Northern Michigan Panfish/perch

[Salmonquest]

I live in Gaylord. I have two young kids that like to go ice fishing. I understand the nature of fishing very well, but I can't seem to find a lake in the area that will conistently allow me to put them on some action. Heck even bait steeling little pech would be something. I'm willing to drive an hour in any direction. Fletcher's has been even slow the few times I've been over. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[frogmaster]

Lake at the front of Camp Graying gate, maybe called Lake Margareth or similar.

Good luck

[chilly-willy]

What about big lake , big bear lake , and twenty seven lake ?? Not sure if their is public access to them but they list having smaller fish like perch crappie and blue gills rock bass and so on  on these lakes I found the list in anot her forum .. a little research will find out if their is a bas or boaters access site for access to the lakes..

[chilly-willy]

Like so..


http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/mrbis/BASDetail.aspx?basid=A-69-003

[Salmonquest]

I am familiar with the lakes around here but I haven't found much success with the blue gill and almost no perch. I know a few spots but would like to at least get a clue as to more consistent areas.

[esoxer]

If you want bait stealing little perch, that'd be Skegemog, which would be right at the end of your 1-hr drive limit from Gaylord.

From some of the pre-ice fishing i've done over the past 2 weeks, a lot of the gills & perch are already in the deepest section of smaller lakes. Most weeds are all dead/dying so the fish are in the deeper areas where there's decent oxygen levels.

[SKIFFLAKEJIMMY]

How about Long Lake between Rogers City and Alpena?

[Salmonquest]

That's pretty far. Think I am going to work on otsego this year

[chilly-willy]

That's pretty far. Think I am going to work on otsego this year

 from what I have read about ostego lk. don't have blue gill crappie or perch but does have larger fish like walleye bass and pike.. I was surprised it did not list the pan fish were I checked but maybe the quick method was wrong and I should check the muchigan dnr stocking info?? Just for giggles..

[motocross269]

Burt and Mullet lake.....

[chilly-willy]

Burt and Mullet lake.....

Good point but was not sure if it was to far for him??

[DaveSS1]

For a lot of action Otsego can be good but it can be very frustrating as most of the perch are 4"-5, but action nonetheless.  Burt and mullet are good but unless you have the means/drive to travel it can be like fishing the dead sea.  I know places like maple bay do well later in march and can be manageable by foot but you have to remember these lakes get pounded with snow.  2 years ago they cancelled their tournament because guys were burying their sleds in the heavy snow/slush.  Margarethe, Manistee, Long, Higgins are all worthy mentions but sounds like you are traveling a little bit.

[Salmonquest]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the suggestions. I have fished Burt, fletcher's,and a few surrounding lakes. I've avoided Otsego lk just based on reports. I don't mind traveling. I have a two-up sled and an otter shanty and all the bells and whistles.

What I really want is a nice little lake I can take my kids to after school and reliably put them on some fish with the hope of at least a few keepers for them. I know there are some smaller lakes around and I'm just curious what may be worth checking out within a half hour drive or so.

[icefishman]

Thumb/lake Louise is non stop perch but all small

[Salmonquest]

Ive tried near the launch all in that bay on three trips and only managed a dozen perch most smaller than the Hali I was using.