Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Spring Ice Fishing in Northern Michigan
No April Folls Joke we still have good ice in Northern Michigan!
Higgins Lake they are catching smelt off the west access and quads were going out in full force today, photo above is from today off the west access. By Traverse City crystal Lake Long Lake and Lake Leelanau is producing good perch this week.
On Friday April 1st, all anglers 17 years of age and older will be required to have their 2011 Michigan Fishing License. Copies of the new Fishing Guides are available at all license vendors. With many seasons closed right now, anglers are reminded that it is unlawful to take or attempt to take any fish outside the open season.
Check out the Buc’s facebook fishing report
Northwest:
Lake Leelanau has been great this week for perch with a few trout being caught on the North-end Call the Fishook for the latest bite @ 231-256-9496
Below freezing temperatures over the last week is keeping ice on the inland lakes.
Elk River: Has some steelhead for those able to brave the cold temperatures.
Betsie River: Should also have some good steelhead action in the next few weeks.
Lake Missaukee: Still has ice and is producing bluegill and crappie.
Lake Cadillac: Ice fishing is still going strong however anglers are no longer driving out on the ice. Crappie are still hitting in the early morning or late evening.
Lake Mitchell: Still has ice and fair to good crappie fishing.
Manistee River: More anglers are turning to steelhead fishing. Boat and shore anglers are casting flies or jigs with wax worms and wigglers.
Pere Marquette River: Should have steelhead.
Crystal Lake and Long Lake have both been producing perch this week on wigglers and perch minnows.
Boardman river fish are showing up but the snow might slow the bite
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Burt Lake: Still had good ice fishing opportunities.
Mullett Lake: Is producing a few perch in Pigeon Bay and around Needle Point. Minnows and wigglers work best. Cisco were found in deep water. Ice fishing should hold for another week or so. The two pressure cracks have started to open up.
Indian River: Has ice and the waterway is locked up tight.
Thunder Bay River: Boat anglers are trolling for steelhead and brown trout.
Higgins Lake: Anglers are mainly smelt fishing, and many are going off the west boat launch. The ice is holding but this could be the last week for ice fishing if rain comes next week. There was about 6 inches of snow on the lake so some are taking quads or snowmobiles out.
Houghton Lake: Still has good ice, just be careful near the inlets or outlets. Those out fishing say the bluegill and crappie bite are picking up.
Tawas: There’s still some fishable ice near Jerry’s Marina. Walleye were caught near the edge in 20 feet of water in the evening. Pier anglers fishing in open water have caught a few lake trout, brown trout or steelhead. Some are casting lures while others are using minnows and spawn bags. Those wading just off the mouth of the river caught a few walleye.
Tawas River: Is producing a light number of steelhead.
Au Gres: Still had some ice fishing north of the breakwall, but success was spotty.
Au Gres River: Steelhead and brown trout were caught near the Singing Bridge.
Rifle River: Sucker runs are just getting underway as a few were caught in Omer.
Upper Peninsula
Lake Gogebic: Still has ice fishing as cold temperatures have been making ice over the last week. A few perch were caught in 25 to 27 feet of water. Try wigglers 1 to 3 feet off the bottom in 25 to 27 feet of water.
Keweenaw Bay: Those ice fishing reported limit catches of coho, a good number of lake herring as well as a couple chinook, rainbow trout and whitefish. Hot spots were Perch Corner, just north of Linden Creek, off the Falls River and Sand Point. Try Swedish pimples or tear drops with wax worms.
Marquette: The better fishing has been in the early morning for coho, chinook, brown trout, herring and whitefish. Try near the bubblers using jigs tipped with a twister tail or cut bait. Hot colors were orange, green or pink. The few boats trolling near the Upper Harbor had no luck. Access sites were limited because of high winds pushing ice in closer to the shore. Ice has been moving in and out near the Carp River and the coal docks.
Carp River: Steelhead were caught upstream by those using crawlers or small silver crank baits.
Little Bay De Noc: Is now in between seasons. The recent cold snap is only delaying the inevitable. Angler participation was low due to ice conditions. Rivers in the area are still frozen except for the Escanaba River.
Au Train: Anglers need to be aware of wind and weather conditions as the ice was shifting and could be dangerous. A few were still fishing out from the Rock River and the Au Train River. Coho were caught out from the Brownstone landing at the mouth of the Au Train River. Try fishing early with jigs, spawn or silver spoons.
Munising: More anglers are showing up as catch rates increased. The surface ice is very slippery so anglers are advised to wear cleats and be careful. Coho fishing has picked up with most getting one or two fish, but some landing three or four. Try jigging rapalas or Swedish pimples 10 to 20 feet down in 40 to 60 feet of water. Most fish are averaging 15 inches. Whitefish were caught in shallow waters when bouncing a single egg just off the bottom. Good perch fishing in 30 to 40 feet of water with minnows and wigglers. Most average 7 or 8 inches however a few jumbo perch were also caught.
Indian Lake: Those thinking about heading out on the ice need to use extreme caution. There are areas with soft ice and open water. A few are ice fishing for perch along the north end in Lange’s Bay. Try minnows in 5 to 7 feet of water. Most of the fish were running on the small side.
Munuscong Bay: Only had a few anglers fishing near Grassy Island and off Fowlers Bay.
Cedarville and Hessel: Ice was holding however a few of the points were starting to open up. Those fishing in Musky Bay are using minnows, wigglers and wax worms in 5 to 10 feet of water. Catch rates around Little Joe Island were starting to pick up.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie: <> ATTENTION WALLEYE ANGLERS - The daily possession limit for walleye in the Michigan waters of Lake Erie will be as follows: April 1 through April 30, 2011 the limit will be five (5) walleye. Beginning May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012 the limit will be six (6) walleye.
Huron River: Anglers are out fishing for steelhead and suckers.
Detroit River: Boat anglers are still trolling for walleye. The new walleye possession limits for Lake Erie DO NOT apply to the Detroit River. The daily possession limit here will continue to be five (5) fish.
Saginaw Bay: With the colder weather, it looks like the fish runs will be anywhere from one to two weeks later than normal this year. There’s still some ice fishing activity in the isolated or sheltered areas however the shore ice is bad so anglers will need to wade out to the fishable ice. Walleye were caught at night in 4 to 6 feet of water. White’s Beach had good catches of perch in 3 or 4 feet of water but many were small. Boats are launching off the mouth of the Saginaw River where the skid piers are in. The marina in Sunset Bay is producing small bluegills and sunfish. At Sebewaing, anglers caught perch, but there is honeycomb ice so be careful.
Quanicassee River: Shore anglers caught a few perch at the public access site and the old State Road Bridge. Mornings are best but ice forming overnight has hampered fishing. Some fish are running 6 to 8 inches but most were smaller.
Sebewaing River: Shore fishing is possible later in the day. Overnight freezing hampers fishing efforts in the morning.
Pigeon River: A few shore anglers were out but catch rates were slow.
Pinnebog River: The sucker runs have not started yet.
Port Austin: Bird Creek was still iced over, so nothing to report yet.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph: Boat and pier anglers were catching limits of coho.
St. Joseph River: Had good steelhead fishing. So far, over 4000 fish have been passed at the Berrien Springs ladder since March 1st. Sucker runs have started.
Kalamazoo River: Had exceptional catch rates for steelhead below the Allegan Dam.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Continues to provide good spring steelhead fishing.
Grand River at Lansing: Steelhead are slowly moving into the area with a couple fish caught over at the dam at Moore’s Park. A few fish were also seen near the Brenke fish ladder, which is closed to fishing. Some are looking for catfish.
Muskegon River: Boat anglers are getting some nice steelhead when floating spawn or flies. They reported a good mix of females and males.
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
he Robins are shivering! Cold nights keep Winter holding on. There’s still plenty of ice on both Lake Mitchell and Cadillac. But most have packed their rods away. Only a few diehards remain.
Rick Fiets is one. Still fishng the Coves on Mitchel lwith slabs being caught.
Ice Anglers are still safely fishing Lakes Crystal, Green, Higgins, Missaukee etc., etc. Those coming from southern Michigan only talk of open water.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN WEATHER
Mar 31 Tonight
Some clouds. Low 26F. Winds light and variable.
Apr 1 Tomorrow
Mostly cloudy with a mixture of light rain and snow developing in the afternoon. High 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 30%.
Apr 1 Tomorrow night
Rain and snow in the evening transitioning to snow showers late. Low 29F. Winds light and variable. Chance of precip 40%.
Apr 2 Saturday
Rain and snow showers. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the low 30s.
Apr 3 Sunday
More clouds than sun. Highs in the mid 40s and lows in the low 30s.
Apr 4 Monday
Chance of showers. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the low 30s.
Apr 5 Tuesday
Mix of rain and snow showers. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the low 30s.
Apr 6 Wednesday
Clouds giving way to sun . Highs in the low 40s and lows in the low 30s.
Apr 7 Thursday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the mid 30s.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
We are still Ice Fishing in Northern Michigan
Casey Richey boated the huge brown four years ago out of Frankfort Harbor that was a state record for awhile.
The snow storm wednesday put a crimp on anybody going fishing this week as most are waiting for spring fishing. The ice is good on most lakes in Northern Michigan but few are fishing. Higgins Lake the smelt are biting but few are fishing. Spring fishing was just getting started when Mother Nature decided to hit us with another blast of winter. The cold front will no doubt slow catch rates. Those heading out on any remaining ice need to use extreme caution. Those fishing the rivers will also need to be careful as the waters are high, fast, muddy and cold.
Higgins Lake they are catching smelt off the west access and quads were going out in full force today
Check out the Buc’s facebook fishing report
Northwest:
Elk River: Steelhead were starting to show up.
Lake Missaukee: Anglers are catching panfish.
Lake Cadillac: Is still producing some crappie for ice anglers. Most are fishing in the coves. Try jigs tipped with wax worms, minnows or spikes.
Lake Mitchell: Is also producing crappie in the early morning or late evening.
Manistee River: Steelhead have started however the cold front could slow things down again. Boat and shore anglers are tossing flies or jigs with wax worms and wigglers. Good catfish and crappie action on the Hodenpyl backwaters.
Pere Marquette River: Boat and shore anglers saw a push of steelhead. With the cold spell, concentrate on the deeper holes.
Lake Leelanau has been great this week for perch with a few trout being caught on the North-end Call the Fishook for the latest bite @ 231-256-9496
Long Lake is producing perch but the catch rate has really picked up this this week.
Portage lake the perch are biting great out in the channel as perch are coming in from lake michigan.One day they bite then they turn off so a little hit and miss
Betsie River: Look for steelhead if temperatures warm and we get rain.
Little Manistee River: Remains closed to fishing until April 1st.
Boardman river fish are showing up but the snow might slow the bite
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Burt Lake: Was producing some big perch.
Mullett Lake: With the close of pike and walleye season, most are targeting perch. Fishing pressure has slowed but anglers are catching a few perch in 10 to 20 feet of water in the bays. No trout or cisco to report.
Alpena: A few brown trout have been caught in Thunder Bay. There may also be some walleye to be found as they start staging.
Thunder Bay River: The boat ramp was ice free. Those trolling for steelhead and brown trout had some success. Walleye season is closed.
Heart Lake: In Otsego County still had ice fishing and some rainbow trout were caught. Big Chub and Bridge Lake were also producing some rainbow trout.
Higgins Lake: Smelt are coming into the shallows.
Lake St. Helen: Has been good for bluegill.
Tawas: The only remaining ice is in the northeast corner of the bay near Jerry’s Marina where a few small perch and walleye were caught. The ice along the west side of the pier is gone and a few boats were starting to head out.
Tawas River: Is producing a light number of steelhead.
Au Gres: There is still ice and people out fishing in shallow waters 4 to 6 feet deep. They have caught some walleye and steelhead.
Au Gres River: Water levels are running high and the ice is breaking up. Those fishing the East Branch have caught a couple steelhead and brown trout in the surf near the Singing Bridge. Anglers were actually shore fishing from the icebergs.
Rifle River: No word yet on suckers.
Upper Peninsula
Lake Gogebic: Ice conditions are changing fast. Anglers should avoid areas near the inlets and outlets. Perch were caught up to 5 feet off the bottom in waters 20 to 27 feet deep however many are putting in a lot of time and coming up empty handed.
Keweenaw Bay: Good catches of smelt were taken northeast of the Baraga Marina. Whitefish were spotty. Coho were caught between Linden Creek and Perch Corner.
Falls River: Is producing some rainbow trout.
Marquette: Fishing was slow except for a few coho taken near the shallow bubbler in the Upper Harbor in 25 feet of water. Try a jig tipped with a twister tail or cut bait. Ice has moved out near the coal docks so anglers were taking a few coho and menominee when using a single egg. Ice has moved out of the Upper Harbor with partial ice in the Lower Harbor. Anglers are still launching boats off the beach by the bubblers. Strong east winds have been blowing the ice into shore.
Carp River: Is slightly higher with spring runoff, but no steelhead to report.
Little Bay De Noc: Ice conditions were deteriorating fast. Not many anglers and those heading out were traveling by foot only. Extreme caution needs to be used as ice conditions are changing daily this time of year. Most were perch fishing near Kipling in 22 to 30 feet of water when jigging wigglers or minnows. Those removing ice shanties and putting them at the Kipling boat launch are reminded that they can only store their shanty for 24 hours.
Escanaba River: A few shore anglers were looking for brown trout.
Au Train: This may be the last week of ice fishing as conditions were deteriorating. The Rock River is slowly opening up with water running over the spillway and there is open water near the mouth of the Au Train River. Catch reports were spotty for coho and menominee in Au Train Bay. The better action was in the early morning straight out from the Rock River and near the mouth of the Au Train River.
Munising: Catch rates were slow as angler numbers decline. Recent weather patterns have made ice conditions unpredictable on a daily basis so bring cleats and use caution on the ice. Most anglers are fishing for coho but rates were spotty. Try jigging rapalas and Swedish pimples 10 to 20 feet down in 40 to 60 feet of water. The fish average 15 inches. Only a few whitefish were taken in 50 to 80 feet of water when bouncing wax worms or a single egg just off the bottom. Schools of smelt are still being marked on a regular basis however catch rates were hit-or-miss. Try hali-jigs with natural bait. The occasional splake was caught by those using minnows or a single egg with an artificial lure.
Indian Lake: Angler activity has slowed with the closing of walleye and pike season. Those seeking yellow perch were fishing on the north end and also in Lange’s Bay. Try minnows with a jig or Swedish pimple in 7 to 9 feet of water. Many are small but a few in the 12 inch range were caught.
Munuscong Bay: Catch rates were poor to fair throughout the bay including the north end and Fowlers Bay. Ice is still present and perch numbers are expected to increase in the next 7 to 10 days.
Cedarville and Hessel: Some perch were caught along the east side of Hessel Bay in shallow waters 6 to 8 feet deep however Musky Bay was a little more productive. Fish were caught in 10 to 12 feet of water off Duck Bay as well as out in the middle. Try wax worms, wigglers or minnows.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie: Shore anglers caught a few perch, crappie and bluegills.
Huron River: Is producing steelhead up near Huroc Park. Water levels downstream are too high to fish. A few suckers are starting to hit.
Detroit River: Boat launches are opening up and boat anglers are seeking warm water outlets with hopes of picking up a few walleye. Some are trolling the Trenton Channel but catch rates were slow.
Lake St. Clair: Ice fishing is done as most of the Michigan waters on the lake are open. The ramps are ice free but the docks are not in yet, so launching is difficult.
Clinton River: Activity was picking up with more anglers targeting steelhead. Water levels are high.
St. Clair River: Had no fishing in the lower river due to ice flows causing an ice jam.
Saginaw Bay: Ice conditions are not good. Active pressure cracks along with wind and warm temperatures have made the ice dangerous. Ice along the shoreline is getting bad. Several rescues have been made over the last week. The ice off the Bay City State Park has broken up with the strong east winds and this is causing a mountain of ice to pile up along the shoreline. The cuts from Quanicassee to Fish Point are open and fishable from shore. The ice from Sebewaing northward along the east side of the bay has become unsafe. Ice in the marina basins should not be trusted. Some anglers are using airboats to get out for walleye and perch fishing.
Quanicassee River: Is open and boats are launching. Shore anglers caught perch.
Sebewaing River: Water levels are high and muddy with floating debris.
Pigeon River: Is also high and muddy. Floating debris is making fishing difficult.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
Galien River: Is producing steelhead. Suckers are also starting to run in the small streams open to fishing.
St. Joseph: Boat and pier anglers are catching coho and a few brown trout. Rumor has it fish are being caught all the way up to South Haven.
St. Joseph River: Steelhead fishing did slow as it appears most of the fish below the Berrien Springs Dam have pushed up through the ladder. Anglers are hoping the recent rain will bring more fish up into the river. Sucker runs are just getting started.
Paw Paw River: Is producing some steelhead.
Kalamazoo River: Steelhead can be found up near the Allegan Dam. Try flies, spawn or crawlers. Suckers were also starting to hit.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Still had good steelhead fishing at the dam. Anglers need to pay close attention to water levels and debris.
Grand River at Lansing: Not much to report except for some steelhead being caught in Prairie Creek, which is in Ionia. Best spot is behind the Bumper Plant.
Looking Glass River: Has high water levels.
Maple River: Has high water levels.
Muskegon River: Is high and somewhat muddy which makes fishing more difficult. Boat anglers were still catching some steelhead.
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
The Calendar says it’s Spring but there’s still over a foot of ice on Lake Cadillac and Mitchell. Southern Anglers are shocked if they arrive without their power augers.
It’s anybodys guess how long the ice will last, but it’s solid now.
The few crappie anglers left on the ice have been doing well. Limits or worthwhile numbers are being caught. Normally, they’re suspended from just under the ice to the bottom. Both Coves as well as the Thirsty’s area on Lake Mitchell have been the most consistent. However, they can be finacky. For a while they’ll only bite on minnows then change to waxworms or spikes. As is normal, first light and just before dark will find them right under the ice and most aggressive. Red and white or pink tone jigs seem to be their favorite.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Last Chance Walleye Derby
Last Chance Walleye Derby
Begins at 12:00am Friday, March 11th
Last fish weighed in at 8:00pm on Saturday March 12th (prizes and drawings begin at about 8pm as well)
Tickets are $15 for Adults, $5 for kids 15 years and younger.
Purchase tickets at Dan’s Resort
Pickford Munuscong Bay
23477 South Bay Road
Pickford, Michigan 49774
Adult Division Prizes:
1st Place $400
2nd Place $250
3rd Place $150
4th Place $75
Kids Division:
Prizes awarded for Walleye, Pike, and Perch
Biggest Lush weighed wins $50
Lightest 15” walleye wins a rifle w/scope
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Lakes are in Great Shape
All the lakes in Northern Michigan are is great shape with lots of ice and you can use quads or walk but creepers are a must. The fish are starting to bite again on most lakes with light fishing pressure
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. The lake is in great shape with trucks driving out on the south-end
Dave on Houghton Lake reports a great fish bite this week. He has shanties to rent also. 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 and the south access site, glow hali’s tipped with spikes and waxworms working best. Also the last few days lights are a must.
Manistee Lake -Has a good pike bite right now with a perch being caught as they come up from Lake Michigan
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 is producing lake trout.
Little Glen is producing pike and perch.
Big Glen has many trying with a few perch being caught but many hope with the warm up things start to pop.
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 really picked up this this week.
Portage lake the perch are biting great out in the channel as perch are coming in from lake michigan, with some pike being caught.
Skegemog is producing perch with bigger ones biting finally again.Wigglers and perch minnows working best for the perch.
Lake Bellaire has been good for big walleye.
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 -The thaw last week melted all the snow and the runoff has brought in a few steelhead, but the main run is not here yet.
Some are starting to get back out on Mullet, Black and Burt the lakes are in great shape with fish on the bite again..
Spider and Arbutus Lake by TC have been good for panfish
Crystal Lake-Smelt 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. Lake trout have been ok off of 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 Was still producing a few lake trout in 100 to 110 feet of water out from Amvets Lodge. The better smelt action was off the North State Park in 25 to 50 feet of water in the evening. Smelt were also taken off Birch Lodge with halis and waxworms. Good perch bite off the sunken island and sam-a-set. The lake is in the best shape all winter and the crowds are back off the west access site.
Houghton Lake -Has snow on the ice which makes for easy travel. Anglers are still taking a few walleye and bluegills were starting to hit on wax worms and spikes. There are pressure cracks but anglers were still able to cross them. Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake is reporting the fish starting to bite again. 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 - Walleye and perch fishing were generally slow, with some fish being caught in 18 to 20 feet of water. Pike spearing was slow due to murky water.
Lake Margrethe has ice and the fishing is good for perch, with 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 in great shape with panfish and pike biting great.
Lake St Helen has a good pike and panfish bite with a few walleyes being caught. 1st and 3rd lakes have been great this week
West Branch 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 are getting a few perch using minnows and wigglers in 15 to 20 feet of water and in 40 to 50 feet of water. A few pike were also being harvested. There is no snow on the lake so bring your cleats.
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.
Au Gres - Walleye anglers were fishing a hole in 8 to 10 feet of water just north of the breakwall or heading out to 32 feet of water which requires them to cross several pressure cracks.
Upper Peninsula
Keweenaw Bay: The fish bite was slow again this past week but anglers are picking up a few Coho and Herring at the Head of the Bay, and off of Sand Point in 40 to 60 feet of water fishing 10 to 15 feet down. Anglers have also caught a mix of smelt and perch in the early morning fishing in 25 to 40 feet of water around Baraga Marina. The whitefish bite was up and down during the past week. Anglers have also picked up a few lake trout in the whitefish hole east of Baraga Marina in 70 to 90 feet of water. The smelt bite has been good for the night time anglers around the Baraga Marina.
Little Bay De Noc: Several anglers fell through the ice just off the north end of Butler Island this week. Every one was without harm but vehicles needed professional rescue. Please use caution at all times. Good walleye catches reported this week in the Gladstone area. Many used tip-ups with sucker minnows. Anglers fished in 28 to 33 feet of water using tip-ups and jigging raps. From Center reef north to Garth Point, most used tip-ups with suckers in 22 to 35 feet of water. Best fishing all season was in the Garth Point area with most catches in shallower waters from 8 to 20 feet of water. Perch catches remained fair with deep water producing best catches of jumbos. Most jigged minnows or wigglers in and around 30 feet of water just off Second Reef. Perch anglers in the shallows reported good numbers of small fish all around the Butler Island area jigging wigglers and minnows. Anglers reported many caught but few kept. Fair to good catches were reported by whitefish anglers off Sand Point by weeks end. Anglers were jigging spawn or minnows in 75 to 85 feet of water. Good numbers of northern pike caught all around the mouth of the Day’s River. Most were caught using tip-ups with sucker minnows. The fishing here has gotten much better in recent days. The ice should hold up as temperatures should remain below freezing.
Munising: A lack of recent snowfall continues to make traversing the ice difficult and very slippery. Anglers are advised to wear cleats when fishing in these conditions. The primary focus in the bay remains on whitefish. The catch rates continued to be fair to poor. Single eggs and wax worms have been the bait of choice, with most anglers fishing depths from 50 to 80 feet of water, bouncing baits just off the bottom. Anglers have also begun to catch Menominee using these tactics in shallower water with the primary bait being wax worms. Some of these fish have approached 14 inches. Trout Bay reportedly formed fishable ice for several days over the past week and anglers who made it out reported fair to excellent success rates for Coho. Average size has been around 15 inches. Schools of smelt have also begun to be marked or seen with more regularity. Anglers are having fair success spearing lake herring with some nicer fish being reported recently. Efforts are focused in the early morning hours.
Indian Lake: The lack of snow has made the lake dangerous for those traveling and walking on the ice. Anglers should wear cleats and drive with caution since it is still very slippery when traveling with any motor vehicle. The pressure crack is still bothersome since it continuously shifts and runs north and south for the majority of the lake. Anglers wanting to fish the north east side of the lake should use Danielson’s landing. Anglers fishing the northwest side should try fishing at Lange’s Bay boat launch. The south east/west part of the lake can now be accessed at the State Park boat launch since snow drifts are no longer an issue. The week was generally slow for catch rates of all species. The majority of anglers are targeting yellow perch and they are still fishing with minnows. These anglers are fishing all areas of the lake with all catches being fair to good in numbers but the majority are in the smaller size range. There were some better sized fish closer to the center of the lake on both sides of the pressure crack and near the springs on the north end. Some walleye are still being picked up on the north end of the lake at dusk and later on tip-ups with the larger minnows.
Munuscong Bay - Is still producing a few walleye in 17 to 30 feet of water. A good number of small pike were also caught. Perch activity increased in Fowlers Bay when using wigglers in 3 feet of water. Good perch action was reported between Kemps Point and the Moon Islands. Dan’s Cabins reports the walleye have started to bite again with many fish being caught call (906) 647-8753 for the latest report.
Cedarville and Hessel - Hessel Bay is providing a lot of catch and release activity for anglers with an abundance of undersized perch. Some reported fair catches down towards the east end and along the south shore. Perch action in Musky Bay has picked up. Anglers are fishing the middle of the bay, or the west end in 10 to 12 feet of water with minnows or wigglers and taking a fair number of 9 to 13 inch fish. Moscoe Channel has also picked up for those able to get out there. Catch rates were spotty but the fish were bigger. The ice is very slippery with no snow cover, be sure to wear cleats.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie: Anglers were fishing bluegill off both the Metropark and Lakepointe Marinas.
Huron River: Steelhead fishing has been fair.
Saginaw Bay: Walleye anglers are fishing 6 miles off Erickson Road. Beware of an active crack off Linwood. Both perch and walleye are being taken in 5 to 10 feet of water off Bay City State Park and between the State Park and the mouth of the Kawkawlin River. Some activity at the mouth of the Saginaw River, but fishing there is generally slow. Some walleye were also taken off Callahan Road 3 miles out, and in the lower Slot off Quanicassee and between there and the tip of Fish Point. Some panfish are being taken from inside the Sebewaing Marina. Perch anglers going out off Rose Island Road were doing a little better. Ice off Mud Creek was reported to be pretty bad, and fishing there was slow. The ice off the mouth of the Pigeon River at Caseville broke up last week, so anglers aren’t getting out. Not much fishing activity in the marina basins off the Pigeon River.
Tittabawassee River: Some small boats are getting out and a few shore anglers are starting to try their luck, but fishing here is still slow.
Saginaw River: Not much fishing activity. Too much ice to launch a boat, but the ice is too weak to stand on.
Pine River/Palmer Road: Some nice perch taken in 12 feet of water, and walleyes from 18 to 20 feet of water.
Au Gres: Most walleye anglers have been going out north of the breakwall, some crossing several active cracks to get to 30 feet of water. A couple of steelheads were caught last week incidental to walleyes.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph River: Steelhead are starting to move.
Gull Lake: Smelt fishing is reported to still be going strong.
Lake Lansing: Anglers are finding pike using tip-up minnows, chubs and shiners.
Park Lake: Perch fishing is doing fair to good in 15 feet of water or less with some anglers using wigglers.
Jordan Lake: Bluegill fishing has slowed down after the warm up.
Lake Ovid: Those fishing in shallow waters were taking some bluegill and crappie.
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
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.
Pike numbers are back. Lots reported under 30 inches. Seems like 28-29 inchers are standard.
Lyman’s Ice Shanty Rental
Our shanties are located on the South Shore
weedbed of Houghton Lake.
Northern Pike are very good and the occasional Walleye will be caught in this location.
Shanty rental includes transportation to and from the shanty and a propane heater.
Reservations are recommended.
Rates
From 7:00 am till 7:00 pm. With heat and transportation out there.
2 Man $35.00
4 Man $40.00
6 Man $50.00
Sleeper Shanty Sunday-Friday $80.00 Friday And Saturday $100.00
From 8am/8am