Waters in the Upper Peninsula and the northern sections of the Lower Peninsula still have good ice for those not yet ready to put away the ice fishing gear. For the southern sections of the Lower Peninsula, this could be the last weekend for ice fishing and as always, caution needs to be used. The reformed ice is very slippery so be sure to bring some cleats for better traction.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Elk Lake - Few anglers have been out except for those targeting lake trout and whitefish. For lake trout, fish near Kewadin, Elk Rapids and the Whitewater Park while jigging Swedish Pimples with spawn or minnows in 80 to 140 feet of water. Fish up to 24 inches have been caught. For whitefish, try off Kewadin and Ringler Road in 30 to 50 feet of water. Herring were caught near Kewadin and Spencer Bay in 20 to 50 feet of water when using spawn or wax worms.

Skegemog Lake - Fishing pressure is still high for all species. Pike are hitting on minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water off the Baggs Road access site. Muskie spearing is still taking place but no fish were recorded. Anglers are fishing for perch off the Baggs Road access as well as in the northwest portion of the lake by the narrows. Try 10 to 15 feet of water with minnows, wax worms, wigglers or mousies and be ready to sort out the small ones.

Traverse City - As of this report, both bays had ice. Anglers were fishing Bowers Harbor for perch and whitefish.

Cedar Lake - In Traverse City had good smelt fishing.

Glen Lake - In Leelanau County still had ice with a few slush spots. The perch seem to be moving into the shallows to feed. Anglers did well near Burdickville and on Little Glen. Minnows just off the bottom did the trick.

Crystal Lake - The ice was holding and the smelt fishing was good.

Green Lake - Is still producing some smelt.

Betsie River - Steelhead are hitting on spawn or wax worms.

Lake Cadillac - Is treating anglers to panfish and pike.

Lake Mitchell - Is good spot for panfish and pike.

Manistee Lake - Ice anglers are catching some nice crappie off the East Lake Village Park. The ice is holding but caution needs to be used.

Manistee River - Steelhead fishing was decent right after the recent thaw, and should get successively better in the next month as new fish move in each time we see warmer temperatures and higher water levels.

Hamlin Lake - Anglers are taking a mixed bag of panfish between the Wilson Hill Park and the Boy Scout Camp in 12 feet of water. Tear drops with wax worms just off the bottom worked best and bright colors stand out in the murky water. Try jigging with short strokes to entice the fish. Crappie are still hitting off Lincoln Road on the right day when using minnows hooked in the back just off the bottom in 30 feet of water. The pike have started to move into the shallows. Try the dense weeds in 5 to 10 feet of water off Layman’s or Sterns Landing.