Northwest area Fishing Report
January fishing in northern Michigan can mean a few different things. Whether an angler prefers to fish out of a boat or step into a river or even venture out onto the ice, options abound.
For anglers hoping to chase steelhead on a local river, the Betsie River has steelhead in it. Not only are there adults in the system, but there are also plenty of skippers to provide decent action. A slight warming trend will help to bring in fresh chrome steelhead into all of the northern rivers, and the best bite can often times be during the middle of the afternoon after the water has warmed a bit. Small steelhead jigs tipped with a wax worm or two when fished under a float can tempt bites from these powerful fish. Spawn bags are another fantastic option for winter steelhead and are considered a staple by many of us in the guide industry.
Getting out onto the ice is something that many of us here in northern Michigan relish, and that time of year is once again upon us. Most of the smaller, inland lakes have been frozen since mid-December, providing ice opportunities for those who live for the hardwater season. January has ushered even more hardwaters to choose from giving us more opportunities on the ice.
Walleyes at first light continue to provide action, but the better bite has been right at dusk and the first hour or so after dark. Panfish options currently abound on most of the area’s inland lakes, with many bluegills and perch being caught. Smelt action doesn’t typically begin to peak until the middle of the ice season, so they are still a little ways off. When they do show, smelt schools can be targeted just after dusk into the dark using Hali jigs or Kodiak jigs with a dropper chain and hook.
Lake trout action through the ice can be hot at times, with a variety of options producing. Jigging spoons like Jonah Jigs or Elk Rapids jigs or even bass tubes jigged enticingly can lead to hard bites from these tasty battlers. Whitefish are also being taken using a single boiled salmon egg or a small #3 or #4 Swedish Pimple. This awesome eating fish has incredible power, even through the ice, but light fluorocarbon line is a must, in the 4-pound range or 6 when jigging a small spoon.
As with all winter fishing, please be careful. Waters are cold, and caution should be taken. Have fun and stay dry and high when you venture out to fish, whether it’s on one of the local northern Michigan rivers chasing steelhead or angling through the ice.
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