Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Rain then Blizzard
We had rain saturday then sunday morning we had blizzard conditions. The thaw helped the lakes as we had too much snow on the lakes now we are down to the ice. Ice is great on most lakes, but Higgins and Mullet will be a few days before we can fish.
Fish were biting good on most lakes till the rain hit, and not many fisherman have been out the last two days. Lake Margrethe has been good for walleye and pike call Skips Sport Shop 989-348-7111 for the latest info.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008
Christmas week began with lots of snow and fish for those who ventured out. It??s been difficult to keep up with the weather changes. We??ve gone from too much snow, 50 degree temperatures with rain, to blizzard conditions.
The warm up melted most of the snow on Mitchell and Cadillac which makes it easier to move around. Use caution on the lakes as we also lost some ice. Reported ice depths range from 5 to 12 inches depending on your location.
As we generate this report the temperature has dropped with snow and blowing. The New Year should bring in thicker ice. However, use your spud to check any area you wish to fish.
Crappie fishing has remained good, especially at the Causeway area (West side of Cadillac). The evening bite has been the best. Small minnows or jigs tipped with red spikes are working equally well. It??s been hard to find numbers of big bluegills. The best bet has been the Coves on Mitchell but limits have been scarce. Those doing the best are using micro jigs with spikes. Lately it??s been mixed catches of gills and crappie.
Shockingly, an unusual number of big walleyes have been iced. No hot spots, both lakes, most were caught by jigging Rapalas just before dark. There??s been several since in the 4 to 6 pound range. Brian Brown is back! You saw the photo of the 9 pounder last week. This time with a 25?, 6.7 pound walleye, he released the 9 pound female he caught last week.
No matter what the weather pike fishing has been good. Numbers of Christmas pike over 30 inches were caught. As normal, the numbers come from Mitchell. Fewer but usually larger pike come from Lake Cadillac. Spear and tip-up fishermen are doing well.
Tip-up fisherman Steve Pipkins came from Traverse City to fish Lake Mitchell. He returned with a 5 lb., 29 ¾? pike. Andrew Brunner also from Traverse City set his tip-ups on Cadillac. He caught a limit, one 27? and a 30 incher.
The competition in the Pilgrim Village Pike Spearing Contest has been fast and furious. The lead has changes often. Current standings are:
1st Place - William Beaver - 34 ½?, 8.8 pounds
2nd Place - Brian Brown - 33 ¾?, 8.8 pounds
3rd Place - Alan Anderson - 32?, 6.9 pounds
4th Place - Chris Hansen - 31 1/8?, 7 pounds
5th Place - James Cornelius - 29 ¾?, 6.2 pounds
6th Place - Boone Williams - 28 ¾?, 5 pounds
Our leader, William Beaver, his best luck comes from the ones he carves. He??s donating one as a prize for our spearing contest. Brian Brown slipped to #2. He??ll have to sharpen his spear. Alan Anderson speared his 32? pike on Lake Mitchell. He enjoys the sport. This year there??s more interest in pike spearing. Must be the early season.
Sign up for the 7th Annual Pike Contest at the Pilgrim Village Fishing Shop. Great prizes and no fee, but you must be registered before fishing.