Mackinaw area ice conditions?

[Fur and Feathers]

I've got to go up to the Mackinaw area this coming weekend, anyone know how the ice is on Carp Lake or French Farm Lake? I would like to take my ice fishing gear with me if it is worth it.

[C20chris]

I am kinda curious myself.... I was thinking of trying French Farm lake out this weekend for the first time... maybe I'll take a drive today after work If its good right now the cooler temps in the next few days should at least keep it where it is at

[jaedymack]

My buddy called me from Cheboygan today and he said that the weather has just about shot the ice in the area and he did not feel it was safe.

[SPORTSMAN]

I'm calling the Carp lk. marina tomorrow I'm planning on fishing it this weekend.
It all depends on the body of water youre talking about and how much ice was on it before it rained. I went down to the black (river) today and the good majority still had their shanties still out. Altough some had gone sailing with the high winds we had.

[Fishslayer5789]

I'm not positive about this but I'm pretty sure French Farm Lake is supposed to be excellent for Northerns. I think I read in the past about a French Farm lake in that area that has no size limit on pike. Could that be the same one???

[Hunt Forever]

French Farm Lake is just out side of Mackinaw City. You can keep up to five Northeren Pike of any size. Last summer I fished it several times and only produced a few hammer handles.

[cole1lc]

Just got off the phone with my fishing buddy who lives in Alanson. Said there is water on top of the ice but the ice is ok... I would say that it will still be a slow, stop and check trip out on the ice this weekend. Carp IMO should have plenty... it had over 7" before Christmas. I was also informed that some fools went out last weekend on a local lake and limited out on "eyes." I'll prob go to Carp or Thumb lakes. Also, the cold weather is setting back in at night so the lakes should be solid but I sure will be checking it as I head out!

[Jimbos]

http://www.fishweb.com/maps/emmet/frenchfarm_lake/index.html

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=45.761176,-84.764328&spn=0.020479,0.044289&z=14&om=0

There's an access road right there at the intersection of Trails End and 81(Wilderness Park dr)

I've never fished it, but have done a load of bike riding in the area on Wilderness Park dr, and Central Ave just to the north.
If anyone wants a beautiful beach to take the kids swimming in the summer. Right there on 81, where it makes the left turn towards Lake Michigan(Cecil Bay) is a beautiful access site with a shallow, sandy beach.

[north-bound]

never fished it in the winter but have in the summer. alot of hammer handles but also alot of fun.

[cole1lc]

Lots of Big Fn snakes in that lake in the summer! Ex-girl friend accidentally dumped me in down by the river and boy I was out of that water quick. Without the snow right now you should have no problem driving in (seasonal road) otherwise you might want to bring a sled to get back there.

[north-bound]

the snakes there seem to be big and not to shy:yikes:... wycamp was a good lake in the past but i haven't fished that in a few years.