Curtis area - Ice condtions and questions

[Nanner]

Hello all you in the UP- Me and a buddy are thinking of heading that way from Indianapolis around Dec 28th for 3 or 4 days. Neither of us have ever been up that way.  We were originally planning the Cadillac area but ice is sounding sketchy there at best. Checking the Internet for info but would love to get some good leads from fellow IS members...We are looking for any advice on decent bodies of water (with current ice conditions) to maybe hit and any fisherman friendly motels/cabins close to those lakes.... I see there is Manistiques Lake (big,south and north),Milakokia Lake,Lake Ann Louise , and Millecoquins Lake. Don't know anything about any of them except what I have read on line - so I'm Leary from just that. We fish for panfish and enjoy tip ups for eyes and pike - so not real picky on the species. Not looking for hot spots just some current lake info and contact info would be great. If a little hesitant to post PMs would be wonderful as well.... thanks a ton in advance,

[dmaves]

Fished Milakokia last weekend, ended up with a few perch and one keeper eye' fishing in about ~10' of water; had at least 3" of ice and I'm sure it made more this week. The lake is decent for perch and walleye; Also noticed someone had a permy shack with a four wheeler out last weekend,,,, There is plenty of ice to get out fishing in that area.

[Nanner]

thanks for the info Doug... it will be a long drive to be in the dark on info....so I  truly appreciate it -

anyone else have any info on lakes or places to stay...

thanks,

[hunterdan1]

The south manistiques is fishing pretty good.You can get a hold of JR sport in Curtis #906-586-6040
I have a house on the south lake I'm heading home tomorrow but my time will be limited

[Kingfish_1968]

I ice fished South Manistique Lake two years ago and liked the area so much, we went up in June.  We caught mostly perch and northern pike through the ice but saw others bringing their walleye catches to either of the two local bait shops.  It is also known for Musky's and if I remember right, it holds the MI state record for a speared Musky. We had snowmobile troubles so only walked it, which kept us from finding the walleye.  The town is like stepping back in Maybury with several excellent dining options.  We found a cottage right on the lake that was perfect and not too expensive.  (I can't remember the name of where we stayed but have it at my office.)  There were plenty of options when we were there but may not be as many vacancy's with the balmy weather south of the Macinanaw Bridge. One of the bait shops is called the Hunt and Fish Shop in Curtis.  They also rent snowmobiles and are on a major trail system.  As I said, we only fished South Manistique Lake but Big Manistique Lake is on the East side of Curtis.  I doubt if they are three blocks apart.  There was a guy at the Hunt and Fish Shop that directed us where to fish for the best action and I think he was being straight as I had my 9 year old son with methat he wanted to be be successful.  Curtis is no more than 1 1/2 hours from the Macinaw Bridge.  Aside from the fishing and snowmobile rentals, you can go dog sledding in nearby McMillan.  This was awesome and my nine year actually drove his own team of five dogs.  That was really neat.  Here's a link to the Curtis area tourism site:  http://www.curtismi.com/
 
The other place I tried ice fishing in the UP was Munuscong Bay, which is about an hour north east of the bridge.  We went between Christmas and New Years last year but only ice fished a little bit because some other guys in the camp went through on their quad.  Since it was just me and my son, we fished closed to shore over 1-3 feet of water but it was really slow so we just ended up riding the trails.  Stayed in a nice cabin at Dan's Resort near Pickford. www.dans-resort.com/
   
Neither area rented shanties when we were there so you'll need your own.  I plan to go with my two two sons and a buddy and his 17 year old son on Monday, 12/26 through Thursday,12/29.  Waiting to make a final call based on the ice reports but am favoring Curtis.  It would be good to meet ya if you end up in the Curtis area so we could narrow down where the fish are located!  Good Luck!!

[Kingfish_1968]

The place we stayed in Curtis is called "A Place for All Seasons Resort":  http://www.aplaceresort.com/

[hunterdan1]

A place resort is half mile north of my house.

       

[Nanner]

thanks guys really apreciate the info.....

[Kingfish_1968]

A place resort is half mile north of my house.

     
Hunterdan,
Please let us know what you can on ice thickness?  Are they using machines on it?
Merry Christmas!
Jon

[philk]

We were there last weekend.  7" on South and 4 inches on Big but Big was open in the center.  Caught several walleyes and pike action was nonstop on tipups.  Didn't chase them but saw nice perch caught.  There are several places to stay.  Just Google Curtis MiI lodging and you'll find many resorts.  JR is a good place to call for the latest info.  We are back up there for 5 days starting the 31st.  Here is a photo of the first walleye caught.

[Nanner]

Thanks for all the info and help....looks like too far of a jot to make it at this time.... At this time it looks like u guys in the UP area have the best ice options in the Midwest.... Enjoy it and stay safe.....

[maxxpowers]

looks like I will be headed to big m. the end of the month. this will be the third year I have made this trip. We always have a lot of fun, I just hope the walleyes and perch have grown since last year!

[woody63]

Let the countdown begin. Myself and the crew will be in Curtis from the 19th to the 23rd,22 years in a row.Usually fish the big lake mornings and evenings for the elusive eyes, then the Tally Ho for 12 ounce browns.NO safe ice down here. Hope the lake cleans up a bit,,,local tells me the lake is a mess right now with slush,,time to put chains on the quad. Has anyone fished it in the last few days? Not looking for spots, I have plenty saved on the GPS just a recent report

[maxxpowers]

sounds like I will just miss you woody. we are headed up the weekend after. hopefully you will leave a few fish for us.

[Dooger]

Fished the Big Lake on Jan 12th.  Fished for walleye and perch.  Two pike...that's it.  Definately not what I was expecting after last year.  Not many people out and the ice looked pretty sketchy in areas, but there was 8" in the four spots I fished.  Sorta had a honey comb look though.  Had two wheelers out and didn't have a problem.  There are a few pressure cracks and crossed them with no problem.  Gonna be -10 tonight!!!!  Got a foot of snow last night though.