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.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay - The coho, herring and perch bite were a bit slow but the smelt action was good between Baraga and Bucks Marina. As for lake trout, the bite was good one day and absent the next. Those able to catch them did so out from Pequaming and out on Newton’s, Farmer’s and the Big Reef in waters 90 to 315 feet deep. Old Mission and the Whirl-I-Gig were also producing a few fish.

Stanley Lake - Has seen a fair number of anglers targeting walleye.

Menominee - The ice was holding. Perch anglers are jigging in 50 feet of water.

Menominee River - Walleye have been caught at first light and also in the evening with the average fish in the 20 inch range. Fish the Wisconsin side near the Hattie Street Dam with a variety of colored jigs in all sizes. Walleye and a few whitefish were caught from the Sixth Street slip. Trout anglers are casting rapalas, yarn or spawn on the Michigan side where there is open water near Hattie Street. A couple brown trout and steelhead were also caught. Anglers are reminded that the possession limit for walleye is (1) fish from March 2nd through May 1st, 2009.

Little Bay De Noc - Still has ice however travel has been limited due to drifting snow. Anglers marked good numbers of fish but catch rates were a little slow. The better walleye action was near the mouth of the Escanaba River and the Center Reef. At Kipling, anglers were using tip-ups with sucker minnows in 30 to 40 feet of water while the river anglers were jigging rapalas and minnows in 20 to 30 feet of water. Lot’s of sub-legal walleye and some jumbo perch between the Narrows and the First Reef. Perch anglers reported the most consistency in 14 to 17 feet of water when jigging minnows and wigglers. Most of the jumbo perch were out deeper in 30 to 40 feet of water. Buckeye Cove still has some good pike spearing in 30 feet of water. The whitefish action slowed a bit but some fish were taken off Sand Point when jigging minnows and spawn in 80 feet of water.

Munising - Trout Bay and Munising Bay have good ice with a couple feet of snow on top. Travel conditions are difficult. Conditions can change rapidly outside the bay so extreme caution needs to be used. For Trout Bay, some limits of coho were caught when using cut bait however catch rates were not consistent. Those heading out north of Grand Island for lake trout need to use extreme caution. In Murray’s Bay, anglers are catching a few smaller whitefish. Fishing was slow off the river and the City Dock. The lucky ones took home a few coho, whitefish, splake and herring. Off Sand Point, anglers are catching a few whitefish, splake and burbot. Coho are just starting to hit off Sand Point.

Cedarville and Hessel - Fishing has been very slow in part due to frigid temperatures. Perch fishing has slowed in Cedarville, Hessel and Musky Bay. Anglers were using mostly wigglers in 12 to 14 feet of water and not having much success. A few small pike were seen. Fishing was slow in the Moscoe Channel.

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.

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.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

East Twin Lake - The ice is holding however few anglers have been out.

West Twin Lake - Has decent walleye fishing. Try minnow jigs in perch colors in 8 to 10 feet of water. Perch fishing has picked up. The ice is holding however caution needs to be used as there are some pressure cracks the width of the lake and the snow cover makes it impossible to see them. Anglers should avoid taking cars or trucks out on the ice.

Oscoda - Still had ice and anglers are heading out. Catch rates were slow due in part to the cold.

Higgins Lake - The ice is holding but anglers should avoid taking cars and trucks out. The smelt are coming into shallow waters 10 to 15 feet deep and the bigger fish like perch and whitefish are following them. Perch were also found in 5 to 8 feet of water. Lake trout are still hitting just off the bottom in waters about 80 feet deep.

Houghton Lake - Still has lots of ice with about 2 inches of snow on top and there are still a few drifts here and there. The artic blast slowed the bite however warmer temperatures should help improve catch rates.

Tawas - Walleye action right before the rain last week was good however the cold front once again shut the bite down. Pike and small perch were caught.

Au Gres - Fishing activity was concentrated off the hotel and in the coves near the mouth of the river. Success was spotty.

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.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - Has ice around the pierheads and no boats have been going out.

St. Joe River - Water levels are high and muddy however word has it steelhead are being caught on spawn at the Berrien Springs Dam.

Kalamazoo River - Look for steelhead below the Allegan Dam.

Holland - Has open water but the piers were still ice and snow covered.

Grand Haven - Had ice flows in the channel.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Water levels are up and ice is coming over the dam, but fish are still being caught. Steelhead anglers are drifting spawn sacks or yarn off both sides of the river. Steelhead have been caught above and below the first coffer dam and behind the Post Office. Those fishing off Bridge Street are casting towards the coffer dam. Boat anglers are trolling Hot-n-Tots or anchoring with 50 feet of rope and fishing back 25 feet while working the waters from side to side. Walleye are hitting on bucktail jigs with minnows off the east wall, the west side of Fulton Street and below Fulton Street on the college wall. Some are fishing off the G-Lock wall which is south of Wealthy Street.

Grand River at Lansing - Anglers fishing below the Moore’s Park Dam are looking for walleye. A couple steelhead were caught over near Ionia in Prairie Creek.

Duck Lake - In Calhoun County is producing some nice bluegills. Anglers are sight fishing with tip-ups and minnows or jigging wax worms along the south end of the lake. Be ready to move around as the pike will move in and the bluegill bite will stop.

Lake Ovid - Those fishing shallow were taking some bluegill and crappie.

Reeds Lake - Has ice along with good perch and crappie fishing.

Muskegon - When the channel is open, anglers are taking the occasional steelhead and brown trout when fishing off the pier with spawn.

Muskegon Lake - Still has ice and it is very slippery. Bring some cleats for easier travel. For perch, target the west end of the lake and the ledge behind Shoreline Marine. Good baits were minnows, spikes, cut bait, and fish eyes.

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

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.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie – Most of the lake has open water. The only ice fishing is off the Metro Park Marina for perch and bluegills and out near the Banana Dike for perch.

Huron River – Steelhead are being caught when using spawn or wax worms.

Detroit River – The ice flows have slowed however most boat anglers are anticipating more ice coming down the river. Check out the cuts and canals near Gibraltar for good perch and bluegill action.

Lexington – Fishing was light with only a few perch taken. Anglers will need to do some sorting.

Port Austin – Cold weather shored the ice back up and there are a few ice shanties in and around the marina.

Saginaw Bay – Off Palmer Road; perch fishing was slow to fair at best out near the first crack. A few walleye were caught a couple miles out in 10 feet of water. Off White’s Beach, fish 10 feet of water near the Pinconning Bar. Off Erickson Road and Linwood Road, the walleye bite was slow out near the pressure crack. Use extreme caution out there and watch for changes in wind direction. The water was really dirty around the Hot Ponds. Thomas Road continues to produce walleye about 7 to 8 miles offshore in 17 to 19 feet of water. Sebewaing was slow. Those fishing out in the Slot beyond Rose Island were taking a few walleye in the evening. At Bay Port, the ice is bad at the DNR access site. Those heading out of the Bay Shore Marina took some nice perch ranging from 8 to 12 inches. Off Mud Creek, anglers were going out about 2 miles towards Sand Point and taking some nice perch in 8 feet of water. At Caseville, perch were caught in the marina basins however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.

Tittabawassee River – No activity to report and the boat launches still iced in.

Saginaw River – Anglers casting in open water near the Independence Bridge were taking walleye on jigs and twister tails. Down near the mouth, perch anglers fishing in the marina basins did well when using minnows on Russian hooks with green beads

This coming weekend is Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend. For two days only, Saturday February 14th and Sunday February 15th, both resident and nonresidents can fish without a license. With that said, ice conditions have become dangerous especially in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. Many lakes have standing water and slippery conditions. The rivers are not safe for ice fishing. Conditions will only worsen with additional rain and strong winds. Those hoping to get out and try ice fishing may have to travel to the Northern Lower Peninsula or the Upper Peninsula.

UPPER PENINSULA

Portage Lake - The slush was 4 to 6 inches deep. Catch rates improved with small windows of good fishing in the morning just before light and an hour before dark. Walleye anglers are using stinger hooks and jigging spoons in 14 to 22 feet of water. Good pike action in Chassel Bay but the fish are small. Use minnows or smelt on tip-ups just off the bottom in 10 to 19 feet of water.

Keweenaw Bay - Lake trout anglers were doing the best out from Whirl-I-Gig Road in 220 to 260 feet of water. Whitefish action was steady with some nice catches in 80 to 105 feet of water east of the marina at Baraga. Perch were found north and south of Baraga in 30 to 60 feet of water. Smelt were hitting at night between the Baraga Marina and Bucks Marina. The coho and lake herring bite were slow.

Menominee - Catch rates for yellow perch were slow this week. Some were heading out a mile or two while others just kept moving around. Most are jigging minnows but some were using other natural baits on a small jig or tear drop. Whitefish were caught about a mile out. Bluegills were caught near the mouth of the river when jigging tear drops with wax worms, grubs or mousies.

Menominee River - Steelhead and walleye have been caught near Hattie Street. The trout anglers are fishing the open waters on the Michigan side with spawn or crank baits. Walleye anglers on the Wisconsin side are jigging minnows or casting plugs. Catch rates will pick up and the browns should start to move in soon.

Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were fair to good with the majority of fish caught in the north half of the bay and the better catches between Gladstone and the Center Reef. In Kipling, anglers were jigging rapalas in 27 to 40 feet of water. Tip-up anglers were taking good catches of northern pike with several fish over 40 inches. There has been a real surge in pike catches this year, especially in this area. Walleye action was fair near the mouth of the Escanaba River when jigging rapalas and minnows in 20 to 32 feet of water. At Gladstone, walleye were caught in 25 to 35 feet of water but many were sub-legal. Good catches of jumbo perch near Kipling when jigging minnows in 25 to 35 feet of water or using tip-ups with 3 inch minnows. Several nice catches were taken off Gladstone in the same depths. This has been the best year in some time for jumbo perch. Pike spearing was good off the “Buckeye” near Kipling in 8 to 10 feet of water and in the harbor at Escanaba in 6 to 18 feet of water. Whitefish reports remain steady throughout the bay with the best catches off Sand Point in 80 feet of water and off the Terrace Bay Inn in 45 feet of water. Recent warm weather created some water on the ice but travel was good as of this report. Warm temperatures along with rain this week could change ice conditions in a hurry.

Munising - Anglers going out in the bay need to use extreme caution as conditions here can change rapidly. There were reports of coho and lake trout caught in Trout Bay. Fishing off Powell Point was slow with only a few whitefish and some burbot taken at night. Off the Anna River and the City Dock, a few whitefish, splake and burbot were taken. One coho was caught out from the Sunset Motel. For Sand Point, a few whitefish, splake and some lake trout have been caught.

Munuscong Bay - Walleye catches are still good when jigging minnows in 3 to 5 feet of water. Those targeting walleye are picking up some nice perch as well. Other good locations to try include Grassy Island, Roach Point and Steamboat Island.

Cedarville and Hessel - Musky Bay is producing a limited number of large perch along with lots of small ones. Try minnows or wigglers in 12 to 14 feet of water. Look for perch in 5 feet of water in the Moscoe Channel and around Little Joe Island.

Brevoort Lake - Reports are still coming in of some nice bluegills caught near the campground and along the east shoreline. Some nice perch were caught along the south shore and the walleye were hitting at night.

Portage Lake - The slush was 4 to 6 inches deep. Catch rates improved with small windows of good fishing in the morning just before light and an hour before dark. Walleye anglers are using stinger hooks and jigging spoons in 14 to 22 feet of water. Good pike action in Chassel Bay but the fish are small. Use minnows or smelt on tip-ups just off the bottom in 10 to 19 feet of water.

Keweenaw Bay - Lake trout anglers were doing the best out from Whirl-I-Gig Road in 220 to 260 feet of water. Whitefish action was steady with some nice catches in 80 to 105 feet of water east of the marina at Baraga. Perch were found north and south of Baraga in 30 to 60 feet of water. Smelt were hitting at night between the Baraga Marina and Bucks Marina. The coho and lake herring bite were slow.

Menominee - Catch rates for yellow perch were slow this week. Some were heading out a mile or two while others just kept moving around. Most are jigging minnows but some were using other natural baits on a small jig or tear drop. Whitefish were caught about a mile out. Bluegills were caught near the mouth of the river when jigging tear drops with wax worms, grubs or mousies.

Menominee River - Steelhead and walleye have been caught near Hattie Street. The trout anglers are fishing the open waters on the Michigan side with spawn or crank baits. Walleye anglers on the Wisconsin side are jigging minnows or casting plugs. Catch rates will pick up and the browns should start to move in soon.

Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were fair to good with the majority of fish caught in the north half of the bay and the better catches between Gladstone and the Center Reef. In Kipling, anglers were jigging rapalas in 27 to 40 feet of water. Tip-up anglers were taking good catches of northern pike with several fish over 40 inches. There has been a real surge in pike catches this year, especially in this area. Walleye action was fair near the mouth of the Escanaba River when jigging rapalas and minnows in 20 to 32 feet of water. At Gladstone, walleye were caught in 25 to 35 feet of water but many were sub-legal. Good catches of jumbo perch near Kipling when jigging minnows in 25 to 35 feet of water or using tip-ups with 3 inch minnows. Several nice catches were taken off Gladstone in the same depths. This has been the best year in some time for jumbo perch. Pike spearing was good off the “Buckeye” near Kipling in 8 to 10 feet of water and in the harbor at Escanaba in 6 to 18 feet of water. Whitefish reports remain steady throughout the bay with the best catches off Sand Point in 80 feet of water and off the Terrace Bay Inn in 45 feet of water. Recent warm weather created some water on the ice but travel was good as of this report. Warm temperatures along with rain this week could change ice conditions in a hurry.

Munising - Anglers going out in the bay need to use extreme caution as conditions here can change rapidly. There were reports of coho and lake trout caught in Trout Bay. Fishing off Powell Point was slow with only a few whitefish and some burbot taken at night. Off the Anna River and the City Dock, a few whitefish, splake and burbot were taken. One coho was caught out from the Sunset Motel. For Sand Point, a few whitefish, splake and some lake trout have been caught.

Munuscong Bay - Walleye catches are still good when jigging minnows in 3 to 5 feet of water. Those targeting walleye are picking up some nice perch as well. Other good locations to try include Grassy Island, Roach Point and Steamboat Island.

Cedarville and Hessel - Musky Bay is producing a limited number of large perch along with lots of small ones. Try minnows or wigglers in 12 to 14 feet of water. Look for perch in 5 feet of water in the Moscoe Channel and around Little Joe Island.

Brevoort Lake - Reports are still coming in of some nice bluegills caught near the campground and along the east shoreline. Some nice perch were caught along the south shore and the walleye were hitting at night.

This coming weekend is Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend. For two days only, Saturday February 14th and Sunday February 15th, both resident and nonresidents can fish without a license. With that said, ice conditions have become dangerous especially in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. Many lakes have standing water and slippery conditions. The rivers are not safe for ice fishing. Conditions will only worsen with additional rain and strong winds. Those hoping to get out and try ice fishing may have to travel to the Northern Lower Peninsula or the Upper Peninsula.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Pickerel Lake - In Emmet County, is producing a couple nice walleye along with all the sub-legals. Early morning or late evenings are best.

Torch Lake - Had good whitefish and lake trout action. Let’s hope the ice holds.

Elk Lake - Lake trout anglers are targeting the waters off Kewadin, Gay Road, Angell Road, and the Whitewater Township Park. Trout averaging 12 to 29 inches have been caught in 50 to 110 feet of water when using minnows and jigging Swedish Pimples. Lake herring were caught on spawn in 30 to 50 feet of water near Kewadin. For whitefish, try off Kewadin, Bussa Road, and Ringler Road in 40 to 80 feet of water. No steelhead or walleye in the creel this week.

Skegemog Lake - Bluegills are starting to bite off the Baggs Road public access site in 12 to 15 feet of water. Try minnows or wax worms. A few more pike were caught over the last week. Try minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water in the flats between the access site at Baggs Road and the mouth of the Torch River. A couple big muskie were speared off Baggs Road. For yellow perch, lots of small ones have been caught off Baggs Road when using small minnows, wax worms or wigglers. A few bigger fish in the 7 to 10 inch range were caught by those willing to put in the time.

Traverse City - With the current warming trend and strong south winds in the forecast, anglers should avoid any remaining ice on the bays.

Green Lake - Anglers are still taking smelt however the fish are small.

Big Glen Lake - The warm weather did not seem to help the perch bite. Only those willing to move around caught fish as it seems the perch were moving through the feeding areas like clockwork. Minnows are the favorite but some are biting on wigglers. The bigger fish seemed to come in 30 to 40 feet of water east of the bridge. The ice was holding however there was a good inch of standing water after the rain.

Crystal Lake - Still had good smelt action at night. Water on the ice made for slippery conditions. Bring some cleats!

Lake Cadillac - Has nothing new to report. Anglers are still taking good catches of pike and some panfish.

Lake Mitchell - The pike and panfish action has been good.

Manistee River - A couple steelhead have been caught up at Tippy Dam.

Hamlin Lake - Catch rates did improve with the warmer weather. Upper Hamlin was producing some bluegills in 17 to 28 feet of water off Pete’s Bayou. Bright colored jigs and wax worms fished just off the bottom did the trick. Pike anglers were finding a few fish when using dead smelt or live blues on tip-ups fished about halfway down in 20 feet of water off Pete’s Bayou or fish shallow along the weedbeds off Laman’s Landing. Near Lincoln Road, the crappies were just starting to show up in 32 feet of water during the day and also for a short time at dusk. They were hitting on minnows just off the bottom. A few perch were also starting to show up.

This coming weekend is Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend. For two days only, Saturday February 14th and Sunday February 15th, both resident and nonresidents can fish without a license. With that said, ice conditions have become dangerous especially in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. Many lakes have standing water and slippery conditions. The rivers are not safe for ice fishing. Conditions will only worsen with additional rain and strong winds. Those hoping to get out and try ice fishing may have to travel to the Northern Lower Peninsula or the Upper Peninsula.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Mullett Lake - Yellow perch fishing has been hit-or-miss. A lot of small ones have been caught right along with the occasional keepers.

Black Lake - The lake sturgeon spearing season is over, as the final fish was taken on Tuesday of this week.

Tomahawk Flooding - In Presque Isle County has produced a few panfish and pike.

East Twin Lake - The top layer of ice was in pretty poor shape by mid week and there was plenty of water on top of the ice. Ice anglers may want to stay close to shore until cold weather can once again firm the ice back up. Some are targeting perch. They reported good days and some slow ones. Perch minnows worked best.

West Twin Lake - The top layer of ice here is also in pretty bad shape. Walleye anglers need to use extreme caution and fish the shallows until the ice firms back up. Some nice fish have been caught and those doing the best are using a plain rapala jig that looks like a minnow with no bait on it or a Swedish Pimple tipped with a minnow. Tip-up anglers are taking the occasional pike.

Higgins Lake - Still has ice but anglers are reminded to use caution and watch for pressure cracks, especially with strong winds in the forecast. Smelt are hitting on the north end of the lake. Evenings are good but some fish have also been caught during the day. Lake trout are still out in deep waters and the rainbow trout can be found in shallow waters. Perch anglers are still taking fish on the north end of the Sunken Island and Treasure Island.

Houghton Lake - Was slippery with some water on top. Anglers would be wise to wear some sort of cleats for easier travel across the ice. Walleye fishing continues to be steady off the north shore and in the East Bay. The big bluegills have started to bite. Anglers are doing well when fishing the Middle Grounds with a tear drop and wax worm. Target the weedbeds in 4 to 6 feet of water.

Tawas - Perch fishing was slow and the fish were running small. Walleye were caught over the reef. Brown trout and whitefish were caught and some pike were speared.

Au Gres - Walleye anglers heading out about three miles reported fair success. This report may not reflect true ice conditions by the weekend

This coming weekend is Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend. For two days only, Saturday February 14th and Sunday February 15th, both resident and nonresidents can fish without a license. With that said, ice conditions have become dangerous especially in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. Many lakes have standing water and slippery conditions. The rivers are not safe for ice fishing. Conditions will only worsen with additional rain and strong winds. Those hoping to get out and try ice fishing may have to travel to the Northern Lower Peninsula or the Upper Peninsula.

All lakes are unsafe! Anglers should not try to venture out on any remaining ice.

St. Joe River - Has high water levels. Steelhead and walleye anglers will need to use extreme caution. Try live baits such as crawlers.

Holland - Has open water in the channel but the piers are ice and snow covered.

Grand Haven - Had open water in the channel and an ice jam west of the US-31 Bridge.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Water levels are coming up and there are flood warnings for certain areas. The high water could bring some steelhead up into the river. Try a big choker bag with a piece of chartreuse yarn as the waters will be murky. Anglers looking for walleye are throwing bucktail jigs with minnows off the bridge at Fulton Street.

Thornapple River - Is rising and is under a flood warning.

Grand River at Lansing - Anglers have started to buy crawlers to do some open water fishing for walleye. There is no safe ice on the river.

Red Cedar River - Is rising and is under a flood warning.

Looking Glass River - Is under a flood warning.

Lake Lansing - Has no safe ice to report. Watch the shoreline ice as it is usually the first to go in the warm and windy conditions.

Muskegon Lake - Perch fishing has been good. If the ice can hold on until the weekend, look for the action to continue. A few walleye and one brown trout were also caught. The ice was very slippery so you might want to bring along some cleats. Use caution and avoid any areas where there are pressure cracks or a current. Anglers will also want to keep a watchful eye for any boat traffic that might come through the lake.

Muskegon River - Has thawed. Look for steelhead up near the Croton Dam. Some were starting to fish for suckers.