Yellow Perch Biting in the North Bay

 

Perch in the 12-14 inch range are biting in the northern bay of Houghton Lake. The prefered presentation is a minnow on a jighead, fished in approximately 9 feet of water, just off the bottom.

Ice conditions continue to get dicier as the ice cracks from the rising temperatures. There are still some anglers fishing in the open without use of a shanty.

The yellow perch is a resident of most lakes and waterways here in Michigan. A good eating fish that can up to 16 inches or longer but 8-10 inches is considered a good size to keep. Click here for more info on Yellow Perch.

Houghton Lake, Reedsburg Dam, Cut River

Houghton Lake March 2011
by
K Stephenson

Ice fishing season is winding down with the temperatures in the 40's and 50's. The Cut river is mostly cleared of ice. The Dead Stream Flooding (by Reedsburg Dam) is half cleared of ice, mostly where the Muskegon River runs through it.

Houghton Lake: The word from Lyman's on the Lake is Walleye and Bluegill are biting primarily on Swedish Pimple jigheads and minnows. No one is saying where they are fishing but the best bet is along the shelf.

Reedburg Dam March 2011
by
K Stephenson

Reedsburg Dam: Not much happening there. I fished all sides over two days, with the result being one 8" perch. The fish hit so quickly, I didn't bother to take a picture, assuming there would be plenty more. I was wrong. Plenty of fisherman (5 to be exact) no fish. I was the lucky one. I didn't bring live minnows which was the bait of choice last fall. Next time.

Cut River by Lansing Rd
by
K Stephenson

Cut River: Although the Cut River is ice out, fishing is restricted during the spawn. The above photo was taken ten days ago. Ice is now almost completely gone.