Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
HIggins Lake Perch
The perch fishing on Higgins Lake has been great this summer with big perch being caught. The six inch perch are now eight to eleven inches and limit catches so we hope that it will be a great winter on the lake. Waxworms and minnows are working best right now, but fish during the week as on the weekend there is too much traffic. Not much traffic during the week as gas prices are keeping most home during the week.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
This past week most have been fishing Lake Cadillac. Is the fishing better on it than Lake Mitchell? Cadillac does have public access around it for shore fishermen, as well as a public fishing dock located on one of the better areas of the lake. It has three well maintained boat launches that almost divide the lake in thirds, with plenty of trailer parking. The lake itself is basically bowl shaped, shallow to deep, and is easy for casual anglers to figure out.
Lake Mitchell although twice the size of Cadillac is much shallower then Cadillac, with only a couple of areas in the 20 foot range. Few know where these areas are located. This year milfoil beds are covering some of the better fishing areas. Although the Lake Association is trying to control the weeds, they are there. Weeds even milfoil are magnets for the fish. Fish the edges and you’ll be surprised. Panfish and predators love the heavy cover. Bass fishermen are using frog baits in areas where the milfoil is flowering. Tournament fishermen use the weeds to their advantage.
Lake Mitchell has one excellent launch located in the State Park, but also has other County ramps suitable for smaller boats.
Wind is a major factor for the lack of pressure on Mitchell. Lately 20 mph west winds have been common. White caps are not fun.
The two lakes counter balance themselves. Strong west winds, Mitchell is rough and Cadillac is calm. The reverse, strong east winds Cadillac will be uncomfortable and Mitchell calmer.
Because of the storms and consistent wind, Mitchell has had little pressure most of the season.
While vacationing from Zeeland, Lane, Andrew and Emily Brands caught bass, pike and panfish.
Tim Umbreit is back. This time with a 21 inch large mouth.
Rebecca Houveners thinks her 16 ½ inch small mouth gave her a fight!
Manistee River, good reports of skimania are coming from Tippy Dam. Fish early, fish late. Forget the afternoons unless you’re after browns.
Detailed maps of current fish conditions are available at the Pilgrim Village Fishing Shop. Stop in.
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