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Michigan => Ice Fishing Michigan => Topic started by: steelheader32 on Dec 06, 2017, 02:22 PM

Title: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steelheader32 on Dec 06, 2017, 02:22 PM
Almost that time of year boys and girls, over the next few week we have some cold weather our way here in Kalamazoo. I’ll be keeping an eye on the bay right around the week of Christmas.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Oscoda Ice on Dec 06, 2017, 02:44 PM
Got my auger warming up already :)

-Kyle
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: wmu1989 on Dec 06, 2017, 03:39 PM
I just hope there is enough parking.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: ifish4fishwithteeth on Dec 06, 2017, 04:49 PM
😂😂😂
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: huntermancam on Dec 06, 2017, 05:03 PM
I'll be digging my stuff out of my garage hopefully tomorrow Its been a long off season!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iceassin on Dec 06, 2017, 05:52 PM
Been away for a few years but ready to get back to Gull myself. However, I have heard the smelt fishing hasn't been so great due to a die off. Any truth to this? I do know that when the water gets too warm for the smelt, they often don't have the sense to go to deeper, colder water. So much for swimming in schools making you smarter  :-\
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Wgorby on Dec 07, 2017, 07:48 AM
Last year was the first winter in awhile I went smelt fishing zero times....Gull ice never got safe enough for me and the ice on Green Lake in Interlochen was iffy/gone by early March as well.  Hoping for a good freeze this year for sure.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: huntermancam on Dec 07, 2017, 04:22 PM
Im Sitting in the tree stand waiting for a nice buck to walk by makes me now realize ice fishing is almost here
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steelheader32 on Dec 07, 2017, 09:16 PM
We had decent ice on full last year but the north  end was was spotty, myself and a few others took chance with what we had and made do with the safe areas of the lake, it’s getting colder here in kzoo and we’re below freezing now and looks like we will be for a few days
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: elklake on Dec 12, 2017, 10:13 AM
Test
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Oscoda Ice on Dec 12, 2017, 10:14 AM
Test

Op Test Sat. Looks like it's working bud.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: fishin4smelt on Dec 12, 2017, 01:41 PM
Retired last year and couldn't get on safe ice last year on the North end. Hoping for a long cold winter, love those little critters. I'll be posting after every trip out: good, bad, or ugly !!!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: lookinfopike on Dec 14, 2017, 12:17 AM
Hopefully wont be to much longer. Just keep that snow away :tipup: :tipup: :tipup:
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Hermin on Dec 14, 2017, 10:19 AM
Looks like south bay is starting to freeze up.   :tipup:
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Average-Joe on Dec 14, 2017, 11:00 AM
Should be fun to see if they'll be able to get that pontoon in the lower right corner of the bay cam out ;D
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: fishinagain on Dec 14, 2017, 11:45 AM
Should be fun to see if they'll be able to get that pontoon in the lower right corner of the bay cam out ;D

Haha, I was thinking the same thing. He must be that guy who brags that his boat is "First in, last out!"  ;D
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Dec 14, 2017, 12:09 PM
Probably wanted to get those smelt before anyone else ;D..
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: stevenmang85 on Dec 14, 2017, 01:04 PM
Hey everyone! Skimmed over all the way out into the far end of 2nd bay! Yeehaw!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Wgorby on Dec 14, 2017, 02:47 PM
Should be fun to see if they'll be able to get that pontoon in the lower right corner of the bay cam out ;D

Let's just hope he doesn't break up the skim ice trying to get it to a launch last min.  ::)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Dec 14, 2017, 05:21 PM
Hello, all ! Welcome to a new season of anticipation. Hoping for the best.
As to the pontoon, it may be useful for trolling in January if this year goes like the last. I sure hope not !!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Dec 15, 2017, 04:56 PM
Hmmm. No tracks out there today. Could it be that the Darwin principle is working ? LOL
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Dec 18, 2017, 02:30 PM
Brand new here.
Getting back into ice fishing after about a 20 year layoff.
My son is 13 and wants to go.
I have lots of questions. 😁
Thought I would test out posting a pic.
This is Gull Lake 1964. I'm
6 yrs old. After being warned not to play around the holes I've stepped through and filled my boot.
Didn't want to tell Dad though. 😜
He finally caught on and got me home before i froze to death.
Look forward to learning more and meeting some of you on the ice!

(https://s7.postimg.cc/3s8m09ebb/1513023269700-1d3a4faf-5e34-4550-a9a9-c8a5ba06abee.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3s8m09ebb/)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: lookinfopike on Dec 19, 2017, 12:53 AM
Glad to see you made it here. I had just commented to you on that other site about rat man. Lol... We will see each other soon Im sure. :tipup: :tipup: :tipup:
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Oscoda Ice on Dec 19, 2017, 05:18 AM
Very cool picture Moose!

-Kyle
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: BC_ICE on Dec 24, 2017, 07:52 AM
I see a few daring guys out on South bay this morning
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: shaftthrower on Dec 25, 2017, 07:16 AM
There's two guys just off the docks this morning
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steelheader32 on Dec 25, 2017, 06:05 PM
Been in the bay the last 2 days, fishing was sub par, and ice was getting softer with more snow. Luckily we got some cold temps this week unfortunately where their was Ice their is now also 8-10” of heavy snow as well, if we don’t get too much more it will be ok but I’m thinking other sections of the lake will have better ice soon, as in lakes that we’re still open water today that didn’t collect all the snow
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Dec 26, 2017, 07:06 AM
I hope there was no ice on second bay yet, otherwise we will have to wait for the north end to freeze up. With these temperatures coming it won't be long.  ;D
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steelheader32 on Dec 26, 2017, 11:07 AM
Second bay had 40% open water during the snow fall, I’d imagine in a few days it might be a maybe
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iced D on Dec 28, 2017, 06:41 AM
All locked up as far as the eye can see from M89!  A beautiful sight..
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Dec 28, 2017, 09:48 AM
That IS good news. Thank you, Iced D !
Anyone know how the smelt population looks this year ? Hopefully there wasn't another die off.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Dec 28, 2017, 02:19 PM
Awesome   :thumbsup: :clap:with these's temperatures MAYBE north end will be good by next weekend.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: tip ups on Dec 28, 2017, 06:28 PM
same all locked up from the park off M43
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Dec 29, 2017, 07:50 AM
Awesome!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: 3300 on Dec 29, 2017, 08:02 AM
some one is on the cam. top right corner.
was all wet yesterday. i think the snow maybe covering it now. looked like at least 7 inches of snow on the dock that had foot prints. you can kind of still see the dark areas of snow. that's where it was all wet.
be careful if you go there.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Dec 29, 2017, 08:56 PM
It won't be long.  I still have concerns  about the smelt die off 2 years ago. Last year with hardly any ice, I'm sure helped . But I'm sure it will need more then one year. The DNR keeps planting predators.  Only time will tell
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Dec 29, 2017, 08:57 PM
Hey everyone, here is my 1st. report for this year . Checked Baseline rd. today, about 1 1/2 " Good hard ice. North end 1" super clear hard ice. Lots of snow & more coming tonight & tomorrow. Heard a rumor of guys fishing 2nd. bay last night. I will drive out tomorrow & see if any tracks are out there & will try & check the ice. This past summer , Gull gave up some nice Lakers to me & Smelt jr. (he caught around 20). I had 5. The Pike & Bass fishery was outstanding, using big lake tactics. Very few smelt in the stomachs of fish we caught & very few clouds of baitfish marked on our graphs. Hoping that the past 2 winters lack of fishing opportunities for smelt will help the fishery this year, but I am very skeptical. Hoping that we can fish the north 1/2 of the lake next week-end.  I will be checking the lake, every chance that I get. Still trying to shank 1 more deer, before the ice is good enough. I will tell ya this, the earliest I have ever been able to stand on ice on the north end was Jan 7th., so right now things are lookin pretty good.  BTW, we seen 2 guys out in the middle of the lake today on the ice a few hundred yds. south of the "Hogsback".  Not gonna say anything about their sanity, but  ?????????????????????????????
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Dec 30, 2017, 05:54 AM
Great to hear from you, SB. Let's hope the lake effect snow machine slows down and doesn't impede further ice formation. That is the case in my home area, with abt 18 inches in the last week with more to come
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: wittyman on Dec 30, 2017, 02:22 PM
I hear the Bible area talked about on Gull.  I assume it's on the East side of the lake, where does on park of heading over there? 
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steelheader32 on Dec 30, 2017, 03:26 PM
Fished the pike tourney today, my buddy huntercam took the #1 spot with a 29” pike, ice was ok but the wind was brutal!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Kziceman on Dec 30, 2017, 04:38 PM
I hear the Bible area talked about on Gull.  I assume it's on the East side of the lake, where does on park of heading over there?

You are correct the BC is on the East side of the lake, just follow the signs.

I have not fished there in a couple of years but there used to be parking marked for ice fisherman in the Bible Conference.

Parking is about 100 yard walk to the lake on the road through the Bible Conference.

KZ

Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Dec 30, 2017, 07:12 PM
Didn't make it out to the lake today ,but I will tomorrow. Also, for all of you wondering about parking..... I will have some info on different places around the lake where you can park. Just give me a day or 2. Also, if anyone has a pic or a map of the lake that they can post, that shows where the south end, 2nd. bay ,Baseline  rd. ,The Bible Conference & the North end is, it may help eliminate a lot of unneeded questions, on here . Thanks,     Phil
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: huntermancam on Dec 30, 2017, 07:46 PM
Fished the pike tourney today, my buddy huntercam took the #1 spot with a 29” pike, ice was ok but the wind was brutal!
wind was definitely brutal! Thank you steelheader32 for going with me I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Dec 31, 2017, 02:13 PM
Ice conditions at Baseline rd. are  about the same as they were on Fri. , same for the north end. The snow is NOT helping, but I am thinking/ hoping, that most of the lake will be fishable by next week-end. Seen a guy out off Ross twp. park fishing today .  PARKING OPTIONS :  South end ,limited to a about 10 spots across from the party store. 2nd. bay, I am assuming that we can still park at the salon on the west shore. It also looks like at least a couple of folks fished out there last night. DO NOT PARK IN YARDS ALONG THE ROAD ! The Bible Conference on the east side of the lake ; They are allowing fishermen to park in the parking lot at the Tabernacle ,Kitty corner from the main big building. Baseline rd., Park east of East Gull lake drive & walk about 2 blocks to the lake. You can drive down & drop your gear at the lakeshore. The north end. Prarieville park is a very popular spot when the entire lake is fishable. I believe that the daily fee  is 5 bucks & a season pass is 85 bucks. Please be respectful & QUIET of the people that live near these access areas. The private ones could be shut down in the blink of an eye & make it almost impossible to fish a large part of the lake.  Also, you can Google map the lake & find most of these spots. There are no bait shops close to Gull, but the party store at the south end does sell limited ice fishing bait (waxies, spikes, etc).
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iceassin on Dec 31, 2017, 04:00 PM
Thanks for the excellent reports SB...love the details.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: copcar340 on Jan 02, 2018, 04:39 PM
Why is no one posting much on this thread, it is usually one of the most popular. You would think with all this cold weather this lake would be rockin and ready to go. What's the latest report?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 02, 2018, 05:34 PM
Why is no one posting much on this thread, it is usually one of the most popular. You would think with all this cold weather this lake would be rockin and ready to go. What's the latest report?

Did you not read the 2nd post above yours? SB put it out there for all to read. ::)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 02, 2018, 05:59 PM
4 parties fished 2nd. bay last night. I had 1 report of a couple of bites , & a few clouds of fish being marked. . There is about 4" of ice there. That is what I was told. I am planning on fishing Thurs. night, just not sure where. Gonna see if Smelt jr. can check the north end on Wed ., Also had a report that there was only about 2" of ice at the Bible Conf. ,keep in mind, this is what I am being told, I will try & verify this stuff, ASAP. Right now I'm busy cutting up the last 2 deer of the year.   
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 02, 2018, 06:37 PM
Thanks for the updated report Smeltbuster. I hope one of those deer are yours, I know you wanted one more for the freezer. Still not sounding to promising for the smelt fishing  :'(. Might have to start going back to Higgins.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Wgorby on Jan 03, 2018, 08:50 AM
Thanks for the recon work SmeltBuster!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Jan 03, 2018, 12:10 PM
Ok,
Two days ago there were 7 shanties in the first bay and 3 in the second bay. A smattering of fisherman too.
Yesterday afternoon a guy was going out on the second bay as we drove by. He said he'd heard there was 2.5" ice but hadn't been out yet.
There was 1 shanty and two fisherman in the Bible Conference but I didn't check the ice.
I stopped at baseline and there was a little open water at the edge and tracks out about 20'.
Stopped at the North end walked out about 30 yds angling to the right away from the open water caused by the creek and spudded. Estimate 2" maybe 2 1/2" of good solid ice.
Heard a rumor from a buddy that a few smelt have been caught in the south end already.
That's what I know.
The picture is from Baseline
(https://s9.postimg.cc/a2lbsj3kr/IMG_20180102_163031390.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/a2lbsj3kr/)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: TheGeneral on Jan 03, 2018, 02:54 PM
Any more new news guys? 
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 03, 2018, 05:25 PM
Moose49017 , I think those are my tracks ! Also, WELCOME  to The "SHANTY " . Looks like we both have the same Zip Code , have a mutual friend in "Lookinfopike " & memories of the good ole days of Gull lake smelt ! Hope to see ya out there , soon !     Phil
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: stevenmang85 on Jan 03, 2018, 05:46 PM
I've fished the conference a couple times. 3 inches give or take. Panfish have yet to move in as of yesterday. So we decided to try for gills on 1st bay. Lots of dinks as usual. Bite was very slow. 4-5 inches. Didn't make it out to second bay but I imagine 4-5  inches 100 yards ok into second bay then 3-4 out into main lake. Did watch someone pull a laker there yesterday. Tight lines my friends.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 03, 2018, 06:12 PM
Update: 7:00 p.m. , Wed nite, Smelt jr. just called & said there is 3 vehicles in the parking lot  on the north end, & he said 1 shanty out in approx. 60' of water. they went out to the right & then hooked back to the left ( in front of the creek ) .  He said he seen no shanties on 2nd. bay.  Hey Steve, THANK YOU for the report on the Bible Conf. , appreciate the info  ;).
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 03, 2018, 07:34 PM
Thanks guy's for updates, trying to decide if I'm going to brave the negative temperatures at night this weekend  :o. Am surprised that nobody was on 2nd bay, but guy's on the north end ???
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Jan 04, 2018, 08:54 AM
Thanks for the welcome Phil.
Ya the old days and bicycle wheels!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: theripper on Jan 05, 2018, 06:10 PM
Anyone going out tonight for some smelt?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 05, 2018, 07:29 PM
Down on Gull right now.  Not good. 4 inches of ice. Bite nonexistent.  Not marking hardly anything.  All kinds of plankton. No smelt to eat them. I don't ever remember it this bad.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 05, 2018, 07:53 PM
Down on Gull right now.  Not good. 4 inches of ice. Bite nonexistent.  Not marking hardly anything.  All kinds of plankton. No smelt to eat them. I don't ever remember it this bad.

Could it possibly be that the smelt die off I heard about is true?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 05, 2018, 08:14 PM
Most definitely  :'( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 05, 2018, 08:35 PM
Smeltman pretty much summed it up for everyone on 2nd. bay tonight. Talked w/ him & several others. no bites . Not even sure we marked any smelt. Smelt jr. called me, while I was out fishing & said that there was 9 vehicles in the parking lot at the north end & it appeared that most of the shanties were in about 40' of water. This makes sense, because while I was fishing a good friend told me that he checked the north end ice yesterday & out past about 40 FOW, the ice was unsafe. It went from about 4" down to 1 1/2". I will be fishing the north end tomorrow afternoon but not for smelt. I will check the ice & see if it has improved. As for the die off in June of 2016, I believe that it really hurt the smelt population. some folks may disagree & that is fine, but with as much time that we spend fishing Gull & checking the stomachs of ALL the Lakers, Pike & Bass that we keep, it has been pretty apparent that there is definitely less smelt than there was 2 yrs. ago. Also, heard a few guys tonight ,saying that its too early for the smelt to be in 2nd. bay. I've caught them in south bay at 1st. ice in yrs. past , in December. Hope I'm wrong, but brace yourselves for some poor smelt fishing this year.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Jan 06, 2018, 11:47 AM
Quite the village on the bay cam now. Anybody got a smelt report from those out last night ?
Hopefully we can find some smelt once we can get to deep water.
 It may also be prudent to start thinking about a couple group trips north. Green or Higgins ? Thoughts ?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 06, 2018, 01:24 PM
Nothing changed from last report.  And they are doing well on Higgins for smelt, just got report today.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: stevenmang85 on Jan 06, 2018, 07:22 PM
Funny story. Just this past week I've seen 3 lake trout and a walley pulled. Crazy start to the season.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 06, 2018, 08:19 PM
Steve, it was a good year this past summer , for Lakers. if you get a chance, check the stomachs, you might be surprised what you find. If anyone wants to see what I found, just ask me & I will show you. Got a gallon bag of surprises in my Jet sled. BTW, there are NO Walleye in Gull ! All those pics in the past few yrs are Fake News, & the one that I hooked on the north end a few yrs. ago was something else ! Me & 4 others seen something that we thought was a Walleye. Must have been a perch on Steroids , or an immature  Sturgeon/ Striper cross  ;D ;D ;D.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: fishin4smelt on Jan 06, 2018, 10:24 PM
Fished second bay on the South end tonight. Not a single smelt caught. In fact we didn't mark anything even resembling smelt. Plenty of plankton but no smelt around the lights. First time out for us this year. About a dozen other shanties and never heard of any smelt caught. Little concerned about the smelt population, but we're not giving up...Tim
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 06, 2018, 11:35 PM
We all had the same thing last night. I think it might be a big concern. You have  A LOT of predator fish in that lake, and the DNR keeps planting more. Guys that troll the lake in the summer are not marking many schools of bait fish if any, where they would year's past. and there bellies didn't have smelt in them to speak of. I realize it's a big lake. I have never had it where I didn't mark schools of them.  They might have lock jaw but they were there. I've caught them in 2nd bay from 1st to last ice. That's my opinion. Just go see what Smeltbuster found in their bellies. I'm sure they will make a comeback at some point.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 07, 2018, 06:38 AM
We all had the same thing last night. I think it might be a big concern. You have  A LOT of predator fish in that lake, and the DNR keeps planting more. Guys that troll the lake in the summer are not marking many schools of bait fish if any, where they would year's past. and there bellies didn't have smelt in them to speak of. I realize it's a big lake. I have never had it where I didn't mark schools of them.  They might have lock jaw but they were there. I've caught them in 2nd bay from 1st to last ice. That's my opinion. Just go see what Smeltbuster found in their bellies. I'm sure they will make a comeback at some point.

I know...well I think...it was back in the 70's, maybe early 80's that they planted all those Atlantic salmon in there that decimated the smelt population until they made there comeback not so long ago. Have they done it again? There have been some opinions that there was a natural die off due to the recent warm seasons we have had. I question this only because I have not heard of this happening in other smelt waters in the state like Green or Higgins. Just a side note, I was around when we had the hardsides and bicycle wheels fishing for them in Gull and the numbers we got, from what I remember was amazing! Sometimes I think the DNR should leave things be, if in fact, that is what they are doing. :-\
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 07, 2018, 07:19 AM
I think you guys will get into some sooner or later its fishing.heck I believe theres no fish left sometimes when i go out on a few lakes I fish.then poof one day they decide to show up and bite.jmo
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: copcar340 on Jan 07, 2018, 07:40 AM
Well Smeltbuster , don't keep us in suspense, what did you find in the Lakers gut?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: wilsonmi on Jan 07, 2018, 09:11 AM
Rubber/plastic bass baits in almost all adult lake trout caught from the angler reports we receive.  My guess is that they are picking them up off bottom during times of the year that they are in shallower.  Most likely attracted to the scent of the bait.  Some fish with more than one bass bait.  Acorns have also been reported.  They look like and are similar in size to the pellets the broodstock fish were eating at the hatchery for most of their lives.  The harvest rates for these lake trout brood stock plants is extremely high.  This, combined with the extremely low stocking numbers doesn't point to these fish having any impact on the smelt fishery.  The lake trout fall fingerling plants don't seem to have worked, based on angler reports.  Their slow growth and summer oxygen and temperature requirements puts these fish in a narrow band of water July through September, usually 35 to 80 fow.   This is the same water the pike population resides in the summer and pike love to eat trout and smelt.  We have switched to planting steelhead with the hopes that there faster growth rates, diverse diet, and ability to tolerate warmer water than lake trout will lead to better survival.  The stocking numbers in Gull are extremely low compared to rainbow, brown, and atlantic plants over the last 40 years. 

There was a smelt die off on June 11th and 12th of 2016.  Thermal stress was the most likely cause due to the high air temperature coinciding with a high wind event which may have trapped smelt in areas where warm surface water was piling up.  I know it sounds weird, but is known to happen and these are a cold water schooling fish .  It's hard to say what percent of the population died.  Smelt die-offs have been reported in other bodies of water including Crystal Lake and Lake Erie to name a couple.  The lake Erie die-off was in late May and was attributed to thermal stress coinciding with the fact that they are still in a weakened state from spring spawning.  Gull Lake also had a large die off of smelt one spring in the late 1970's.  Smelt were essentially absent from the lake in 1984.  The large stocking of Atlantic's started in 1986 and ended in 1992.  Smelt re-introduction started in 1991. Rainbow plants continued along with browns for many years until the switch was made to go to a low stocking of lake trout, based on dwindling rainbow and brown trout returns.  The plan going forward is a low level stocking of steelhead strain rainbows along with occasional adult lake trout stockings like we have done over the last ten years.   No conspiracies, just trying to provide and manage a diverse fishery for all anglers all year around. 

Mike Wilson
MDNR Fisheries
Plainwell
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 07, 2018, 09:38 AM
PLASTIC FISHING BAITS , cherry tomatoes, green grapes, cigarette butts, Bluegills & never more than 2 smelt. The lakers can not digest the plastics, they will eventually die. They are hatchery fish & are lazy when it comes to eating, so w/ the plastics floating ,its an easy meal. And when I say floating, I actually mean down deep below the Thermocline. As for the die-off in 2016 , it was more than a few thousand fish. It was lake-wide & the DNR said it was because of thermal distress. The thermocline did not develop quick enough & the smelt were caught in warm water & died. ( I believe this theory, as I did not mark a thermocline on my graph, at the time ). Smelt Jr. caught several more lakers than me this past summer , & all his fish had the same stomach contents. We marked very few large clouds of baitfish. In years past we have caught pike & bass as far down as 70' , they were full of smelt. This year we only caught a few, deeper than 50' down. Their stomachs mostly contained bluegills & crayfish, or were completely empty, Not 1 smelt in any of them. Hoping we can get out into the deep water on the north end  & see if we can get some smelt there. I am disappointed that the folks that have fished the north end this past week have not shared any info, but that's their choice, I guess.  I will share what I find , its a big lake & there are plenty of other fish to catch.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 07, 2018, 09:42 AM
Thanks wilsonmi. I was hoping you would post on this.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: copcar340 on Jan 07, 2018, 10:41 AM
Thanks for the detailed answer, I read on hear about the big die-off the summer of 2016, that's too bad. Do they ever stock Smelt or plan to? I wouldn't mine hook-in one of those Lakers thru the ice, second bay deep enough? I look forward to the Steelhead plant whenever that happens.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 07, 2018, 10:48 AM
Thanks for the detailed answer, I read on hear about the big die-off the summer of 2016, that's too bad. Do they ever stock Smelt or plan to? I wouldn't mine hook-in one of those Lakers thru the ice, second bay deep enough? I look forward to the Steelhead plant whenever that happens.
  My son caught one 4 yrs. ago, in 2nd. bay 30' down in 60 FOW ,on a tip-up. There have been a few caught on tip-ups already this year.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 07, 2018, 04:39 PM
Should have said this earlier. Wilsonmi. dates & info is spot on. I have talked w/ him a few times & he is a great guy & I trust what he says. As for the Atlantic salmon wiping out the smelt in Gull, IMO, that is not completely true. Yes ,the Atlantics were  voracious eaters & I'm sure they ate  a fair amount of smelt. BUT... I have bit my lip for way too long, ....back in the day, I don't know what year it was, when the boat launch at Prarieville  was being rebuilt, there was no one there to watch for the spring smelt run. Several POACHERS dipped smelt by the truckload  & helped to decimate the smelt population in just a few nights. I have heard this same story over the years from 3 different guys, that were bragging about it. Never got their names ,wished I would have.( Dipping smelt in Prarieville creek has  always been a temptation. I have family members that almost went to jail for trying to do it  back in the 70's) ! The DNR & Atlantic Salmon got blamed for it. Kinda like them getting blamed for  planting Coyotes in southern Mich., at the same time they were planting Sichuan Pheasants !  ???  The only thing I would like to see happen on Gull, is an increased limit of 5 pike a day ,4 under 25" & 1 over 30". There are way too many pike in Gull IMO. I am not advocating growing trophy pike, I think the predator base needs to be reduced. The lake trout fishery this past year was awesome ! As for the planted small lakers, we have only caught 1 ,in Aug. 2016. It was 18 1/2" long.  As for the smelt, time will tell. As soon as I can get out on the north end  & fish for a night or 2  that should confirm what I fear.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steelheader32 on Jan 07, 2018, 06:12 PM
My buddy got one yesterday and he found 3 rubber bass plastics in its stomach no smelt, the bass plastics on common for inland lake trout, they are a scavenger fish and very opportunistic, I took a long walk lastnight in search of crappie to get away from the crowd in the South Bay, found a nIce hole with 24’ of water, marked a few things from 3-5 feet off bottom bitbthey didn’t seem at all interested in jigs or small minnows
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: dgb on Jan 08, 2018, 07:46 PM
Seen tracks on the south bay and north end in smelt country from the past and no one fishing them currently. 30 inch pike i caught on a tip up last weekend had a head of a 10 lb fish and probably weighed 6. I would say some food source is missing. Why plant lake trout and steelhead if there is no smelt?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: dgb on Jan 08, 2018, 07:54 PM
Its not suppose to be a trout or salmon lake just because the water looks like it should be. It's Southern Michigan.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 08, 2018, 09:23 PM
Seen tracks on the south bay and north end in smelt country from the past and no one fishing them currently. 30 inch pike i caught on a tip up last weekend had a head of a 10 lb fish and probably weighed 6. I would say some food source is missing. Why plant lake trout and steelhead if there is no smelt?
  I'm thinking that the steelies are eating different food, other than smelt, plus, they are not big enough yet to eat the smelt. As for your pike, seen a LOT of that. The biggest pike I have boated, was about 4 yrs. ago. It was 38" long & weighed 8 1/2 lbs ???. Yet I hear stories of 40"ers going over 20 ! Some of the pike we have caught, are so skinny, they could be Runway Models in New York ,city ! The DNR relies on input from anglers about what they catch. The return & reports on the fry sized lakers has not been too successful. As for the broodstock planters, they are getting caught & somewhat reported. Maybe w/ what is being posted on here now, some things will change. No one really knows what is going on w/ the smelt right now. Guys have been fishing the north end, on ice that I am leary of going on. But no one is reporting anything.  I have had 1 very reliable report for that part of the lake, & it was pretty much the same as for what's going on in 2nd. bay. I got the report yesterday, for a trip that happened Sat. night. & yes, the ice is about 3" . We have a new DNR Fisheries Biologist in the Plainwell office, Maybe a few FRIENDLY e-mails or phone calls  might help get some attention. If they don't get input, they can only go on what they have. I don't think that the Lakers are really hurting the smelt, but the Rubber bass baits are hurting the Lakers . As for the pike, right now, they are looking for the smelt. How many of you have either hooked Or heard someone catching a pike while smelt fishing? How many of you run Tip-ups after dark , while smelt fishing & catch pike ? That's why I went from 12 hooks On 1 rod, down to 6, Got tired of releasing pike that I could not keep.                                          A lack of smelt & an over abundance of pike & Bass is part of the problem. One more thing, if the smelt are still in catchable #s  maybe we as Anglers should Limit our catch, Not Catch our Limit. This has been mentioned to me by another Shanty member ,that posts on here. Not going to call him out ,but I have to agree w/ him. BTW, planning on fishing for Lakers Tues. morning. Stopped at the store & bought some cherry tomatoes & green grapes for bait  ;D         
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 08, 2018, 09:56 PM
That's a good one Smeltbuster how about grape tomatoes then you only need to buy one thing  ;D. I agree with limiting what you catch as far as smelt, I hear guy's catching 500-800 smelt a trip not sure if I believe it's true.  But let's cut that down to 100-200 each instead of being greedy.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: TheGeneral on Jan 09, 2018, 06:49 AM
I agree totally on limiting our catches of smelt.  I think 75-100 are plenty a night to take home. Unfortunately there are guys out there that will catch every last one if you let them. They really don't care about preserving our fisheries for others to enjoy, and that's messed up. Look this is just my .02 , so take it as you will.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Fish Killa on Jan 09, 2018, 07:53 AM
I don't think one guy could catch 500-800 smelt a night on a jigging rod. The most i have caught was around 180 and I was one busy dude. I quit fishing smelt 5 years ago as it became to much of a party for me. I don't mind having fun but defecating and leaving trash all over was not what i chose to be associated with.

I'll chime in on pike size as well. Gull has gone from a lake that you throw 3 flags in 5 hours all being over 28" to 10 flags before you land a pike that exceeds 24" and then it rarely exceeds 28". I landed a 25" Sunday that looked very thin in the belly. Years ago a 24" fish went 4.5lbs. That is not the case any longer. I keep going back because the potential for 40" fish is there.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Jan 09, 2018, 11:31 AM
Well, I had no luck yesterday morning in the second bay. Tip up's and jigging.
Considered moving to the conference but a buddy stopped and walked out to talk to the only guy fishing.
Said there was 2" of water on top of the ice and old holes were opening up. The guy fishing was getting leery about the ice too.
So we left second bay late afternoon and went over to Sherman Lake. Same results... nothing!
A friend joined us that had electronics and was marking fish tight to the bottom. We just couldn't make them bite.
Tough day
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 09, 2018, 11:39 AM
I don't think one guy could catch 500-800 smelt a night on a jigging rod. The most i have caught was around 180 and I was one busy dude. I quit fishing smelt 5 years ago as it became to much of a party for me. I don't mind having fun but defecating and leaving trash all over was not what i chose to be associated with.

I'll chime in on pike size as well. Gull has gone from a lake that you throw 3 flags in 5 hours all being over 28" to 10 flags before you land a pike that exceeds 24" and then it rarely exceeds 28". I landed a 25" Sunday that looked very thin in the belly. Years ago a 24" fish went 4.5lbs. That is not the case any longer. I keep going back because the potential for 40" fish is there.

 :clap:
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: stevenmang85 on Jan 09, 2018, 12:41 PM
On a lighter note. Kid got his 1st tipup fish today! Yeehaw
(https://s13.postimg.cc/atctlq3lf/20180109_113641.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/atctlq3lf/)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 09, 2018, 06:43 PM
On a lighter note. Kid got his 1st tipup fish today! Yeehaw
(https://s13.postimg.cc/atctlq3lf/20180109_113641.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/atctlq3lf/)

CONGRATULATIONS :clap: Way to go Dad  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: dgb on Jan 09, 2018, 07:48 PM
On a lighter note. Kid got his 1st tipup fish today! Yeehaw
(https://s13.postimg.cc/atctlq3lf/20180109_113641.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/atctlq3lf/)
Thats so cool!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: fishin4smelt on Jan 10, 2018, 08:42 AM
Your son's face tells it all !!! Lovin' his smile ! Teaching him what Michigan's natural resources have to offer is priceless...
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Jan 10, 2018, 06:56 PM
Anybody on Gull this evening?
Wondering how much water was on the ice?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: WaterfowlNut! on Jan 11, 2018, 09:48 AM
I just looked at the bay cam and it looks like there is a good amount of water.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Wgorby on Jan 11, 2018, 11:15 AM
Give it 48hrs...gonna need ice skates to fish!  ;D
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 11, 2018, 05:50 PM
Well, the wind, rain & warm temps have ruined the ice at the North end. for a few days. The creek water is opened up, over to the boat ramp , & out in front of the creek, close to 80 yds., the shore ice is breaking up. Went about 30' out & the spud went through w/ 2 wacks.  It also looked like there was an open spot about 100 yds out. I am planning on checking it tomorrow afternoon . It should freeze back up, pretty quick. No one on 2nd. bay tonight ,but there were 2 guys on south bay, & one of them was NOT in a shanty  ???.  Forgot to mention this earlier; The gate at the North end is now working, no more free entry.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Jan 14, 2018, 11:25 AM
Been 3 days. Thought I would give this a bump...see how everyone is doing?
North end lock up? Conference?
Anybody made it out to the Hogsback?
Anyone getting smelt?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 14, 2018, 11:46 AM
Quite a few guys on south bay yesterday. A few out on the Bible conf. & a report of about 4" of ice there. Seen 1 guy off of Ross twp. park. Baseline rd. is busted up at the shore & the North end appears to be locking back up. Very little snow on the ice. Most of what was open on Thurs., has refrozen, but the creek current still has me a bit leary. Should be good to go in a few days . Use Caution ! BTW, a Season pass for Prarieville park is $80.00, got mine yesterday. I will try & check the North end on Monday afternoon.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: stevenmang85 on Jan 14, 2018, 04:45 PM
Heard a report of North end having 2-3. Conference was anywhere from 3 to 8, lol. Still haven't heard of anyone catching smelt.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 14, 2018, 05:47 PM
The north end does have 2"-3" of ice. Seen a report of 5" this morning. That's true, depending on where you check it.  I had 5" in one spot & 30' away it was 2". Still unsafe for me & I will NOT tell someone that's its OK to go out fishing there, yet. That 5" is in front of the beach, in front of the boat ramp ,thin stuff. I will check it again on Monday afternoon.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Jan 15, 2018, 09:00 AM
Saw this post on another site...

"There was quads on north end of gull yesterday"
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: dutch3376 on Jan 16, 2018, 05:07 PM
Any updates on north end ice or smelt catches? Any info is appreciated!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 16, 2018, 05:32 PM
Unless someone else can report; I will not be able to give a smelt report until late, Friday night. I did get 1 report, that the ice is doing pretty good, on the north end, as of Monday. If I can get away, I will try & check ice conditions Wed. night. About 3"- 4" of snow in the past 2 days probably did not help the situation. 
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 18, 2018, 08:50 PM
Should at least have an ice report for the North End, mid morning, Friday. Planning on fishing for Lakers. & then smelt Friday night. time to get some 1st. hand info !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: theripper on Jan 18, 2018, 08:59 PM
Smeltbuster I hope you get into some smelt! You deserve it for all the work you do for that lake and all of us that have a long drive to fish gull.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 18, 2018, 09:17 PM
Hope I can find them. Sure would like to fish w/ you guys & a bunch of others on here . My Shanty misses its Twin ! 
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steeliewood on Jan 19, 2018, 05:47 AM
Quads on the north end last night and about 5 inches of ice most everywhere we traveled.....fishing stunk though
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Wgorby on Jan 19, 2018, 07:30 AM
Smeltbuster I hope you get into some smelt! You deserve it for all the work you do for that lake and all of us that have a long drive to fish gull.

...I second that!  thanks Smeltbuster!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Fish Killa on Jan 19, 2018, 08:46 AM
Quads on the north end last night and about 5 inches of ice most everywhere we traveled.....fishing stunk though

What were you targeting?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 19, 2018, 09:21 AM
Seen a quad off Ross Twp. park & guys on the "Hogsback" this morning. A solid 5" in front of the creek at the north end ,Same in 40 FOW. Did not have time to check the shore ice at Baseline, but it should be ok. No Lakers this morning, only 1 small pike. Quite a few guys on the north end ,mostly after pike. My brother tried for gills & perch, & only caught 1 small pike. Headed out to the North end, after smelt tonight. Probably going to try around 90FOW. Very little snow on the ice, where I was. Probably will post a smelt report around 11:00 P.M., hoping it will be good news !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steeliewood on Jan 19, 2018, 09:25 AM
What were you targeting?
Northerns.....one flag from nine tip ups in 2 hours....28" hit a monster sucker
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Jan 19, 2018, 09:51 AM
Yesterday morning there was only one guy heading out into the first bay when I drove by.
No one on the second bay.
Went by the conference and there were 3.
Drove by baseline and no one and no tracks.
Only one vehicle at the North end.

I decided to go back to the conference and there were now 7 vehicles.
Solid 5 inches of ice. People came and went most were looking for pike or perch. None doing much.
I caught 1 pike early. 30"
But I just got lucky. Nothing the rest of the day.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Mr.Vexilar on Jan 19, 2018, 06:35 PM
Out here now. 80 fow, the fireball is cold. Very few fish on the graph
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 19, 2018, 09:49 PM
Looks like my fears have been confirmed. We fished in 78 FOW tonight & the only bite we had ,was a pike that hit my rig, & I lost it. NO SMELT, for us or anyone else that we talked to , & that was almost everyone out there. 7" of ice ,where we fished, & spots of 2"-3" of snow on the walk out. We did have almost solid red on the Vexilar ,from 18' -45' down, for most of the night , must have been some other baitfish. Going to borrow Smelt Jrs. underwater camera to confirm what it is. Fished until 9:00 p.m., really disappointed but not surprised. May go again tomorrow night , still hoping I can be proven wrong !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 19, 2018, 10:06 PM
Not what I wanted to hear Smeltbuster,  I was hopeful after talking with you, now after reading your report not so much  :'( :'(.  All we can hope for is a return of them  in about 6 - 8 years like Higgins.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 19, 2018, 10:32 PM
I almost called ya on the way home, but figured you would be watching for my post. Really got excited when the Vex lit up, but it was short lived. BTW, the guy that was fishing w/ me tonight , always kicks my butt & his son is even worse ;If he didn't catch smelt...........
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: dutch3376 on Jan 20, 2018, 06:10 PM
Was hoping for better news about the smelt , but thanks for the updates!  It’s very much appreciated!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: stevenmang85 on Jan 21, 2018, 06:32 AM
Heard a report yesterday of them catching s9me in 2nd bay Friday night. Don't know if it's true or not, but it was from a reputable source...
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Jroelofs on Jan 21, 2018, 11:23 AM
Fished last night in 100-110 FOW on the North end. Solid marks from 25'-45' would come and go. Caught 1 smelt with our group of 3 guys fishing from dark until 11:30pm. Another group had 2 on the ice.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 21, 2018, 06:49 PM
Thanks for report guy's.  Least there's a few still left. I know they still have plenty of Zooplankton to feed on.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: sfw1960 on Jan 21, 2018, 10:43 PM
 :o

Ugh....
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Jan 21, 2018, 10:50 PM
I have no way of verifying this but deep into a conversation on another site... somebody posted that a reputable source told him they caught 300 in the second bay last Friday.
Don't know what to make of it considering the posts here about the apparent die off and the lack of any action by those trying.
I post this only to help foster hope.
I would really like to try and catch a few smelt. It's been many years. I hope they are not all gone.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: netminder34 on Jan 22, 2018, 12:09 PM
Hey guys, I dont fish Gull for smelt but do fish a couple lakes farther north for them.  The bite has been way off there also, fished hard for 3 nights over the weekend and we caught a few but averaged maybe 5 an hour.  I know it is better than what you are seeing but, we did see lots of fish coming and going on the electronics as it sounds you have been also, just not biting.  Dont give up just yet.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: dfishman on Jan 23, 2018, 03:54 PM
Anyone been out to check how the ice held up after the recent warm up?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 23, 2018, 05:32 PM
I am going to check the ice ,either Wed. or Thurs. Afternoon, at as many access points as possible. Hoping to get out on the north end ,Thurs. night. I will post what I find. May see if Smelt Jr. can check the north end, sooner.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 24, 2018, 06:09 PM
Smelt Jr. reported to me , that the north end was open, over to the boat launch >:(.  That was, as of very early this morning.   I'll try & check things out on Thurs. P.M.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: PikeSlayer93 on Jan 26, 2018, 06:54 AM
Any word on the ice on first and second bays? I'll try to check today after work If no one else checks it
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 26, 2018, 07:54 AM
2 guys on south bay, right now. I am going to go out & try to check the ice in a couple of hrs..   Watching the grandson today , so I'm kind of limited on how far out I can check .
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 26, 2018, 12:32 PM
I started checking Gull at 11:15 a.m., here is what I found.  3 guys on the Bible Conference, 1 guy off Ross Twp. park, 1 guy on the "Hogsback". I talked to a guy that was just coming off the ice at Baseline rd., & he told me that he had walked out to the west side of the deep water, almost across the lake ! He said the ice was anywhere from 3" - 6" & that it was good hard ice. I checked the North end & the ice is Garbage at the boat launch area, BUT, if you go over to the beach area 30 yds. to the west, it seems to be a bit better. I walked out about 50' from shore & had about 3"-4" of ice, but everytime I hit it w/ my spud, the ice below shattered. When I was almost through, all the ice around me Cracked like a window pane. Yes, I got outta there ! It probably is OK, but I would tread lightly, & use common sense. (I will not be going out there, anytime soon). South bay had a few guys on it & the ice at 2nd. bay was good, out to the end of the docks. No sign of anyone fishing there, lately. I may try 2nd. bay tonight, if I don't try another spot, ( got an invite to fish in another spot). IMHO, if you want to try for smelt, I would go on at, 2nd. bay, or  Baseline & be very careful, use a spud .The shore ice is in ok shape, so try & be careful, not to bust it up for others.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 26, 2018, 04:38 PM
I won't be going to Gull this year (no plans to at this point ) but I want to thank you anyway Smeltbuster, for going above and beyond in taking the time to check the conditions of the lake and giving the details you do. Double thumbs up my friend.  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: marakey on Jan 26, 2018, 06:26 PM
Yes, thank you smeltbuster for your great reports, they are very much appreciated.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 26, 2018, 11:02 PM
Thanks for the Kind words, they are greatly appreciated ! Just trying to do my part to help others out. There are way too many jerks on the internet, I don't want to be one of them . As for the fishing tonight: The pizza was hot , the beer was cold & the company in my shanty was 2nd. to none ! I got to fish w/ the best smelt fisherman that ever set foot on Gull (my opinion ) , The Legendary "Bob" & his sidekick /friend , Ed , were my fishin buddies tonight. To make a long story short, 2nd. bay, 64 FOW , fished till 10, Not a single bite for any of us & very few marks on the Vex. Had 1 other party come out for about an hr. & they left. As of 6:10 p.m. I did not see anyone go out at Baseline ,or the north end. Our original plan , at 4:30 p.m. ,was to fish Baseline, but when I got there, a 1 1/2 ' pressure crack had opened up about 15 yds. from shore. We went to plan "B".  I hope no one drove to Baseline rd. , to go out, sorry if you did, but it was solid at 11:30 a.m.  .  The wind & warm temps did a # on the ice. The shore ice even got bad. We had a fair amount of rain while we fished. I'm kinda , maybe , sorta , thinkin that 2nd. bay will still be ok on Sat ., as for Baseline & the North end, If you want to go for a dip in the lake, it might be a good time! I do believe that the smelt population is not what it was  a couple of yrs. ago. Smelt lakes can get pretty complicated at times & I think Gull  has some issues. 
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Jan 27, 2018, 02:48 PM
Thanks Smeltbuster,  I now know where not to go tonight. That report continues to discourage me from coming down again  :( . Maybe with those guy's you might have done something on the north end, besides drink beer and eat pizza  ;D
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 27, 2018, 07:21 PM
Thanks Smeltbuster,  I now know where not to go tonight. That report continues to discourage me from coming down again  :( . Maybe with those guy's you might have done something on the north end, besides drink beer and eat pizza  ;D      Hey, we did more than pizza & beer (2 fer me, that's my limit), we fished & we never gave up trying ! Fishing w/ Bob, is a HOOT ! The guy can turn  a slow fishing trip into a great trip ! After seeing the weather report for the next week, I am hopeful that we can try it again. a FB friend of mine, that is also on here, asked me today, how many trips before I give up ? At least 1 more  ;D.  No Smelt still beats watching reruns of NCIS, Castle, Bones, etc.,.... Just don't tell my wife that  ;D
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: stevenmang85 on Jan 28, 2018, 07:00 AM
Quad went through the ice yesterday. For some reason they thought it was a good idea to drive around the north end of the lake, lol.... Some people.... they did make it out, and they did already recover the quad.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: DaveSS1 on Jan 28, 2018, 02:41 PM
Thanks Smeltbuster,  I now know where not to go tonight. That report continues to discourage me from coming down again  :( . Maybe with those guy's you might have done something on the north end, besides drink beer and eat pizza  ;D      Hey, we did more than pizza & beer (2 fer me, that's my limit), we fished & we never gave up trying ! Fishing w/ Bob, is a HOOT ! The guy can turn  a slow fishing trip into a great trip ! After seeing the weather report for the next week, I am hopeful that we can try it again. a FB friend of mine, that is also on here, asked me today, how many trips before I give up ? At least 1 more  ;D.  No Smelt still beats watching reruns of NCIS, Castle, Bones, etc.,.... Just don't tell my wife that  ;D
Don't give up.  Why it does appear that the die-off did in have a great impact on the smelt population, I cant believe that it killed off all the smelt.  I think we will see the real impact later this season as fish start to stage in their pre-spawn locations.  It is concerning that smelt aren't being found in the bellies of predator fish though.  I know Higgins went through a dive in the smelt population but during the past few years all the pike and lakers still had them in their stomachs...time will tell.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 28, 2018, 03:50 PM
Don't give up.  Why it does appear that the die-off did in have a great impact on the smelt population, I cant believe that it killed off all the smelt.  I think we will see the real impact later this season as fish start to stage in their pre-spawn locations.  It is concerning that smelt aren't being found in the bellies of predator fish though.  I know Higgins went through a dive in the smelt population but during the past few years all the pike and lakers still had them in their stomachs...time will tell.

From all the reports I've heard, most of the noted smelt lakes have started slow this winter but they are starting to pick up...still hope for Gull. Maybe not the numbers we've seen in the past, but they're not all gone.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Jan 28, 2018, 06:11 PM
As soon as we can get back out on the north 1/2 of the lake, we will. Hoping for Thurs. night. I will be checking the north end & Baseline rd. , probably Tues. or Wed.,  Cold weather should lock it back up. Fished another B.C. local lake today for perch, bite was slow but there was still 6"-7" of hard ice .
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: PikeSlayer93 on Feb 02, 2018, 07:16 AM
Any word on the north end?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 02, 2018, 07:59 AM
Just got done checking the ice. Baseline rd. 2 wacks w/ the spud . Several pressure cracks.  The North end:  Totally unable to get on the ice ,anywhere in the park. I could not even get to good ice without getting wet, at least up to my waist. I thought w/ the cold temps, it might be OK ,but it is not. I don't even know if it will be OK tomorrow. I will have Smelt jr. check it in the morning.  Seen 1 guy on the Bible Conf., did not check 2nd. or south bays. Really bummed , I was hoping to fish tonight .
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: wmu1989 on Feb 02, 2018, 11:46 AM
"There shall be no smelt harvested this year from the north end", so saith the God of Fish
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 02, 2018, 12:35 PM
"There shall be no smelt harvested this year from the north end", so saith the God of Fish
    Can I at least still try ? ;D
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Fish Killa on Feb 02, 2018, 12:44 PM
"There shall be no smelt harvested this year from the north end", so saith the God of Fish

It's karma from all the people trashing the place for years and years.  ::)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: wmu1989 on Feb 02, 2018, 02:02 PM
    Can I at least still try ? ;D
   keep on keeping us in the know!!!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: PikeSlayer93 on Feb 03, 2018, 04:36 AM
Fished the South Bay last night, had 6-7 inches of ice depending where you were at. Had 6 flags and 2 on my dead stick in my shanty... again obviously not smelt fishing lol but of all the pike I have cleaned this year I have yet to find any with smelt in their stomachs. I always used to hear about the pike in this lake eating smelt.... now that I’ve cleaned more than a fare share I can say they eat more of each other than they eat smelt.....
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 03, 2018, 10:23 AM
Pikeslayer93, sounds familiar !    As for an updated ice report; Smelt jr. said that the North end & Baseline rd. are still unsafe, as of this morning. He tried to get out fishing at both spots & could not do it. He is currently on 2nd. bay fishing for pike & Lakers. 6"-7" of good ice out there.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: PikeSlayer93 on Feb 03, 2018, 02:29 PM
How did smeltjr end up doing out there? I had 7 pike today... no keepers
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Feb 03, 2018, 03:33 PM
I think we need to start making more efforts to thin out the predators on Gull. That's one of my 2018 resolutions, and am close enough for it to be semi-convient. But need advice.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Feb 03, 2018, 04:08 PM
Well DNR will not plant any smelt it is to costly for them to do >:(  >:(. So we need to do what we can to protect them. I hear of many pike being taken which is a good start. Smeltbuster has a good idea, but it's up to the DNR to make it happen. As long as everything is done by the rules.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 03, 2018, 07:25 PM
Pikeslayer 93, I don't know how he ended up, sorry. I had  a lengthy phone conversation w/ Brian Gunderman  this past Tuesday . He is the Unit Manager in the Plainwell DNR office. They are  well aware of what is going on w/ Gull. He also was interested to hear about some of  the things that we have noticed over the years. I can tell you that there will be NO Laker Plants this year, according to him. We as anglers need to assist them with info on the smelt situation. Most importantly ,the spring run in Prarieville  creek. I'm also sure that they would like to know if anyone is actually catching any smelt. I seen a post on FB today about a guy who said that the fishing is very slow this year & the best he has done in 1 night was 108, & that he considered that to be a slow night.  ???.   GpaPerchEye, as far as removing Pike from Gull this next year. They are usually EASY to catch . I am not going to give all the details here, this is for ice fishing. I am however , more than willing to share info. Even though the pike are skinny, the LM & SM Bass are very healthy. They all pretty much have empty stomachs, though, wich has raised some questions. I do have my own ideas about what should be done, but I am not a fisheries biologist. Keeping a positive & open line of communication w/ the fishery guys is the best thing that we can do. One more thing: Wilsonmi, is a member on here & works for the DNR. He has done an excellent job keeping us informed on this thread & I want to thank him for doing so. He can do a much better job explaining things than I can. As for fishing the North End & Baseline rd. , as soon as I can get out there w/ "BOB" , you will get a very detailed report of our trip. I hear lots of stories of guys slaying smelt but never see the results (its always,...last night), many of you know BOB, he is pretty much the best guy to determine if there is catchable #s of smelt in Gull.      Stay tuned !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 05, 2018, 05:27 PM
Just got a call from Smelt jr. , he checked the ice at the North End about 4:30 p.m. & said that it is still unsafe. said he walked out about 20' off the beach & his spud went through w/ 1 wack. He did see some guys fishing a few hundred yds. to the east of the creek (out in front of the White boat house) , & he is pretty sure that they got on at Baseline rd. . He is pretty sure that the north end will be OK in a few days. He is watching it closely, as he wants to fish it, this week-end. As for his trip on 2nd. bay, this past Saturday, he had 1 flag, & no fish. He was fishing deep water for Lakers.  I will keep ya posted on conditions !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Feb 08, 2018, 04:48 AM
Anyone going to try North end tonite or tomorrow night ? I'd like to give it a go, but with the expected conditions, I'd like to have someone to hold the other end of the rescue rope !!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: PikeSlayer93 on Feb 08, 2018, 08:31 AM
Anyone going to try North end tonite or tomorrow night ? I'd like to give it a go, but with the expected conditions, I'd like to have someone to hold the other end of the rescue rope !!

I would almost say the north end has to be getting close the only thing I’m worried about would be all the snow on top of it.... it’s a lot of weight
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 08, 2018, 01:58 PM
Hoping Smelt jr. can check it around 4:30 p.m., it might be a bit late for tonight , but I will let ya know ASAP ! I am planning on fishing Friday night .
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Feb 08, 2018, 02:37 PM
Thanks, SB. Friday works better for me - IF ice conditions allow.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 08, 2018, 02:52 PM
Smelt jr. just called.  The north end is still UNSAFE at the park . 2 wacks w/ his spud. Very hard to believe !  He did not check Baseline rd. but will stop on his way home tonight. He is fishing the Bible Conf. tonight for pike.  Keep ya posted !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Feb 08, 2018, 03:17 PM
Many thanks for the update. I won't hold much hope for B/L. Marginal ice there tends to get broken up by traffic. Hope I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 08, 2018, 03:57 PM
He has seen a few guys out on the NE corner of the lake & figures they are getting on at Baseline.  Depending on what he tells me tonight, I may go out early in the A.M. , just to check for myself.  Very Concerned about the snow that is coming .
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Average-Joe on Feb 08, 2018, 05:15 PM
Has anyone noticed a lot more small perch (3-5 inches) than usual? I've been fishing the same places and the same way I always have and am noticing this. I also haven't found near as many bluegills, although I know they're there from fishing in the summer and fall. Perhaps the small perch are filling the niche left behind by the disappearance of much the smelt population.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 08, 2018, 07:47 PM
Average-Joe, hope someone else comments on your observation.  I fish for crappies & gills in Gull , in May & early June , & that's about it. I do quite well , but the perch are pretty much safe, when it comes to my fishing. Trolling small Rapalas & Crawdad imitations in less than 10'  of water, ...well, lets just say , it makes me Happy !  As for Smelt Jrs. report tonight, he went 2 for 4 on pike, both were sub- legal. 5"-6" of ice at the Bible Conf. & he did check Baseline rd., out to about 100 yds. from shore & said it took 5-6 good whacks w/ his spud. Guessed 3-4" of ice. No fresh tracks out there, & no one out on the North end. That was at 7:45 p.m.  .    I am hoping to get out tomorrow night. A lot depends on the snow fall. its 845  p.m. & it has not started yet. We are supposed to get 7"  in the next 18 hrs. , so time will tell.  As usual , I will keep ya posted ,   Phil
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Feb 09, 2018, 08:42 AM
Well I have heard that when the smelt population is small the perch population increases. The small perch feed on the same thing as the smelt.  It happened on Higgins year's ago also. And that would would make sense with the size of the perch.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Feb 09, 2018, 01:07 PM
Well I got a pb perch the other day on Gull while I was fishing for pike.
Hit a 3.5" shiner! Surprised the heck out of me.  ;D
(https://s17.postimg.cc/jgra5viaz/IMG_20180123_162550974.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/jgra5viaz/)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: fishin4smelt on Feb 09, 2018, 01:27 PM
Nice perch Moose ! Send that pic & form to DNR and get a master angler patch of a perch. I did this in Sept. with a PB perch as well. The patch is pretty cool..
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: cnewby on Feb 09, 2018, 01:38 PM
Might be a tough sell that its 14" based on that picture.  Not sure how strict they are on that sort of thing.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: dutch3376 on Feb 09, 2018, 03:38 PM
Pb?? Pregnant belly?? ???
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Feb 09, 2018, 04:20 PM
Too much snow for me to chase hypothetical smelt on shaky ice tonight. We have had nearly a foot here abt 25 miles west of gull
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 09, 2018, 04:29 PM
Too much snow for me to chase hypothetical smelt on shaky ice tonight. We have had nearly a foot here abt 25 miles west of gull
   Same for me, tonight. I'm 15 min. from Baseline rd. & we have 7-8" .  Besides that, I couldn't find anyone that wanted to pull gear that far out tonight & break a trail.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Feb 09, 2018, 05:50 PM
Pb?? Pregnant belly?? ???

Personal Best. 😁
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Feb 09, 2018, 06:01 PM
Might be a tough sell that its 14" based on that picture.  Not sure how strict they are on that sort of thing.

Following their instructions to point the tail ... I believe it qualifies.
(https://s17.postimg.cc/lackd826j/IMG_20180124_150130804.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/lackd826j/)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: stevenmang85 on Feb 10, 2018, 05:43 AM
Average Joe. I wouldn't necessarily say more small perch, they are just the only fish around. I fish a couple spots for bluegill not including the bay. Caught them good for the past 40 years (my father included) and this year they are not there! I can't find my crappie hole, and couldn't find my little perch hole. There are other places I want to check but don't get the time. It's really really weird. The only thing I can think is that the added predation between new Lakers and steelhead have all the small fish acting funny. Smelt included! I strongly believe that there's still enough smelt for good fishing.... But everything small is hiding this year or something. 
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Iceassin on Feb 10, 2018, 07:23 AM
Following their instructions to point the tail ... I believe it qualifies.
(https://s17.postimg.cc/lackd826j/IMG_20180124_150130804.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/lackd826j/)

Don't doubt it for a minute. Bass fishing a few years ago with a bubble gum sinko, wacky style, and landed a 16 incher just north of the island. Gave it away at the launch...wished I had of put it on the wall now  :(. (sorry Duane...mis-spoke the first time I told ya'  ;) ) On the same day, watched a deer (buck) swim from the island to the mainland on the east  :o  Big fish do abound in Gull...some are just few and far between.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 10, 2018, 09:22 AM
Just got a call from Smelt Jr. @ 10:15 a.m.;  he is on the North End pike fishing. they went on at the far end of the beach ,& he said the ice is about 3" for the 1st. 50 yds. or so & then it gets thicker. Almost 8' in some spots . He has 1 tip-up in front of the creek in 25 FOW & said the ice is about 4" there. A few other guys out there & 1 on a snowmobile. LOTS of snow on the ice & slush the 1st. 50 yds. then just snow after that he said. They are 2 for 3 right now, 1 27 incher & 1 sub-legal. I am probably going to head out there in a few hrs. ,don't know about smelt fishing tonight. with all that snow ,it may be a tough walk w/ all my gear !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 10, 2018, 07:36 PM
I did go  fish w/ Smelt jr. & a couple of his friends. We ended up going 7 for 11  on pike, & only 2 were legal size. About 10-12 inches of snow on the ice. Most of the ice I checked  was 6-7". The  boat ramp area is very unsafe . I was checking around the area, when we got done & went through twice. Less than knee deep , so I didn't get wet !  LOTS of SLUSH for the 1st. 100 yds. or so, then just snow.  We went on at the west end of the beach area. NO one smelt  fishing  tonight, as of 7:30 p.m. , tough walk out there.  Big Party on 2nd. bay though.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Feb 10, 2018, 11:58 PM
Sounds like a tuff walk to smelt grounds. I doubt I will make down there this year again then. I am going to miss smelt fishing with Smeltbuster. Its pretty bad twice last year and once this year smelt fishing on Gull .  :'( :'(. Thanks for all the updated reports Smeltbuster.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Feb 11, 2018, 03:50 PM
Hmmm. Sounds like game over for this season. Too bad, but that's just too bad. I add my thanks for Phil's dedication to great reports. Thank you !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 11, 2018, 05:37 PM

(https://s18.postimg.cc/dzq3hbih1/IMG_5973.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/dzq3hbih1/)
 Smelt Jr. found something interesting in the stomach of one of the pike we caught yesterday. 1st. time we have found these in a Pike  ???.  1st. time for me trying to post a pic on here, hope it works !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Oscoda Ice on Feb 12, 2018, 05:29 AM
Intersting smeltbuster. A tube and a stickbait "senko". I wonder if he got them when attached to a hook or just sitting on the bottom of the lake.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: DaveSS1 on Feb 17, 2018, 12:30 PM
Wow can’t believe this thread has hit the bottom of page 2..... anyone heading out tonight before the warmup and rain kills the ice?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: KZOO13 on Feb 17, 2018, 01:09 PM
Went out last night in search of crappies and didn’t catch a single thing other than Gull Lake’s famous 5” bay bluegills. Talked to a group of 4-5 guys that made a trip all the way from Detroit searching for some smelt. Felt bad for them as they seemed to be unaware of the issues going on at Gull. They headed out towards the second bay and left 2 hours later with no luck. They were the only ones I saw targeting smelt on the southern end of the lake
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Smeltman on Feb 17, 2018, 03:41 PM
That does suck for them. I feel their pain.  :'(
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 17, 2018, 06:02 PM
 Thought I would share this . I talked to "Bob" last night & he told me that him & his friend  fished the north end in 70 FOW ,one night this past week . He  said they fished for over 3 hrs. & caught no fish. He did think he had 1 bite. Said he really didn't even mark very much. 3 smelt trips for him this yr. & 3 Skunks, if Bob cant catch them , I'm thinking it is not a good sign. We were going to go last night, but decided it probably wasn't worth the effort.  Smelt jr. did catch a 20" Laker on the North end, Monday afternoon, on a minnow that he was jigging in about 25 FOW, in front of the creek. He is going to check the ice there, either tonight or tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: 3300 on Feb 20, 2018, 10:09 AM
can hardly see the lake on the cam. hope no one is on it!

(https://s17.postimg.cc/y7gmykbbz/gull_lake_fog.jpg)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Feb 24, 2018, 01:15 PM
Anyone had eyes on north end lately ? Ready for boating ?
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: TheGeneral on Feb 24, 2018, 02:03 PM
Just came by there and it's still ice. But just barely ice.  Went the south end earlier and pretty much the same. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 24, 2018, 05:08 PM
The north end is opening up at the boat launch. About 100 yds. out from the creek. The rest of the shoreline is mostly iced up ,but not safe. If the ice goes out quick enough, might be able to do some late season Pike fishing from a boat .
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Feb 24, 2018, 05:50 PM
Thank you General and Phil for the update
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Feb 28, 2018, 06:05 PM
Here is my final ice report for this year; Smelt Jr. was fishing off Johnson's point in his boat ,Tues. night (2-27-18) . He caught 5 pike (1 legal) . The east shore still had some ice. I will be out on the Toon  this week-end, when time permits. Looks like its time to put away the ice gear. I will share any info that I can, on here,  on a smelt run in the creek at the north end.  Phil
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Mar 21, 2018, 06:36 PM
No smelt run in Prarieville creek yet , as of 6;00 a.m. 3/21/18. Smelt Jr. was fishing last night & said that the water temp in front of the creek is 41 degrees. He will be  checking it again in the A.M., & I will be checking it ,very early on Friday morning. If a run is going to happen, it should be soon. We have caught a few Lakers the past few weeks, but that is winding down now. Keep ya posted on the Smelt !
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: netminder34 on Mar 22, 2018, 09:12 AM
With the dismal season you guys had I hope you see some spawning fish to rebuild.  Still catching a few up north but I wouldn't say it was a banner year there either but I am not complaining as I know it can be worse.  I can say I finally got a chance to try those Gull Lake Smelt Flies I picked up a couple years ago from you guys.  I can report they did catch fish but matched up against the normal rigs they were pretty consistant head to head.  Definitley some good quality flies for sure and will stay in the rotation of ice rigs.  Good luck guys.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Apr 14, 2018, 04:58 AM
Smelt Jr. & me have been checking the creek, on the north end, almost every day. I checked it @ 4:45  this morning & still , no smelt. We will continue to check it for at least 2 more weeks. Hoping to see something soon.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steelheader32 on Sep 12, 2018, 11:41 AM
Soo. How was everyone’s spring and summer? Counting down the days for ice!
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: netminder34 on Oct 11, 2018, 11:39 AM
Mine was great, moved back to Michigan after a long residential absence and am ready to explore some new local lakes here in Newaygo County.  Excited about being a lot closer to the old stomping grounds and honey holes also for the upcoming hardwater season.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Dec 06, 2018, 10:04 AM
Pretty good.
Can't wait!!!!
I'm working on my gear.
Almost time for a new season thread.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Dec 06, 2018, 06:14 PM
Hello again, all. Hope you had a good and healthy summer.
Time to get ready for another winter of opportunities.
Anyone heard if the smelt population in Gull is recovering ?
Happy holidays
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: WaterfowlNut! on Dec 11, 2018, 07:06 AM
I sure hope it did but after last year I dont know how it could in that amount of time. :(
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Fish Killa on Dec 11, 2018, 07:35 AM
Looks like the bay skimmed over last night.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: steelheader32 on Dec 12, 2018, 11:51 PM
Some brave soul was on the bay today..it just iced over in the last 72 hours....crazy
(https://i.postimg.cc/94cpmG34/7-AF16-BE1-AD74-4974-A33-E-07-F34-E4-C7-DD0.png) (https://postimg.cc/94cpmG34)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Fish Killa on Dec 13, 2018, 04:02 AM
 ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: GpaPerchEye on Dec 13, 2018, 08:56 AM
OK, time to find the Darwin Award applications.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: smeltbuster on Dec 13, 2018, 08:38 PM
OK, time to find the Darwin Award applications.
  They are located at the narrows ,going into 2nd. bay . If you would like; I can verbally direct you to them , from the south bay dock  ;D.
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Dianam on Dec 14, 2018, 07:25 AM
To all with interest in the Gull Lake fishery;

DNR Fisheries and the Gull Lake Quality Organization will be conducting a winter ice fishing post card creel for Gull Lake for the 2018/2019 winter.  I am asking for help in participating and spreading the word.  The goals of the creel are 1. Identify if any smelt are being caught; 2.  Determine if the steelhead beginning to recruit to the fishery; 3. Gather any information on Lake Trout or Northern Pike size and harvest.  The form can also be downloaded from the Gull Lake Quality Organization web site at the following link.

http://glqo.net/2018/12/570/

I'm interested in each trip, how many fish of each species you caught, and the size of pike and lake trout.  Please let anyone you know who may be ice fishing Gull Lake this winter.  I will have sheets available locally at Neds and Beer and Skittles.  Creel information can be filled out on the forms and mailed or emailed to me at the return address on the form, or information can be recorded in a journal or file and sent to me at the end of the season.  I am looking for as much information as we can get over the winter and am interested in trips with no fish caught as well as successful days on the ice.  I really appreciate any help, feel free to get a hold of me.  Hope to see you out there this winter.

Matt Diana
Fisheries Biologist
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
621 N. 10th Street
Plainwell Michigan 49080
269-204-7008
[email protected]
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: moose49017 on Dec 31, 2018, 09:53 AM
Dang rain!
The bay had 2" yesterday. Thought we were headed in the right direction. 😩
Title: Re: Gull lake 2017/2018
Post by: Fish Killa on Jan 01, 2019, 11:37 AM
You could be auguring holes off the end of the docks.  ;D