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FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

Last report I told you I’d see you on the ice. The ice is here!

Ice conditions: Lake Mitchell froze before Cadillac. Expect 5/6 inches of solid, clear ice, some areas more. The first 20/25 yards from shore may be wet. Slush is forming under the snow. Past a certain point its dry. We’ve had snow showers everyday. The lakes have about 6 inches of snow with occassional drifts. Its not recommended but the ice is so solid that some are driving quads and snowmobiles to their favorite places. Fishing has started in the Big and Small Coves on the West side, Thirsty’s and behind Mitchell State Park.

Be more cautious of Lake Cadillac. The West side to Kenwood Park has basically the same ice as Mitchell. The East side, the last to freeze, has areas where a couple of hits with a spud go through.

Regardless where you fish use your spud to check the ice. Don’t go helter skelter because of the cold weather.

Catching numbers of pike on both lakes. Tip-ups should be your first choice. Many jigging for walleyes with Rapalas or spoons are catching both. More then normal walleyes have been caught. Several throw backs reported in the 12 inch range from past stockings. Large and Small mouths Bass eat the same baits. Some over 20 inches have been caught.

Panfish catches have been on the slow side. No known limits of bluegills/sunfish. Its been a few here or there. Perch catches have been the same except lots of 5/6 inchers. The bright spot has been crappie. Both lakes have given up some good numbers of crappie – some 12 inch slabs. Reports of specks seem to improve daily. Soft plastics on micro jgs seem to catch larger ones whlle spikes and wax worms are more consistent.

The season has just started and we’re exploring the lakes drilling holes until we find a school of fish. Check the weed beds you found in the summer.

The Darkhouse guys are taking advantage of the early ice. The 12th Annual Pike Spearing Contest has started

Many lakes are froze and have good ice but nobody has been fishing as the cold temps and wind have kept most in the house.

Around Traverse City- Spider Lake, Lake Doubenet, Little Glen, Twin Lakes, Fife Lake, Turtle Lake, has good ice all the smaller lakes are froze and have good ice. Long Lake, Silver, Green Lake, Duck Lake, Lake Leelanau, Cedar Lake had open spots tuesday with all the wind that day but should go over tonight with single digit temps and no wind

Cadillac reports good ice on both Mitchell and Lake Cadillac and pike and walleye have been great, panfish has been slow but weather has stop many from sitting on a pail.

Lake Missaukee has good ice and fish have been biting but very few venturing out call Miller’s Corner for the latest info@ 231-839-0440

Kalkaska reports Manistee lake has good ice and many think Skegemog should have good ice but nobody has ventured out and reported back. Call Jacks Sport @ 231-258-8892 for the latest info

Lake Margrethe report up to 9″ as a fisherman went out when I was there and he had with his tape measure 6-9″ Call Skips @ 9789-348-7111

Otsego Lake has 7 to 9 inches of ice and there are shanties on the lake call Northern Sport or Jays Sporting Goods for the latest info. They are doing good on pike, walleye, and perch. Chubb Lake has been fair for trout and perch.

Higgins Lake had shore ice and off the table top it was froze to the island. Could go over in another week.

Bear Lake and Portage are both over and fisherman have been out with 3 to 5 inches of ice no reports yet on catches. Call Osbornes Sport 231-889-3775

Ludington’s Hamlin Lake is froze with 5″ of ice and good gill and pike fishing this week call Captain Chucks @231-843-4458for latest info

Baldwin area lakes has 3 to 6′ of ice and good gill bite this week

Houghton Lake has good ice and a few shanties are out with fair walleye and pike fishing. Call Angelo’s Part Store@989-2024422 Lymans@ 989-422-3231, Pappa’s Bait@989-429-5780, 4 season Party Store@989-422-5230

Lake St. Helen reports good ice and pike, walleye and panfish have been biting call Malcomb’s Tackle Box @989-389-2100

Good ice report in the Clare Harrison area on all the lakes

Gladwin Sugar Spring, Wiggins and Pratt have good ice and pike have been biting. Secord just went over but a few have caught some nice crappie. Wixom Lake Muddy bay has been awesome for panfish.

Sanford lake has safe ice and the first fill has been good for gills call Sanford Sport Shop @989-687-5161

Munuscong Bay has good ice but 15″ of snow put tons of slush up on the ice so nobody been out as they were getting stuck call Dan’s Resort at Pickford @ (906) 647-8753

Manistique Lake has good ice with walleye and perch biting good along with Indian Lake. call Top O lakes Sport (906) 341-5241

Around Leroy the ice is good call Ey’e Have it @ 231-768-5653

Mio Pond is froze with pike biting this week

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Charlevoix: A few people are fishing on smaller lakes in the area.

Manistee Lake: Near Kalkaska has ice and anglers are starting to fish.

Lake Cadillac: Has ice but no reports on fishing.

Lake Mitchell: Has ice. A few walleye were caught off the State Park access site.

Lake Missaukee: Ice fishing has started but no word on ice thickness or catch rates.

Manistee River: Artic conditions have pretty much shut down the steelhead fishing. The fish are still there for those brave enough to try.

Pere Marquette River: Still has a good number of steelhead including lots of fresh fish for the taking. Cold weather has slowed angler participation but good fishing should continue through the winter. Most anglers are swinging flies or floating spawn.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay De Noc: Ice is forming along the head of the bay. Some are out fishing however anglers need to use caution as ice thickness will vary.

Manistique Lake: Ice fishing has begun and a few walleye were caught.

Munuscong Bay: Is producing some walleye.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Ice conditions are slowly improving especially on the smaller lakes. Those starting to fish have caught a fair number of walleye, pike and panfish. Be sure to check the ice before venturing out as ice thickness will vary.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are still moving into the river in good numbers. Catch rates were good between the mouth and Foote Dam. Spawn, body baits, and wax worms seem to be the most popular. Fish the deeper holes along the river bends. This fishery seems to be getting better and better, so look for an increase in fish numbers throughout the winter. As water flow goes up and down, new snags are emerging throughout the river.

Higgins Lake: Ice is trying to form but windy conditions keep blowing the ice out.

Houghton Lake: Is making ice however there are no shanties on the lake yet. Anglers are starting to fish off the north end of the East Bay.

Lake Margrethe: Has ice and rumors of anglers out fishing.

Rifle River: Is iced over but no safe ice yet.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Bluegills were caught in the Metro Park Marin but thin ice has stopped anglers from fishing.

Huron River: Is one of the better options right now as steelhead are still being caught.

Detroit River: Not much to report this week. A few boat anglers were out but cold temperatures have kept most at home.

Lake St. Clair: Cold temperatures are making ice but not a lot of safe ice yet. Some are ice fishing in the canals and marinas. They are catching bluegills, sunfish and a few perch but muddy water conditions are limiting success. A few perch were caught near Fair Haven.

Saginaw Bay: Has some ice fishing opportunities. Anglers are going out from Whites Beach and Palmer Road but catch rates were slow.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Ice is forming but there is no safe ice yet. The far west counties have about 6 to 8 inches of snow. This will make ice conditions hazardous. A few have already fallen through the ice which should be a warning to those anxious to head out.

St. Joseph River: Is producing steelhead below the Berrien Springs Dam. Try fishing the deeper holes with wigglers, flat fish or spawn.

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead fishing did slow but fish were still being caught on spawn and plugs below the Allegan Dam. Anglers reported good walleye fishing below the dam. Try crawlers or Hot-n-Tots.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead are in the river and will be wintering in the deeper holes during the cold weather. Try small white jigs with a couple wax worms or pink and chartreuse spawn bags. Walleye are hitting on husky jerks and bucktail jigs. Some are bouncing a jighead with a minnow on the bottom.

Grand River near Lansing: It sounds like steelhead are in and around the area. Anglers reported seeing a number of fish in the river and one large fish was taken near Lansing.

Muskegon River: Contains a good number of steelhead. The fish are good size and in good shape. Anglers are casting flies or floating spawn. Steelhead fishing should be good throughout the winter.

We have ice on many lakes in Northern Michigan with most lakes will be safe by this weekend with the cold temps blasting in friday.

Otsego Lake reports 4 to 6 inches of ice.

Lake Margrethe is completely froze over and most think they will be out on the ice saturday.

Houghton Lake is froze with guys fishing off of Harvey’s and in the canal, wind was blowing too much today so most fisherman kept off the lakes.

Manistee Lake by Kalkaska has good ice and guys are starting to fish but most think it will be safe saturday.

Cadillac and Mitchell are froze with a good walleye bite on Mitchell at night off the state park access site.

Around Leroy the small lakes are froze and look good for the is weekend with the big cool down,

Lake Missaukee has 3 to 5 ices with guys waiting until saturday before they go to far out as most think it will be safe by saturday.

Around Gladwin smaller lakes are froze and will be safe by saturday.

Munuscong Bay has 4 inches of ice but most are waiting till next week before heading out the the walleye grounds.

Lots of little lake froze and will be safe by this weekend as there is no snow on the ice

Black Bass bay on Grand Lake the guys have been out but most are waiting till the big freeze tomorrow before heading out.

Lake St. Helen has 2 to 4 inches but by saturday they expect 5 to 6″ of great ice.

Fletchers Fllodwaters is froze but most are waiting till the coll down to make sure the ice is safe.

East and West Twin Lake by Lewiston are froze and they expect guys to be out this weekend

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Thunder Bay River: Anglers are catching some perch in the river and boat harbor. No word on whitefish this week but anglers should still find some.

Oscoda: Steelhead have been caught by pier anglers floating spawn or using small spoons and body baits. The occasional walleye was caught near the mouth however it is hard to get a read on the volume of walleye that might be present because few anglers are targeting them.

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead moving in. Fish have been caught all the way up to the Whirlpool and Foote Dam. There are plenty of fish and they are good size. Boat and shore anglers are taking fish. Shore anglers are drifting or floating spawn up toward the dam.

Tawas: Those fishing off the state dock were still taking the occasional whitefish and some perch. Try teardrops with wax worms or minnows.

Au Gres River: Has steelhead. Those surfcasting near the Singing Bridge are taking a few fish on spawn or small spoons.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Not much to report this week as winter has hit full force. The inland lakes are starting to ice up however there is no safe ice yet.

Boardman River: Steelhead are still around for those seeking trout.

Betsie River: Has good steelhead fishing. Anglers are using trout beads and a single egg. The best fishing was between the Homestead Dam and US-31.

Manistee: Pier and surf anglers are taking steelhead. Some are casting small spoons and spinners while others are floating spawn.

Manistee River: Water levels were dropping and clarity was improving. Steelhead are being caught in both the Big Manistee and the Little Manistee.

Pere Marquette River: Still has a good number of steelhead and some brown trout.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay De Noc: This will be the final report for 2013. Very cold temperatures have started the ice making process. Anglers are waiting and if the cold weather persists, ice fishing will not be too far off.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Bluegills are being caught in the Metro Park Marina. For perch, try near Fermi and Stony Point.

Huron River: Continues to produce steelhead.

Detroit River: Walleye are being caught in the lower Trenton Channel. Try hand-lining with rapalas or long-lining with husky jerks. Perch anglers are targeting Rat Island, Sugar Island and Stony Point.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Had good steelhead fishing for pier and shore anglers. Whitefish are in around the piers. Try a single egg just off the bottom.

St. Joseph River: Is still producing steelhead. With the colder weather, try smaller presentations and light line. The fish ladders are now closed as movement declines significantly when the water temperature drops below 45 degrees.

South Haven: Is producing whitefish for those fishing at night. Good steelhead action for both pier anglers and those surfcasting.

Kalamazoo River: Has good steelhead fishing with fresh fish in the system.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead. Whitefish are in and around the piers. Better fishing is usually at night or early morning.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Most of the ladders along the Grand are now closed however the ladder at Sixth Street is always open. Steelhead are still being caught including some bright silver fish. Anglers will want to use smaller lures and light line especially in the colder weather.

Grand River near Lansing: The fish ladders at Portland, Grand Ledge, Lyons and the Webber Dam are now closed. They will re-open in March or when water temperatures are above 39 degrees in the spring. Lansing remains open all year.

Muskegon: Pier anglers are catching whitefish.

Muskegon River: Has good steelhead fishing with lots of fresh fish. Some are floating spawn while others are fly fishing.

We have ice on many lakes in Northern Michigan with most lakes will be safe by this weekend with the cold temps blasting in friday.

Otsego Lake reports 4 to 6 inches of ice.

Lake Margrethe is completely froze over and most think they will be out on the ice saturday.

Houghton Lake is froze with guys fishing off of Harvey’s and in the canal, wind was blowing too much today so most fisherman kept off the lakes.

Manistee Lake by Kalkaska has good ice and guys are starting to fish but most think it will be safe saturday.

Cadillac and Mitchell are froze with a good walleye bite on Mitchell at night off the state park access site.

Around Leroy the small lakes are froze and look good for the is weekend with the big cool down,

Lake Missaukee has 3 to 5 ices with guys waiting until saturday before they go to far out as most think it will be safe by saturday.

Around Gladwin smaller lakes are froze and will be safe by saturday.

Munuscong Bay has 4 inches of ice but most are waiting till next week before heading out the the walleye grounds.

Lots of little lake froze and will be safe by this weekend as there is no snow on the ice

Black Bass bay on Grand Lake the guys have been out but most are waiting till the big freeze tomorrow before heading out.

Lake St. Helen has 2 to 4 inches but by saturday they expect 5 to 6″ of great ice.

Fletchers Fllodwaters is froze but most are waiting till the coll down to make sure the ice is safe.

East and West Twin Lake by Lewiston are froze and they expect guys to be out this weekend

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Thunder Bay River: Anglers are catching some perch in the river and boat harbor. No word on whitefish this week but anglers should still find some.

Oscoda: Steelhead have been caught by pier anglers floating spawn or using small spoons and body baits. The occasional walleye was caught near the mouth however it is hard to get a read on the volume of walleye that might be present because few anglers are targeting them.

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead moving in. Fish have been caught all the way up to the Whirlpool and Foote Dam. There are plenty of fish and they are good size. Boat and shore anglers are taking fish. Shore anglers are drifting or floating spawn up toward the dam.

Tawas: Those fishing off the state dock were still taking the occasional whitefish and some perch. Try teardrops with wax worms or minnows.

Au Gres River: Has steelhead. Those surfcasting near the Singing Bridge are taking a few fish on spawn or small spoons.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Not much to report this week as winter has hit full force. The inland lakes are starting to ice up however there is no safe ice yet.

Boardman River: Steelhead are still around for those seeking trout.

Betsie River: Has good steelhead fishing. Anglers are using trout beads and a single egg. The best fishing was between the Homestead Dam and US-31.

Manistee: Pier and surf anglers are taking steelhead. Some are casting small spoons and spinners while others are floating spawn.

Manistee River: Water levels were dropping and clarity was improving. Steelhead are being caught in both the Big Manistee and the Little Manistee.

Pere Marquette River: Still has a good number of steelhead and some brown trout.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay De Noc: This will be the final report for 2013. Very cold temperatures have started the ice making process. Anglers are waiting and if the cold weather persists, ice fishing will not be too far off.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Bluegills are being caught in the Metro Park Marina. For perch, try near Fermi and Stony Point.

Huron River: Continues to produce steelhead.

Detroit River: Walleye are being caught in the lower Trenton Channel. Try hand-lining with rapalas or long-lining with husky jerks. Perch anglers are targeting Rat Island, Sugar Island and Stony Point.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Had good steelhead fishing for pier and shore anglers. Whitefish are in around the piers. Try a single egg just off the bottom.

St. Joseph River: Is still producing steelhead. With the colder weather, try smaller presentations and light line. The fish ladders are now closed as movement declines significantly when the water temperature drops below 45 degrees.

South Haven: Is producing whitefish for those fishing at night. Good steelhead action for both pier anglers and those surfcasting.

Kalamazoo River: Has good steelhead fishing with fresh fish in the system.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead. Whitefish are in and around the piers. Better fishing is usually at night or early morning.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Most of the ladders along the Grand are now closed however the ladder at Sixth Street is always open. Steelhead are still being caught including some bright silver fish. Anglers will want to use smaller lures and light line especially in the colder weather.

Grand River near Lansing: The fish ladders at Portland, Grand Ledge, Lyons and the Webber Dam are now closed. They will re-open in March or when water temperatures are above 39 degrees in the spring. Lansing remains open all year.

Muskegon: Pier anglers are catching whitefish.

Muskegon River: Has good steelhead fishing with lots of fresh fish. Some are floating spawn while others are fly fishing.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!

I’m hearing of a few places that there is ice fishing but the ice is not safe. There is very little live bait around this week so it will be hard to find till next week, as most are not ready for this early of ice. We will have safe e ice next week and will keep you posted on where the safe ice is. Have a great Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!

.Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Thunder Bay River: Anglers are catching some perch in the river and boat harbor. No word on whitefish this week but anglers should still find some.

Oscoda: Steelhead have been caught by pier anglers floating spawn or using small spoons and body baits. The occasional walleye was caught near the mouth however it is hard to get a read on the volume of walleye that might be present because few anglers are targeting them.

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead moving in. Fish have been caught all the way up to the Whirlpool and Foote Dam. There are plenty of fish and they are good size. Boat and shore anglers are taking fish. Shore anglers are drifting or floating spawn up toward the dam.

Tawas: Those fishing off the state dock were still taking the occasional whitefish and some perch. Try teardrops with wax worms or minnows.

Au Gres River: Has steelhead. Those surfcasting near the Singing Bridge are taking a few fish on spawn or small spoons.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Not much to report this week as winter has hit full force. The inland lakes are starting to ice up however there is no safe ice yet.

Boardman River: Steelhead are still around for those seeking trout.

Betsie River: Has good steelhead fishing. Anglers are using trout beads and a single egg. The best fishing was between the Homestead Dam and US-31.

Manistee: Pier and surf anglers are taking steelhead. Some are casting small spoons and spinners while others are floating spawn.

Manistee River: Water levels were dropping and clarity was improving. Steelhead are being caught in both the Big Manistee and the Little Manistee.

Pere Marquette River: Still has a good number of steelhead and some brown trout.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay De Noc: This will be the final report for 2013. Very cold temperatures have started the ice making process. Anglers are waiting and if the cold weather persists, ice fishing will not be too far off.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Bluegills are being caught in the Metro Park Marina. For perch, try near Fermi and Stony Point.

Huron River: Continues to produce steelhead.

Detroit River: Walleye are being caught in the lower Trenton Channel. Try hand-lining with rapalas or long-lining with husky jerks. Perch anglers are targeting Rat Island, Sugar Island and Stony Point.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Had good steelhead fishing for pier and shore anglers. Whitefish are in around the piers. Try a single egg just off the bottom.

St. Joseph River: Is still producing steelhead. With the colder weather, try smaller presentations and light line. The fish ladders are now closed as movement declines significantly when the water temperature drops below 45 degrees.

South Haven: Is producing whitefish for those fishing at night. Good steelhead action for both pier anglers and those surfcasting.

Kalamazoo River: Has good steelhead fishing with fresh fish in the system.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead. Whitefish are in and around the piers. Better fishing is usually at night or early morning.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Most of the ladders along the Grand are now closed however the ladder at Sixth Street is always open. Steelhead are still being caught including some bright silver fish. Anglers will want to use smaller lures and light line especially in the colder weather.

Grand River near Lansing: The fish ladders at Portland, Grand Ledge, Lyons and the Webber Dam are now closed. They will re-open in March or when water temperatures are above 39 degrees in the spring. Lansing remains open all year.

Muskegon: Pier anglers are catching whitefish.

Muskegon River: Has good steelhead fishing with lots of fresh fish. Some are floating spawn while others are fly fishing.

Fishing is a year-round pursuit and for anglers who can’t get enough. That means a big shift in gears this time of year. There’s very little open water in Michigan in winter and if you want to get into the wet stuff, that usually means you have to cut a hole in the hard stuff first.

Ice fishing ranges from pastime to passion; for some anglers, it’s more enjoyable than fishing in the summer. And it has its advantages. Anglers who don’t have boats, for instance, can get just about anywhere on the lake when there’s a foot of ice covering it.

Ice fishermen can pursue almost every fish they chase in open-water season, with the exception of bass (the season closes Jan. 1). But pike, walleye, and all species of panfish are open and anglers can fish for trout in select waters. There are even some opportunities – sturgeon on Black Lake, for instance, that are allocated to ice anglers.

Fishermen need three basic tools to get started ice fishing: something to make a hole in the ice, something to clear the hole and keep it open, and something to fish with.

Two basic tools are used to open a hole in the ice spuds and augers. Spuds look like metal spears with chisel-like heads. Anglers use spuds to chip open a hole. Augers, on the other hand, look like cork screws with cutting blades along the edges. There are both power and hand operated augers.

A skimmer or slush scoop, which looks like a perforated ladle, is used to clean the hole and keep it open.

Anglers can use spears for some species. It’s best to spear from inside a shanty. Not only does it provide shelter, it also blocks the light, making it easier to see into the water.

As for fishing gear, anglers are generally limited only by their imaginations. Most popular are short rods with spinning reels, though some folks prefer simple poles with spring tension spools that are used basically as line
Starting on the ice is not expensive. The basic ice fishing equipment tools are a rod / reel combination, drill, bucket with a seat, jigs and bait. Adding portable ice fishing shelters to your gear, especially after the first few times if the decision has been made to stay in the sport.

A spinning combination with 24″ light action rod. The Frabill 24″ Ultra Light Panfish Popper Plus Ice Combo for its ease of use and spring bobber. If budget allows, purchase two combinations. The reels are ultra lights, which can also be used during open water times of the year.

Next, comes a drill. This tool is essential, and a hand model may be preferred at the beginning, mainly because of cost. If you think you’ll stick the sport,a power drill may be considered to drill your holes.

Another essential of the sport is a stool to sit on while you’re out on the ice. Frabill has a combination of bucket and seat called a Sit-N-Fish, which also has an area for bait and tackle. This multi-functional product has a padded foam snap – on seat lid and beverage holders on inner bucket lid.

When it comes to ice fishing jigs,sticking to the basics. Custom Jigs & Spins is one of the most popular and productive products in ice fishing tackle. The assortments he uses are the glow colors in the Ratso, Rat Finkee and Demon models, in sizes of 12 through 8.

Wax worms are a good all around bait, but make sure to have spikes, wigglers and perch minnows

One-man portable ice shanty is an excellent choice for any ice angler, no matter what level of experience. For a few more dollars, 2 to 3 man ice shelters can be purchased which will give room for a buddy, as well as extra equipment. More tips on choosing an ice shelter can be found here: http://www.farmandfleet.com/services/articles/article_ice_shelter.asp
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Ice fishing safety is very important, so be sure to have the proper warm clothing, including a good pair of gloves. Frostbite and hypothermia can be a serious problem for ice anglers. Wear thick gear like a Carhartt jacket and flannel lined jeans.
Another product for safety on the lake is a set of ice picks that are worn around the neck on a cord. Hopefully a person will never have to use this device, but if they fall through the ice, it is the easiest way, other than having a rope thrown out by another person, to pull out of the hole.
The U.S. Army recommends a minimum thickness of two inches of ice for a 200-pound load. Avoid areas where the ice is discolored, where vegetation or timber protrude through the ice, or where there is an inlet or outlet – moving water, from a creek or springs, can weaken ice.

Ice safety experts recommend that anglers wear a personal floatation device and carry a rope so they can reach someone in trouble without approaching them too closely. Simple ice picks can help someone who falls in gain hold on the ice to pull themselves back out.

Some anglers prefer to use tip-ups like this one. Tip-ups sit on the ice above the hole and dangle the bait in the water. They feature small reels that are submerged beneath the ice and a spring-loaded flag that’s bent down and attached to the reel. When a fish bites, the flag tips up.
Ice fishing can be fun and productive, but it isn’t worth taking unnecessary risks. Always pay attention to the direction of the wind, especially on large bodies of water, as ice can break off and drift away.

Should you fall, try not to panic. The first order of business is to get out. Always turn toward the direction you approached, where you last had good ice, and try to slide out. Once you’re back on the ice, do not try to get up until you know you are on good ice. Crawl or roll away from the hole.

As with everything, remember, safety first. Make sure the ice thickness is good (at least 3 to 4 inches). Check the ice fishing reports in your area. If possible go with a buddy, or where there is a group of other ice anglers close by. Even experienced ice fisherman can find themselves in some tricky situations if they let their guard down.

Northern Pike Ice Fishing
So you found them, huh. Well how do we catch em? The most common way to ice fish for Northern Pike is by using Tip-ups. This ice fishing contraption is simple and effective.

Tip Up for Pike Fishing
More Northern Pike have probably been caught using a plain hook and a sucker minnow on a Tip-up then any other method.

Live bait is the only good option to be used with Tip-Ups. Generally the bigger the Pike you’re after the larger the minnow you’ll want to use. Generally a 3-6 inch minnow is used in NY, but if you’re in Canada or New England a 6-8 inch minnow is more common because the Pike are usually larger. We recommend adding two brightly colored red beads to the line and leader to make it even easier for the Pike to see.

You can catch Northern Pike while ice fishing for any fish, however, because they’re known to eat almost anything. Even small jigs with meal worms may catch a Pike or two.

The guys that catch wild shiners (blues and greys) have the minnows in their ponds and now they are in quarantine for 30 days so they will be able to sell them just before christmas. There are very few fishing and most are waiting for hard water and it looks like with cold blast coming in we could be ice fishing in a couple weeks. Deer success has be good around Northern Michigan and many small bucks are going to have another year to get bigger.

The report is limited this week due in part to deer hunting and bad weather. Those heading out to fish the rivers and streams need to use caution and watch for unstable trees along the banks and floating debris.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Boardman River: Had good steelhead fishing all the way up to Sabin Dam. Try flies, spoons, spawn or crawlers.

Betsie River: Continues to produce a good number of steelhead.

Manistee: Pier and surf anglers continue to catch steelhead when the weather permits.

Manistee River: Has a good number of steelhead. The water is high and dark but as it comes down fishing will be good. Anglers will need to watch for debris coming down the river.

Pere Marquette River: Catch rates may slow a bit but will resume as water levels come down.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

This is the best time of year for whitefish action especially for Alpena, Oscoda and Tawas. The number of fish may be down from previous years but anglers should still find some good fishing right now.

Thunder Bay River: Is producing whitefish. Try floating a single egg or wax worm. Good catches of small perch were reported in the river and the Alpena Boat Harbor.

Oscoda: Walleye are still being caught off the pier. Best time to fish is between late evening and early morning with small spoons or body baits. No word on whitefish.

Au Sable River: The water is high and fast. Anglers need to use caution when wading or fishing off the banks. Strong winds have weakened trees along the river. Watch for broken branches or trees that could come down at any time. Steelhead fishing seems to be getting better and better. A good number of fish have been caught near the mouth however more fish are moving up into the river and were caught up near Foote Dam. Spawn, wax worms, spoons and body baits have produced fish.

Au Gres River: Has steelhead in the East Branch.

Rifle River: Also has a number of steelhead up into the river.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Little Bay De Noc: Few anglers have been out but those targeting walleye at night have caught fish from the reefs near Kipling. They are trolling stick baits in 10 to 24 feet of water at night or crawler harnesses with crawlers during the day in 18 to 30 feet. A few perch were caught on minnows in 10 to 20 feet around Butler Island. Water temperatures were holding in the low 40’s.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Strong winds have muddied up the water. The only report this week is some panfish caught in the Metro Park Marina.

Huron River: Water levels are up and steelhead are in the river. Catch rates should pick up by the end of the week.

Detroit River: Water levels are coming up but the water is muddy after all the rain and strong winds. Very few anglers have been able to get out. A few perch have been around the islands by those using minnows and wax worms.

Lake St. Clair: Strong winds have the lake stirred up and muddy. These conditions continue to make fishing a challenge.

Saginaw River: Walleye fishing slowed with the warmer weather but catch rates should pick up by the weekend. Water flow is up after all rain. Be sure to watch for floating debris.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Had good steelhead fishing for pier and shore anglers when the weather permits.

St. Joseph River: Water levels are coming up but anglers will have to watch for a lot of debris after the storm. Steelhead fishing has been good and walleye are still being caught.

South Haven: Is producing whitefish for those fishing at night. Good steelhead action for both pier anglers and those surfcasting.

Kalamazoo River: Has good steelhead fishing but anglers will need to navigate carefully and watch for floating debris.

Sautatuck: Is also producing steelhead for pier and shore anglers.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead. Whitefish are also being caught at night.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are coming up and steelhead fishing continues to be good. Anglers will need to watch for debris coming down the river.

Grand River near Lansing: Anglers are catching steelhead in Prairie Creek near Ionia and near Lyons. Try spawn, wax worm or crawlers. No word yet on steelhead in Lansing.

Muskegon: Pier anglers are catching whitefish at night when floating a single egg.

The 2013 Firearm Deer Season kicked off at daybreak on Friday, November 15th, and as record numbers of Michigan hunters filled the woods in search of the elusive buck, not all were impressed with the weather. Opening day was unusually warm and calm weather wise and as opinions vary on what the weather does for hunting, one thing was certain; the bucks were out there. While the huge “Trophy Buck” may not have been seen or taken, everything from spikes to ten pointers were filling up many of the traditional Buck Poles around Roscommon and Crawford Counties.

Buck Poles usually contain contests and prizes for things like, First buck on the pole, first female to hang a buck, oldest and youngest hunters and so on. Some poles add prizes for largest rack and heaviest deer. Each hunter has their own thoughts and traditions on how to call in and bag the big one and some hunters have started using non-traditional methods. Cindy Warren of Herron, Michigan stated that she finally pushed enough to get women allowed at deer camp as has taken three bucks in as many years. When asked how she did it this year, Warren Laughed and said, “I downloaded a deer call app on my phone and kept playing it over and over in the woods. I don’t know if that actually worked or not, but he walked right in on me and I dropped him.”

Malcolm’s Tackle Box in St. Helen gives straight out cash prizes for the top ten bucks. Their order was as follows, Mike Guijzala ( 8 point and $200), Gene Earl (8 point and $150), Scott Prelop (8 point and $100), Mike Zocher (8 point and $85), Steven Cameron (8 point and $75), Mike Jarosz (8 point and $65), Mark Smith (7 point and $60), Eric Wiles (6 point and $50), Cindy Warren (5 point and $40) and Mike Bednarik (4 point and $35).

Fred’s of Roscommon is always a Hot Spot in the county for their Buck Pole, this year hanging 22 on opening day. Having $1200 in cash prizes to give out this hunting season adds to the excitement and anticipation of hanging a buck on the pole. Winners at Fred’s include, Jenny Travelbee (largest rack), James Sersing (heaviest buck), Dylan Kuebler (youngest hunter), Ralph Schultz (oldest hunter), Sherrie Ciaramitaro (first woman to hang buck) and Kurt Waterman (first buck on pole).

A grand total of 20 deer would make their way onto Mancelona’s 59th annual Buck Pole. Numbers took a slight dive in 2013, but spectators continued to flood in throughout the two-day event.Despite a lower success rate for hunters over the weekend, the Mancelona Buck Pole continued to be a big draw for spectators, many of which show up to town annually for the event.
Organizers reported that over 300 people were on hand for Saturday’s closing ceremonies. They also noted that there was a steady flow of visitors to the buck pole throughout each day.
Ron Vrandenburg was credited with having the ‘first deer hung’ this season. Colton Drew had the ‘heaviest deer’ (165 lbs.). Tim Schienke won the prize for ‘most points’ (12). Robbin Enslen claimed the ‘widest rack’ category (19 1/4″).
Jim Flynn took a $200 cash prize in the ‘lucky hunter’ drawing. Spencer Huffman and Amanda Kippe each won a youth hunter prize.

Pop-A-Top Party Shop in Houghton Lake, under new ownership is relatively new to the buck pole scene. While things seemed to be slower on the Prudenville/Houghton Lake side of Roscommon County, it did not deter those that bagged a buck from hanging it up, at least for a little bit. Taking award money at Pop-A-Top was Danielle Dowland. Dowland took honors of hanging the first buck on the pole and first female to hang a buck.

Crawford County proved itself a hunting hot spot in Northern Michigan as two buck poles were ran. Skip’s managed to see 16 bucks hanging on opening day. Winners include Sierra Schreiber (heaviest), Mallory Hatfield (youngest and first woman to hang a buck), Curly Lamotte (first buck on pole and oldest hunter) and Shane Lewis (10 point, largest rack).

This year, for their first time, the Lovell’s Home Center threw their hat into the buck pole ring and it proved to be a fantastic move as they hung a whopping 94 bucks over a two-day period. Opening day results include Brad Ochs (heaviest and biggest rack), Matt Boyd (second place), and Tyler Boyd (third place). The Home Center wanted to give a special thanks to Donna Bumgardner as they gave away three big prizes and held over 25 random drawings each day of the two-day period, giving away a total of 38 prizes each day.

Knutson’s Buck Pole

This is the 26th year for Knutson’s Buck Pole, which will accept deer until 6 p.m. Those entered have the chance to win more than $6,000 in cash and prizes.

Hunters started rolling in steady after about 9:30 a.m. to have their deer weighed and hung on the pole. It was a little busier than Tom Knutson expected.

“I’m really happy with this start,” Knutson said. “This will really tell us what’s going on with the deer herd now and how bad of shape or not it is in.”

Knutson is referring to the effects of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, which reached a record-breaking 30 counties in the state last year. It’s spread to animals through midges and can cause severe internal bleeding or induce fevers in deer which eventually lead to death.

For Steve Lowe of Brooklyn, this year’s opening day was about the best he can remember. The 181-pound, 10-point buck he brought to Knutson’s pole is the biggest he’s ever bagged.

“It was a perfect morning,” Lowe said. “He came in with his nose to the ground about 20 yards behind a doe about 100 yards out from me. They are chasing the does like crazy right now.”

The 8-point, 136-pound buck Jenna Berry of Norvell shot through the heart from 100 yards away isn’t the first deer she’s gotten, but it is the biggest, she said.

“I was a little nervous because he was so far away,” she said. “It’s an exciting day.”

Women hunters are growing in numbers, Knutson said.

“Used to be you’d see one lady about every two years,” he said. “I bet 20 percent of the deer taken today will be by women. That’s a good deal.”

Knutson estimates there could be about 60 deer on the pole by day’s end. The largest at noon was a 192-pound, 8-point buck shot by David Lindeman Jr. of Clark Lake.

 

Almost a full buck pole at Fred’s of Roscommon

A few bucks hanging at Malcolm’s Tackle Box in St. Helen

Skip’s in Grayling seen numerous bucks opening day

First year buck pole at Lovell’s Home Center

 

 

My friend Hardy Jackson shot this awesome buck yesterday. It was shot at Campos Viejos which Hardy Owns in Rio Grande Texas.

Hardy’s father, who passed away in June, believed that results came from hard work, discipline and just plain “doing it right”. He walked the walk…and that’s what we’ve done here. We don’t do breeder deer…never have. This ranch is the culmination of 12 years of dedication and attention to detail. And this buck is the testament to it all. It may be harder, cost more, take longer to do it right…but the rewards are So much sweeter.