA! Michigan’s largest winter festival takes place on January 22-24th, and 29-31st. It’s the Diamond Anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than ever before! Bookmark this site to keep up to date with all the activities planned for 2010. So starting making plans for the best fun that winter has to offer - Tip-Up-Town USA in wonderful Houghton Lake!
Click here for some short videos of some of the fun activities offered at Tip-Up Town USA
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
Higgins Lake is froze and has 6 inches of ice, the pike bite has slowed but they are still taking some nice pike, also small perch are biting, with the smelt just starting to bite
We have great ice and lots of fisherman are getting out this week and trying there luck. The bite has been slow on many lakes still and hope things pick up this week. We have a great weekend of weather with 30’s predicted
Lake St. Helen is reporting great pike and panfish bite this week
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with panfish and pike..
Margrethe and Otsego have good ice and many shaties are showing up on the lakes with a fair bite. A huge muskie was caught on Lake Margrethe
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye are biting. Some are getting off the north-end.
Crystal Lake is froze on the south -end with a few guys getting out for perch
Portage Lake is froze, and they report a good perch and walleye bite. Also lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Skegemog Lake - Ice anglers are catching perch and many shanties out for spearing muskie and pike.
Lake Missaukee - Has ice and anglers are out targeting panfish.
Lake Cadillac -Is producing some nice northern pike for those spearing or using tip ups with large minnows. Walleye anglers were doing well when using tip-ups with light line. Those seeking panfish have caught good numbers of crappie along with some bluegills and perch. Many are fishing the west side of the lake.
Lake Mitchell - Is also producing some nice northern pike. The better walleye bite has been in the early morning or late evening. Black crappie were caught.
Hamlin Lake is reporting a good panfish and pike bite with lots of people out and about this week. At midweek the upper lake had around 8 inches of ice. And there is 4 or more on the bayous. Pretty good ice, but, still be cautious this early in the year.We are riding snowmobiles just about anywhere. The bait of choice for bluegills seems to be spikes over waxworms. There have been good catches in the mornings and evenings using bright colored jigs. ccording to Hamlin grocery the hot colors were orange and yellow and chartreuse and purple. The National ice fishing circuit comes to Hamlin lake Jan. 28-31, 2010 The first prize of 7,500 will certainly draw lots of anglers. This is a simple event, you fish for five hours with your favorite fishing partner, bring back your eight heaviest bluegills and crappies. You only have to beat the other 149 teams. The event kicks off Jan 26 above sportsman’s Irish pub. The next day there is a free ice fishing seminar and then on Sat. there will be a USA Team qualifier, which could qualify a team for the world championship tournament. Last years event was in Poland. Then there is a rules meeting at Ramada Sat night. Sunday the tournament starts at 8.am. Fishing ends at 1.00 with a weigh in and chili cookoff in the James street plaza downtown Ludington. We have rooms and snowmobiles available We also are having our free lodging special again this year. With the popular response we had, it seemed like the thing to do. If you rent a snowmobile for a day you get a free night, of a two night stay. If you rent a snowmobile for 2 days you get 2 nights free, on and on. The more sleds you rent the larger the free unit, up to 3 bedroom. Same goes for atv’s. The hot tub is on and hot, ready for soaking. Come on up and enjoy, give us a call, 888-845-5187, thanks,
Saginaw Bay - Anglers are warned to be very careful of changing ice conditions! Extreme caution needs to be used. The pressure cracks are extremely dangerous at this time so anglers should avoid those areas. Two anglers drowned since last Friday, and in both cases they were riding ATV’s, got onto thin, newly frozen ice, and broke through. There are a lot of pressure cracks out there, and if you’re riding an ATV or snowmobile, you can come upon a crack or thin ice before you have time to stop. Ice conditions were not great before the recent thaw, and now they are worse. Stay away from the mouth of rivers, creeks and drains because the recent thaw has increased runoff which in turn has eroded the ice in those areas. Local Sheriff Departments have been calling for people to stay off the ice. It would be wise to fish in shallow waters only and stay close to shore. Those wading open waters in the channel near the Hot Ponds caught walleye and pike. Many were small. Perch fishing was slow in the shallow waters between Sebewaing and Mud Creek. Walleye anglers were not fishing this area because the ice was not safe outside the islands.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice in the shipping channel in Escanaba has reopened producing DANGEROUS ice conditions. Anglers are discouraged from venturing out in this area. The majority of anglers are going out from the Terrace Bay Inn and north to the head of the Bay. Some were driving vehicles out north of the Narrows however it is not recommended. Several large ice breaks have opened in various areas across the Bay so anglers need to use extreme caution. Walleye catches have been fair at best with most of the large fish caught off the Center Reef with tip-ups and suckers in 25 to 31 feet of water. The best concentrations of fish have been south of Gladstone Beach in 25 to 35 feet of water. Try jigging rapalas with minnows. Those fishing the head of the Bay caught walleye and perch when jigging rapalas or using tip-ups with suckers in 8 to 19 feet of water. Catch rates for perch slowed however fish were still caught in both deep and shallow waters. Try jigging minnows in 27 to 35 feet of water or spikes and wigglers in 11 to 17 feet of water near Kipling. Jumbo perch were caught at the head of the Bay in 8 to 13 feet of water. Several large pike were taken off the Second Reef when using suckers in 27 to 33 feet of water.
Big Manistique Lake - Has ice and is producing walleye along with some perch.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Twin Lake - Near Newberry has ice and the bluegill anglers are out.
Houghton Lake - Ice anglers are taking northern pike on tip-ups with minnows. Walleye have been caught out by the Middle Grounds. Most are jigging along the weeds in 6 to 8 feet of water. Dave at Four Season Party Store is out looking for a good spot as last year hotspot the weeds are down and not holding fish. Dave at Four Season party Store is out looking for a good spot and has done well the last few days so give him a call at 989-422-5230 for his hot-spot He caught four keeper walleye last night.. Lyman’s on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly pike contest
Monday, January 18, 2010
Black Lake Sturgeon Regs
DNR Announces New Sturgeon Spearing Regulations at Black Lake
Jan. 8, 2010
Michigan DNR - The Department of Natural Resources has announced new regulations for sturgeon spearing at Black Lake designed to allow more people to participate.
Anglers who want to try their hands at sturgeon spearing season will be required to register on-site at Black Lake the day they plan to fish. They will be required to register any sturgeon speared immediately.
Sturgeon season is slated to begin Feb. 6 and will run through Feb. 10 or whenever the quota is reached, whichever comes first.
The new harvest strategy replaces the system that has been used in recent years that required anglers to draw for permits and limited the number of participants. Under the new system, the five-day season will close as soon as the quota is reached. Anglers on the ice when the quota is reached will be notified that the season is closed.
Biologists believe the new system will allow greater participation but will protect the Black Lake sturgeon population from over-harvest. The change was developed in conjunction with Sturgeon For Tomorrow, a conservation group centered at Black Lake.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Higgins Lake has a Great Pike Bite
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
Higgins Lake is froze and I shot this image saturday, also One of the best pike bites in 20 years on Higgins Lake, and many are trophy class 20 pounds plus. There is 5 inches of ice on the lake with smelt and perch being caught also.
We have ice and lots of fisherman are getting out this week and trying there luck. The bite has been slow on many lakes still and hope things pick upslow this week as bad weather moved in for a few days. Mixed reports are still coming in regarding ice safety. Snow cover does insulate the ice and slow the freezing process. Avoid structures such as docks or pilings and stay off any soft or discolored ice. Always test the ice thickness with a spud. Use the buddy system and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Be sure to wear a flotation devise and take rescue gear such as a rope, ladder, or anything that you could use to extend your reach.
Lake St. Helen is reporting good pike and walleye with a few panfish this week
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with panfish and pike..
Margrethe and Otsego have good ice and many shaties are showing up on the lakes with a fair bite. A huge muskie was caught on Lake Margrethe
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye are biting. Some are getting off the north-end.
Crystal Lake is froze on the south -end with a few guys getting out for perch
Portage Lake is froze, and they report a good perch and walleye bite. Also lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Skegemog Lake - Ice anglers are catching perch and many shanties out for spearing muskie and pike.
Lake Missaukee - Has ice and anglers are out targeting panfish.
Lake Cadillac -Is producing some nice northern pike for those spearing or using tip ups with large minnows. Walleye anglers were doing well when using tip-ups with light line. Those seeking panfish have caught good numbers of crappie along with some bluegills and perch. Many are fishing the west side of the lake.
Lake Mitchell - Is also producing some nice northern pike. The better walleye bite has been in the early morning or late evening. Black crappie were caught.
Hamlin Lake is reporting a good panfish and pike bite with lots of people out and about this week. At midweek the upper lake had around 8 inches of ice. And there is 4 or more on the bayous. Pretty good ice, but, still be cautious this early in the year.We are riding snowmobiles just about anywhere. The bait of choice for bluegills seems to be spikes over waxworms. There have been good catches in the mornings and evenings using bright colored jigs. ccording to Hamlin grocery the hot colors were orange and yellow and chartreuse and purple. The National ice fishing circuit comes to Hamlin lake Jan. 28-31, 2010 The first prize of 7,500 will certainly draw lots of anglers. This is a simple event, you fish for five hours with your favorite fishing partner, bring back your eight heaviest bluegills and crappies. You only have to beat the other 149 teams. The event kicks off Jan 26 above sportsman’s Irish pub. The next day there is a free ice fishing seminar and then on Sat. there will be a USA Team qualifier, which could qualify a team for the world championship tournament. Last years event was in Poland. Then there is a rules meeting at Ramada Sat night. Sunday the tournament starts at 8.am. Fishing ends at 1.00 with a weigh in and chili cookoff in the James street plaza downtown Ludington. We have rooms and snowmobiles available We also are having our free lodging special again this year. With the popular response we had, it seemed like the thing to do. If you rent a snowmobile for a day you get a free night, of a two night stay. If you rent a snowmobile for 2 days you get 2 nights free, on and on. The more sleds you rent the larger the free unit, up to 3 bedroom. Same goes for atv’s. The hot tub is on and hot, ready for soaking. Come on up and enjoy, give us a call, 888-845-5187, thanks,
Big Manistique Lake - Has ice and is producing walleye along with some perch.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Twin Lake - Near Newberry has ice and the bluegill anglers are out.
Higgins Lake - is froze- there were a couple shanties out on the south -end off of Lincohn RD
Houghton Lake - Ice anglers are taking northern pike on tip-ups with minnows. Walleye have been caught out by the Middle Grounds. Most are jigging along the weeds in 6 to 8 feet of water. Dave at Four Season Party Store is out looking for a good spot as last year hotspot the weeds are down and not holding fish. Lyman’s on the lake is putting his shanties out today and will be renting on the 26. We are also going to have a pike fishing contest which starts the 26 also. Dave at Four Season party Store is out looking for a good spot and has done well the last few days so give him a call at 989-422-5230 for his hot-spot. Lyman’s on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly contest
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Point Betsie Fireworks
Shot this photo last night as the sun came out and gave me quite a show
Fishing Slow
I’m not hearing any good reports the last few days as the fish have turned off many places. Portage Lake is good for pike this week with golden working best. Higgins has 5 inches of ice and they are getting out but no reports yet. will know more tomorrow.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Higgins Lake is Froze
I shot this photo saturday on Higgins Lake as it is froze with shanties on the south-end. We hope to be on the smelt grounds this week.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2009
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Enjoy catching ??Big? fish. Set your tip-ups on either Cadillac or Lake Mitchell and see what happens. This past week tip-up and spear fishermen have been catching pike over the 30 inch mark and some up to 38 inches. We??ve heard stories of even larger but 38 is the largest, we??ve actually weighed and measured.
We??re often asked which lake is the best. Lake Cadillac gets the most pressure because it??s accessible from all sides. Fishermen can be seen and parking is available around most of the lake. Basically bowl shaped the deep water and weed beds are easy to figure out.
Lake Mitchell is almost twice the size of Cadillac, without as much public access. It has the reputation for being shallow and usually takes longer to locate drop offs and deeper depths. Consequently fewer fish Mitchell.
When it comes to pike traditionally the numbers come from Mitchell. Fewer but larger pike come from Cadillac. That said, this winter it hasn??t mattered. Trophy size pike have been caught from both lakes.
Pilgrim Village Spearing Contest:
Some new names have appeared, and some of the past leaders were bumped..
First Place Chris Vander Meulen 38 inches 11.8 lbs.
Second Place Mike Boerma 37 ¼ inches 9.14 lbs.
Third Place Joe Kulhawick 34 ½ inches 9.13 lbs.
Fourth Place Brian Brown 34 5/16 inches 9.1 lbs.
Fifth Place Ralph Henry 32 inches 8.5 lbs.
Sixth Place Scott McConnell 32 inches 7.5 lbs.
Seventh Place Chris Hansen 32 inches 7.4 lbs.
Eighth Place Steve Sikkema 32 inches 7.2 lbs.
Youth Division - 16 years and under
First Place Tyler McConnell 28 ¾ inches 4.12 lbs.
Second Place Donald Hiltz Jr. 26 ¼ inches 3.11 lbs.
Think pike are bony and prefer the sweet taste of panfish. Try the Coves on Lake Mitchell or the east side of Cadillac for a mixed catch. Crappie are predominant but gills and a few keeper perch can fill a limit.
Plan to fish in the 26th NASF Ice Fishing Contest, Saturday February 6, 2010. Register now at the Pilgrim Village, MC Sports or Schafer??s Bait and Sporting Goods. Click here rules.
See you on the ice!
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Heavy Snowfall last weekend slows fishing
We had a lot of snow last weekend and fishing has been slow as slush is on many lakes.
They are catching smelt on Green Lake with Hali’s tipped with waxworms, but the smelt are running small.
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
We have ice and lots of fisherman are getting out this week and trying their luck. It has been slow this week as bad weather moved in for a few days.
Lake St. Helen is reporting good pike and walleye with a few panfish this week
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good on Muddy Bay with limit catches of gills on waxworms.
Margrethe and Otsego have good ice and many shanties are showing up on the lakes with a fair bite
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye are biting.
Portage Lake is froze, and they report a good perch and walleye bite
Skegemog Lake - Ice anglers are catching perch and many shanties out for spearing muskie and pike.
Lake Cadillac - Is producing some nice northern pike for those spearing or using tip ups with large minnows. Walleye anglers were doing well when using tip-ups with light line. Those seeking panfish have caught good numbers of crappie along with some bluegills and perch. Many are fishing the West side of the lake.
Lake Mitchell - Has ice however the better fishing was on Cadillac.
Hamlin Lake is reporting a good panfish and pike bite with lots of people out and about this week.
Big Manistique Lake - Has ice and is producing walleye along with some perch.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Twin Lake - Near Newberry has ice and the bluegill anglers are out.
Higgins Lake - was wide open on the north-end but there were a couple shanties out on the south-end off of Lincoln RD
Houghton Lake - Ice anglers are taking northern pike on tip-ups with minnows. Walleye have been caught out by the Middle Grounds. Most are jigging along the weeds in 6 to 8 feet of water. Houghton Lake - The ice continues to build and shanties are out on the lake. Flint road has been good for walleye and Dave at Four Seson party Store is out looking for a good spot as last year hotspot the weeds are down and not holding fish. Lyman’s on the lake shanties are on the lake. We are also going to have a pike fishing contest which runs every week.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Great Start to the Ice Fishing Season
We had a great start to ice fishing with lots of pike and gills being caught. Too bad we had to get a storm this weekend to slow down the masses fishing. Many braved the the nasty weather to catch some fish.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The fish in Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac didn??t take any time off for the holidays. The panfish cooperated and the pike we??re cruising. Both lakes are producing, especially northern pike. Last years regulation changed, ??Anglers may now use up to three rods or tip-ups while angling regardless of species,? has caught on. Many are jigging for panfish or walleye and setting tip-ups. Mixed catches of crappie, gills and perch, topped off with a pike or two are common.
Walleye - Tip-ups rigged with light line are catching their share. We??ve seen more since first ice then all summer.
The predominant panfish has been crappie with a few gills or perch to fill out a limit.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
We have ice and lots of fisherman are getting out this week and trying there luck. Most places report great fishing pressure, only the real deep lakes are open.
Lake St. Helen is reporting good pike and walleye with a few panfish this week
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good on Muddy Bay with limit catches of gills on waxworms.
Margrethe and Otsego have good iv ce and many shaties are showing up on the lake
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye ae biting.
Portage Lake is froze, but ice is thin out in the channel
Skegemog Lake - Ice anglers are catching perch and many shanies out for spearing muskie and pike.
Lake Cadillac - Ice anglers are taking fair to good numbers of northern pike when using tip-ups or spear fishing. A few walleye were also caught. Those fishing in shallow waters have caught bluegills and crappie. Ice shanties were seen on the west side of the lake.
Lake Mitchell - Has ice however the better fishing was on Cadillac.
Hamlin Lake is reporting a good panfish and pike bite with lots of people out and about this week.
Big Manistique Lake - Has ice and is producing walleye along with some perch.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Twin Lake - Near Newberry has ice and the bluegill anglers are out.
Higgins Lake - was wide open when I went by today
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
We are getting an ice storm today, it is not hurting any ice but makes getting there a challenge. Many of the deeper lakes are froze over but are not safe with the warmer weather it might be a few more days before fisherman venture out.
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good on Muddy Bay with limit catches of gills on waxworms. Many lakes they are just getting on like Margrethe and Otsego.
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have about 4 inches of ice and it is still iff in many places.
Northwest:
A few of the small shallow lakes had some ice forming however recent snow showers have now created slush. Safety is a concern so anglers are advised to fish shallow waters only. The large lakes still had open water.
Boardman River - The occasional steelhead was caught on wax worms.
Long Lake - Had a few anglers catching tasty walleye and nice pike.
Lake Cadillac - Has a good crappie bite on Lake Cadillac with lots of pike and a few walleye.
Manistee - Manistee lake is froze
Manistee River - Steelhead were still being caught however catch rates were slow with the colder weather.
Ludington - Hamlin Lake has ice and a great panfish bite with limit catches being reported
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Alpena - Boat ramps in the harbor are ice covered and the docks have been removed. Open-water fishing has come to an end. While ice has formed, there was no safe ice to report.
Grand Lake - Has good ice but fishing has been fair with Black Bass Bay hit and miss.
Long Lake - Had a few ice anglers starting to fish and walleye and perch the main fare.
Au Sable River - Those braving the cold were still catching some steelhead in the lower river. Most were using spawn or wax worms.
Higgins Lake - Shoreline ice is starting to form but most of the lake still has open water.
Houghton Lake - The ice continues to build and shanties are out on the lake. Flint road has been good for walleye and Dave at Four Seson party Store is out looking for a good spot as last year hotspot the weeds are down and not holding fish. Lyman’s on the lake is putting his shanties out today and will be renting on the 26. We are also going to have a pike fishing contest which starts the 26 also.
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Upper Peninsula
Deeper lakes in the western portion have just frozen over. Slush was reported on many of the inland lakes so those thinking about heading out need to use extreme caution.
Lake Gogebic - Anglers were out on first ice and catching a few perch in Bergland Bay.
Munuscong Bay - A few ice anglers were catching some perch. Ice conditions vary so anglers need to use extreme caution.
Cedarville - Also had reports of some perch being caught by ice anglers. First ice is dangerous ice so anglers need to use caution.
Bay De Noc is froze with a few getting out thios week but not much to report yet.
Indian Lake has a good walleye and perch bite but please keep your trucks on shore as one went thought last week
Monday, December 21, 2009
Many Deeper Lake are Ice Covered
Many of the deeper lake went over this weekend and we hope any big snow will hold off till we get a good ice base. A few are out but with Christmas closing in many are shopping or get togethers with family and friends. After Christmas the ice fishing should start in ernest with deer hunting coming to a close.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
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Deer Hunting Season is over and everyone??s attention has turned back to fishing. There??s no waiting for hard water. Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell are frozen. Expect to find 4? plus of good ice and some areas more. Temperatures are on our side without any major snow storms. So it is making ice daily. Portable shanties are popping up and snowmobiles are running the edges.
Regardless of the activity you see on the ice, use your spud to check your way where ever you go. The seasons just starting and there??s lots of places that have not been explored.
First Ice is living up to its expectations, because pike and especially walleye have been cooperating. This year??s rule change, anglers may use 3 rods or tip-ups are an advantage. Also, pike spearing season started December 1st through March 15th.
Local favorites Chris Hansen and Brian Brown are usually first on the ice. It paid off. Chris iced a 26?, 6.3 pound walleye. Brian Brown??s was 25?, over 5 pounds. Most walleyes we??re hearing of have been caught on Lake Cadillac using tip-ups.
Pike spearing season began December 1st and so has our contest. No charge but you must be registered. Stop in for rules and to register.
Thomas Jessup is in 2nd Place with a 26 ½? pike. Soon he??ll bump this one with a larger one.
Brian Brown??s 34 5/16; 9.1 pound is in 1st Place. Way to start!
Look at the nice catch of panfish caught by Jerry Lawhead. Mixed catches of crappie and bluegills are common. Most reports are from Lake Cadillac using small jigs tipped with spikes for gills. Crappies favorite bait is small minnows.
See you on the ice!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Were Ice Fishing
Many of the shallow lakes are froze with lakes south of M-55 being safer as they had less snow. Most lakes in Northern Micigan are open as they are deeper lakes. Houghton Lake has 4 to 6 inches of ice and walleye and pike are biting.
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good on Muddy Bay with limit catches of gills on waxworms. Many lakes they are just getting on like Margrethe and Otsego.
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have ice but not many venturing out yet but cold weather without snow will make ice in a hurry.
Most minnow dealers have put in a stock of live bait this week with a feeling that a few will be getting out this week end