Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wagner Falls
I’m in the UP looking for a Boreal Owl and took a photo of Wagner Falls near Munising
Thursday, March 27, 2008
We Still Have Safe Ice
Many are still going out ice fishing with many still driving out on the lake with cars. We have lots of ice for this weekend. Remember your new fishing license April 1
Fishing has been good on many lakes with perch hitting on Portage Lake, Skegemog, Long Lake and some on Higgins Lake. Crystal Lake has a bite out in front of Cold Creek with some jumbos being caught. Great perch fishing on Munuscong Bay. Anglers are using wigglers, wax worms, tear drops and minnows with good results. The ice is very solid and safe.
Smelt fishing is good on Higgins Lake with in front of Big Creek being the hotspot.
Cadillac reports a good crappie bite early on minnows the after the sun comes up they are biting on waxworms,
Manistee Lake by Kalkaska reports a good gill bite the last few days, also Houghton Lake has been getting better every day.
Around the Boyne City area, Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix are producing decent catches of perch and trout. The Jordan and Boyne rivers are giving up good amounts of trout. Wigglers, minnows, and spawn are working well.
Saginaw Bay - The ice has left the bay
Upper Peninsula:
Copper Harbor anglers are seeing no activity this week, mainly due to the ice in the harbor melting. Not enough ice to get out and ice fish, but too much ice to launch a boat just yet.
In the Bergland area, the ice is still very solid, thick enough for four-wheelers to run about. Perch and crappie are active on the east shore near Eight Mile when using wigglers. Good crappie action out in front of the Gogebic Lodge, when using minnows.
Ice is still good around the Escanaba area. Whitefish are active off of the harbor. Blue gill are active on many inland lakes and anglers are finding decent results when using wax worms, spikes and tear drops.
Activity is extremely slow this week in the Manistique area. The ice remains over two feet thick, but has heavy snow and slush creating difficulty to get out and around.
Great perch fishing on Munuscong Bay. Anglers are using wigglers, wax worms, tear drops and minnows with good results. The ice is very solid and safe.
Fish just are not biting in the St. Ignace area the activity is poor even though the ice remains two feet thick.
Northwest:
Crooked Lake in the Alanson area is doing well for panfish and trout. Anglers are using minnows for best results. Burt Lake is good for perch when anglers can get right over top of them, otherwise you need to keep moving. Ice is still very strong but covered with heavy snow.
Around the Boyne City area, Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix are producing decent catches of perch and trout. The Jordan and Boyne rivers are giving up good amounts of trout. Wigglers, minnows, and spawn are working well.
In the Manistee area ice fishing is still taking place. A few browns have been caught off of the pier, but some heavy ice around the pier makes it difficult for anglers to get out at times. Some steelhead beginning to run in the Manistee River.
In the Kalkaska area, Torch, Elk and Skegemog lakes are giving up some whitefish and perch. Grey shiners and dead minnows under a Swedish pimple are working well.
Anglers in the Gaylord area are using small minnows to reel in some decent catches of perch, pike, and sunfish from many inland lakes. A few steelhead being caught in the Boyne River this week.
Cadillac angling activity is slow this week with only a few crappie being pulled from lakes Cadillac and Mitchell.
West:
Around the Muskegon area some steelhead on spawn can be found around the pier. Suckers are decent on the White River on crawlers.
In the Ludington area anglers are having some luck with suckers, steelhead, and browns on the Pere Marquette River. Hamlin Lake is producing a few blue gill, and Pere Marquette Lake is giving up a few perch.
Chippewa Lake is tremendous this week for blue gill and specs. Anglers are finding good results when using spikes and wax worms.
Angling activity in the Baldwin area is non-existent due to heavy snow and foul weather activity this week.
Southwest:
Fishing is ok this week in the Benton Harbor area since most of the ice has moved farther off shore. Around the pier some Coho, brown trout, whitefish and perch are biting on night crawlers, spawn and casting lures.
In the Kalamazoo area, the Allegan and Trow Bridge dams are giving up northern pike on three-inch shad and 12-inch suckers.
In the New Buffalo area, the mouth of the river is good for browns, steelhead and Coho. Ice is causing a problem for anglers trying to get out on the Lake, but the river is fine.
Northeast:
In Oscoda, fishing picked up a bit this week on Tawas Bay for walleye. Ice fishing is still taking place and decent catches of perch on wigglers, wax worms and minnows are ample. Steelhead action is picking up and anglers are finding good results with flies, wax worms and spawn.
Around Alpena steelhead can be located on Thunder Bay near the 9th Street Dam. Ice fishing is still taking place.
Good action for anglers on Higgins Lake this week. Minnows are working well on perch in 50 feet of water.
In the Grayling area, minimal action is taking place for anglers fishing Lake Margrethe. Only a few perch have been hooked using minnows.
Around the AuGres area the ice has deteriorated and angling action is at a standstill this week.
East:
In the Linwood area, a mixture of snow, and high winds has limited angling activity this week. The ice has deteriorated and is flowing. Steelhead action is on the increase and the shoreline remains the best location in about 3-12 feet of water to catch a few
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Crystal Lake has Perch Bite
Getting reports today in front of Cold Creek they were getting jumbo perch some up to 16 inches. Do not know how long the bite will last but it was on today.
Portage Lake still has a good perch bite but many are small and a gill bite is on with waxworms working best.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Bring on Spring
With it being zero today and colder in Northern Michigan, I can hardly wait for some 40 and 50 degree weather to get us on a new path as winter has hung on a long time. Shot this turkey phot tonight as they are still in winter mode and just doing a little strutting early morning
Fishing is good many places but most are waiting to fish the rivers wen it gets warm enough.
Higgins is good for smelt now in front of big creek,Cadillac the crappie are biting and Portage Lake by Manistee is still producing perch.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The calendar says its spring, but it still feels like winter. Currently our lakes still have plenty of ice. If you expect to move much, you’ll need a gas auger. However warmer temperatures with rain are predicted.
Lately panfishing has been hit or miss. Typically best bites have been early mornings and just before dark. Crappie have been the predominate catch, but mixed catches of gills and perch are common. During the earlier warm spells when surface water was draining down the old holes, big crappies were caught just under the ice. These conditions will return as we get to last ice. Don’t miss the fun.
Many are tired of the ice and have turned their attention to steelhead. The boat launches on the Manistee are starting to fill. Boat anglers are dong best hitting the traditional runs. No pattern to bait. Some float spawn; others wax worms or wigglers on jigs. Flies and plugs work. Take your pick.
Good numbers of brown trout are being caught also. Legal sizes are mixed with small ones but lots of action. Especially for those targeting them with small minnows. Vern Jeske traveled from Bay City to catch a 7 lb. Steelhead and a 3 lb. Brown. Nice Fish!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Fishing has Been Slow
Fishing Pressure has been slow during the week as many have given up on fishing the hard water waiting for the return of soft water. Looking at the weather it might be a while.
Fishing has been good on many lakes with perch hitting on Portage Lake, Skegemog, Long Lake and some on Higgins Lake.
Smelt fishing is finally picking up on Higgins Lake with in front of Big Creek being the hotspot.
Cadillac reports a good crappie bite early on minnows the after the sun comes up they are biting on waxworms,
Manistee Lake by Kalkaska reports a good gill bite the last few days, also Houghton Lake has been getting better every day.
Upper Peninsula:
Ice remains solid in the harbor, but out in the open lake the ice is cracked and flowing. Angling activity around Copper Harbor is fair for splake on lures.
In the Bergland area, the ice remains at least two feet thick and anglers are still getting out. Lakers and blue gill are becoming more active and anglers are getting best results with wax worms and tear drops.
Around the Silver City area ice fishing is producing some salmon on Swedish pimples.
Plenty of ice remains in the Escanaba area. Little Bay De Noc is producing a few whitefish and near Gladstone some perch are moving.
Anglers fishing in the Manistique area can expect decent catches of perch on minnows. The ice is good but heavy snow is covering it and making it difficult to get around.
In the Sault St. Marie area, angling action remains slow once again this week. Some whitefish are being caught in the upper river on wax worms and teardrops.
In the Munuscong Bay area, the perch fishing is excellent on Cedarville Lake and Munuscong Bay. Wigglers, wax worms and minnows are working very well. The average take is 15-30 in one trip. The ice remains at least two feet thick.
Drummond Island the angling is slow with a few perch biting on Scott and Maxton bays. Whitney Bay is producing fair amounts of perch on minnows.
St. Ignace anglers will find activity slow this week on Brevort Lake, a few perch and blue gill being caught. Burt and Mullet lakes are giving up a few perch as well. The ice is still over two feet thick.
Northwest:
Alanson angling has really slowed this week. A few perch on blues and tip ups are hit or miss. The ice is still strong with vehicles still able to get out on it.
Slow time of the season for Boyne City anglers. Action is minimal on Walloon Lake for perch on wigglers. The best location is off of the State Park and South arm. The Boyne and Jordan River is giving up a few perch and trout.
Not much has changed this week in the Frankfort area angling is hit or miss for steelhead in the river right now. The smelt are decent when using spikes, wax worms, and small minnows. Whitefish are active on jigs and wigglers and perch are plentiful in Crystal Lake.
In the Kalkaska area, some steelhead action is taking place at the Elk Rapids Dam and Lake Skegemog is really good for perch.
Around the Manistee area steelhead are moving and anglers are finding decent results with spawn on the Big Manistee River. Ice fishing is difficult since the ice is jammed along the shoreline and anglers cannot get out. Perch fishing off the pier is very limited at this time.
Gaylord area anglers are still ice fishing, but the activity is slow. Pike and blue gill fishing is fair this week.
In and around the Cadillac area crappie seem to cooperate when using small jigs and red spikes. Blue gill and perch are hit or miss and minnows, wax worms are working best.
West:
Muskegon Lake is giving up some perch on minnows and pike are active near the south shore and anglers are finding decent results with wigglers, wax worms, and golden shiners. Off of Lake Michigan the steelhead are starting to become more active. Spawn works well.
In the Ludington area anglers continue to do well this week for perch on Pentwater and Pere Marquette lakes. Jigs, small minnows and wigglers are working best. Steelhead action is picking up along the Pere Marquette River and best results are found when using spawn sacks.
Southwest:
In the Benton Harbor area, not much action on the lake, but some anxious anglers have launched their boats and are out trolling. Use extreme caution if you attempt this since the ice is flowing in drifts. The St. Joe is giving up some steelhead on spawn.
In the Kalamazoo area, maybe due to rain and some adverse weather this week the fishing activity has slowed.
In the New Buffalo area steelhead are running in the river near the Union Pier. Anglers are casting with spinner4s and spawn is also working well. Near the mouth of the river some salmon have been caught casting with spinner bait.
Northeast:
In Oscoda, the overall the fishing is slow. Some steelhead running in the river and anglers are finding best results with spawn and wax worms. The ice is deteriorating so use extra caution. Some blue gill and perch are being caught in the river and Van Etten Lake on wax worms and wigglers.
Houghton Lake is producing some blue gill when anglers use wax worms or spikes. Otherwise the fishing has slowed this week. The ice is good but the problem is finding a place to get out on to it.
Higgins Lake continues to have over 20 inches of ice and fishing is generally good. Anglers are catching perch on minnows, lakers on grey shiners and a few smelt on wax worms.
East:
The ice is diminishing around the Linwood area, anglers are advised to steer clear of the pressure cracks and use extra caution. Steelhead are starting to run and the shoreline seems the best location in about 3-12 feet of water in reel a few in.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Horned Lark
Spring is getting close as Horned Larks are passing though.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Skegemog has a Bite
Lake Skegemog has a great perch bite this week with wigs and minnows working best. Many are reporting good size fish being caught also.
Houghton Lake finally has some gills being caught with wigglers out fishing waxworms today.
Smelt must of started biting on Higgins Lake as they have sold quite a few waxworms and spike the last two days.
Crooked Lake by Lake City is red hot for gills with limits being taken this week.
Friday, March 14, 2008
What a Nice Day
Many took advantage of the awesome day we had and caught fish. The warm weather has turned on the fish with reports of gills starting to bite.
Houghton Lake is finally reporting a gill bite the last few days, but it a early morning or dusk bite right now. Waxworms are working best.
Steelhead are showing up the last few day at Tippy and a few other rivers are starting to see some fish.
Perch are still biting in Ludington, and Manistee. Have not heard much about Frankfort, but Crystal Lake is still very good for smelt and perch.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
March 15 the last day for pike and walleye
Last day for pike and walleye in the lower peninsula is this saturday along with you must have your permeant shanty off the lake by March 15 also.
It is the last dance this saturday as pike and walleye close and you must have your ice shanties in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula need to be removed from the ice by March 15th. Consult the fishing guide to see which counties will be affected by this date. March 15th is also the closing date for walleye, pike and muskie on the Lower Peninsula inland waters not otherwise closed to fishing. .
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The bite has improved with the warmer weather but fishing pressure is down as many are tired of winter. The steelhead have started to run with Tippy Dam reporting a good bite this week
Lake St. Helen - Still has good ice. Look for pike and walleye in the First Lake. Look for bluegill in the south end of the Third Lake.
Wixom Lake has a great crappie bite
It seems Saginaw Bay is the place for walleye -It seems the Bay City State Park is the best spot to fish right now. Those fishing off Pine River and Palmer Roads reported good walleye action with some limits taken when going out 2 to 5 miles and fishing in 10 to 20 feet of water. Walleye fishing was good from Erickson Road and Linwood south to Bay City in 14 to 21 feet of water. Evenings were best. From Thomas Road, anglers are going all the way to the shipping channel and doing well in 24 feet of water. Some walleye were taken at night in 8 feet of water off Vanderbilt Park. Nice perch were caught near Spoils Island on the right day. The marina at Sebewaing was giving up small perch, but some bigger ones were caught at Geiger Road and Mud Creek. The fish were good size but not in large numbers. A few perch were caught in the harbor at Caseville.
Higgins Lake has great ice, perch fishing and lake trout are biting, but smelt still slow with 50 a night a good night. Most are off Big Creek for Smelt but no great reports yet. Perch are running small so lots of sorting this week but I have heard of some jumbos also out of shallow water around the weeds.. 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 slow for smelt
Crystal Lake has a good perch and still a great smelt bite this week off of Lobb Rd.
They are hitting East Grand Traverse Bay hard this week with trout , whitefish and perch biting.
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 fair. 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 - Travel on the ice is getting easier just watch out for the deep ruts. Whitefish anglers reported fair catches off Sand Point jigging spawn in waters 70 to 80 feet deep. The better fishing has been in the mid-morning but the fish are running smaller. Perch reports were starting to improve. Anglers were jigging minnows and wigglers in 10 to 20 feet of water off Butler Island and near Kipling. All ice shanties must be off the ice by midnight, March 31st.
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 also a few walleyes on the north-end. They have the sturgeon shanties back out and are seeing a few with a 65 incher caught by Tbone this week.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.
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.
Long Lake- Fishing has been slow but anglers targeting walleye are finding keepers in 20 feet of water in the southern most bay. Some fish are coming on tip-ups baited with minnows while others were caught while jigging minnows. Walleye and perch were caught off Taylor Park while jigging in 20 to 30 feet of water. Walleye and jumbo perch were caught off Long Island and Picnic Island. The fish seem to be holding in the rock piles around the islands.
In the Kalkaska area, the perch fishing is good on Lake Skegemog with many nice size perch being caught.. 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.
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.
Pere Marquette Lake - Perch are hitting on minnows and wigglers. A few pike were taken on tip-ups.
Upper Peninsula:
Activity around Copper Harbor picked up a bit this week for splake; anglers fishing the harbor are finding lures and worms working well. The ice is becoming thin in spots and most anglers are fishing off docks at this point.
In the Escanaba area, Little Bay De Noc is hit or miss for whitefish. The best location this week is the mouth of the Escanaba Harbor. Dead minnows and single salmon eggs seem to be working well when fishing on the bottom in 70 feet of water. The ice is still good.
Around the Bergland area, the ice on the harbor is good today, but anglers need to check day by day for changes.
Munising anglers are picking up a few whitefish and Coho in the Bay, but the ice is iffy at this point. Independence Lake is giving up a few perch. Fishing will pick up by the end of the month for Coho and steelhead season once the ice is gone.
Sault St. Marie anglers have a slow go this week with perch activity very slow and whitefish are hit or miss. The best location is in the upper river using wax worms and teardrops. Plenty of ice remains.
Around Drummond Island the ice is still two feet thick, the perch are hit or miss on Scott and Maxton bays and anglers are using minnows and wax worms with limited success.
Northwest:
Near the Alanson area fishing is decent on Crooked and Burt lakes for perch, trout, blue gill, pike, walleye and northerns. A variety of baits are being used with good results that include suckers, minnows, blues and grays. Ice is solid on both lakes ranging between 24-28 inches.
Boyne City anglers continue to have good ice, a warm up hasn’t occurred just yet, however the fishing is slow for the area with limited perch being caught on minnows.
In the Frankfort area, angling has improved for a variety of fish. Smelt is abundant when using spikes, wax worms, and small minnows. Whitefish are active on jigs and wigglers and plenty of perch can be taken from Crystal Lake but lots of smaller sized fish can be expected. Arcadia and Portage lakes are also producing decent catches on a variety of fish as well.
In the Kalkaska area, the ice remains very solid and thick. Angling action is good for perch on minnows and the steelhead are starting with anglers using spawn and jigs with good results.
In the Gaylord area anglers are still out ice fishing, but the activity is slow on the majority of lakes. As a reminder the walleye season ends for the area on Saturday. So far no steelhead moving at this point, but the pan fish and pike are on the rise. Lake Skegemog continues to give up decent amounts of perch on minnows.
West:
Anglers in the Muskegon area advise AAA that the fishing activity is changing, the ice remains thick and the tug boats start running today. Perch and pike are active near the south shore, or mid-lake. Try using wigglers, wax worms, and golden shiners. Steelhead activity is increasing.
Around the Ludington area the ice is very plentiful, thick and safe. Anglers are doing very well on Pentwater and Pere Marquette lakes for perch. Steelhead activity is increasing on the Pere Marquette River, as well as the Manistee, Pentwater, and Pere Marquette lakes. Anglers are doing well with spawn bags and sacks. Good action for pan fish and walleye on Hamlin Lake, as a reminder the walleye season ends on Saturday in the area.
Southwest:
Benton Harbor anglers are not seeing much action since the ice is blocking access to Lake Michigan. The piers are surrounded by ice this week.
In the Kalamazoo area, steelhead are running great on the St. Joe, the water has warmed up and the action is very good. Anglers are finding good results with spawn bags, wiggle warts and various hard baits. Charter boats are also doing well with steelhead. Crappie action is abundant at night using emerald shiner minnows. On most inland lakes the blue gill are picking up and on Sugarloaf Lake the crappie are decent when fishing at night. Good size perch (14 inches) are being caught on Schafer Lake in Lawrence. Be sure to take your fish finder since fish are three to four feet below the ice.
In the New Buffalo area the water has open areas on the Glen River but the fishing is fairly good for steelhead on suckers and walleye remain active, at least until the 15th when the season closes in the area.
Northeast:
In the Oscoda area, the steelhead are starting to run and anglers have caught a few this week. Inland lakes are good for blue gill, perch and crappie. The ice fishing is still good and anglers are using wax worms, spawn and minnows with good results.
Near the Houghton Lake area fishing has improved over last week. Anglers are having good luck with perch, crappie, pike and walleye, with jigs and minnows working well. The ice is 20 inches thick with no snow cover and anglers are advised to take along your cleats. Pike and walleye season ends this Saturday.
Higgins Lake is producing good amounts of perch in 50-60 feet of water and minnows are working best. Lakers are hit or miss in 70 feet or more of water and grey shiners seem to do the job. The smelt are picking up and wax worms are working well. The ice remains around 20-inches thick.
East:
Around the Linwood area, angling action has slowed mainly due to high winds earlier in the week. The ice remains good but anglers need to watch for cracks and shifting starting to take place, use extra caution. The walleye season closes on Saginaw River Saturday but remains open year-round on the Bay. Walleye action is good in 8-12 feet of water this week, with perch running slow at this time.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Many are Out for the Last Hurrah
With the 15th coming fast many are out trying their luck with the warmer weather for pike and walleye. I have not heard any glowing reports, but many are claiming the bite has got better the last two days.
Grand Traverse bay has been fair but ice will go in a hurry with any wind. Walleye and perch off the mouth of the Boardman, and East Bay whitefish, lake trout and perch.
Walleye are reports are good on Houghton Lake with the bite getting real good with the warmer weather.
Bay City State Park is the hotspot in the state for walleye as they are going out two miles and just getting limits of nice fish.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Houghton Lake Horned Owl
Here is a photo I took of a Great Horned Owl on a nest in the heron rook by Houghton Lake in the Deadstream.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Artic Weather Slows Weekend
Below zero weather has hampered early morning fishing and many are waiting till the sun burns some heat in the artic blast. I have heard of some fishing picking up with a perch bite again on Lake Skegemog, Long Lake has picked up with walleye getting their last bite in before the season ends.
Higgins lake has reported a few more smelt in front of big creek with reports of 100 smelt being caught, but I see no increase in waxworm sales so I will have to wait and see later in the week. Lakers still biting good.
Houghton Lake still has a great bite with many walleye being caught.
Lake St. Helen still has a good gill bite.
Wixom is still good for panfish off the public access
Crystal Lake lots of perch and smelt in Horton Bay (75ft.) with lakers being caught out in 125 to 150 feet of water
Out of my realm off of the Bay City State Park they are catching all the walleye you care to catch in eight feet of water. All reports have been of a fantastic bite with blues the favorite flavor.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
March the 15th is closing in. This date is important for two reasons. First it’s the last day for pike and walleye fishing. We pushed them hard this season. They need a rest. The last Saturday in April we’ll chase them again.
Second, by law, permanent shanties must be off the ice by midnight March 15. Portables must be removed after each day’s fishing activity. Most of the permanents on our lakes have disappeared already but there are always some procrastinators.
Pike fishing isn’t as “for sure” as earlier but it is good. Pike ranging in size from 25 to 37 inches. Weights, over 3 to over 12 pounds. There’s no end to the quality of pike in our lakes. Why go elsewhere.
Panfishing is picking up. Tim Adams caught his limit of crappies. He started using pink, Gulp maggots and has been limiting out on a regular basis on Cadillac.
Jerry Lawhead is the bluegill King. He’s caught a master angler size gill taken “somewhere” on Cadillac.
No perch pictures but they are co-operating. Numbers of up to 10 inches are showing up. Finally, some of those little ones have grown. Most of the better panfishing is being done in 8 to 11 foot depths. Late ice, especially when water rushes down the holes should be great.
OTHER LAKES:
Higgins: Few smelt, perch, fat pike and lake trout.
Green: Hit or miss smelt.
Crystal: Lots of big smelt, perch, and lakers.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Otsego Lake Hammerhead
Although Thomas Thatcher AKA, T-Bone / Hammerhead, has received a lot of harassment about catching a baby hammerhead shark on Otsego Lake, new reports, with photos, prove that hammerheads do thrive in our inland lakes.
This was a great gag as T-Bone was told there has been a strange looking fish going though the shanty every-night and it looked like a shark. He was not convinced but they kept it up for two weeks to get him primed for the prank. So T-Bone went out sturgeon fishing with creepy feeling about this strange fish around his shanty. As he looked down in the water with the underwater light giving a alien green glow to the water. The trap was set
They had a remote controlled hammerhead shark that they were going to send from one shanty to go though his hole and give him something to snap him out of his Miller Lite stupor. Also the fish eyes light red to give it a real erie effect at night.
So they tied a string to the hammerhead and sent it on its way and they missed the first few time and had to retrieve by pulling back by the string and the 6 time they hit pay dirt and T-Bone was screaming like a little girl and did not want to put his hand in the darkness of the hole to retrieve this monster.
Trouble for T-Bone there was a crowd of people on the lake rolling around on the ice howling up a storm after he burst out of his shanty scared the fish was going to get him. So T-Bone has a new nickname Hammerhead
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Fishing is Slow in Most Places
It seems that most places are reporting a slow fish bite on lakes that have had ice since December. Along Lake Michigan it seems perch are running up the rivers to the first lake and they are being caught in places like Manistee, Portage Lake, Betsie Bay, White Lake, Muskegon Lake and Pm Lake.
Lake St. Helen - Still has good ice. Look for pike and walleye in the First Lake. Look for bluegill in the south end of the Third Lake.
Wixom Lake has a great crappie bite
It seems Saginaw Bay is the place for walleye - Those fishing off Pine River and Palmer Roads reported good walleye action with some limits taken when going out 2 to 5 miles and fishing in 10 to 20 feet of water. Walleye fishing was good from Erickson Road and Linwood south to Bay City in 14 to 21 feet of water. Evenings were best. From Thomas Road, anglers are going all the way to the shipping channel and doing well in 24 feet of water. Some walleye were taken at night in 8 feet of water off Vanderbilt Park. Nice perch were caught near Spoils Island on the right day. The marina at Sebewaing was giving up small perch, but some bigger ones were caught at Geiger Road and Mud Creek. The fish were good size but not in large numbers. A few perch were caught in the harbor at Caseville.
Higgins Lake has great ice, perch fishing and lake trout are biting, but smelt still slow with 50 a night a good night. Most are off Big Creek for Smelt but no great reports yet. Perch are running small so lots of sorting this week but I have heard of some jumbos also out of shallow water around the weeds.. 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 slow 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 fair. 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 conditions remain good and travel on the ice has improved with the snow settling. With the close of walleye season, anglers have switched over to whitefish. Fair to good catch rates were reported just off Sand Point when jigging spawn, wigglers and minnows in 63 feet of water. Those fishing off the Terrace Bay Inn were also catching fish in waters 40 feet deep or more. A few nice perch were caught off Saunders Point when jigging wigglers in 30 feet of water..
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 also a few walleyes. 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.
Long Lake by Traverse and Lake Leelanau have slow reports of walleye this week.
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.
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.
Pere Marquette Lake - Perch are hitting on minnows and wigglers. A few pike were taken on tip-ups.
FISHING REPORT
Upper Peninsula:
Activity in Copper Harbor is slow this week due to very cold temperatures. The ice remains very good.
In the Escanaba area Little Bay De Noc has been quiet this week since the walleye season is closed in the U.P. Some whitefish are being caught in Escanaba harbor. Anglers are averaging two to five per trip and using minnows and salmon eggs for best results. Perch activity is also limited this week on Escanaba harbor with the best location near Kipling. Wigglers and small minnows are working well. The ice is solid and clear this week.
Fishing is slow to non-existent this week in the Manistique area mainly due to the heavy snow out on the ice making it difficult for anglers to get around.
Fair activity taking place on Munuscong Bay, anglers are catching decent amounts of perch on minnows.
Cedarville Lake, anglers are using wigglers to pick up some fair perch.
In the St. Ignace area fishing is extremely slow. The ice is still over a foot thick and minimal snow cover.
Northwest:
Boyne City anglers are finding very limited catches of walleye this week and it is slow for perch as well. The ice remains solid but the frigid temperatures this week are the main cause for angler’s inactivity.
In the Frankfort area, fair fishing taking place for trout, perch, smelt and whitefish. Best baits include minnows, wigglers, wax worms and jigs. The best location this week is near the southwest side of Crystal Lake and fishing in 80 to 100 feet of water.
Around the Kalkaska area, Lake Skegemog is producing good quantities of perch on minnows and small blues. Twin Lake is giving up smelt when using Haley jigs with wax worms. Torch Lake is producing decent amounts of whitefish and lakers on spawn, grays and glow sticks.
West:
Around the Muskegon area, the fishing is good. Anglers are taking limits on perch however plenty of sorting is required. Several baits are working well that include mousies, wigglers and wax worms. Perch seem to be very active near the west end of the lake, around the sand docks and the yacht club. Steelhead are becoming active and heading up the river. Anglers tell AAA that they believe it will be a good steelhead season. Pike continue to be active on the east half of the lake near 2nd Street. Anglers are finding good results with golden shiners.
In the Ludington area, the ice remains a solid one foot thick. Steelhead are starting to move in the Pere Marquette River, however other types of fishing is slow. On Pentwater Lake decent catches of perch and northerns on wigglers and minnows are doing well. Hamlin Lake the angling activity has been slow but starting to pick up on blue gill and crappie.
Near the Baldwin area, pan fish and blue gill continue to be fair on most of the local inland lakes. Steelhead are beginning to move up river.
Southwest:
In the Three Rivers area rain has pretty much put a halt on angling action this week. The ice remains safe, but has at least two inches of water covering it.
Kalamazoo anglers will find some decent blue gill and perch fishing taking place on Gourd neck, Gunn, Gull, Norris and Cedar lakes.
Around the New Buffalo area the fishing has been almost non-existent this week due to rain and fluctuating temperatures.
Northeast:
Around the Oscoda area, the ice fishing is still good on Van Etten Lake for perch. Wax worms, wigglers and minnows are working well. Steelhead are starting to pick up. Cooke and Foote Dam ponds are producing good amounts of perch when using wigglers or wax worms. A few walleye have been caught in Tawas Bay this week.
Near the Houghton Lake area fishing overall is slow to fair. The ice is still solid and safe. Manistee Lake is producing decent crappie and blue gill.
Higgins Lake is giving up fair amounts of perch and smelt.
Angling activity on Lake Margrethe is slow to fair for walleye and perch. Best location for the perch is the south end of the lake.
Otsego Lake is producing fair quantities of perch.
East:
In and around the Linwood area, anglers are finding good activity with walleye on the Bay when using jigs, spoons or minnows. Good action from Erickson Road all the way to Bay State Park and fishing in waters 12-18 feet deep. Perch action is decent on the Saginaw River this week.
In Bay City, some small fish varieties are being reeled in using a mixed bag of bait including Rapalas, do-jiggers, and cleos. The better fishing is for walleye in the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay. The top locations again this week are 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.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Perch Fishing
They are still going though quite a bit of perch bait in Manistee and Portage Lake. Some reports have been good while others say not good. Frankfort was slow saturday as many only caught a few fish, but during the week they were doing reel well on the perch.
Have not heard much as fishing pressure has been slow this week as fisherman are looking for open water as they are getting tired of ice fishing.
Higgins lake reports 50 smelt a night seems to be tops but maybe it will change soon.
Cadillac they are still doing great on pike.