Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
More contest
Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: The Curtis Winter Carnival on South Manistique Lake
Event Description: There will be both a youth fishing derby for kids 14 and under as well as an adult fishing derby which will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Both derbies will have an entry fee of $3.00 to fish outside or $5.00 to fish in the coop. Fishing poles and bait will be furnished, and prizes will be awarded. Call or check out our web site at http://www.curtischamber.com for additional information.
Date: Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20, 2011
Time: Saturday 8 am - Dark and Sunday 8 am - 2 pm
Location: McDonald Lake Access Site
Contact: B. G. Kokesh, 906-283-3266
Event Description: There will be a youth fishing derby for kids 14 and under. Must be registered and accompanied by an adult. Those attending can pre-register or wait until the day of the event. Bring your own pole and bait. Prizes and awards will be given away after 2:00 pm on Sunday. Refreshments will be available at the boat launch
Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Rifle River Recreation Area, Grousehaven Lake Boat Launch
Contact: Eric Cowing, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 989-473-2258
Event Description: There will be a winter hayride through the park so families can come and enjoy the winter scenery. There will be a fishing lake and a sledding hill. Those attending will also enjoy free hot dogs, hot chocolate and a warm fire. There is no cost for this event, however, a $10 State Park Passport is required for all vehicles entering the park.
Fishing Contest for free fishing weekend
Fishing Contest for next weeks free fishing weekend
2011 BIg Ice Tournament - Osborns Sport Shop
$5.00 Pre-Registration at Osborn’s Sports Shop. By Feb. 17th 7 pm. Start fishing 12 am runs up to 4:30 pm Sunday Feb. 20th. check it out @ http://www.osbornssportshop.com/
Check out the Baitshop North’s big fishing contest in Lake City @ http://www.bucsfishingreport.com/baitshop_north/fishing_contest.html
Check out the Rock Fishing Contest on Saturday February 19th
7am - 5pm
on Fife Lake in Fife Lake MI@ http://therockofkingsley.com/Home_Page.php
Northwest:
Green Lake by Interlochen is producing smelt off the music camp, glow hali’s tipped with spikes and waxworms working best. Also the last few days lights are a must. Fisherman are getting out on the south access by the out let of the Little Betsie and doing good.
Manistee Lake -Has a good pike bite right now with a few perch being caught
Lake Missaukee -Was good for panfish and pike were hitting on tip-ups with a variety of minnows.
Cadillac Area: Lake Cadillac - Is producing some crappie along with a few perch and bluegills. Pike action continues for those spearing or using tip-ups. Lake Mitchell - Is still producing a good number of pike. Mid Season fishing has picked up. Good catches of crappie, often limits are back. Consistent crappie fishermen tell us to concentrate on 8 foot depths, early and before dark. Often they’re just under the ice. Most are fishing the bottom and may miss them. Even electronics may not work when they’re suspended so high.
Fife Lake they are catching perch,pike and some gills on waxworms.
Elk Lake has some brave souls venturing out for Lake trout.
Little Glen is producing pike and perch.
Big Glen has many trying with a few perch being caughtit is really hit or miss.
Lake Leelanau has slowed on perch and walleye bite on the south end with some trout and walleye coming off the north-end. For bigger bluegills, try the south lake. Call the Fishook for the latest bite @ 231-256-9496
Long Lake is producing walleye and perch but the catch rate has slowed this week.
Portage lake the perch have started to bite, with some pike being caught.
Skegemog is producing perch with many small ones now with wigglers and perch minnows working best for the perch.
Lake Bellaire they are just starting to venture out on and a few big walleye being caught.
Around Leroy fishing is good for pike.
Lake Charlevoix - Is providing moderate success for both yellow perch and walleye. The South Arm was producing the best.
Intermediate Lake - In Antrim County also has walleye anglers targeting the south end of the lake.
Manistee River -Not a lot of reports have come in since the return of arctic weather. Those brave enough to head out should still find some steelhead to catch.
Some are starting to get back out on Mullet, Black and Burt but be very careful.
Spider and Arbutus Lake by TC have been good for panfish
Haymarsh Lakes - In Mecosta County, were producing limit catches of bluegill.
Crystal Lak eSmelt have been caught at night in 40 to 50 feet of water. Try Hali jigs with spikes or wax worms. Perch off Lobb Rd. but sorting many small perch.
Hamlin Lake - Should also be giving up bluegill, crappie and perch. For crappie, try the drop-off along the Narrows. For walleye, try just south of the Narrows and fish early morning or late evening.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Higgins Lake Is producing some smelt out from Amvets Lodge on the west side of the lake, off the North State Park and out from Big creek. Try 20 to 35 feet of water in the morning until about 10am or in the evening. Pike spearing was good and lake trout were hitting on tip-ups with minnows or smelt. Perch anglers are fishing the weed beds in the morning.
Houghton Lake -Has safe ice with lots of small pike and walleye being caught. Still has good walleye action along the north shore and in the East Bay in 8 to 11 feet of water along the drop. Pike action is also good on the south end when using tip-ups. Panfish are hard to find and the bite is slow. Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake is reporting things are tough to get out on the lake.and will give you info where his shanty is you can call or visit him at his store phone# 989-422-5230. Also he has started to rent shanties this week so give him a call. Also Dave got a shipment of Otter shanties in for sale.
Tawas - Catch rates for perch, walleye, and pike were slow. Fishing pressure was light due to deep snow.
Lake Margrethe has ice and the fishing has slowed for perch, and a few walleye and pike are being caught..
Otsego Lake off the state park has been good for pike, perch, and some are trying there luck for strugeon Bradford Lake a few are getting out perch fishing. Chub lake trout have been biting on blues
Harrison report all the lakes are froze and have safe ice with panfish and pike biting great with first ice.
Lake St Helen has a good pike and panfish bite with a few walleyes being caught.
West Branch has safe ice with many pike and gills being caught
Black Lake - Was producing some nice perch but catch rates were slow. A few muskie were also caught..
Wixom Lake has slowed with many fishing off the access site reporting catches of gills and pike. Crappie have started to bite.
Grand Lake - Is producing some perch and panfish. For pike and walleye, try tip-ups in Whiskey Bay or Black Bass Bay.
Long Lake - Try tip-ups with a minnow on the bottom for northern pike. Those looking for perch will want to fish along the north and south shores.
Mullett Lake - Anglers still catching perch on minnows and wigglers in 20 to 45 feet of water. Spearing action was still slow but those fishing hook and line did manage to catch a few pike. Cisco and walleye fishing were slow.
Hubbard Lake - Is producing a few walleye.
McCollum Lake - In Oscoda County, is producing good numbers of panfish.
Sugar Springs, Wiggins and Pratt Lake have been good for pike and a few gills being caught.
Secord Lake has had a good bite this winter for big crappie and pike.
Upper Peninsula
keweenaw Bay - Coho and a few lake herring were caught out from the L’Anse Marina, just north of the Legion, off Sand Point and out from the Tribal Police Station. Try 8 to 15 feet down in 20 to 70 feet of water. Lake trout were caught out from Jentoft’s and the Tribal Police Station when jigging in waters between 70 and 220 feet deep. Perch were caught near the Baraga Marina and the Whitefish Hole east of Baraga was producing a mix of lake trout and whitefish in 80 to 105 feet of water. On average, the bite was slow except for smelt hitting at night. Best times were 7-10pm and midnight until 2am.
Little Bay De Noc - Has pretty good ice conditions and just enough snow for easy access. Some reported problems when trying to cross the pressure cracks, especially near the Terrace Bay Inn. Extreme caution needs to be used. Catches were mixed but the best area was near Kipling where walleye and perch were taken by those jigging rapalas or minnows in 30 feet of water. Good numbers of jumbo perch were also reported. Fair to good walleye catches out from the Terrace Bay Inn and south to the Escanaba River when jigging rapalas or using tip-ups in 25 to 33 feet of water. Some reported good catches near Portage Point however this area is still dangerous and caution needs to be used. Some have marked and caught good numbers of smelt in this area when using shiners. Whitefish anglers are out in force near Sand Point. Most are jigging spawn or minnows in 70 to 90 feet of water.
Munising - Most anglers are concentrating on whitefish. Catch rates were fair when using a single egg in 50 to 80 feet of water. The size and number varies but most anglers were bringing in fish. Lake herring and splake were slow. Burbot have started to bite and are hitting in the early morning. Some lake trout were caught in deep water in the channels around Grand Island. Live bait is permitted in the waters around Pictured Rocks however anglers must retain proof by means of a receipt that they are fishing with certified bait, which means it is VHS free.
Indian Lake - Anglers with vehicles are getting stuck in snow drifts. Accessing the lake off Elm Street is not advised as the ice has shifted near shore and there is now a pool of water on top of the ice. Those trying to drive around it are creating very deep ruts, so lower vehicles are getting stuck. Those heading out on the northeast side of the lake should use Danielson’s Landing. Someone was nice enough to plow the road which makes access much easier. On the northwest side, the launch in Lange’s Bay is still a good place to access the lake however watch for deep snow. The pressure crack on the north end has opened up even more. On the south end, anglers were still crossing but caution needs to be used. Anglers should stay away from the mouth of the Indian River and use extreme caution near Silver Creek on the west side, Palm Springs area on the northwest side and north of the Lange’s Bay launch where there are springs. A few perch were taken by those still-fishing or jigging with minnows. Those using tip-ups with bigger minnows were taking a few walleye and pike. Best time to fish was at dusk or just after dark.
Munuscong Bay - Walleye catches have slowed considerably as the fish remain scattered in waters up to 30 feet deep. Perch are slow, but can still be found in shallow waters 3 to 6 feet deep.
Cedarville and Hessel - Only those that are persistent have caught a few perch along the west side of Hessel Bay, off Haven Island, and the east end of Hessel Bay in 6 to 14 feet of water when using wigglers and minnows. Musky Bay was slow but a few did manage to catch some perch in 10 feet of water.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Catch rates were spotty in Brest Bay and near the Banana Dike and Metro Park Marina. Deep snow on the ice is making travel more difficult.
South Lake - In the Pinckney Recreation Area is producing some black crappie and pike. For crappie, try jigging minnows in 20 to 25 feet of water.
Detroit River - Perch can still be found off Gibraltar. Airport Bay was fair to good for bluegill, perch and pike. Most of the marinas are also providing fair to good action for bluegill and perch.
Lake St. Clair - Had a great deal of snow on the ice which is making travel much more difficult. Perch reports were spotty with most anglers only taking a few fish. The big winter storm slowed all the action in Anchor Bay.
Lexington - Anglers are still fishing for rainbows but catch rates were slow. The water is very clear, so anglers can see good numbers of rainbow, perch and suckers.
Saginaw Bay - Anglers are complaining about access sites being snowed in. Snow removal is in the process however it may take some time. Perch anglers are heading out 8 miles off Pine River Road, but catch rates were slow. Fair walleye action 5 miles off Pinconning and Linwood anglers are heading out to the Spark Plug for walleye. Vanderbilt Park is producing a few perch. Not much activity on the east side and the water is too muddy for spearing. At Caseville, a few lake trout were taken through the ice.
Saginaw River - Sublegal walleye continue but a few keepers were caught at Essexville near the Anderson Marina and the Coast Guard Station. Those fishing near the Independence Bridge have also caught the occasional keeper. Smaller walleyes were caught between Bay City and Saginaw. A few perch were taken off Patterson Road near the mouth.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph River - Should have fair to good steelhead action by the weekend.
Randall Lake - In Branch County is producing good catches of panfish and pike.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Steelhead action is starting to pick back up.
Grand River at Lansing - Is still good for pike at both the Moore’s Park Dam and the North Lansing Dam when using pike or sucker minnows under a bobber.
Lake Lansing - Is good for pike and panfish.
Muskrat Lake - Is giving up bluegill and crappie.
Sessions Lake - Has been good for bluegill and crappie. Anglers are fishing off the point along the south end of the lake.
Muskegon Lake - Is producing some perch. Most were small however a few keepers were taken as well.
White Lake - Is producing perch, but many were small. Try 20 to 30 feet of water off Indian Point. Pike anglers using tip-ups or spears caught fish in the Narrows.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Please Stop the Snow
Well the storm that was suppose to miss us did not and our lakes have slush and deep snow. Ice fishing continues but heavy snow cover will not only make travel on the ice difficult, but will also make it harder to see areas with pressure cracks and other dangers. Slow down and watch for snow drifts. Use extreme caution.
Higgins Lake when they can get out is producing perch and smelt. Also the lakers and whitefish are biting with many happy anglers catching fish.
Many lakes have slowed down this week with the cold front, and the snow on the ice. Dave on Houghton Lake reports things have slowed for two days then they bite so there is no pattern right now and hopes the warm-up gets the fish biting. He will be out checking thing today on the lake to see how much slush and snow are on the ice. Call him at 989-422-5230 for current conditions.
Check out the Buc’s facebook fishing report
Northwest:
Green Lake by Interlochen is producing smelt off the music camp, glow hali’s tipped with spikes and waxworms working best. Also the last few days lights are a must. Fisherman are getting out on the south access by the out let of the Little Betsie and doing good
Manistee Lake -Has a good pike bite right now with a few perch being caught
Lake Missaukee -Was good for panfish and pike were hitting on tip-ups with a variety of minnows.
Cadillac Area: Lake Cadillac - Is producing some crappie along with a few perch and bluegills. Pike action continues for those spearing or using tip-ups. Lake Mitchell - Is still producing a good number of pike.
Fife Lake they are catching perch,pike and some gills on waxworms.
Elk Lake has some brave souls venturing out for Lake trout.
Little Glen is producing pike and perch.
Big Glen has many trying with a few perch being caught..
Lake Leelanau has slowed on perch and walleye bite on the south end with some trout and walleye coming off the north-end. For bigger bluegills, try the south lake. Call the Fishook for the latest bite @ 231-256-9496
Long Lake is producing walleye and perch but the catch rate has slowed this week.
Portage lake the perch have started to bite, with some pike being caught.
Skegemog is producing perch with many small ones now with wigglers and perch minnows working best for the perch.
Lake Bellaire they are just starting to venture out on and a few big walleye being caught.
Around Leroy has safe ice with a good pike bite and panfish.
Lake Charlevoix - Walleye have been caught in the South Arm. Pike numbers appear to be on the increase as well as the overall size. Tip-ups with live bait seem to be working the best. Perch are biting on wigglers and perch minnows
Intermediate Lake - In Antrim County also has walleye anglers targeting the south end of the lake.
Manistee River -Not a lot of reports have come in since the return of arctic weather. Those brave enough to head out should still find some steelhead to catch.
Some are starting to get back out on Mullet, Black and Burt but be very careful.
Spider and Arbutus Lake by TC have been good for panfish
Haymarsh Lakes - In Mecosta County, were producing limit catches of bluegill.
Crystal Lake is froze many verturing out to the perch grounds and catching some nice perch. Lobb Rd. has not produced the smelt so far this year but perch have been biting. Good catches of lake trout off chimney corners.
Hamlin Lake - Should also be giving up bluegill, crappie and perch. For crappie, try the drop-off along the Narrows. For walleye, try just south of the Narrows and fish early morning or late evening.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Higgins Lake -Smelt have been caught in the evening along the west side of the lake between Big Creek and the North State Park. The fish are suspended in 30 to 40 feet of water. Lake trout and whitefish are still in the North Bay in 80 to 100 feet of water. Try gray shiners for lake trout or wax worms and wigglers for whitefish. Those pike spearing off Sam-O-Set Park have taken fish in 15 to 18 feet of water. Perch were also caught in the same area in 20 to 40 feet of water however anglers will need to sort out the small ones. Perch can still be found off Point Detroit and Flag Point.
Houghton Lake -Has safe ice with lots of small pike and walleye being caught. Still has good walleye action along the north shore and in the East Bay in 8 to 11 feet of water along the drop. Pike action is also good on the south end when using tip-ups. Panfish are hard to find and the bite is slow. Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake is catching walleye and will give you info where his shanty is you can call or visit him at his store phone# 989-422-5230. Also he has started to rent shanties this week so give him a call. Also Dave got a shipment of Otter shanties in for sale.
Tawas - Catch rates for perch, walleye, and pike were slow. Fishing pressure was light due to deep snow.
Lake Margrethe has ice and the fishing has slowed for perch, and a few walleye and pike are being caught..
Otsego Lake off the state park has been good for pike, perch, and some are trying there luck for strugeon Bradford Lake a few are getting out perch fishing. Chub lake trout have been biting on blues
Harrison report all the lakes are froze and have safe ice with panfish and pike biting great with first ice.
Lake St Helen has a good pike and panfish bite with a few walleyes being caught.
West Branch has safe ice with many pike and gills being caught
Black Lake - Was producing some nice perch but catch rates were slow. A few muskie were also caught..
Wixom Lake has slowed with many fishing off the access site reporting catches of gills and pike. Crappie have started to bite.
Grand Lake - Is producing some perch and panfish. For pike and walleye, try tip-ups in Whiskey Bay or Black Bass Bay.
Long Lake - Try tip-ups with a minnow on the bottom for northern pike. Those looking for perch will want to fish along the north and south shores.
Mullett Lake - Anglers still catching perch on minnows and wigglers in 20 to 45 feet of water. Spearing action was still slow but those fishing hook and line did manage to catch a few pike. Cisco and walleye fishing were slow.
Hubbard Lake - Is producing a few walleye.
McCollum Lake - In Oscoda County, is producing good numbers of panfish.
Sugar Springs, Wiggins and Pratt Lake have been good for pike and a few gills being caught.
Secord Lake has had a good bite this winter for big crappie and pike.
Upper Peninsula
Keweenaw Bay - Yellow perch and smelt were caught out from the Baraga Marina in 30 to 40 feet of water. Best time to fish was sunrise to 10:00am. Lake whitefish and lake trout were caught in 80 to 115 feet of water east of the Baraga Marina. Coho and lake herring were caught between the lighthouse at Sand Point and south or west towards Bucks Marina. Be sure to check the ice ahead of you in this area. Coho, herring and a couple rainbow trout were caught out from the Fall’s River in L’Anse. Watch the ice, especially near the open water at the mouth of the river.
Little Bay De Noc - Ice conditions were good north of the Escanaba River however south of the river is still dangerous due to shipping activity. Anglers have started looking for whitefish off Sand Point, but no reports have come in. Walleye were caught near the head of the bay when using tip-ups in 13 to 20 feet of water and off the Center Reef when jigging rapalas with minnows in 22 to 28 feet of water. Some are also fishing near the mouth of the Escanaba River in 25 to 30 feet of water. Anglers have started fishing down near Portage Point. Those taking motorized vehicles out are reminded of the dangers in this area; extreme caution needs to be used at all times. Perch fishing was slow but some nice fish were still reported between the Center Reef and the Second Reef when jigging minnows in 18 to 25 feet of water or off the beach at Gladstone in 25 feet of water. A good number of northern pike were reported off the mouth of the Day’s River in 13 to 19 feet of water when jigging or using tip-ups with sucker minnows.
Indian Lake - Ice conditions are still poor near the mouth of the Indian River, just north of Silver Creek as well as north and south of the boat launch in Lange’s Bay. These locations will have poor ice all season so anglers need to stay away from them. The big pressure crack is still out there in the middle of the lake. More walleye have been caught near the rock pile in the middle of the lake in 5 feet of water but many were sublegal. Try tip-ups with 2 inch minnows or jigging a Swedish Pimple with or without a minnow. A good number of perch were caught along the northeast shore and in Lange’s Bay. Some were over 9 inches but most were smaller.
Munuscong Bay - Walleye are scattered so catch rates were still slow. Look for perch in shallow waters 3 to 6 feet deep.
Cedarville and Hessel - Cold weather helps the ice but slows the bite. Those willing to put in the time are catching perch along the west and east end of Hessel Bay. Try wigglers and minnows in 6 to 14 feet of water. Musky Bay had a limited number of anglers catching a few perch in 10 feet of water with wigglers, wax worms or minnows.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Walleye have been caught but reports were spotty. Anglers are still heading out near the Banana Dike. Bluegills were caught in the Metro Park Marina and Lake Point Marina. Try small tear drops with red spikes or mousies.
Detroit River - Airport Bay is still good for perch and bluegills for those using spikes, mousies and minnows. Gibraltar was good for jumbo perch 8 to 12 inches. Shore anglers are fishing off docks and boat anglers were fishing the canals.
Lake St. Clair - Ice fishing is going strong with mixed reports coming in. Perch fishing was fair at best. Heavy snow in the forecast will create slush and make travel on the ice difficult, especially for ORV’s.
Lexington - Fishing pressure was light however a few rainbow and brown trout were caught by those jigging small spoons with minnows or wax worms.
Port Sanilac - Is producing some brown and rainbow trout. Try 16 to 20 feet of water with minnows or wax worms.
Saginaw Bay - Cold weather continues to hamper catch rates. Deep snow is beginning to make travel more difficult for all-terrain vehicles. Anglers need to use extreme caution when traveling across the pressure cracks. Watch those areas closely especially after strong winds this week. Those with cameras are seeing fish but had a hard time getting them to bite. A few perch were caught anywhere from 1 to 6 miles off Pine River and Palmer Roads. Watch out for the pressure cracks. Perch were caught in shallow waters off White’s Beach, but the fish were small. Walleye and perch anglers are going out 5 miles off Pinconning Road. Walleye anglers were 7 miles off Erickson Road and 8 miles off Linwood. Perch were still caught in 5 to 7 feet of water off Vanderbilt Park. At Thomas Road, anglers are heading out 10 to 12 miles across The Bar to fish waters 30 feet deep. Few anglers were perch fishing between Sebewaing and Rose Island but those spearing pike did well in the marina in Sebewaing. Some are looking for walleye out near the Slot. A few more were perch fishing at Bay Port and Mud Creek. Catch rates were spotty so move around until you find a school of fish. Lake trout were caught at Caseville.
Saginaw River - Lots of sublegal walleye have been caught between Saginaw and the mouth of the river. Those fishing just past the Independence Bridge did manage to catch a few keeper walleye and some perch. Again, those with cameras can see the bigger walleye down there but can not get them to bite.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph River - Weather permitting, steelhead have been caught. Watch for shelf ice on the colder mornings.
Diamond Lake - In Cass County is producing some bluegill. Try a tear drop with wax worms or spikes.
Coldwater Lake - Had a good number of ice anglers. The bluegill bite was best in the morning or evening.
Gun Lake - Is also producing some bluegills in the early morning or evening. For walleye, try jigging rapalas off Murphy’s Point. For pike, try tip-us with sucker minnows.
Kalamazoo River - Steelhead were caught up near the Allegan Dam. Watch for shelf ice.
Duck Lake - Had good reports of panfish action, mostly bluegills.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Steelhead fishing was slow but a few walleye have been caught near the 6th Street Dam and the bridge at Fulton Street.
Grand River at Lansing - Is still good for northern pike at both the Moore’s Park Dam and the North Lansing Dam.
Lake Lansing - Is producing a lot of pike on tip-ups with sucker minnows. Most of the fish are running small but anglers were still having fun catching them.
Muskrat Lake - Had some good reports on panfish but more crappie than bluegills.
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
Fishing and catching are coming back together. Some improvement over last week. However, skill and the use of electronics are making the difference on what’s in the skillet.
Vexilars and Showdowns tell us if the fish are there. Cameras confirm it in clear image. Most underwater cameras show the water depth, the water temperature and camera direction. We know what species and what presentation makes them react. For the most part panfish anglers have been satisfied with their catches. In both lakes, crappies are the majority. Hand size gills are second. Lastly, keeper perch are in the minority.
Walleye catches have slowed. An occassioal one reported, usually caught on a tip-up fishing for pike. No hot-spot, bait or tactic. Catch one and buy a lottery ticket because it’s your lucky day.
Pike are back. Under 30 inchers are common. Those over are scarce. Either lake try the drop offs close to weed cover.