Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Huge Wind and Cold Front
A Hurricane force cold front came in Sunday morning making most fisherman stay home today, It has slowed fishing again with whitecaps breaking over break-walls and boats bows.
It is looking good for weather for the opening of bass season this Saturday.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Finally, signs of bluegills starting to bed. Both coves on Lake Mitchell, especially the Small Cove are protected from the wind and have a muck bottom. These areas hold the warmest water. The temperature in both areas is approaching 60 degrees. On calm days, beds are visible. Best bite has been late afternoons using leaf or waxworms on light tackle. Consistent fishing is near.
Some crappies have also been caught in the coves. Lately the area from Kenwood Park to the State Park on Lake Cadillac has been better. Successful anglers are drifting the area. Once one or two are caught, anchor and fish the schools. Largest crappies are being caught on Blakemore Road Runners or Beetle Spins. Use either of these spinners and expect to be bit by pike and bass as a bonus.
Bass season opens May 24. At this writing bass are being caught regardless of what species you’re fishing for. Big, healthy large and small mouths have been common. A few beds are now visible. Tournament fishermen - the wait is almost over.
Pike fishing on both lakes has been good for numbers. Lots of action. Most keepers have been in the 26 to 28 inch range. Those over 30 have been special. They’re there but have been scarce lately. The brothers, Timothy and Austin Carlington of Cadillac are smiling. Their 26 inch pike was caught on Lake Cadillac. They’ll be back!
Master Angler size bullheads have been caught near the State Park on Lake Cadillac. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy easy night fishing with crawlers.
Another off brand, several reports of large dog fish have been caught in the coves on Lake Mitchell.
Mushroom Hunters - Black morels have ended but grays and whites are up. Check the areas ash trees. Our customers have found whites (yellows) the size of coffee cups. These may go into June because of the cold spring.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Wood Duck at Sunrise
Friday, May 16, 2008
Two Nice Days in a Row
We have had two nice days in a row, but here comes the weekend with rain predicted. It would be nice to have a sunny , warm weekend as they have been far and few since opening of trout season.
Wixom Lake is reporting a great crappie bite as the crappie are feeding after spawning. There is a big pike tournament on Sanford Lake tomorrow with a thousand bucks for first place. Call Sanford Sport Shop @ 989-687-5161 to find out more.
Most lakes are having a great bass bite which does not open till next week. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Opening Day in The Great UP
My brother who runs in the Beautiful Upper said lots of traffic today in the UP with boats everywhere which is a good sign with high gas prices.
Little Bay De Noc - All the boat launches are up and running and ready for the walleye opener. Water temperatures vary from the low 40’s to the mid 50’s, so warmer weather would help. Perch fishing has been good in the Narrows when jigging worms in 23 to 35 feet of water and near the Center Reef in 20 to 25 feet of water. No reports on brown trout or splake but several anglers were heading south of the Ford River in search of them. Shore anglers fishing off the new piers at the North Shore Boat Launch have caught rock bass when using crawlers under a bobber. This is a good opportunity for kids.
Big Bay De Noc - The boat launches are open and ready for the walleye opener.
Manistique is gearing up for a big opener, with Indian Lake, Manistique Lake, andCurtis Area. The St Marys River should be good also for walleye, pike and huge muskies
Cooler temperatures, rain and strong winds have been keeping fishing activity at bay across a good part of the state.
Hamlin Lake - Good numbers of crappie have been caught in the East Arm just off Layman’s Landing in 8 to 12 feet of water or straight across the lake to the north in 10 to 20 feet of water. Limit catches of walleye were taken after dark in front of Pete’s Bayou and around the narrows. Those fishing the North and Middle Bayou’s reported very good panfish action when using power grubs on jigs or a wax worm on a teardrop..
Lake Charlevoix - Had good perch fishing on the northwest side of the lake when you can find a school of fish and stay with it. The fish are getting ready to disperse and spawn but some nice catches are still coming in on minnows or wigglers.
Skegemog Lake - Anglers have been targeting walleye north of the Torch River, along the southern end of the lake and near the narrows. Most are trolling, casting or drifting in 10 to 25 feet of water with rapalas, leeches and jigs. Pike and muskie were caught near the public access site and the narrows in 7 to 15 feet of water. The majority of bass anglers can be found along the south end of the lake near the Desmond Marsh area in 4 to 10 feet of water. Try using tubes, spinners or jerk baits. Perch anglers have been drifting or still-fishing near the narrows and the mouth of the river. Try minnows and wigglers in waters up to 25 feet deep.
Traverse City - Whitefish are being caught throughout the East Bay when jigging. Lake trout fishing has been excellent with limit catches reported. The brown trout and steelhead action has slowed. Lake trout fishing has been good in the West Bay but few anglers have been out.
Long Lake - The walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses after dark. Also Lake Leelanau has reported in with a good walleye bite
Portage Lake - Walleye were caught in the evening when trolling along the shore and out in the channel. A good number of rock bass have been caught and the bigger bluegills are starting to show up in 25 to 30 feet of water. Try crawlers or wigglers. Perch were caught on minnows.
Muskegon Lake - Perch have been caught in 20 to 30 feet of water. The northern pike action has been good. Crappie and bluegills can be found in waters 10 to 15 feet or deeper. Both the large and smallmouth bass fishing has been good. Some nice fish have been caught and released.
Whitehall - Has good walleye fishing off the pier. Most anglers are picking their spots before dark and fishing most of the night. A few salmon have been caught when trolling. The lake trout were found in shallow waters.
FISHING REPORT
Upper Peninsula:
The pike and walleye seasons open across the Upper Peninsula Thursday, May 15. At the time this report was being written, no information has been provided on how the openers are going. The cool weather and water temperatures are limiting the fishing activity near Copper Harbor. An occasional splake is being reeled out of Copper Harbor. A few steelhead are being caught in the creek between Lake Fanny Hooe and Copper Harbor.
Up until the open of the pike and walleye seasons, fishing activity on Lake Gogebic has been slow.
Around Marquette, the lake trout fishing ranges from fair to good on Lake Superior. The lakers are found toward the bottom of the lake, in water 60 to 120 feet deep. Most of the fish are being caught with spoons. Anglers trolling on the Lower Marquette and Upper Marquette harbors are catching a few coho. The steelhead action is good on the Carp, Chocolay and Dead rivers.
In the Gladstone area, the perch fishing is improving in the “narrows” on Little Bay de Noc. The best fishing is found in water 30 to 35 feet deep.
Anglers along the Manistique River by Manistique are catching fair to good numbers of steelhead.
Fishing activity this week has been slow near St. Ignace.
The bays around Cedarville are producing good perch fishing. Minnows are the preferred bait. The splake fishing is fair out of Hessel.
Anglers on Maxton Bay by Drummond Island are catching a few perch. Anglers will have to sort through the fish that are caught, since there are a lot of small fish being reeled in.
And at Sault Ste. Marie, anglers are catching a few whitefish on the St. Marys River behind the “powerhouse.” The upper end of the St. Marys River is producing fair perch fishing.
Northwest:
Anglers near Alanson are catching a few steelhead along the Bear River. The walleye action ranges from slow to fair on both Burt and Crooked lakes. Walleye anglers are using jigs tipped with a minnow.
In the Boyne City area, the walleye fishing is slow on both Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake.
By Traverse City, the lake trout fishing is fair to good on West Grand Traverse Bay. Try using a jig near the bottom of the bay, in water about 100 feet deep. The bass fishing is improving, but everything is catch and release with the bass since the season is not open.
Out of the Frankfort area, the perch fishing is fair on both Crystal and Portage lakes. Minnows and wigglers are both being used as bait. Anglers on Crystal Lake are reeling in a few whitefish, using wigglers as bait. Along the Betsie River, the steelhead fishing is fair. The steelhead are hitting on a variety of baits.
Around Manistee, anglers on Lake Michigan are reeling in a few brown trout. The fish are found close to shore, in water up to eight feet deep. The shallow waters of the small lakes in the area are producing fair bluegill fishing.
Anglers on Manistee Lake near Kalkaska are catching good numbers of walleye. The steelhead action along the Boardman River is fair.
The fly-fishing opportunities range from fair to good on the Au Sable, Black, Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers. The walleye fishing is pretty good on Bradford and Otsego lakes. The walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses or jigs tipped with a minnow.
And at Cadillac, the pike fishing is fair to good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The crappie fishing is fair on Lake Mitchell. There are not a lot of fish being caught, but those that are reeled in are big. After dark, an occasional walleye is being caught on the east side of Lake Mitchell.
West:
Hamlin and Lincoln lakes near Ludington are producing good panfish and bluegill fishing. The fish are starting to move into shallower water in the lakes.
Out of the Muskegon area, the bluegill and perch fishing is good on Muskegon Lake, in water 10 to 20 feet deep. After dark, the walleye fishing is fair along the Muskegon Channel and off the pier heads. The salmon fishing is improving on Lake Michigan.
Chippewa Lake is producing fair bluegill, pike and walleye fishing. The northerns are hitting on minnows, but most of the pike being caught are on the small side.
And at Baldwin, the bluegill fishing is good on most of the local lakes. The best fishing occurs during the warmest part of the day.
Southwest:
By Holland, the walleye fishing is good off the piers on Lake Michigan near Holland and on the Kalamazoo River. The best fishing occurs at night. Anglers on the piers are using husky jerks, on the river any type of live bait seems to be working well. Out on Lake Michigan, the salmon action is slow. The fish that are being caught are found in water 80 to 140 feet deep.
Lake Michigan by Benton Harbor is producing some good lake trout and steelhead fishing. The fish are found in water up to 300 feet deep. Along the St. Joseph River, anglers are reeling in a few catfish. Anglers on the Lake Michigan piers are catching a few walleye.
Around New Buffalo, the crappie fishing ranges from slow to fair on the Galien River.
In the Kalamazoo area, the bluegill and bass fishing is good on Sugarloaf Lake. The largemouth and smallmouth bass action is good on Gull Lake, however, since the bass seasons are not yet open, any bass caught must immediately be released.
And at Three Rivers, the crappie fishing is very good on most of the local lakes, such as Corey Lake. Shiner minnows are the preferred bait. The bluegill action on the local lakes is pretty good.
Northeast:
In the Alpena area, the walleye fishing is fair along the Lake Huron shoreline, in water up to nine feet deep. Evenings are the best time to be out. Anglers along the Thunder Bay River are reeling in a few perch. The Second Street Bridge is the best spot to cast a line in the water, and minnows are the preferred bait.
Around Grayling, the walleye fishing is fair on Lake Margrethe. Anglers are using jigs or trolling slowly in water 15 to 20 feet deep. The panfish action on some of the smaller lakes in the area ranges from slow to fair.
Out on Higgins Lake, the rainbow and brown trout fishing is fair. Anglers are trolling for the trout, with the best action found near the drop-offs in the lake.
Houghton Lake is producing good pike and walleye fishing. The northerns are hitting on stick baits. The walleye are biting on crawlers or leeches near the weed edges or on stick baits used by anglers trolling on the lake.
In the Oscoda area, the perch and walleye fishing is good on Van Etten Lake. The Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds are producing good panfish, pike and walleye action. Anglers along the Au Sable River, below the Foote Dam, are reeling in fair numbers of steelhead.
And at Au Gres, the steelhead fishing is fair on the east branch of the Au Gres River. Anglers on Saginaw Bay are catching a few walleye in water 25 to 30 feet deep.
East:
The walleye action is steady on Saginaw Bay near Linwood. Anglers are trolling in water eight to 14 feet deep.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
UP Opener Tomorrow
The walleye and pike opener for the UP is tomorrow with clear sky’s but very cold in the morning (low 30’s). The Bay De Noc Area will be hit the hardest tomorrow, but there are many great place around Manistique and St. Mary’s River.
With the high, cold water it will be an interesting opener this year as things are a couple weeks behind.
Photo above was taken Saturday night as I came back from the Two Heart River, I saw it was calm and shot a few photos of the bridge that night.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
FIshing Good, but no fisherman
The fish have been back on a bite this week, but there are few fisherman out as weather and high gas prices are effecting the tourist industry.
Lake Leelanau has a walleye bite this week with many keepers being caught, Long Lake by Traverse has been good, but most fish are undersize right now.
May 15 the UP pike and walleye season opens and many will be heading to Bay De Noc.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Some mornings we’re still experiencing frost followed by warm afternoons. The lake temperatures are staying in the mid - 50’s range, very slowly warming.
Some good crappies are being caught. Good size, but not limits. Best area has been outside the State Park area on Lake Mitchell. The warmer afternoons have been best. Often they’ll give their location away by breaking the surface. Small minnows or jigs have been best.
Bluegills haven’t started yet. It’s been one here, one there. Soon they’ll show-up. Normally they’re spawning by the end of the month. As of now everything is behind.
Ryan Brown of Cadillac is seen with a great catch of walleyes. Check two 25 inch and one 27 inch caught on Lake Mitchell. Rapala Husky Jerks, the local favorite, are his choice bait. All were caught late at night.
Pike fishing has been good for the numbers, but few have been over 30 inches. Most catches have been in the 24 to 28 inch range. Big pike have been scarce, they’re not hungry. Dave Coffey caught a 27 ½ inch on Lake Mitchell.
Coolwater Anglers had their pike tournament Saturday May 10th. Great day on the lakes with 27 boats participating. With a 2 fish limit per team, using only artificials, just under 60 inches took first place. If you missed it, it was fun. Look for another in the future. Numbers of pike were caught but no monsters our lakes are famous for. As a bonus several “Big” bass, both large and small mouth were caught. All bass and pike were released unharmed. Don Fowler is pictured with a nice small mouth before returning it to Lake Mitchell. Go to Coolwaterangler.com for pictures and results of the tournament.
The last turkey period, 234, is still good in the Cadillac area. Ken Todd harvested a beautiful one with a 7” beard. Very nice bird.
Morels - Black morels, although still available, are coming to the end. However, grays and a few smaller whites are starting to pop-up. Rain and warmer weather will help.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Ruffed Grouse Drumming
I shot this photo in Luce County with the help of Rick Baetsen who found the drumming log and let me photograph this great bird close up. This was by Swamp Lake.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother’s Day
Mothers are the place that we call home.
On them we rest our heads and close our eyes.
There’s no one else who grants the same soft peace,
Happiness, contentment, sweet release,
Erasing nighttime tears with lullabies,
Restoring the bright sun that makes us bloom.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Warmer Weather will Improve Fishing
The bite is still slow with very few good or bad reports coming in, but lots of mushrooms are being picked in Northern Michigan
The perch have scattered on Grand Traverse bay with the high winds we had this week.
Tittabawassee River - Walleye bite has been fair as they move back out to the bay.
Saginaw Bay - Had good to excellent walleye fishing about two miles past Finn Road in shallow waters 4 feet deep. Try using crawler harnesses. Those fishing off Quanicassee reported excellent walleye fishing straight out from the port in 8 feet of water when using crawler harnesses. More and bigger fish were caught here. Pike and largemouth bass were caught off Sebewaing. Not many walleye were caught off Bay Port and Caseville.
River and creeks have been slow but with warmer weather look for things to get better.
Elk Lake - The walleye anglers have not been out. Those looking for smallmouth bass were fishing the southern end of the lake near the Whitewater Township Park. Anglers were casting tubes and rapalas in 10 feet of water but no fish were caught.
Skegemog Lake - Anglers have been targeting walleye north of the Torch River, along the southern end of the lake and near the narrows. Most are trolling, casting or drifting in 10 to 25 feet of water with rapalas, leeches and jigs. Pike and muskie were caught near the public access site and the narrows in 7 to 15 feet of water. The majority of bass anglers can be found along the south end of the lake near the Desmond Marsh area in 4 to 10 feet of water. Try using tubes, spinners or jerk baits. Perch anglers have been drifting or still-fishing near the narrows and the mouth of the river. Try minnows and wigglers in waters up to 25 feet deep.
Traverse City - In the East Bay, those fishing off Dock Road in the early morning have caught some brown trout and steelhead. West winds in this location have improved the fishing. Whitefish have been caught off the white wall along the southern end of the bay. Jigging worked best. Lake trout fishing has been excellent with limit catches taken. Many fish were over 25 inches.
Long Lake - The walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses after dark..
Portage Lake - Perch fishing slowed as it appears the bigger fish are done, but lots of small fish are still being caught. Bluegill and crappie are starting to hit, but the action was still spotty. Boat anglers trolling along the north shore have caught northern pike and walleye.
Little Bay De Noc - Perch anglers are going out when the weather permits. The cooler evenings have lowered the water temperatures to about 42 degrees. Most are jigging minnows and worms in the deeper waters 28 to 35 feet deep around the Narrows but few fish have been caught. Those fishing Nelsons Bay were marking a lot of fish but not many were caught. The walleye opener on May 15th looks to be a good one..
Houghton Lake - The crappie are moving back out to deeper waters. A few walleye were caught when trolling with leeches just off the bottom.
Charlevoix - Perch anglers did catch some fish in 50 feet of water along the northwest side of the lake, but the fish seem to be scattered.
Hamlin Lake - Lots of pike have been caught when trolling body baits in the shallows, but most of the fish were small. Some big bluegills were caught on wax worms or leaf worms in the upper lake in 15 to 30 feet of water and crappie are in 10 feet of water. Anglers are catching and releasing a good number of largemouth bass in shallow waters 2 to 5 feet deep. Top water spinner baits have worked best. Good colors have been chartreuse and white. In the lower lake, bluegills are hitting in both the North and the Middle Bayou’s, but many were small.
Upper Peninsula:
Around Manistique, Indian Lake is providing a few perch.
Sault St. Marie anglers are reeling in some really big perch in the 12-14 inch size in the very early morning hours on the upper river. White fish are hot near the power house using wax worms, spawn and flies.
Around Munuscong Bay, not a lot of activity taking place this week other than some splake being caught on Hessell Lake with minnows. Most anglers are anxiously awaiting the opening of walleye season May 15.
Drummond Island anglers are finding fair fishing on Maxton Bay for perch off the docks, but plenty of sorting is needed. For example, 100 fish caught, only 25 keepers. Perch are hitting on minnows in three feet of water. Maxton Bay is also giving up good counts of bullheads on crawlers and minnows. Pike and walleye season opens May 15.
Copper Harbor anglers are doing well with splake in the Harbor when using spoons.
Around Marquette activity has been slow, some brook trout are being reeled in from Little Garlic River on small worms and pan fishing is picking up.
In the Escanaba area, perch action is picking up on Little Bay DeNoc near Gladstone. Fish in the narrows area in 25-40 feet of water and try using minnows and wigglers. Steelhead remain decent on the Rapid River when using spawn.
Northwest:
Gaylord area anglers are finding improving conditions as the streams and lakes warm up. Walleye activity is good on Twin Lake.
Boyne City anglers are doing well using spawn bags for steelhead on the Boyne River. Perch fishing has slowed down and the suckers seem to have left as fast as they came. Pike are doing well on blue minnows.
In the Kalkaska area, brook and brown trout can be found in the creeks using live bait. Smaller inland lakes are good locations for blue gill. Steelhead remain active on Boardman River and Tippy Dam. A few perch being caught on Skegemog Lake.
Around the Frankfort area, angling activity is fair and sometimes hit or miss. Anglers are working hard to find perch in Crystal Lake. Lake Michigan is giving up decent catches of browns casting off the pier with cleos, crocodiles or spawn and when trolling using Rapalas. The Betsie River is producing fair amounts of suckers and steelhead. Walleye are decent around the Big Platt and Upper Herring lakes.
West:
In the Pentwater area, a few salmon are being pulled from Lake Michigan and some walleye around the piers on body baits in the evening hours.
Around the Muskegon area, anglers are doing well on Muskegon Lake for perch near the edge of weed beds when using worms. Blue gill are also abundant on Muskegon Lake in 10 feet of water and near the weed beds. Wax worms, spikes and red worms are working well, and near the east end of the Lake catfish are plentiful on crawlers.
Chippewa Lake is improving for blue gill, canals and channels are best locations.
Southwest:
In the Holland area Lake Macatawa is giving up decent catches of crappie mostly under the docks. Hutchins Lake also has come good crappie fishing taking place, especially around the weed beds. Lake Michigan is spotty this week for salmon, but fish caught have been in 40-70 feet of water.
Benton Harbor anglers are reeling in a few Kings in 80-100 feet of water on spoons, dodgers and flies going out about two miles from the pier. Walleye are a bit slow this week in the area.
Around New Buffalo anglers are finding good results with lakers in 62 feet of water, approximately three miles out. So far Kings are far and few between and steelhead activity has slowed some.
In the Kalamazoo area, bass are on the move on Maple Lake as well as blue gill and crappie. Sugarloaf Lake is also producing decent counts of blue gill and crappie.
Angling in the Three Rivers area is picking up on Harwood, Driscoll and Corey lakes. Blue gill, crappie and perch are active, and red wigglers and minnows are working best. A few walleye are being caught in the St. Joseph River between Constantine and Mottville.
Northeast:
At Houghton Lake angling action is back where it should be and anglers will find the middle of the Lake producing good amounts of walleye, trout, blue gill and crappie. A variety of bait is working well that includes leeches, leaf worms and Rapalas.
At Higgins Lake, the walleye action is improving as the weather improves. Perch action remains decent when using flies, leeches and wax worms.
In the Oscoda area, Cooke Dam Pond and Foote Dam Pond are producing fair quantities of perch and blue gill on crawlers and minnows. The AuSable River continues to give up decent catches of steelhead on spawn and walleye are ample when using wax worms, flies and Tiger Rapalas.
East:
Linwood anglers are doing well for walleye on Saginaw Bay from AuGres to the east end using bottom bouncers and crank bait. Steelhead action has slowed and perch catches are spotty.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Photos of the only fisherman I saw with fish
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
DNR Coolwater Fish Production Strategy for 2008 Announced
After placing a moratorium on coolwater fish production in 2007 because of concerns related to viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSv) in the Great Lakes, the Department of Natural Resources today announced its fish production strategy for 2008.
The DNR plans to produce approximately 2 million spring fingerling walleye - about 20 percent of the normal production - and up to 50,000 fall fingerling muskellunge. Northern pike will not be produced in 2008, and lake sturgeon will be produced in very limited numbers, up to 5,000 fall fingerlings.
Much has been learned about VHSv in the past year, including experiments on the effect of egg disinfection chemicals on the survival of coolwater eggs, a better understanding of the distribution of VHSv in our waters, and an analysis of scientific literature on similar viruses that was focused on how those viruses are managed, said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Kelley Smith. This new information has been incorporated into the 2008 strategy for coolwater production.
During 2006 and 2007, VHSv was directly implicated in a number of fish kills in Michigan Great Lakes waters, including Thunder Bay in Lake Huron, the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River and Budd Lake in Clare County. Budd Lake remains the only inland lake in which VHSv has been detected.
Although additional information is needed, particularly the effectiveness of egg disinfection in killing VHSv on coolwater eggs, sufficient information is available to allow the DNR to begin to manage the coolwater production risks surrounding VHSv, said DNR Fish Production Manager Gary Whelan. While not completely risk-free, the proposed coolwater production strategy will greatly minimize risks, allow the limited production of coolwater fish and allow the DNR to learn how to manage this disease issue.
A number of measures will be taken in the DNR production system to reduce the risk of VHSv in Michigans waters and ensure the health of the hatchery system. They include:
VHSv testing of all coolwater broodstocks (all were negative in 2007);
VHSv testing of all coolwater fry prior to moving to rearing ponds and fingerlings prior to stocking;
The destruction of any hatchery fish that are shown to be positive at any stage for VHSv;
Disinfecting all coolwater eggs in an iodine solution (Iodophor);
Raising walleye in non-drainable ponds from which fish can be completely killed off if VHSv is detected in these fish.
Since muskellunge require significantly more fish culture effort and require live feeds, they will be reared in isolated drainable muskie ponds at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. Muskie egg takes are conducted in Lake Hudson and Thornapple Lake, which are far removed from current VHSv-positive locations. When the egg take location is combined with intensive testing of the adults and young fish, a reasonable level of protection against VHSv spread by hatchery operations is provided, Whelan said.
Muskies give us many more opportunities to test for VHSv as they are typically not stocked from the rearing ponds until the fall, unlike walleyes, which are stocked in early summer, Whelan added.
In addition to the fish production biosecurity measures, we are also going to limit the locations to which we stock walleye to further protect our states waters from VHSv, Smith said. Walleyes will only be stocked in waters from which egg takes were conducted (the Muskegon River and Little Bay de Noc); waters in which Muskegon River and Little Bay de Noc walleye broodstock normally move to; and for Muskegon River walleye only in Lake Michigan or Lake Huron inland lakes that do not have any connections to other waters. The risk is much lower and manageable for muskellunge, so they will be stocked in normal stocking locations.
Smith said it was important to note that the 2008 strategy was not completely risk-free.
While the measures we have put in place do reduce our ability to rear and stock coolwater fish, they will also greatly reduce the risk of inadvertently spreading VHSv. We are optimistic that the new testing methodologies and improved disinfection options will allow us to resume full coolwater production in the near future, Smith said.
Additional details on the 2008 coolwater production program can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/dnrfisheries
Monday, May 05, 2008
Wild Flowers in Northern Michigan
Here are a couple of wildflowers I shot today.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Need a Warm-up
Warm Weather is needed to get the bite back on track as most are still reporting a slow bite. Crappie bite in the canals has ended as crappie have moved back into the lakes.
Walleye bite has been slow also as the high winds have hampered lake fishing.
The UP still has high water on it’s beautiful rivers, so trout fishing has been slow things will get better by the opener in eleven days.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Cold, wind and rain has kept most off the lakes and streams.
Since the weather change, the crappies have thinned out. Some good size, but not limits have come from boat anglers fishing the Kenwood Park Area. Shore fishermen are catching some at the City Dock.
Not many are targeting pike. Lake Mitchell has been best for the numbers. Those out have been successful in or at the mouth of the Big and Small Coves. Lately Floating Rapalas have been out fishing live bait.
A few nice walleye have been caught, mainly at night, in front of Mitchell State Park on the Mitchell side. On Cadillac, the Clam River Area has accounted for a few. Either lake, those caught have been in the 20 inch plus range. Like the pike, Rapalas seem to be the best bet.
The one fish everyone seems to be catching a lot of and big are not legal until the Saturday before Memorial Day. Both large and small mouths are in shallow. Strictly catch and immediate release. They’ve been caught on everything for panfish baits to pike or walleye lures. Lots of fun.
The Cadillac area has been good to the turkey hunters.
Mushroom hunters - now is the time! Black morels are up. Currently the ground cover is damp and the temperatures are warming. Some are finding them by the pound. My wife left me for the woods and returned with 2 ½ pounds for 3 hours hunting.
Pike fishermen - Here’s one for you.
Pike Tournament
Lake Mitchell & Lake Cadillac
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Kenwood Park Launch Site
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Fishing Slow this Week
The bite is slow everywhere this week as the huge cold front that swept thought early Saturday morning has shut down the bite so bring on the warm weather to inspire the bite.
Suttons Bay has a good perch bite this week with wigglers working best.
Tittabawassee River - The walleye opener was excellent despite cold windy weather. Limit catches were common. Smallmouth bass are being caught and released and the white bass have started to show up. Walleye fishing should continue to be good for another couple of weeks providing we do not get any storms with heavy rainfall.
River and creeks have been slow but with warmer weather look for things to get better.
Traverse City - In the East Bay, steelhead fishing has been very good off the mouth of Mitchell Creek. Fishing off Dock Road has been good in the early morning for brown trout and steelhead. Whitefish have been caught off the Bluffs and in the south end of the bay off the white wall. Excellent lake trout fishing throughout the bay with limit catches reported. Off Elk Rapids, the fishing was spotty. In the West Bay, fishing was slower for lake trout and whitefish but steelhead were caught off the mouth of the Boardman. Excellent perch fishing in Sutton’s Bay with limit catches.
Onekama - Pier fishing in the evening has produced some pike, largemouth, and the occasional walleye. Perch fishing in front of the channel has been good for the past week but the last couple of days anglers reported smaller fish.
Little Bay De Noc - Perch fishing has been fair with most anglers fishing near Kipling where the deeper water produced more fish. Try jigging or drifting with worms and minnows in 23 to 40 feet of water.
Houghton Lake - The crappie are moving back out to deeper waters. A few walleye were caught when trolling with leeches just off the bottom.
In the Boyne City area, walleye has slowed due to weather but perch (8-13” size) continue to be active off of Raspberry Bay and Lake Charlevoix. Minnows are getting good results. Suckers and steelhead are both active in the Boyne, Bear and Jordan rivers.
Bay City anglers had it’s worst walleye season opener in 21 years due to waves, winds and cold temperatures on Saturday. And unfortunately the cold weather has stuck around through today limiting angling opportunities. A few walleye are being caught, but anglers are working really hard to get them.
Upper Peninsula:
Not great weather for fishing in the Upper Peninsula today. With the temperatures dipping into the 20’s at night the angling activity has slowed.
Around Munuscong Bay, sucker fishing is just starting to pick up. Perch action is fair on Cedarville Lake.
In the Bergland area, the ice is moving around and approximately 20-yards off of the shoreline at this point. Anglers able to get out to the middle of Lake Gogebic are ice fishing where the ice is about a foot thick.
Escanaba fishing is slow due to windy and cold conditions today. Little Bay DeNoc is giving up a few splake on crank bait and Rapalas. Perch action has slowed as well and the fish being caught have been on minnows and wigglers.
Northwest:
In the Gaylord area, Twin Lake is offering up good catches of walleye. Trout action is fair due to weather. Fly fishing is decent on the Boyne and Jordan rivers. Anglers are doing well when using Hendrickson’s, nymph patterns and streamers.
Cadillac anglers are doing really well catching crappie and pike on Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac.
In the Boyne City area, walleye has slowed due to weather but perch (8-13” size) continue to be active off of Raspberry Bay and Lake Charlevoix. Minnows are getting good results. Suckers and steelhead are both active in the Boyne, Bear and Jordan rivers.
In the Kalkaska area, trout action is decent on Manistee Lake and walleye activity is good on Torch, Elk, and Twin lakes. Rapalas are working well. Skegemog Lake is producing some nice catches of small mouth bass on jerk baits and spinners. Steelhead action is decent on the Boardman River and near the Elk Rapids Dam when using spawn, wax worms or wigglers.
Around the Manistee area, pier fishing is slow this week due to the weather conditions, but perch action has picked up on Portage Lake. Tippy Dam is also producing a few perch.
West:
Ludington has limited activity this week since temperatures plunged to 37 degrees yesterday. Fishing action is stalled until the temperature rises.
In the Muskegon area, Lake Michigan is producing decent catches of salmon, plenty of catfish, and anglers are doing well catching and releasing bass. Walleye are active in the channel and near the break arms while perch seem to be slowing down. Muskegon Lake is giving up fair amounts of blue gill, specs and some perch.
Around the Chippewa Lake area, angling action has slowed a bit due to the colder weather, but expect to find decent numbers of specs and blue gill in the channels.
In the Baldwin area, anglers are doing well for brown trout when using spinners and Rapalas, and worms are best on blue gill in the Baldwin and Pere Marquette rivers.
Southwest:
The cooler temperatures in the southwest is causing for limited fishing activity this week.
In the Benton Harbor area, cold temps are keeping anglers off the lakes and out of the bait shops.
Same story in the New Buffalo area where the drop in temperature has caused very limited angling activity this week. A few walleye are being caught off the pier near the rock pile on clown Rapalas, and one angler pulled an 11 pound walleye from Lake Michigan yesterday. Coho should become more active this weekend when the warm weather returns.
Around the Kalamazoo area, the Dowagiac River is very high and the water is dirty. A few steelhead, but mostly walleye are being caught in the Kalamazoo River. Anglers are finding steelhead active in the Pere Marquette River on eggs and streamers. Tippy Dam action is slow this week, and pike are on the rise on Scott Lake.
Northeast:
In the Oscoda area, perch are active near the Boy Scout Camp when using purple or green flies, and eight second leeches and wax worms. Walleye action has slowed due to cooler conditions.
Around Grayling, fly fishing conditions are rated as fair. Lake Margrethe is giving up decent counts of walleye when trolling in 15-feet of water and a few blue gill can be located in the shallow waters.
Houghton Lake activity has slowed this week due to cold weather and gusty winds. It seems that the crappie and blue gill have moved out to the middle of the lake and only a few walleye have been caught when trolling.
Higgins Lake action is slow with only a few rainbow trout being reeled in this morning.
East:
Bay City anglers tell AAA that it was the worst walleye season opener in 21 years due to waves, winds and cold temperatures on Saturday. And unfortunately the cold weather has stuck around through today limiting angling opportunities. A few walleye are being caught, but anglers are working really hard to get them.
In the Linwood area, walleye are active in the Manistee River but most other fish are elusive.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Grayling Forest Fire
Here are a few photos I took of the aftermath of the Grayling Forest Fire
