The senior restricted and all-species licenses are discounted 60 percent from the fee for a standard restricted and all-species fishing licenses, while the daily fishing license for senior citizens costs $3 compared to $7 for an adult under 65.
Table of Contents
What month is best for ice fishing?
March is the best month of the winter for ice-fishing in most of the Ice Belt, but anglers are never sure how the ice conditions will impact access to the lakes.
Where is ice fishing in Michigan?
Upper Peninsula 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.
When can you start ice fishing in Michigan?
We begin our ice fishing season the second week of January on some of the smaller lakes targeting Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Splake and Perch. This time of year there are also pike trips available. On colder years we will begin to target some of the bigger lakes by the end of January targeting Cisco and Lake Trout.
Does Lake Michigan freeze enough to ice fish?
In Michigan, you have about 4-5 months of cold winter weather where the lakes freeze over enough to get some quality ice fishing in.
What state is known for ice fishing?
Ice fishing in California? It might sound odd to you, but the Golden State has some pretty cool ice fishing spots. One of them is Silver Lake. Located at the base of Carson Mountain, it’s one of the most scenic ice fishing spots in the US.
Does time of day matter when 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.
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).
Where is the best ice fishing?
- Higgins Lake, Michigan. Photo: Susan Montgomery/Shutterstock.
- Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. devilslakend.
- Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, Ontario, Manitoba.
- Ammassalik, Greenland.
- Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan.
- Antero Reservoir, Colorado.
- Lule River, Sweden.
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.
Where is good ice in Michigan?
The best ice fishing lakes in MI include Pere Marquette Lake, Brevoort Lake and Intermediate Lake. The most popular species are walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. See a list of lakes and species below. Ice fishing is as basic as fishing gets.
Is it cold enough to go ice fishing?
If the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is almost impossible to keep the hole open, so be sure to choose a day when the temperature is at or below freezing, but above zero.
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 thick does ice need to be to walk on?
As a general rule of thumb, ice is safe to walk on when there is 4 inches or more of clear ice. It is important to understand that different types of ice varying in their strength. Clear blue or black ice is the strongest.
When was the last time Lake Michigan frozen over?
In records dating from the middle 1800s, even in the coldest winters, Lake Michigan has never completely frozen over. It has been as much as 90 percent or more ice-covered in 1903-04, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1998-99 and 2013-14, but the lake is a massive reservoir of heat that is released only slowly into the air.
How thick should ice be to drive on?
According to the Department of Natural Resources, 12-15 inches of solid ice is needed to safely drive a truck onto a lake or pond. 8-12 inches is needed for normal passenger vehicles. For snowmobiling, a minimum of 5 inches is recommended.
Can you ice fish in Ohio?
In Ohio, anglers can have up to six tip-ups going at one time, and each must be labeled with the owner’s name and address. Ice fishing opportunities can be found in a variety of inland lakes and ponds and Lake Erie as well, but the “Big Lake” warrants special considerations.
Why do I love ice fishing?
I think part of what makes ice fishing so enjoyable is that it gives me another reason to get outside when it’s cold. I also find it appealing that I can get out to the middle of the lake without a boat! That, and I think fish taste better caught through the ice!
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.
Is it good to ice fish at night?
Less fishing pressure Most anglers are active during the day, so fishing at night will mean fewer anglers hovering over that hot brush pile or creek channel. The reduced the number of anglers crunching across the ice and the potential fish disturbance won’t hurt either.
How do you catch a big fish in ice fishing?

How many walleye can you keep in Michigan?
ii) The daily possession limit for Walleye shall be eight (8).
How many rods can you 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.
What is the best bait to use 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.
Can you ice fish for salmon?
Most of the time you’ll want to be ice fishing for salmon at least 15 feet below the surface (and perhaps down to 80 feet). Where you can use multiple rigs or tipups, set up to cover a broad expanse where the depth of the bottom is sloping downward.