Beautiful Weather and the Fishing is Easy

Reedsburg Dam State Camp Ground Fall of 2010
by
K. Stephenson

Spring is on the way. The weather here is in the thirties. The lake has more shanties on it than I have ever seen before. It seems perfect for ice fishing but use caution. When the temperature goes up and the sun shines, the ice cracks and refreezes at night leaving a pushed up ridge of ice and weak areas that won't support weight. Smelt and perch are still biting. Some walleye and pike are being pulled out of the ice. Minnows are still working and wax worms. Good luck!

Ice fishing is great but I have a few spots I want to try out in my pond hopper (see picture above). You can't see the bass jumping under the ice. The fish are feistier when the water warms and their metabolism cranks back up. Yah-hooo. There's a great kayaking trip on the Muskegon river I want to check out. I'm ready to get out and about in some warmer weather. The back roads and two tracks I love to travel are too snow covered to drive on even with 4 wheel drive and my snowmobile isn't running. It's official, I have cabin fever.


Stay safe, warm and dry,

Ken S.

Houghton Lake Fishing Report: February 8,2011

February Snowday in Houghton Lake
by
K. Stephenson

Houghton Lake fishing has slowed due to severe cold weather. Some Perch and Pike are still being caught in the East Bay off Harveys Marina and Korbinskis Marina, also off the north shore. Perch and Bluegill are still being reeled in near Lymans On The Lake and the west DNR boat launch. They're biting on minnows and wax worms when they're biting.

There's 8-12 inches of snow on the lake and higher drifts in some spots. Great for snowmobiles but anything less than a 4 wheel drive is not recommended. The temperature is supposed to reach the 30's this weekend and the warmer temperatures can cause ice to crack and shift. Caution is advised at all times on the lake but even more vigilance is required when the temperatures rise. A shift in the ice can cause an ice wall up to two feet high that you won't see until you are on top of it.

Winterfest in Higgins Lake and Roscommon is February 18 & 19.

 I've been away due to my health. I was hoping to have some pictures of TUT for you but I couldn't make it this year.

Until next time Stay safe, Stay warm and keep the tread side down.

Ken S.

Ice Fishing Report: Lake St Helen

Lake St Helen Smiling Sun on Shanty
by
K. Stephenson

Ice fishing on Lake St Helen is in full swing. According to Malcombs Tackle Box on M-55 Lake St Helen in having a great year of fishing with Bluegill, Perch and some Northern Pike and others being reeled in. The best fishing is off of Artesia beach. Photographs taken were by the DNR boat launch off Airport rd.

There are few heavy wood shanties on the lake as more anglers are using the portable shanties. Not too many of the fisherman are permanent residents who use the shanty often. Also if the weather warms and the snow melts and then reforms as ice, it's a major hassle digging the heavy shanty runners out of the ice when it comes time to move it.

Minnows and white artificial baits are currently on the menu. Also I am a proponent of jigheads. I started using them a few years ago and I love them. They give a natural presentation for more strikes. Hook the minnow through the lips.

For up to date information on the fishing and bait at Lake St Helen stop by Malcolm's Tackle Box on your way into town. They are knowledgeable and helpful, have a great selection of tackle and live and artificial baits.

Note: The St Helen Winterfest is February 5, 2011 and badges are only $3. We don't have a lot of snow so far this year and the warm snap melted a lot away. But we have since had more and currently have about 8" on the ground. so snowmobiling isn't great but still doable. There is a lot of snow on the lake so be careful about driving a vehicle on the lake.

Stay safe, stay warm and leave some fish for me.

Ken S