Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
The Snow Returns
It has snow hard since friday putting lots of snow on good ice. Have not got many reports since the storms have started.
Higgins lake and Crystal lake two very deep lakes are froze and this has not happened in decades that they froze in Dec.
Lake Leelanau has a great walleye bite with many 5 pounders being caught with many limits. Some are saying they are biting during the day.
Long Lake by Traverse City has a good walleye bite also.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The lakes are great! You have no excuses not to fish.
Ice depths range from 5 to 10 inches of good, sharp clear ice. Many are using power augers because the ice is improving daily. Other area lakes are reporting the same. However, use your spud and check you way especially in new areas.
We??re snow covered again but no signs of slush. The weathers cold with new snow daily. Snowmobilers are in heaven, praising the groomed trails.
Many are under the impression that Mitchell and Cadillac are not worth fishing for walleyes. Some travel to other lakes looking for them. Think again! Have had several reported lately, legal and undersized.
The picture of the week is of Brian Brown with a 9 pounder. Some where on the east side of Cadillac, this huge female is alive and well because he released it, knowing that it was a spawner. Hopefully she??ll have her family and live to be caught again, even larger.
Chris Hanson caught another big female, 7 pounds. He also released her after taking her picture. Chris and Brian are both good ethical fishermen and are helping improve the walleye numbers. Keeping their prize in a cooler allowed the release.
Another good walleye. Adam Thomas of Cadillac is no rookie when it comes to walleye fishing. His was 23 ½ inch male that weighed over 4 pounds.
Panfishermen, Bluegill and especially crappie fishing has improved and so has their size.
Larry Martin knows the lakes and does well. The largest speck measured 12 ½ inches. Count the crappie and gills caught by Jerry Lawhead, Scott and Brian Barger. This group usually limits out and the fish shiver when they step on the ice. A pattern is developing for pan fishing. Although they??ll bite all day, the best time has been occurring about an hour before dark or later. A few crappie purest are fishing with underwater lights at night and are catching 10 to 12 inchers on a regular basis.
Pike are cooperating as usual. Tip-up anglers are baiting with golden shiners or suckers. Starting to hear of more pike in the over 30? class. Both lakes are full of them. Dark House anglers, Dan Williams (Boone) was leading our spearing contest for a short time. His northern made the board at just under 29?. Brian Brown has taken the lead with 30 ¾?. Boon moves to #2 and Chris Hansen is #3. There are 8 places eligible for prizes and you can up grade your fish. This year there??s also a Youth Anglers category (16 yrs and under). You must be pre-registered before you fish - No Cost!
Pilgrim Village will be open Christmas Day 11 to 3 for your fishing needs.
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