Huge Lake Trout out of Higgins Lake along with lots of smelt off the west access site
Northwestern Michigan
Leroy- Reports are guys are getting out and gills are biting with good pike action Call Eye’s Have It for latest info 231-768-5653
Baldwin- The little lakes around Baldwin are safe and pan fish has been fair. Call Baldwin Bait @ 231-745-3529 or Ed’s Sport @ 231-745-4974
Big Glen- The lake is froze with 5 to 8 inches of ice, they are catching perch, trout and ciscoe’s. Had many reports of guys catching 12 to 14 inchers but there is no pattern on the bite as it has been later in the day and when they bite it last for about an hour. Call Fishhook@ (231) 256-9496
Little Glen- Has ice the perch are biting fair Call Fishhook@ (231) 256-9496.
Lake Leelanau: North Lake Leelanau has ice and a good perch and walleye bite, South Lake Leelanau is froze with 5 to 8 inches of ice and fair walleye, perch and pike. Call Fishhook@ (231) 256-9496 for latest info
Manistee Lake by Kalkaska- Good fishing this week with perch, pike, walleye and a few gills in the canals ice is 10 to 15 inches Call Jacks Sport Shop 231-258-8892
Spider Lake and Arbutus- 10 to 12 inches of ice with pike and pan fish biting, a huge pike was caught out of there last week Call Roy’s General Store @ 231-946-5633
Duck Lake: Lots of fisherman off of Strawberry Point and the penisula
Green Lake: The smelt fishing has been great with reports of 100 or more at night quite a few guys out today. Spikes and waxworms on Hali Jigs.
Long Lake: They are fishing the whole lake with the better bite off of Cresant shores and a great perch bite. They are catching nice perch but lots of short walleye. Call MC Sports @ 231-933-6158
Skegemog- Has completely froze over and lots of people are walking out also quads a driving with many shanties on the lake. The perch have been biting they last few days.They have been seeing some nice muskie’s Call Jack’s Sport Shop@231-258-8892
Fife Lake- Has ice and a few big pike have been caught, along with perch There was a bunch of guys off the access site today. Call Lakeside Party @ 231-879-4346
| Portage Lake- They were out in force today on Portage with a awesome perch bite as a big school has moved in from Lake Michigan. Many limit catches with perch running up to 14 inches. Also they have been catching whitefish this week along with pike and walleye. Osborn’s Big Fish Contest.
The dates of the 2013 Contest are February 15th, 16th and 17th. The same as free fishing weekend Onekama will have a poker run I think Saturday night, and the Lions will have pancake Breakfast Sunday morning at the fair grounds. The entry fee will be $10.00 for Adults this year and $5.00 for Children – 14 years and younger. The contest will again include all of Manistee and Benzie county lakes. You can enter at the Sports Shop or call 231-889-3775 |
Call Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775
Hamlin Lake- Has safe ice and many out and about catching crappie and gills with a good pike bite. Call PM Expeditions@ 231-425-8913 or Hamlin Grocery@(231) 843-2058
Bear Lake- Has 12 to 15 inches of ice today with a few getting out catching pike. Osborne’s@ 231-889-3775
Lake Missaukee- Has safe ice with a good crappie, gill and pike bite. report 10 to 15 inches of good ice with pike and gills are biting good Call Miller Corner@ 231-839-0440 or Hopkins Outfitters@ 231-839-FISH (3474)
Cadillac and Mitchell- Lake Cadillac they are fishing off the causeway and it has looked like a city on the ice this week Call Pilgrim Village for latest info@ 231-775-5412
Pentwater: Pentwater Lake is froze and the perch fishing has been great also a few pike. There was 50 shanties in front of Pentwater Angler and said the perch bite was on today. Call Pentwater Angler for the latest info@ 231-869-5357
Whitehall: White lake has ice with good pike and perch bite today. Call armstrongs@231–894-6753 or Johnson’s Outdoors @ 231-893-6688
Betsie River: Continues to produce some steelhead.
Big Manistee River: Is fishable and should have a fair to good number of steelhead including some fresh fish. Many are fly fishing below Tippy Dam.
Little Manistee River: Is producing steelhead and the occasional brown trout however the river will close to fishing on January 1st and will reopen on April 1st.
| Pere Marquette Lake: Had decent northern pike action for those using tip-ups.Pere Marquette River: No word on steelhead activity however water levels were still quite high. |
Crystal Lake a few guys went in the drink Tuesday so be careful and there is open water in the middle.
Northeast Michigan
Lewiston- Both East and West Twin are froze and perch, pike and walleye are biting Call Mid Lakes Market @ (989) 786-3227
Mio- Mio Pong has froze and a few are getting out on the lake. Call Jig’s Bait Shop@ (989) 826-3467
Lake St. Helen- Fishing has been good with 10 to 15 inches of ice lots of pike, with pan fish on the bite with a few walleye being caught. Call Macomb’s Tackle Box @ 989-389-2100
Pratt Lake and Wiggins Lake– has safe ice and many have been doing good on pan fish and pike. Call Chappel Dam@ 989-426-7503
Wixom and Sanford Lake- Reports are the lake is safe and fisherman have been getting out on the shallow bays catching crappie, gills and pike. Call Sanford Sport Shop@989-687-5161 or Sandy’s Market@ (989) 435-9688
Secord Lake has had a great bite this week Sandy’s Market@ (989) 435-9688
Fletcher’s Floodwaters- Those using tip-ups caught some nice pike. Crappies were taken on minnows, wax worms or spikes. Call Bill’s @989-742-4874
Black Lake- Has 9 to 15 inches of ice and a good walleye bite Call Parrots Outpost for the latest ice conditions (989) 733-2472
Mullet Lake- Has been good for perch the last few days call Mullet Lake Party store@ (231) 627-4644 or Topinabee Market@ 231-238-9578
Burt Lake: Perch and walleye fishing has been good. Call Pat & Gary’s Party Store 231-238-6776
Grand lake and Long Lake- Both lakes are safe and fisherman are venturing out catching perch and pike, Call Bucks@ 989-595-2121
Otsego Lake- The ice is safe and many shanties are on the lake. A few sturgeon have been caught off the State Park and good perch, pike and a few walleyes on Otsego Lake. Perch fishing has been fair on Bradford, chub Lake trout fishing has been good. Call Northern Sports@ 987-448-2014
Lake Margrethe- The lake is completely froze with 10 to 15 inches of ice and good fish being caught. There are quite a few shanties on the lake. Call Skip’s Sport @ 989-348-7111
Higgins Lake- Has from 8 to 12 inches of ice and the ice looks great today as they missed the snow storm South-end of the lake there are lots of shanties on the lake with great pike and perch right now. Good Lake Trout, pike and perch. The south end report of limit catches of perch. Smelt fishing has picked up the two days with reports of some catching 600 a night off the west access site . Call Phoenix Park 989-821-7220 or Sports Barn 989-821-9511 for latest ice conditions
Houghton Lake- Ice fishing is on Good pike, perch and walleye. Dave @ 4 season says off of long point good perch and walleye are being caught. he hurt his back so he had to take his shanties off the lake but fishing is good
Lyman’s has started putting their shanties out call them for your reservations@ 989-422-3231 Also Dave @ Four Season Party Store has his Shanties out and said last night they did good on the walleyes and pike. Call him @ 989-422-5230.
Angelos Party Store also has shanty retail call him @ 989-202-4422 ask for Lou.
Korbinski’s also rents shanties and has a full line of bait and Tackle call Rod@ 989-366-9500
Lake Avalon: In Montmorency County is producing a few bigger splake.
Alpena: The boat ramps are frozen in. A few perch were caught in the harbor.
Au Sable River: The ramps are usable. Steelhead were caught from Foote Dam all the way down to Oscoda and the mouth. Boat anglers are back drifting plugs or casting spawn.
Tawas: Was producing good numbers of decent size perch in 12 to 15 feet of water in the bay. Perch were also caught inside the State Harbor. Walleye were a little deeper in 15 to 20 feet of water and hitting at dawn or dusk. Those spearing have taken a few pike.
Au Gres River: Anglers were catching sublegal walleye and a few perch.
Rifle River: Is under a flood warning. Anglers may want to avoid the river until water levels have a chance to recede.
Upper Peninsula Report
Newberry- Has good ice on most the small lakes with pike biting fair.
Munuscong Bay –Dan’s Resort in Pickford reports : Is slower than usual with deep snow and scattered areas of slush. Ice formation east of Roach Point remains variable so extreme caution needs to be used. Walleye fishing has slowed for those fishing in 3 to 5 feet of water. For perch, most are jigging or still-fishing with minnows.. Call Dan’s Resort @ (906) 647-8753
Manistique– Ice is good on Indian Lake and Big Manistique and the Call Top O Lakes Sport@ 906-341-5241
Lake Gogebic: Walleye are still being caught in waters 7 to 12 feet deep. Try tip-ups with light line or try jigging rapalas near the weed beds. Catch rates for perch picked up for those using wigglers in 12 to 17 feet of water.
Keweenaw Bay: Catch rates were up and down. Those fishing off Sand Point and Lighthouse Point caught coho and lake herring 8 to 20 feet down in 30 to 90 feet of water. Those fishing on the Center Reef did well for lake trout in 80 to 110 feet of water. For whitefish, anglers did well east of the Baraga Marina in 70 to 95 feet of water. Lake trout were taken in 145 to 180 feet of water out from Jentoff’s Dock but ice conditions were not consistent. Don’t assume the ice is good just because you see someone else out there because some are still going out even though their spud broke through the ice. Those fishing at night caught smelt near the Baraga Marina or Bucks Marina.
Chicagon Lake: A few walleye were caught just before and right after dark by those using tip-ups with sucker minnows along the edge of the weeds in 10 to 15 feet of water. Bluegills were caught on wigglers and wax worms in 10 to 17 feet of water. A couple whitefish were caught in the early morning however the bite was slow.
Iron Lake: Is producing bluegill but many were small. Try small jigs or teardrops with wax worms, wigglers or spikes. Pike action was good but many were sub-legal. A few crappie were taken on minnows just before dark.
Groveland Mine Ponds: Ice fishing continues. On Island Lake, the bite was best in the early morning or late afternoon for bluegill, crappie and perch. West Lake was slow however a couple 11 to 13 inch perch were caught by those jigging in the middle or along the south end. Few anglers were out on the East Lake but the South Lake was producing some nice perch and some bluegills in 25 to 30 feet of water right off the boat launch.
Lake Antoine: Was producing bluegill, crappie and small yellow perch. A few smallmouth bass were also caught however bass season is closed. Anglers are using tip-ups with minnows and wax worms in 8 to 15 feet of water. Those spearing northern pike have seen fish but few were taken.
Little Bay De Noc: Ice conditions remain favorable north of the Escanaba River however ice thickness in the southern bay is not consistent as it ranges from 4 to 14 inches. Whitefish action was fair off Sand Point when using spawn or minnows in 75 to 85 feet of water or south of the “Narrows” in 33 to 40 feet. Catch rates for walleye were fair. Those fishing at night did better. Try the Third or Center Reefs using tip-ups with sucker minnows in 14 to 30 feet of water. Near the Escanaba River, anglers caught bigger fish on tip-ups or when jigging rapalas in 20 to 30 feet. Off the beach, anglers were jigging rapalas with minnows along the break in 23 to 30 feet of water. Perch fishing was hit-or-miss as some did well while others caught very few. The hot spots were out from Brach’s Cabins in 17 to 22 feet of water, Garth Point in 14 feet, and south to the Escanaba ship docks in 25 to 30 feet. Wigglers and minnows worked best. Northern pike spearing was good just off Butler Island in 10 to 12 feet of water. Those using tip-ups in 18 to 30 feet of water just off the Center Reef have also caught quite a few pike.
Munising: Anglers can be found from the West Channel near Christmas to Sand Point. Ice conditions have changed some after the mild weather. The snow has compacted which makes walking a little easier. Catch rates were still slow. Some are jigging a single egg for whitefish. A couple splake were caught. They range from sub-legal to 20 inches. A few perch were taken near Grand Island. Quite a few were targeting lake trout in the West Channel but no fish were reported. No reports from Trout Bay.
Cedarville and Hessel: Has ice however catch rates were extremely slow.
Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
Most of the inland lakes still had ice however thin spots were present on many, especially the bigger ones. Anglers need to use caution.
Lake Erie: Those fishing the Metro Park Marina caught bluegills on wax worms or red spikes. Perch were caught on minnows. About a mile south of the Metro Park, anglers caught bluegill, perch and a few pike in Lake Pointe Marina.
Huron River: Is producing some steelhead. Try spawn, wax worms, small spoons or body baits in bright colors.
Detroit River: Still has some flow ice coming down. Boat anglers are heading towards Sugar Island and ice fishing for bluegill and perch at the Cross Dike. Others were open water fishing in the canals near Gibraltar.
Lake St. Clair: The snow has melted so getting around on the ice is easier now but anglers still need to use caution as ice conditions are not consistent. Caution needs to be used in areas where there is a current, around any structure such as pilings and docks as well as the ice near shore. Perch were caught by those using minnows.
Saginaw Bay: Four words say it all this week,STAY OFF SAGINAW BAY! There are numerous active pressure cracks which make ice fishing dangerous. Deep snow has covered up some of the pressure cracks and the weak spots so anglers don’t know they are there until it is too late. Warmer temperatures along with a strong southwest wind will push offshore ice out into the open waters of Lake Huron. Ice conditions will be treacherous for the next several days. Machines have gone through the ice and people have found themselves in need of rescue.
Saginaw River: Is running high and muddy. Pretty much all the rivers around the bay are in the same shape. Rain, warm temperatures and offshore winds have increased the current. This will further erode any ice on the river. Ice conditions will be dangerous.
Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
Heavy snow and rain have made ice conditions extremely variable. Small lakes and isolated coves that had ice most of the season continue to support some ice fishing. On others, ice formation was not consistent.
St. Joseph: The piers are ice covered and dangerous.
St. Joseph River: Higher water levels are requiring most anglers to use a boat. The bite was slow however anglers should still find some steelhead up near the dams.
Kalamazoo River: Has higher water levels. Boat anglers were fishing for steelhead or walleye up near the Allegan Dam.
Holland: The piers are ice covered and dangerous. Anglers should avoid the area.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has an ice jam at the US-31 Bridge so anglers should avoid this area. Those steelhead fishing will do best near the dam. Try jigs, spawn, small spoons or body baits. High water levels call for bright colors. Those fly fishing have caught fish. For walleye, try up near the dam or near the bridges.
Rogue River: Is producing some steelhead. Some are fly fishing while others are drifting spawn and wax worms.
Grand River at Lansing: Is producing walleye at Moore’s Park and the North Lansing Dam. Minnows work best.
Reeds Lake: Is still producing bluegill, pike and crappie.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
This weekend all snow lovers were happy. Snowmobilers got to run on the 6 to 12 inches of new snow on the Cadillac Area groomed trails. Skiers enjoyed the fresh snow at Caberfae’s 75th Anniversary Season. AMR Motorcycle races were held on Lake Cadillac. Anglers have plenty of safe ice here on all the area lakes.
Ice fishermen sharpen your augers. Expect a foot and more of ice on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. Listen to the sound of power augers. Those with hand augers don’t cut many holes.
Mitchell and Cadillac have a reputation for good populations of crappie. Limits or near limits of 7 to 9 inchers are common. Good eaters. Currently a few lucky anglers are catching Master Angler size, the 14 inch range and over. Small minnows are the preferred bait used on light rods. Lately many of them have been caught on tip-ups. By accident or intent, those setting light line tip-ups with walleye size minnows are catching them. The bright sunny days have not been great. Best numbers come on the dark, gray ones. Late afternoons into dark have definitely been the best bite. Black crappie Master Angler size; catch and release 14″, catch and keep 14″ and minimum weight of 1.12 lbs.