FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2014
Saturday, February 1st was the 10th Annual North American Snowfest Ice Fishing Tournament sponsored by Fox Motors of Cadillac. Over 600 participated in this years event. The Junior High Cafeteria was filled. Prizes were awarded for the largest Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie, Perch and Rock Bass. The Winners were:
Northern Pike Mark Gagnon 34″ 9.7 lbs
Walleye Doug Miller 18 1/4″ 1.96 lb.
Bluegill Dell Pendock 8 1/2″ .46 lb.
Crappie Adam McCain 12″ .94 lb.
Perch Scott Howell 10 3/8″ .56 lb.
Rock Bass Mike Hopstaken 10 1/4″ .90lb.
This is the only tournament of its kind where you may win a prize,
whether you catch a fish or not. Plan on this event next year.
The cold and snow is confusing the fish. One day a limit of panfish is easy. Usually a bucket of crappies. The next day, fishing the same holes nothing happens. The bite runs hot and cold. More then half the Winter’s over and catches aren’t as easy of First Ice.
The fish are there! Often those using electronics mark plenty of fish but can’t get them to bite. First light and late afternoons into dark has been the best bite. Cut more holes then what you need and hole hop. When the fish are lathargic there’s always a few that want to play.
When fishing lakes Cadillac and Mitchell always set a tip-up. Pike seem to be anywhere and everywhere. This is one species that doesn’t have a clock in their heads. We can catch them all day long. Spear Fishermen tell us they’ve been cursing right under the ice.
Ever dream of catching a Big Walleye? Jon Wier’s dream came
true. He’s holding the 7.09 pound, 28″ walleye he caught fishing
on Lake Cadillac.
Smelt – Catches on Green Lake may have improved. Crystal Lake is good for big smelt- Higgins is really slow for smelt
March 1st – The New 2014 licenses will be available.
The Licenses prices and structure have changed.