Trisha Tate from Kalamazoo has done it again on Houghton Lake. This time she had help from Audra Tate and Eloise Dunfee. Using rattle spoons and minnows in 9 fow, they landed walleye ranging from 18" to 22"
According to the ladies, deck hand AJ was not available to show off the adorable bluegill he caught.
Bait Man’s Monday Ice Fishing Report – Northern Michigan
The wind finally laid down over the weekend and anglers were able to get back out across much of Northern Michigan. With calmer conditions north of M 55, the fish responded and the bite improved. Snow remains on the ice in many areas, creating slushy conditions, but plenty of anglers pushed through and found success. Ice conditions remain variable, so caution is still critical.
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Leelanau County
Lake Leelanau is producing a good bite for walleye, with some perch mixed in, especially during early morning and late afternoon.
Little Glen Lake continues to be very good for perch and remains one of the more consistent bites in the county.
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Grand Traverse County – Traverse City Area
Long Lake is producing walleye and perch during low light periods.
Spider Lake has seen anglers out with mixed panfish success where safe ice is found.
Ellis Lake is giving up bluegill for anglers putting in the time.
Lake Dubonet has had light pressure with some panfish activity.
Cedar Hedge Lake is producing crappie and bluegill.
Duck Lake is producing pike where safe ice is found.
Green Lake remains unsafe in areas and should be avoided.
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Kalkaska County
Skegemog Lake saw good fishing pressure.
Manistee Lake near Kalkaska had anglers working through slush and finding fish.
Bear Lake in Kalkaska County has anglers getting out, with 4 to 6 inches of ice reported and slush on top. Foot travel only is advised and ice should be checked often.
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Wexford County
Cadillac Lake is producing crappie and bluegill with steady pressure.
Lake Mitchell continues to produce panfish with some early predator activity.
Clam Lake has seen anglers out with panfish activity reported.
Sawmill Lake is also seeing ice fishing pressure with bluegill and crappie being caught.
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Missaukee County
Lake Missaukee had a very good crowd and active fishing, with steady panfish action reported.
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Roscommon County
Lake St. Helen continues to do very well, with good ice and strong reports for bluegill and pike, and some walleye mixed in during low light periods.
Higgins Lake is just starting to ice over and is not ready for safe travel yet.
Houghton Lake remains one of the better options, with solid ice reported at 8 to 12 inches. Shanties are out and fishing pressure remains high.
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Otsego County
Otsego Lake had a strong turnout with steady fishing reported.
Lake Margrethe also saw good pressure on the ice.
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Manistee County
Bear Lake near the village of Bear Lake has been fair for pike and walleye, with slushy conditions in spots.
Portage Lake is seeing anglers getting out where safe ice is found. Ice conditions remain variable due to current and pressure areas, so extra caution is advised.
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Clare County – Harrison Area
Bud Lake is producing well, with anglers catching bluegill and some pike.
Lake Thirteen has good ice and steady panfish action.
Other small inland lakes around Harrison are also producing where anglers are checking ice carefully and staying mobile.
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Montcalm County – Greenville Area
The Greenville area continues to offer excellent ice fishing.
Local lakes are producing good numbers of bluegill and crappie, with solid ice reported.
Tamarac Sports reports strong ice fishing activity across the area, with anglers finding success using minnows and waxworms.
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Gladwin County
Sugar Springs, Wiggins Lake, Pratt Lake, and Secord Lake are all producing very well, with strong reports for panfish, walleye, and some pike.
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Cheboygan County
Burt Lake has a great bite for perch and walleye right now, with a few nice pike mixed in.
Mullett Lake and Black Lake are also producing and continue to round out a strong northern pattern.
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Ice Safety Reminder
Early January ice remains inconsistent. Treat every lake as new water, check ice thickness often, avoid current areas and pressure cracks, and never fish alone.
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