Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP

The ice is good and the fish are cooperating. Snowmobiles and quads travel on both lakes. Fishermen are exploring areas that earlier were not safe. Ice depths average 8 inches and more in many areas. It’s time for gas augers! Four strokes by Strike Master and the new four stroke propane auger by Jiffy are popular. You’ll hear them purr.
Fishing has been running hot and cold. One day everyone does well with limits or near limits of their targeted species. The next day you may not believe there’s a fish in the lakes. The pattern for success has been early mornings - starting in the dark, slower bite through the day and picking up again late afternoons.
The beautiful sunny days we’ve experienced lately have been slower then the dark, gray ones. Back to basics.
Usually nothing effects pike fishing. Time of day, weather, it seems they’re always hungry. Mitchell and Cadillac both live up to their reputation for great northern lakes, spearing or tip-ups.
Jon DeYoung currently in 2nd Place in the Pilgrim Village Ralph Henry speared a 34”, 8.10 pounder on nearby Crooked Lake.
Spearing Contest shows off his 35 1/2”, 11.1 pound pike
from Lake Mitchell.
Alex Holmes holds his limit of pike, tip-up Not to be out done, Justin Davis shows off 2 pike he caught on Mitchell. fishing on Cadillac.
The walleye bite has definitely been in the evening. More (large) walleye have been brought in for photographs lately then in the fall. Usually they’re caught on tip-ups, even on pike rigs with steel leaders and heavy line. You have to be there.
Fishing in the evening Gary Hamilton Jr. caught a 27 1/2”, How about the 26”, 5.10 lb. one Kyle Geitman caught on
7.14 oz. walleye on Lake Cadillac. Lake Mitchell.
That different fish - a bow fin, was speared by Nick Richards on
Lake Mitchell. At 24 1/2”, over 5 pounds, they’re strong and fun
to catch.
Panfish are coming from both lakes with anglers focusing on the Coves on Mitchell or The Causeway on the west side of Cadillac. Limits are not uncommon.
If bluegills are your passion try Lake Missaukee. It’s nearby and hearing reports of limits of gills caught on wax worms and red spikes.
The North AmericanSnow Festival Fishing Contest is February 5, 2011.
Get ready. Fun and prizes - you must have a Snowfest Button and be registered at either
Pilgrim Village Fishing Shop, M C Sports or Schafer’s Bait and Sporting Goods.
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27th NORTH AMERICAN SNOW FESTIVAL
ICE FISHING CONTEST
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2011
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 Prizes.
Win a prize for the largest Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Pike,
Rock Bass or Walleye.
All 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 registered by 10:00 AM of February 5 and have a $5.00 NASF Button.
Bring in your catch to the Cadillac Junior High School.
Contest begins at 8 AM and ends at 3 PM, February 5.
All prizes will be awarded at 3:30 PM at the
Cadillac Junior High School.
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See you on the ice!
Dark House guys sign up now. Once registered, pike may be speared in Wexford, Osceola or Missaukee Counties.
We have your spearing supplies:
Live and Artificial Decoys
Decoy Pins
Custom Made Spears
See you on the ice!
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