Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, February 25, 2010
We need to Do a Fish Dance
Fishing is still slow so please do a fish dance tonight to get them biting.
It is like a broken record as fish are not biting this week from most of the reports I have heard. Higgins Lake a few smelt are being caught, but no great bite yet. Perch on Big Glenn has been slow this week with just a few being caught, it seems Little Glenn has been better for perch but not as big. Ice fishing continues and we are looking forward to the March run. Those seeking panfish have started to catch some of the bigger fish in deeper waters. Walleye action continues around the state and those seeking pike have done well with tip-ups or when spearing. Steelhead can be found in many of the major river systems. Stay away from areas that are known to have a strong current or run-off from melting snow. Slush is making for difficult travel on some lakes.
The boys have been hitting Big Glenn but they have not got back on the perch tis week, as they are seeing them but lock jaw has set in.
Higgins Lake- Catch rates slowed last weekend with all the activity on the ice. Now that things have slowed down the catch rate should improve. Target lake trout just off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet of water. Perch fishing was slow and the fish are small. Smelt activity continues in 20 to 30 feet of water.
Lake St. Helen is reporting pike and panfish bite.
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with crappie and pike, also by the dam crappie haver been biting
Margrethe and Otsego have good ice and many shanties are showing up on the lakes with a poor bite. A huge muskie was caught on Lake Margrethe also sturgeon are being spotted on Otsego Lake.
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye are biting. Some are getting off the north-end but the best fishing is on the south-end but you need snowmobile as no public access on the south-end
Mullet Lake - Anglers are catching perch more often however they are sorting through lots of small ones to find the keepers. A few pike, cisco, and gar have also been taken but not too many anglers are targeting these species.
Burt Lake - Ice anglers have started to catch a few walleye. Anglers should stay away from the large pressure crack between Colonial Point and Cedar Point. This area had open water last week and the ice that has formed is not safe. Perch fishing has been fair on Maple Bay
Crystal Lake is froze and should be a great weekend for fishing with many getting off of Lobb rd. and doing good on smelt.
Portage Lake has great ice and lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Green Lake - Smelt anglers can be found in the northeast corner of the lake between the Music Camp and the Betsie River. For pike, try using tip-ups in the shallows off the State Park.
Cedar Lake - Ice anglers are doing well on pike when using tip-ups with large minnows. Those targeting smelt are fishing day or night with teardrops or Hali jigs with spikes and wax worms.
Lake Missaukee - Has been good for bluegills with a few pike and walleye.
Lake Cadillac -Is producing more crappie than bluegills. Try minnows or wax worms. Those using tip-ups are taking some pike.
Lake Mitchell - Is still a good choice for northern pike or crappie.
Hamlin Lake - Some nice bluegills have been caught but not many. For crappie, try the drop-off along the Narrows in 15 to 25 feet of water with minnows after dark. Perch and a few walleye were caught along the drop-off south of the Narrows. Northern pike were hitting on tip-ups.
Saginaw Bay - Anglers are reminded that EXTREME CAUTION needs to be used when going out on the ice. There are some areas with slush and cracks with water coming up through the ice. The weight of additional snowfall this week will push the ice down and water will be forced up. With that said, walleye were caught in 13 feet of water off Cody-Estey Road and in 6 to 8 feet of water off Newman Road and Erickson Road. Off Linwood, try 18 to 22 feet of water however watch out for pressure cracks. Walleye were caught between the mouth of the Saginaw River and northeast of Spoils Island however anglers have broke through the ice near the mouth of the Saginaw River. Walleye were caught in 20 feet of water off Callahan Road and 24 to 28 feet of water off Thomas Road. Look for perch in 6 feet of water off Vanderbilt Park. At Sebewaing, pike spearing was the main attraction. The marina and the river have started to fill up with shiners. A few nice perch were caught between Bay Shore Camp and the factory. A few anglers have started to fish the ridge and weed beds straight out from the access site at Geiger Road in hopes of finding a few crappie with the melting snow and run off. Anglers still need to pay attention to the crack that runs from Defoe Island to Popp’s Place. A few limits of walleye were caught off the Slot in 15 to 18 feet of water. Bay Port and the Bayshore Marina had rumors of some nice perch caught in the channels and the marina. Near Mud Creek, perch and walleye were small but a few nice pike were speared. There are more areas of open water and slush near North Island and Sand Point. Ice in the channels and marinas along Sand Point has deteriorated and those on machines have gone through the ice.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice remains favorable north of the “Narrows” with the exception of pressure cracks and the warm water discharge near the power plant. The southern bay remains mixed with hidden dangers from the shipping traffic. No anglers in this area are driving vehicles out on the ice. Walleye catches where up near the First and Center Reefs while using tip-ups with large sucker minnows in 8 to 13 feet of water. Anglers off the Escanaba River also did well when jigging rapalas with minnows or tip-ups 25 to 35 feet down along the break. Walleye were caught near the shipping docks when jigging rapalas or minnows in 20 to 30 feet of water. Perch were in 10 to 20 feet of water. Use extreme caution in this area. Many perch have started to move into shallow waters 6 to 11 feet deep. Northern pike are active just off the mouth of the Whitefish River. Good numbers of large fish have been taken off tip-ups with minnows in 10 feet of water. Whitefish anglers have moved in off Sand Point for the first time this year. The ice has not been stable in the area and is still considered dangerous.
Big Manistique Lake - Anglers were catching a significant number of small fish.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Cedarville and Hessel - Catch rates for perch picked up in Hessel Bay in 6 to 8 feet of water. Anglers in Musky Bay are fishing in 7 to 12 feet of water in the middle of bay and along the east end however anglers say the fish are moving towards the west side. Government Bay and the Moscoe Channel are providing larger fish, but catch rates were slower. Most are using minnows however wax worms and wigglers are producing as well. A few anglers limited out while spearing pike in Musky Bay.
Houghton Lake -Walleye were caught in about 9 feet of water out near the Middle Grounds and the Cut River. Crappie were hitting about 5 feet off the bottom in 12 feet of water. The bluegill bite has started to improve. Dave at Four Season party Store is out looking for a good spot and has done well the last few days so give him a call at 989-422-5230 for his hot-spot He caught four keeper walleye last night.. Lyman’s on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly pike contest with pike action getting better
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Crappie Fest feb 24
The annual Crappie Fest on Wixom Lake by Edenville is this wednesday Feb 24 at the access site. THe contest runs from 7am to 11am and register at the access site from 6am to 7am wednesday
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Fishing Slow This Weekend
Most reports I have got is fishing is still slow as we are in the Feb doldrums.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
We experienced a short warm spell this weekend. Mid thirty temperatures, no wind and plenty of sun! It was so comfortable that shanties weren’t necessary. Hole hopping was easy for those with gas augers. Those using hand augers didn’t move much.
For some unexplained reason, some are catching the biggest crappies of the year. The past 2 weeks we’ve measured the best of the season. Many are Master Angler size, over 14 inches. These slabs cover a dinner plate. Don’t know where they’ve been all season but it’s fun fishing now.
The crappie pattern hasn’t changed. Dark to late morning is good, but 4:30ish into dark is best. After dark some are using underwater lights (smelt lights) attracting them the same principle as smelt. It works.
The darker it is the more aggressive they are, bright days often they’ll just mouth a bait. Set your hook after any movement. Small minnows are their traditional favorite food, but spikes and waxworms catch their share. Those using both let the specks tell them what they want.
Six year old Stephanie Grames is holding 2 slabs caught on Lake Mitchell.
Ryan Nicholas traveled from Battle Creek to take advantage of the crappie fishing.
Nice size crappie and pike were caught by Cody Freese and Chris Baker while fishing on Lake Cadillac.
Aaron French from Reed City with a 14 ¼ inch crappie.
A short drive from Mesick, Johnnie Leigh caught his biggest pike ever while fishing Lake Mitchell. He was proud of his trophy.
Tasty smelt are available on the Big 3 - Crystal, Green and Higgins Lakes. Most catches are in the 50 to 100 range. Those investing more time, or hitting it just right talk about buckets filled with hundreds. Remember there is now a creel limit of 2 gallons.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Fishing Slow This Week
It has been slow this week from most of the reports I have heard. Higgins Lake a few smelt are being caught, but no great bite yet. Perch on Big Glenn has been slow this week with just a few being caught, it seems Little Glenn has been better for perch but not as big. Ice fishing continues as we move into the second half of February. Those seeking panfish have started to catch some of the bigger fish in deeper waters. Walleye action continues around the state and those seeking pike have done well with tip-ups or when spearing. Steelhead can be found in many of the major river systems.
1st ANNUAL 2010
OSBORN’S BIG ICE FISHING CONTEST
(231) 889-3775
FEB.19TH,20TH, 21ST. MANISTEE-BENZIE AREA LAKES BIG PRIZES FOR BIG FISH!!
Rules:
$5.00 Registration and weigh in at Osborn’s Sports Shop
Registration qualifies you for any and all classes.
Largest fish will be determined by weight only, except smelt will be by length.
Only one prize per person will be awarded.
Children s class will be 12 years and under.
Higgins Lake- Perch can still be found in 20 to 40 feet of water during the day and switch to smelt in the evening and after dark. Be ready to sort out the small perch. Lake trout action has been very good with fish caught on blues and greys in 85 to 100 feet of water. A nice 45 inch pike was caught recently.
Lake St. Helen is reporting pike and panfish bite.
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with crappie and pike, also by the dam crappie haver been biting
Margrethe and Otsego have good ice and many shaties are showing up on the lakes with a fair bite. A huge muskie was caught on Lake Margrethe also sturgeon are being spotted on Otsego Lake.
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye are biting. Some are getting off the north-end.
Mullet Lake - Fishing remains consistent. A few nice perch were caught on minnows in 10 to 45 feet of water, but many were small. Those targeting pike have not had much luck with spearing or still-fishing. Some have started to target lake herring.
Burt Lake - Ice anglers have started to catch a few walleye. Anglers should stay away from the large pressure crack between Colonial Point and Cedar Point. This area had open water last week and the ice that has formed is not safe. Perch fishing has been fair on Maple Bay
Crystal Lake is froze and should be a great weekend for fishing with many getting off of Lobb rd. and doing good on smelt.
Portage Lake has great ice and check out Osborn’s Fishig contest for the lakeAlso lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Green Lake - Ice fishing continues and smelt are hitting at night. Try Hali jigs or teardrops with wax worms or spikes.
Cedar Lake - Ice anglers are doing well on pike when using tip-ups with large minnows. Those targeting smelt are fishing day or night with teardrops or Hali jigs with spikes and wax worms.
Lake Missaukee - Has been good for bluegills with a few pike and walleye.
Lake Cadillac - Ice anglers continue to catch walleye, pike and crappie. Try the smallest jigs with a single spike and not much movement. Those with cameras are seeing panfish however they were not interested in biting.
Lake Mitchell - Has been good for pike and a few crappie. Look for bluegills when fishing near the coves on the west side of the lake.
Hamlin Lake - Some nice bluegills have been caught but not many. For crappie, try the drop-off along the Narrows in 15 to 25 feet of water with minnows after dark. Perch and a few walleye were caught along the drop-off south of the Narrows. Northern pike were hitting on tip-ups.
Saginaw Bay - Anglers need to use extreme caution when venturing out. Ice rescues are still taking place on the east side of the bay after people, machines and even a dog went through the ice. The west side of the bay has anglers crossing two major pressure cracks. A few perch were caught in 8 feet of water off White’s Beach. Walleye anglers were going out from Erickson Road and off Linwood to waters 18 to 22 feet deep. No word on ice conditions at those two locations but it would be wise to assume there are active pressure cracks. A few walleye were caught out by Spoils Island and off the mouth of the Saginaw River however the action has since slowed. Look for perch off Vanderbilt Park near Quanicassee. Some walleye anglers were heading out 10 miles off Callahan Road and Thomas Road. At Sebewaing, water in the marina remains cloudy. A few nice perch in the 9 to 11 inch range were caught near Bay Shore Camp and in front of the Sugar Plant. Perch were caught by those jigging beads in 4 feet of water out near Lone Tree Island and Defoe Island however catch rates were not consistent. Anglers need to pay close attention to the pressure crack that runs from Defoe Island to Pap’s Place as anglers have fell in trying to cross it. New pressure cracks along with areas of open water have been reported between North Island and Sand Point. At Caseville, a few walleye were caught after dark from the marina and out along the breakwall. Be careful on the ice out past the Christmas tree along the breakwall as it has not had time to firm up after the thaw and high winds a few weeks back.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions remain about the same with most anglers fishing between the Escanaba River and the head of the bay. Some are fishing as far south as Portage Point however the ice is dangerous in this area and should be avoided. Pressure cracks are still a problem so caution needs to used at all times when crossing or traveling around them. Lots of fish were marked throughout the bay however catch rates were slow. A few walleye were caught near the Escanaba River on tip-ups with minnows or jigging rapalas in 25 to 35 feet of water. Some large walleye and a few perch were caught at the head of the bay when using tip-ups with minnows in 10 to 23 feet of water near the Day’s River. Perch anglers were marking good numbers of small fish in the Butler Island area in 6 to 12 feet of water. Some large perch were caught south of the Narrows when jigging minnows in 20 to 33 feet of water. Good numbers of whitefish remain in the flats out from the Terrace Bay Inn however few anglers were taking advantage of this fishery.
Big Manistique Lake - Anglers were catching a significant number of small fish.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Cedarville and Hessel - Perch fishing has picked up and so has the size of fish caught even though there is still a lot of undersized perch and pike present. Anglers are using wax worms and minnows in 6 to 12 feet of water. The Moscoe Channel and Government Bay were hit-or-miss however bigger fish were caught when the bite was on. Pike were speared in Musky Bay.
Houghton Lake -The bite has picked back up and so have catch rates for walleye and bluegills. Anglers will want to target waters 12 feet or deeper to find the bigger fish. Good numbers of pike have been caught on tip-ups however few were keepers. Dave at Four Season party Store is out looking for a good spot and has done well the last few days so give him a call at 989-422-5230 for his hot-spot He caught four keeper walleye last night.. Lyman’s on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly pike contest with pike action getting better
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentines Day
Happy Valentines Day! Lots of people out over free fishing weekend, not a lot of catching from what few reports I have heard.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2010
More then half the ice fishing season has past. Experienced anglers call this time the doldrums of fishing because it??s not easy to fill creel limits.
The fish are still there but have moved from the early season shallows. Skill and knowing the lakes play a large part of success. It??s time to experiment with different jigs, colors or baits. One simple change may make the difference.
Tip-up fishing for pike has become hit and miss. One day good, the next slow. You just have to be there. When they??re on, many break the 30 inch mark.
When it comes to panfish, the predominate fish is crappie. Gills over hand size are a minority, but crappie have been ranging 8 to 12 inches. The numbers are usually there one they are found. Early mornings and just before dark is definitely the best time for good numbers.
??
Donald Kline had a good day on Lake Cadillac.
Tired of catching small perch. Jason Gross caught one almost 10 inches.
5 year old Ben Umbreit iced a monster 13 ¼ inch perch.
Catch a walleye lately? Ed Hux II iced a 27 ½ inch walleye weighing 7 pounds.
??
Smelt fishing has begun for real. The three main smelt lakes, Green, Higgins and Crystal are turning into villages. You can??t miss where to fish. Just look for the concentration of shanties. Use an ultra light rod, a Hali tipped with waxworms and catch your share.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Free Fishing Weekend
This coming weekend is Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend. For two days only, Saturday February 13th and Sunday February 14th, both resident and nonresidents can fish without a license however all state regulations still apply. This is a great time for novice anglers to take someone new out and introduce them to the winter sport of ice fishing. Sharing ones knowledge in ice fishing techniques as well as ice safety is one of the best ways to pass on the fishing tradition in Michigan! Ice is awesome on most lakes
Big Glenn has a good perch bite as the photos above show a good catch from Dick and Nick Timmons. It has been hit and miss this week but some have caught limits will others get skunked. Wigglers seem to be working better
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
ROCK ICE FISHING DERBY
February 13, 2010 6AM-DUSK on beautiful Fife Lake
One $10,000 tagged fish and several $100 tagged fish. Other prizes for largest fish and total weight. Many other prizes, drawings, etc. Fun for the whole family!Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the ROCK Youth Center.
Registration fee: $10 per fisher, Family of three or more $25
For details contact Terry Street (231) 499-4870
1st ANNUAL 2010
OSBORN??S BIG ICE FISHING CONTEST
(231) 889-3775
FEB.19TH,20TH, 21ST. MANISTEE-BENZIE AREA LAKES BIG PRIZES FOR BIG FISH!!
Rules:
$5.00 Registration and weigh in at Osborn’s Sports Shop
Registration qualifies you for any and all classes.
Largest fish will be determined by weight only, except smelt will be by length.
Only one prize per person will be awarded.
Children s class will be 12 years and under.
Higgins Lake is safe and the smelt and lake trout are on the bite with the warm-up. Smelt were hitting in 20 to 40 feet and lake trout in 85 to 120 feet of water. Those using tip-ups or spearing have taken some large northern pike along the southwest end of the lake in 20 to 30 feet of water. Perch anglers were taking fish in 15 to 25 feet of water in the afternoon and then switching over and fishing for smelt just before dark in the same area. It has been hit and miss there also this week
Lake St. Helen is reporting great pike and panfish bite.
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with crappie and pike..
Margrethe and Otsego have good ice and many shaties are showing up on the lakes with a fair bite. A huge muskie was caught on Lake Margrethe also sturgeon are being spotted on Otsego Lake
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye are biting. Some are getting off the north-end.
Mullet Lake - Fishing remains consistent. A few nice perch were caught on minnows in 10 to 45 feet of water, but many were small. Those targeting pike have not had much luck with spearing or still-fishing. Some have started to target lake herring.
Burt Lake - Ice anglers have started to catch a few walleye. Anglers should stay away from the large pressure crack between Colonial Point and Cedar Point. This area had open water last week and the ice that has formed is not safe. Perch fishing has been fair on Maple Bay
Crystal Lake is froze and should be a great weekend for fishing with many getting off of Lobb rd. and doing good
Portage Lake has great ice and check out Osborn’s Fishig contest for the lakeAlso lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Green Lake - Ice fishing continues and smelt are hitting at night. Try Hali jigs or teardrops with wax worms or spikes.
Cedar Lake - Ice anglers are doing well on pike when using tip-ups with large minnows. Those targeting smelt are fishing day or night with teardrops or Hali jigs with spikes and wax worms.
Lake Missaukee - Has been good for bluegills.
Lake Cadillac - Ice anglers continue to catch walleye, pike and crappie. Try the smallest jigs with a single spike and not much movement. Those with cameras are seeing panfish however they were not interested in biting.
Lake Mitchell - Has been good for pike and a few crappie. Look for bluegills when fishing near the coves on the west side of the lake.
Hamlin Lake - Some nice bluegills have been caught but not many. For crappie, try the drop-off along the Narrows in 15 to 25 feet of water with minnows after dark. Perch and a few walleye were caught along the drop-off south of the Narrows. Northern pike were hitting on tip-ups.
Saginaw Bay - Ice conditions continues to be extremely variable, with active cracks and thin ice over recently open water. Anglers need to be careful and proceed with extreme caution! Heavy snow will make ice conditions worse because anglers will not be able to distinguish new ice from the older, thicker ice. It would be a good idea for anglers to carry a cell phone, a throwable life preserver on a line and spikes to help them grip the ice should they fall through. Some perch were taken in 6 to 8 feet of water off White’s Beach and Newman Road. A few walleye anglers caught fish off Linwood. Walleye and whitefish have been caught off the Bay City State Park in 7 feet of water, the mouth of the Saginaw River in 4 to 6 feet of water and near Spoils Island in 10 feet of water. On the east side of the bay, a few nice perch and the occasional walleye were caught in 7 feet of water off Vanderbilt Park and Thomas Road.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions remain good for the most part from Gladstone to Garth Point. Large pressure cracks have created dangerous conditions in some areas and anglers are advised to stay away from those areas, especially with any type of vehicle. Several anglers have gone through the ice, so caution needs to be used. Take the time to study the area or talk to other anglers before traveling too far out on the ice. Fair to good walleye catches at the head of the Bay when using tip-ups with sucker minnows in 8 to 13 feet of water. Avoid the area between the Escanaba River and the Terrace Bay Inn or Aronson Island and Portage Point as they are considered to be dangerous areas. Limits of perch were caught at the head of the bay on minnows, wigglers and spike in 8 to 13 feet of water and out from Kipling in 11 to 17 feet of water. Northern pike spearing was good in the Escanaba Yacht Harbor when using live decoys in 4 to 10 feet of water.
Big Manistique Lake - Anglers were catching a significant number of small fish.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Cedarville and Hessel - Cedarville Bay and Hessel Bay were slow with only small perch caught so anglers were fishing the Moscoe Channel and taking a few 12 to 15 inch fish. Those in Hessel Bay could see the larger perch but they did not want to bite. Musky Bay is seeing 3 to 7 inch perch with the occasional 10 to 15 inch fish also caught.
Houghton Lake -Has a large pressure crack that extends from Long Point to the south shore. The ice has been pushed up about 5 feet and is not safe to drive over. Good walleye action in 8 feet of water in the East Bay and near the Middle Grounds. Walleye and northern pike have been caught on tip-ups. The bluegills have started to bite. Anglers will find them along the weeds in about 6 feet of water. Crappie were caught by the Cut River. Dave at Four Season party Store is out looking for a good spot and has done well the last few days so give him a call at 989-422-5230 for his hot-spot He caught four keeper walleye last night.. Lyman’s on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly pike contest with pike action getting better
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sturgeon Spearing Season Ends Quickly on Black Lake
It took just 30 minutes into the second day of the season for anglers to harvest the five sturgeon quota from Black Lake, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment said.
Spear fishermen took four fish during the first six-hour day of fishing.
This year, the DNRE worked with Sturgeon for Tomorrow to change the registration procedure, allowing open access to spearing instead of issuing a limited number of permits. DNRE personnel registered 255 anglers for Saturday’s opener and 169 on Sunday.
Successful anglers were required to register their fish immediately with the DNRE. The season was closed - and anglers still on the ice were notified - when the fifth fish was taken Sunday morning.
The sturgeon taken ranged from 28 pounds to a 104-pound, 75-inch specimen. Four of the fish had previously been captured by DNRE and Michigan State University netting crews and marked with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.
“The season worked out very well,” said DNRE fisheries biologist Tim Cwalinski. “We were able to allow a lot more participation and still protect the sturgeon population. We received nothing but positive comments from the public and we appreciate the efforts of Sturgeon for Tomorrow.”
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
ROCK ICE FISHING DERBY
ROCK ICE FISHING DERBY
February 13, 2010 6AM-DUSK on beautiful Fife Lake
One $10,000 tagged fish and several $100 tagged fish. Other prizes for largest fish and total weight. Many other prizes, drawings, etc. Fun for the whole family!Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the ROCK Youth Center.
Registration fee: $10 per fisher, Family of three or more $25
For details contact Terry Street (231) 499-4870
OSBORN??S BIG ICE FISHING CONTEST
1st ANNUAL 2010
OSBORN??S BIG ICE
FISHING CONTEST
(231) 889-3775
FEB.19TH,20TH, 21ST.
MANISTEE-BENZIE AREA LAKES
BIG PRIZES FOR BIG FISH!!
ADULT CLASSES:
1st 2nd 3rd
Pike 10??auger Ice Shanty Pike spear
Walleye 8? auger Vexlar Ice Shanty
Perch 8? auger Vexlar Ice Shanty
Smelt Vexlar Shanty Hand Auger /w light
Bluegill Ice Shanty Hand Auger Camo sled
Crappie Ice Shanty Hand Auger Camo sled
KIDS CLASSES:
1st 2nd 3rd
Pike camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Walleye camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Perch camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Smelt camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Bluegill camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Crappie camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Prizes may alter as Sponsors are
finalized
Rules:
$5.00 Registration and weigh in at Osborn’s Sports Shop
Registration qualifies you for any and all classes.
Largest fish will be determined by weight only, except smelt will be by length.
Only one prize per person will be awarded.
Children s class will be 12 years and under.
Door Prizes:Drawing to be held Feb. 22nd.
Door Prizes can only be won by Patronizing our Area Sponsors to sign up.
Prizes: 10” Jiffy Ice Auger
Portage Point Inn - Weekend getaway, 2 nights free stay
Travelers Motel - Weekend getaway, 2 nights free stay
Alpine Motor Lodge - Weekend getaway, 2 nights free stay
Tilled Deer Food Plot
Marilla Woods(2) 1 night cabin lodgings
Bear Lake Country Highlands Golf Course- 18 Holes with cart for 2 people
River guided fishing Trip- Mark Haynes
Last Chance Charters Fishing Trip- Captain Ernest M. Miller
Thursday, February 04, 2010
What a Great Weekend to Fish
Big Glenn has a good perch bite as the photos above show a good catch from Dick Timmons.
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
Higgins Lake is safe and the smelt and lake trout are on the bite with the warm-up. Smelt have been caught in the evening when fishing about a foot off the bottom in 40 to 50 feet of water. Lake trout and whitefish were hitting on minnows fished on the bottom in 85 to 120 feet of water. Those fishing the shallow waters near the Conference Center have caught rainbow trout on wigglers. Pike were taken by those spearing or using tip-ups. Perch can be found along the drop-off in 20 to 40 feet of water but many were small.
Ice continues to build especially on most of the inland lakes however anglers are still reminded to use caution. Stay away from any pressure cracks because many of those areas had open water not even a week ago. Also stay away from river mouths and creeks due to unsafe ice. The panfish bite continues to be slow. Pike action has been good and perch anglers are sorting out the small ones. Some of the trout lakes are now producing lake trout and rainbow trout.
Lake St. Helen is reporting great pike and panfish bite and has a winter-fest this weekend
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with crappie and pike..
Margrethe and Otsego have good ice and many shaties are showing up on the lakes with a fair bite. A huge muskie was caught on Lake Margrethe also sturgeon are being spotted on Otsego Lake
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye are biting. Some are getting off the north-end.
Mullet Lake - Fishing remains consistent. A few nice perch were caught on minnows in 10 to 45 feet of water, but many were small. Those targeting pike have not had much luck with spearing or still-fishing. Some have started to target lake herring.
Burt Lake - Ice anglers have started to catch a few walleye. Anglers should stay away from the large pressure crack between Colonial Point and Cedar Point. This area had open water last week and the ice that has formed is not safe. Perch fishing has been fair on Maple Bay
Crystal Lake is froze and should be a great weekend for fishing
Portage Lake is froze, and they report a good perch and walleye bite. Also lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Green Lake - Ice fishing continues and smelt are hitting at night. Try Hali jigs or teardrops with wax worms or spikes.
Cedar Lake - Ice anglers are doing well on pike when using tip-ups with large minnows. Those targeting smelt are fishing day or night with teardrops or Hali jigs with spikes and wax worms.
Lake Missaukee - Has been good for bluegills.
Lake Cadillac - Ice anglers continue to catch walleye, pike and crappie. Try the smallest jigs with a single spike and not much movement. Those with cameras are seeing panfish however they were not interested in biting.
Lake Mitchell - Has been good for pike and a few crappie. Look for bluegills when fishing near the coves on the west side of the lake.
Hamlin Lake Fishermen have been reporting nice bluegill and walleye catches. Action is spotty, but fish being caught are of nice size. Mornings and evenings are the best time
Saginaw Bay - Ice conditions remain extremely variable. Expansion cracks are active at many locations and anglers should not cross them. Colder weather has caused thin ice to form over previously open water. This ice is not thick enough to be safe. Anglers should avoid any area that recently had open water. No action near Pinconning because of pressure cracks. At Linwood, some are heading out to 18 feet of water however watch for the active pressure cracks and newly frozen ice which is not safe. There’s fishing activity out near Spoils Island, but anglers need to use extreme caution. A good number of pike have been caught by open water anglers in the channel by the Hot Ponds and Tietz Drain. There is a pressure crack out there that nobody should try and cross. Slow fishing off Sebewaing with only a few perch caught in the marina and the river but decent catches of perch were reported off Rose Island in 4 to 6 feet of water. A lot of small perch caught off Geiger Road. Bluegills were caught in the cuts and marinas between Sebewaing and Bay Port. At the Mud Creek access site, perch were caught on hook and line and those spearing took some pike.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions improved slightly as temperatures dropped however many dangers still exist and caution must be used at all times. Pressure cracks have caused problems and ice thickness varies. Anglers are advised to stay north of the Terrace Bay Inn due to extremely dangerous conditions to the south. Catch rates for walleye and perch dropped over the last week due to changes in the weather and no snow cover. Those traveling by foot will want to use creepers. The better walleye catches were out from the Terrace Bay Inn when jigging rapalas with or without minnows in 25 to 35 feet of water. Smaller fish were caught in the Narrows when jigging rapalas or using tip-ups with minnows in 25 to 33 feet of water. Perch reports were mixed but those jigging minnows or spikes in 14 to 17 feet of water did manage to catch fish on the Second Reef and along the head of the Bay when jigging minnows in 13 to 19 feet of water. Whitefish anglers did well off Gladstone when jigging dead minnows in 35 to 40 feet of water.
Big Manistique Lake - Has ice and is producing walleye along with some perch.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Cedarville and Hessel - Those fishing Musky Bay have caught small pike and perch in 12 to 14 feet of water. The occasional legal size perch was also caught. Hessel Bay was slow but those able to locate fish did manage to catch some big ones. Anglers are using minnows, wigglers and wax worms. Red and white were hot colors.
Houghton Lake -Anglers should keep all motorized vehicles away from the mouth of rivers and creeks as some have gone through the ice. Walleye have been caught over the Middle Grounds and in the East Bay near Denton Creek. Most are jigging rapalas. Pike are hitting on tip-ups with large shiners. They are deeper so try fishing two feet off the bottom in 8 to 10 feet of water. Crappie were caught by the Cut River. Dave at Four Season party Store is out looking for a good spot and has done well the last few days so give him a call at 989-422-5230 for his hot-spot He caught four keeper walleye last night.. Lyman’s on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly pike contest with pike action getting better
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Perch Bite on Big Glenn
Dick and Nick Timmons went out on Big Glenn today and caught 35 jumbo perch that filled a 5 gallon pail