PLanning a trip up this winter

[BlakeTheRollins]

IM PLANNING A WEEK LONG TRIP UP TO MICHIGAN THIS YEAR. I WOULD LIKE TO GET ON A GOOD PERCH AND WALLEYE BITE. THAT HAS LODGING NEAR THE LAKE OR HOTEL. CAN ANYONE GIVE ME SOME GOOD TIPS AND WHAT THEY SUGGEST.

[Doeslayer]

Perch and walleye..... Lake leelanau has some good eyes but few perch... Skegemog has tons of perch but no eyes... Houghton has both but is a very big lake and tough to fish sometimes.... Sag bay has both but isnt always safe.... Grand lake has both though the eyes are harder to come by.... sag river is even sketchier ice but produces both though the perch are hit or miss.... My first question would be do you hsve ice transportation or are you on foot... If your on foot id reccomend none of the above except maybe skegemog.... On foot id suggest lake cadillac or lake mitchell... Pilgrims village is a great place to stay and its right on the water... Has all the bsit and tackle you need plus good info... If you have mobility then there are tons of options.... Also when are you planning said trip

[Bucket Rump]

I would add Portage Lake near Onekema on to Doeslayer's list.  Deep water that freezes late and is walkable but better if you have transportation for ice travel.

[BlakeTheRollins]

I’ll be on foot with my thermal ice shanty. Honestly I don’t know what time of year prob early weeks of January.

[BlakeTheRollins]

Really I don’t have to catch walleye. Really rather get into the perch.

[Doeslayer]

Best perch lake ive fished is skegemog... Seems like the bigger fish get taken later in the year closer to ice out but theres always good numbers....

[Bucket Rump]

Keep an eye on the shore ice conditions on Saginaw Bay around that time. 

[Doeslayer]

Yea saginaw bay is one you gotta be weary of... Its not sn early ice spot and not one you can really pre plan a trip for because you will get let down or put yourself in danger.... As the time gets close keep posting and we will give updates

[denali]

I’m kinda doing some exploring too this year, booked a week on Houghton, and a week on Cadillac/Mitchell. Jan. and Feb. Age and surgeries finally got me to buy a quad, I’ll let you know

[scout 2]

If this snow quits and cold weather stays around there should be a lot  of ice by that time. Many lakes are frozen over right now. Some areasare said to have 2 inches of ice but the snow is on top now

[Snitch#8]

I disagree about early ice on Saginaw Bay.  I think early ice is the BEST time to fish for perch on the bay.  I have caught more perch on the early ice, usually the first two or three weeks, then I have the rest of the winter.  I especially like it when the ice only goes out about a half of mile.  Reason being the fish are up under the ice in some very shallow water.  The best perch fishing I've done has been in no more than two feet of water!  I usually wear my neoprene waders so that I stay warm and if I fall in, I climb back onto the ice and keep fishing.  Obviously, you have to check the ice to make sure it is safe if you plan on fishing deeper.  But early ice and late ice usually has an abundant number of perch under it, making going deep unnecessary.  Don't be surprised if you hook into a walleye or two, as well.  There have been a lot of eyes taken in water under 3 foot, both winter and summer!

[Doeslayer]

I didnt mean its not good fishing.... I meant its not exactly a place you plan to go to on early ice due to the level of danger that is present here as opposed to smaller bodies of water... Sorry for not clarifying that

[Snitch#8]

I didnt mean its not good fishing.... I meant its not exactly a place you plan to go to on early ice due to the level of danger that is present here as opposed to smaller bodies of water... Sorry for not clarifying that

I agree, it can be somewhat sketchy wondering if there will be ice or won't there be.  But if you keep your eye on sites like this and Michigan Sportsman, you will be able to determine if fishermen are getting on it.  As for being dangerous, If you use caution, wear your waders and make sure that you don't go too far out, or too deep, you can pretty much eliminate the danger.  If you travel light with a; pole, bucket to sit on, small hook box in your pocket and spud, your good to go.  Make sure that you check the depth with the spud and have fun.  If you do consider fishing early ice on the bay I wouldn't venture out in more than two feet of water.  First, it isn't necessary as the fish will be up under the shelf ice and second, going out further "could" be dangerous!

[icefishman]

Head to Gaylord and fish Otsego lake

[Doeslayer]

Head to Gaylord and fish Otsego lake

maybe it was just the day i went....  But we went out at the park... Fished for probably 9 hours and only has a few marks all day no bites.... One of the marks pretty sure was a sturgeon though... Never seen a mark like that on my vex....

[scout 2]

Head to Gaylord and fish Otsego lake

I bet that lake is wide open after the wind storm the other day

[jdgambler]

Book your trip where there are smaller lakes in the area just in case the bigger lakes are not safe. It's not looking like a good year so far.