Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Fishing Picking Up
With the cooler weather fishing is picking up inland, with the salmon on the lake Michigan side is really hot this week. I was down at Betsie Bay today and salmon were trying to run up the Betsie but the water is so shallow they were beaching themselves and then the birds would get them. We sure need some rain to get the water levels back up.
See picture of Gary Swiger and his grandson Mitch Underhill with their catch. Gary, a diehard spear fisherman is teaching his grandson how to fish spinner baits. They prefer using copper blades. Friday’s trip was so much fun; Gary took the boys out Sunday. Gary, a retired teacher, is still teaching!
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The cooler weather has certainly improved fishing. Few excuses of marking fish that have lock jaw. Most species are becoming aggressive again.
Most are working Lake Cadillac. Many are afraid of Mitchell because of the low water conditions. There are large submerged rocks near the mouth of the canal connecting the two lakes. Be careful on Mitchell! The positive side is that few are fishing Mitchell and the power boats and skiers are staying on Cadillac.
The pike are back. Most report catches of 10 to 12 an outing. Nothing huge, 27 to 29 inches seem the average keeper. As usual spinner baits have been the best artificial, for those covering water. Suckers under a bobber work for those who still fish. No hot spot. They seem to be in any weed bed on either lake.
Panfishing has improved, crappie are biting again on the east side of Cadillac. Early and late they’re near the surface. During the day they’ve been suspending about 10 foot down in 12 to 15 foot depths. Better gills and sunfish are reported along the north shore of Cadillac. The area in front of the high school to the Clam River is the best choice. A few perch and rock bass are also mixed in this area.
Bass fishing has been good all season. Small mouths are feeding on crayfish. Fish the drop offs. Large mouths have been easy to pattern. Sunny days cast the shore line docks and pontoons. Cloudy days normally they’re on the flats. Try frogin in the heavy weeds.
Want walleyes. Bring your rabbits foot. Few have been caught lately.
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