Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Friday, February 29, 2008
Slow Reports Today
The reports have been slow today with Houghton Lake still reports a good walleye bite. Wixom Lake crappie are back on the bite today. Lake City still has a fair gill bite. Crystal Lake has a good smelt bite and perch have been fair.
Here are a couple more photos from this week.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Leap Year Fishing Report
I shot this photo on my travels this week
Anglers are reminded that the season to take walleye, northern pike and muskie on Upper Peninsula inland waters not otherwise closed to fishing, Great Lakes and the St. Mary’s River will close on Friday February 29, 2008. The new extended harvest season will begin in 2009 as any regulation changes for the 2008-2009 fishing season will not go into effect until April 1, 2008. Northern pike and muskie spearing will close on Friday, February 29th.
It seems were in the doldrums of winter and need a shot of warm weather to get fish biting again. It seems the fish will bite one day then shut down for a while until we have a weather change, It was 6 below today and that is too damn cold
Higgins Lake has great ice, perch fishing and lake trout are biting, but smelt still slow with 50 a night a good night. Very few anglers off the West Access Site for Smelt but no great reports yet. Perch are running small so lots of sorting this week. Call Phoenix Park Party Store 989-821-7220 or Higgins Lake Sport 989-821-9517 for the West side. Sport Barn 989-821-9511 for the south-end of Higgins Lake .
Green Lake is low for smelt
Crystal Lake has a good perch and still a great smelt bite this week off of Lobb Rd.
Frankfort has a good perch bite on Betsie Bay along with some nice pike being caught.
Portage Lake by Manistee report a great perch bite still with minnows working best. Also the walleye have started to bite with some nice hogs being caught. Also Manistee Lake reports a good perch bite as they got a perch run from Lake Michigan.
Anglers heading out onto Houghton Lake ,many are going off off Lymanville where the pike action has been good. The best areas to try and catch walleye are along the north shore, on the east bay or by the middle grounds. Walleye fishing is still very good with very few panfish being caught.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice remains favorable around the Bay however snow and slush are making travel a bit difficult. Anglers can be found from the north end of the bay around the Day’s River all the way down to Portage Point. Those fishing near the Second and Third Reefs did catch some nice walleye when using tip-ups with large minnows in 35 to 45 feet of water. The Narrows, Black Bottom and the mouth of the Escanaba River produced fair catches. The best reports came out from the Terrace Inn when jigging or using tip-ups with minnows in 40 feet of water. Though catch rates were just fair, anglers were happy with the big healthy fish being caught. Perch anglers were struggling around Butler Island. Those fishing the east side of the Bay near Stonington reported taking some nice jumbo perch when jigging with minnows or wigglers in 25 to 30 feet of water. Fair to good whitefish action was reported off Sand Point when jigging minnows and spawn in 65 to 80 feet of water. Several whitefish were taken in 40 feet of water near the Terrace.
Saginaw Bay - Currently has so called “mountains” which have formed due to the large sheets of ice colliding with each other. These great walls of ice are making it difficult for anglers to get out to their favorite fishing hole. There are also areas where the slush on top of the ice is several inches deep. Those able to get out have reported good walleye action in 8 to 17 feet of water off Pine River and Palmer Roads. Some limits were taken after dark. Good walleye action in 13 to 21 feet of water off Linwood and in 15 to 19 feet of water off the Bay City State Park. There was very good walleye fishing off Thomas Road where guys were going out 7 to 8 miles and fishing the Shipping Channel in 21 to 28 feet of water. Perch and a few pike were still coming from the marina at Sebewaing. Those fishing up at Mud Creek were taking some nice perch in the early morning. Pike spearing has been very good with many fish over 30 inches.
Muskegon Lake - Perch have been caught on the west end of the lake.
White Lake by Montague has a great perch bite, call Johnson’s Outdoors for the latest bite. 231-893-6688
Otsego Lake by Gaylord reports slow going this week but bigger perch being caught. They have the sturgeon shanties back out and are seeing a few with a 42 incher caught and released as they have to be 50 inches.The ice is holding up on Burt, Crooked and Pickerel lakes near Alanson, where the perch, pike and walleye action is good.
Burt Lake - For walleye, try the weedbeds in 20 to 30 feet of water in Maple Bay. Some nice perch were caught on the north end of the lake. Perch bite is giid off of Maple Bay with wigglers working good.
By Alpena, fishing fair on Grand and Long lakes. Anglers using minnows as bait are catching good numbers of perch and walleye. Fletcher’s Floodwaters - Is producing good numbers of pike up to 10 pounds. As for panfish, mostly bluegills and pumpkinseed sunfish were hitting in the upper end of the reservoir. They ranged from 5 to 8 inches., and they have a contest this weekend.
Out of the Boyne City area, the perch, pike and walleye action on Walloon Lake is fair to good. Anglers on Deer Lake are catching a few bluegill. Both waxworms and wigglers are being used as bait. Thumb Lake is producing fair splake fishing.
Around Manistique, Indian Lake have good ice with snow making things tough going
Long Lake by Traverse and Lake Leelanau have good reports of walleye this week but slush is bad on the lake.
In the Kalkaska area, the perch fishing is good on Lake Skegemog. Crappie and walleye fishing is slow on Manistee Lake. Anglers on Fife Lake are pulling a few perch and walleye through the ice.
Gladwin Counties has good ice with good reports of panfish and pike biting
Lake Missaukee - Still has a good gill bite.
Lake St. Helen reports a good gill bite with waxworms working best.
Upper Hamlin Lake - Is a good place for bluegills and crappie.
Lower Hamlin Lake - Walleye were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water when jigging minnows.
Big Glen Lake - Perch fishing has been good but don’t forget about the lake trout and rainbow trout. Some are catching bigger perch on tipups using greys and blues. Lots of snow this week with up to 20 inches the last two days.
Pere Marquette Lake - Perch are hitting on minnows and wigglers. A few pike were taken on tip-ups.
Upper Peninsula:
Anglers are doing well on Copper Harbor catching decent quantities of splake.
In the Bergland area, Lake Gogebic is producing good amounts of perch o9n wigglers and walleye has been decent all week as well.
Around the Escanaba area Little Bay De Noc has been good all week for walleye fishing. Anglers are finding good results with buckshot spoons, jigging, and tip ups with sucker minnows. The ice is great but has a lot of snow cover. Whitefish are picking up considerably right off the mouth of the harbor. Salmon eggs and small minnows seem to be working best.
In the Manistique area, Indian Lake fishing activity is poor.
Munuscong Bay anglers are experiencing the best walleye season in 15 years. Anglers are using a variety of baits including jigs and minnows. The perch and pike action is also good using the same types of baits.
Around the Cedarville area the perch action is excellent.
Northwest:
Out of the Alanson area, the walleye and perch fishing is decent on Burt, Crooked and Pickerel lakes. Minnows are working best. The ice is good due to very cold temperatures and anglers can get around well with no snow cover.
In the Frankfort area, smelt fishing on Crystal Lake is good using wax worms, spikes and some jigs. Perch is spotty but the keepers are decent. Fishing for lake trout is not so good at this time. Near Arcadia the perch and pike are decent on wigglers and minnows. The ice is in good shape with only a dusting of snow cover.
Lake Skegemog, Twin and Manistee lakes near Kalkaska is producing decent catches of walleye, perch and pike. The best baits include blue, grey and golden shiners, minnows and perch minnows. The ice is good and plenty of ice shanties are noticeable with snowmobiles getting across well.
In the Cadillac area, the pike fishing is decent on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell and the crappie fishing isn’t bad on Lake Cadillac. Minnows are working well.
West:
In and around the Ludington area, perch and northerns are active on Pere Marquette, and Portage lakes, as well as Lake Michigan. Anglers are finding best results when using wigglers. Bluegill and crappie is good on most of the inland lakes when using wax worms and mousies. Most of the rivers are producing some steelhead on slammers. Pere Marquette lake has good ice measuring at least 18-inches thick.
Perch and northerns are active on Pentwater Lake and wigglers are working well.
In the Muskegon area, minnows and spikes are working well on large fish while just about any bait is working on smaller fish. Perch is active near the south end of the channel on Muskegon Lake while pike and walleye are active on the east half of the lake near 2nd Street. The hot spot during the day for walleye is near the SPX Building and Rafferty’s Restaurant.
Around the Baldwin area, pan fish and bluegill are decent on most of the local inland lakes. Anglers are using mousies and wigglers with good results. Some steelhead are moving in the rivers and a few pike.
Southwest:
Plenty of action in the Kalamazoo area, perch is good on wigglers and minnows on Shafer, Eagle and Gourd neck lakes. Anglers on Sugarloaf, School Section, and Little Fish lakes are catching decent blue gill on corn bores and wax worms. Huzzy Lake is producing decent pike. Pike action is good on Long Lake using tips ups with shiners and anglers on the Kalamazoo River below the Allegan Dam are catching a few steelhead on spawn sacks. Walleye action is also decent in the river using minnows and a jig.
In the Three Rivers area the bluegill and perch action is decent when using minnows on the inland lakes.
Northeast:
Out of the Grayling area, walleye and perch fishing is fair on Lake Margrethe in 15 feet of water. Good locations are near the south bay and the middle ground, and anglers are using wax worms with good results. Otsego Lake is producing decent perch when fishing in 100 feet of water near the east shore. Manistee Lake is slow to fair for crappie and blue gill activity this week. The pike action is good on River Lake when anglers use sucker minnows or wigglers.
Around the Oscoda area, the ice fishing is good on Van Etten Lake particularly for perch on minnows. Walleye, pike and perch activity is good on both Cooke and Foote Dam ponds. Anglers are using wax worms, and minnows for best results. The Au Sable River is very slow for steelhead activity, steelhead caught were on spawn sacks.
Higgins Lake has great ice measuring in at 16-inches. Good activity this week for perch using minnows and lakers on grey shiners.
East:
Near Linwood, anglers need to use caution and watch for some open ice three to four miles out near Harrison Road. Best fishing is between Linwood and Pinconning for perch. The Saginaw River near the Independence Bridge is a hot spot for walleye.
Around Bay City, the walleye action is very good on both the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay. Hot spots on the bay include nine to 10 miles off of Thomas Road, near Callahan Reef in 14 feet of water, and three to eight miles off of the State Park. The walleye action is good up and down the river and between the Cass Avenue Bridge and the mouth of the Saginaw Bay. A variety of bait is being used that includes jigs and Rapalas, crocodiles, minnows, wax worms, shiners and wigglers.
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Higgins Lake Pike
Great pike have come out of Higgins lake this winter, as they have a great food source with smelt which makes them grow big. Most are caught in about eighteen feet of water over weed beds.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Platte River Sunset
Went Saturday to the Platte River and shot a few photos of a sun sunset.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Busy Ice Fishing Weekend
With the nice weather fisherman got out to try their luck this weekend.
Smelt are still biting good on Crystal Lake off of Lobb Road. Green and Higgins are still slow on smelt so far.
A good perch bite is still on Portage and Manistee Lake by Manistee, also some nice walleye are coming put of Portage Lake.
Wixom Lake has a great crappie bite off the public access with some gills being caught.
Houghton Lake has a great walleye bite in the middle grounds and Long Point. Pike fishing is good off of Lymanville.
Higgins lake has a good perch bite but lots of sorting the last few days. The lake trout are still biting great with limit catches still. Smelt are slow with most fishing Big Creek north to the N. State Park. Also big pike were caught this weekend.
Long Lake by Traverse City is good for walleye this week with blues working best and out at Lake Leelanau they are doing fair on the walleye with greys and tipups working best.
Lake St. Helen has a great bluegill with limit catches on waxworms. Also Lake Missaukee still has a good gill bite also.
Burt Lake reports a good perch bite at Maple Bay.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell have a reputation for “BIG” pike. The legend continues! Steve Hoekwater from Cadillac caught a 41 ¼ inch on a tip-up this week. See picture of his proud catch. It’s the longest we’ve measured this year. Northern pike don’t seem to be bothered by any weather conditions or barometer readings. Tip-up and spear fishermen are successful.
Every year there’s confusion on when pike season closes. In the Lower Peninsula (our area) it ends March 15. It’s the Upper Peninsula that closes the end of February. The Dark House guys must hang up their spears the 29th of February also.
Those targeting panfish usually have mixed catches of crappie, perch and gills. Most common are crappie. Both lakes are producing. Bigger numbers are coming from Cadillac. Fewer but larger specs have been caught in the coves on Mitchell. To be successful you need to be in 8 to 10 foot depths and in the weeds. If you know where the cabbage beds are or are lucky to find them, you’ll catch crappie. Small minnows are traditional but lately red spikes on red and white jigs have been more effective.
Our perch fishery is getting better. Finally, some of those little dinks have grown up you’ll still have to sort but catches of 8 to 10’s are not unusual. Usually they’re found in deep areas. Use dry baits or wigglers to find them. But the largest keepers are eating minnows.
Those with cameras or Vexilars always seem to do best. They are not a guarantee but do reduce the odds. If you don’t fish with electronics you should.
A few walleye were reported this week. If there’s a pattern, all were caught at the east end of Cadillac on tip-ups. See photo of Dean Caddick from Oxford with his friends. Nice pike and walleye mix.
Louise Welch of Cadillac is holding a 9” Bluegill. It’s a poor picture because she’s helping hold 2 limits of gills. Wish you could see the numbers and size.
SMELT - Higgins Lake is getting better but still spotty.
Green Lake, south boat launch is the best.
Crystal Lake, big numbers, big smelt.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Lake’s have Slush this week
Reports this week is lake are in bad shape with slush and quads are sitting on shore. Hopefully it will settle tonight and freeze.
Higgins Lake has great ice, perch fishing and lake trout are biting, but smelt still slow with 50 a night a good night. Very few anglers off the West Access Site for Smelt but no great reports yet. Call Phoenix Park Party Store 989-821-7220 or Higgins Lake Sport 989-821-9517 for the West side. Sport Barn 989-821-9511 for the south-end of Higgins Lake .
Green Lake is low for smelt
Crystal Lake has a good perch and still a great smelt bite this week off of Lobb Rd.
Frankfort has a good perch bite on Betsie Bay along with some nice pike being caught.
Portage Lake by Manistee report a great perch bite still with minnows working best. Also the walleye have started to bite with some nice hogs being caught. Also Manistee Lake reports a good perch bite as they got a perch run from Lake Michigan.
Anglers heading out onto Houghton Lake ,many are going off off Lymanville where the pike action has been good. The best areas to try and catch walleye are along the north shore, on the east bay or by the middle grounds. Walleye fishing is still very good with very few panfish being caught.
Little Bay De Noc - Heavy snow is once again causing travel problems for some motorized vehicles. Anglers are marking good numbers of fish however cold temperatures have them dormant. Those out fishing report favorable ice north of Sand Point. Walleye anglers reported mixed results as some did well while others were struggling. The better fishing continues to be near the Center Reef when using tip-ups 2 to 3 feet off the bottom in 30 to 40 feet of water. Evenings are best. Fair results off the Terrace Inn in Gladstone when jigging or using tip-ups in 35 to 40 feet of water, in the shallow waters near the Day’s River and up near Garth Point. Steady whitefish action in 65 to 70 feet of water off Sand Point. Perch were caught on wigglers in 11 to 17 feet of water near Kipling and in 25 feet of water near the Escanaba River.
Muskegon Lake - Perch have been caught on the west end of the lake.
White Lake by Montague has a great perch bite, call Johnson’s Outdoors for the latest bite. 231-893-6688
Otsego Lake by Gaylord reports slow going this week but bigger perch being caught. They have the sturgeon shanties back out and are seeing a few with a 42 incher caught and released as they have to be 50 inches.The ice is holding up on Burt, Crooked and Pickerel lakes near Alanson, where the perch, pike and walleye action is good.
Burt Lake - For walleye, try the weedbeds in 20 to 30 feet of water in Maple Bay. Some nice perch were caught on the north end of the lake. Perch bite is giid off of Maple Bay with wigglers working good.
By Alpena, fishing fair on Grand and Long lakes. Anglers using minnows as bait are catching good numbers of perch and walleye. Fletcher’s Floodwaters - Is producing good numbers of pike up to 10 pounds. As for panfish, mostly bluegills and pumpkinseed sunfish were hitting in the upper end of the reservoir. They ranged from 5 to 8 inches., and they have a contest this weekend.
Out of the Boyne City area, the perch, pike and walleye action on Walloon Lake is fair to good. Anglers on Deer Lake are catching a few bluegill. Both waxworms and wigglers are being used as bait. Thumb Lake is producing fair splake fishing.
Around Manistique, Indian Lake have good ice with snow making things tough going
Long Lake by Traverse and Lake Leelanau have good reports of walleye this week but slush is bad on the lake.
In the Kalkaska area, the perch fishing is good on Lake Skegemog. Crappie and walleye fishing is slow on Manistee Lake. Anglers on Fife Lake are pulling a few perch and walleye through the ice.
Gladwin Counties has good ice with good reports of panfish and pike biting
Lake Missaukee - Still has a good gill bite.
Lake St. Helen reports a good gill bite with waxworms working best.
Upper Hamlin Lake - Is a good place for bluegills and crappie.
Lower Hamlin Lake - Walleye were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water when jigging minnows.
Big Glen Lake - Perch fishing has been good but don’t forget about the lake trout and rainbow trout. Some are catching bigger perch on tipups using greys and blues. Lots of snow this week with up to 20 inches the last two days.
Pere Marquette Lake - Perch are hitting on minnows and wigglers. A few pike were taken on tip-ups.
Upper Peninsula:
On Manistique Lake the fishing is slow with a few walleye and perch being reeled in.
Munuscong Bay is producing good numbers of walleye, perch and pike. Anglers are finding best results using wigglers, wax worms and tear drops.
Lake Gogebic is giving up decent numbers of perch on wigglers and walleye on suckers. A few pike are being pulled in during the evening hours.
In the Escanaba area, good size walleye are the rule especially when using sucker minnows on tip-ups and some good perch action on wax worms. Little Bay De Noc is producing fair quantities of walleye using tip-ups and minnows.
Musky Bay near Cedarville is producing fair amounts of perch and pike on minnow and wax worms.
St. Ignace fishing continues to be slow for perch and walleye. The ice remains in good condition and is at least 15 inches thick.
In the Munising area some whitefish and perch are being caught. Anglers are finding best results using minnows, spawn and wax worms.
Northwest:
Around the Frankfort area smelt are biting off of the south side of Crystal Lake and plenty of perch are abundant in waters 20-45 feet deep near the east end. Anglers are using minnows and wigglers for best results.
In the Traverse City area anglers are catching some whitefish in both the West and East Bays. Big Cedar Lake is decent for trout and some smelt in the deeper waters.
In the Alanson area fishing remains slow with limited catches of whitefish and walleye.
Lake Cadillac is giving up some decent pike on tip ups, and good perch on tip ups with golden shiners. Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell are producing good crappie fishing. Minnow and spikes are the baits of choice.
West:
In the Muskegon area decent amounts of perch are being caught on Muskegon Lake and the crappie action remains good near the northeast corner. Action on the Lake is good for perch in deeper waters. Pike is also good in waters 8-20 feet deep, while shallow water is producing excellent catches of walleye on Rapalas.
Southwest:
Inland lakes and rivers in the Kalamazoo area are decent for catching a few perch.
Angling action in the New Buffalo and Three Rivers area is basically at a standstill due to the weather in the past week.
Northeast:
Tawas Bay anglers are catching a few perch, walleye and pike.
Van Etten Lake in the Oscoda area is producing decent perch and walleye. Anglers are finding best results using wigglers, spikes, mousies and wax worms.
Higgins Lake continues to be a hot spot this week for perch in 30-60 feet of water on minnows and spikes. Trout action is good fishing in waters 90 feet or more and using grey shiners or minnows. Smelt action is picking up.
East:
Anglers fishing on Saginaw River and Bay need to use caution when venturing out on any ice. Some heaving and cracks are noticeable causing open sections of water. Walleye action is good towards the evening hours. Walleye activity is decent near Linwood and the Bay City State Park.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Turn Off the Snow Machine
The snow machine has hammered the west coast with up to 18 inches of snow this week. I have not heard much this week, but will be on the road tomorrow and find out what’s going on. Higgins lake is still good for perch and lake trout.
The only good fishing is this kingfisher in my minnow tanks
Monday, February 18, 2008
Few Photos From the Ice Storm
The ice storm left the roads too treacherous for being on the road but many were out slipping and sliding yesterday. Have not heard much on fishing as it was a wash out Sunday.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Another Storm
We have been hit hard with freezing rain today so very little fishing.
Yesterday was great as fishing was prime with great reports from the deeper lakes. Higgins, Big Glen Lake, Portage Lake and Crystal are all reporting a good perch bite,with only Crystal reporting a great smelt bite.
Bluegills bite has been scarce lately, but heard reports of a good bite on Lake St. Helen. Some gills have been reported in the Lakeview and Greenville area.
Walleye have been fair on Houghton Lake, Long Lake by TC, Lake Leelanau and Mullet Lake.
There has been a good perch bite on White Lake, call Johnson’s Outdoor in Montague at 231-893-6688
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
This has been a great Michigan Winter especially if you like blizzards, freezing rain and lots of snow. Nothing bothers the snowmobilers but conditions have hampered fishing. Best to invest in a good shanty for the weather changes. There has been light fishing pressure on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell.
About a foot of crusty snow is covering a foot plus of solid ice on both our lakes. A gas auger is necessary if you expect to cut many holes. Soon slush will accumulate under the snow.
The barometer has been up and down with the storms. One day fishing is great; the next catching is slim from the same areas and holes.
One fish, pike don’t seem to be bothered by anything and are always hungry. Tip-up and spear fishermen have been doing well. Try the two coves on Mitchell for the numbers. Many undersized but lots of action before gaffing the 30” ones. Lately the State Park area on Mitchell has accounted for several nice ones, especially the weed beds near the beach. This area has been good for an occasional walleye about the time the street lights come on.
On Lake Cadillac the Kenwood Park area has been good. Try the weed beds out far enough that you can see down the canal. The weed beds east of the Sands Resort have also been producing.
Panfishing has been hot and cold. Some days we mark them or see them with cameras but few bites. Other day’s limits have been easy.
Crappies are back at the west side of Cadillac. Eight foot depths seem to be best especially late afternoons. They’re shrinking. Most we’ve seen have been hand sized to 10 inches. Larger crappies are coming from the Coves on Mitchell, but fewer numbers.
Mixed catches of gills, crappie and perch are coming from the High School area on Lake Cadillac. For descent perch, fish 20 foot depths and deeper and they’ll be on the bottom. A few walleyes are also coming from these depths.
Smelt fishing is cranking up with reports of catches on Green, Higgins and Crystal Lakes.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Michigan Free Fishing Weekend Fishing Report
Once again, it is time for Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend. For two days only Saturday February 16th and Sunday February 17th, all fishing license fees will be waived. All regulations regarding fishing in Michigan will apply. Both residents and visitors alike are invited to come out and see how relaxing this winter adventure can be. Those with experience are encouraged to teach someone new the sport of ice fishing.
Higgins Lake has great ice, perch fishing and lake trout are biting, but no smelt to speak of. Very few anglers off the West Access Site for Smelt but no great reports yet. Call Phoenix Park Party Store 989-821-7220 or Higgins Lake Sport 989-821-9517 for the West side. Sport Barn 989-821-9511 for the south-end of Higgins Lake .
Green Lake is froze over, they are vernturing out with good ice finally. Also heard of smelt biting off the Green Lake Access site this week.
Crystal Lake has a good perch and a super smelt bite this week off of Lobb Rd.
Frankfort has a good perch bite on Betsie Bay along with som nice pike being caught.
Portage Lake by Manistee report a great perch bite still with minnows working best.
Anglers heading out onto Houghton Lake ,many are going off off Lymanville where the pike action has been good. The best areas to try and catch walleye are along the north shore, on the east bay or by the middle grounds.
Little Bay De Noc - Blowing and drifting snow has made travel on the ice difficult. Walleye fishing seemed to be improving as anglers reported marking more fish throughout the Bay. The better catches were coming off the Center Reef when using tip-ups with sucker minnows about 2 to 3 feet off the bottom in waters 20 to 35 feet deep. Fair walleye action out from the Terrace Inn in 30 to 40 feet when jigging large minnows or using tip-ups. In the Narrows, several smaller fish were caught when jigging rapalas and minnows in 25 to 33 feet of water. Perch anglers fishing out near the Escanaba Power Plant reported several nice catches in 18 to 25 feet of water when using minnows or wax worms. Fair to good whitefish action off Sand Point when jigging minnows and spawn in 65 to 80 feet of water. A few large northern pike were taken on tip-ups near Brach’s Cabins.
Muskegon Lake - Perch have been caught on the west end of the lake..
Otsego Lake by Gaylord reports slow going this week but bigger perch being caught. They have the sturgeon shanties back out and are seeing a few with a 42 incher caught and released as they have to be 50 inches.The ice is holding up on Burt, Crooked and Pickerel lakes near Alanson, where the perch, pike and walleye action is good.
Burt Lake - For walleye, try the weedbeds in 20 to 30 feet of water in Maple Bay. Some nice perch were caught on the north end of the lake.
By Alpena, fishing fair on Grand and Long lakes. Anglers using minnows as bait are catching good numbers of perch and walleye. Fletcher’s Floodwaters - Is producing good numbers of pike up to 10 pounds. As for panfish, mostly bluegills and pumpkinseed sunfish were hitting in the upper end of the reservoir. They ranged from 5 to 8 inches., and they have a contest this weekend.
Out of the Boyne City area, the perch, pike and walleye action on Walloon Lake is fair to good. Anglers on Deer Lake are catching a few bluegill. Both waxworms and wigglers are being used as bait. Thumb Lake is producing fair splake fishing.
Around Manistique, Indian Lake have good ice with snow making things tough going
Long Lake by Traverse and Lake Leelanau have good reports of walleye this week ice is ok once you get past shoreline and the ice is real good out in the middle.
In the Kalkaska area, the perch fishing is good on Lake Skegemog. Crappie and walleye fishing is slow on Manistee Lake. Anglers on Fife Lake are pulling a few perch and walleye through the ice. We still have safe ice but be careful .
Gladwin Counties has good ice with good reports of panfish and pike biting
Higgins Lake - Smelt can be found just off the bottom in 45 feet of water along the west side of the lake. The best time to fish is at night. Perch fishing has been good but anglers will need to do lots of sorting. Good lake trout action about 10 feet off the bottom in waters 80 to 100 feet deep. Try jigging or using tip-ups with minnows. Whitefish action is picking up. Fish right on the bottom in 80 to 100 feet of water. Rainbow trout can be found near the mouth of creeks and natural springs.
Houghton Lake - Has snow cover however anglers are still able to travel across the ice. Walleye and pike action continues, and warmer weather by the weekend should improve the panfish bite.
Lake Missaukee - Ice fishing is on and anglers are catching panfish off of Green Rd, Most are the size of your hand or 7 to 8 inches but limit catches. Ice is still good
Upper Hamlin Lake - Is a good place for bluegills and crappie.
Lower Hamlin Lake - Walleye were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water when jigging minnows.
Spider Lake - Anglers are ice fishing for panfish.
Fife Lake - Look for perch in the deeper waters straight out from the boat launch. For pike, go east off the launch site and set tip-ups in 5 to 10 feet of water.
Big Glen Lake - Perch fishing has been good but don’t forget about the lake trout and rainbow trout. Oxygen levels here should be good and the fish should be active because the lake froze over so late in the season.
Upper Peninsula:
Angling action is overall slow around the Manistique area, however the ice is rock solid and plenty of action will take place on MacDonald Lake this weekend for a fishing derby.
Munuscong Bay is producing excellent catches of walleye on minnows with jigs, and good numbers of perch and pike. Perch are being caught in the Cedarville area on wigglers, wax worms and tear drops. The ice measures 1-1 ½ feet thick. In the Sault Saint Marie area whitefish are biting on wax worms and jigs on Mosquito Bay, as well as decent catches of pike. Anglers reeled in a 29-pound pike this week.
Around the Escanaba area, big walleye in the 10-pound range are being caught using sucker minnows on tip-ups. The ice is solid and not much snow cover, trucks are getting out on the ice towards the north end of Little Bay De Noc.
Angling action is once again slow this week in the St. Ignace area where perch and walleye fishing is hit or miss. The ice is more than 17 inches thick and in great shape. A fishing tournament will take place on Brevort Lake this weekend.
Lake Gogebic in the Bergland area is producing good numbers of perch on wigglers and near the east shore walleye are decent when using suckers, or minnows on tip-ups.
Copper Harbor angling is decent with some catches of splake on spinner bait or minnows.
Northwest:
The ice is good this week on Burt Lake in the Alanson area however the fishing is only fair for whitefish and walleye.
In the Cadillac area, crappie fishing is good on Cadillac and Mitchell lakes and anglers are using spikes or minnows and fishing in the evening for best results. Perch action is also good on Lake Cadillac when using tip-ups with golden shiners. The ice is over a foot thick but plenty of snow cover is a concern. The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, located near Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, will host a day of activities Saturday, February 16, in conjunction with Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend.
In and around the Frankfort area good angling action taking place. Crystal Lake is producing good catches of perch, smelt and lake trout on minnows and wigglers. Anglers on Green Lake are taking in good amounts of smelt on minnows. The ice is a solid 4-6 inches thick.
West:
Good fishing is taking place in the Muskegon area. Perch is popular when fishing in deeper water and several types of bait are working well with the average size ranging between 4-6 ½ inches. The ice remains good with thickness averaging 8-10 inches. Pike action is constant but limited keepers. Best location is near 2nd Street using golden shiners and in 8-20 feet of water. Walleye catches are decent in 25-30 feet of water jigging with Rapalas. Blue gill are decent off of the State Park in 2-6 feet of water using spikes and wax worms. Crappie action is good on Muskegon Lake near the northeast corner of the Lake.
Southwest:
In the New Buffalo area, the cold weather is keeping anglers at bay. Minimal activity is taking place with anglers catching a few suckers on night crawlers or wax worms from the Glenn River, and a few steelhead on spawn.
Cold weather has created slow activity for anglers in the Three Rivers area. Fishing opportunities are very limited this week for walleye, crappie and pike. Best baits include minnows and wax worms. The ice remains 7-8 inches thick.
Northeast:
In the Oscoda area perch and walleye fishing is very good on Van Etten Lake, while only a few pike are noted. Wigglers, spikes, mousies and wax worms are the bait of choice. Foote Pond is producing good quantities of pike, perch and walleye when using minnows, little jigs and tear drops. The Au Sable River is giving up steelhead on wax worms and flies.
Higgins Lake is a hot spot for perch in 30-60 feet of water on minnows and spikes, while lake trout are abundant in 90 plus feet of water on grey shiners. The ice is plenty thick averaging 10-16 inches.
East:
“Shiver on the River” is taking place in the Bay City area. However, the angling action is slow due to the heavy snowfall and cold weather. Ice is overall safe, but use extra caution when nearing the center of the river.
In the Linwood area angling activity is very slow due to the weather. Proceed with caution on the ice, open water is visible in areas.
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Feb 14 Tonight
Snow this evening will give way to lingering snow showers late. Low 11F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 70%. 3 to 5 inches of snow expected.
Feb 15 Tomorrow
Occasional snow showers. Cold. High 14F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 50%. 1 to 2 inches of snow expected.
Feb 15 Tomorrow night
Mostly cloudy with scattered snow flurries and snow showers. Low 6F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Feb 16 Saturday
Windy with flurries at times. Highs in the mid 20s and lows in the low 20s.
Feb 17 Sunday
Snow showers possible. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the low 20s.
Feb 18 Monday
Mostly cloudy and windy with snow showers. Highs in the low 20s and lows in the low teens.
Feb 19 Tuesday
Chance of a few snow showers. Highs in the mid teens and lows in the low teens.
Feb 20 Wednesday
Considerable cloudiness. Highs in the upper teens and lows in the upper single digits.
Feb 21 Thursday
Snow showers at times. Highs in the upper 20s and lows in the mid teens.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Fishermen Venturing Out
Many have started back out to their favorite fishing spot. I have had a few reports and they have been good. Crystal Lake has a great smelt bite with two guys catching 300 smelt last night on halis and waxworms off of Lobb Road.
Frankfort has a good perch bite in Bestie Bay in the 40 foot hole. You will see guys fishing out there and they are getting some jumbos. Also nice pike and trout are being caught on tipups and jigging. Many perch ran up to many of these places from Lake Michigan, Loon Lake is a good example. I’m wondering if the Lake at Arcadia might have some perch waiting to be caught.
Portage Lake still has a super perch bite with minnows working best.
Green Lake has started to produce some smelt off the Green Lake State Park side.
Higgins Lake still has a great laker bite still with limit catches using tipups and greys.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
This week, things settled down on the lakes - After the North American Snowfest, followed by a blizzard dropping 12 inches of snow and lastly another blizzard with -30° wind chills. Between storms, some nice catches of crappie and perch were reported.
The popular locations, the Causeway and north eastern areas of Lake Cadillac and the Big and Small Cove area of Lake Mitchell are producing fish. Mid winter conditions, light lines with small jigs tipped with red spikes are the ticket.
Perch catches are coming from deeper water areas with red spikes or wigglers generating lots of them but small minnows catching more keepers.
Crappies seem to be shallower, 6 to 8 feet, and morning and evening bites have been best.
Blue gill anglers find it slow. Some are finding numbers of undersized but few worth keeping.
Reports of undersized walleyes caught by pan fishermen continue to come in. This looks good for the future! Approximately 7.5 million walleye fingerlings and fry have been planted between the two lakes in the past 3 years.
Even the storms haven’t slowed the pike. It’s been consistent. Try golden shiners on your tip-ups. Both lakes remain clear for the spear fishermen and they’re seeing good numbers of fish.
See pictures of 2 exceptional panfish. A 13 ¼”, 1.2 pound perch caught by young Jason Gross who wants to become a “Professional Angler”. Also Ken Clous caught a Master Angler size sunfish, 9 ¾”, 14.4 lb.
Other Lakes:
Green Lake, good catches of smelt from the south boat launch in only 30 feet of water. They’re small but larger then last year.
Higgins Lake, currently spotty and low numbers of smelt. Good perch, some lakers and heavy pike.
Crystal Lake, frozen over, but currently we’re told the ice is about 6 inches west of Lobb Rd. Decent numbers of good size smelt. Perch, whitefish and Burbot have been reported near town.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Birds in Brutal Weather
Was out in this invigorating weather today, but within the confines of my jeep shooting a few photos in this whiteout, brutal windchill as the birds try to feed to have energy for heating their little bodies. It sure was a whiteout day as I check in on some people who needed some supplies and could not get out of their driveways.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Deep Lakes are Producing
Higgins Lake has great ice, and most the snow went south of the lake so the lake is in good shape. Some anglers are going off the West Access Site for Smelt but no great reports yet. Call Phoenix Park Party Store 989-821-7220 or Higgins Lake Sport 989-821-9517 for the West side. Sport Barn 989-821-9511 for the south-end of Higgins Lake . The lake trout are biting big time with many limit catches reported . Perch fish is good with very few smelt being caught so far.
Green Lake is froze over, they are vernturing out with good ice finally. Also heard of smelt biting off the Green Lake Access site this week.
Crystal Lake has a good perch and smelt bite this week off of Lobb Rd.
Portage Lake by Manistee report a great perch bite Still with minnows working best.
Anglers heading out onto Houghton Lake ,many are going off off Lymanville where the pike action has been good. The best areas to try and catch walleye are along the north shore, on the east bay or by the middle grounds.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions and travel remain favorable in the northern half of the Bay, but the southern half is still dangerous because the shipping lane remains open. Walleye catches were still down, but improving. Day anglers reported fair catches off the Center Reef when using tip-ups with minnows in 20 feet of water. Evening and night anglers were jigging rapalas with minnows in 20 to 25 feet of water near the Light House or when jigging minnows along the break south of Aronson Island. A few jumbo perch were taken in 20 to 28 feet of water near Kipling or in 25 feet of water north of the Escanaba River. Jigging with spikes, minnows or wigglers worked best. Pike spearing was good in 8 to 10 feet of water near Kipling. Tip-ups worked in 17 to 25 feet of water. Whitefish action was fair to good off Sand Point when jigging minnows or spawn in 70 to 80 feet of water..
Muskegon Lake - Perch have been caught near the Sand Docks, Hartshorn Marina and Second Street. Try cut bait, minnows, spikes or fish eyes in waters at least 30 feet deep. Walleye anglers are jigging. Pike are hitting on tip-ups with golden shiners. Some bluegills were caught near the State Park. Warm water from the river has opened up the ice. Anglers should avoid this area.
Otsego Lake by Gaylord reports slow going this week but bigger perch being caught. They have the sturgeon shanties back out and are seeing a few with a 42 incher caught and released as they have to be 50 inches.The ice is holding up on Burt, Crooked and Pickerel lakes near Alanson, where the perch, pike and walleye action is good.
By Alpena, fishing fair on Grand and Long lakes. Anglers using minnows as bait are catching good numbers of perch and walleye. Fletcher’s Floodwaters - Is producing good numbers of pike up to 10 pounds. As for panfish, mostly bluegills and pumpkinseed sunfish were hitting in the upper end of the reservoir. They ranged from 5 to 8 inches., and they have a contest this weekend.
Out of the Boyne City area, the perch, pike and walleye action on Walloon Lake is fair to good. Anglers on Deer Lake are catching a few bluegill. Both waxworms and wigglers are being used as bait. Thumb Lake is producing fair splake fishing.
Around Manistique, Indian Lake have good ice with snow making things tough going
Long Lake by Traverse and Lake Leelanau have good reports of walleye this week ice is ok once you get past shoreline and the ice is real good out in the middle.
In the Kalkaska area, the perch fishing is good on Lake Skegemog. Crappie and walleye fishing is slow on Manistee Lake. Anglers on Fife Lake are pulling a few perch and walleye through the ice. We still have safe ice but be careful .
Gladwin Counties has good ice with good reports of panfish and pike biting
Houghton Lake has a good bite with walleye out at the middle grounds.. Lymanville has good ice around his shanty, pike have been biting very good
Lake Missaukee - Ice fishing is on and anglers are catching panfish off of Green Rd, Most are the size of your hand or 7 to 8 inches but limit catches. Ice is still good
Upper Hamlin Lake - Bluegills are being caught but lots of small ones.
Lower Hamlin Lake - Walleye were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water when jigging minnows.
Spider Lake - Anglers are ice fishing for panfish.
Fife Lake - They have shanties out to the hole by the island and are catching fish this week.
Big Glen Lake - Is hit and miss as some have done real well on the perch, some rainbows are being caught off the narrows
Upper Peninsula:
Anglers on Copper Harbor are finding good catches of splake when using spinner bait and minnows. By Marquette, the angling action is slow. The ice is gone on Lake Superior due to wind blowing it out. On the inland lakes fishing is fair for perch, pan fish and walleye. The best baits being used include jigs, Rapalas, minnows, and Swedish pimples. Around the Escanaba area, the walleye action is fair for anglers fishing the Escanaba River and Bay. Best results can be found using jigs and Rapalas and sucker minnows on tip-ups. The ice is 12-15 inches thick north of Gladstone with anglers getting around in trucks, where south of Gladstone only snowmobiles are going out on the ice.
Munuscong Bay is producing fair walleye when using jigs, minnows and spoons. The ice is good on Munuscong Bay at this point, but anglers are cautioned not to go too far out. Some white fish can be found in the upper river and near the locks.
In the St. Ignace area the ice is a solid 18 inches thick on Brevort Lake. Angling action has been slow but is picking up for perch and walleye. The best results are found when using minnows and jigs.
Northwest:
The ice on Burt Lake in the Alanson area has improved and anglers are pulling in some perch and walleye in 20-feet of water. Overall fishing remains fair on Crooked and Pickerel lakes. Minnows and wax worms are the best choices for bait. Fair action taking place for anglers around Boyne City, Lake Charlevoix is producing decent catches of perch and walleye near the west end and near the State Park. Fair conditions are the rule for anglers on Walloon Lake For perch, walleye, and blue gill. Minnows seem to work well.
Around the Kalkaska area, angling is rated fair to good. Fife Lake is producing decent amounts of perch, while Manistee Lake is giving up walleye and perch.
In the Cadillac area, crappie fishing is good on Cadillac and Mitchell lakes and anglers are finding minnows working best.
West:
In and around the Ludington area, anglers will find plenty of good ice. The Pere Marquette Lake is producing fair catches of perch and northerns, with tip-ups working well. Pan fish are abundant on the upper end of Hamlin Lake.
Anglers in the Muskegon area can expect fair fishing conditions. The ice remains a solid 5-6 inches. Pike and perch action is fair with anglers using golden shiners for best results.
In the Baldwin area perch fishing remains fair this week.
Northeast:
In the Oscoda area perch fishing remains good for anglers on Van Etten Lake. Perch are decent when using wigglers, spikes, mousies and wax worms. Action is good on Cooke Pond for blue gill, walleye and pike. Wigglers, golden shiners are working well and a few anglers are jigging with tip-ups. The ice is at least one foot in depth; however it is difficult getting to the ice due to plenty of standing water. Good angling action taking place on Higgins Lake, plenty of perch can be caught in 50 to 60 feet of water on spikes and minnows. Grey shiners are working well on lake trout going down 90 feet or more. Lots of fishing activity taking place around Houghton Lake where anglers are out in force this week. Walleye action is exceptional and catches are very abundant when using Swedish pimples or William wobblers. Good action also on very large pike and perch when using tip-up. Blue gill is spotty at this time.
Around the Au Gres area, walleye fishing is fair, anglers are finding best results when fishing in waters 20 to 35 feet and using little cleos. Perch action is scattered and slow. The ice at Point Au Gres is 4-8 inches in places, use caution.
East:
In Bay City anglers are catching a few walleye near the Lafayette Bridge and the mouth of the river. Jigs and Rapalas are the bait of choice. Near the state park walleye are sporadic and the best results are found using cleos in a variety of colors. The ice is currently topped with plenty of snow so use caution.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Smelt are Biting on Crystal Lake
The only place I’m hearing reports of good smelt fishing with catches over a 100 a night is off of Lobb Rd. But when going out you cannot go straight out as you have to head back towards town then go kitty corner to get out to the smelt grounds. Waxworms and Hali jigs are working best.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
I’m New at This Ice Fishing
This heron was on the ice yesterday and was looking around for help as how to ice fish. He needed someone to drill him a hole so he could peer down to get dinner.
He was watching people catch fish and was thinking maybe it would just be easier to go over and stand guard over their fish. Then just take one for my good work from keeping the seagulls away.
