Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Ice Fishing Coming to an End
Higgins and Houghton Lake have good ice still but shoreline is getting bad and most are staying off. It is time to get your boat and summer gear ready for the opening of fishing season the last saturdy in april. Steelhead fishing should be getting better as warmer weather will start making the fish run the river.
Suckerfest Celebrates 31st Year in Scottville tomorrow March 27
Upper Peninsula:
Anglers fishing around Drummond Island are finding good ice remains even around the shoreline, but fishing activity is really slow with the exception of Whitney Bay where anglers are doing well for perch on minnows. Perch are decent size too.
Ice fishing is still taking place on Indian Lake where the ice in the center of the Lake is still two feet thick and anglers are able to get out on four-wheelers. Frigid temperatures at night are keeping the ice great around the shoreline as well. The perch action is good on minnows. Steelhead are starting to appear in the River.
Lake George and Munuscong Bay around the Sault Ste. Marie area are giving up a few perch on teardrops. Overall perch activity is hit or miss but the ice is very thick and in good shape. The upper St. Mary??s River is producing some whitefish and teardrops and wax worms are working well.
In the Marquette area, angling activity has been improving overall, but last night heavy southeast winds pushed the ice back into the area limiting anglers from getting out. Ice fishing is still taking place on inland lakes and ponds for blue gill, and pan fish. Anglers are doing well using holes that have already been drilled and fishing with wax worms and wigglers. Anglers attempting to fish the river are finding that plenty of ice is falling from the banks.
Little Bay De Noc is producing decent perch on Hali jigs, spikes, minnows and wigglers just north of Gladstone around Butler Island and near Kipling. Off of the Escanaba area the shoreline ice is thin and breaking up and whitefish activity is decent.
Anglers continue to ice fish on Lake Gogebic near the Bergland area, but the rain and cold temperatures is causing for very slow activity. Mark your calendars for the ??Hon-A-Thon? perch fishing tournament taking place on Saturday. Call 906-575-3545 for details.
Northwest:
Alanson anglers are still ice fishing on Burt Lake where a few perch are biting. The ice is freezing over every night and some anglers are still driving trunks on the Lake.
Ice fishing is still taking place on Walloon Lake and perch are hitting near the country club. The ice averages 12-14 inches but use caution around the shoreline where the ice is thinning. Thumb Lake is giving up a few perch and the Jordan and Boyne rivers are both running very high due to melting snow and anglers are pulling in a few steelhead.
Anglers in Traverse City are focusing on steelhead in the rivers, however the water is very cold and activity is slow. When the fish are biting they are hitting on spawn, wigglers, wax worms and flies.
Off of Frankfort anglers are fishing off the pier and starting to get out in boats on Lake Michigan trolling for brown trout using Rapalas, bombers, body baits and long stick baits. The Betsie River is giving up steelhead and spawn, spinners and flies seem to be working well.
Around Kalkaska steelhead are active on the Boardman River and around the Tippy Dam on wigglers and wobble glows. Most inland lakes the ice has deteriorated.
Otsego and Bradford lakes are both producing some nice blue gill, pan fish and perch. Anglers are stream fishing on the Au Sable and Manistee rivers. Rivers are running high and fast. Boyne River is giving up some steelhead.
Cadillac fishing has slowed this week due to windy conditions and high pressure. Getting out to the good ice is really unstable, the ice is honeycombed and the shoreline ice is heaving.
West:
Off of the Ludington break wall anglers are fishing for steelhead and browns using spawn. Most inland lakes, including Hamlin Lake are picking up for pan fishing. The Pere Marquette River is producing nice steelhead catches.
In the Baldwin area, anglers fishing during the week and fishing early in the morning are getting the best spot on the Pere Marquette River and are getting good catches of steelhead. Stone flies and nuke orange eggs seem to be working well. Steelhead range 10-12 pounds. On Wolf Lake the ice is all gone and blue gill and perch fishing has picked up with wax worms and wigglers doing the trick.
Off of the Muskegon area, anglers are pier fishing for steelhead and brown trout and a few are getting out in boats and trolling in the shallow waters. Overall perch fishing is slow in the area.
Angling activity on Chippewa Lake is pretty much in a transition mode. Ice is currently unsafe and fishing is extremely slow.
Near Grand Rapids the Grand River is producing nice catches of steelhead and pan fish at the 6th Street Dam. For steelhead try using a yellow wobble glow with three orange dots. At this point crappie are scarce on inland lakes.
Northeast:
In the Grayling area, Lake Margrethe the ice is safe today, but anglers need to pay special attention day-to-day regarding ice conditions. Shoreline ice is thin and a few feet from shore the ice is breaking up. Perch action is rated fair due to light pressure. The fish are good size when caught.
The ice on Houghton Lake averages 7-10 inches as of today, but rain and warmer temperatures could cause some deterioration and the ice around the edge is already thinning and rough. However, cooler temperatures and some snow may be in the mix. Use caution stepping out on any ice. Blue gill and crappie are doing well on wax worms.
Higgins Lake anglers are doing well for smelt on wax worms all over the Lake. Anglers are catching lots of perch, but only able to keep a few. Perch are biting on minnows and spikes. As of yesterday the ice on Higgins Lake was 15 inches and clear, however anglers need to pay attention to rapidly changing weather and ice conditions.
Au Gres anglers are out in boats this week and trolling now that the ice has cleared out. Anglers are catching plenty of walleye and tossing back. Rapalas, husky jerks and bombers are working well. Overall sucker fishing is good in the area and perch are biting on Pine River, but are small in size.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
First Wood Duck Sighting
First wood duck sighting on my pond
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Spring is Near, Time to get Bikes Out
Monday, March 23, 2009
Ice Fishing is About Done
In Northern Michigan ice fishing is close to being done as ice is breaking away from shore. Higgins Lake is still good with quads were on the ice today and they are still catching smelt
Pilgrims in Cadillac reports, a few die harts haven??t let winter go. Should they be ice fishing on Mitchell or Cadillac? Probably not! It??s time get your boat ready for spring, the ice is black. The shore is heaving in places and open in others. Getting on is a problem, but getting off can be worst. It??s time to call it quits. Don??t be fooled by the thickness of the ice. It is definitely honey combed. A few steps can make a big difference.
Rain is forecasted the remainder of the week which will be the finally. This season has been the longest, most consistent for snow and ice in years. An area lake that currently has good ice is Missaukee. Panfish activity has picked up with the warm weather. Spikes, waxworms or mousees are the baits of choice.
Marshall Olsen makes several trips to Cadillac and always does well. The day before pike season closed, he caught a nice pike while fishing the causeway on Lake Cadillac. The weather was still cold. Last ice angler Chris Labbe is pictured with a mixed catch of crappie and bluegills.
Once the majority of ice melts and the lakes start to warm, the first place to catch a good mess of specks will be the causeway on Lake Cadillac. Warm water and food brings them to the shallows, a pre spawn ritual. The shoreline will be filled with anglers hoping to get their share.
Steelhead
The Tippy Dam area has slowed for steelhead, but those scrappy browns are there. Best steelhead catches are coming from the Bear Creek, Rainbow Bend areas. Warm weather and rain will bring more fish up. The best is yet to come.
PIKE ALERT
The DNR is seeking input on new draft management strategies for pike and muskellunge in Michigan. The plans are available on the DNR website at DNR-Pike Plan@michigan.gov and DNR-MuskyPlan@mighigan.gov. Comments about the northern pike and muskellunge plan can be emailed to each respective address.
The DNR is encouraging the public to read the options and make comment by April 30, 2009.
Carefully read page 21. Which has the following options.
1.) No minimum size limit, Bag 5 maximize sustainable harvest.
2.) 24? minimum size limit, Bag 2 - maintain current structure for fast growth
populations.
3.) Protected slot 24-34, Bag 2 fish immediately released between 24-34 inches to improve population size structure.
4.) 26 or 30? minimum size limit reduced harvest.
Dark House Anglers (Spear Fishermen), slot limits will dramatically influence this sport, especially since the season was extended.
The DNR study does not account for mortality in released pike.
A slot limit may help develop Trophy fish. But most fishermen are happy to harvest pike in the 24 to 30 inch range. Anything larger is a bonus.
Make your comments known.
Remember
2009 licenses are available now. You must have your new license by April 1, 2009.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Otter at Sunset
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Up North Fishing Report 3/19/09
North of M-55 we are still ice fishing with good ice some reporting 12 to 18 inches of good white ice. The photo above was taken today from Higgins Lake west access site.
Bluegill and crappie are starting to bite with a great crappie bite around Cadillac. Smelt fishing is off and on around Higgins lake this week.
Crystal Lake- Still had good smelt action at night off of Lobb Rd.!
Higgins Lake- The ice is holding however the white ice on top is expanding and starting the honeycomb effect. Anglers taking vehicles out on the ice need to use extreme caution. This weekend may very well be the last good weekend for ice fishing. The smelt action has been very good in 20 feet of water along the west side of the lake off Big Creek. Lake trout can still be found in 80 feet of water and the perch were holding in 20 to 40 feet of water. 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 andperch and bluegill have started to bite Call Skip??s Sport Shop @ 989-348-7111 for the latest info.
Portage Lake by Onekama has been good for perch, and pike 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- The ice has became unsafe in many spots. 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 - The ice is holding here as well however the shoreline ice has started to break up. Use caution when heading out. With most of the seasons now closed, anglers are seeking panfish. A handful of bluegills have been caught along the weeds in 6 to 8 feet of water.Dave at Four season Party Store says he has a honey hole and good crappie with some gills being caught and he says the ice is still good. He will show you where if you visit him at his store. Dave phone# 989-422-5230. Call Lyman??s Sport and Shanty Rental for info on the southshore weed bed@ 989-422-3231
Near the Kalkaska area, Fishing pressure has still been high. The ice was holding however the top few inches started to break down with the warm weather. Lots of anglers have been fishing for perch off the Baggs Road public access. Most are targeting 10 to 15 feet of water with minnows, wax worms, mousies and wigglers. Panfish activity has increased over the last week with anglers taking bluegill,pumpkinseed and rock bass near the access site or the Narrows in 12 to 15 feet of water. Elk Lake - Ice conditions are still good for anglers with portable shanties looking for lake trout or whitefish but no fish were reported in the creel. Some are targeting whitefish near Elk Rapids after dark when still-fishing with spawn in 50 to 60 feet of water.Call Jack??s Sport Shop for the latest info @ 231-258-8892
Lake St Helen has been good this week for panfish and has good ice. Call Malcoms Sport @ 989-389-2100 for latest info
Otsego Lake has a good perch bite . Call Stugeon Joe @ 989-732-5866 for the latest info.
Green Lake by Interlochen has been good for smelt off both access sites with halis and waxworms working best.
Big Glenn Lake- The anglers on Big Glen reported slow catch rates. A few perch in the 12 to 14 inch range were caught in 25 to 35 feet of water. The lake still has ice however caution needs to be used. Perch anglers have also caught fish on Little Glen. Try minnows along the edge of the weeds in 12 to 14 feet of water.
Traverse City - As of this report, both bays had ice. Anglers were fishing Bowers Harbor for perch and whitefish.
Betsie River - Some steelhead have been caught when using spawn or wax worms.
Lake Missaukee - Still has ice and continues to produce some panfish.
Lake Cadillac - Is still giving up good catches of panfish. Ice fishing here could be around for another week or two.
East Twin Lake - Has light fishing pressure and moderate catch rates for perch. The ice is holding however conditions are deteriorating in the warm weather. There is a lot of water on top of the ice. Anglers will want to use extreme caution and watch out for predrilled holes as water is draining and making the holes bigger. Be sure to wear cleats for easier travel.
West Twin Lake - Conditions here are the same as East Twin. Perch were slow.
Lake Mitchell - Ice anglers continue to catch panfish.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye season is now closed and will reopen on May 15th. Though ice conditions remain favorable many area’s have open water or deteriorating ice along the shoreline and around the Islands. Some vehicles have broken through the ice in several locations. Extreme caution needs to be used. Catch rates for perch have been spotty but fish were caught north of the Narrows in 8 to 16 feet of water or 30 to 36 feet of water when jigging minnows. The deeper water produced the bigger perch. Night anglers have caught good numbers of burbot in front of the Day’s River. Fair whitefish action off Sand Point when jigging minnows and spawn in 80 feet of water or at Gladstone in 45 feet of water.
Cedarville and Hessel - Perch in Hessel Bay have moved towards the east end and can be found in 6 feet of water. Limited numbers of perch have also been caught in Musky Bay.
Big Manistique Lake - Still has ice but the pressure cracks have started to open up a little wider with the warmer weather. Slush and water are also on the ice. The walleye and pike season are closed however the perch fishing should remain into April if the ice holds on. The trick will be finding the schools of fish.
Rifle River - Sucker fishing in the river and other tributaries should begin as soon as the rivers recede a bit more and start to clear up.
Indian Lake in the Manistique area is producing plenty of perch. The action is rated as good when using minnows.
Brevort Lake is giving up plenty of good catches of blue gill and perch. Perch are biting in Christenson Bay as well.
Monday, March 16, 2009
We still have good Ice Fishing
The ice took a huge hit today with the warm weather and sun but most lakes still have 10 to 12 inches of solid ice north of M-55. Higgins Lake the bigger perch have started to bite and the smelt fishing is still great.
Suttons Bay had a great jumbo perch bit but it looks like today will be the last day as the ice is getting bad and any wind will blow it out.
Portage Lake by Onekama has a good perch bite with pike and gills biting also.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Many from the Lower Michigan are calling looking for safe ice. At this writing we have plenty! See pictures of March 14 snowmobile races on Lake Mitchell, cars, trucks and trailers, parked like they??re at Wal-Mart??s parking lot. There??s 18 to 20 inches and the shorelines are still good. Gas augers and creepers are S.O.P., but your arctic ice clothing isn??t necessary with the spring temperatures. The lakes look empty now that the permanent shacks were removed. By law, March 15th they have to be removed. Many of our points of reference are gone.
With warmer weather, panfish activity has increased. Mitchell and Cadillac have picked up. Best size of crappie and gills are still in deep water. However, early and just before dark they are returning to the 8 - 10 foot depths. Sunny afternoons have been hit and miss, but it is pleasant out there with meal size catches.
Better size gills are finally showing up in the coves on Mitchell. Sorting is necessary but they are there. The best sizes are usually sunfish and normally caught on waxworms or spikes. Pre spawn perch are showing up but the majority you won??t keep. A few perch, gills and crappie and you have a tasty dinner.
Levi Rowan shows off a mixed catch of bluegills and crappie. They ranged from 7 to 12 inches but he won??t tell us where they were caught, only in Wexford County.
Before pike season closed the 15th, several nice pike were caught. Serious pike fishermen are now in withdrawal and don??t know what to do. It??s been another great season!
PIKE ALERT
The DNR is considering changing the size length for pike. Go to their website http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/PikePlan_270285_7.pdf or put Michigan DNR into search engine and click of fishing. The DNR has studied the pike fishery and feels changes are needed in the fishing regulations. They are asking the public to look over their options and make comments by April 30, 2009.
They??re recommendations are based on a 32 page detailed study. Be sure to carefully read page 21. It has 4 options that they want comment on. If pike fishing is important to you, make your opinion know. Is a slot limit necessary? Make your opinion known.
Steelhead
Catch rates on the Manistee River improve daily with the warm weather and high water. Ask Adire Long from McBain. She??s holding a 29 inch, 10 pounder. Do you think she was happy with her catch?
Spawn, waxworms or wigglers fished under a bobber catch most. A few are using crawlers successfully.
At Ludington the piers are open and a few steelhead have been caught.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Up North Fishing Report 3/12/09
Walleye and pike season close on march 15 along with permanent shanties have to been removed from all lakes. Smeltville on Higgins Lake seems to be the place to catch fish right now as the fish are biting
I’m not hearing any great reports as we seem to be in ice fishing fatigue as most wait for nicer weather, but ther were reports fish were biting in many locations this afternoon.
Crystal Lake- Still had good smelt action at night off of Lobb Rd.!
Higgins Lake- Still has ice however anglers should not be taking cars or trucks out on the lake. Smelt have been caught in 15 to 20 feet of water south of the west side boat launch during the day and along the west shoreline in the evening. Pike are hitting on tip-ups with smelt as bait in the areas where smelt can be found. A few lake trout are still being caught and some rainbow trout have been caught in shallow waters up by the Conference Center when using wigglers. Look for the bigger perch in shallow waters once the weather stabilizes. 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 picked up the last couple days with limit catches of walleye. Call Skip??s Sport Shop @ 989-348-7111 for the latest info.
Portage Lake by Onekama has been good for perch, and pikewith 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- Bluegills were caught off the Wilson Hill Park in 12 feet of water. Try wax worms on pink or yellow jigs just off the bottom. A few crappie can still be found off Lincoln Road in 29 feet of water. Try lively minnows hooked in the back and fished 6 to 8 feet off the bottom. 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 had good ice but a couple areas had broken shoreline ice. Walleye action was still good along the north shore, East Bay, and the Middle Grounds. Shiners with Swedish Pimples or rapalas produced fish. Pike continue to hit on tip-ups with sucker minnows or golden shiners. Anglers are still waiting for the bluegills to come in. 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 Lake Still has lots of anglers looking for perch off the Baggs Road access site and in the northwest portion of the lake near the narrows. Try 10 to 15 feet of water with minnows, wax worms, mousies, or wigglers. For pike, use minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water around the flats. Panfish activity has increased over the last week near the access site with bluegills, pumpkinseed, and rock bass caught.
Elk Lake - Only had a few permanent ice shanties still on the lake. Lake trout ranging from 10 to 30 inches were caught off the Whitewater Park when using minnows and jigging Swedish Pimples in 80 to 140 feet of water. Lake herring were caught near the town of Kewadin and in Spencer Bay in 20 to 50 feet of water when using wax worms or spawn. Whitefish anglers were heading out after dark and fishing in 50 to 60 feet of water near Elk Rapids. Only one walleye was caught near the park in 90 feet of water. 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 two 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.
Big Glenn Lake Still had ice. The perch have started to move off Inspiration Point. On Little Glen, the perch were hitting good along the south, southwest end of the lake. Try minnows in 12 to 14 feet of water. Recent snowfall has produced about 4 inches of slush on the lake.
Traverse City - As of this report, both bays had ice. Anglers were fishing Bowers Harbor for perch and whitefish.
Betsie River - Some steelhead have been caught when using spawn or wax worms.
Lake Missaukee - Lots of fisherman out catching gills and pike with ice conditions great.
Lake Cadillac - is treating anglers to panfish and pike.
East Twin Lake - Has light fishing pressure and moderate catch rates for perch. The ice is holding however conditions are deteriorating in the warm weather. There is a lot of water on top of the ice. Anglers will want to use extreme caution and watch out for predrilled holes as water is draining and making the holes bigger. Be sure to wear cleats for easier travel.
West Twin Lake - Has better fishing pressure with moderate to fair success on perch and walleye. Some days were good while others have been very slow. Anglers using a perch minnow with a tear drop have caught the most fish. Walleye anglers are using a rapala minnow in perch colors.
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.
Saginaw Bay - Ice conditions on most of the Bay have deteriorated. Persistent onshore winds have driven ice onto the beach in the Linwood area. The piles of ice are as high as some of the houses. Elsewhere, shore ice is bad for at least a good half mile offshore, and the only anglers going out are using air-boats. Ice fishing on the bay is pretty much done for this winter.
Saginaw River - Is full of walleye and most are getting their boats out fishing with blues
Little Bay De Noc - Warm temperatures created some soft edges but overall the ice was holding. Use caution when traveling along the southern areas of the Bay. Good numbers of fish were marked however fishing was fair. The best walleye catches were reported off the Escanaba River when jigging rapalas and minnows in 30 to 36 feet of water and off the Center Reef when using tip-ups in 33 to 50 feet of water. Perch anglers did well when jigging minnows in 10 to 14 feet of water at Kipling. Several 14 inch fish were taken. Pike action was fair to good in the Escanaba Harbor when spearing and at Kipling when spearing or using tip-ups with sucker minnows in 8 to 23 feet of water. Anglers have one more weekend for walleye.
Muskegon Lake- Conditions are no longer safe for ice fishing.
White Lake - Conditions are no longer safe for ice fishing.
AAA Fishing Report
Upper Peninsula:
Perch are available for the catching but Bergland area anglers are showing no interest despite good ice. No angling activity taking place today due to weather conditions.
Same story for anglers around Marquette, snow, rain, fog and wind has plagued the area all week keeping anglers at bay. The ice on the Bay is solid and walleye and whitefish have been marked. Walleye and pike season closes on Sunday.
Rain, rain and more rain plague anglers attempting to fish around the Manistique area. Plenty of good ice prevails and when anglers can get out the perch and walleye activity has been good on live bait. Walleye season ends Sunday.
Walleye action in the Escanaba area has been good despite the snow and weather conditions that anglers are dealing with. Towards the north of the Bay anglers are pulling in some big walleye on tip ups with sucker minnows and the ice is still registering up to two feet or more with some slush on top. Whitefish action is decent off of Escanaba Harbor.
Munuscong Lake has tons of ice and it is clear and slippery, thanks to wind that whipped away the snow and the 14 degree temperatures that refroze any sections that softened up from rain. Walleye are hanging out in the shallow waters and anglers are doing well with jigging spoons and perch are good on minnows.
Around Drummond Island yesterday was really slow due to high winds and snow. The ice is great still measuring 30-inches or more and clear on top due to wind. Scott Bay has anglers pike spearing and some of the pike are very large. On Whitney Bay a few perch are being caught with Swedish Pimples tipped with wax worms, wigglers or minnows. Pike season closes on Sunday. Perch activity is decent around Harbor Island as well where anglers are using small jigs tipped with wax worms.
St. Ignace anglers have plenty of good ice, now they need good weather. Yesterday windy conditions with blowing snow and poor visibility kept anglers off the lake. The weekend is expected to be very good for perch fishing particularly off of Cedarville. Brevort Lake has plenty of good ice measuring more than 30-inches.Walleye are on the move from Little Cut River Bay and can now be found near the reef of Black Point and the east side of Schaffer Point. Walleye season closes on Sunday.
Anglers on Hulbert Lake in Chippewa County are doing very well smelt dipping using wax worms, wigglers and minnows.
Sault Ste. Marie anglers fishing Mosquito Bay in the upper river are doing well for whitefish on spikes and wax worms.
Northwest:
Alanson anglers just can??t get a break another week of adverse weather plagued the area. High winds, a foot of snow and some freezing rain has certainly halted angling activity. Ice conditions remain good.
Around the Boyne City area anglers are doing well on Walloon Lake for walleye and perch on wigglers, blues and perch minnows. The best spots are near the south shore, Eagle Island and near the country club. The Jordan and Boyne rivers are giving up some steelhead on spawn and wigglers. Thumb Lake is decent for perch action. Pike and walleye season closes on Sunday. Lake Charlevoix is giving up nice numbers of perch between 7-10 a.m. and anglers are also doing well for walleye off of the state park and near Glenwood Drive. Perch are biting on perch minnows and walleye on blues.
Around Traverse City, Suttons Bay is giving up perch but ice safety is skeptical. The area received heavy snow and then rain leaving the top of the ice very heavy and slushy. The rivers are high and the steelhead should be picking up.
Near Frankfort anglers are ice fishing on Big Platt and Crystal lakes for walleye, perch, a few browns, smelt and whitefish. There is a lot of water covering the ice, anglers need to use extra caution and don??t forget a spud. A few anglers are fishing the rivers with spinner bait and flies for steelhead.
Snow and slow go hand in hand. Earlier in the week the area received plenty of snow, on top of that major rain and windy conditions. The adverse weather has made it difficult for anglers to get around and fishing has really slowed down and currently is hit or miss.
Around the Gaylord area Twin Lake is giving up some pike on small blue shiners, Bradford Lake is decent for walleye and perch and Otsego Lake is slow this week. Walleye season closes on Sunday and ice shanties should also be removed.
Lake Cadillac continues to produce nice numbers of blue gill, crappie and pike near the causeway area. Anglers are getting good results for crappie with minnows, red spikes and small jigs, pike on tip ups. The pressure is dropping and creating good fishing. The ice is in good shape at this point, some water and slush cover, but creepers are a must.
West:
Around the Baldwin area, nasty weather has taken a toll on fishing this week. Rivers are running high, water is murky and moving fast with plenty of debris flowing. There is plenty of fish to be had but conditions just are not warranting a trip out right now. Ice is very unstable on all lakes. Most fish are getting ready to spawn as the ice breaks up.
Muskegon Lake anglers are perplexed since the ice is too much for boating just yet, and too little for ice fishing. Anglers are seeing plenty of steelhead and brown trout.
Anglers continue to ice fish on Chippewa Lake for decent numbers of pike with wax worms popular. The ice is still in very good condition.
Around the Grand Rapids area, the ice is pretty much shot due to rain this week and warmer temperatures, anglers are attempting to get out in a few places, but overall very unsafe conditions. Rivers are running very high and anglers attempting to fish are only finding hit or miss conditions. Suckers and perch fishing should start to pick up.
Northeast:
In the Oscoda area, rain and freezing rain has been an issue this week leaving plenty of slush and water on top of the ice. Despite the adverse conditions anglers are pulling in a few pike and walleye from Cooke and Foote Dam Ponds. The Au Sable River is producing some steelhead on mousies, minnows and wax worms.
Grayling anglers are doing well for pan fish and blue gill on Manistee Lake. Ice is good in places still registering up to 10 inches, but watch for wet, slushy and slippery spots.
Ice along the Houghton Lake shoreline is starting to break up but ice out in the middle is still over a foot thick. Blue shiners are working well on walleye and minnows on good numbers of pike. Pan fish activity has slowed down. Blue gill are biting on wax worms and spikes.
Higgins Lake still has good ice conditions, only a bit of snow and water covering the top. Lake trout action is good on gray shiners and nice numbers of smelt are hitting on wax worms and spikes. Perch activity has slacked off this week.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Up North Fishing Report 3/6/09
Smeltville on Higgins Lake seems to be the place to catch fish right now as the fish are biting
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 off of Lobb Rd.!
Higgins Lake- The ice is holding but anglers should avoid taking cars and trucks out. The smelt are coming into shallow waters 10 to 15 feet deep and the bigger fish like perch and whitefish are following them. Perch were also found in 5 to 8 feet of water. Lake trout are still hitting just off the bottom in waters about 80 feet deep. 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- F Anglers are taking a mixed bag of panfish between the Wilson Hill Park and the Boy Scout Camp in 12 feet of water. Tear drops with wax worms just off the bottom worked best and bright colors stand out in the murky water. Try jigging with short strokes to entice the fish. Crappie are still hitting off Lincoln Road on the right day when using minnows hooked in the back just off the bottom in 30 feet of water. The pike have started to move into the shallows. Try the dense weeds in 5 to 10 feet of water off Layman’s or Sterns Landing. 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 lots of ice with about 2 inches of snow on top and there are still a few drifts here and there. The artic blast slowed the bite however warmer temperatures should help improve catch rates. 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 Fishing pressure is still high for all species. Pike are hitting on minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water off the Baggs Road access site. Muskie spearing is still taking place but no fish were recorded. Anglers are fishing for perch off the Baggs Road access as well as in the northwest portion of the lake by the narrows. Try 10 to 15 feet of water with minnows, wax worms, wigglers or mousies and be ready to sort out the small ones.
Elk Lake - Few anglers have been out except for those targeting lake trout and whitefish. For lake trout, fish near Kewadin, Elk Rapids and the Whitewater Park while jigging Swedish Pimples with spawn or minnows in 80 to 140 feet of water. Fish up to 24 inches have been caught. For whitefish, try off Kewadin and Ringler Road in 30 to 50 feet of water. Herring were caught near Kewadin and Spencer Bay in 20 to 50 feet of water when using spawn or wax worms. 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.
Big Glenn Lake In Leelanau County still had ice with a few slush spots. The perch seem to be moving into the shallows to feed. Anglers did well near Burdickville and on Little Glen. Minnows just off the bottom did the trick.
Traverse City - As of this report, both bays had ice. Anglers were fishing Bowers Harbor for perch and whitefish.
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 - TSteelhead are hitting on spawn or wax worms.
Lake Missaukee - Lots of fisherman out this weekend catching gills and pike with ice conditions great.
Lake Cadillac - is treating anglers to panfish and pike.
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 - Has decent walleye fishing. Try minnow jigs in perch colors in 8 to 10 feet of water. Perch fishing has picked up. The ice is holding however caution needs to be used as there are some pressure cracks the width of the lake and the snow cover makes it impossible to see them. Anglers should avoid taking cars or trucks out on the ice.
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 - Ice fishing continues however anglers need to use extreme caution due to pressure cracks in most locations and bad shore ice. Walleye are nice to catch but they are not worth the risk of losing your life! Off Palmer Road, a large crack is making it hard for anglers to find a way to get out. White’s Beach has perch and walleye in 8 to 10 feet of water. Off Linwood and Erickson Road, the water is muddy and there is a large pressure crack. Walleye action was fair to good in 17 to 22 feet of water. Those heading northeast of the Bay City State Park are taking walleye as well as those fishing in 10 to 12 feet of water off Vanderbilt Park. Thomas Road was good for some limit catches of walleye when heading out 7 to 8 miles. Water in the marina in Sebewaing is high and muddy. Off Geiger Road, walleye have been caught about 9 miles out. Some perch were taken outside the islands in the Slot. Near Mud Creek, ice conditions are variable. Perch are hitting on minnows but many were small.
Saginaw River - Is full of walleyea and most are getting their boats out fishing with blues
Little Bay De Noc - till has ice however travel has been limited due to drifting snow. Anglers marked good numbers of fish but catch rates were a little slow. The better walleye action was near the mouth of the Escanaba River and the Center Reef. At Kipling, anglers were using tip-ups with sucker minnows in 30 to 40 feet of water while the river anglers were jigging rapalas and minnows in 20 to 30 feet of water. Lot’s of sub-legal walleye and some jumbo perch between the Narrows and the First Reef. Perch anglers reported the most consistency in 14 to 17 feet of water when jigging minnows and wigglers. Most of the jumbo perch were out deeper in 30 to 40 feet of water. Buckeye Cove still has some good pike spearing in 30 feet of water. The whitefish action slowed a bit but some fish were taken off Sand Point when jigging minnows and 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.
Upper Peninsula:
Lake Gogebic continues to have good ice and perch biting on crappie minnows and wigglers. Walleye activity is picking up and fish are hitting on sucker minnows.
Slow activity taking place around the Marquette area this week. The ice is pretty broken up in the Harbor and an angler fell through the ice three times today, lucky for him he lived to tell about it. Use extreme caution the ice is rapidly changing due to windy conditions recently. A warm weather front is expected by the weekend bringing temperatures up to the 40 degree mark. Bay De Noc is giving up good counts of walleye on moonshine and shiver minnows and jigging Rapalas tipped with medium minnows. The walleye season is extended two weeks this year.
Anglers in the Manistique area have great ice thanks to 20 below temperatures, but not too many are braving the elements. Lots of snow is covering the ice as well making it difficult for anglers to get out.
Sault Ste. Marie anglers are doing well for whitefish in the upper St. Mary??s River with wax worms and teardrops. Off of Munuscong Bay walleye activity is good using minnows and Do-jiggers. Raber Bay is also giving good counts of walleye.
Around Escanaba the ice remains in good shape but the fish just don??t seem hungry. Only a few walleye, pike and good size perch are biting. Anglers are marking a lot of fish. With rain and warmer weather arriving for the weekend, fishing should be strong
Northwest:
The ice remains in good shape around the Alanson area but again this week cold weather has kept anglers from getting out. Slow action on Burt and Crooked lakes with only a few perch being caught on minnows this week.
It is very slow angling in the Traverse City area and cold to boot. Ice is good on most lakes with 18-24 inches remaining. Most lakes have snow covering the ice which can be very slushy. Rivers overall are slow and the steelhead bite very limited. Warmer temperatures should create strong fishing for the upcoming weekend.
Off of Frankfort the ice has refroze due to single digit temperatures this week and has just a little bit of snow cover. Ice fishing is still taking place on Portage and Crystal. Smelt, perch, whitefish, and burbot are doing well. Perch action is decent but you need to move around a lot, anglers fished in 18-20 feet of water with decent results. A few anglers have caught some young Coho and a few browns this past week. Minnows, wax worms, wigglers, perch rigs and jigs are working well for anglers. Crystal Lake anglers need to use caution on the far end, two anglers fell through the ice on snowmobiles. The river has iced back up and basically no activity is taking place.
Great fishing is taking place around Kalkaska where anglers are doing well on Torch Lake for lake trout on live minnows. Skegemog Lake is turning on for perch. Fife Lake is host to a fishing tournament Saturday. Registration takes place at the DNR boat launch at 7 a.m., contact 231-263-5262 for registration details. Bring your own bait.
Gaylord anglers have plenty of good ice as well as cold weather. Some perch and walleye are biting on Twin Lake in the morning and evening hours. Blue shiners work for perch and gray shiners for walleye.
Cadillac anglers can??t complain fishing has been good for crappie, pike, a few blue gill and small sized perch. The ice is still 12-15 inches thick, but a foot of snow currently is on top of the ice. If the warm weather rolls in for the weekend, this will make slush conditions but also a strong fishing weekend. Steelhead run is starting at the Tippy Dam.
West:
Some slow angling activity for anglers around the Ludington area this week. Steelhead action is taking place on the back side of the Pere Marquette Lake on slammer boards. Steelhead are active on the Pere Marquette River on spawn. On the upper Hamlin Lake crappie are hitting on minnows, blue gill on wax worms and walleye are hit or miss.
Good counts of perch being caught on the west half of Muskegon Lake; fish are biting on everything. The ice is one foot thick. Good steelhead activity heating up near the Coast Guard Station and the break arm on spawn. Rain and warm weather is anticipated to roll in by the weekend.
Chippewa Lake continues to give up good counts of pike, pan fish and specks. Wax worms are the popular bait. The ice is thick enough to hold a car as of this report.
Near the Grand Rapids area, Wabasis Lake is producing nice numbers of blue gill and crappie with minnows and wax worms working well.
Northeast:
Cooke and Foote Dam Ponds around the Oscoda area both have good ice and good fishing for pike, perch and blue gill. The Au Sable River has open water and some decent steelhead action. Van Etten Lake is producing pike, perch, and walleye. But anglers need to really check the ice before going out, may be unstable.
The ice remains in good condition on Houghton Lake where walleye action is hot. Pike action is not shabby either.
Higgins Lake continues to produce nice catches of lake trout on gray shiners and smelt on wax worms. Perch are small in size but hitting in good numbers on wax worms, minnows and wigglers. The Lake still has 14-15 inches of ice. Warm weather and rain is in the forecast for the weekend though.
Anglers in Au Gres are starting to see walleye starting up. Regular lures, small spoons, Northport Rattle Spoons, Cleo??s, standard Do-jiggers and airplane jigs seem to all be working well. Fish seem to be locating near Foster Road and in close. Blue gill are hitting on wax worms.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Platte River Shelf Ice
I went back down to Sleeping Bear National Park today to work on more photos of the point and all the ice has blown into shore so there were some new opportunities as this shelf ice will only last a day. Lots of flight ducks but forgot my 600 and they were a long ways out.
After I slipped and fell a few times on this extremely slippery ice as there was no grip and I forgot my ice creepers as I was walking back this struck my eye.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Empire Bluffs
Here is a photo I shot from the mouth of the Platte River of Empire Bluffs
Monday, March 02, 2009
Smeltville at Higgins Lake
Shot this photo today south of the west Higgins Lake access site as it was 15 below zero this morning.
They are catching smelt during the day on hali’s with waxworms or spikes.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Cold Weather Cools Weekend
It was not a great weekend of fishing as below zero temps saturday and high winds with single digit temps made for a rough weekend. Smelt are biting on Higgins but after that fishing has been slow as we need some warm temps soon.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2009
Enjoy the outdoors, even with the roller coaster weather we??ve had. There is probably only another month of ice fishing left. Off the couch, you??ll regret it if you didn??t make that trip once the ice goes.
Most of the permanent shanties were moved off the lakes with the last rain. Many of those left belong to the die hard spear fishermen. They??re taking advantage of the DNR regulation change allowing them to spear to March 15 when the regular pike season closes.
Portable shelters dot the lakes daily. Still a few have to drive trucks on our lakes. Is the convenience worth it? Many enjoy gambling. Quads and snowmobiles are safe and criss cross everywhere.
The 2009 licenses are now available. Your 2008 fishing license is valid until March 31. No price increase. No excuse.
2009 Major Regulation Changes
· Statewide - Three Rods
Anglers may now use up to three rods or tip-ups while angling regardless of species.
This allows use of three separate lines and up to six total hooks.
· Statewide - Northern Pike and Muskellunge Spearing Season Extended
The northern pike and muskellunge spearing season through the ice has been extended. The season now runs from December 1 - March 15.
· Statewide - Smelt Possession Limit
A new two-gallon possession limit has been placed on smelt regardless of method of take.
· Statewide - Chinook and Coho Salmon Possession Limit
A new possession limit now allows anglers to keep up to 5 salmon (coho and Chinook) in the daily possession limit.
Smelt:
Crystal - The Lake is well again and the shacks are back. Decent catches have been reported again. Big Smelt. Some near Master Angler size.
Green - Hasn??t changed. Catches of 50 - 60 a night.
Higgins - You can??t miss Smeltville, south of the west boat launch. Shacks are side by side. Catching them day and night. Lots of fun because they??re in shallow. So shallow that some are spearing them and yes it is legal. Several friends are filling 5 gallon pails, and then regret cleaning so many. Get your fill now because starting this April the creel limit changes to 2 gallons.
Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac
Either lake, save 10 years of your life and bring a gas auger if you cut many holes.
The causeway area on the west side of Cadillac was hot this past weekend. Good catches of crappie, gills and pike. However, many were attracted to the permanent spearing shacks and fished too shallow. Best catches were in 13 to 15 foot depths. Anglers with underwater cameras tell of seeing large gill, crappie and even walleye that would not bite. Those that hung in there till dark finally got them to eat.
The fish on the west side of Mitchell have also gone deeper. Forget the 6-8 foot and fish as deep as you can find. Lately 10 to 15 foot has been best. Forget the bait stealers and hammer handles left in the shallows.
The beach area at Mitchell State Park on Mitchell was a good place for tip-up fishermen. A healthy cabbage bed keeps lots of small perch in the area. Pike and walleye are feeding on them. Several big bass were also caught and released from this area.