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.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Ice anglers were still taking some nice perch off the north end of the Banana Dike. Most are going out near the State Game Area. Metro Park Marina was still producing a few jumbo perch and some bluegills. The rest of the lake has open water.

Huron River - Water levels are high and muddy, but steelhead are being caught. Try spawn or wax worms between the coffer dam and the Flat Rock Dam. No walleye yet but anglers anticipate a few fish before the season closes.

Detroit River - Ice is still coming down and the water is a bit muddy. The canals around Gibraltar were still producing some perch and bluegills however it may be hard to find good ice by the end of the week.

Lake St. Clair - Still has ice. Anglers have been catching lots of small perch, but the big ones just haven’t materialized yet.

Lexington - Has mostly small perch being caught. The ice is getting bad near the mouth of the harbor.

Port Sanilac - Stay off the ice in the harbor, it is not safe.

Port Austin - Still a few shanties out but not much activity.

Saginaw Bay - Ice fishing continues however anglers need to use extreme caution due to pressure cracks in most locations and bad shore ice. Walleye are nice to catch but they are not worth the risk of losing your life! Off Palmer Road, a large crack is making it hard for anglers to find a way to get out. White’s Beach has perch and walleye in 8 to 10 feet of water. Off Linwood and Erickson Road, the water is muddy and there is a large pressure crack. Walleye action was fair to good in 17 to 22 feet of water. Those heading northeast of the Bay City State Park are taking walleye as well as those fishing in 10 to 12 feet of water off Vanderbilt Park. Thomas Road was good for some limit catches of walleye when heading out 7 to 8 miles. Water in the marina in Sebewaing is high and muddy. Off Geiger Road, walleye have been caught about 9 miles out. Some perch were taken outside the islands in the Slot. Near Mud Creek, ice conditions are variable. Perch are hitting on minnows but many were small.

Tittabawassee River - Water levels are high and muddy and the boat launches are plugged with ice.

Saginaw River - Is high and muddy and the boat launches are plugged with ice.

Pigeon River - Fishing is slow as the river is high and muddy