LANSING -- Spring is right around the corner, but rain and warmer temperatures are rapidly bringing the ice fishing season to a close, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment said Wednesday.
Anglers are reminded that walleye season on inland waters will end Monday but the Great Lakes, including Saginaw Bay, remain open year-round, the DNRE said Wednesday in its weekly fishing report. Monday also marks the end of spearing season for northern pike and musky.
Traverse City: The bays have open water, but the docks are not in yet.
Boardman River: Is producing a light number of steelhead.
Lake Leelanau: Ice anglers were still heading out for perch and walleye, but conditions could change rapidly by the weekend. Shoreline ice will go fast.
Betsie River: Fishing has started to heat up as anglers are catching dark-colored steelhead near the Homestead Dam. Most are using small spawn bags in red and orange. Steelhead have been caught on spawn and wax worms at the M-22 Bridge.
Lake Missaukee: Ice anglers were still targeting panfish. Pay close attention to deteriorating ice conditions.
Lake Cadillac: Ice conditions were holding as of this report, but that could change by the weekend.
Lake Mitchell: As with Lake Cadillac, anglers need to use caution because it isn't known for how long the ice will hold.
Skegemog Lake: Had reports of ice anglers targeting perch. Extreme caution needs to be used.
Manistee: Boat anglers have started trolling along the beach and harbor for brown trout and steelhead.
Manistee River: Steelhead fishing has picked up, but some rain is needed for a big push. The river was low and clear which can make for difficult fishing. Snowmelt has been slow and not enough to get a good run of fish moving.
Au Sable River: Those fishing the lower river have caught steelhead and walleye.
Mullett Lake: Anglers were catching many small perch along with a few nice ones. The south end of the lake has been most productive. Anglers are reminded that March 15 is the last day for permanent shanties on the lake. Pike, walleye and musky season will close March 15.
