Ice fishing continues but caution needs to be used. Anglers are reminded that walleye, northern pike and muskie season in the Upper Peninsula inland and Great Lakes waters as well as the St. Mary’s River is now open until March 15th. The spearing season for northern pike and muskie will also be open until March 15th.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Elk Lake – Angler pressure has decreased as many have pulled their ice shanties off the lake. A few portables are popping up here and there. Anglers are still targeting lake trout near Kewadin and off the Whitewater Park when jigging Swedish Pimples in 80 feet of water however no fish were caught. No reports on steelhead or lake herring. Whitefish were caught near Kewadin in 30 to 50 feet of water. Some are still targeting muskie but no fish were caught.

Skegemog Lake – Has seen a lot of fishing pressure over the last week. Pike were caught in flats off Baggs Road. Fish ranging from 16 to 27 inches were taken in 12 to 15 feet of water when using minnows. Perch have been caught off the access site at Baggs Road as well as the northwest portion of the lake near the narrows. Try 10 to 15 feet of water when using minnows, wax worms, mousies or wigglers. Many small fish were caught right along with fish ranging from 7 to 10 inches. Bluegills, rock bass and pumpkinseed have also been caught when jigging Swedish Pimples, rapalas, minnows, wigglers or wax worms. A few anglers are still trying to spear muskie however no fish were recorded.

Traverse City – Access to the bays will be difficult due to deep snow at the launches.

Boardman River – Anglers are catching some steelhead.

Lake Cadillac – Anglers are catching more crappie than bluegills. The bigger fish have been caught along the east side of the lake. Pike anglers are concentrating on waters 15 to 20 feet deep. Deep snow and drifts may cause travel problems.

Manistee River – Sub-legal brown trout are being caught below the coffer dam near Tippy. Steelhead numbers have been light.

Hamlin Lake – Fishing slowed for those targeting bluegills off the Wilson Hill Park and the Boy Scout Camp. Could be the cold weather as catch rates improved after the warm spell. Try 7 to 12 feet of water with wax worms. Those fishing off Lincoln Road were still taking a few crappie when using a minnow hooked in the back. The fish are running 9 to 12 inches but only a half dozen were reported in a days catch. No fishing on Lower Hamlin.