Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sturgeon Spearing Season Ends Quickly on Black Lake
It took just 30 minutes into the second day of the season for anglers to harvest the five sturgeon quota from Black Lake, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment said.
Spear fishermen took four fish during the first six-hour day of fishing.
This year, the DNRE worked with Sturgeon for Tomorrow to change the registration procedure, allowing open access to spearing instead of issuing a limited number of permits. DNRE personnel registered 255 anglers for Saturday’s opener and 169 on Sunday.
Successful anglers were required to register their fish immediately with the DNRE. The season was closed - and anglers still on the ice were notified - when the fifth fish was taken Sunday morning.
The sturgeon taken ranged from 28 pounds to a 104-pound, 75-inch specimen. Four of the fish had previously been captured by DNRE and Michigan State University netting crews and marked with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.
“The season worked out very well,” said DNRE fisheries biologist Tim Cwalinski. “We were able to allow a lot more participation and still protect the sturgeon population. We received nothing but positive comments from the public and we appreciate the efforts of Sturgeon for Tomorrow.”
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
ROCK ICE FISHING DERBY
ROCK ICE FISHING DERBY
February 13, 2010 6AM-DUSK on beautiful Fife Lake
One $10,000 tagged fish and several $100 tagged fish. Other prizes for largest fish and total weight. Many other prizes, drawings, etc. Fun for the whole family!Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the ROCK Youth Center.
Registration fee: $10 per fisher, Family of three or more $25
For details contact Terry Street (231) 499-4870
OSBORN??S BIG ICE FISHING CONTEST
1st ANNUAL 2010
OSBORN??S BIG ICE
FISHING CONTEST
(231) 889-3775
FEB.19TH,20TH, 21ST.
MANISTEE-BENZIE AREA LAKES
BIG PRIZES FOR BIG FISH!!
ADULT CLASSES:
1st 2nd 3rd
Pike 10??auger Ice Shanty Pike spear
Walleye 8? auger Vexlar Ice Shanty
Perch 8? auger Vexlar Ice Shanty
Smelt Vexlar Shanty Hand Auger /w light
Bluegill Ice Shanty Hand Auger Camo sled
Crappie Ice Shanty Hand Auger Camo sled
KIDS CLASSES:
1st 2nd 3rd
Pike camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Walleye camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Perch camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Smelt camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Bluegill camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Crappie camo&fur hat ice rod/reel asst. tackle
Prizes may alter as Sponsors are
finalized
Rules:
$5.00 Registration and weigh in at Osborn’s Sports Shop
Registration qualifies you for any and all classes.
Largest fish will be determined by weight only, except smelt will be by length.
Only one prize per person will be awarded.
Children s class will be 12 years and under.
Door Prizes:Drawing to be held Feb. 22nd.
Door Prizes can only be won by Patronizing our Area Sponsors to sign up.
Prizes: 10” Jiffy Ice Auger
Portage Point Inn - Weekend getaway, 2 nights free stay
Travelers Motel - Weekend getaway, 2 nights free stay
Alpine Motor Lodge - Weekend getaway, 2 nights free stay
Tilled Deer Food Plot
Marilla Woods(2) 1 night cabin lodgings
Bear Lake Country Highlands Golf Course- 18 Holes with cart for 2 people
River guided fishing Trip- Mark Haynes
Last Chance Charters Fishing Trip- Captain Ernest M. Miller
Thursday, February 04, 2010
What a Great Weekend to Fish
Big Glenn has a good perch bite as the photos above show a good catch from Dick 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
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Perch Bite on Big Glenn
Dick and Nick Timmons went out on Big Glenn today and caught 35 jumbo perch that filled a 5 gallon pail
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Big Glen is Frozen
Big Glenn is froze over and a few went to check to see if it is safe, will have more tomorrow. Crystal Lake went completely over last night and hope to be fishing smelt and lake trout by the weekend. Smelt fishing has picked up on both Green Lake by Interlochen and Higgins Lake reports good smelt catches on the west side.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Last Weekend for Tip Up Town
We’re getting ready for another great Tip-Up Town USA! Michigan’s largest winter festival takes place on January 22-24th, and 29-31st. It’s the Diamond Anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than ever before! Bookmark this site to keep up to date with all the activities planned for 2010. So starting making plans for the best fun that winter has to offer - Tip-Up-Town USA in wonderful Houghton Lake!
Click here for some short videos of some of the fun activities offered at Tip-Up Town USA
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
Higgins Lake is safe and things have been slow with the weather change but look for the smelt to start biting
Brutal weather has set in the last two days and very few fishing. The bite has been slow on many lakes still and hope things pick up this week. We have a great weekend of weather with 30’s predicted
Lake St. Helen is reporting great pike and panfish bite this week
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with panfish 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
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.
Crystal Lake is froze on the south -end with a few guys getting out for perch
Portage Lake is froze, and they report a good perch and walleye bite. Also lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Skegemog Lake - Ice anglers are catching perch and many shanties out for spearing muskie and pike.
Lake Missaukee - Has ice and anglers are out targeting panfish.
Lake Cadillac -Is producing some nice northern pike for those spearing or using tip ups with large minnows. Walleye anglers were doing well when using tip-ups with light line. Those seeking panfish have caught good numbers of crappie along with some bluegills and perch. Many are fishing the west side of the lake.
Lake Mitchell - Is also producing some nice northern pike. The better walleye bite has been in the early morning or late evening. Black crappie were caught.
Hamlin Lake is reporting a good panfish and pike bite with lots of people out and about this week. At midweek the upper lake had around 8 inches of ice. And there is 4 or more on the bayous. Pretty good ice, but, still be cautious this early in the year.We are riding snowmobiles just about anywhere. The bait of choice for bluegills seems to be spikes over waxworms. There have been good catches in the mornings and evenings using bright colored jigs. ccording to Hamlin grocery the hot colors were orange and yellow and chartreuse and purple. The National ice fishing circuit comes to Hamlin lake Jan. 28-31, 2010 The first prize of 7,500 will certainly draw lots of anglers. This is a simple event, you fish for five hours with your favorite fishing partner, bring back your eight heaviest bluegills and crappies. You only have to beat the other 149 teams. The event kicks off Jan 26 above sportsman’s Irish pub. The next day there is a free ice fishing seminar and then on Sat. there will be a USA Team qualifier, which could qualify a team for the world championship tournament. Last years event was in Poland. Then there is a rules meeting at Ramada Sat night. Sunday the tournament starts at 8.am. Fishing ends at 1.00 with a weigh in and chili cookoff in the James street plaza downtown Ludington. We have rooms and snowmobiles available We also are having our free lodging special again this year. With the popular response we had, it seemed like the thing to do. If you rent a snowmobile for a day you get a free night, of a two night stay. If you rent a snowmobile for 2 days you get 2 nights free, on and on. The more sleds you rent the larger the free unit, up to 3 bedroom. Same goes for atv’s. The hot tub is on and hot, ready for soaking. Come on up and enjoy, give us a call, 888-845-5187, thanks,
Saginaw Bay - Anglers are cautioned to be very careful if contemplating going out fishing. Ice conditions were deteriorating and the pressure cracks are very active which was causing the ice to buckle and pile up in places. Strong southwest winds may cause the ice to separate near the pressure cracks, which will increase the possibility of anglers being stranded on ice flows. A number of anglers fell through the ice near Linwood last weekend. A few perch were taken east of Quanicassee off Vanderbilt Park, the marina at Sebewaing and near Rose Island in 3 feet of water.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions worsened with the warm temperatures and rain. Anglers should avoid those areas near pressure cracks and the mouth of rivers as several vehicles have gone through the ice. The ice shifting near the pressure cracks has created some barriers. Extreme caution needs to be used. Anglers were still heading out for walleye. Good numbers of fish were caught in the flats near Kipling however most were on the small side. Try rapalas or tip-ups with minnows in 25 to 35 feet of water. Perch action in 10 to 17 feet of water out from the Day’s River and south towards Kipling. Anglers are jigging wigglers and minnows. Most anglers reported few catches however some large jumbos have been caught. Good pike spearing east of Butler Island in 10 feet of water on natural and artificial decoys.
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 - A few yellow perch in the 10 to 13 inch range have been caught in 8 to 10 feet of water in Hessel Bay. Wigglers worked best. Those fishing Musky Bay caught perch and pike but many were sub-legal. Cedarville Bay and the waters around Little Joe Island were producing a few more legal size perch.
Houghton Lake - Ice anglers are taking northern pike on tip-ups with minnows. Walleye have been caught out by the Middle Grounds. Most are jigging along the weeds in 6 to 8 feet of water. 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
Monday, January 25, 2010
Ice is safe after rains
Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac are not know for “Big” walleye, but they are there. The past DNR stockings are improving the numbers but there’s still good adult, “Big” walleye in both lakes. This past week several trophy size were caught from both lakes.
Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac are not know for “Big” walleye, but they are there. The past DNR stockings are improving the numbers but there’s still good adult, “Big” walleye in both lakes. This past week several trophy size were caught from both lakes.
Nathan Tykwinski holds a 29 1/2 inch walleye caught on Lake Mitchell almost 8 pounds it takes two hands to hold.
Smelt Fishermen - it’s time! Green, Higgins and Crystal all have ice. Good catches have started. Remember, there is a two gallon possession limit this year. Most Catches have been reported from Green Lake. Jesse Nelson is pictured with some 9 inchers caught there. Green has the reputation for small (but tastey) smelt. Maybe they’re growing.
Ice is good on all the lakes and with the cold weather ice will be awesome with no snow.
Fishing has been slow but hope the cold snap will turn the bite back on.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Stop the Asian Carp
In December 2009, DNA testing found evidence that Asian carp were within a few miles of Lake Michigan, yet the locks which provide the carp with a direct path into Lake Michigan remain open. As a result, on behalf of the citizens of Michigan I sued the State of Illinois and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to force the immediate closure of these locks. Almost immediately, other Great Lakes states supported us in court, including New York, Wisconsin, Ohio and Minnesota. The Province of Ontario joined us as well. However, the Obama administration and the State of Illinois are opposing our suit and refuse to close the locks.
You can help us convince federal and local authorities to close the locks and protect the jobs and ecology that depend on the health of the Great Lakes by signing this e-petition. We will present the petition to President Obama and hope that he changes his position. Please go here to sign petition
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tip Up Town USA
We’re getting ready for another great Tip-Up Town USA! Michigan’s largest winter festival takes place on January 22-24th, and 29-31st. It’s the Diamond Anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than ever before! Bookmark this site to keep up to date with all the activities planned for 2010. So starting making plans for the best fun that winter has to offer - Tip-Up-Town USA in wonderful Houghton Lake!
Click here for some short videos of some of the fun activities offered at Tip-Up Town USA
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
Higgins Lake is froze and has 6 inches of ice, the pike bite has slowed but they are still taking some nice pike, also small perch are biting, with the smelt just starting to bite
We have great ice and lots of fisherman are getting out this week and trying there luck. The bite has been slow on many lakes still and hope things pick up this week. We have a great weekend of weather with 30’s predicted
Lake St. Helen is reporting great pike and panfish bite this week
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with panfish 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
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.
Crystal Lake is froze on the south -end with a few guys getting out for perch
Portage Lake is froze, and they report a good perch and walleye bite. Also lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Skegemog Lake - Ice anglers are catching perch and many shanties out for spearing muskie and pike.
Lake Missaukee - Has ice and anglers are out targeting panfish.
Lake Cadillac -Is producing some nice northern pike for those spearing or using tip ups with large minnows. Walleye anglers were doing well when using tip-ups with light line. Those seeking panfish have caught good numbers of crappie along with some bluegills and perch. Many are fishing the west side of the lake.
Lake Mitchell - Is also producing some nice northern pike. The better walleye bite has been in the early morning or late evening. Black crappie were caught.
Hamlin Lake is reporting a good panfish and pike bite with lots of people out and about this week. At midweek the upper lake had around 8 inches of ice. And there is 4 or more on the bayous. Pretty good ice, but, still be cautious this early in the year.We are riding snowmobiles just about anywhere. The bait of choice for bluegills seems to be spikes over waxworms. There have been good catches in the mornings and evenings using bright colored jigs. ccording to Hamlin grocery the hot colors were orange and yellow and chartreuse and purple. The National ice fishing circuit comes to Hamlin lake Jan. 28-31, 2010 The first prize of 7,500 will certainly draw lots of anglers. This is a simple event, you fish for five hours with your favorite fishing partner, bring back your eight heaviest bluegills and crappies. You only have to beat the other 149 teams. The event kicks off Jan 26 above sportsman’s Irish pub. The next day there is a free ice fishing seminar and then on Sat. there will be a USA Team qualifier, which could qualify a team for the world championship tournament. Last years event was in Poland. Then there is a rules meeting at Ramada Sat night. Sunday the tournament starts at 8.am. Fishing ends at 1.00 with a weigh in and chili cookoff in the James street plaza downtown Ludington. We have rooms and snowmobiles available We also are having our free lodging special again this year. With the popular response we had, it seemed like the thing to do. If you rent a snowmobile for a day you get a free night, of a two night stay. If you rent a snowmobile for 2 days you get 2 nights free, on and on. The more sleds you rent the larger the free unit, up to 3 bedroom. Same goes for atv’s. The hot tub is on and hot, ready for soaking. Come on up and enjoy, give us a call, 888-845-5187, thanks,
Saginaw Bay - Anglers are warned to be very careful of changing ice conditions! Extreme caution needs to be used. The pressure cracks are extremely dangerous at this time so anglers should avoid those areas. Two anglers drowned since last Friday, and in both cases they were riding ATV’s, got onto thin, newly frozen ice, and broke through. There are a lot of pressure cracks out there, and if you’re riding an ATV or snowmobile, you can come upon a crack or thin ice before you have time to stop. Ice conditions were not great before the recent thaw, and now they are worse. Stay away from the mouth of rivers, creeks and drains because the recent thaw has increased runoff which in turn has eroded the ice in those areas. Local Sheriff Departments have been calling for people to stay off the ice. It would be wise to fish in shallow waters only and stay close to shore. Those wading open waters in the channel near the Hot Ponds caught walleye and pike. Many were small. Perch fishing was slow in the shallow waters between Sebewaing and Mud Creek. Walleye anglers were not fishing this area because the ice was not safe outside the islands.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice in the shipping channel in Escanaba has reopened producing DANGEROUS ice conditions. Anglers are discouraged from venturing out in this area. The majority of anglers are going out from the Terrace Bay Inn and north to the head of the Bay. Some were driving vehicles out north of the Narrows however it is not recommended. Several large ice breaks have opened in various areas across the Bay so anglers need to use extreme caution. Walleye catches have been fair at best with most of the large fish caught off the Center Reef with tip-ups and suckers in 25 to 31 feet of water. The best concentrations of fish have been south of Gladstone Beach in 25 to 35 feet of water. Try jigging rapalas with minnows. Those fishing the head of the Bay caught walleye and perch when jigging rapalas or using tip-ups with suckers in 8 to 19 feet of water. Catch rates for perch slowed however fish were still caught in both deep and shallow waters. Try jigging minnows in 27 to 35 feet of water or spikes and wigglers in 11 to 17 feet of water near Kipling. Jumbo perch were caught at the head of the Bay in 8 to 13 feet of water. Several large pike were taken off the Second Reef when using suckers in 27 to 33 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.
Twin Lake - Near Newberry has ice and the bluegill anglers are out.
Houghton Lake - Ice anglers are taking northern pike on tip-ups with minnows. Walleye have been caught out by the Middle Grounds. Most are jigging along the weeds in 6 to 8 feet of water. 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
Monday, January 18, 2010
Black Lake Sturgeon Regs
DNR Announces New Sturgeon Spearing Regulations at Black Lake
Jan. 8, 2010
Michigan DNR - The Department of Natural Resources has announced new regulations for sturgeon spearing at Black Lake designed to allow more people to participate.
Anglers who want to try their hands at sturgeon spearing season will be required to register on-site at Black Lake the day they plan to fish. They will be required to register any sturgeon speared immediately.
Sturgeon season is slated to begin Feb. 6 and will run through Feb. 10 or whenever the quota is reached, whichever comes first.
The new harvest strategy replaces the system that has been used in recent years that required anglers to draw for permits and limited the number of participants. Under the new system, the five-day season will close as soon as the quota is reached. Anglers on the ice when the quota is reached will be notified that the season is closed.
Biologists believe the new system will allow greater participation but will protect the Black Lake sturgeon population from over-harvest. The change was developed in conjunction with Sturgeon For Tomorrow, a conservation group centered at Black Lake.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Higgins Lake has a Great Pike Bite
Don’t forget you can use 3 lines per person this year.
Higgins Lake is froze and I shot this image saturday, also One of the best pike bites in 20 years on Higgins Lake, and many are trophy class 20 pounds plus. There is 5 inches of ice on the lake with smelt and perch being caught also.
We have ice and lots of fisherman are getting out this week and trying there luck. The bite has been slow on many lakes still and hope things pick upslow this week as bad weather moved in for a few days. Mixed reports are still coming in regarding ice safety. Snow cover does insulate the ice and slow the freezing process. Avoid structures such as docks or pilings and stay off any soft or discolored ice. Always test the ice thickness with a spud. Use the buddy system and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Be sure to wear a flotation devise and take rescue gear such as a rope, ladder, or anything that you could use to extend your reach.
Lake St. Helen is reporting good pike and walleye with a few panfish this week
Down at Wixom Lake they are doing good off the access site with panfish 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
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.
Crystal Lake is froze on the south -end with a few guys getting out for perch
Portage Lake is froze, and they report a good perch and walleye bite. Also lots of pike being caught on golden shiners.
Skegemog Lake - Ice anglers are catching perch and many shanties out for spearing muskie and pike.
Lake Missaukee - Has ice and anglers are out targeting panfish.
Lake Cadillac -Is producing some nice northern pike for those spearing or using tip ups with large minnows. Walleye anglers were doing well when using tip-ups with light line. Those seeking panfish have caught good numbers of crappie along with some bluegills and perch. Many are fishing the west side of the lake.
Lake Mitchell - Is also producing some nice northern pike. The better walleye bite has been in the early morning or late evening. Black crappie were caught.
Hamlin Lake is reporting a good panfish and pike bite with lots of people out and about this week. At midweek the upper lake had around 8 inches of ice. And there is 4 or more on the bayous. Pretty good ice, but, still be cautious this early in the year.We are riding snowmobiles just about anywhere. The bait of choice for bluegills seems to be spikes over waxworms. There have been good catches in the mornings and evenings using bright colored jigs. ccording to Hamlin grocery the hot colors were orange and yellow and chartreuse and purple. The National ice fishing circuit comes to Hamlin lake Jan. 28-31, 2010 The first prize of 7,500 will certainly draw lots of anglers. This is a simple event, you fish for five hours with your favorite fishing partner, bring back your eight heaviest bluegills and crappies. You only have to beat the other 149 teams. The event kicks off Jan 26 above sportsman’s Irish pub. The next day there is a free ice fishing seminar and then on Sat. there will be a USA Team qualifier, which could qualify a team for the world championship tournament. Last years event was in Poland. Then there is a rules meeting at Ramada Sat night. Sunday the tournament starts at 8.am. Fishing ends at 1.00 with a weigh in and chili cookoff in the James street plaza downtown Ludington. We have rooms and snowmobiles available We also are having our free lodging special again this year. With the popular response we had, it seemed like the thing to do. If you rent a snowmobile for a day you get a free night, of a two night stay. If you rent a snowmobile for 2 days you get 2 nights free, on and on. The more sleds you rent the larger the free unit, up to 3 bedroom. Same goes for atv’s. The hot tub is on and hot, ready for soaking. Come on up and enjoy, give us a call, 888-845-5187, thanks,
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.
Twin Lake - Near Newberry has ice and the bluegill anglers are out.
Higgins Lake - is froze- there were a couple shanties out on the south -end off of Lincohn RD
Houghton Lake - Ice anglers are taking northern pike on tip-ups with minnows. Walleye have been caught out by the Middle Grounds. Most are jigging along the weeds in 6 to 8 feet of water. 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. Lyman’s on the lake is putting his shanties out today and will be renting on the 26. We are also going to have a pike fishing contest which starts the 26 also. 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. Lyman’s on the lake has shanties out and has a weekly contest
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Point Betsie Fireworks
Shot this photo last night as the sun came out and gave me quite a show
Fishing Slow
I’m not hearing any good reports the last few days as the fish have turned off many places. Portage Lake is good for pike this week with golden working best. Higgins has 5 inches of ice and they are getting out but no reports yet. will know more tomorrow.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Higgins Lake is Froze
I shot this photo saturday on Higgins Lake as it is froze with shanties on the south-end. We hope to be on the smelt grounds this week.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2009
??
??
Enjoy catching ??Big? fish. Set your tip-ups on either Cadillac or Lake Mitchell and see what happens. This past week tip-up and spear fishermen have been catching pike over the 30 inch mark and some up to 38 inches. We??ve heard stories of even larger but 38 is the largest, we??ve actually weighed and measured.
We??re often asked which lake is the best. Lake Cadillac gets the most pressure because it??s accessible from all sides. Fishermen can be seen and parking is available around most of the lake. Basically bowl shaped the deep water and weed beds are easy to figure out.
Lake Mitchell is almost twice the size of Cadillac, without as much public access. It has the reputation for being shallow and usually takes longer to locate drop offs and deeper depths. Consequently fewer fish Mitchell.
When it comes to pike traditionally the numbers come from Mitchell. Fewer but larger pike come from Cadillac. That said, this winter it hasn??t mattered. Trophy size pike have been caught from both lakes.
Pilgrim Village Spearing Contest:
Some new names have appeared, and some of the past leaders were bumped..
First Place Chris Vander Meulen 38 inches 11.8 lbs.
Second Place Mike Boerma 37 ¼ inches 9.14 lbs.
Third Place Joe Kulhawick 34 ½ inches 9.13 lbs.
Fourth Place Brian Brown 34 5/16 inches 9.1 lbs.
Fifth Place Ralph Henry 32 inches 8.5 lbs.
Sixth Place Scott McConnell 32 inches 7.5 lbs.
Seventh Place Chris Hansen 32 inches 7.4 lbs.
Eighth Place Steve Sikkema 32 inches 7.2 lbs.
Youth Division - 16 years and under
First Place Tyler McConnell 28 ¾ inches 4.12 lbs.
Second Place Donald Hiltz Jr. 26 ¼ inches 3.11 lbs.
Think pike are bony and prefer the sweet taste of panfish. Try the Coves on Lake Mitchell or the east side of Cadillac for a mixed catch. Crappie are predominant but gills and a few keeper perch can fill a limit.
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.
See you on the ice!