Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Thursday

February 9, 2012

Open water fishing provides an outlet

FROM WIRE REPORTS ----

LANSING — Steelhead are starting to show up in streams in east-central Michigan, giving anglers another outlet for fishing, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday in its weekly fishing report.

While some lakes to the north may have enough ice for fishing, the southern half of the Lower Peninsula is still experiencing no ice or unsafe ice conditions, so some are now open water fishing, the DNR said. It said anglers should remember that river ice is usually not safe because of moving water. All ice needs to be checked carefully before proceeding and no one should fish alone, it said.

In northwest Michigan, ice conditions are marginal on the bigger lakes. Pike have been caught in smaller lakes throughout the area. Anglers who have access to boats capable of fishing the Great Lakes will find yellow perch at several locations when weather conditions allow for safe travel.

Lake Skegemog: Anglers are catching good size pike.

Lake Cadillac: Is producing bluegill, pike and crappie.

Lake Mitchell: Is also producing bluegill, pike and crappie.

Portage Lake: Yellow perch are starting to show up.

Manistee River: Good weather has produced some nice steelhead catches below Tippy Dam. Cold water temperatures have the fish holding in the deeper holes.

Pere Marquette River: Continues with good steelhead fishing.

Haymarsh Lake: In Mecosta County is producing limit catches of northern pike.

Grand Lake: Has ice anglers and good perch fishing.

Au Sable River: Is producing unusually good steelhead fishing below Foote Dam. The ramps were open but the ramps may still have ice on them so be prepared.

Higgins Lake: Has ice however anglers need to watch for soft ice near the creek mouths. With no snow or slush, the ice is extremely slippery so bring your ice cleats. Perch were caught off the South State Park and along the ridge between the west launch and the Sunken Island. Smelt were caught in the evening off the west launch.

Houghton Lake: Ice anglers are doing well for walleye, perch and pike. Anglers have started fishing along the west side of lake but for now, foot traffic only in this area. Perch were caught from the weed beds along the south shore. Try minnows just off the bottom in 6 to 10 feet of water. Pike have been caught all day long when using tip-ups. Walleye was best in the early morning or late evening along the north shore and in the East Bay.

Tawas Bay: Ice anglers are still venturing out to fish walleyes in 15 to 20 feet of water off Jerry's Marina, and they're getting a few. Those out spearing are getting a few pike. Perch fishing is hit-or-miss with a lot of sorting for some 7 to 9 inch keepers. A couple small brown trout were caught in the harbor.

Au Gres: Anglers are seeing lake trout in 5 feet of water off Booth Road and Santiago Road. Try moonshine lures with minnows. Anglers need to use caution in this area and travel by foot only. Perch were caught in the harbor and channels.

Au Gres River: Has good steelhead fishing in the lower river.

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