Fishing Report

Baitman

1 day ago

Bait Man’s morning briefing.

Photo at the top is smelt coming to the light on Green Lake, courtesy of Brad.

Green Lake by Traverse City has 8 to 10 inches of ice and the smelt are coming in good to the lights at night. Big Glen is 6 to 8 inches but there are some open spots, so watch where you step. Crystal Lake is holding 6 to 8 inches and remains solid. Long Lake by Traverse is 8 to 12 inches and anglers are catching walleye and perch.

Higgins Lake is solid. There were trucks out there yesterday. Sports Barn plowed Kelly Beach on the south end so people can access the lake. On the west access site guys are running snowmobiles, quads, and side by sides. They are catching smelt, perch, and lake trout.

Burt, Mullett, and Black Lake have been doing well. I do not know if anything changed overnight, but there has been a lot of slush up there and shorelines are messy.

Skegemog has anglers getting out, mostly small perch so far. I have not heard much on Elk or Torch, but I imagine some guys are still getting out. With warmer weather coming next week, that window could shorten.

Bear Lake by Kalkaska has been good for trout. Bear Lake near the town of Bear Lake, one angler told me he had the lake to himself and is doing excellent on walleye.

Portage Lake has been OK for perch, with some pike and evening walleye mixed in. Spider Lake by Traverse City has a couple guys doing well on crappie and some bluegill.

Houghton Lake had a lot of anglers out. Perch, walleye, bluegill, and pike are being caught.

Grand Lake by Rogers City has been excellent for perch with a few walleye mixed in. Fletcher Floodwaters has been excellent for pike and panfish.

There is slush in spots and shorelines are changing daily, but the fish are biting. Check as you go and use caution near current and cracks.

Tight lines, Bait Man out. ... See MoreSee Less