White Lake (Whitehall)

[walleye270]

Armstrongs is reporting 3"-5" of good ice on white lake. according to them you can catch perch as fast as you can get your lines down. they are reporting perch from 7"-8" coming from the west end in the bay.

Johnsons is reporting 4"-6" of good ice. same reports, perch in the west end. some 8"-10" fish are present. you need to sort to get your limit.


if anyone goes out, let us know how you do. don't know if i'll be going to muskegon or white this weekend. get out and get em while you can.

[PackerFan]

Thanks for the report! Hopefully the bite is still on!

[wishin]

Waded though 3 inches of water and slush but managed 50. Double the amount of people on the ice but still a great outing. A little more picky about size than last week, nothing under 7 inches. biggest was 11"

[PackerFan]

Wow how deep were you and where about were you? We were out yesterday and didn't even manage enough for a meal. Most of them were small. LOTS of action though so I had an absolute blast out there. We were in front of the post office in about 50' of water. Lots of ice but the slush was a mess. The wind seemed to stiffen it up a bit and hopefully next week will be good fishing.

[wishin]

I parked at the post office but set-up straight out for small parking lot in 50 fow. There was a small christmas tree half in the ice and I was 50 yards south of that. Actually setting off a little by myself. Didn't do anything for the 1st 20 minutes and was thinking of moving when fish started showing up on the graph so I stayed and had a hard time keeping 2 poles in the water. I'll bet I caught close to 100 but was more selective then late Sat.

[kcarlson]

Got 50 perch myself. I will not go back however until I hear of a little bit bigger fish being caught. My biggest was just under 10". Out of 50 fish I would say the average was maybe 8" or a little less.
The ice I thought was in good shape, a little slushy near shore. I went out by the hotel/ boat launch. After todays weather there will be 10" of ice out there.
I got set up at noon, and left at 4:45PM. Minnows on a large hailey is what was working for me. I was in 45fow. No slip or spring bobber, with a ultra light 28" rod, watching the x67c closely in 4X split screen mode.

[wishin]

My biggest was also 10 Sat. (about 4 at that size) Smallest was 7 because I didn't keep anything smaller. Average was probably same as yours. 1 rod had double perch rig tipped with minnow (had a couple doubles) and other rod had a small crappie jig that glowed.

[electronic everything]

Got 50 perch myself. I will not go back however until I hear of a little bit bigger fish being caught. My biggest was just under 10". Out of 50 fish I would say the average was maybe 8" or a little less.
The ice I thought was in good shape, a little slushy near shore. I went out by the hotel/ boat launch. After todays weather there will be 10" of ice out there.
I got set up at noon, and left at 4:45PM. Minnows on a large hailey is what was working for me. I was in 45fow. No bobber, with a ultra light 28" rod, watching the x67c closley in 4X split screen mode.

Isn't the split screen availibility nice. I started to use it this year and it has actually increased my catch.

EE

[msujberry]

Went out last night just past the half sunken Christmas tree in 50' of water at 4:30 and stayed till dark. Only managed a couple and none were worth keeping. About half an hour before dark the bite turned off completely.

[flip69]

hmm not good was planning on going there tomorrow after work. anybody else been out there for perch? anybody got any reports on the gill action by the narrows or lyons den?

[Westlakedrive]

There has to be some good crappie anybody ever catch any ice crappie there?

[MoJoRisin']

Any new reports on the west side perch? Any smelt in those waters like a few yrs ago?

[KzooPerchSeeker]

Where is this post office you guys are talking about on White Lake?

[stinger63]

If you like pike go fish the narrows and find that drop off on the big lake side.Its awesome over there.

[gibby]

Was on the West end Of White Lake today, kept 40 perch in the 7 to 8 inch range. 34 foot water, Hali jig, minnow, spikes, and waxes. Non stop action.

Gibby:)

[Carpmaster]

Was on the West end Of White Lake today, kept 40 perch in the 7 to 8 inch range. 34 foot water, Hali jig, minnow, spikes, and waxes. Non stop action.

Gibby:)

Gracias! Hey can you shoot me a pm of where you parked??? Headin down tomorrow.....thanks!

[wishin]

Took limit of perch on west end. 5 that were 10 everything else was average 8". keep a couple that were 6 but would not have lived so since I was cleaning anyways. Minnows on double perch rigs. Had several doubles. Talked to a retired man who says he's been catching several jumbos along the west end by channel but never did trust the ice there.

[gibby]

Carpmaster, PM sent, sorry didn't check board sooner.


Gibby:)

[Umpqua.]

Wishin: Are those guestimates or actual measurements? I dont mean any disrespect but just wondering. I talked to the bait shop at white lake and he said everyone that was saying they where getting 8-10 inchers he would have them bring in thier fish and when he put them on the tape they were all 7-8 inchers. I have been fishing muskegon lake and getting many small fish with 20-40 of them being 7-7 3/4 inchers. I would like to try somewhere new that had bigger fish but dont want to travel around if it is the same fishing.

[wishin]

I keep a small tape measure in my box that goes with me every time I go out, so those are actual. No offence taken. I had two buddy's 15 ft. away from me that didn't get one fish over 7", so I concider myself to be lucky to have done as well the last 3 weeks. I have been fishing White Lake for the better part of 25 years. I have no reason to pull yours or anyones chain.

[Carpmaster]

Did alright out there today got 2 over 9", a few in the 8" range and the rest were betweem 7-8".....Thanks gibby!

[GFHFG]

will the ice be safe to fish at muskegon lake and white lake? is anyone going to fish either lake monday? I would love to meet up with someone that has more experience than me on the lakes. i am going to hopefully catch some perch and walleye.

[Carpmaster]

Ice will be safe except at the river mouths of both tomorrow....Good luck!

[GFHFG]

Thankyou very much to Gibby and Mr Ed had a great time today. Nothing huge but they sure will eat good. The action was steady lots of fun!! Hope to get out with you again soon. Give me a call. I sent you my # through PM. THANKS CD

[Mister ED]

Thankyou very much to Gibby and Mr Ed had a great time today. Nothing huge but they sure will eat good. The action was steady lots of fun!! Hope to get out with you again soon. Give me a call. I sent you my # through PM. THANKS CD
No problem!! Glad I was in Johnson's at the right time.:lol: And I even knew where this Gibby guy, that you were looking, for was fishing.

Was a good time, but with the wind whipping the way it was ... we did not get to visit as much as I would have liked. Thought a couple of times that wind was going to bend the poles on the shanty.

I also remembered why I have not had my Clam Jr out of the garage in two years .... that thing is like dragging a freaking barge through the snow.:help:

[gibby]

Was good to meet up with a old friend and meet a new one out on the ice yesterday. That largest perch that the son had was 11 inches on the my pocket ruler and he had a few that were tens. Alot of sorting. Mine got donated to a cousin on the way home. Craig, I plan on being back out there Thur, and Friday, in the AM. Hope you were able to get the kids out there. Three shanties and one bucket sitter on such a nice day to fish, Hee Hee. Can't say it was crowded.

Gibby:)

[Carpmaster]

Will be out there thursday afternoon, gonna sneak outta work early, I will be in full camo - shadow grass and pulling a jet sled, say hey if ya see me! Also thinking about speck hunting from sundown for a couple hours, any info on where to try would be great, I am thinking the tannery!

[Mister ED]

I will be in full camo - shadow grass and pulling a jet sled, say hey if ya see me!
Now Carp .... how are we gonna see you iffin you are in full camo?:lol:

And Gibby, wait till you see my new hat next year ... heck, I might have to get a new fishin suit made.:D
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/3043/medium/End_of_year_07-_08_002.jpg

[Carpmaster]

Now Carp .... how are we gonna see you iffin you are in full camo?:lol:

And Gibby, wait till you see my new hat next year ... heck, I might have to get a new fishin suit made.:D
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/3043/medium/End_of_year_07-_08_002.jpg

I dunno mr ed?????

Looks like you will be too preoccupied with "beaver":xzicon_sm:16suspect

[Mister ED]

I dunno mr ed?????

Looks like you will be too preoccupied with "beaver":xzicon_sm:16suspect
Ya gots to see Gibby's head piece ... then you will understand my comment/pic.;)

[GFHFG]

Was good to meet up with a old friend and meet a new one out on the ice yesterday. That largest perch that the son had was 11 inches on the my pocket ruler and he had a few that were tens. Alot of sorting. Mine got donated to a cousin on the way home. Craig, I plan on being back out there Thur, and Friday, in the AM. Hope you were able to get the kids out there. Three shanties and one bucket sitter on such a nice day to fish, Hee Hee. Can't say it was crowded.

Gibby:)


dentist thursday morning for me. I would like to get out and catch some gills friday morning. yes my son and i went back near where we were and did about the same as when we were there. He had a ball!!! at one point he didnt put his line back down the hole because he wanted to take a break and eat some food cause the fish were giving him a workout. Thanks again gibby!!! id like to go get some gills with you give me a call CD

[DIRTY DOG 2]

was any one out today just thinking of going in the morning and need a starting spot

[walleye270]

fished on the west end with 3 guys. had action all morning, nothing big. the biggest we caught was about 9". brought home 11 between 7"and9."

[gibby]

Dirty Dog

If you are after gills. head to Lions Den,on S. Shore Dr.
Perch, old post office out by the channel.
Both places were producing fish.

Ed, I will be waiting to see that new head dress. Won't take you long to figure it out that you can only wear it in the teens. Mighty warm hat.

CD, send me the number again. Glad the son had a good time.

Gibby:)

[DIRTY DOG 2]

thanks gibby ,but im not sure where the loins den is, are they doing better here than in muskegon

[Carpmaster]

Lions den is the first park/point to the east of white lake drive....it is probably a half mile east....if you get to the eagles youve gone too far if you are coming from white lake dr.

[shep9396]

i was out by the lions den caught 35 gills , lot of sorting. the lions den is just north of white lake drive by where the creek crosses the road.

[Carpmaster]

Welcome to the site shep! Any size?

[DIRTY DOG 2]

where they biteing most of the day or just a morning thing i was thinking of going for perch first thing

[GFHFG]

Dirty Dog

If you are after gills. head to Lions Den,on S. Shore Dr.
Perch, old post office out by the channel.
Both places were producing fish.

Ed, I will be waiting to see that new head dress. Won't take you long to figure it out that you can only wear it in the teens. Mighty warm hat.

CD, send me the number again. Glad the son had a good time.

Gibby:)

Hey Gibby,

Are the perch in the same spot? And what time does the bait shop open up there, I am planning on being there in the morning if you would like to go, please give me a call. I sent you a PM. Please send me any new info you have.

Thank you,

CD

[doughman]

I have done great on the gils all year, yesterday we started at noon and 3 of us had a litmit of "nice" keepers with 3 bonus perch and a crappie by 3pm.

From what I have heard the Perch/gils can be caught anytime all day.

You'll catch the bigger gils if you sight fish? For those of you that do sight fish you know what I am talking about.

Marv

[wishin]

Spent Friday morning on the south west end, ended up with 86 perch, 6 to 8 inch. Went back Sat. AM and took 61, 6 to 9 inch. Lots of company Sat. First time my daughters boyfriend went perch fishing and he had a blast. Hope it continues till ice out.

[Carpmaster]

where they biteing most of the day or just a morning thing i was thinking of going for perch first thing

My opinion is do both twice...set a time limit, if they arent biting, move, then back and then back again.....i personally wouldnt start fishing til the sun breaks the treeline for either but i'd probably start with perch....

[Carpmaster]

I have done great on the gils all year, yesterday we started at noon and 3 of us had a litmit of "nice" keepers with 3 bonus perch and a crappie by 3pm.

From what I have heard the Perch/gils can be caught anytime all day.

You'll catch the bigger gils if you sight fish? For those of you that do sight fish you know what I am talking about.

Marv

I have been sight fishing with aquavu for gills for a few years now...once you figure out perspective it is nice to be able to pull it away from some of the dinks!

[shep9396]

some nice ones but most were smaller,the bite got better once the sun broke thru the clouds. we left the ice at noon.

[jaedymack]

What is everyone using for bait...minnows?..or wigglers??...jigs??...or double persch rigs?

[DIRTY DOG 2]

thanks for the help yeasterday guy, me and a freind fished the post office today and both took our limet of 8 to maby 9 inchers but must have cought close to 300
we got them on demond glows and rocker jigs with mousies or wigglers also got some on minnows ,we where in 40 fow out from the pine tree in the ice

[jaedymack]

Thanks for the info.

[jaedymack]

Thats a lot of fish for a single hook or are you tying two hooks on. Not sure what the weather is going to do but I may shoot over Wed. Is everyone putting sinkers on? What are the rules of putting a sinker below the hook. Im just looking to get my line down fast.

[DIRTY DOG 2]

i fished just like in the summer only we had jigs insted of plain hooks, 2 jigs snelled to the line above a 1/4 oz sinker

[Carpmaster]

I have been thinking of doing that DD.....were you able to get many doubles?

[TheBigRedDog]

I did it at the sand docks a few weeks back,I put a bead by the hook though. It worked well buddy got a double I didnt, but the fish wern't bitting to good that day. I imagine if the fish were bitting you would probaly get quite a few doubles.

[jaedymack]

How far is the walk from the old post office?? Just wondering if we need to bring the quad. Probably going tomorrow. Thanks.

[DIRTY DOG 2]

yes carp master we cought around 10 doubles
the walk is not bad at all ,only 150 yds to the pine froze in the ice and 50yds past that is where we started

[jaedymack]

ok. Thanks. Going to try it in the morning.:fish:

[shep9396]

i went out yesterday from 8am to 530 by lions den caught 41 gills,3 perch,3 specks between 3 of us. going to try perch saturday moring by old post office

[Carpmaster]

Good deal shep....any size to the specks?

[shep9396]

6"-8" on the specks, most of the gills were small with a few big ones mixed in

[Westlakedrive]

Is there any access on the whitehall side of white lake east of the narrows? or is the montague launch the only one?

[shep9396]

the guys i was fishing with earlier this week were out today ,lions den ,they caught 45 gills most came between 10am and 2pm.all decent size.

[StStutz]

yup, after the write up in the chronicle today, I'm guessing that this weekend will be even more of a zoo on white lake. Oh well, maybe it will take a bit of pressure off other area lakes.

[shep9396]

i was out this morning down by old post office , 4 of us , 25 perch in 6 hrs, very slow . the zoo is down by the lions den today.

[doughman]

(yup, after the write up in the chronicle today, I'm guessing that this weekend will be even more of a zoo on white lake. Oh well, maybe it will take a bit of pressure off other area lakes.)

Articles like the one posted in Wednesday paper is great for the local economy, I know the guys that own the bait shops on white lake and they need a banner year, not only the spectacular gil fishing this lake has provided this year but the rebound in the perch population has helped as well.

If your the type of fisherman thats wants piece and quiet, then find one of the many area lakes that are not fished. If your looking to catch a fari amount of fish, get your kids hooked on fishing then bring them out to White lake, catch yourself a meal and support your local bait and tack guys.

[flip69]

fished the den today for about six hours. caught alot of fish but had to sort kept 20 gills for tomorrows supper. lots of people on the ice great place to take the little ones or the wife,girlfriend(on second thought)no seriously good place to keepem busy.

[Carpmaster]

Lions den = Cluster ^%*!

Hit the post office for a few hours this evening and it was a wierd and SLOW bite. Be back in the am!