Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Ice Fishing is Coming to an End
The weather has taken it’s toll on the ice and we will fish this weekend but after that it will be done.
Those trying to fish last ice need to use extreme caution as conditions will become even more dangerous with rain and warm temperatures in the forecast. It is time to start thinking about spring fishing. Anglers are reminded that walleye season on inland waters will close on Monday March 15th however; Saginaw Bay and the Great Lakes remain open all year round. March 15th also marks the end of spearing season for northern pike and musky.
Lake Mitchell has been awesome for big crappie
Higgins Lake- Still has ice with shorelinr getting a little rough. The smelt are really biting and can be caught during the day.
Lake St. Helen is reporting lots of pike with a panfish bite.
Margrethe and Otsego the shanties are off but a few are getting out and catching perch.
Portage Lake has ice and lots of pike being caught on golden shiners. Also great perch bite
Lake Missaukee - Has been good for bluegills with a few pike and walleye.
Lake Cadillac Ice fishing continues at least for a bit longer. Anglers are catching crappie along with the occasional bluegill. Pike are hitting on tip-ups. Avoid the areas near inlets or outlets especially with the warm weather and run-off.
Lake Mitchell -Had good crappie fishing with limits taken on the west side of the lake in Big Cove. This is also a good spot for pike.
Hamlin Lake - Some nice bluegills have been caught but not many. For crappie, try the drop-off along the Narrows in 15 to 25 feet of water with minnows after dark. Perch and a few walleye were caught along the drop-off south of the Narrows. Northern pike were hitting on tip-ups.
Saginaw Bay - Ice conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Shore ice is getting soft, pressure cracks are getting wider and machines are going through at many locations. Walleye and perch were caught in 5 feet of water off White’s Beach. Walleye were caught off Linwood and Erickson Road. Some were fishing off the Bay City State Park and near the mouth of the Kawkawlin River in 3 to 10 feet of water however the shore ice was deteriorating. Fishing out near Spoils Island was spotty but the action at the mouth of the Hot Ponds was good for those wading. Ice at the mouth of the Saginaw River is getting bad. Perch were caught off Vanderbilt Park and Quanicassee but walleye were taken off Thomas Road. Ice is getting bad in the marinas. Both the Sebewaing and Pigeon Rivers could open up in a few days given the weather.
Little Bay De Noc - Warm temperatures have taken their toll on ice conditions. Mud and slush around the shoreline have made accessing the ice difficult in some areas. Pressure cracks have opened up even more. Most anglers are staying in the northern part of the bay as the ice in the southern regions is failing. Dangers still exist on the northern sections so anglers need to use extreme caution. Foot traffic is best and no vehicles should be driving out on the ice. Those fishing the head of bay have caught walleye when using large sucker minnows on tip-ups in 6 to 13 feet of water. Catch rates for perch were slow but fish were caught off the Center Reef when jigging minnows in 28 to 33 feet of water. Fair whitefish action off Sand Point however ice conditions in this area are dangerous and should be avoided.
Saginaw River - People should stay off any remaining ice. In Saginaw, the river is open and boat anglers were catching walleye when vertical jigging or drifting jigs with minnows. Some had limits while others did not. Try launching off Rust Avenue which is on the west side of the river.
Tittabawassee River - The only boat ramp that is currently open is the Caldwell ramp located south of Midland off Gordonville Road. There has been a lot of activity however those fishing up near the Dow Dam reported slow catch rates. Sounds like the run of fish have not made it up that far.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are catching smaller perch at the east end of Hessel Bay in 6 to 8 feet of water. Most are using minnows or wax worms. Musky Bay fishing is about the same with plenty of big perch being spotted but not biting. Those perch should start moving into shallow water soon which may increase catch rates. Moscoe Channel, Cedarville Bay and Little Joe are spotty but should increase as we move into spring.
Houghton Lake -Still has good ice. The is a great crappie bite on the lake with the cut river mouth being one of the hotspots.
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