With most of northern Michigan’s rivers locked in ice, angling opportunities are limited this month unless ice is involved! Winter has taken a strong grip on the area’s rivers and lakes, and while there are lots of anglers out on the water, most are tucked away inside an ice shanty.
There is some flowing water on the upper stretches of rivers or where there is some decent flow, and for those anglers getting out onto the rivers, there are chances for some great winter fishing. Steelhead adults and skippers are in the tributary rivers, having come in quite late. While there aren’t huge numbers this winter, there are still plenty of fish for those that can find what little open water there is. Jigs tipped with two or three wax worms for scent when fished in the slow holding water, and deep pockets can expect some bites from winter fish. Water clarity should help to dictate what colors can help to score on any given day. Steelhead love chartreuse, but sometimes just dark colored or black jigs can be the ticket. Small spawn bags can also tempt bites from trout and steelies holding in the slow water. Fished under a float or rolled on the bottom, the added scent of a spawn bag can sometimes lure even the wariest of steelhead. For those willing to put in the effort, winter trout and steelheading can be tremendously rewarding.
Anglers getting out onto the ice have their pick as to which lake to fish. Larger deeper lakes, which have lake trout in them have seen decent action when fished deep with jigging spoons. Whitefish has also been a good option, and these tasty fish, like lake trout, are quite a battle on light ice gear.
The perch bite is hit or miss for big jumbos, but the smaller perch are almost always willing to bite when they can be located. Often, catching the smaller ones is a great way pass the time while waiting for the bigger ones to show. As late February rolls in, the walleye and pike bite will ramp up again, as these fish begin to stage for their early season spawn. Anglers are allowed three lines each, and it’s common to see two tip ups set on likely spots with a shanty nearby and an angler jigging inside.
Smelt fishing on some of the northern Michigan lakes has also been good, with solid reports from many anglers. Small Hali jigs or other similarly styled jigs with dropper chains have produced well for the smelt. This same setup also works well for perch. Many ice anglers fish for perch until dusk and then switch gears for smelt until the late evening or early hours of the morning when smelt seem to be the most active. With all winter fishing, stay safe and have fun.
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