Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, February 26, 2009
UP North Fishing Report 2/26/09
I’m not hearing any great reports as we seem to be in ice fishing fatigue as most wait for nicer weather
Crystal Lake- Still had good smelt action at night. Ice not safe past railroad point!
Higgins Lake- Anglers are reminded to keep the cars and trucks off the ice and there may be some snow drifts that could make travel difficult. The smelt action on the north end of the lake has been very good. Perch are still hitting off the islands however anglers will need to sort out the small ones. Good pike action when using tip-ups or spearing in 15 feet of water. Cold temperatures will keep the trout out in deeper waters. You can call Phoenix Park @ 989-821-7220 for info off the west access site and Sports Barn @ 989-821-9511 for info on the south-end of Higgins Lake
Lake Margrethe has good ice and fishing has been slow. Call Skip??s Sport Shop @ 989-348-7111 for the latest info.
Portage Lake by Onekama has been good for perch, with some getting walleye right at dark. Call Osborn??s Sport Shop in Bear Lake @ 231-889-3775 or Don??s Sport Shop in Manistee @ 231-723-5028
Hamlin Lake- Fishing slowed for those targeting bluegills off the Wilson Hill Park and the Boy Scout Camp. Could be the cold weather as catch rates improved after the warm spell. Try 7 to 12 feet of water with wax worms. Those fishing off Lincoln Road were still taking a few crappie when using a minnow hooked in the back. The fish are running 9 to 12 inches but only a half dozen were reported in a days catch. No fishing on Lower Hamlin. Call Pere Marquette Sport @ 231-843-8676 or Hamlin Grocery @ (231) 843-2058
The Eyes Have It reports great fishing in the Leroy area call Craig @ 231-768-5653
Houghton Lake - Strong winds hampered fishing last weekend however anglers are getting back out and catching fish. There is snow on the lake and anglers will encounter some drifting. Walleye action was slower but fish are being caught around the East Bay and off the north shore. The bluegill bite has picked up when using tear drops with wax worms. Dave at Four season Party Store says he has a honey hole and have been catching walleye, pike and crappie. He will show you where if you visit him at his store. Dave phone# 989-422-5230. Call Lyman??s Sport and Shanty Rental @ 989-422-3231
Near the Kalkaska area, Skegemog Has seen a lot of fishing pressure over the last week. Pike were caught in flats off Baggs Road. Fish ranging from 16 to 27 inches were taken in 12 to 15 feet of water when using minnows. Perch have been caught off the access site at Baggs Road as well as the northwest portion of the lake near the narrows. Try 10 to 15 feet of water when using minnows, wax worms, mousies or wigglers. Many small fish were caught right along with fish ranging from 7 to 10 inches. Bluegills, rock bass and pumpkinseed have also been caught when jigging Swedish Pimples, rapalas, minnows, wigglers or wax worms. A few anglers are still trying to spear muskie however no fish were recorded. Elk Lake - Angler pressure has decreased as many have pulled their ice shanties off the lake. A few portables are popping up here and there. Anglers are still targeting lake trout near Kewadin and off the Whitewater Park when jigging Swedish Pimples in 80 feet of water however no fish were caught. No reports on steelhead or lake herring. Whitefish were caught near Kewadin in 30 to 50 feet of water. Some are still targeting muskie but no fish were caught.Call Jack??s Sport Shop for the latest info @ 231-258-8892
Lake St Helen has been good this week for pike, walleye and panfish and has great ice conditions. Call Malcoms Sport @ 989-389-2100 for latest info
Sanford Lake at the first fill has been hot for crappie this week with minnow working best. Call Sanford Sport Shop @ 989-687-5161 for latest info.
Otsego Lake has a good perch bite with some walleye being caught and Bradford has nice perch being caught. Also some Stugeon being caught with three keepers last weekend. They have been seeing quite a few sturgeon in the evening. Call Stugeon Joe @ 989-732-5866 for the latest info.
Burt Lake has been slow this week.
Green Lake by Interlochen has been good for smelt off both access sites with halis and waxworms working best.
Traverse City - Good angling action near Traverse City on Long Lake and most inland lakes for walleye, blue gill and pan fish. Minnows, wax worms and spikes are popular. Anglers need to check the ice before attempting to walk on the ice.
Big Glen Lake - Ice conditions are good Fishing is hit or miss with some nice perch caught off Inspiration Point. Try minnows in 14 to 20 feet of water. Perch over 10 inches were caught recently.
Betsie River - Those willing to brave the cold could very well hook into an occasional steelhead.
Lake Missaukee - Lots of fisherman out this weekend catching gills and pike with ice conditions great.
Lake Cadillac - Anglers are catching more crappie than bluegills. The bigger fish have been caught along the east side of the lake. Pike anglers are concentrating on waters 15 to 20 feet deep. Deep snow and drifts may cause travel problems.
East Twin Lake - Angler pressure was low however those going out have reported some decent perch fishing when using a small hook or small jig. Deep snow drifts are making travel on the ice a little more difficult.
West Twin Lake - Is all about the walleye. Fishing pressure remains constant and some limit catches were reported. Anglers that know the lake have been doing well for walleye while jigging with rapala minnow jigs or a Swedish Pimple tipped with a minnow. A couple fish were also taken on tip-ups. Those targeting perch were taking fish when using a jig with perch minnows.
Lake Mitchell - Anglers are still ice fishing here for pike and panfish. Keep the cars and trucks off the ice!
Indian Lake by Manistique has a good perch and walleye bite this week. South Manistique Lake - Still has good walleye action when jigging or using tip-ups. For those spearing, try the southeast side between the access site and Norton Island in 5 to 10 feet of water.
Brevoort Lake - Is still producing some nice bluegills on the northwest end of the lake near the campground. Look for walleye along the east shoreline in the early morning or late evening.
Munuscong Lake has decent ice at this time but the temperatures are extremely cold. A few brave soles are getting out and fishing for perch using minnows and reeling in some good sized fish.
Around St.Ignace a few anglers are getting out on Christiansen Bay and pulling in a few perch and walleye on minnows.
Lake Gogebic near the Bergland area is giving up a few walleye, pike and perch on minnows. However it has been so frigid that most anglers are staying indoors. Ice shanties are appearing on the north and south ends of the Lake as anglers are getting geared up for ice fishing this weekend.
Near the Alanson and Boyne areas, Burt, Crooked, Pickeral, Mullett, and Walloon lakes are all freezing up nicely, as well as most of the rivers and parts of Lake Charlevoix. Ice fishing should be able to commence this weekend; however anglers should use extreme caution when attempting to walk out on any body of water.
Saginaw Bay - Off Palmer Road; perch fishing was slow to fair at best out near the first crack. A few walleye were caught a couple miles out in 10 feet of water. Off White’s Beach, fish 10 feet of water near the Pinconning Bar. Off Erickson Road and Linwood Road, the walleye bite was slow out near the pressure crack. Use extreme caution out there and watch for changes in wind direction. The water was really dirty around the Hot Ponds. Thomas Road continues to produce walleye about 7 to 8 miles offshore in 17 to 19 feet of water. Sebewaing was slow. Those fishing out in the Slot beyond Rose Island were taking a few walleye in the evening. At Bay Port, the ice is bad at the DNR access site. Those heading out of the Bay Shore Marina took some nice perch ranging from 8 to 12 inches. Off Mud Creek, anglers were going out about 2 miles towards Sand Point and taking some nice perch in 8 feet of water. At Caseville, perch were caught in the marina basins however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Saginaw River - The ice conditions have deteriorated to the point that it is no longer safe for ice fishing.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions remain good although drifting snow has created some travel problems. The launch at Kipling has been filling up fast. Fair walleye catches throughout the bay however the better reports are coming from Kipling when jigging rapalas and minnows in 24 to 28 feet of water and off Portage Point when fishing 20 to 35 feet down along the break. Good perch fishing out from Brach’s Cabins in 14 to 17 feet of water or in 36 feet of water near Kipling. Fair to good pike spearing out from the Buckeye near Kipling when using live suckers in 8 to 10 feet of water. For whitefish, some limits were taken off Sand Point in Escanaba when jigging minnows or spawn in 80 feet of water.
Muskegon Lake- Ahose still fishing are taking a few but the action has not been fast and furious. The key is to move around until you locate a school of fish. Perch have been caught in 42 to 48 feet of water along the ledge behind Shoreline Marine. Those fishing the weed lines off the Sand Docks have caught perch, rock bass and a couple catfish. The waters between Second Street and river were wide open last week so anglers will want to avoid the area.
White Lake - Yellow perch have been caught along the southwest portion of the lake including Indian Bay. Look for pike up in the narrows off Montague.
AAA FIshing Report
Upper Peninsula:
Ottawa County anglers fishing Lake Gogebic are finding good fishing for perch using wigglers and walleye using sucker minnows. The ice remains good at this point.
In the Marquette area, angling activity on the majority of inland lakes remains slow due to weather conditions and plenty of recent snow. However, anglers fishing off of L??Anse Bay and Lake Superior are starting to see lake trout become more active.
Escanaba anglers are fishing the far north side of Little Bay De Noc for fair catches of walleye on minnows. Lake Independence is producing good numbers of fish on tip-ups. Fair to good catches of whitefish are hitting on wax worms near the mouth of the Escanaba Harbor when fishing the bottom. Plenty of ice remains.
Anglers fishing Brevort Lake are doing well for walleye. One hot spot is near Little Cut River Bay close to shore and out to the east end of the weed line. Jigging with walleye minnow heads is working well. White, silver and brass colors work best during the day light hours, and bright colors work best at predawn and sunset. A few good locations for walleye include south of center reef off the Brevort River Dam, center of Christenson Bay, and off the east shore out from the end of Dukes road. Pike are biting from Christenson Bay to Bodene Bay and anglers are doing well using sucker minnows fishing the drop-offs.
Haven Island near Hessel is producing some nice size perch in the 15-inch category. Anglers are fishing in 19-feet of water off the northwest side with good results. Expect to do plenty of sorting and take heed there is a 7-inch size limit on perch for this area.
Off of Drummond Island, a few perch are biting on small jigs tipped with wax worms near the entrance to Harbor Island. Anglers spear fishing on Scott Bay are catching very large pike. Whitney Bay is giving up nice perch and a few herring on the south side of Drummond Island when using Swedish Pimples tipped with a wax worm, wiggler, or small minnow.
Anglers fishing Munuscong Bay are doing very well on walleye using minnow heads and jigs and minnows and teardrops are working well on good numbers of perch as well. Fishing with bobbers try using size 8 or 10 treble hooks tipped with a walleye minnow. One hot spot is straight off of Dan??s Resort on the west side of the shanty town on the Bay.
Near Les Cheneaux, Muscallonge Bay is hot for perch east of the lake access near the end of Four Mile Block road. Perch are also active near Little Joe Island and Government Bay. Hali lures or Swedish Pimples tipped with a perch minnow seem to be working well.
Emerson Bay near Paradise is producing a few whitefish on large wigglers and small teardrops and some walleye on very small teardrops or walleye minnows.
Inland lakes throughout the Manistique area have minimal fishing activity. The ice remains good, but anglers are just not getting out, mainly due to weather. Anglers that made it out today came back with and empty bucket.
Off of the Sault Ste. Marie area, Mosquito Bay in the upper river is producing some whitefish on small teardrops with either wax worms or spikes. Fishing is hit or miss but when fish are on, any color will do.
Northwest:
Burt Lake in the Alanson area is very slow this week with perch fishing rated fair to good when using minnows. The fish are moving into the Bays right now.
Walloon Lake is giving up good numbers of perch and walleye on blue shiners and minnows. Bear River is fair to good for lake trout on spawn. Lake Charlevoix is decent for perch during the morning hours, particularly between 9 and 10 a.m. Anglers are doing well off of Washington Street using wigglers and minnows.
Traverse City anglers are finding that the fish are not biting and the ice is not safe. Some anglers are targeting steelhead in the rivers at this point.
Around the Frankfort are the ice is starting to build back up thanks to cooler weather, but caution is certainly needed. Whitefish and lake trout are decent for most inland lakes and a variety of baits seem to be working well such as minnows and spikes. Steelhead are hit or miss at this point with no real run as of yet.
Kalkaska anglers are finding fair to good action on most area lakes for blue gill and walleye fishing. Wax worms, Hali lures and Rapalas are working well. Anglers spearing musky on Lake Skegemog are coming up with fair numbers.
Around the Gaylord area, Otsego Lake has fair counts of walleye and perch being caught with blue and gray minnows. Twin Lake is decent for walleye at sun up and sun down.
It is fairly quiet around the Cadillac area this week. Pike are biting on minnows on Mitchell Lake and fair to good amounts of crappie are hitting on minnows and red spikes near the east end of Cadillac Lake. Good catches of perch are biting on both lakes but small in size.
West:
In the Ludington area, Hamlin Lake is giving up nice pan fish, blue gill and crappie on the upper part on minnows, wigglers and spikes. Pere Marquette Lake and River is good for steelhead on spawn and spinners at the open sections, and perch are biting on minnows and wigglers as well.
In the Baldwin area, Elbow Lake is giving up nice pike on tip-ups while teardrops are working on blue gill and sunfish. Wolf Lake is producing nice pike on tip-ups with sucker minnows. Big Bass Lake has some fair action going on for perch, but plenty of sorting is required and the fish are small. Fishing for steelhead is very good on the Tippy Dam where anglers are getting limits. The Pere Marquette River has receded and has open water. Steelhead are biting in fly areas on little nuke eggs, wigglers and nymph patterns. Anglers need to watch for plenty of broken ice that is flowing.
Some good fishing is available around the Muskegon area. Muskegon Lake has about 6-12 inches of ice on the west half. Perch are hitting on glow teardrops and Swedish Pimples in 38-50 feet of water. But some anglers are using cut bait, high balls, minnows and spikes with good results as well. The afternoon bite seems to be the best time of day. A few anglers are using small boats to fish the lower end of the Muskegon River for decent counts of pike.
Good fishing for anglers on Chippewa Lake where the ice is still a good 13-15 inches thick. Spikes, mousies and minnows seem to be drawing in good numbers of blue gill, pike and a few walleye.
Northeast:
Good fishing available in the Alpena area. Anglers are doing well for walleye on the north end of Hubbard Lake jigging with minnows. Wigglers are working well on perch on Long Lake.
Fishing is fair for Oscoda anglers. Van Etten Lake is giving up a few perch on minnows and above the Dam fair to good activity is taking place for pike, blue gill and perch. Most of the rivers and streams within the area are decent for steelhead in the 18-20 inch range when using spawn.
Around Grayling, Manistee Lake is giving up some fair to good numbers of crappie. Lake Margrethe has some fair action for pike and walleye and anglers fishing for perch will find some decent numbers in waters 25 feet deep. KP Lake is also producing some fair catches of blue gill and pan fish during the evening hours.
Houghton Lake has fair to good angling activity this week for walleye, blue gill, perch and pike. The walleye are hitting near the east bay, while the blue gill action is best near the south shore weed bed. Pike can be found all over the lake.
Good action on Higgins Lake for lake trout on gray shiners or smelt. Perch are biting on pikes and minnows, but do range in the small size. Smelt action is good mainly at night using wax worms.
Ice is very iffy around Au Gres not too many anglers getting out and the few that do are only getting a couple walleye on minnows.
West:
In the Ludington area, Hamlin Lake is giving up nice pan fish, blue gill and crappie on the upper part on minnows, wigglers and spikes. Pere Marquette Lake and River is good for steelhead on spawn and spinners at the open sections, and perch are biting on minnows and wigglers as well.
In the Baldwin area, Elbow Lake is giving up nice pike on tip-ups while teardrops are working on blue gill and sunfish. Wolf Lake is producing nice pike on tip-ups with sucker minnows. Big Bass Lake has some fair action going on for perch, but plenty of sorting is required and the fish are small. Fishing for steelhead is very good on the Tippy Dam where anglers are getting limits. The Pere Marquette River has receded and has open water. Steelhead are biting in fly areas on little nuke eggs, wigglers and nymph patterns. Anglers need to watch for plenty of broken ice that is flowing.
Some good fishing is available around the Muskegon area. Muskegon Lake has about 6-12 inches of ice on the west half. Perch are hitting on glow teardrops and Swedish Pimples in 38-50 feet of water. But some anglers are using cut bait, high balls, minnows and spikes with good results as well. The afternoon bite seems to be the best time of day. A few anglers are using small boats to fish the lower end of the Muskegon River for decent counts of pike.
Good fishing for anglers on Chippewa Lake where the ice is still a good 13-15 inches thick. Spikes, mousies and minnows seem to be drawing in good numbers of blue gill, pike and a few walleye.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
West Platte Bay
I shot this today of West Platte Bay
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Snow, snow and more snow. Saturday??s storm left us with a foot and more is on the way. Snowmobilers, the groomed trails are great! Skier??s conditions are fantastic. Fishermen, its slow going. Soon most of it will blow off the lakes and it??ll be easier to explore.
No problems with ice. Expect over a foot. You??ll work up a sweat using hand augers. Fire up your Jiffy!
Those fishing this weekend deserved fish. The constant blowing snow was brutal, but nestled in their shanties we??re comfortable. However, movement was restricted.
Even with the storm several pike were caught. They??re always hungry. Most reports of those kept were in the 30 inch range. Even a few walleye in the 17 to 20 inch range were iced.
The predominant panfish have been crappie, only a few gills. All the panfish have been biting lite. Those using spring bobbers say that it??s normal to get lift bites with subtle movement. Those using cameras see them just mouthing the baits and not moving. Any movement at all set your hook, because there may not be a second chance. Currently, they are not aggressive.
Those catching the most are using the lightest line possible and have downsized their jigs to micro sizes, tipping them with a single maggot. Any movement of your line or spring bobber set your hook. As stated before, early mornings and just before dark has been the best bite.
Better size crappie, our famous 12 inchers are showing up on the east side of Lake Cadillac. Few have been fishing the slab pikes in the 18 to 20 foot water. Normally there are several shanties in the area, but not this year. Often better size gills, perch and rock bass will round out a limit of panfish. It??s hard to fish deep water with micro jigs but it??s worth it. A shanty solves the wind problem. Also, use your electronics to find them. Often they are suspended midway from the bottom.
Sixteen year old Donnie Divis and 8 year old Blake Kinzler teamed up to catch a 27? pike while fishing on Lake Mitchell.
Tim Henry speared a healthy 6 pound, 30 1/8 inch pike. Another good one, a 29 inch, 5 pounder was speared Ed Pascoe.
Spear fishermen have notices that many of the pike they see are cruising just under the ice. This is important when setting tip-ups. It??s a good bet to set one shallow. Many mistakenly fish theirs too deep.
Smelt Fishermen:
Crystal - current reports from the DNR is no motorized vehicles and fish close to shore. All the new snow hasn??t helped the ice.
Higgins - Great season. Most are fishing south out the West boat launch. Catching good numbers in the daylight and even better at night.
The 2009 DNR License year begins April 1st. Your 2008 license expires March 31st. You can start buying the 2009 Licenses March 1st. The 2009 Michigan Fishing Guides are now available.
2009 Major Rule Changes effective April 1, 2009
2 gallon possession limit on smelt. This includes hook & line and dip nets.
Its official, 3 lines are legal ??not to exceed 3 lines to which maybe attached a total of 6 hooks on all lines?.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thank You Frank Schultz
Frank Schultz took out middle school kids from Houghton Lake thursday and friday fishing. Enrichment Days program they try to take kids out and give them an oppertunity to try something new. The kids decided they wanted to go fishing so Lyman’s on The Lake donated ice shanties and bait for the kids with me donating the bait to Lyman’s for the kids. Also the employee’s at Lyman’s donated fishing equipment to use and helped Frank teaching the kids how to ice fish They had a great time and caught a few pike and panfish. Thanks Frank for a job well done.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Up North Fishing Report 2/18/09
Our ice is in great shape, but fishing reports have been real slow except for smelt on Higgins Lake.
Crystal Lake- Still had good smelt action at night. Ice not safe past railroad point!
Higgins Lake- Still has ice and ice fishing however anglers are advised to keep cars and trucks off the ice. The smelt are still hitting on the north end of the lake, evenings are best. Lake trout are still deep and the perch are hitting around the islands. It is Winterfest Weekend and Ice conditions are good. You can call Phoenix Park @ 989-821-7220 for info off the west access site and Sports Barn @ 989-821-9511 for info on the south-end of Higgins Lake
Lake Margrethe has good ice and fishing has been a little better this week. Call Skip??s Sport Shop @ 989-348-7111 for the latest info.
Tremendous walleye activity is taking place in the Bay on Munuscong Lake as well as good perch fishing. Anglers tell us that this is probably the best fishing in 15 years. The ice is outstanding and ranging between 30 and 40 inches thick. Perch are biting on minnows and any type of jig seems to be working. Near Cedarville, perch are hitting on Musky Bay.
Portage Lake by Onekama has been good for perch, with some getting walleye right at dark. Call Osborn??s Sport Shop in Bear Lake @ 231-889-3775 or Don??s Sport Shop in Manistee @ 231-723-5028
Hamlin Lake- Anglers are taking a mixed bag of keepers in 12 feet of water off the Boy Scout Camp. They are catching big bluegills, pumpkinseed, rock bass, crappie and some perch when using pink, orange or very bright colored jigs with two wax worms. A few big crappie were taken in 32 feet of water while the big bluegills were caught on the bottom in 17 to 25 feet of water. Fishing on Lower Hamlin stopped because the ice conditions had become questionable. Call Pere Marquette Sport @ 231-843-8676 or Hamlin Grocery @ (231) 843-2058
The Eyes Have It reports great fishing in the Leroy area call Craig @ 231-768-5653
Houghton Lake - Still has ice fishing. Anglers are taking some nice bluegills on tear drops with wax worms. Perch ranging from 10 to 12 inches were starting to hit as well as some crappie. Walleye fishing is still good in the East Bay and off the north shore and pike are still going after the tip-ups. Call Lyman??s Sport and Shanty Rental @ 989-422-3231
Near the Kalkaska area, Some 20 to 27 inch pike have been caught in 12 to 15 feet of water when using large minnows. Fish the flats between Baggs Road and the Torch River or the Narrows between the two lakes. For perch, try off the Baggs Road access site as well as the northwest portion of the lake near the Narrows in 10 to 15 feet of water and be ready to sort out the small ones. Bluegills, pumpkinseed and rock bass were also caught off the access site. Those spearing muskie have taken a couple fish ranging from 46 to 50 inches. Elk Lake - Lake trout have been caught near the town of Kewadin, off Gay Road and off the Whitewater Park. Most are jigging Swedish Pimples with spawn or minnows in 80 to 140 feet of water. The trout are averaging 22 to 32 inches. A few lake herring were also caught near Kewadin in 30 to 50 feet of water. No lake whitefish, walleye or steelhead were reported this week Call Jack??s Sport Shop for the latest info @ 231-258-8892
Lake St Helen has been good this week for pike, walleye and panfish and has great ice conditions. Call Malcoms Sport @ 989-389-2100 for latest info
Sanford Lake at the first fill has been hot for crappie this week with minnow working best. Call Sanford Sport Shop @ 989-687-5161 for latest info.
Otsego Lake has a good perch bite with some walleye being caught and Bradford has nice perch being caught. Also some Stugeon being caught with three keepers last weekend. They have been seeing quite a few sturgeon in the evening. Call Stugeon Joe @ 989-732-5866 for the latest info.
Burt Lake has been slow this week.
Green Lake by Interlochen has been good for smelt off both access sites with halis and waxworms working best.
Traverse City - Good angling action near Traverse City on Long Lake and most inland lakes for walleye, blue gill and pan fish. Minnows, wax worms and spikes are popular. Anglers need to check the ice before attempting to walk on the ice.
Big Glen Lake - ce conditions have deteriorated. Some areas may have 5 inches while other may only have 3 inches of ice and snow on the lake makes it difficult to see the areas of thin ice. Anglers should avoid driving quads or snowmobiles on the ice. Fishing was slow except for some nice perch caught off Inspiration Point. Try minnows in 14 to 20 feet of water. Perch over 10 inches were caught recently.
Betsie River - Those willing to brave the cold could very well hook into an occasional steelhead.
Lake Missaukee - Lots of fisherman out this weekend catching gills and pike with ice conditions great.
Lake Cadillac - Ice fishing is still going strong but it would be a good idea to keep the cars and trucks off the ice. Pike and panfish are still being caught.
East Twin Lake - The ice has frozen again but anglers still need to use extreme caution around the large pressure cracks. Small perch are hitting on perch minnows. A few walleye have been seen, but none were caught.
West Twin Lake - Anglers should avoid traveling over or near the pressure cracks. Walleye fishing was decent in 10 to 15 feet of water when using a Swedish Pimple tipped with a minnow or a rapala minnow.
Lake Mitchell - Anglers are still ice fishing here for pike and panfish. Keep the cars and trucks off the ice!
Indian Lake by Manistique has a good perch and walleye bite this week. South Manistique Lake - Still has good walleye action when jigging or using tip-ups. For those spearing, try the southeast side between the access site and Norton Island in 5 to 10 feet of water.
Brevoort Lake - Is still producing some nice bluegills on the northwest end of the lake near the campground. Look for walleye along the east shoreline in the early morning or late evening.
Munuscong Lake has decent ice at this time but the temperatures are extremely cold. A few brave soles are getting out and fishing for perch using minnows and reeling in some good sized fish.
Around St.Ignace a few anglers are getting out on Christiansen Bay and pulling in a few perch and walleye on minnows.
Lake Gogebic near the Bergland area is giving up a few walleye, pike and perch on minnows. However it has been so frigid that most anglers are staying indoors. Ice shanties are appearing on the north and south ends of the Lake as anglers are getting geared up for ice fishing this weekend.
Near the Alanson and Boyne areas, Burt, Crooked, Pickeral, Mullett, and Walloon lakes are all freezing up nicely, as well as most of the rivers and parts of Lake Charlevoix. Ice fishing should be able to commence this weekend; however anglers should use extreme caution when attempting to walk out on any body of water.
Saginaw Bay - Off Palmer Road, some perch were caught in 5 feet of water. The walleye fishing was good about 2 ½ miles out in 8 feet of water. Good walleye action out near the Pinconning Bar. Erickson Road was good out in 17 to 20 feet of water and those fishing off the State Park did well 4 to 5 miles out in 18 feet of water. At the Hot Ponds, those wading did great for walleye but now the water is muddy and the bite is slow. Look for the action to pick up when the river goes down. Pike were speared off Quanicassee. Off Thomas Road, the shore ice was bad but anglers were still going out 7 to 8 miles for good numbers of walleye. The ice around Sebewaing, Rose Island Road and Geiger Road is not good. At Bay Port, the ice in general is not good so anglers are using airboats to go out and fish for perch even though the bite has been slow.
Saginaw River - The ice conditions have deteriorated to the point that it is no longer safe for ice fishing.
Little Bay De Noc - Several pressure cracks have popped up and anglers should use extreme caution when traveling in these areas. Also, there is open water out by the Escanaba Docks, so avoid that area. Walleye fishing was spotty with most of the fish caught between Gladstone and the Center Reef when jigging rapalas or using tip-ups with minnows in 24 to 40 feet of water. Good numbers of fish were marked off Portage Point however the bite was slow. Perch fishing was slow but a few nice jumbos were caught off the beach in Gladstone. Perch were caught in 8 to 14 feet of water near Kipling. Pike spearing near Kipling has seen a banner year with several reports of large fish taken. Most are using live sucker decoys in 8 to 14 feet of water. The better whitefish reports came from the Terrace Inn north to the Narrows when jigging minnows and spawn in 30 to 40 feet of water..
Muskegon Lake- Anglers are still ice fishing however caution needs to be used. Stay clear of the channel, the river and the hot water discharges. The channel has open water. Fishing was hit-or-miss however the water did start to clear up. Those able to find perch did catch enough for a meal.
White Lake - Yellow perch have been caught along the southwest portion of the lake including Indian Bay. Look for pike up in the narrows off Montague.
AAA Fishing Report
Upper Peninsula:
Weather is taking a toll on activity in the Manistique area this week despite good ice. Anglers out today came back with a big zero.
Off of the Sault Ste. Marie area, anglers are catching good numbers of whitefish on wax worms. On Munuscong Bay minnows seem to be working well on perch and walleye. Ice is in good condition. Brevort Lake in the St.Ignace area is giving up good numbers of walleye and perch on minnows.
Lake Gogebic in the Bergland area is giving up good counts of perch and crappie with crappie minnows and wigglers working well. Walleye activity is a bit slow this week and anglers are using minnows with limited success. The ice has firmed up after last week??s thaw.
Again this week not much improvement for anglers in the Marquette area with fishing hit or miss. The conditions on the ice seem to be the main reason for inactivity. The snow is very deep ranging from 18 to 24 inches in some areas and slush can be up to your knees in others.
Fishing has improved in the Escanaba area. Anglers are finding good numbers of perch and walleye on the north end of Little Bay De Noc in 8 to 20 feet of water. Minnows seem to be doing the trick. Whitefish action is also good in 70 feet of water on wax worms. The ice has firmed up and is in good shape.
Northwest:
Anglers will find fair to good action taking place in the Alanson area on Burt, Crooked, Pickerel and Mullett lakes for walleye, perch and pan fish. The ice is good and fish are soft biting or nibbling at the bait. Anglers will go home with enough fish for a meal. Walleye and perch are hitting on blue minnows, wax worms, mousies and spikes.
Boyne City fishing ranges from fair to good this week. Lake Charlevoix is producing decent catches of perch and walleye on minnows near the south arm. So far it is a slow go on Walloon Lake for perch and walleye. Blue and gray minnows are being used with some success. Fish are soft biting.
Cedar Lake near Traverse City is giving up good numbers of smelt and perch, while the rivers range from fair to good for steelhead on spawn or wax worms.
Frankfort fishing is good on the Betsie River for steelhead on spawn. Minnows seem to be working well for fair to good catches of perch on Portage Lake and Crystal Lake is producing good quantities of perch and smelt with wax worms and minnows are working well. The ice is in good condition.
Torch and Elk lakes the ice may be unstable, use caution before attempting to fish. Angling activity in the area has slowed considerably due to the weather. The ice has shored up a bit.
Otsego Lake has good ice and some good fishing taking place. Perch and walleye are hitting on blue and gray minnows.
Mitchell and Cadillac lakes have ice ranging from 12 to 15 inches thick. Pike are hitting in good numbers on minnows and crappie fishing is rated fair, also biting on minnows.
West:
Good action in the Baldwin area. Wolf Lake is producing good numbers of pike on minnows. The fish are small in size, ranging 22 to 24 inches, but plentiful. Big Bass Lake is giving up good catches of perch on wigglers and wax worms in the 10 to 12 inch range. The Tippy Dam is doing ok for fair to good numbers of steelhead on spawn and wigglers. Hewitt Lake is giving up good counts of sunfish in the 9 to 11 inch range and some nice blue gill on wax worms and wigglers. The ice conditions overall remain good.
Angling has slowed down considerably for Muskegon anglers due to excessive water run-off causing murky water. Overall the ice is in good condition, with the exception of the channels and river areas where the ice is very unsafe.
Chippewa Lake has good ice remaining but has slowed due t the warmer temperatures. A few pike and specks are being caught.
Northeast:
Alpena angling has slowed down this week. Long Lake and Grand Lake are only giving up a few perch on wigglers, blue minnows and regular minnows.
Good fishing for taking place around Oscoda. Cooke and Foote Dam Ponds are producing good numbers of perch, pike and blue gill. Minnows, wax worms, spikes and mousies are working well. Van Etten Lake has fair to good activity for perch and pike, but use caution the ice may be unstable. Au Sable River is producing good counts of steelhead on wax worms, wigglers and spawn.
Lake Margrethe in the Grayling area is fair to good for walleye and pike action. Anglers are fishing in 20 feet of water and using minnows for best results. Manistee Lake is giving up good numbers of crappie in 12-feet of water on minnows.
Houghton Lake has good ice, nice and hard and in good condition. Pike, walleye and pan fish are hitting in good numbers on minnows, wax worms and mousies.
Higgins Lake is good to excellent for fishing this week. Smelt activity is exceptional on wax worms. Perch are hitting on minnows and lake trout are biting on gray minnows.
Au Gres anglers will find slow activity mainly due to ice breaking up and floating down the river. Ice is not good north of Point Lookout, but some decent ice remains along the shore areas south.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Point Betsie
Shot this today as a blizzard is coming in tonight. Went by Crystal Lake and it sure looks rough be careful on that lake
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Michigan Mansion
Times are tough in Michigan as I shot this photo yesterday
Free Fishing Weekend a Flop
Free fishing weekend was a flop this year with valentines day along with the big warm-up very few ventured out this weekend.
Smelt were biting great on Higgins Lake, and some days they are biting during the day. It seems south of the west access site between east and road is the best spot. Small perch are still biting also.
Most report fishing has pick-up since the warm-up with oxygen getting back into the water with all the run-off.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Michigan is famous for weather changes! We had it all this past week. Record breaking 50 degrees, rain, and then back to normal winter. Many areas south lost their ice or it wasn??t safe. Not here. We??re fishing on 12 to 14 inches of ice covered by a light dusting of snow. We no longer see trucks out there but the quads and snowmobiles are back. Gas augers are still the way to go.
It??s no longer first ice where almost anyone catches their fill. You have to work. Pan fishermen need that early and late bite. Afternoons most panfish tend to be less active. During day light, crappies tend to rest and suspend at various depths in deeper water. When it??s dark, crappie move to the shallow weed areas and are usually hungry.
Fish the weed edges and breaks and your chances are good. The big and small coves on the west side of Lake Mitchell provide the perfect cover for them. Successful Panfishermen tell us both crappie and gills are biting light. Any suttle movement of your bobber or line set your hook. Many locals are still limiting out.
Northerns always seem to be hungry. They feed all day and are often most active in the afternoons when other fish have shut down. They??re great for those who like to sleep-in or are off the ice by dark. Mornings, mid day or afternoons are pike time.
Brian Geiger caught his first pike while fishing with his buddies, Derek Tonello and Brandon Eller. A healthy 27 ½ inch, over 4 pounds, caught on Lake Mitchell on a tip-up. All three friends were excited!
Six year old, Cammie Jo Leigh had two firsts in her life. One, first trip ice fishing with her dad and brothers. Second, first fish of her life, a 25 inch pike. The smile is priceless.
Rex Swinehart is back into spear fishing. He??s had a limit of pike, a 28 inch and a 31 ¼ inch weighing 8.4 pounds. The fish shiver when they see him on Lake Cadillac.
While tip-up fishing on Lake Mitchell for pike, John English was surprised when he caught a 20 ½ inch walleye. Just enough for dinner for him and his wife.
Steelhead - Last weeks rain and warm weather jump started the steelhead on the Manistee River. Dan Derschied and Steve Emery had a successful trip. They??re pictured with 3 of 10 they caught. The other 7 were released to be caught another day. As spring approaches it??ll get better.
Smelt Fishermen
Higgins is the place to be. Many reports of super numbers of smelt coming from Higgins in the daylight and dark. Best catches seem to be in the 12 to 15 foot depths. More fun when there??s less cranking. The traditional Smeltville in 50 to 60 foot depths has been hit or miss. Still plenty of ice there.
Green Lake, several of the permanent shacks were pulled during the warm up. It??s normal to come home with 50 to 60. Doesn??t seem to get better or worse.
Crystal Lake, according to a bait shop in the Beulah area, the ice isn??t safe past railroad point. It will harden with the current temperatures.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Up North Free Fishing Weekend
This coming weekend is Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend. For two days only, Saturday February 14th and Sunday February 15th, both resident and nonresidents can fish without a license. With that said, ice conditions have become dangerous especially in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. Many lakes have standing water and slippery conditions. The rivers are not safe for ice fishing. Conditions will only worsen with additional rain and strong winds. Those hoping to get out and try ice fishing may have to travel to the Northern Lower Peninsula or the Upper Peninsula.
Crystal Lake- Still had good smelt action at night. Water on the ice made for slippery conditions. Bring some cleats!
Higgins Lake- Still has ice but anglers are reminded to use caution and watch for pressure cracks, especially with strong winds in the forecast. Smelt are hitting on the north end of the lake. Evenings are good but some fish have also been caught during the day. Lake trout are still out in deep waters and the rainbow trout can be found in shallow waters. Perch anglers are still taking fish on the north end of the Sunken Island and Treasure Island. Ice conditions are good. You can call Phoenix Park @ 989-821-7220 for info off the west access site and Sports Barn @ 989-821-9511 for info on the south-end of Higgins Lake
Lake Margrethe has good ice and fishing has been a little better this week. Call Skip??s Sport Shop @ 989-348-7111 for the latest info.
Tremendous walleye activity is taking place in the Bay on Munuscong Lake as well as good perch fishing. Anglers tell us that this is probably the best fishing in 15 years. The ice is outstanding and ranging between 30 and 40 inches thick. Perch are biting on minnows and any type of jig seems to be working. Near Cedarville, perch are hitting on Musky Bay.
Portage Lake by Onekama has been great for perch and walleye , with some getting walleye during the day. Call Osborn??s Sport Shop in Bear Lake @ 231-889-3775 or Don??s Sport Shop in Manistee @ 231-723-5028
Hamlin Lake- Catch rates did improve with the warmer weather. Upper Hamlin was producing some bluegills in 17 to 28 feet of water off Pete’s Bayou. Bright colored jigs and wax worms fished just off the bottom did the trick. Pike anglers were finding a few fish when using dead smelt or live blues on tip-ups fished about halfway down in 20 feet of water off Pete’s Bayou or fish shallow along the weedbeds off Laman’s Landing. Near Lincoln Road, the crappies were just starting to show up in 32 feet of water during the day and also for a short time at dusk. They were hitting on minnows just off the bottom. A few perch were also starting to show up. Call Pere Marquette Sport @ 231-843-8676 or Hamlin Grocery @ (231) 843-2058
The Eyes Have It reports great fishing in the Leroy area call Craig @ 231-768-5653
Houghton Lake - Was slippery with some water on top. Anglers would be wise to wear some sort of cleats for easier travel across the ice. Walleye fishing continues to be steady off the north shore and in the East Bay. The big bluegills have started to bite. Anglers are doing well when fishing the Middle Grounds with a tear drop and wax worm. Target the weedbeds in 4 to 6 feet of water. Call Lyman??s Sport and Shanty Rental @ 989-422-3231
Near the Kalkaska area, Skegemog Lake - Bluegills are starting to bite off the Baggs Road public access site in 12 to 15 feet of water. Try minnows or wax worms. A few more pike were caught over the last week. Try minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water in the flats between the access site at Baggs Road and the mouth of the Torch River. A couple big muskie were speared off Baggs Road. For yellow perch, lots of small ones have been caught off Baggs Road when using small minnows, wax worms or wigglers. A few bigger fish in the 7 to 10 inch range were caught by those willing to put in the time. Manistee Lake is producing nice counts of crappie and walleye and Fife Lake is providing nice catches for pike. Pike are biting on suckers or goldens. Call Jack??s Sport Shop for the latest info @ 231-258-8892
Lake St Helen has been good this week for pike, walleye and panfish and has great ice conditions. Call Malcoms Sport @ 989-389-2100 for latest info
Sanford Lake at the first fill has been hot for crappie this week with minnow working best. Call Sanford Sport Shop @ 989-687-5161 for latest info.
Otsego Lake has a good perch bite with some walleye being caught and Bradford has nice perch being caught. Also some Stugeon being caught with three keepers last weekend. They have been seeing quite a few sturgeon in the evening. Call Stugeon Joe @ 989-732-5866 for the latest info.
Burt Lake has been good at Maple Bay for jumbo perch. I had reports that it was slow the last couple days as three guys caught 33 perch in five hours but they were from 10 to 14 inches.
Green Lake by Interlochen has been good for smelt off both access sites with halis and waxworms working best.
Traverse City - Good angling action near Traverse City on Long Lake and most inland lakes for walleye, blue gill and pan fish. Minnows, wax worms and spikes are popular. Anglers need to check the ice before attempting to walk on the ice.
Big Glen Lake - The warm weather did not seem to help the perch bite. Only those willing to move around caught fish as it seems the perch were moving through the feeding areas like clockwork. Minnows are the favorite but some are biting on wigglers. The bigger fish seemed to come in 30 to 40 feet of water east of the bridge. The ice was holding however there was a good inch of standing water after the rain.
Betsie River - Those willing to brave the cold could very well hook into an occasional steelhead.
Lake Missaukee - Lots of fisherman out this weekend catching gills and pike with ice conditions great.
Lake Cadillac - Pike are still active. Those using tip-ups or spearing have done well. Catch rates for panfish should improve by the weekend.
East Twin Lake - The top layer of ice was in pretty poor shape by mid week and there was plenty of water on top of the ice. Ice anglers may want to stay close to shore until cold weather can once again firm the ice back up. Some are targeting perch. They reported good days and some slow ones. Perch minnows worked best.
West Twin Lake - The top layer of ice here is also in pretty bad shape. Walleye anglers need to use extreme caution and fish the shallows until the ice firms back up. Some nice fish have been caught and those doing the best are using a plain rapala jig that looks like a minnow with no bait on it or a Swedish Pimple tipped with a minnow. Tip-up anglers are taking the occasional pike..
Lake Mitchell - This has been a good winter for pike anglers but the panfish action has been slow. Catch rates will improve once the weather stabilizes and warms up.
Indian Lake by Manistique has a good perch and walleye bite this week. South Manistique Lake - Still has good walleye action when jigging or using tip-ups. For those spearing, try the southeast side between the access site and Norton Island in 5 to 10 feet of water.
Brevoort Lake - Is still producing some nice bluegills on the northwest end of the lake near the campground. Look for walleye along the east shoreline in the early morning or late evening.
Munuscong Lake has decent ice at this time but the temperatures are extremely cold. A few brave soles are getting out and fishing for perch using minnows and reeling in some good sized fish.
Around St.Ignace a few anglers are getting out on Christiansen Bay and pulling in a few perch and walleye on minnows.
Lake Gogebic near the Bergland area is giving up a few walleye, pike and perch on minnows. However it has been so frigid that most anglers are staying indoors. Ice shanties are appearing on the north and south ends of the Lake as anglers are getting geared up for ice fishing this weekend.
Near the Alanson and Boyne areas, Burt, Crooked, Pickeral, Mullett, and Walloon lakes are all freezing up nicely, as well as most of the rivers and parts of Lake Charlevoix. Ice fishing should be able to commence this weekend; however anglers should use extreme caution when attempting to walk out on any body of water.
Saginaw Bay - The ice is sloppy and will continue to deteriorate with the warm up. Anglers need to use extreme caution and watch for pressure cracks and wind direction. This report may not reflect true ice conditions by the weekend. Walleye fishing has been good with the best bite at dawn or dusk. The average catch has been one or two legal fish per angler and some anglers are getting skunked while a few others are taking limit catches. Those heading out off Pine River Road and Palmer Road were going about six miles out to the Catfish Hole. Small perch were caught closer to shore. Off White’s Beach, try 10 to 12 feet of water near the Pinconning Bar. Off Erickson Road, head three to four miles out to the Black Hole. Off Linwood, head out three to four miles. Off the Bay City State Park, go northeast to 17 to 22 feet of water. At the Hot Ponds, those wading have caught walleye and pike when casting. Off Quanicassee, pike were speared off Vanderbilt Park. For Tietz Drain and Thomas Road, walleye anglers were heading out seven to nine miles and fishing 22 to 27 feet of water.
Saginaw River - The ice conditions have deteriorated to the point that it is no longer safe for ice fishing.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were fair to good with the majority of fish caught in the north half of the bay and the better catches between Gladstone and the Center Reef. In Kipling, anglers were jigging rapalas in 27 to 40 feet of water. Tip-up anglers were taking good catches of northern pike with several fish over 40 inches. There has been a real surge in pike catches this year, especially in this area. Walleye action was fair near the mouth of the Escanaba River when jigging rapalas and minnows in 20 to 32 feet of water. At Gladstone, walleye were caught in 25 to 35 feet of water but many were sub-legal. Good catches of jumbo perch near Kipling when jigging minnows in 25 to 35 feet of water or using tip-ups with 3 inch minnows. Several nice catches were taken off Gladstone in the same depths. This has been the best year in some time for jumbo perch. Pike spearing was good off the “Buckeye” near Kipling in 8 to 10 feet of water and in the harbor at Escanaba in 6 to 18 feet of water. Whitefish reports remain steady throughout the bay with the best catches off Sand Point in 80 feet of water and off the Terrace Bay Inn in 45 feet of water. Recent warm weather created some water on the ice but travel was good as of this report. Warm temperatures along with rain this week could change ice conditions in a hurry.
Muskegon Lake- Perch fishing has been good. If the ice can hold on until the weekend, look for the action to continue. A few walleye and one brown trout were also caught. The ice was very slippery so you might want to bring along some cleats. Use caution and avoid any areas where there are pressure cracks or a current. Anglers will also want to keep a watchful eye for any boat traffic that might come through the lake.
White Lake - Yellow perch have been caught along the southwest portion of the lake including Indian Bay. Look for pike up in the narrows off Montague.
AAA Fishing Report
Upper Peninsula:
Ice remains good around the Manistique area and warmer temperatures melted some of the snow making it easier for anglers to get out. However, angling activity is very minimal this week.
Anglers fishing all around the Munuscong Bay area are finding good fishing opportunities. Perch are hitting on minnows, and walleye activity is very good. Ice thickness averages between 25-35 inches.
St. Ignace anglers are doing well for walleye when they can get away from the crowds. Minnows seem to be working well on Brevort Lake. The ??Brevort Lake Ice Fishing Jamboree? gets underway Saturday, call 906-643-7289 or 906-643-6743 to pre-register. Entry fees have been reduced.
Anglers around Bergland experience extreme cold to mild temperatures in one week. Lake Gogebic is in rough shape with plenty of water over the ice, creating sloppy conditions. There is enough slush for anglers to get snowmobiles and four-wheelers stuck. Minimal fishing activity at this point.
Off of Marquette, ice on Lake Superior has blown out from high winds, leaving open water. Most rivers and inland lakes have plenty of water covering the ice thanks to mild temperatures this week. Many lakes have up to a foot of water covering the ice, creating the need for waders. Fishing activity is hit or miss.
Fishing is hit or miss around Escanaba this week. Big Bay De Noc is giving up walleye. The best activity is north of Gladstone in 30-feet of water. Anglers are using tip ups with sucker minnows for good results. Perch are found in 10-30 feet of water. The ice remains good, but is sloppy on top.
Northwest:
The warm weather increased perch and walleye activity for Alanson anglers. Ice remains good on Burt Lake and anglers are jigging with blues.
Good action around Boyne City where anglers are doing well on Walloon Lake, Thumb Lake and Lake Louise for perch, walleye, and splake. Lake Charlevoix is giving up perch and walleye near the east end. A variety of baits are working that include perch wigglers, blue spoons and Swedish Pimples in pink and chartreuse.
In Traverse City, Long Lake is producing plenty of blue gill for anglers and walleye activity on Arbutus Lake is hit or miss.
Around Kalkaska, the ice is good just about everywhere. Good activity taking place on Torch Lake for lake trout, whitefish and Burbot. Perch action is picking up on Skegemog Lake, and Lake Margrethe is giving up some walleye. Manistee is producing decent counts of crappie on blues, perch minnows and wigglers, while walleye are hitting on blues and grays.
Near Gaylord, anglers are doing well on Otsego and Bradford lakes and closer to Lewiston on Twin Lakes for walleye, pan fish and pike. The warmer weather has perked up the fish. Little blues and grey minnows seem to be working well and tip ups on walleye.
Everything is biting on Lake Cadillac, but don??t expect any limits on anything. Anglers are doing a lot of hopping holes for pike, sunfish and crappie. No patterns for anything. Sloppy conditions prevail on the ice due to plenty of standing water. The ice is very slick and anglers need creepers.
West:
Ludington anglers are experiencing a thaw right now due to very warm temperatures this week. A good amount of water covers the ice and the ice is very unpredictable at this point. No angling activity is currently taking place. By the weekend if the temperatures drop, angling activity is expected to improve.
Around the Baldwin area, very warm temperatures this week has left anglers with water up to their knees covering the ice. The Pere Marquette River has plenty of high and low areas, flowing ice chunks and ice jams. A few anglers are fishing for steelhead, but it is not recommended. A few anglers are fishing the backside of the Tippy Dam with spawn and wigglers. Idelwild Lake is giving up some small blue gill.
Warm weather and rain has created slippery conditions on the ice and currently anglers need cleats or creepers to get around. However, if rain continues the ice may become compromised and extreme caution should be taken. Perch action is very good to excellent in the deep water or central portion of the lake. Spikes, mousies, wigglers and jigging Rapalas, and large minnows under a tip up seem to be working well.
Chippewa Lake anglers continue to have very good conditions for pike and blue gill. Minnows seem to be doing the trick. Despite the warm weather, the ice remains thick with some water cover.
Grand Rapids anglers experienced very warm weather this week which left many lakes with lots of water on top of the ice, as well as ice flowing down the rivers. The Grand River is running very high this week, has flowing ice chunks, yet some anglers are attempting to fish for steelhead using spawn. Near the 6th Street Dam walleye are biting on green jigs. Morrison Lake is giving up a few crappie.
Northeast:
Au Gres anglers are finding a few walleye on small and glow in the dark Cleo??s, do-jiggers and jig Rapalas. The snow is gone and there is some water over the ice. With the warmer weather and windy conditions anglers need to take extra precaution.
Anglers fishing in Oscoda will find open water below the Dams and some steelhead action on spawn, wax worms and wigglers. Tawas Bay has decent ice fishing for big size pike and walleye. Anglers will need creepers to get around. The Au Sable River is giving up some blue gill, pan fish and perch on minnows, wax worms and wigglers.
Rain in the Alpena area this week has slowed angling activity. The ice is safe with only a little bit of standing water, but seems to be draining off well. The snow is gone and anglers can see the fish through the clear ice.
Grayling anglers are doing well on Manistee Lake for blue gill and Lake Margrethe for pike and musky. Perch action is picking up. Otsego Lake is giving up a few walleye and perch. Ice is very slippery with some standing water, you will need cleats.
Rain isn??t stopping anglers from fishing Houghton Lake, big blue gill are being caught on wax worms and walleye on blue shiner minnows with Rapalas. The ice is good and clear, still around 20-inches in thickness. The little bit of standing water on the ice is draining off. Anglers fishing off the shoreline need to watch for some thin ice as well as broken and jagged ice. Be smarter than the ice.
Good fishing on Higgins Lake just about everywhere. Lake trout are biting on gray shiners. Perch action is excellent but be prepared to do a lot of sorting. Smelt is good in the morning and evening hours.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ice Still Hanging On
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Most reports the ice is still good in Northern Michigan and with cold weather coming this weekend we should be ok. I will know more tomorrow as fisherman get back out on the lakes.
I shot this photo in New Mexico in Nov.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Free Fishing Weekend
Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend is Feb. 14-15. The annual celebration of the state’s ice fishing heritage includes free fishing clinics, contests and festivals at locations throughout the state, including many at state parks and fish hatcheries. For many, the annual Free Fishing Weekend has become a tradition - a time to get together and have some fishing fun. While some may find time to reflect while fishing, there are no limits to variations on a great theme! Many have found this special weekend to be a good time for a reunion with friends and family with fishing and fun a great combination for all!
Anyone can fish without a license during the free fishing weekend. All other regulations apply.
For more information: http://www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing.
Fishing is picking up in most locations as water is running back into the lakes giving Oxygen so the fish get active again.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The weekend warm up put a damper on some of the activities during the 25th Annual Snow Festival, but not on the fishing contest. Fishermen enjoyed the spring weather even though the lakes were sloppy.
Snowmobilers had a different opinion. The trails were good when you got to them, unfortunately the snow melted from the lakes where many of the activities were held.
The fishing contest is one activity that has increased in participation every year, regardless of the weather. As a matter of fact, most anglers enjoyed the sun and warmer temperatures. During the Festival prizes were awarded for the largest northern pike, walleye, bluegill (sunfish), crappie, perch and rock bass caught from Lakes Cadillac or Mitchell. The lucky winners had first choice of a room full of prizes, cash and merchandise. The Winners of each division are:
Northern pike Zach Reddy 30 ½? 5.96 lbs.
Walleye Charlie Benz 19? 2.22 lbs.
Bluegill (sunfish) Richard Dora 8? .32 lb.
Crappie Faron Ryerse 12 ½? 1.00 lb.
Perch Gordon Shaffer 10? .56 lb.
Rock Bass Robert Treadway 8 7/8? .56 lb.
Congratulation to the Winners and Thank you for all who participated. The Cadillac Junior High was an excellent place to hold the event and accommodated the 400 plus people who attended. To our knowledge, this is the only fishing contest where registered participants are entered for the prize drawings whether they catch a fish or not. Don??t miss next year??s festival.
The snow has melted from our lakes leaving glare ice in many places. Warm temps and possibly rain are predicted Monday thru Wednesday. Believe the weatherman and cold temps return again. Current ice conditions range from 18 to 20 inches thick. Little damage should occur. However it??s time to dust off your creepers and be careful of old holes. See pictures of Lake Cadillac and Mitchell.
Free Fishing Weekend - February 14 - 15 is Free Fishing Weekend. A good time to take a kid fishing or someone new to the ice. No license is required for these 2 days.
Smelt Fishermen - Crystal - Green - Higgins - All 3 getting the same reports. One great night then 2 or 3 mediocre, you have to be there! All say they mark lots of smelt but some nights the bite is soft.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Up North Warm Up
A warm-up is on the way to Northern Michigan and we need it bad as most lakes report lots of slush. Fishing has been slow with all the below zero temps, but we are hoping the warm-up get fish back biting
Crystal Lake is froze all the way so look for that lake to be great when we get back to normal winter. Grand Traverse Bay is all the way over and look for whitefish and perch fishing to get going this weekend. Most are reporting lots of slush on many lakes after the storm on saturday. They say there is a hot bite at Torch Lake with lake trout and whitefish biting very good. For lake trout most are using a #9 Swedish Pimple tipped with perch minnows in 140 feet of water. Whitefish were caught just off the bottom.
Higgins Lake- Smelt fishing has been good on the north end of the lake from Evergreen Park to the State Park, near Big Creek, the west launch and the Birch Lodge. Fish during the evening hours and start in about 50 feet of water. Lake trout are in 85 to 100 feet of water. Rainbow trout are moving into the shallows near the springs and creeks. Some decent perch were caught on the north side of Sunken Island and Treasure Island and just off the bottom in 40 to 60 feet of water south of Point Detroit and Flag Point. You can call Phoenix Park @ 989-821-7220 for info off the west access site and Sports Barn @ 989-821-9511 for info on the south-end of Higgins Lake
Lake Margrethe has good ice and fishing has been a little better this week. Call Skip??s Sport Shop @ 989-348-7111 for the latest info.
Tremendous walleye activity is taking place in the Bay on Munuscong Lake as well as good perch fishing. Anglers tell us that this is probably the best fishing in 15 years. The ice is outstanding and ranging between 30 and 40 inches thick. Perch are biting on minnows and any type of jig seems to be working. Near Cedarville, perch are hitting on Musky Bay.
Portage Lake by Onekama has been great for perch and walleye , with some getting walleye during the day. Call Osborn??s Sport Shop in Bear Lake @ 231-889-3775 or Don??s Sport Shop in Manistee @ 231-723-5028
Hamlin Lake- Fishing has been slow however anglers able to get out to new areas are finding fish. Some anglers fishing east of the Wilson Hill Park in 7 to 12 feet of water were taking about a dozen nice bluegills per trip while others in the same area had no luck. Jigs and wax worms were the ticket. A couple walleye and some crappie were taken in 15 to 30 feet of water off Pete’s Bayou. Those fishing Lower Hamlin were finding a few fish in 15 to 25 feet of water. Call Pere Marquette Sport @ 231-843-8676 or Hamlin Grocery @ (231) 843-2058
The Eyes Have It reports great fishing in the Leroy area call Craig @ 231-768-5653
Houghton Lake - Catch rates have been steady with walleye caught off the north shore and in the East Bay and some bluegills taken off the south shore. Call Lyman??s Sport and Shanty Rental @ 989-422-3231
Near the Kalkaska area, Skegemog Lake - Some 24 to 28 inch pike have been caught on large minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water in the flats between the access site at Baggs Road and the mouth of the Torch River. A lot of perch anglers can be seen on the northwest corner of the lake near the narrows and fishing 10 to 20 feet of water with minnows, wax worms, wigglers or shrimp. Many fish are small but a few were ranging 7 to 10 inches. Manistee Lake is producing nice counts of crappie and walleye and Fife Lake is providing nice catches for pike. Pike are biting on suckers or goldens. Call Jack??s Sport Shop for the latest info @ 231-258-8892
Lake St Helen has been good this week for pike, walleye and panfish and has great ice conditions. Call Malcoms Sport @ 989-389-2100 for latest info
Sanford Lake at the first fill has been hot for crappie this week with minnow working best. Call Sanford Sport Shop @ 989-687-5161 for latest info.
Otsego Lake has a good perch bite with some walleye being caught and Bradford has nice perch being caught. Also some Stugeon being caught but no keepers yet. They have been seeing quite a few sturgeon in the evening. Call Stugeon Joe @ 989-732-5866 for the latest info.
Burt Lake has been good at Maple Bay for jumbo perch. I had reports that it was slow the last couple days as three guys caught 33 perch in five hours but they were from 10 to 14 inches.
Green Lake by Interlochen has been good for smelt off both access sites with halis and waxworms working best.
Traverse City - Good angling action near Traverse City on Long Lake and most inland lakes for walleye, blue gill and pan fish. Minnows, wax worms and spikes are popular. Anglers need to check the ice before attempting to walk on the ice.
Big Glen Lake - Had several anglers catching perch, but not in big numbers. Most are using minnows in 30 to 45 feet of water. Use caution and avoid the east side of the lake which still had open water.
Betsie River - Those willing to brave the cold could very well hook into an occasional steelhead.
Lake Missaukee - Lots of fisherman out this weekend catching gills and pike with ice conditions great.
Lake Cadillac - Pike are still active. Those using tip-ups or spearing have done well. Catch rates for panfish should improve by the weekend.
East Twin Lake - Had a lot of fishing pressure and good numbers of perch caught, but many were small. There were a few good days however when anglers took home some bigger perch. Most are using minnows or a tear drop jig with a wax worm.
West Twin Lake - Had limited fishing pressure. A few walleye were caught in 15 feet of water. Try jigging a Swedish Pimple tipped with a minnow. Perch fishing has been slow and the fish are running small.
Lake Mitchell - This has been a good winter for pike anglers but the panfish action has been slow. Catch rates will improve once the weather stabilizes and warms up.
Indian Lake by Manistique has a good perch and walleye bite this week. South Manistique Lake - Still has good walleye action when jigging or using tip-ups. For those spearing, try the southeast side between the access site and Norton Island in 5 to 10 feet of water.
Brevoort Lake - Is still producing some nice bluegills on the northwest end of the lake near the campground. Look for walleye along the east shoreline in the early morning or late evening.
Munuscong Lake has decent ice at this time but the temperatures are extremely cold. A few brave soles are getting out and fishing for perch using minnows and reeling in some good sized fish.
Around St.Ignace a few anglers are getting out on Christiansen Bay and pulling in a few perch and walleye on minnows.
Lake Gogebic near the Bergland area is giving up a few walleye, pike and perch on minnows. However it has been so frigid that most anglers are staying indoors. Ice shanties are appearing on the north and south ends of the Lake as anglers are getting geared up for ice fishing this weekend.
Near the Alanson and Boyne areas, Burt, Crooked, Pickeral, Mullett, and Walloon lakes are all freezing up nicely, as well as most of the rivers and parts of Lake Charlevoix. Ice fishing should be able to commence this weekend; however anglers should use extreme caution when attempting to walk out on any body of water.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing on the bay often picks up in the month of February however those willing to go way out and fish deep have caught fish. Anglers are heading out five to six miles off Pine River and Palmer Roads however the best fishing was off Linwood and Erickson Road when heading out three to six miles and fishing in 14 to 26 feet of water in the early morning or late evening. Walleye were caught off Cody-Estey Road, White’s Beach and the Bay City State Park. At Quanicassee, a few perch were taken off Vanderbilt Park. Some limits of walleye were taken seven to nine miles out off Thomas Road. A few small perch and the occasional pike were taken inside the Sebewaing Marina. At Bay Port, some perch were caught straight off Bayshore Marina by those willing to move around to locate schools of fish. For the Caseville area, the perch and pike action were slow.
Saginaw River - Has lots of angler activity in downtown Saginaw. Some nice walleye have been caught primarily at dawn when using blue and silver Jig-n-Rapalas. Anglers are fishing Bay City and beyond. Cass Avenue and the Independence Bridge were getting a fair amount of pressure. Walleye have been caught around Essexville and perch off Smith Park. Perch were also taken out of the Bay Aggregate cut and the marina basins in the lower river.
Little Bay De Noc - Water clarity has been good and light snow has made for easier travel on the ice. Walleye anglers reported fewer catches but marked good numbers of fish from the mouth of the Escanaba River north to the Center Reef. The Center Reef has produced the most consistently for those jigging rapalas with minnows in 22 to 40 feet of water while those fishing from the Terrace Inn south to the Escanaba River reported fair action when jigging or using tip-ups in 22 to 35 feet of water. Catch rates for whitefish were up this week with the best reports around Sand Point in 80 feet of water. Those perch fishing near Kipling and Stonington reported few fish taken however those that caught fish were finding jumbo’s when jigging minnows in 20 to 30 feet of water. Northern pike were caught off the east bank in Kipling when using tip-ups with minnows in 10 to 17 feet of water.
Muskegon Lake- Perch fishing has been good with some nice fish taken off the west end in the deep water basin. Most are using perch rigs with minnows or wigglers. Excellent pike fishing on the east end near the river when using tip-ups or when jigging spoons. Walleye were caught in 17 to 30 feet of water.
White Lake - Yellow perch have been caught along the southwest portion of the lake including Indian Bay. Look for pike up in the narrows off Montague.
AAA Fishing Report
Upper Peninsula:
Extremely cold temperatures for anglers in Manistique, but only the brave are getting out on Indian Lake to find good fishing opportunities for perch and walleye on minnows.
Tremendous walleye activity is taking place in the Bay on Munuscong Lake as well as good perch fishing. Anglers tell AAA that this is probably the best fishing in 15 years. The ice is outstanding and ranging between 30 and 40 inches thick. Perch are biting on minnows and any type of jig seems to be working. Near Cedarville, perch are hitting on Musky Bay.
Anglers fishing around Drummond Island will find a slow go. This morning is was 20 below and those temperatures are keeping anglers off the ice. The few brave soles that are fishing Scott Bay and Whitney Bay are catching one or two perch. Anglers are seeing plenty of perch, but fish just are not biting. Pike activity is also slow, and a few whitefish are hitting on teardrops or wax worms.
Very cold around the St. Ignace area where anglers seem to be staying indoors, not much activity taking place currently. February 14 is the ??Brevort Ice Jamboree?, call 906-643-7289 or 906-643-6743 to pre-register.
Extreme cold has slowed angling activity around the Bergland area. Lake Gogebic is giving up a few walleye and perch. Walleye are found all over the lake and sucker minnows are working well, while perch seem to be found near the north end towards Porcupine Point and wigglers seem to be doing the trick. Angling activity is expected to kick up for the weekend with warmer temperatures in the forecast.
Marquette anglers have the mid-winter blues. Activity has slowed and it seems that the fish just shut off. Ice conditions are outstanding with thickness ranging from 24 to 30 inches.
Escanaba anglers are doing well for walleye and perch all over Little Bay De Noc and Big Bay De Noc from one end to the other. Tip ups with sucker minnows work well on walleye. Other baits working well include Moonshine Shiver Minnows, Buck-Shot Rattle Spoons, and regular minnows. Inland lakes are decent for blue gill action.
Northwest:
Alanson anglers continue to be plagued by very cold weather slowing activity. Fishing on Burt and Crooked lakes is hit or miss for walleye and perch, however outstanding ice conditions prevail. Warmer weather for the upcoming weekend is expected to increase angling activity.
Near Boyne City, Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix anglers are finding some decent angling activity for walleye, perch and some browns. Walleye are biting on Buck-Shot Rattle Spoons, Lindy Rattlin?? Flyers, blue spoons and Warrior Weasel Spoons. Browns are taking to blues in 20 to 32 feet, some biting at lowest point and some biting at higher levels.
Torch Lake near the Kalkaska area is giving up perch, splake and herring in 90-feet of water. Anglers are jigging with Prism Pearl Swedish Pimples using numbers 8 and 9 ice auger size for good results, also popular are the Lindy Rattlin?? Flyer Spoons, perch minnows, blues and mousies. Lake Bellaire is good for perch and walleye.
The Petoskey pier is giving up some whitefish in 90-feet of water and Bear River towards the middle is producing some steelhead. Spoons, wigglers and blues seem to work.
Traverse City anglers are fishing heavy at the west bay by Boardman reeling in decent counts of perch, burbot, and whitefish. The Boardman River is good for steelhead using bobbers and jigs, wax worms and wigglers.
Crystal Lake and Green Lake are both giving up very good counts of smelt. Whitefish, burbot, and perch are currently slow but by the weekend should pick up considerably. Anglers are using Hali jigs, wax worms, live bait, Swedish Pimples, Buck-Shot Spoons and spikes with good success.
Otsego Lake has good ice and walleye are biting best between 5 and 9 p.m. on big sucker minnows, silver and gray spoons. Perch are hitting in the late afternoon in 11 to 12 feet of water on small blue minnows. Bradford Lake is giving up nice counts of blue gill on minnows.
Good action on Mitchell and Cadillac lakes for large size pike. Anglers are also getting some crappie on minnows, blue gill on wax worms and spikes, and some pan fish. Perch are hanging out on the bottom and are not biting.
West:
Lively activity taking place around the Ludington area, Hamlin Lake is giving up nice numbers of walleye, blue gill and perch. The ??Hamlin Lake Ice Fishing Tournament? takes place February 7. The majority of inland lakes in the area are doing great for perch, as well as Pentwater, Manistee, and Pere Marquette Lake. Wigglers and minnows are working well. Ice is good all over the area.
Around the Baldwin area, the Pere Marquette has very good water clarity, some ice dams exist so boat traffic is difficult. Big Manistee has fair action for browns. Natural bait, wigglers and egg patterns seem to work. Wolf Lake is giving up some nice size pike but perch and blue gill are slow. Big Bass Lake is decent for blue gill, sorting is necessary and it is so cold that ice holes are freezing within minutes of boring. Warm weather is expected to arrive in the area for the weekend creating perfect fishing conditions. Idlewild Lake is giving up some perch, and Cecilia Lake is decent for blue gill on wax worms.
Reeds Lake in Grand Rapids is giving up good counts of specs on minnows. Ice throughout the Grand Rapids area is good, even on a majority of rivers. Most ice ranges from 12 to 20 inches.
Muskegon Lake continues to produce very good numbers of perch. Best location is the west side of the Lake in deep water. Perch rigs, perch eyeballs, wax worms and spikes are getting good results. Good to excellent numbers of pike can be found in the mid-section of the Lake and near the mouth of the River. Pike are measuring up to 38 inches in size. Tip ups and a suspended golden shiner seems to be working well. Walleye activity is fair to good before dark around Johnson Point, 2nd Street and Fisherman??s Landing.
Very good ice fishing is taking place on Chippewa Lake for pike, specs and pan fish. Pike are small in size but plenty of fish available. Best baits include wax worms and spec minnows.
Northeast:
The Au Gres area has some good ice if you go out from the M-65/Hale Road area straight out to the Bay. From the River anglers need to use extreme caution, large cracks are apparent due to windy conditions and ice movement from the current. Perch activity is slow, and walleye activity is fair and improving as the season moves on.
Around Oscoda, Van Etten Lake is giving up some perch. Walleye, pike and perch continue to be decent on Foote and Cooke Dam Ponds. The “59th Annual Perchville USA” gets underway Friday and runs through the weekend on Lake Huron off of Tawas Bay.
Alpena anglers are pulling in some good numbers of perch on Whiskey Bay on shiners. Thunder Bay River has fair perch fishing with grays.
Within the Grayling area, Manistee Lake has a good bite going for blue gill on wax worms and wigglers. Lake Margrethe is giving up good numbers of pike. Anglers are using tip ups with live sucker minnows or spearing with good results.
Walleye activity is good on Houghton Lake when using Swedish Pimples, or blue shiners. The best location seems to be the east bay or north shore. Pike are everywhere and pan fish are near the weed beds on the south shore. Blue gill are hitting on spikes and wax worms.
Higgins Lake is really hot for smelt. Lake trout is fair on tip ups with big green shiners. Perch action is picking up. The ice is strong enough to drive a truck on.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Otsego Lake Sturgeon
Chuck Lorenz caught the Sturgeon on Otsego Lake.
Caught on 01/26/09 at 6:45 PM on Otsego Lake, Gaylord, MI.
First Sturgeon of the year in Sturgeon Joe’s Shanty.
56” long
19” girth
29.5 lbs
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Windmill in New Mexico
I shot this in November in New Mexico just outside Bosque Del Apache
Monday, February 02, 2009
Fish Bite Slow
From what I’m hearing the last two days the fish seem to be on vacation as most places are reporting fishing very slow. With the warm up coming this weekend look for things to improve.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The 7th Annual Pilgrim??s Village Spearing Contest has come to an end. With the season change it began December 1 and concluded January 31. Ice conditions remained safe the whole time. It was marked with daily changes, with many up grades and fish to be measured. Several of the regular names were bumped and new ones added. It has been fun for us and we hope you enjoyed it.
We especially thank two of our major sponsors for the prizes they??ve donated. Rob??s Taxidermy (Cadillac), a wall mount of a speared spike. Robs mounts, fish or fur are true to life. He does quality work at reasonable rates. Tom Richards (Cadillac), The Dark House Guru, donated a custom made 6 tine spear and other spearing gifts.
The Final Standings are:
The Covenanted First Place
Thomas Jessup Jr. 36?, 10.3 lbs. (speared on Lake Mitchell the last afternoon of the contest).
Second Place William Beaver 34 ½?, 8.8 lbs.
Third Place George Fox 34 1/8?, 9.5 lbs.
Fourth Place Brian Brown 33 ¾?, 8.5 lbs.
Fifth Place Alan Anderson 32?, 6.9 lbs.
Sixth Place Scott McConnell 32?, 6.3 lbs.
Seventh Place Chris Hansen 31 1/8?, 7 lbs.
Eighth Place Tom Richards 30 ½?, 5.8 lbs.
Youth Standings:
First Place Gavin Jessup 30 ¾?, 6.6 lbs.
Second Place Tyler McConnell 26 ¾?, 4 lbs.
The Pilgrim Village contest is over but remember the DNR regulation changes this season and pike spearing remains open until March 15th.
Can??t catch any big perch? Talk to Miles McLeod from Lake City. This young angler can. He??s caught a prize, 11 ¼? perch caught from Lake Cadillac.
Tom Haines caught a healthy 37 ¼?, 11.3 pound pike, caught on a tip-up on Lake Mitchell.
Dark House Special, Kerry Seehase speared a Master Angler Bowfin last week. He backed it with 2 more, even larger. One was 31?, 10 pounds, the other a 29?, 7.8 pounds. Call him the Dog Man.
Don??t miss;
25th NORTH AMERICAN SNOW FESTIVAL
ICE FISHING CONTEST
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2009
You must have a $5.00 NASF Button to be eligible and your badge number registered at any of these 3 Sponsors, MC Sports, Pilgrim Village Fishing Shop or Schafer??s Bait and Sporting Goods.
The NASF Button is good for all Snow Fest events, and Raffle Prize.
Win a prize for the largest Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Pike,
Rock Bass or Walleye.
All registered participants will be entered for prize drawings whether you catch a fish or not.
Winners must be present for drawings at the Cadillac Junior High School located at 500 S. Chestnut St.
Receive contest rules when you register at any one of these Sponsors,
MC Sports, Pilgrim Village Fishing Shop or Schafer??s Bait and Sporting Goods.
You must be entered by noon of February 7 and have a $5.00 NASF Button.
Fish must be caught from Lakes Cadillac or Mitchell on February 7 between 8:00 AM
And 3 PM
Bring in your catch to the Cadillac Junior High School.
Contest begins at 8 AM and ends at 3 PM, February 7.
All prizes will be awarded at 3:30 PM at the
Cadillac Junior High School.