We have been fortunate enough this season to have had safe ice longer then we have had in many years. The only downfall is the perch fishing on Muskegon Lake has been pretty spotty. One day you can go out and catch 30 to 40 really nice perch then the following day you only catch five. That’s fishing, I guess.
The snowpack on Muskegon Lake is pretty deep as you head toward the east end of the lake. I would say after this short-lived warm up we are having, traveling on ATV’s or snowmobiles is more than likely going to be out of the question for a while because of the slush factor.
The perch are here so as soon as the ice is gone, get out on the lake for some out-of-this-world perch action. Our favorite rig for ice out perch is 2 hand- tied flies, tipped with spikes or wigglers. I have heard of a few steelhead and brown trout being caught through the ice in the past few weeks which is a great sign that river fishing is coming upon us quickly.
As of today most local rivers are 90% ice covered, but with a few days of warmer weather that can change rapidly. I think we are over the hump. Now is a great time to “Think Spring” and get everything ready for that first day we can get back out on that soft water.
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