Fishing The Mitten (Michigan)

[davetclown]

[size 5][/size][size 2]
[/size][font "verdana,arial,helvetica"][size 3]When Thumper says the water is stiff from jack frost icey breath, the inland lakes around the Traverse City seem to have shanty communities popping up overnight on the crystalin covered lakes. [/size][/font]

[font "verdana,arial,helvetica"][size 3]Whether the shelters of the shantie towns are constructed of tarpaper or are fancy store bought versions, you know that that guy aint out there just to watch the super bowl game. "He's Fishin!"

O'L Jack frost aint goint to discurage this bunch of hardy winter anglers by driving the mercury below the "O" mark.

Michigan winter anglers enjoy the three basic fishing methods commonly used through out Ice Fishing Community. Hand-held lines, tip-ups, and spearing.

Glen Arbor you will find a full line of bait and tackle and can even rent a shanty. The shop is located near Big Glen Lake and Little Glen Lake where perch and pike are the popular catches.

Suggested hookups for perch are Russian spoons baited with perch eyes or minnows, a plain hook baited with a wiggler or one of the many commercially made teardrops used for bluegills with a grub on the hook.

Thumb biters like to linger along the drop-offs during winter, near weed beds and brush shelters in water 3 to 12 feet deep. Using large minnows, suckers, smelt or herring will bring in them thumb biters in. (pike)

Duck Lake and Green Lake in Interlochen also provide good pike fishing. .

While conditions vary from year to year, walleye fishing on Lake Leelanau is generally very good. The preferred ice fishing method is a hand-held line with a two or three-inch live minnow as bait. You'll find walleye tend to hover near reefs and edges of shoals where the water is 15 to 30 feet deep.

The best ice fishing in Benzie County is on Crystal Lake. Here, anglers go for perch, smelt, lake trout and rainbow trout.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources produces an excellent free guide to ice fishing. To obtain a copy, send your request to the Fisheries Division at P.O. Box 30446, Lansing, MI 48909.[/size][/font]
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[davetclown]

[size 1]FORTUNE LAKES CHAIN[/size]

[size 1]The Fortune Lakes Chain near Crystal Falls in Iron County[/size]

[size 1]The chain is made up of 199-acre First Lake, 128-acre Second Lake and 103-acre Third Lake. Each lake produces bluegills that regularly top the 1-pound mark.[/size]

[size 1]The usual winter panfish medicine - teardrops tipped with larva - will fool them once you find them.[/size]
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[davetclown]

LAKE ANTOINE

Look for winter bluegills on 748-acre Lake Antoine, just outside Iron Mountain, on the west end of the lake off the senior citizens park, off a hump in the center of the lake between the park and the island on the south shore, and on the 15- to 20-foot flats on the lake's east side.

Besides jumbo bluegills, expect to catch a mixed bag of pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and black crappies

Access to Lake Antoine can be gained via a county park on the lake's northwest corner off County Road 396. Contact the Dickinson County Area Chamber of Commerce at (906) 774-2002 for more information on lodging and amenities in the area
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[davetclown]

[size 2]LAKE EMILY[/size]

[size 1]is the most consistent perch producer in the area[/size]

[size 1]Iron County's 320-acre Lake Emily is not huge, and finding concentrations of perch and other winter panfish isn't difficult.[/size]

[size 1]A weedline spans the lake from west to east right off the public access on the east side of the lake. To the north a gradual dropoff from 5 to 20 feet that features scattered weeds is a good bet for bluegills and crappies.[/size]

[size 1]To the south, the bottom slopes into more than 30 feet of water and is the best place to prospect for winter perch. Most of the yellow bellies will be 7 to 9 inches, but perch topping 10 inches aren't uncommon.[/size]
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[davetclown]

[size 2]LAC VIEUX DESERT[/size]

[size 1]is as good as any for perch and has an excellent population of black crappies[/size]

[size 1]Roughly one-third of Lac Vieux Desert's 4,800 acres lie within Michigan's boundary in Gogebic County. (Ice-anglers should check a current copy of the Michigan Fishing Guide for special regulations regarding Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters.)[/size]

[size 1]For more information on Lac Vieux Desert's winter panfish and other lakes in the western U.P., contact the Northern Lake Michigan Management Unit office in Crystal Falls at (906) 875-6622[/size]
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[davetclown]

[size 2] [/size] [size 2]MUNUSCONG LAKE[/size][size 1]The shallow expanses of Munuscong Lake, or Bay, freeze quickly. During a normal year, anglers will find outstanding first-ice angling for jumbo perch that will often top 14 inches by late December. [/size]

[size 1]Safe ice usually forms on the northwest side of the lake in Fowler's Bay and then solidifies gradually to the south. Most of the sheltered bays have safe ice by late December. Much of the early action takes place in 3 to 4 feet of water. Locals swear by a Jack's Spoon adorned with the head of a minnow. The key is to keep your line in the water when the gettin' is good and keeping the school nearby. Most anglers suspend a minnow under a bobber in a second hole to keep perch interested.[/size]

[size 1]Jigging with a Swedish Pimple can produce perch and walleyes in the aria off of Moon Islands and Winter Point in 11 to 17 feet of water. Be sure to check the ice conditions before venturing out. [/size]

[size 1]For more information, contact the Sault Area CVB at 1-800-MI-SAULT.[/size]
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[davetclown]

[size 2]Lake Mitchell [/size]

[size 2]has had a reputation as one of our state's top lakes for winter bluegills.[/size]

[size 2]crappie population has exploded. Many claim that Lake Mitchell may now be the best winter crappie lake in the state. Crappies are in the 14- or 15-inch range[/size]

[size 2]Crappies love lively minnows. But Lake Mitchell crappies also feed heavily on amphipods, small freshwater-shrimplike creatures that provide excellent forage.[/size]

[size 1]For more information, contact Pilgrim's Village and Resort at (231) 775-5412.[/size]

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[davetclown]

[size 2]Oakland County's Cass Lake[/size]

[size 1]is known for producing a variety of species from splake and brown trout to smallmouths and largemouths, but the lake is especially good for winter panfish. [/size]

[size 1]"Cass Lake produces some beautiful crappies and bluegills," [/size]

[size 1]Dodge No. 4 State Park public access in the area referred to as "The Guts." Other areas to prospect include Cole's Bay on the lake's northeast corner, Mud Bay and off Wards Point on the southeast corner, off Marshbank Park and west of Cinch Bug Island.[/size]
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[davetclown]

UNION LAKE

Access to Oakland County's 465-acre Union Lake is good. Anglers can get on the ice right off Union Lake Road. From there try along the drop-off in 5 to 20 feet off water on the east side of the lake

Union Lake's bluegills often push 10 inches and can be fooled with ice flies, micro jigs and teardrops pinned to wax worms. Like crappies everywhere, Union's crappies prefer minnows.

Union Lake has also been producing pike and walleye through the ice.
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[davetclown]

[size 2]PONTIAC LAKE[/size]

[size 1]during recent winters the lake has a few good gills.[/size]

[size 1]A 585-acre impoundment of the Huron River, Pontiac Lake has always had a reputation of being one of southern Michigan's best bass lakes, but the lake doesn't get a lot of attention during the winter.[/size]

[size 1]One hotspot is just off the peninsula that leads to the public access in the Pontiac Recreation Area off Gale Road in a hole that dips from 10 to 17 feet.[/size]

[size 1]Another spot to try is around the edges of a depression that reaches 30 feet in the center of the lake.[/size]

[size 1]walleye have been introduced in to this lake 10 years ago and have taken hold.[/size]
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[davetclown]

[size 2]BIG PLEASANT LAKE[/size]

[size 1]Pleasant Lake is planted with trout and sees a lot of attention during the summer months, but is basically ignored during the winter.[/size]

[size 1]bluegills that will average 7 to 8 inches, with some pushing 10 inches.[/size]

[size 1]Pleasant has a pretty good population of perch[/size]

[size 1]located west of Three Rivers off Coon Hollow Road in St. Joseph County. A public access is located on the southwest side of the lake. For more information, call (616) 685-6851.[/size]
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[davetclown]

[size 2]DEVILS LAKE[/size] [size 1]has some giant redear sunfish that can top 12 inches. Crappies are available[/size] [size 1][/size] [size 1]Best locations for winter panfish on 1,330-acre Devils Lake are right off the public access off Manitou Beach Highway and off Sand Beach on the east side of the lake. Concentrate in 10 to 20 feet of water. [/size] [size 1][/size] [size 1]For more information, contact the Lake Erie Management Unit at (734) 953-0241[/size]
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[davetclown]

[size 2]RANDALL LAKE CHAIN[/size]

[size 1]Randall Lake is actually a chain of three lakes and each produces some excellent winter crappies and bluegills [/size]

[size 1]Located in central Branch County near Coldwater, 513-acre Randall Lake can be accessed at a public facility on the northwest side of the lake. For more information, call (517) 625-4600. [/size]
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[davetclown]

Kent Lake

Located in southern Oakland county and is accessed only through Kensington Metro Park, direct access to the park is on the I 696 freway Kensington Park exit.

Places to avoid is the north side of the lake where the Huron River enters in to the lake, The south side of the lake under the express way where the curent flows between the two lakes.

Kent Lake has been produceing edible size perch gills and crappies during the past years after the drain down of the lake to kill of many of the carp (not compleatly susessful)

Kent lake (the southern part) is accessable through Island Lake State Park at kent lake rd Exit one mile west of the Kensington lake exit on the I 696 freway, exit the freeway go south on Kent lake rd cross the freeway and turn left in to Island lake Park, after entering the park pass the tole booth and go streight through the parking lot is on the left along side of the lake.

In both parks an access permit is required for entry, diferent parks need diferent permit. either daily or anual permits are required. Anual is the best buy if you visit the parks more than 4 times during the cource of the year.

the anual state park permit allows you into any state park in the state of michigan

the anual Metro Park allows you in to a number of Parks through the Detroit Metro Park system. (parks info can be abtained in main office on the north side of the lake)
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[davetclown]

[size 2]Houghton Lake [/size][size 1]

Is Michigan's largest inland lake and is about 22,000 acres in size. It is mainly a sandy bottom, and has more than 30 miles of scenic shoreline. This lake normally freezes enough to drive your truck right up to your hole, (But Please, don’t if your vehicle leaks oil).

This lake can provide a smorgasbord of fish from pike walleye perch gills and crappies

This is one of Michigan’s hottest Ice Fishing Destinations in January with it's winter festival of Ice fishing contest snowmobile races and other winter events [/size][size 1] [center][url "http://www.houghtonlake.org/tut2001.html"][/url][/center] [center][laugh] Aperently I am not the only fool on the ice [laugh]

This is one not to miss if you are a winter enthusiast[/size] [/center] [center][url "http://www.houghtonlake.org/tutmain.html"][/url]
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[davetclown]

[center][size 2]Lake St Clair[/size][/center] [center][url "http://www.freep.com/news/metro/fish9_20010109.htm"][/url][/center]

[size 1]Anglers on Lake St. Clair put the world on ice and brave cold, sometimes dangerous lakes for one reason: They're hooked [/size]

[size 1]With the help of U.S. Rep. David Bonior, D-Mt. Clemens, Congress appropriated $100,000 this fall for purchase of the vessel, a Husky Airboat. The Coast Guard will use the boat, stationed at St. Clair Shores, for rescues from Port Huron to Toledo[/size]

[size 1]Meanwhile, states Rep. William Callahan, D-St. Clair Shores, is considering whether to reintroduce legislation that would fine anglers who have to be rescued after venturing onto dangerous ice.[/size]

[size 1]The things that draws winter anglers to this region is the jumbo perch giant gills and hefty crappies.[/size]

[size 1]The danger comes from when anglers venture a mile or two out in to the bay during changing weather (worming) They find themselves floating down towards the Detroit River as the giant Ice burgs drift with unhearing passengers.[/size]

[size 1]Those who are rescued can forget about taking home their catches or their gear for that matter. It will soon be the property of lake Erie.[/size]

[size 1]Lake St Clair is only 22 feet deep at it deepest point (shipping channels) the rest of the lake is about 10 feet deep.(both sides of the channel)[/size]

[size 1]Me personally, after have fished there my self and sat on a fisher in the ice (unknowingly) and being tossed on to my back from the sudden rise of the ice shelf as the lake was freezing. I will now stay well with in the first fisher and avoid floating down the river or having a fisher open and close underneath me. the fishing is just as good close to shore if you know where to look, (follow the other anglers)[/size]
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[davetclown]

[center][size 2]Bald Mountain Recreation Area and it's 11 different lakes [/size][/center] [center][size 1]The Graham Lakes in the north unit draw the most fishing activity. Lake Orion, East Graham Lake, Prince Lake, Chamberlain Lake and Lakeville Lake all have access sites.[/size][/center] [center][size 1]Anglers will find pan fish, northern pike, and largemouth bass in all lakes[/size][/center] [center][size 1]Ice fishing is permitted on all bodies of water.[/size][/center]
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[davetclown]

[center][font "Arial"][size 2]Holly Recreation Area [/size][/font][/center] [left][size 1]Anglers will find a choice of 13 accessible lakes typically gravitating to Heron Lake, Valley Lake, Wildwood Lake, Minnie Lake, Holdridge Lake, Little Lake and Crotched Lake. Campers typically fish McGinnis Lake. [/size][/left] [left][size 1]The species found in most lakes and ponds are bluegill and sunfish. Some of the larger bodies of water have a greater number of species. Heron Lake supports largemouth bass, walleye, musky, northern pike, crappie and perch. [/size][/left] [left][size 1]Holdridge and McGinnis lakes have largemouth bass, perch and crappie. Little Lake has populations of northern pike and bass while Crotched Lake has some bass, perch and a few catfish. [/size][/left] [left][size 1][size 1]One thing you will want to be sure to stay away from when on these lakes and that is the beaver den. That right, beaver has been re-introduced in to this park and are protected. though I doubt that you are going hook in to a beaver on your line.[/size] [/size][/left] [left][size 1]It is possible to step on to a beaver hole and fall through the ice.[/size][/left]

[size 1]The last time I was there the beaver stayed near the tree lines. So if you don’t go near the tree lines you should be fairly save from finding an accidental hole covered by snow.[/size]
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[davetclown]

[center]LAKE INDEPENDENCE[/center]

LAKE INDEPENDENCE

Now here is a lake for to do sum real pike fishing. [center]In the annual pike ice fishing derby on this lake your pike must tip the scales at least 20 pounds to be considered for entry. And rightly so this lake produces many nice fish every year, it is a common place to see 40 inchers being pulled through a hole in the ice. [/center]
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[davetclown]

[center]LAKE MICHIGAMME[/center]Is another hot spot for sum monster thumb biter (pike) action. Located in Marquette County of the north west upper peninsula is known for housing 20+ pounders each year.
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