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2/04/10
Michigan Fishing Report
Big Glenn has a good perch bite as the photos above show a good catch from Dick and Nick Timmons.
Don't forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
Higgins Lake is safe and the smelt and lake trout are on the bite with the warm-up. Smelt have been caught in the evening when fishing about a foot off the bottom in 40 to 50 feet of water. Lake trout and whitefish were hitting on minnows fished on the bottom in 85 to 120 feet of water. Those fishing the shallow waters near the Conference Center have caught rainbow trout on wigglers. Pike were taken by those spearing or using tip-ups. Perch can be found along the drop-off in 20 to 40 feet of water but many were small.
Ice continues to build especially on most of the inland lakes however anglers are still reminded to use caution. Stay away from any pressure cracks because many of those areas had open water not even a week ago. Also stay away from river mouths and creeks due to unsafe ice. The panfish bite continues to be slow. Pike action has been good and perch anglers are sorting out the small ones. Some of the trout lakes are now producing lake trout and rainbow trout.
Lake St. Helen is reporting great pike and panfish bite and has a winter-fest this weekend
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with crappie and pike..
Margrethe and Otsego have good ice and many shaties are showing up on the lakes with a fair bite. A huge muskie was caught on Lake Margrethe also sturgeon are being spotted on Otsego Lake
Around Leroy, Farwell, Cadillac, Harrison and Sanford they have good ice and are catching fish.
Long Lake and Lake Leelanau by Traverse City have good ice for walking and perch and walleye are biting. Some are getting off the north-end.
Mullet Lake - Fishing remains consistent. A few nice perch were caught on minnows in 10 to 45 feet of water, but many were small. Those targeting pike have not had much luck with spearing or still-fishing. Some have started to target lake herring.
Burt Lake - Ice anglers have started to catch a few walleye. Anglers should stay away from the large pressure crack between Colonial Point and Cedar Point. This area had open water last week and the ice that has formed is not safe. Perch fishing has been fair on Maple Bay
Crystal Lake is froze and should be a great weekend for fishing
Portage Lake is froze, and they report a good perch and walleye bite. Also lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Green Lake - Ice fishing continues and smelt are hitting at night. Try Hali jigs or teardrops with wax worms or spikes.
Cedar Lake - Ice anglers are doing well on pike when using tip-ups with large minnows. Those targeting smelt are fishing day or night with teardrops or Hali jigs with spikes and wax worms.
Lake Missaukee - Has been good for bluegills.
Lake Cadillac - Ice anglers continue to catch walleye, pike and crappie. Try the smallest jigs with a single spike and not much movement. Those with cameras are seeing panfish however they were not interested in biting.
Lake Mitchell - Has been good for pike and a few crappie. Look for bluegills when fishing near the coves on the west side of the lake.
Hamlin Lake Fishermen have been reporting nice bluegill and walleye catches. Action is spotty, but fish being caught are of nice size. Mornings and evenings are the best time
Saginaw Bay - Ice conditions remain extremely variable. Expansion cracks are active at many locations and anglers should not cross them. Colder weather has caused thin ice to form over previously open water. This ice is not thick enough to be safe. Anglers should avoid any area that recently had open water. No action near Pinconning because of pressure cracks. At Linwood, some are heading out to 18 feet of water however watch for the active pressure cracks and newly frozen ice which is not safe. There's fishing activity out near Spoils Island, but anglers need to use extreme caution. A good number of pike have been caught by open water anglers in the channel by the Hot Ponds and Tietz Drain. There is a pressure crack out there that nobody should try and cross. Slow fishing off Sebewaing with only a few perch caught in the marina and the river but decent catches of perch were reported off Rose Island in 4 to 6 feet of water. A lot of small perch caught off Geiger Road. Bluegills were caught in the cuts and marinas between Sebewaing and Bay Port. At the Mud Creek access site, perch were caught on hook and line and those spearing took some pike.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions improved slightly as temperatures dropped however many dangers still exist and caution must be used at all times. Pressure cracks have caused problems and ice thickness varies. Anglers are advised to stay north of the Terrace Bay Inn due to extremely dangerous conditions to the south. Catch rates for walleye and perch dropped over the last week due to changes in the weather and no snow cover. Those traveling by foot will want to use creepers. The better walleye catches were out from the Terrace Bay Inn when jigging rapalas with or without minnows in 25 to 35 feet of water. Smaller fish were caught in the Narrows when jigging rapalas or using tip-ups with minnows in 25 to 33 feet of water. Perch reports were mixed but those jigging minnows or spikes in 14 to 17 feet of water did manage to catch fish on the Second Reef and along the head of the Bay when jigging minnows in 13 to 19 feet of water. Whitefish anglers did well off Gladstone when jigging dead minnows in 35 to 40 feet of water.
Big Manistique Lake - Has ice and is producing walleye along with some perch.
South Manistique Lake - Is also producing walleye and a few perch. Both lakes should also start producing some pike.
Cedarville and Hessel - Those fishing Musky Bay have caught small pike and perch in 12 to 14 feet of water. The occasional legal size perch was also caught. Hessel Bay was slow but those able to locate fish did manage to catch some big ones. Anglers are using minnows, wigglers and wax worms. Red and white were hot colors.
Houghton Lake -Anglers should keep all motorized vehicles away from the mouth of rivers and creeks as some have gone through the ice. Walleye have been caught over the Middle Grounds and in the East Bay near Denton Creek. Most are jigging rapalas. Pike are hitting on tip-ups with large shiners. They are deeper so try fishing two feet off the bottom in 8 to 10 feet of water. Crappie were caught by the Cut River. Dave at Four Season party Store is out looking for a good spot and has done well the last few days so give him a call at 989-422-5230 for his hot-spot He caught four keeper walleye last night.. Lyman's on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly pike contest with pike action getting better
Northwest:
Traverse City - Still has no ice. It is possible the bays will not freeze over this year.
Lake Leelanau - Walleye are being caught in the south lake.
Crystal Lake - The ice continues to build however anglers are still waiting to get out to deep water and fish for lake trout, whitefish and smelt.
Green Lake - Ice fishing continues and smelt are hitting at night. Try Hali jigs or teardrops with wax worms or spikes.
Cedar Lake - Ice anglers are doing well on pike when using tip-ups with large minnows. Those targeting smelt are fishing day or night with teardrops or Hali jigs with spikes and wax worms.
Lake Missaukee - Has been good for bluegills.
Lake Cadillac - Ice anglers continue to catch walleye, pike and crappie. Try the smallest jigs with a single spike and not much movement. Those with cameras are seeing panfish however they were not interested in biting.
Lake Mitchell - Has been good for pike and a few crappie. Look for bluegills when fishing near the coves on the west side of the lake.
Manistee River - Those fly fishing below Tippy Dam have caught steelhead.
Pentwater Lake - A few perch were taken in the southwest corner.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullet Lake - Fishing remains consistent. A few nice perch were caught on minnows in 10 to 45 feet of water, but many were small. Those targeting pike have not had much luck with spearing or still-fishing. Some have started to target lake herring.
Burt Lake - Ice anglers have started to catch a few walleye. Anglers should stay away from the large pressure crack between Colonial Point and Cedar Point. This area had open water last week and the ice that has formed is not safe.
Au Sable River - Some nice steelhead have been caught.
Higgins Lake - Smelt have been caught in the evening when fishing about a foot off the bottom in 40 to 50 feet of water. Lake trout and whitefish were hitting on minnows fished on the bottom in 85 to 120 feet of water. Those fishing the shallow waters near the Conference Center have caught rainbow trout on wigglers. Pike were taken by those spearing or using tip-ups. Perch can be found along the drop-off in 20 to 40 feet of water but many were small.
Tawas Bay - A few walleye were taken in 20 to 25 feet of water. Perch fishing is still slow with almost no keepers. Pike spearing picked up a bit over the last week as the water cleared up.
Au Gres - Ice had started to form off the mouth of the river however it was not safe ice. Down in Wigwam Bay, walleye were caught in 5 to 7 feet of water however nobody is crossing the pressure cracks. Perch have also been caught.
Au Gres River - Anglers are still catching lots of small walleye in the lower river.
Houghton Lake -Anglers should keep all motorized vehicles away from the mouth of rivers and creeks as some have gone through the ice. Walleye have been caught over the Middle Grounds and in the East Bay near Denton Creek. Most are jigging rapalas. Pike are hitting on tip-ups with large shiners. They are deeper so try fishing two feet off the bottom in 8 to 10 feet of water. Crappie were caught by the Cut River. Those jigging shiners in the North Bay, the Middle Grounds and the East Bay caught fish. Pike are hitting on tip-ups all over the lake. Not much on panfish yet. Flint road has been good for walleye and Dave at Four Season Party Store is out looking for a good spot as last year hotspot the weeds are down and not holding fish. Dave at Four Season party Store is out looking for a good spot and has done well the last few days so give him a call at 989-422-5230 for his hot-spot He caught four keeper walleye last night.. Lyman's on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly pike contest
Upper Peninsula
Keweenaw Bay - Ice has formed again however extreme caution needs to be used because ice thickness is not uniform. There is open water from Sand Point to the north and thin ice was reported out from the Pump House. A few anglers are fishing from the Baraga Marina south to the head of the Bay. They have caught lake trout, coho, brown trout, herring, perch and smelt.
Green Bay - With improved ice conditions anglers were jigging inside the marina for yellow perch. Good numbers were caught however many were small. Trout were seen by those using tip-ups but the fish were not biting.
Menominee River - Anglers are targeting walleye and trout in open water near the Hattie Street Bridge on the Michigan side. A few brown trout were caught on blue and silver rapalas or plugs. The fish are mature and had nice color. Anglers are targeting walleye through the ice on the Wisconsin side of the dam. Late afternoon and evenings were best when jigging different colored rapalas with or without minnows. Small yellow perch and bluegills were taken near Menekaunee along with small walleye and pike off Boom Landing.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions improved slightly as temperatures dropped however many dangers still exist and caution must be used at all times. Pressure cracks have caused problems and ice thickness varies. Anglers are advised to stay north of the Terrace Bay Inn due to extremely dangerous conditions to the south. Catch rates for walleye and perch dropped over the last week due to changes in the weather and no snow cover. Those traveling by foot will want to use creepers. The better walleye catches were out from the Terrace Bay Inn when jigging rapalas with or without minnows in 25 to 35 feet of water. Smaller fish were caught in the Narrows when jigging rapalas or using tip-ups with minnows in 25 to 33 feet of water. Perch reports were mixed but those jigging minnows or spikes in 14 to 17 feet of water did manage to catch fish on the Second Reef and along the head of the Bay when jigging minnows in 13 to 19 feet of water. Whitefish anglers did well off Gladstone when jigging dead minnows in 35 to 40 feet of water.
Munuscong Bay - Catch rates slowed however some nice walleye were still being caught in 18 to 20 feet of water near the channel or west towards Grassy Island in shallow waters 4 feet deep. Many are jigging with minnows.
Cedarville and Hessel - Those fishing Musky Bay have caught small pike and perch in 12 to 14 feet of water. The occasional legal size perch was also caught. Hessel Bay was slow but those able to locate fish did manage to catch some big ones. Anglers are using minnows, wigglers and wax worms. Red and white were hot colors.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Has ice for foot traffic only. Brest Bay is producing some walleye. Try jigging rapalas, Swedish Pimples or small Cleo's tipped with minnows and stinger hooks. Those fishing off the Banana Dike caught some jumbo perch, pike and a few walleye while those fishing closer to the seawall at Metro Park Marina caught perch and bluegills.
Detroit River - Airport Bay continues to produce perch and some limit catches were reported. Perch were caught in the canals around Gibraltar. Up at Wyandotte, anglers are seeing perch on their cameras however the bite was slow.
Lexington - Is producing a lot of small perch along with the occasional 9 to 11 inch fish. Try minnows, spikes or wax worms. A couple steelhead were also caught on the same bait.
Port Sanilac - Ice anglers fishing the south end of the harbor caught a couple nice brown trout on minnows.
Saginaw Bay - Ice conditions remain extremely variable. Expansion cracks are active at many locations and anglers should not cross them. Colder weather has caused thin ice to form over previously open water. This ice is not thick enough to be safe. Anglers should avoid any area that recently had open water. No action near Pinconning because of pressure cracks. At Linwood, some are heading out to 18 feet of water however watch for the active pressure cracks and newly frozen ice which is not safe. There's fishing activity out near Spoils Island, but anglers need to use extreme caution. A good number of pike have been caught by open water anglers in the channel by the Hot Ponds and Tietz Drain. There is a pressure crack out there that nobody should try and cross. Slow fishing off Sebewaing with only a few perch caught in the marina and the river but decent catches of perch were reported off Rose Island in 4 to 6 feet of water. A lot of small perch caught off Geiger Road. Bluegills were caught in the cuts and marinas between Sebewaing and Bay Port. At the Mud Creek access site, perch were caught on hook and line and those spearing took some pike.
Saginaw River - Most fishing activity has been between the Independence Bridge and the mouth. Anglers are warned to use extreme caution as the ice was not good along that stretch. One angler did go through the ice out by the mouth. Bay City, Zilwaukee and Saginaw did not have much in the way of fishing activity.
Tittabawassee River - Colder weather has caused shore ice to form, so boat access is almost impossible.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe River - Those looking for steelhead will find fish below the Berrien Springs Dam. Try spawn or spinners.
Kalamazoo River - Trout anglers are taking steelhead in the lower river.
Van Auken Lake - Is producing some perch and crappie. Pike have been caught by those setting tip-ups or spearing.
Gun Lake - Yellow perch action continues off the west side near the park.
Gull Lake - Smelt and lake trout anglers are doing well.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Boat and shore anglers will want to pay close attention to ice coming over the dam. Steelhead have been caught near the dam when bouncing spawn bags, floating spawn or using jigs with wax worms. Walleye have been caught on both sides between Wealthy Street and the dam. Try husky jerks size 12, bucktail jigs, twister tails or a jig and minnow.
Reeds Lake - Pike are being speared on the east side in 6 to 10 feet of water. Perch were hitting on minnows and wax worms in 30 to 40 feet of water. For crappie, try 10 to 15 feet down in 35 to 40 feet of water. Some bluegills were caught on red and white spikes or mousies fished just off the bottom in 30 to 45 feet of water.
Muskegon Lake - Anglers should avoid the area between Cottage Grove and Laketon Avenue due to thin ice. Anglers should stay off the west end of the lake as there was open water there a few days ago. Pike have been caught between Hartshorn Marina and Fisherman's Landing or the southeast corner between Grand Valley and the boat launch. Do not go out at night if you are not familiar with the lake. Shallow water in the northwest corner is a good spot for bluegills. Perch anglers are taking fish but lots of small ones are also biting. Wait for that slow bite to reel in the bigger fish.
Muskegon River - Steelhead are still being caught up near Bridgeton. Try spikes, minnows, wax worms or spawn.
White Lake - Pike have been taken from the north end. Perch were in deep water in the central and west sections of the lake.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Many have been following the Pilgrim Village Spearing Contest, where the standings often change on a daily basis. Although our contest ended January 31st, pike spearing season continues to March 15. There’s still plenty of time to get that trophy or a delicious meal.
Spearing has become popular in the Cadillac Area with all ages; the seasoned and youth. We had 104 registered this year, an increase in Dark House participation. Thank you all.
Congratulations to:
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First Place Thomas Jessup 39 ¾ inches 12.5 lbs.
Second Place Lee Curtis 39 ½ inches 13.4 lbs.
Third Place Chris Vander Meulen 38 inches 11.8 lbs.
Fourth Place Mike Boerma 37 ¼ inches 9.14 lbs.
Fifth Place James Cornelius 35 ¾ inches 8.4 lbs.
Sixth Place Joe Kulhawick 34 ½ inches 9.13 lbs.
Seventh Place Brian Brown 34 5/16 inches 9.1 lbs.
Eighth Place Shawn Curtis 32 ½ inches 7.5 lbs.
Youth Division - 16 years and under
First Place Gavin Jessup 33 inches 7.14 lbs.
Second Place Tyler McConnell 28 ¾ inches 4.12 lbs.
Spearing on Mitchell, Gary Swiger nailed a Master Angler 29”, 9.6 pound Bowfin, soon to be made into a Rug Mount by Ron’s Taxidermy.
Chris Hansen is holding a 35 ½ inch pike he caught tip-up fishing on Lake Mitchell. He released this prize after photographing it.
Another Lake Cadillac pike, caught by Scott VanWormer, 32 inches, 7.5 pounds.
Charles Boyer holds a 14 ½ inch, 1.88 pound and a 13 ¾ inch perch. One is a Master Angler, but not from either of our lakes. Try Hubbard Lake for Master Angler size.
A member of the Youth Division of the Spearing Contest, Zach Reddy speared a meaty 25 5/8 inch pike.
Panfishing this past week has slowed down. Those doing the best are using the smallest jigs possible and tipping them with single spikes. Locals’ catching limits or near limits find dead sticking have effective. A subtle jiggle then allow your bait to be still.
Those with cameras or Vexilars see crappies and gills come to their bait, look and turn away. In general the panfish have not been aggressive. These conditions will change.
Plan to fish in the 26th NASF Ice Fishing Contest, Saturday February 6, 2010. Register now at the Pilgrim Village, MC Sports or Schafer’s Bait and Sporting Goods. Click here rules.
North American Snow Festival Fishing Tournament
Saturday, February 6th
NORTHERN MICHIGAN WEATHER
Think Ice Fishing
You've just discovered the most extensive information available to the Great Lakes Angler and Charter Fisherman I've been able to put together so far. Please keep in mind, there's well over 150 different pages, full of my original content containing an a complete encyclopedia fishing tips, past results, photos, tricks and "how to's." Only here, are the techniques to consistently catch more and larger fish are revealed in an easy to read and understand format""
E-mail me at kingscharter@yahoo.com Capt. John
Capt. Jack Duffy is the kind of licensed charterboat skipper who has a zest for life, a burning desire to make every fishing trip memorable and the stuff of which fishing dreams and legends are made. He is outgoing, wildly in love with fishing Lake Michigan for trophy Chinook and coho salmon, and the creamy-spotted lake trout that makes anglers enjoy catching fish. He also catches brown trout and high-jumping steelhead.
Call Capt. Jack at 231-883-7530 to book your next fishing adventure.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON BUDD LAKE AND LONG LAKE AND SURROUNDING LAKES IN THE HARRISON REGION CALL MIKE AT K. D. QUIK STOP IN HARRISON . 989-539-1269
Lyman's Ice Shanty Rental
Our shanties are located on the South shore
weedbed of Houghton Lake.
Northern Pike are very good and the occasional Walleye will be caught in this location.
Shanty rental includes transportation to and from the shanty and a propane heater.
Reservations are recommended. Check Out The Shanties Here
Rates
From 7:00 am till 7:00 pm.
2 Man $35.00
4 Man $40.00
6 Man $50.00
Sleeper shanty $75.00
From 7am/7pm with heat
NEW FOR 2009/2010 ICE FISHING SEASON LYMAN'S WEEKLY PIKE CONTEST!!!!!
You can win a $25 gift card for here at Lyman's each week. 1 winner each week. And on March 16th, 2010 we will have a drawing of all the pike registered for a chance to win a 2 MAN POP-UP SHANTY!!!!! That starts on the 26th. Come in for rules or email and ask for them at lyman@charter.net. But for the pike being caught right now most of them undersized about 1 out of 6 are keepers. Suckers and golden shiners on a tip up are doing well. This pike was caught at Lyman's on the Lake in Houghton Lake Jan 7
