Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
FIshing Good, but no fisherman
The fish have been back on a bite this week, but there are few fisherman out as weather and high gas prices are effecting the tourist industry.
Lake Leelanau has a walleye bite this week with many keepers being caught, Long Lake by Traverse has been good, but most fish are undersize right now.
May 15 the UP pike and walleye season opens and many will be heading to Bay De Noc.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Some mornings we’re still experiencing frost followed by warm afternoons. The lake temperatures are staying in the mid - 50’s range, very slowly warming.
Some good crappies are being caught. Good size, but not limits. Best area has been outside the State Park area on Lake Mitchell. The warmer afternoons have been best. Often they’ll give their location away by breaking the surface. Small minnows or jigs have been best.
Bluegills haven’t started yet. It’s been one here, one there. Soon they’ll show-up. Normally they’re spawning by the end of the month. As of now everything is behind.
Ryan Brown of Cadillac is seen with a great catch of walleyes. Check two 25 inch and one 27 inch caught on Lake Mitchell. Rapala Husky Jerks, the local favorite, are his choice bait. All were caught late at night.
Pike fishing has been good for the numbers, but few have been over 30 inches. Most catches have been in the 24 to 28 inch range. Big pike have been scarce, they’re not hungry. Dave Coffey caught a 27 ½ inch on Lake Mitchell.
Coolwater Anglers had their pike tournament Saturday May 10th. Great day on the lakes with 27 boats participating. With a 2 fish limit per team, using only artificials, just under 60 inches took first place. If you missed it, it was fun. Look for another in the future. Numbers of pike were caught but no monsters our lakes are famous for. As a bonus several “Big” bass, both large and small mouth were caught. All bass and pike were released unharmed. Don Fowler is pictured with a nice small mouth before returning it to Lake Mitchell. Go to Coolwaterangler.com for pictures and results of the tournament.
The last turkey period, 234, is still good in the Cadillac area. Ken Todd harvested a beautiful one with a 7” beard. Very nice bird.
Morels - Black morels, although still available, are coming to the end. However, grays and a few smaller whites are starting to pop-up. Rain and warmer weather will help.
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