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.
Table of Contents
Is there any ice fishing in Michigan?
With over 11,000 lakes in Michigan, ice fishing offers a lot of opportunities to catch a variety of different species during the winter. 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 right now in Michigan?
About The Lake One of the best places to go ice fishing in Michigan, is Hamlin Lake. It is a large reservoir formed by the damming of the Big Sable River. The river provides a steady flow of nutrients to the lake, creating fertile waters that sustain healthy populations of the fish ice anglers love to catch.
Where is there safe ice in Michigan?
For the safest ice conditions and some good fishing, the place to go is the Upper Peninsula. At Lake Gogebic, several walleye and perch have been caught lately along the north end of the lake.
Can you ice fish Lake Michigan?
You can get just about anywhere on the lake when its frozen, something you can’t do without a boat during the open water season. Virtually every fish available in the summer can be caught through the ice – some even more frequently in winter.
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.
Do you need a license to ice fish in Michigan?
All anglers aged 17 and over need to have a valid Michigan fishing license. There are various options available for both residents and visitors, from a single day to annual licenses. Depending on where you’ll be ice fishing, there are size and bag limits, and keeping some species may be prohibited.
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?
Are lakes frozen in Michigan?
Best Places to View Frozen Michigan Lakes As temperatures fluctuate from year to year, it can be difficult to determine where the best frozen lakes in Michigan are. In general, though, you can expect to find frozen lakes in the Upper Peninsula from late November through March.
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.
How do you know if ice is safe for ice fishing?
- Clear ice tends to be newer and the strongest.
- White to opaque ice will have air pockets in it and is weaker than clear ice.
- Ice that is colored light gray to dark black is unsafe and you should avoid this type of ice as it may not hold a load.
How do you test for safe ice?
How do you ice fish for bluegills in Michigan?
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).
Can you ice fish on Lake Huron?
Walleye. One of the best fishing spots on Lake Huron is Saginaw Bay, and it’s a great place to sink a line for Walleye. You’ll find them there year-round, but during the summer months, they tend to bite more aggressively. If you’re up for an ice fishing adventure, head out in wintertime and try jigging with a wax worm.
Can you ice fish on the Great Lakes?
The Great Lakes are home to some world-class ice fishing opportunities every winter.
How many tip ups are you allowed in Michigan?
For example, Pennsylvania permits five tip ups, while Michigan restricts to three. Space the tip ups apart so you can learn where the fish are biting, such as in a line of increasingly deep water.
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.
How do you ice fish in Saginaw Bay?
How many Poles can you have out 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.
How many walleye can you keep in Michigan?
ii) The daily possession limit for Walleye shall be eight (8).
Is it illegal to use goldfish as bait in Michigan?
In Michigan, goldfish are not a pest species, but the state has prohibited their use as bait.
What is 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.
How deep 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.
How do you attract fish while ice fishing?
- Chumming and scents. Chumming is the most obvious way of attracting fish to a centralized location.
- Glow lures.
- Bottom bouncing.
- Turn on the transducer.
- Change up your presentation.
- Match the hatch.
- Cover the hole.
- Bring in some flash.