FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Several say they caught larger fish that could beat those entered, but didn’t bring them in. Fish stories!
The days are shorter with the smell of Fall in the air. Warm days, longer cool nights. The lake water temperatures are falling. Soon the fish start returning to shallower depths.
Bass fishing has been good. Both large and small mouths are cooperating. Some are fishing for fun but there are several boats practicing for the last tournament or coming Classic. The crayfish are molting (soft shells) and many of the small mouths caught are missing scales on the noses from rubbing on the rocks and gravel for them. There’s plenty in the 2-3 pound range, but several reported over 4.
Panfish activity has picked up. Reports of near limits come from both Cadillac and Lake Mitchell. Crappies predominate the catches. Bluegills and perch come close. This is catch and eat.
Now that the lakes are cooling we’ll see larger pike. They get hungry in the Fall. Bass anglers seem to automaticaly catch several.
Searching for walleyes? Find another lake. They’re some where out there. Those specifically targeting them are catching everything else. Those few reported were accidentally caught fishing for other species, usually on leeches.
Salmon fever has infected the majority of anglers. The local rivers are filling with large, fresh salmon. The near by Big Manistee has good numbers of chinook, but lately schools of Coho have made their way to Tippy Dam. Happy, Happy, Happy! Boat anglers and shore fishermen are filling their coolers.
They are larger this Fall. Many of the Kings are over the 20 pound range. Coho may range 10 pounds plus.
Take your pick, the Big lake, Piers or Rivers – the salmon are there.