Ice fishing continues but caution needs to be used. Anglers are reminded that walleye, northern pike and muskie season in the Upper Peninsula inland and Great Lakes waters as well as the St. Mary’s River is now open until March 15th. The spearing season for northern pike and muskie will also be open until March 15th.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie – Most of the lake has open water. The only ice fishing is off the Metro Park Marina for perch and bluegills and out near the Banana Dike for perch.
Huron River – Steelhead are being caught when using spawn or wax worms.
Detroit River – The ice flows have slowed however most boat anglers are anticipating more ice coming down the river. Check out the cuts and canals near Gibraltar for good perch and bluegill action.
Lexington – Fishing was light with only a few perch taken. Anglers will need to do some sorting.
Port Austin – Cold weather shored the ice back up and there are a few ice shanties in and around the marina.
Saginaw Bay – Off Palmer Road; perch fishing was slow to fair at best out near the first crack. A few walleye were caught a couple miles out in 10 feet of water. Off White’s Beach, fish 10 feet of water near the Pinconning Bar. Off Erickson Road and Linwood Road, the walleye bite was slow out near the pressure crack. Use extreme caution out there and watch for changes in wind direction. The water was really dirty around the Hot Ponds. Thomas Road continues to produce walleye about 7 to 8 miles offshore in 17 to 19 feet of water. Sebewaing was slow. Those fishing out in the Slot beyond Rose Island were taking a few walleye in the evening. At Bay Port, the ice is bad at the DNR access site. Those heading out of the Bay Shore Marina took some nice perch ranging from 8 to 12 inches. Off Mud Creek, anglers were going out about 2 miles towards Sand Point and taking some nice perch in 8 feet of water. At Caseville, perch were caught in the marina basins however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Tittabawassee River – No activity to report and the boat launches still iced in.
Saginaw River – Anglers casting in open water near the Independence Bridge were taking walleye on jigs and twister tails. Down near the mouth, perch anglers fishing in the marina basins did well when using minnows on Russian hooks with green beads
