Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Free Fishing Weekend
Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend is Feb. 14-15. The annual celebration of the state’s ice fishing heritage includes free fishing clinics, contests and festivals at locations throughout the state, including many at state parks and fish hatcheries. For many, the annual Free Fishing Weekend has become a tradition - a time to get together and have some fishing fun. While some may find time to reflect while fishing, there are no limits to variations on a great theme! Many have found this special weekend to be a good time for a reunion with friends and family with fishing and fun a great combination for all!
Anyone can fish without a license during the free fishing weekend. All other regulations apply.
For more information: http://www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing.
Fishing is picking up in most locations as water is running back into the lakes giving Oxygen so the fish get active again.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The weekend warm up put a damper on some of the activities during the 25th Annual Snow Festival, but not on the fishing contest. Fishermen enjoyed the spring weather even though the lakes were sloppy.
Snowmobilers had a different opinion. The trails were good when you got to them, unfortunately the snow melted from the lakes where many of the activities were held.
The fishing contest is one activity that has increased in participation every year, regardless of the weather. As a matter of fact, most anglers enjoyed the sun and warmer temperatures. During the Festival prizes were awarded for the largest northern pike, walleye, bluegill (sunfish), crappie, perch and rock bass caught from Lakes Cadillac or Mitchell. The lucky winners had first choice of a room full of prizes, cash and merchandise. The Winners of each division are:
Northern pike Zach Reddy 30 ½? 5.96 lbs.
Walleye Charlie Benz 19? 2.22 lbs.
Bluegill (sunfish) Richard Dora 8? .32 lb.
Crappie Faron Ryerse 12 ½? 1.00 lb.
Perch Gordon Shaffer 10? .56 lb.
Rock Bass Robert Treadway 8 7/8? .56 lb.
Congratulation to the Winners and Thank you for all who participated. The Cadillac Junior High was an excellent place to hold the event and accommodated the 400 plus people who attended. To our knowledge, this is the only fishing contest where registered participants are entered for the prize drawings whether they catch a fish or not. Don??t miss next year??s festival.
The snow has melted from our lakes leaving glare ice in many places. Warm temps and possibly rain are predicted Monday thru Wednesday. Believe the weatherman and cold temps return again. Current ice conditions range from 18 to 20 inches thick. Little damage should occur. However it??s time to dust off your creepers and be careful of old holes. See pictures of Lake Cadillac and Mitchell.
Free Fishing Weekend - February 14 - 15 is Free Fishing Weekend. A good time to take a kid fishing or someone new to the ice. No license is required for these 2 days.
Smelt Fishermen - Crystal - Green - Higgins - All 3 getting the same reports. One great night then 2 or 3 mediocre, you have to be there! All say they mark lots of smelt but some nights the bite is soft.
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