Hubbard Lake Tourney

[Fishfoote]

The Nessy Ice Tourney is on - January 26th. Sign in will be at the south end DNR launch. (pm me if other launch locations are desired). $10 per person entry fee. Entry fees not collected prior to the tourney will be collected at "measure" in (must be signed in). Measure in will occur between 6:00 and 7:00pm at the south end launch. Official Crowning will occur at Smokey's at 8:00pm. Winner shall be greatest total length of walleye by single entrant. Appropriate trophy will also be provided. Participants should expect significant local competition. Let the smack talk begin:)

Disclaimer: This contest is in no way sponsored by this site. By participating, you promise to indemnify and holdharmless this site, its moderators, sponsors, hosts, members, successors, assigns and affiliates. Ice fishing is dangerous - proceed at your own risk.

[b brothers]

anyone know how the ice conditions are on hubbard lake as of 1-4-08

[chuckinduck]

1-26-08? I'll see what I can do.

[Fishfoote]

1-26-08? I'll see what I can do.

I've got 8 definite out-of-towners so far...should be a good show. My intel points to some good fishing currently, just hope the snow stays off the ice.

[ENCORE]

Better hope it gets cold....... They're telling everyone up here to stay off the ice....... Hubbard isn't the safest anyway.
Last week, some guy went out on Long Lake in all that high wind. Fishing out of a shanty and guess what? It took off with him in it! Once he finally made it out of the shanty, he couldn't stand on the ice. Every time that he tried, the wind would just knock him down. People from shore seen this poor chap's plight and ended up calling rescue. Because of the ice conditions, they went out and picked up the guy in hovercraft.
True story...........

2 1/2" of extremely wet snow this morning on the driveway.....

[ENCORE]

The Nessy Ice Tourney is on - January 26th. Sign in will be at the south end DNR launch. (pm me if other launch locations are desired). $10 per person entry fee. Entry fees not collected prior to the tourney will be collected at "measure" in (must be signed in). Measure in will occur between 6:00 and 7:00pm at the south end launch. Official Crowning will occur at Smokey's at 8:00pm. Winner shall be greatest total length of walleye by single entrant. Appropriate trophy will also be provided. Participants should expect significant local competition. Let the smack talk begin:)

Disclaimer: This contest is in no way sponsored by this site. By participating, you promise to indemnify and holdharmless this site, its moderators, sponsors, hosts, members, successors, assigns and affiliates. Ice fishing is dangerous - proceed at your own risk.

What time is sign in? This isn't some kind of trick, just to get us retired folks to commit to spending our "fixed income" pay is it? I need all the money for entry fees for the "Revenge of Nessy Summer Challenge". You've no idea how hard that challenge is...........

Now, I admit that I don't get paid for thinking anymore (imagine that!), but wouldn't it be better if everyone was required to pay their entry fees prior to the start (like the summer challenge)? Waiting to pay until measurement might only make you YOUR own $10 back.....:lol: ;)

[Fishfoote]

What time is sign in? This isn't some kind of trick, just to get us retired folks to commit to spending our "fixed income" pay is it? I need all the money for entry fees for the "Revenge of Nessy Summer Challenge". You've no idea how hard that challenge is...........

Now, I admit that I don't get paid for thinking anymore (imagine that!), but wouldn't it be better if everyone was required to pay their entry fees prior to the start (like the summer challenge)? Waiting to pay until measurement might only make you YOUR own $10 back.....:lol: ;)

I wil park my Dark Blue Sonoma Crew Cab Pick Up at the South Launch - I'll be there till it starts getting light. After that, I will leave a sign up sheet on the windshield - Just sign up DO NOT LEAVE ENTRY FEE!. If you've signed up, but not paid, I'll expect to see you for the measure in...no worries;)

[ENCORE]

Ice conditions are unsafe......... This is very sad...... http://thealpenanews.com/page/content.detail/id/500118.html?nav=5004

Stopped for a burger at the north end last night and one of the locals that has lake front, said that it had been open water in front of his place. Weather report calls for some more warm weather this week, but it looked like only a couple days. Weather reports up here are better taken by wetting one's finger and putting it outside the house. One thing is for certain, WBKB can't even come close.
Ice on Fletchers seems to be much better. I talked to a buddy that went Sunday. He said that there's still ice and probably 7" to 8". But then again, Fletchers is extremely shallow.
I'll keep my eyes out, but was told there wasn't anyone on Hubbard.

[Fishfoote]

I have a friend that fished the south end this past weekend - he said the ice was very spotty and required a check with the spud nearly every step of the way. On the bright side, it looks like it is going to be making some good ice by the weekend.

[chuckinduck]

Well I've looked at my calendar, and unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the winter classic, which is bad for you all, but good for me, since I'll be able to retain my $10 for the Labor day entry fee. :D Good luck to all who enter, and most importantly be safe.

[Fishfoote]

Well I've looked at my calendar, and unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the winter classic, which is bad for you all, but good for me, since I'll be able to retain my $10 for the Labor day entry fee. :D Good luck to all who enter, and most importantly be safe.

Not another bachelorette party!!!!!:lol:

[chuckinduck]

Nope, I've gotta put the spearing shanty out on the ice.

[east bay ed]

Ten day forcast is calling for colder temps:). I am looking forward to getting out for the first time this year!!! the lake should freeze rather quickly now. we should have fishable ice by then, as long as we don't get any major snow.

[ENCORE]

Came back from Oscoda via the south end and west side this afternoon. There were two (2) guys fishing just about 150 yds. from shore and no other fishermen. The river has opened up considerably and its open to the points (duck blinds and point by lot). Ice is extremely yellow. Certainly need more cold weather.
The west side is another story. Its totally open water from Hardwood Pt. for quite aways north. It looks like it goes all the way across the lake to Churchill Pt. I couldn't slow down and glass, as it seemed like the whole world was behind me.
Going up to 37 in the next day or so, but by the weekend, its supposed to start getting cold again.

[chuckinduck]

Came back from Oscoda via the south end and west side this afternoon. There were two (2) guys fishing just about 150 yds. from shore and no other fishermen. The river has opened up considerably and its open to the points (duck blinds and point by lot). Ice is extremely yellow. Certainly need more cold weather.
The west side is another story. Its totally open water from Hardwood Pt. for quite aways north. It looks like it goes all the way across the lake to Churchill Pt. I couldn't slow down and glass, as it seemed like the whole world was behind me.
Going up to 37 in the next day or so, but by the weekend, its supposed to start getting cold again.
So my question to you is, why aren't you de-winterizing the boat? :D

[torokfam]

Last week, some guy went out on Long Lake in all that high wind. Fishing out of a shanty and guess what? It took off with him in it! Once he finally made it out of the shanty, he couldn't stand on the ice. Every time that he tried, the wind would just knock him down. People from shore seen this poor chap's plight and ended up calling rescue. Because of the ice conditions, they went out and picked up the guy in hovercraft.
True story...........

True story...I was there. Also there was a Snowmobiler go through on Beaver Lake (not far from Hubbard) 2 nights ago and He did not make it. Many rescuers were falling through just trying to get to the spot. Please be extra carefull out there.....

[Fishfoote]

I wil park my Dark Blue Sonoma Crew Cab Pick Up at the South Launch - I'll be there till it starts getting light. After that, I will leave a sign up sheet on the windshield - Just sign up DO NOT LEAVE ENTRY FEE!. If you've signed up, but not paid, I'll expect to see you for the measure in...no worries;)

I have plotted this undertaking for months - mapped every contour, structure and sediment change - taken ph and alkoloid samples by the thousands...statistically, I should catch a fish every 22 minutes and at least 3 walleye in excess of 27". The coming cold front was predicted in my model back in October! Who's with me!?! ARRRHG!:16suspect

ff

[chuckinduck]

Statistical models? Ph? Sediment levels? Just go get some quick strike rigs, tip it with a blue shiner, then put your tip up in 20 fow on the drop off and go back inside the warmth of your shanty and take a nap til you buzzer on your tip up sounds. Thats what I'd be doing, but maybe thats why I never get walleye through the ice. Save a few for me come spring I'll be back out there making all there mouth's sore. :D.

[Fishfoote]

Confidence is HIGH - Satellite Photos show diminishing soft water...pretty sure a couple bucket backs were visable on Thursday (results were fair given the obtainable depths). 7 days and counting:D

[ENCORE]

Should be making the ice more solid. I'd still watch out for the west side.......

[chuckinduck]

I don't trust the lake in the middle of winter, all those gas pockets make me leary.

[Fishfoote]

I don't trust the lake in the middle of winter, all those gas pockets make me leary.

I've only seen one and that was late winter just north of Hardwoods Pt. I plan to stay south of the point to maximize fishing vs. travel time from the dnr launch.

[ENCORE]

Fishfoote.......... Glad that you're going to the launch, then out on the lake. All that water from your place to Hardwood and across to Churchill was open before this cold spell.
Yes, everyone should be extremely careful on Hubbard. All summer long, there was a tremendous amount of gas coming up, straight off the river in about 20' to 35'. Very easy to see on the graph. Two years ago, the north west end had one heck of an open area for a considerable time.
A couple more cold days should ease the nerves... where there's good ice. Saturday is supposed to warm up a little..............:fish:

[east bay ed]

Who is going to be here on Friday.

[chuckinduck]

Fishfoote.......... Glad that you're going to the launch, then out on the lake. All that water from your place to Hardwood and across to Churchill was open before this cold spell.
Yes, everyone should be extremely careful on Hubbard. All summer long, there was a tremendous amount of gas coming up, straight off the river in about 20' to 35'. Very easy to see on the graph. Two years ago, the north west end had one heck of an open area for a considerable time.
A couple more cold days should ease the nerves... where there's good ice. Saturday is supposed to warm up a little..............:fish:

What does it look like on a graph?

[Fishfoote]

Who is going to be here on Friday.

I can't get up there til Friday night:(

[rosebud]

4 of us might head up for the turney. staying in Barton City. Plotted maps of 3 different launches, which one is the DNR launch?

hope to hear some encouraging news about the ice conditions...please!

have never taken a walleye through the ice, figure the 10 bucks will at least make me persistant that day.

[Fishfoote]

4 of us might head up for the turney. staying in Barton City. Plotted maps of 3 different launches, which one is the DNR launch?

hope to hear some encouraging news about the ice conditions...please!

have never taken a walleye through the ice, figure the 10 bucks will at least make me persistant that day.


The DNR launch we are staging from is at the south end - my buddy was out of there last weekend on a quad, but he did not go more than a couple hundred yards. Should be better this weekend, it's been bitter up there.

[ENCORE]

What does it look like on a graph?

Chuckinduck, next time that you're trolling around and come across what you think might be small fish all over the place and depths, STOP THE BOAT and then look at the graph.
I run with my settings pretty high on the Lowrance and they're extremely easy to pick up. It will look like there's bait fish all over the place and at all depths. Your sonar is actually picking up and marking the air bubbles. STOP THE BOAT, dead in the water and watch the graph. You'll see all those marks rising.

I didn't get the chance to run down to the south end today, so I wasn't able to talk to anyone about ice thickness. Anyone heard? I know that tonight on the "one and only" "most famous" "one of kind" tv stations, WBKB tv from Alpena, that the weather girl reported that people should watch the ice on Hubbard Lake.

[east bay ed]

Lord knows if We Barley Know Broadcasting (WBKB) says it it's true. Just kidding. I know the lake has finally froze over. It has been very cold, that said I'm not driving the truck out there this weekend.
Foot- I have to go to a benefit dinner Friday night so i guess i will not be at one of the local taverns Friday night anyway. I do plan on fishing Saturday. Just have to pull myself away from Grand Lake.

[wyldkat49766]

I would think that the ice has been making itself pretty good as from in Alpena the WHOLE THUNDER BAY area has ice as far out as you can see.

[east bay ed]

I noticed at lunch time it was ice as far as you could see from the second Ave bridge. Monday the river was open right out to the lake. Now it's all white.

[wyldkat49766]

We must have passed each other. I was over at the post office bout 12:15ish today. lol

[wyldkat49766]

How will we know any of you guys out there? Hubby and I might venture out to fish but not enter as we don't have an ice auger and stuff nor the $10 to spare right now but would like to get out and meet some of you guys.

[Fishfoote]

The Nessy Ice Tourney is on - January 26th. Sign in will be at the south end DNR launch. (pm me if other launch locations are desired). $10 per person entry fee. Entry fees not collected prior to the tourney will be collected at "measure" in (must be signed in). Measure in will occur between 6:00 and 7:00pm at the south end launch. Official Crowning will occur at Smokey's at 8:00pm. Winner shall be greatest total length of walleye by single entrant. Appropriate trophy will also be provided. Participants should expect significant local competition. Let the smack talk begin:)

Disclaimer: This contest is in no way sponsored by this site. By participating, you promise to indemnify and holdharmless this site, its moderators, sponsors, hosts, members, successors, assigns and affiliates. Ice fishing is dangerous - proceed at your own risk.

hope to be up there in 24 hours (or less:D).

[ENCORE]

Lord knows if We Barley Know Broadcasting (WBKB) says it it's true. .............
:lol::lol::lol: Mind if I use that?? :lol::lol::lol:

[chuckinduck]

Good luck to everyone, sorry I couldn't donate $10 to the experience. Poor a cold one out for me. Get pictures of the results.

[rosebud]

Can someone give me the whereabouts of a bait shop nearst to the south end launch?:help:

[chuckinduck]

Len and Laynes, its at the south end of the lake, up next to the Mt Mariah Ski lodge. Sorry, I don't know the name of the road. Eastbay, Encore help me out, I'm having a brain fart.

[ENCORE]

Len and Laynes, its at the south end of the lake, up next to the Mt Mariah Ski lodge. Sorry, I don't know the name of the road. Eastbay, Encore help me out, I'm having a brain fart.

Len & Layne's Little Store.......3585 Woodlawn, Spruce....989-736-6418

On the south end, West Shore Dr./Mt. Mariah Rd. I think that you take Hill St. towards the lake (north). Turn left (west) on John St. and right on Woodlawn Dr. Check for the store sign on the main road.......

[Lundy43123]

East Bay Ed,

Wish I could make it back up there from Ohio to fish Hubbard again. I had some great days(as you know:D) with the walleye in recent past years.

Had this outing been held sometime in Feb I might have been able to make it.

Catch some big ones, be safe.

Kim

[Fishfoote]

A local angler won the tournament with a limit of walleye - both the winner and his wife limited by the end of the day. Fish Factor also brought in a limit and Fish Bomb presented 3? legal fish to the dryer side of the ice. Yours truly continued his quest to conserve our natural resources and maintain Hubbard Lake's quality fishery by icing only one walleye:lol: A conversation with the DNR around mid-day confirm "everyone" seemed to be taking a few fish. The crowning was moved to Cedar Grove by popular vote of registered contestants. An MS.com hat with "Nessy Ice Champ 2008" fashionably embroidered on the back filled with the purse was presented.

It was a great day on the ice with about 8 - 10" of quality ice across all areas of the south end I fished. Only about 2" of hard pack snow was on top of the ice made getting around perfect.

[Fish Factor]

Had a fantastic time as always at Hubbard Lake. Thanks to Fishfoote for putting on a great outing. That was a nice trophy too! The weather and ice conditions were perfect. Had all my luck jigging the south end. I’m hoping to head back up in a couple of weeks, I can’t wait! :)

[chuckinduck]

A local angler won the tournament with a limit of walleye - both the winner and his wife limited by the end of the day. Fish Factor also brought in a limit and Fish Bomb presented 3? legal fish to the dryer side of the ice. Yours truly continued his quest to conserve our natural resources and maintain Hubbard Lake's quality fishery by icing only one walleye:lol: A conversation with the DNR around mid-day confirm "everyone" seemed to be taking a few fish. The crowning was moved to Cedar Grove by popular vote of registered contestants. An MS.com hat with "Nessy Ice Champ 2008" fashionably embroidered on the back filled with the purse was presented.

It was a great day on the ice with about 8 - 10" of quality ice across all areas of the south end I fished. Only about 2" of hard pack snow was on top of the ice made getting around perfect.
Sounds like everyone had a good time. With lots of fish being caught. Did we get any pics of the winning fish? Foote, don't forget to record your $20 buy-ins for these last two tourneys on your 07-08 tax returns as charitable donations. :D

[Fishbomb]

Sure was a good time. Thanks Foote for everything! Sunday it was a quite a bit slower but I landed and released a 14" and lost about a 19" coming out of the hole, then iced a fat 23" that I put back. Altogether, we caught what I would guess were at least 6 different year classes of walleyes which I think speaks well for the lakes natural reproduction, as no stocking has been going on for quite some time. I do encourage the release of MOST of those bigger fish as MANY of them are the prime spawning females and are necessary for continued good fishing in the future. It has taken the Hubbard Lake walleye population about 25 years now to find their ecological niche. They have done this in a time when non native species (rusty crayfish/zebra mussels) have drastically altered the habitat of the lake. I find it very encouragung that the walleyes have apparently responded so well. If you don't find this impressive, go to the DNRs web page and read some of the fisheries reports for other lakes that have recieved walleye plants, many of them fail. Hubbard was stocked at least one other time(1930s for sure) and that failed. Disclaimer: I am not now, nor have I ever been a fisheries biologist, I just play one in my dreams.

[ENCORE]

No last names please, but who was the local winner?
Photos?

[YELLOWGIANTS]

Did anyone catch any perch during the tourney? There are some monsters in there!

[rosebud]

I didn't enter the tourney as it was my first time out on hubbard. A buddy and I fished the north end starting about 8:30 am in 40 fow. took a nice perch (12") and one smaller eye. The after lunch bite was pretty slow. My friend caught the only fish of the afternoon (13" perch) nice fish for sure, hope to get up again before ice out.

[Fishfoote]

I would not put someone's name on the net without their permission - Glen Stevens won the tourney - both he and his wife took a limit for the day with a catch I would guess average 18". It's also worth noting, Glen owns/operates a sawmill east of hubbard lake (my plug/not his) that donates some pretty awesome hunting shacks to the hubbard lake buck pole.

Weekend after next, the Thunderbay Walleye Association will be holding a tourney. Fishfactor is a legacy in this tournament, winning it in 2005, I'm sure challenges the entire membership of M.S.com to match this achievement;)

"Let us set forth to do our business."

George Bush - about two minutes ago:D

[YELLOWGIANTS]

I didn't enter the tourney as it was my first time out on Hubbard. A buddy and I fished the north end starting about 8:30 am in 40 fow. took a nice perch (12") and one smaller eye. The after lunch bite was pretty slow. My friend caught the only fish of the afternoon (13" perch) nice fish for sure, hope to get up again before ice out.

Last ice on Hubbard can be pretty darn good for perch at the south end dad and me took home 52 in one day with the smallest being 9.5 inches biggest being 15.75 inches and 2.1 lbs.