The following regulations are established for the number of fishing rods on Michigan waters: On all of the public waters of Michigan, those persons in the act of fishing shall be restricted to using no more than 3 single lines or 3 single rods and lines, and shall not attach more than six hooks total on all lines.
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Where is the best ice fishing in Michigan?
- Fletcher Pond.
- Hamlin Lake.
- Houghton Lake.
- Lake Gogebic.
- Lake Leelanau.
- Lake St Clair.
- Long Lake.
- Mullett Lake.
Where are they ice fishing in Michigan?
Murray Bay and Sand Point are pretty popular spots in the Bay, along with Trout Bay off Grand Island. Another winter fishing spot in Upper Michigan is Big Manistique Lake โ a 10,000-acre lake in Luce/Mackinac counties.
What fish do you catch ice fishing in Michigan?
Bluegill, perch, walleye, northern pike, and crappie are all popular fish species during Michigan’s Winter season and are sure to hold you over until the ice melts away in the Spring.
Where can I ice fish for walleye in Michigan?
In a typical Michigan winter, the ice action can be expected to start on the Saginaw River around the middle of January. To get in on the walleye fishing here, begin along M-13 near Wick’s Park and in the shadows of the Zilwaukee Bridge. These areas are prime spots, but don’t limit yourself to these alone.
What time of day is best for ice fishing?
The best time of day to ice fish is during the first couple of hours after sunrise, and for about 2 hours both before and after sunset. These are the times when most fish are heading to their feeding grounds, and when most species are active. What is this?
When should I stop ice fishing?
Ice thickness is one indicator of whether or not ice is safe. The following are suggested guidelines for safe ice thickness for different activities when the ice is new, clear and solid. 4 inches โ a minimum of 4 inches thick is considered safe for ice fishing and other recreational activities on foot.
Do you need a license to ice fish in Michigan?
No license is required. (Details are available at michigan.gov/dnr.) In the meantime, here’s a rundown of ice fishing basics.
How many tip ups can you have in Michigan?
Re: HOW MANY TIP-UPS YOU CAN USE You can spear and run 3 tip-ups at the same time.
How much is ice fishing license in Michigan?
Annual all-species resident: $26. Annual all-species nonresident: $76. Annual all-species senior: $11 (65 and older or legally blind, Michigan residents only).
How do you ice fish for bluegills in Michigan?

How do you cut ice with a chainsaw?
I always start my chainsaw flat on the ice, let it idle a bit to warm up for a couple of seconds, and then stand my chainsaw on the bar tip to let it cut vertically into the water.
Is lake Leelanau frozen?
From 1980 to present, the bay has only frozen over 38 percent of the time. Before 1980, it was 84 percent of the time. And even when it does freeze now, it doesn’t tend to freeze as long as it used to. It might be 20 to 40 days, where it used to be 70 days, 116 days.”
How thick is the ice on Little Bay de Noc?
“We often see some good walleye action first thing in the morning,” says Mark Peloza, as he steers his Jeep over a frozen berm and onto the 15-inch-thick lake ice.
How do you ice fish in Saginaw Bay?

Can you ice fish on the Great Lakes?
The Great Lakes are home to some world-class ice fishing opportunities every winter.
What’s the best bait for ice fishing?
For ice fishing live bait, try wax worms (bee moth larva), maggots, spikes (fly larvae), wigglers (mayfly larvae) or minnows. You can drop your bait and leave it alone, or you can slowly jig to attract the fish. Ice fishing jigging also works with artificial ice fishing bait.
What depth should I ice fish?
In my experience, I’ve found that most of the best ice-fishing action comes in water from 3-to-20 feet deep. I like to set up my traps so that they cover a variety of depths. Areas with rock piles, weed beds, or dramatic contours are all good spots.
What is the best bait for ice fishing walleye?
- Leech flutter spoon.
- Northland whistler jig.
- Clam drop jig.
- Spoon baited with minnow head.
- Jig baited with live or dead minnow.
How strong is 12 inches of ice?
At 4″ the ice is suitable for ice fishing, cross-country skiing and walking and can support about 200 pounds. At 5 inches of new clear ice should be enough to hold a single snowmobile or ATV or about 800 pounds. At 8-12 inches the ice should be suitable for a small car or a larger group of people.
Is it good to ice fish at night?
Ice fishing at night offers anglers chances to catch crepuscular or nocturnal species like walleye and burbot in numbers and sizes that they never knew existed. These species become more active at night, often hunting and feeding with an avidity unseen during the day.
Should you go ice fishing alone?
Leave your car or truck on shore. Wear a personal flotation device and don’t fish alone. Ice varies in thickness and condition. Always carry an ice spud or chisel to check ice as you proceed.
How many walleye can you keep in Michigan?
ii) The daily possession limit for Walleye shall be eight (8).
How many lines can you ice fish with in Michigan?
An individual shall not use more than 3 single lines or 3 single rods and lines, or a single line and a single rod and line, and shall not attach more than 6 hooks on all lines. The commission may decrease the number of rods per angler.
Are treble hooks illegal in Michigan?
Treble hooks may not be used when fishing for striped bass with livel bait. Treble hooks are legal to use in Michigan but there are a few rivers and streams that prohibit the use of treble hooks.