boyne mountain area

[bigbite]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are planning a weekend getaway to the boyne mountain area on the 3 to 5th of Feb. We would like to do some ice fishing as well while we are there. This will be our first time up to this part of the state. If anyone has any information or suggestion on where to go, please do help us out. Thanks...:)

[Crooked Dave]

Right off the back side of Boyne Mt. is Deer Lake. Not sure how winter fishing is, but I hear in the summer people do quite well. Might think about Walloon, although access is limited. You could also try Lk. Susan, or make a drive up to Crooked or Pickeral (about 30 minute drive). Hopefully a few of the guys up this way can give you more details on DEER/SUSAN Lakes. Tight Lines

[Due51]

I was up at Boyne for New Years. Lake Charlevoix is 15 minutes away although, there wasn't any ice 3 weeks ago. They also got a significant amount of snow last night (I hear).

[bucknduck]

Never ice fished the lake, but Thumb Lake (Lake Louise) is north east of Boyne Falls. Go north, past the blinking light and turn right at the first rd (Thumb Lake Rd). From there its mabye 5 minutes and the lake will be on the left. Not sure on ice conditions, but its another option. Coming from Boyne, the boat launch will be on your left as you approach the lake.

[RichP]

I was just talking to my dad (lives in Boyne) and there's still no ice on Lake Charlevoix.

When I was up there for Christmas we attempted to go to Susan but the ice was iffy. Curiously there was a big sandwich board sign out in the middle of the lake that said "Warning -- Drilling." Then underneath "U.S. Coastguard." I still wonder what that was all about, training exercises?

My Dad said he has seen people out on Walloon.

Anyhow, don't forget your spud, it's been warm up there just like it has in southern michigan...

[Gillslayer]

Deer Lake holds bluegill, bass and pike. I've never had much success there, but I know some who have. Also not sure of ice conditions there.
Charlevoix is wide open as of last weekend.
Walloon or Thumb lakes would probably be your best bet.
You can access Walloon right in Walloon Junction, just park at the party store and walk out across the street. Once you get out about 3/8 of a mile you are in a huge 15ft. flat. The perch fishing has been decent so far this year. You can also access off of Stolt Rd (check a map). You will see the smelt shanties out there, they also do quite well on perch and an occaasional hawg walleye.
Thumb Lk access might be tricky. The state boat launch on Thumb Lake Rd doesn't get plowed. We are in some warm weather so you might be able to park there. If not, you can park off Magee Rd. (check map). Just pull over to the side and walk-on. I have had decent success on perch at that spot. There are also plenty of splake in Thumb Lk, and I've heard it has been a great year. I personally have not been to Thumb this year.
Hope this helps
Gillslayer

[bigbite]

thanks alot. All the info are wonderful. I'll let you all know how we do when we get back.

thanks.:)

[bigbite]

Hi everyone,

just wanted to thank everyone who gave me info. Just wanted to let everyone know that we didn't get a chance to go ice fishing at all. the weather was too warm and there was no safe ice anywhere. Anyway, thanks for the head up guys.

:)