Thread: Ice Fishing Events

I figure that there is quite a few of us on here that all fish our little corner of Michigan. It is nice to see that we share so many tips and tricks about our little lakes whenever anyone asks. I have been kicking this idea around for a little while and now it is time to spring it on everyone. I was thinking that we could setup a normal gathering once a week. Obviously it is ice fishing season now so the trips would be ice realated. My logic is that each week someone different would host an outing at his or her lake of choice. We all get a meeting place and time and the best baits to bring. We show up and try and learn from the master of the lake. As most ice fisherman know, unlike softwater fishing, the more the merrier when it comes to ice fishing as it draws more fish in and holds them in place. These outings could be anytime the person feels is the best time. Some days we may have 3 or 4 people, Other times might be alot more. What it does is gives someone like myself the ability to meet like minded people and an opportunity to fish with someone (I normally fish alone). It also gives us the opportunity to fish different lakes and learn them in short order. Also, it might give someone the opportunity to try something new. If there is anyone that wants to ice fish but does't have all the gear, this would give them a chance to get started. I'd be willing to share as much gear as I have with anyone else that wants to tag along.

Tell me what you think and someone think up the first date, time and location for the first event. The bigger this grows the more we can do with this group. My hopes is that it spills over in to spring and summer and gives people that don't have boats and other supplies the chance to meet other people and become good friends and partners. It might also give us the chance for a little friendly competitions from time to time. First things first, lets get one outing started.

I couldn't take it any longer. I headed to Middleville Lake (outside of Stockbridge). There was quite a few people out with the same feelings as me. We all worked the channel in about 20 feet of water. Like typical early ice, the fish were always on the move. Catch two in this hole, move to another. We had the ice like swiss cheese and everyone was sharing holes and jumping around. I think everyone was pretty even with kept fish. I kept 14 really nice fish. 13 gills in the 7-9 inch range and one decent crappie. Like I said, you couldn't find the suspended fish as they were all over the place. Tons of bait half way down the water column made it tough to differentiate between bait and suspended fish. All but one of my fish came 18 inches off the bottom using chartrouse teardrops and mousees. The bite was not even a bite. Just added weight on the end of the line. All in all it was a great time. I'm headed to chealse in the morning to try another lake. I'll fill everyone in and hopefully post some pics. Usually I'm in too big of a hurry to fillet them to take the time to take any pictures.

I fished long lake just off from M52 outside of Chelsea. We caught quite a few crappie and I was surprised at how big they were. Truelly some hogs. Also caught some really good size Large Mouth Bass. Definatly fun with a light weight rod and 4lbs test. Fished Williamsville in Stockbridge again today to try something new. The holes I punched on Sunday were only snowed over. It was good and bad. Good that I didn't have to punch any new holes as I had about 40 punched from Sunday but bad that no new ice had been made. I caught a bunch of really good sized gills in the 8 inch range. I learned that you could make a fish and catch it out of one hole and it was usually a good sized one. After that the next fish were small. I did alot of moving around but had a ball. To bad I had to leave early. Went by Burtteese lake and saw quite a few people but didn't stop to see how things were going.

We still need to get some people together for an outing really soon. I hear there is an ice fishing tournament in Brooklyn in a month or so. Payout is $12000 (thats three zero's). Any takers? Buy in is $120 for a team of two.

theres a tourney on lake chemung. individual every man for himself. i fished it last year over 100 entrants very well ran.this year they expect 300 entrants payout $4000.anybody want to hit mit for a couple practice days we can split gas..........john

oh ya lansing area

John,

Sorry it has been so long since the last post. Daughter was sick, then the wife, then father in law, and now it is my turn. I like calling in sick to work but not when I am actually sick.

At any rate, I am all for doing some practice fishing as all fishing is practice to me. I've been busy the last few days getting my house in Lansing ready to rent/sell. Now that is all taken care of and I can concentrate my energy on fishing. Let me know when you want to go.

Rich