It has been butt ugly and brutal this week for fishing. Some place get an inch of snow go 20 miles and they have a foot. Lots of slush on many lakes this week
Pentwater Lake has been good for perch this year end many say thew best in years. Call Pentwater Angler for the latest info@ 231-869-5357
White lake also has been good
Last week of Tip-up town USA
Higgins Lake has a great perch bite with keepers being caught with a few jumbo’s, lake trout and pike are also biting.
Green Lake is slow for smelt off the south access
Bradford Lake by waters has been good for perch this week with minnow and waxworms
Crystal has been slow
Big Glen has been good for perch
Rodney Sanders says
Hey just wanted to tell you if people want to catch crappies go to Lake Cadillac out in front of the junior high that’s the north east side find pillars going every night getting at least 50. Between 3g uys just visiting though so really can’t use the spot ps. Get the word out
THIS NICE WALLEYE CAME OUT OF MUSKEGON LAKE!!!
Northwestern Michigan
Green Lake: In Grand Traverse County is producing some smelt and big pike. Smelt have been slow with the arctic front. red spikes, white spikes, waxworms with a hali jig have been the best bet. Ice is good at both landing with many shanties out off the south access .
Skegemog- Perch have been biting and many fisherman have been out trying. here luckCall Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892
Fife Lake- People are back out and catching some nice perch Call Lakeside Party @ 231-879-3341 for latest info
Portage Lake- Osborn’s says big perch are biting and pike, walleye, and gills are biting Call Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775 for latest fishing report. Also Don’s Sporting Goods@ 231-723-5028
Hamlin Lake- Thet are getting back out on the lake with pike, walleye, gills and crappie biting Hamlin Grocery@(231) 843-2058 and Capt. Chucks @ (231) 843-4458
Lake Missaukee- Is producing bluegill, crappie and the occasional perch. The better fishing is usually along the weed beds on the west side of the lake with a tear-drop and minnow or spike. Great pike fishing also Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440.
Crystal Lake: Anglers are starting to fish for smelt however extreme caution needs to be used. This is a very deep lake and takes much longer to freeze.
Lake Cadillac: Panfish anglers were doing well off Kenwood Park which is on the northwest side of the lake. They caught bluegill, crappie and a few perch in waters 10 to 12 feet deep. Try minnows and red spikes. Pike have been caught along the weed beds by those using tip-ups.Call Pilgrim Village 231-775-5412 latest info
Lake Mitchell: Usually produces more pike than Lake Cadillac. Anglers are using tip-ups with large minnows. For bluegill, try the coves on the west side of the lake with teardrops and wax worms. Crappie can be found off the State Park. Call Pilgrim Village 231-775-5412 latest info
Manistee River: Still has steelhead though the bite will slow once again with the cooler temperatures. Fish the deeper holes with eggs or spawn.
Pere Marquette River: Iced over
Long Lake, Lake Leelanau had a good bite going last week but very few out.
Big Glen is froze and big perch have been biting.
Duck Lake by Interlochen has been good for pike and some gills off of Strawberry Point
Lake Bellaire has been fair for walleye and pike.
Clam LaKE HAS BEEN GOOD FOR PIKE
Northeast Michigan
Black Lake- Has good ice with perch being caught. Call Parrots Outpost for the latest ice conditions (989) 733-2472
Mullet Lake- Is producing perch for those using minnows and wigglers call Mullet Lake Party store@ (231) 627-4644 or Topinabee Market@ 231-238-9578
Burt Lake: Was producing a fair number of walleye and perch.. Call Pat & Gary’s Party Store 231-238-6776
Grand Lake: Was producing a few perch. Try 15 to 25 feet of water around Grand Island.
Long Lake: Is producing walleye and perch. Call Bucks@ 989-595-2121
Otsego Lake- Fishing has been fair on Otsego Perch fishing has been fair on Bradford, chub Lake trout fishing has been good. They have been seeing lots of sturgeon this weekCall Northern Sports@ 987-448-2014
Higgins Lake- The entire lake is frozen and ice shanties are starting to show up. Lake trout were caught out deep by those using greys on tip-ups or jigging Swedish pimples and sand kickers. Rainbow trout including one 27 inch fish were caught on wigglers near the Conference Center and Big Creek. Whitefish have been caught just off the bottom in 85 to 120 feet by those chumming. Perch were caught near Big Creek, Treasure Island, or B & B Marina. On the south end of the lake, perch were caught off Sunken Island. A few pike were taken on tip-ups and large minnows. Those spearing were seeing smaller pike.
.Call Erik@ Silver Dollar Express (989) 821-6227 or Dave@Sports Barn 989-821-9511 for latest ice conditions
Houghton Lake- Ice continues to build thanks to artic temperatures in the region. Strong winds were blowing the snow around. Before the cold spell, anglers were catching pike and perch. Walleye action was fair to good along the south shore in 6 to 8 feet of water. The better fishing was after 6pm. Anglers still need to use caution and watch for snow drifts and pressure cracks. Angelo’s Party Store has shanties call for the latest info@ 989-202-4422
Dave at Four Season Party Store has his shanties out and they were catching fish before the big freeze, guy are getting back out today call Dave @989-422-5230
Lyman’s Shanty rental @ 989-422-3231 says pike walleye and perch
Korbinski’s call Rod@ 989-366-9500
Pappa’s Bait reporting walleye fishing off the middle grounds on Houghton Lake. 989-429-5780
Hubbard Lake: Was producing some limit catches of walleye.
Au Sable River: Anglers fishing below Foote Dam need to be aware that water flows are fluctuating widely at this time because of ice damming issues above Alcona. Anglers should check the USGS river flow gauges for the most up-to-date conditions. Severe cold causes the river above the Alcona Impoundment to turn to slush, creates anchor ice, and forms ice dams that create large changes in downstream flows. Thus, conditions may be very difficult for fishing or floating below Foote Dam. Those fishing for steelhead had success all along the river with wax worms and spoons. Most points are accessible however the banks, parking lots and fishing platforms are icy. The best launch for small boats would be Whirlpool. The store launch was clear and Rea Road is open, but icy and parking is limited. High Banks and Foote Dam have limited parking and the stairs were icy. If using the snowmobile trails to access parts of the river, watch for traffic as most are not expecting to see people on the trail.
Lake Margrethe: Is producing some walleye, perch and pike. Call Skips Sport@ 989-348-7111 for latest info
Tawas: Those heading out should stay on the well-traveled trails in order to avoid getting stuck in snow-drifts. There’s quite a bit of fishing activity off Jerry’s Marina where anglers have caught some nice perch and walleye in 15 feet. Those spearing pike have taken a few nice fish. Anglers heading out to 20 feet of water near the tip of Tawas Point caught walleye at dusk.
Au Gres: Most walleye anglers were going off the end of Santiago Road and Booth Road and fishing a mile or two out. At Palmer Road, anglers reported slow walleye and perch fishing. They can see fish but they will not bite.
Au Gres River: Is mainly producing sub-legal walleye with a few keepers.
Wixom Lake has been great for gills, pike and lots of crappie.Ice fishing is great here on Wixom Lake, Gladwin County. Be sure to stop at Sandys Market to get your bait! call Joe (989) 435-9688
Sanford Lake has been fair call Sanford Sport for info on Wixom and Sanford @ 989-687.5161
Secord Lake has been great for big crappie. Sandy’s Market call Joe (989) 435-9688
Wiggins and Sugar Springs have been good for pike and panfish
Hubbard Lake: Was producing some limit catches of walleye.
Upper Peninsula Fishing Report
Menominee: Bay anglers are heading out near Red Arrow Park on the Wisconsin side or Hennes Park on the Michigan side. Most are targeting whitefish and catch rates were fair to good with a jig and wax worm.
Menominee River: Walleye can still be found on the Wisconsin side near the Hattie Street Dam. Try jigging minnows and wax worms. Pike are showing up on camera near the Mystery Ship landing however they would not bite. Try tip-ups with large minnows. Those jigging near the lighthouse caught bluegill and crappie.
Little Bay De Noc: Ice conditions remain good although travel has not been easy due to deep and drifting snow. The weight of the snow has opened up some pressure cracks. Extreme caution needs to be used when crossing them. Walleye catches were best in the southern bay between Aronson Island and Portage Point when jigging rapalas with or without a minnow in 40 to 50 feet. Some were fishing in 25 to 35 feet near the Escanaba River however this area is DANGEROUS. Whitefish anglers did well at Gladstone when using minnows or spawn in 45 feet and off Sand Point in 75 to 85 feet. Perch anglers reported small fish near Kipling and Garth Point. A few jumbo perch were caught near Gladstone and the “Narrows.” Try minnows or wigglers in 18 to 35 feet. Pike have been speared at Kipling and northeast of Butler Island in 10 feet.
Munuscong: Has ice and a good amount of slush. Though the perch and walleye action has slowed, persistent anglers are fishing with tip-ups and minnows.
Cedarville and Hessel: Musky Bay and Hessel Bay are slow with very few perch being caught. Slushy conditions make travel a little more difficult.
Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
Lake Erie: Still had some anglers taking a few perch in the Metro Park Marina. Catch rates at the Banana Dike were fair however the cold spell will more than likely slow the bite. Some were fishing at the marina near the mouth of the Huron River. Walleye anglers are fishing Brest Bay. Try 14 to 17 feet with orange and silver spoons tipped with a shiner.
Detroit River: Airport Bay was producing some perch. Most are heading off Groh Road and taking Frenchman’s Creek out to the bay. Some are fishing the border waters however extreme caution needs to be used. Those fishing off Bellenger Park caught some perch on minnows.
Lake St. Clair: Perch fishing has been hit-or-miss. The water is clear and those using spears had good success. While there is ice and plenty in some areas, there is still some open water because of the currents. Anglers still need to be very careful about venturing too far from shore.
Port Sanilac: Had some anglers out but all they caught were small fish. There is dredging equipment in the southeast corner and that is where anglers usually fish.
Saginaw Bay: Strong winds last weekend have opened up an active pressure crack three to four miles offshore. The crack runs from Linwood south to an area off the Bay City State Park. It opened to a width of 3 to 4 feet and a lot of people ran into it causing damage to their ATV’s and snowmobiles. Anglers need to use caution. On the east side of the bay, those heading off Thomas Road were fishing near the shipping channel. Perch fishing was poor off Vanderbilt Park. Those pike spearing were still having trouble with turbid water at Sebewaing and Mud Creek. Walleye anglers were heading out from Geiger Road. Perch are still being caught off Mud Creek and the marina basins at Caseville. Anglers fishing out near the end of the breakwall with a camera reported walleye, whitefish and lake trout but they would not bite.
Saginaw River: The best perch was in the lower river. Walleye were caught off Wickes Park in 14 feet. Fishing is slow through most of downtown Saginaw, but improves downstream of the Zilwaukee Bridge and north to the south end of Bay City. Anglers are catching a lot of sub-legal walleye for every keeper. They are using chartreuse, orange or clown-colored jigs with minnows or jigging rapalas with the head of a minnow on the center of the hook. Fishing was slow at Cass Avenue and the Middle Grounds. Those fishing downtown Bay City did catch a few keepers off Veteran’s Park during the first and last two hours of daylight. Walleye and perch were caught downstream from the old Navy destroyer. They are using jigs, perch rigs and jigging rapalas.
Tittabawassee River: There’s no fishing at the present time. There is too much ice for boats but not enough to stand on yet.
Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
St. Joseph River: Steelhead fishing has once again slowed with the cold weather. Those heading out will want to try Hot-n-Tots, spinners or a jig and wax worm.
Kalamazoo River: Has steelhead for those willing to try. Walleye may also be found up near the Allegan Dam.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead are still being caught but the bite did slow. Try the deeper holes with spinners, wobble glows, yarn, flies or wax worms. Try the backwaters for panfish.
Lake Lansing: For bluegills, try the weedy areas in deeper water along the northwest and south end. Those pike spearing have taken a few fish.
Muskrat Lake: Anglers caught a few crappie and bluegill but the bite was slow.
Lake Ovid: Anglers are out fishing but few reports have come in.
Jackson County: The inland lakes are producing panfish and even some limit catches for those willing to spend time on the lake.
Muskegon River: Continues to provide fair to good steelhead action. Anglers are floating spawn or fly fishing. Some have also caught brown trout.
