Yes! Its early January and the guides at Sport Fish Michigan are all chomping at the bit to hit the ice. As we all know, it has been a very mild winter thus far in Northern Michigan. However, with the latest cold snap things are gradually starting to materialize. We have had guides out doing ice checks the past few days in both Benzie and Grand Traverse County. All of the smaller inland lakes seem to show similar ice conditions; in Benzie County, Long Lake, Otter, Bass, and Little Platte have 90-100% ice coverage. Each lake seems to have between 1-3 inches of ice. However the ice coverage that has formed is not solid blue ice. Recent snow accumulations and wind create what a large majority of ice that anglers like to call "Honey Comb" ice. This is not as strong as normal clear ice, as there are pockets of air in it, creating the cloudy ice. Despite the warming temperatures expected later this week, this type of ice is a great start in forming a good solid base for the 2016 season. In Grand Traverse County, Lake Dubonnet and Cedar Hedge are both showing the same ice conditions as listed above. If the weather continues on the path it is on, we could be hitting the ice as soon as early next week.
First ice in Northern Michigan is a great time to take advantage of early winter Perch and Bluegill action. Shallow water flats and gradual drop offs into deeper portions of our Northern inland lakes present a great opportunity for all pan fish species. Another active species to target this time of year is Northern Pike. Pike love to cruise the drop offs and weedy flats during first ice. Tip-ups with shiners and sucker minnows generally are the go to for this presentation.
We at Sport Fish Michigan look forward to many safe and successful days during this 2016 season. With that in mind, we encourage all anglers to take this report as a reference and not as a guarantee. Ice conditions change with the weather patterns. It is always good to use your best judgment and always check the ice with a good spud and a friend! Tight lines and we look forward to fishing with you!