Northwest Lower Peninsula fishing report Jan/22/09
Posted by David Domka on January 22, 2009
Elk Lake - Anglers are fishing on the north side of the lake near the town of Kewadin but ice conditions on the rest of the lake are still questionable. The amount of snow and slush on the lake is making for difficult travel. Those fishing near Kewadin have been targeting trout with moderate luck. Most are fishing in 30 to 40 feet of water and using herring or spawn for bait. No steelhead in the creel but a nice lake trout was caught. Herring were caught on wax worms and wigglers in 30 to 40 feet of water. Most have been around 8 inches. No word on whitefish or walleye.
Skegemog Lake - Ice fishing is on but snow on the lake is deep. Anglers are fishing for perch off the Baggs Road access site as well as the northwest portion of the lake near the Narrows. Most are in 10 to 20 feet of water and using minnows, wax worms, wigglers or shrimp. The fish range from very small to jumbos. A few pike have been speared south of the river in 10 to 15 feet of water when using natural baits or artificial decoys. Fish recorded were 30+ inches. Those seeking muskie have only taken a few fish in the 40 inch range.
Traverse City - Ice has started to form around the shoreline but there is still no safe ice to report.
Little Glen Lake - Anglers are ice fishing however the bite was slow.
Big Glen Lake - Had several anglers catching perch, but not in big numbers. Most are using minnows in 30 to 45 feet of water. Use caution and avoid the east side of the lake which still had open water.
Cedar Lake - Those able to get out are still taking smelt when fishing small minnows, spikes or wax worms.
North Lake Leelanau - Snow and slush is making travel a little more difficult. Walleye have been caught however each cold front slows the bite.
South Lake Leelanau - Warmer temperatures should improve the walleye and bluegill bite.
Lake Missaukee - A few walleye were taken on tip-ups however the bite has been slow. Fish along the weed beds and drop offs.
Lake Cadillac - No shortage of ice up here however catch rates have been slow. The best thing going right now is pike fishing.
Lake Mitchell - Report slow catch rates except for some pike hitting on tip-ups.
Hamlin Lake - Catch rates have been slow. Most of the activity has been on Upper Hamlin off Wilson Hill Park. Some nice bluegills were caught in 8 to 12 feet of water but no big numbers yet. Recent snowfall coupled with strong winds has drifts as high as five feet which makes travel almost impossible. Watch for the areas with open water because of currents.
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