Gaylord area

[Polaris2004]

Im from Ohio and might have a chance to go icefishing this week in the Gaylord area. I was wandering if there are any good panfish lakes near by. Also would appriciate some ice conditions for these lakes. Thanks

[Bowslayer]

I've never ice fished up there but I do a lot of spring time fishing. My favorite lake is Menuka, quite a few gills and some crappie. The hard part is finding them. There is a very narrow area on the North end(I think), where I catch the most panfish. There are a couple springs located real close to shore, Big white house, nice dropoff, try there. Lake Otsego has a lot of panfish as well, just look for the shanties, It's a very big lake so you might need a snowmobile.

[Northbound]

Here is a recent thread regarding Otsego and Bradford lakes.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128342

[Bowslayer]

Bradford is my second favorite lake in the area. Lots of fish, from pike and walleyes to trout and lotsa bass. I pike and bass fish on it mostly. There are a ton of rock bass near the wood. There are some nice perch as well, I've never caught one less than 9 inches, but I usually catch them while bassin w/ a worm.

[fishonjr]

Lake Manuka access is not plowed and you will have one heck of a walk to get back there. Unless your in great shape or have access somewhere else I wouldn't do it. Early ice was great on Manuka. Lot's of 8-10" gills. There is about 2feet of snow on most of the lakes so unless you have a quad or sled, you'll get pretty tired real quick walking!

[Northbound]

Bradford is my second favorite lake in the area. Lots of fish, from pike and walleyes to trout and lotsa bass. I pike and bass fish on it mostly. There are a ton of rock bass near the wood. There are some nice perch as well, I've never caught one less than 9 inches, but I usually catch them while bassin w/ a worm.

My dad built a cottage on Big Bradford Lake in 1971 then moved there in 76. I fished that lake from one end to the other for twelve years and your right, the fish we caught were usually large, like 10” gills, 14” rock bass, 12” perch, 4# walleyes and 24” trout.

They stocked the lake with rainbows in the early 70’s. We fished at night and usually limited out on 15-17” trout. Once the school came threw everyone had a fish on at the same time. Was big fun!