Muskegon Lake (February) [Archive] - The Michigan Sportsman Forums

sfw1960

01-28-2009, 10:10 PM

I know a few guys that live in Muskegon , one couple got 40 'bigger ones' waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out in the middle of the lake in 50 some FOW and out of respect for them , I ain't givin' an area out...LOL:evil:
Another buddy took his son to an undisclosed location "near" the sanddocks and took home 30 after getting about 60-80 to sort through. They were in 40 something FOW.
:evilsmile
I am planning on hitting it with the Wife FRI and last SAT A friend & I got about 50 , no big'unz and it was s-l-o-o-o-ow , had to bust yer butt for 'em.
:cool:
Send a PM if ya want Kev and I'll get a shade more specific.

;)

Spartans8989

01-28-2009, 10:27 PM

We were out there on Tue. and the fishing was good from noon-2pm, they were jumping out of the holes, even had a double once as I was still putting the line down. Mostly hitting minows and a plain hook. It was the first time ice fishing in years and boy did we have fun. Planning on being back out there soon! After 3pm or so the fishing died off, left at dark and didnt catch anything between 4-dark, not sure if the time of day really plays a big role or what, but everyone else on the Lake must have known something because it really thinned out once the bite stop! Anyone know something about that?

legard29

01-28-2009, 10:39 PM

heard that earlier in the week of a few snakes on tip ups down bye the river, second seems to be the same. The perch action is who you know and were you go, 30's seems to be the rule of from cottage grove and the docks. Did here that if you go out across the shipping lane that fishing was much better for both numbers and size, but thats a lonnnng walk. That hole of bear lake is full of dinks from what Ive heard. Going out tomorrow of second but twards Johnsons will post if I do anything.:fish:

MichiganMike5

01-29-2009, 06:19 AM

Buddy and I kept 47 out of maybe 60 on Sat. the 24th and weren't fishing too hard. We limited on Sun. the 25th but did more sorting. First time in 10 years we've taken a full bucket home. Fished a few hours before dark yesterday and the action had died right off, only kept 14. Buddy did land a 22" pike yesterday so that may partially explain why the action was so much slower because we did mark some large fish moving through. We're going back out this AM and tomorrow AM, I will post reports.
Best baits have been minnows and waxies. Fishing primarily with perch fly rigs in 35-45 fow.

Mike

N M Mechanical

01-29-2009, 07:43 AM

Fished second from 430-7 one 15 inch walleye no other bites. let it go to grow

kcarlson

01-29-2009, 08:02 AM

Fished second from 430-7 one 15 inch walleye no other bites. let it go to grow

Nick,
At about what depth were you fishing off from 2nd.

thanks

N M Mechanical

01-29-2009, 08:19 AM

15 fow. Tried a bunch of depths new lazer now I can drill holes without throw out my shoulder. But I was on the point just before the break

N M Mechanical

01-29-2009, 08:23 AM

The one I did catch was on Glow Blue Alewife (http://www.ficiousjigs.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=19) and full minow

MoJoRisin'

01-29-2009, 09:10 AM

I heard similar reports regardong getting out to the middle of the lake for larger perch. Its quite the walk if you do not have a snowmobile or quad though. Several yrs ago I hoofed it to the black buoy from the McCracken boat launch behind the bait shop - that was when there wasn't much snow on the ice. Quite the walk to get out there. I'll be somewhere out towards the middle of the lake this weekend provided I don't fall over getting there!!

SkipDaddy

01-29-2009, 10:13 AM

Went out on the west end yesterday with two of my buddies. We fished for about six hours and left with 130 good sized perch between the three of us. Threw back about that many also, we were being pretty selective. Red spikes, mousies, and eyes all worked well. The fish hit pretty steady all day, and died off after 3:00. Will try to get back out before the weekend rush.:fish:

bossman

01-29-2009, 11:11 AM

How is the slush out there!

jaybassman

01-29-2009, 11:18 AM

To be honest I never fish past 4:00 for perch...you have to keep in mind that it is already dark down there and with what little light gets down there I imagine by 4:00 for us the sun is setting so the perch are already "sleeping" because they think the day is over. Just my thoughts about it...;)

cbgale2

01-29-2009, 12:33 PM

So can anyone offer any advice to a rookie. Im thinking of doing a little Walleye fishing this weekend, probably off of 2nd with my father in-law. You can send me a PM if you dont want to share with the world.... thanks guys.

SkipDaddy

01-29-2009, 12:35 PM

There were only a few slushy spots, and a few snow drifts. Where we were fishing there was only about a half inch of snow ,and a good foot of ice.

MoJoRisin'

01-29-2009, 02:01 PM

Few yrs ago before Muskegon Lake came back I was fishing White Lake alot and did take some of my biggest fish right up til dark. Several times I was the last one off the ice right at dark. Mind you there were not near the numbers of fish that there is in the lakes now so that could make a difference. I also was using gold teardrops and minnows (flashy) almost exclusively to keep from getting the dinks - there were a fair amount of smaller vs. larger fish then. A dozen keepers was an average day then for me. Now a dozen is a bad day on Muskegon and White Lakes.

Good luck!!

Spartans8989

01-29-2009, 08:20 PM

Wondering if there is a bait shop near the Lake? What road is it on and located near. Thank-you! :)

kcarlson

01-29-2009, 08:53 PM

Wondering if there is a bait shop near the Lake? What road is it on and located near. Thank-you! :)

Yes, theres a couple that will help you out (live bait@ both). Google search adams angler archer,or shoreline services. Maybe someone will post phone #s for both?:help:

MichiganMike5

01-29-2009, 10:39 PM

Shoreline services on Lakeshore ph.# 231-759-7254 , belive he opens at 7AM on weekdays and 6AM on weekends for the winter. If your fishing the north side/2nd st.....Angler Archer Ph.# 231-744-5992. Good Luck.
Mike

Spartans8989

01-30-2009, 05:48 PM

I appreciate all the info. on the bait shops around Muskegon Lake. I am new to ice fishing and went out for the first time in years and my friends first time ice fishing ever on tuesday. We thought we did pretty good catching 24 keepers not knowing what the heck we were doing. We went out there again today thinking it was as easy as putting a couple hooks down there with minows on them and we were going to slay them, boy we were wrong! Fished from 10-4 and only caught 4 stinking fish all day, none were even keepers! However, it seemed like everyone else around us was catching fish. A couple guys got 90 fish and everyone else we talked to had enough for a couple dinners! What the heck were we doing wrong? We tried two different spots, both at the sand docks. Tried minows, crawlers, mousies, and jigging. Any help would be greatly appreciated. A bad day of fishing still beats a good day at work though! :sad:

BeerCamp

01-30-2009, 08:59 PM

Ice must be getting really good out off of cottage grove, drove by this afternonn and saw a car parked out there. Hopefully going to the sand docks tomarrow afternoon will post how I do.

sfw1960

01-30-2009, 09:00 PM

The Wife & I hit the condos this morning around 8:30-9AM and set up shop in about 43 FOW and boooooooooooooooy did it blow out there!
The wind and the bite!!!!
:rant:
We took home 26 fish and Dawn caught most of those light biting sunnuva.......

:SHOCKED:
Seems you had to jig your b00tY off and when & if they hit , you got ONE peck and if you were right there (H00AHHH!) with a hook set , you might ice a fish...
:dizzy:
Most guys we spoke with weren't happy with the results they got.
I should try the sand docks next time I guess....
:lol:

sfw1960

01-30-2009, 09:03 PM

Ice must be getting really good out off of cottage grove, drove by this afternonn and saw a car parked out there. Hopefully going to the sand docks tomarrow afternoon will post how I do.
:tdo12:

You'll see it parked there tomorrow too!!
:lol: :lol:

One guy said it was stuck & one guy said it was thru to the frame , sitting...
:yikes:

I was more to the East so I didn't inspect it close up , but it looks stuck....
I think there was between 11-15" of ice though.

R

Hill Billy Dilley

01-30-2009, 09:48 PM

slow for me too also. fished the sand docks 1-5. caught six, kept four. only thing they would hit was orange/red jig and blue/white glow jig tipped with minnows. the usual jigging spoons and such didn't get touched. neither did wigglers or spikes. did lose what appeared to be a walleye also.

everything happened after 4, after most people had left.

GILL_SLAYER

01-30-2009, 10:00 PM

Fished for 10 hours off Cottage Grove today and it sure was a long day. Ended up with about 15 fish myself, and about 45 between three of us, biggest being 11' Woulda moved around lookin for the fish but as SFW said it was blowin hard!

That car was definatly stuck, didn't look like it went through the ice but in some spots out there there is a foot of slush under a hard snow pack and I assume it hit one of those and the front dropped about a foot till it hit the hard ice.

stampman

01-30-2009, 10:05 PM

Never fish Muskegon Lake. Notice no reports on walleye- does no one fish for walleyes threw the ice? Heard it was pretty good on soft water.

TheBigRedDog

01-30-2009, 10:54 PM

Fish for them all the time cant catch the fckin things:rant:

Archieup

01-31-2009, 09:23 AM

Are guys running quads and snowmobiles on the lake now? If so are there any areas that should be avoided?

Thanks

GILL_SLAYER

01-31-2009, 01:16 PM

There were quite a few ATV's and snowmachines running around Cottage Grove and the Yacht Club. Lots of ice where we were, probably 12 inches, 11 of those being good black ice.

TheBigRedDog

01-31-2009, 05:29 PM

Saw a mini van off 2nd on the ice today no BS. I was like what the f is this guy thinkin. It didnt go threw.

shep9396

01-31-2009, 06:53 PM

Was out of Cottage Grove today from 10 til 4, between three of us we caught 35 keepers. minnows and wigglers.

MoJoRisin'

01-31-2009, 09:37 PM

Sounds like too much work to get a dozen ... I'd like to go but I don't want my stuff blowing across the lake. Sucks being a weekend warrior - mother nature always picks Mondays for good fishing days.......:rant::rant::dizzy:

rbennett78

02-01-2009, 07:14 AM

Fished between cottage grove and sand docks yesterday from 10-4 caught 50 kept 30.....managed to bring in a 20" 3lb walleye on my perch rig she barely fit through the hole. I'd like to post a pic but its on my cell phone and I can't xfer it

sfw1960

02-01-2009, 08:54 AM

Nice!
How deep were you getting them??
:D

rbennett78

02-01-2009, 08:58 AM

about 30-40 fow pic is in my gallery

Nailer

02-01-2009, 12:35 PM

Nice job.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/tn_1_.jpg

zeke

02-01-2009, 01:34 PM

I haven't ice fished for a few years, but there was a bait shop across the street from Snug Harbor. Does anyone know if it is still there and if so the name or hours it's open? Thanks

GILL_SLAYER

02-01-2009, 01:40 PM

Yes it is still open, the name of it is Snug Harbor Motel and Bait. As for the hours I am not too sure, they seem pretty erratic, one morning they are open early, the next they arent open till 9 so its probably best if you try and call them, 231-744-3440 and ask what their hours are.

zeke

02-01-2009, 02:08 PM

Thanks Gill Slayer, I appreciate the info.

kcarlson

02-01-2009, 02:47 PM

Hello all,

Went out off the g.t.dock (behind shoreline tackle) Walked all the way out to the black bouy, picked up 6 there, before venturing back inland. I did see a few pike caught on tip-ups while I was out by the bouy. I ended up getting 30 for the day, did'nt throw many back. Fished 49fow, plucked them all off the bottom. A green glow hali w/ a minnow got 25% of these fish,...while the forage minnow w/ treble catching the rest of um (minnow and a red spike on the forage minnow). Great day on the lake other than the wind. The bite for me was really good from 1pm to 3pm. Also got a "bonus" crappie.
Was going to stay late a fish for some eyes, but decided to head home around 5pm. Hope to get back out there in the middle of the week w/ the wife.
Lots of quads, snowmobiles,and poeple. 12 to 15 inches of ice.

Also my friends phone is in 38fow near the black bouy.:tdo12:

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/102_0862.JPGhttp://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/102_0873.JPGhttp://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/102_0865.JPGhttp://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSC003971.JPG

N M Mechanical

02-02-2009, 08:16 AM

Nice catch Kev.

MoJoRisin'

02-02-2009, 08:39 AM

Fished from 11 to a little after 4 PM yesterday. Started very slow - first spot got 2 - saw a fair amount of activity on the graph but I'm figuring that these were not perch as the hits were not resulting in fish. Moved further out - 2 more in the next 30 to 45 minutes. Getting to be 12:30 - moved again further out to 52 FOW to the east of the "pack". Then the action went off - filled out a limit by just after 4 PM. Had 'em hitting on wigglers on a green and white glo moon glitter and a black w/ glo spots horiz jig with 2 spikes. They were hitting pretty light on the spikes - sometimes I would only see the rod tip move ever so slightly up or down (they were sucking it in and not slamming it). Also changed to a gold swedish pimple with minnows when I had a tangle on the green glo moon glitter. Didn't matter at that point as they were on the bite.

Threw back a handful that were smallish - even got the smallest perch that I have caught. Also got 2 rock bass on minnows. One put up a quite the fight - I thought it was going to be Mrs. JUMBO. Got a laugh on that one.

Got home in time to get a shower before the super bowl. Great day on the ice - especially when the forcast was for 20 to 30 mph winds - they were not anywhere near that bad.

Saw several car / truck tracks on the ice - did not see any vehicles though. Lots o Ice where I fished - at least 12" of good ice.

kcarlson

02-04-2009, 08:24 AM

ttt
Going to try to get into some perch today. Leaving the house in a few minutes. Good or bad I will post results. Have a good day.

kev

N M Mechanical

02-04-2009, 08:27 AM

Hopefully you do good will be working in North Muskegon today so will bring the gear just in case I get some time today but good luck Kev. I know when I bring my wife usually I get out fished :dizzy:

kcarlson

02-04-2009, 08:49 AM

Hopefully you do good will be working in North Muskegon today so will bring the gear just in case I get some time today but good luck Kev. I know when I bring my wife usually I get out fished :dizzy:
:lol::lol:

loonatic31

02-04-2009, 03:48 PM

N M Mechanical

02-04-2009, 04:42 PM

do you guy's need my excuses I have a good list.:chillin:

SkipDaddy

02-04-2009, 06:04 PM

Fished off the sand docks today. The fishing was really slow. We were out from 9 to 2 and only iced ten between three of us. hopefully it will be better tomorrow, but it's going to be windy (15 to 20).

sfw1960

02-04-2009, 06:10 PM

How'd you do Kev????

RAS

kcarlson

02-04-2009, 10:27 PM

How'd you do Kev????

RAS

We fished out off the jaycee ramp, and the bite was pretty slow there.
We fished from 11:30 to 3:00 and ended up w/ 20 between the wife and I. First time I ever fished that location could'nt quite find the depth I was looking for. We settled for 40fow:rolleyes:.The fish we did catch were on hail's w/ minnows.
Still had fun though, and the ones we did get will make a great dinner tomorrow night!
If its not raining too hard on Saturday I hope to get back out there.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSC004082.JPG

kcarlson

02-05-2009, 09:19 PM

Where ya fishing at on the lake this week-end?
What ya going to fish for,.. perch?...walleye?....pike?
Let us ALL know how ya did!

If you dare! :hide:
I know some of us have that "secret spot" :shhh:
Maybe someone will send you that pm you've been waiting for!
GOOD LUCK!

kev

perch pounder

02-05-2009, 09:25 PM

ill be there fri...sat...sun...you know where ill be kev ...swing out and say hi...

wally-eye

02-05-2009, 09:52 PM

Going out in the morning for perch. Taking the quad and towing my Frabill. Not sure exactly what launch I'll be using to get on the ice as I've never ice fished the lake. Fished it a lot in the summer always launching from Fishermans landing.... Supposed to look up sfw1960 and his bride out there....big lake though...... Anywhere obvious I shouldn't ride? and no I ain't going by the channel...:lol::evil:

I'll be on my camo Grizzly and using my Frabill......stop and say hey......

Dan

sfw1960

02-05-2009, 10:23 PM

We're goin' to "h0rN !N" om MoJoRisin's super secret honey hole in the AM - I think I wasn't all the way down the break into the basin last time - and with 20-25 MPH gusts , I wasn't climbing out of the shack - unless it was to head for th' trucky......
:lol: :lol:

I'm going to sneak into a bit deeper water & see what happens.
;)

Might pound some bigger baits & see if I can sKEEr up some m0' manly p0!cH to skinz up.....if the bite's decent.
:evilsmile
I guess I'll see all you good perchers out there in TV land.....

RAS

kcarlson

02-06-2009, 07:15 PM

ill be there fri...sat...sun...you know where ill be kev ...swing out and say hi...

perch pounder,
How was it out there for you today?

perch pounder

02-06-2009, 07:31 PM

pretty good....ended up with 44http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/black_bouy_2_011.jpg (http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=85543):)

Trout Slayer

02-06-2009, 07:43 PM

Fished off sand docks today, bite was really slow. Marked a lot of fish, :fish:

tried lots of different lures/baits only a few takers...

fished 42-54 fow :confused:

sfw1960

02-06-2009, 10:26 PM

I made a joke about horning in on MoJoRisin's honey hole and we were out there in 54 FOW today using minnows , spikes & mousies on #2 swedish pimples ,not very far from a undisclosed location recently discussed in a most recent PM
:evilsmile

Thanks for the info MJR!!

HEY ~ You too Kev , the deeper water gave us a final tally today of 78 plus some kind person gave us about another 6-8 fish they didn't want to clean back at the ramp.
My back is starting to hurt just thinking about filleting all those fish.
:dizzy:

Another SUPERB day out on one of West Michigan's coastal gems.

:chillin:
Robert

jaybassman

02-07-2009, 12:40 AM

My report for Muskegon Lake today is fishing 42 ft of water between me and 2 buddies ended up bringing home about 80 fish so it was not a bad day at all...but didnt start biting until about 10 or so...this is the first productive day in the last 3....its been hit or miss

kcarlson

02-07-2009, 08:46 AM

Fished off sand docks today, bite was really slow. Marked a lot of fish, :fish:

tried lots of different lures/baits only a few takers...

fished 42-54 fow :confused:

Tried to pm you but, I think maybe you need 15 post?

sfw1960

02-07-2009, 10:41 AM

brigeton

02-07-2009, 06:31 PM

dhunter_83

02-07-2009, 07:44 PM

i am thinking of taking my dad and heading out tomorrow can anyone give me any suggestions on where to go... i went to cottage grove about a week ago just wondering if any one area is doing better than the other also can anyone give me any ice condition reports from today thanks

Trophyhunter

02-07-2009, 08:12 PM

kcarlson

02-07-2009, 08:15 PM

where is the clipper? I would like to take the kids out tomorrow and help them catch a fish, if anyone can help and want pm me that is fine too.
The Clipper is behind shoreline services bait and tackle shop, take Laketon which turns into shoreline, look for the yellow bait shop sign.

kcarlson

02-07-2009, 08:31 PM

Muskegon Lake perch,...
frys, rings, and slaw:corkysm55
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSC004101.JPG

dhunter_83

02-07-2009, 08:39 PM

nice I'll be out trying to get mine tomorrow

Trophyhunter

02-07-2009, 08:49 PM

thank you VERY much carlson.

brigeton

02-08-2009, 04:50 AM

The Clipper is the old Milwaukee Clipper docked where carlson said. When we came off there was 3-4" of water on top of the ice between the ramp & fishing area. Make sure your boots don't leak. Once out there you can find patches of snow where the waters not bad. Ice itself was a good solid 10"-12"

bankerman

02-08-2009, 11:00 AM

Was just checking out the Sag Bay/River threads. Somebody over there put together a great Google Map as a reference to boat launches, parking, bait, etc. Check it out:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=102002913810057446118.0004613edac8ed327d17d&ll=43.466874,-83.636169&spn=0.450507,1.153564&z=9

Would be great for somebody in the "know" to do that for West Side lakes like Muskegon.

kcarlson

02-08-2009, 01:06 PM

From a few recent pm's poeple are strarting to catch some walleyes
Around the lake.:shhh:

Dip Fortuna

02-08-2009, 06:03 PM

I caught 30 in front of the clipper today, in 57'. They liked my spikes way better than minnows but I caught a couple of 12 inchers on minnows. Demon glows seemed to be the ticket, probably cuz of the depth. I forgot my creepers, and man was I creeping! It was a GLARE of ice, especially walking out.

Actually 33; I just cleaned em and my count was off.

kcarlson

02-08-2009, 06:25 PM

Ice pounder

02-08-2009, 07:00 PM

there was no water on the ice today.:)

Dip Fortuna

02-08-2009, 11:11 PM

I figured it would be slushy so I wasn't too diligent about packing my creepers. Boy was I wrong! My wife called me on the cell while I was out there worrying I'd gone through (she's a bit paranoid with the warm temps; I'll never get her out there). I told her she should be more worried about me cracking my head on my way back in! I shuffled in without an incident, thankfully.:dizzy:

sfw1960

02-08-2009, 11:11 PM

My wife & I went out by the Clipper today & got 82 between 7" & 9". 45-50'. Best lures were Hali jigs with half a minnow. They bit steady all day until about 3:00 then went slow.

I know I said 6-8". when I got home & measured some they were a little bigger than I thought.

You should have seen the HORDE of shanties out there today Lee!!
I knew when you posted that , all the lurkers & info snatcherz would be piled up - they did NOT disappoint!!
:lol:

where is the clipper? I would like to take the kids out tomorrow and help them catch a fish, if anyone can help and want pm me that is fine too.

Hopefully you did well amongst all the others!
there was no water on the ice today.:)

Wasn't it SWEET??
My step son came out to meet the Wife & I at the "spot" with hopes of him getting a few meals~Just so happened his friends had a quad & 3 wheeler.... I think I got more tired from cleaning the fish today!
:)
There were 7 of us in our group & we all punched our full tickets except Dale - he was trying for all 9" & 10" fish....LOL
He ended up with about 45 though....
Nothing huge for us , just a ton of 'em from around 7" to 10" and some very stretched Walmart bags today!!
:evilsmile
I probably tossed back another 50+ myself with the rest of the gang doing very similar.
Here's a shot of the jet sled before I ran 'em thru the Electric Rapala
fillet knife.
;)

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z289/sfw1960/Whack_Fest8756.jpg

Best day I've had out there in a long time!!!
200 fillets tonight.....
:dizzy:
My hands are shredded wheat!!

:SHOCKED:

Did you make it out MoJo???

Robert

GILL_SLAYER

02-08-2009, 11:24 PM

You got quite the "spot" there sfw mind sharing your secret? haha :evilsmile

sfw1960

02-09-2009, 04:21 AM

You got quite the "spot" there sfw mind sharing your secret? haha :evilsmile
What secret??

:D:D

brigeton

02-09-2009, 04:25 AM

There was a horde out there Saturday before I posted. Good job yesterday Robert.

dhunter_83

02-09-2009, 04:49 AM

went sun all day did lots of sorting kept 25 8-10's fished 54ft most came on a red glow genz worm few on a demon glow most on minnows thanks kcarlson

Trophyhunter

02-09-2009, 08:36 AM

sounds like I missed a good day, someone posted that there was water on the ice, so I didn't take the kids so they wouldn't get soaked...dang dang dang !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

perch pounder

02-09-2009, 09:12 AM

does anyone know if its still safe to bring a quad out to the black bouy?

STEINFISHSKI

02-09-2009, 09:27 AM

Nice job Robert and company. Anyone want to go out Tuesday?

sfw1960

02-09-2009, 10:08 AM

Nice job Robert and company. Anyone want to go out Tuesday?
Lee whacked 'em pretty good SAT too....
:)
I'm planning on FRI....:evilsmile

kcarlson

02-09-2009, 10:18 AM

Anyone hear if the perch are biting on Muskegon lake?:lol:

Hows the ice gonna hold up? :confused:

Trophyhunter

02-09-2009, 10:27 AM

I'm leaving for muskegon lake in 30 minutes...will report later...wish me luck, i suck at ice fishing this year.

skamaniac

02-09-2009, 10:36 AM

Best of luck!! Let us know the ice conditions and if quads are still safe to run around on. Have fun today!!

MoJoRisin'

02-09-2009, 10:59 AM

SFW - we were inside of you (4 guys fishing outside). I got my 50 and my buds didn't do quite so well - rookies that could not figure out when to set the hook. Between the other 3 guys they had about 80 to 90. They couldn't figure out the light bite that we had as the day wore on. My best was wigglers on green glitter moon glow vertical jig and a gold Hali with 2 spikes. Minnows kind of shut down after about 3:30. Not sure on our depth - I dropped one of my C batteries down the hole before I could get a depth. Didn't matter as we did not move after we setup. We were the next to last guys off at dark. I tried to get the others more fish and school them but the bite tapered off significantly after 4 or 4:30.

We did get several bigger fish as compared to last weeks take up to 10".

All had fun and I hope the ice holds up through the warm weather that is coming. Could get real messy tomorrow until the hard freeze comes back. We had over 12" of ice where we were at with a little water trapped under some thin surface ice.

Fishing has been great - I don't think there is a honey hole location - did you see the huge pack by the Clipper east of us? Those guys were not there last week. Must be good there too. That is near the deepest part of Muskegon Lake.

StStutz

02-09-2009, 12:16 PM

Anyone hear if the perch are biting on Muskegon lake?:lol:

Hows the ice gonna hold up? :confused:

was out yesterday on the south side and measured the ice at 15"! its gonna take alot more than 52(tues) and 40(weds) to do much to the ice. Plus, starting thursday its going to be below freezing for several days.

DonP

02-09-2009, 04:35 PM

Robert... all I can say is.... You WhackMassaH You!!! http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1233_hand_clapping.gif

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z289/sfw1960/Whack_Fest8756.jpg

sfw1960

02-09-2009, 08:40 PM

Robert... all I can say is.... You WhackMassaH You!!! http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1233_hand_clapping.gif

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z289/sfw1960/Whack_Fest8756.jpg

My lovely bride pounded half of those my friend (and took the picture) - please give credit where due!

Trophyhunter

02-09-2009, 08:59 PM

Trophyhunter

02-09-2009, 09:00 PM

oh and was pretty humerous seeing a guy ride his lawnmower out on the ice, I never thought of that one, beats walking a mile !!!!

sfw1960

02-09-2009, 09:34 PM

went out on the ice behind the bait shop....HOLY MACKEREL that is a long walk !! fished from 12:30-2:30 and caught 5 fish. the fish shut right off after 2 pm, not one bite. the fish were pecking at the tails of the minnows and not latching on, probably had 20 "taps" that did not stick.

both minnows and wigglers in 54 ft of water. at least I got the skunk out of the box. plenty of ice for a quad yet, 12" of ice everywhere I went.
Next time use a #2 Swedish pimple and pinch off just the minnow's head...
Swing at the slightest slurp.
;)

G'Luck!

MoJo , I saw the pile @ The Clipper SUN and Friday wasn't like that - that's why I made the comment that after brigeton posted his report the GT ramp was full to the brim and I think they can house 300 trucks EASILY.
:lol:
Lee said it was packed SAT too - but I haven't seen it like that in years.

RAS

Fishbone

02-09-2009, 09:50 PM

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z289/sfw1960/Whack_Fest8756.jpg

Do you leave the heads on when you clean them perch? :lol:

SkipDaddy

02-09-2009, 10:27 PM

Fished out from the clipper today. You were right, the guy on the lawn mower was an unusal sight. There were four of us fishing, and we all got our limits. Got out there around noon and were out of there by 4:30. Most of the fish were caught before 3:30. Had to really work for the last couple fish. Nothing under 7 1/2 inches, and alot of jumbos. Caught the fish on perch rigs and pimples with mousies and red spikes. Hopefully the warm and rain wont kill the ice.:fish:

TrackerTim

02-09-2009, 10:44 PM

heading out tomorrow , what depth of water were you in?

Thanks
Tim

SkipDaddy

02-10-2009, 02:45 AM

heading out tomorrow , what depth of water were you in?

Thanks
Tim43 fow

TrackerTim

02-10-2009, 05:10 PM

went out today, went out from the clipper and it was real slow, talked to guys that were out toward black buoy, and that was the place to be,(limits) really windy, didn't feel like 60 out on the ice,shore ice was fine , but going out was little spooky with the broken up ice, and dark ice with water on it, thickness varied a little but somewhere around 8'', when we left it was getting a little slush on top. I had my quad out, and there were others also.I was going to try friday with my son, but will have to wait and see.

Tim

brigeton

02-10-2009, 06:49 PM

They're saying maybe 1.5" rain at the lakeshorre tomorrow.

Trout Slayer

02-10-2009, 08:17 PM

Hoping to get out Thursday, let me know how the ice is if anyone goes out Wed...

And of course where the fish are :lol:

wally-eye

02-10-2009, 08:20 PM

Kind of scary, gonna be a lot of warmer water coming down the river in the next 18 hours or so doing bad things to the "bottom" of the ice......stuff you can't see.......:yikes: Caution to anybody thinking about trying it.

Trout Slayer

02-10-2009, 08:38 PM

That's my worry... all the warmer water coming down the river for the next several days melting the underside of the ice. I'm hoping for at least a couple more weeks of good ice fishing :fish:

Trophyhunter

02-10-2009, 10:14 PM

Next time use a #2 Swedish pimple and pinch off just the minnow's head...
Swing at the slightest slurp.
;)

G'Luck!

MoJo , I saw the pile @ The Clipper SUN and Friday wasn't like that - that's why I made the comment that after brigeton posted his report the GT ramp was full to the brim and I think they can house 300 trucks EASILY.
:lol:
Lee said it was packed SAT too - but I haven't seen it like that in years.

RAS

so just use the head of the minnow?

wally-eye

02-10-2009, 10:28 PM

so just use the head of the minnow?

Yep just the head. I was out last friday and used a small Northland forage minnow with the tiny treble. Caught over 70 perch on that set up....can catch several fish on one minnow head.

kcarlson

02-10-2009, 10:46 PM

Please Report Ice Conditions Over The Next 48+ Hours.

If the ice remains safe, keep the fishing reports coming!

Thanks

sfw1960

02-11-2009, 04:12 AM

so just use the head of the minnow?

YEP - or head -n- shoulders....

:evilsmile

tkpolasek

02-11-2009, 04:15 AM

Headed out this morning, will post ice conditions later.

MoJoRisin'

02-11-2009, 08:25 AM

I was experiencing the lite bite also. 2 Spikes on the Hali did good. Wiggler on vertical moon glo jig with a split about 1 foot above also. Like SFW said - any movement - set it. If you wait for the thump you will miss 'em.

It is nice when they decide to hit hard, but on Sunday that was not necessarilly the case. That is why I got away from minnows and went to the spikes on the Hali.

Hope the ice holds up so we can continue to get after them. Weather is changing tonight.

GILL_SLAYER

02-11-2009, 10:17 AM

Went out yesterday and holy cow was it windy. It was the windiest day I have EVER been fishing. I don't have a set of creepers and I really should have got some. If it weren't for improvising with some bungee cords the wind would have blown me clear across the lake!

Fishing was okay, went out at the Clipper. Between me and my dad we got 52 and the other guy we were with got his limit. It seemed as though my dad and I were in the minority because every time we looked around someone was pulling in a fish. most around 7-9 inch. Saw the guy on the lawn mower, got a few pics of him, I'll post them later when I upload them off my camera.

brigeton

02-11-2009, 12:11 PM

Fish don't have shoulders. Or does he need to wash his hair?:D

StStutz

02-11-2009, 12:44 PM

just checked the ice on the south side of muskegon lake. Its holding up good. Where i checked, ice varied from 11-12" with 7-8" of that being good black ice. There is some water by the shoreline, but not bad. Not much water is building up on the surface of the ice either. I don't think we are going to loose much more, other than by the rivermouth. BTW was at the same place on sunday and there was 15", so we lost about 3-4" over the last 3 days. I'm sure conditions vary in different locations on lake, but i'm thinking the ice faired pretty well considering the warm spell.

Natty Cans

02-11-2009, 03:21 PM

I'll be out this weekend even if I have to bring the flippers and raft.

kcarlson

02-11-2009, 03:26 PM

Thanks StStutz for the detailed ice report.

The 5 day forecast is looking pretty good. http://www.accuweather.com/us/mi/muskegon/49440/forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&zipChg=1&metric=0

15 day forecast looks Really Good.

StStutz

02-11-2009, 04:39 PM

I'll be out this weekend even if I have to bring the flippers and raft.

nice! don't forget the Joose and Natty

cbgale2

02-11-2009, 07:24 PM

:woohoo1:Bring on the cold!!!!!

slabs

02-11-2009, 09:32 PM

Hope the river isin't filling the lake with muddy water.

kcarlson

02-11-2009, 09:41 PM

Hope the river isin't filling the lake with muddy water.

Took the words right out of my mouth!
If so how much will this effect the fishing?:help:

wally-eye

02-11-2009, 10:45 PM

I live on the White and if this river is any gauge of whats happening there has to be a massive amount of water running into Muskegon lake.

Besides being dirty I would guess it's doing bad things to the bottom of the ice...... I ain't saying it's unsafe but saying time for caution.......

kcarlson

02-12-2009, 10:35 AM

Anyone got an ice report for today?:confused:

My wife says she doesn't want to go for a swim on Saturday.:cwm27:

Thank You.

sfw1960

02-12-2009, 06:43 PM

Anyone got an ice report for today?:confused:

My wife says she doesn't want to go for a swim on Saturday.:cwm27:

Thank You.

Called Bill Funk @ Shoreline SVC. and he said they are fishin'....
6-10" of ice left and shoreline is broke away in some places.

I had a friend call me today W/ a report & said he got about 25 Y/D and punched his ticket today....

:corkysm55

I knew I could count on all you lurkers & m00cHers to help KC out!!!
:lol:

I hope they bite good tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:chillin:

sfw1960

02-13-2009, 05:16 AM

After further review of this....
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=105422&catid=14

:yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes:

I think I may wait until later!!!!!!!!!
:dizzy:

G'Luck if ya'll go......
Be safe.
:tdo12:

N M Mechanical

02-13-2009, 07:12 AM

:SHOCKED::SHOCKED:

time to carry the spud again

kcarlson

02-13-2009, 08:20 AM

Thanks sfw 1960...
Looks like I will have to make a few phone calls today...:confused::sad:

Please post up an ice report for Muskegon Lake if you have one.

Thanks

Spartans8989

02-13-2009, 09:51 AM

I want to give it a shot out there tommorrow, probably go off by the sand docks, can anyone give me a report for the sand docks? Is there enough ice to get out there? Thank-you

Matt V

02-13-2009, 10:40 AM

I called Angler Archer yesterday, they said that there was 6"'s around second street and around 10"' everywhere else.

MoJoRisin'

02-13-2009, 11:07 AM

I would avoid the sand docks area as the increased channel current could erode the ice from underneath. At a minimum I would walk towards the papermill from the shore (away from the open water). Bring a spud....be safe.

Sand docks is usually the last ice to form on Muskegon Lake and can be spotty due to the channel current.

MoJoRisin'

02-13-2009, 03:23 PM

I'm going to take a spin by Cottage Grove launch ahd see about getting an ice report from someone coming off the ice. I'll post this evening.

Good luck - be safe.....

Umpqua.

02-13-2009, 03:55 PM

Fished the sand docks today. The ice by shore is iffy at best, but once you were past that it was an ok 8 inches or so. But once you got out a ways you get into 2-5 inches with some weaker spots like the one my buddy put his leg through :yikes: and it wasnt an old hole it was just thin ice. The worst part was the fishing sucked marked allot of fish but not many wanted bite. No one was parked at cottage grove in the morning or the afternoon when we left. It looked like the shore ice was to bad to even get out there.

brigeton

02-13-2009, 05:06 PM

The people I car pool with live on the river & he says it's up 4' the last day or 2. With that current I expect 2nd st to continue to deteriorate. 6" today may be 2 or 3 this weekend.

fishbucket

02-13-2009, 05:45 PM

Fished near the clipper and black bouy today, was pretty slow, at least for me. Only ended up with a handful of perch worth keeping. Ice was about 8-10" in all the holes I drilled, but I talked to a guy on a quad who ventured a couple hundred yards to the west of the buoy and found himself on about 3" of ice :yikes:. So there are some thin spots out there. Walking was also extremely difficult on the slick, bumpy ice. Gotta recommend ice cleats if you have them. Shore ice wasn't a problem, only the first 5' of ice at the boat launch was broken up.

MoJoRisin'

02-13-2009, 06:47 PM

Checked at McCracken ramp - guys said ice was OK 6"+ but to stay away from any old holes as the holes have opened up, said they saw quads on the ice all day. 3 limits.

Then I went to sand docks - 12 guys on the ice straight out. Didn't talk to anyone.

Went back to McCracken and talked with another guy who said ice was good and that he only got a dozen today and did better last week. Bring your creepers he said.

As was said above zero guys at Cottage Grove ramp and no one on the ice there. Ramp didn't look bad - just no one there. I didn't get out and walk on the ice though.

One thing to consider regarding the varying ice conditions - the black buoy marks the shallows on the north side of Muskegon Lake. On both east and west sides of the buoy there is a sharp drop off where the current could be quite strong. That could be why the thin ice is out there.

We'll be going out tomorrow - maybe off of McCracken. Anyone that was out there please report conditions.

Be safe....bring your spud.

bluefin75

02-13-2009, 06:49 PM

What is the name of the ramp right behind lakeshore tacle?

bluefin75

02-13-2009, 08:14 PM

Figured it out,mckracken.

sfw1960

02-13-2009, 08:27 PM

What is the name of the ramp right behind lakeshore tacle?

It's Shoreline Service bud , and that is the Grand Trunk ramp - which is located at McCracken st. (The one MoJo is talking about).

I talked with two different friends today that reported three older gents that were riding a 3 wheeler out by the black buoy and it broke thru...
The driver gunned it and managed to get the machine out without getting awfully wet they had a tow-behind and the guy (or guys) in it had to take a spin thru the drink.
:SHOCKED:
They did get out alive though!

Ron Parsley (owner of Parley's Sports in Newaygo) told me Y/D that they have two gates open on Croton Dam - so the river is blown out like my friend brigeton mentioned in a post earlier.
At this point I am not even too sure I should try it on Sunday , as the dirty water has already affected the bite for many and I do have a bunch of fillets and don't really have a reason to die for a fish dinner at the present moment.
:eek:
At the increased river flow & warmer temps - I think the ice may get worse , but that's just MHO.....
:eek:
I'd rather be safe than sorry - and I can always fish closer to home.
:)

(OOps didn't see that reply before I got done with this post!)

bluefin75

02-13-2009, 09:42 PM

I fished there last weekend, just wasnn't sure of the name of that launch and that's why i was asking. Will be following my spud out in the morning. Good luck and be careful!

TDI

02-13-2009, 10:45 PM

Ron Parsley (owner of Parley's Sports in Newaygo) told me Y/D that they have two gates open on Croton Dam - so the river is blown out like my friend brigeton mentioned in a post earlier.
At this point I am not even too sure I should try it on Sunday , as the dirty water has already affected the bite for many and I do have a bunch of fillets and don't really have a reason to die for a fish dinner at the present moment.

Good info SFW. It is good you took the time to share this information for those in the not-know of how elevated upstream river flows can adversely affect areas downstream, such as rather large attached river lake basins.

sfw1960

02-13-2009, 11:31 PM

LOL @ TDI......
:lol:
Thanks for the kind words.... I probably spend as much or more time here sending PM's , as I don't want the whole internet converging on one little area & crushing the population of fish or game....
:evilsmile

Folks that know me - know I'm all about sharing & whacking our fair share - but there's always the slobbery m00chers that just want to take & give nothing back.(Same kind of people that leave empty propane tanks , trash , beer cans & crap on the ice , I figure)

This thread has had upwards of 7500 views and it's not the same 20 or 30 folks that have posted in it!
:evil:
Be safe out there!!
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif
Robert

Trout Slayer

02-14-2009, 08:51 AM

The way it sounds I agree with SFW. I think I'll stick to inland lakes where the ice thickness is more consistent. The river current can do strange things to the ice. I'm not crazy over the idea of falling thru the ice... no fish is worth dying for...

GILL_SLAYER

02-14-2009, 02:33 PM

Yesterday I saw two guys, not even 30 yards from open water AT THE RIVER MOUTH in Muskegon Lake!

Unless they were only in 3-4 foot of water I cannot fathom why they would be right there fishing.

bluefin75

02-14-2009, 02:40 PM

Carried the spud out this morning, although you kind of feel stupid spudding your way out as snowmobiles and quads zip by you.:lol: After a great week of perch fishing, they were gone. Very slow, at least where I was. Picked up one three pound catfish that almost broke my rod. Watched a snowmobile ride right up to the black buoy,scary. Was actually surprised at how solid the ice was. 5" to 6" of good ice. Good luck and be careful.

WALLEYEvision

02-14-2009, 04:52 PM

The lake was pretty quite on Thursday.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSC05233.JPG

kcarlson

02-14-2009, 06:15 PM

Hello All,
Perch bite was shut right down (atleast for the wife and I)
Went out behind the clipper (gt dock) great day though, sun was out most of the day. We fished 52fow couple throw back perch, and couple rock bass.
Shore ice was good when we went out at 10:30am , but when we came in at 3:00pm the shore ice had melted away to about 4' from shore,...glad there was a dock there. We were fishing on 9" of real good ice.
Quite a few poeple out...I was kinda suprised by that. Probabley 50 poeple out by the black bouy. Few qauds and sleds.

Had fun reeling this crappie in though, thanks to the x67c,...reeled up to 30fow,..... danced it in front of him,.... and the fight was on!
1/8 buckshot with a minnow.
14"
1# / 9oz
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSC00431.JPGhttp://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSC004301.JPG

falcon446

02-14-2009, 06:32 PM

Great fish kcarlson, thanks for the report.:D

perch pounder

02-14-2009, 07:01 PM

nice one kev...is that it...one fish?

kcarlson

02-14-2009, 07:12 PM

nice one kev...is that it...one fish?

The only keeper... Did you get into the perch?

Coopdog

02-14-2009, 07:51 PM

nice job neighbor. nothing better than a fish story with proof. that is the single biggest crappie these eyes have seen. Congrats!!

perch pounder

02-14-2009, 07:56 PM

nope i kind of gave up on the perch for a bit and have been hitting white lake for gills and pike.....hopefully it stays cold enough to get 100% safely to the secret perch fishing grounds on a quad...its a bit far to walk.
ill probally check it in a few days...keep me posted on how you do also...
good luck this weekend

Trout Slayer

02-14-2009, 10:03 PM

[quote=kcarlson;2565367]Hello All,
Perch bite was shut right down (atleast for the wife and I)
Went out behind the clipper (gt dock) great day though, sun was out most of the day. We fished 52fow couple throw back perch, and couple rock bass.
Shore ice was good when we went out at 10:30am , but when we came in at 3:00pm the shore ice had melted away to about 4' from shore,...glad there was a dock there. We were fishing on 9" of real good ice.
Quite a few poeple out...I was kinda suprised by that. Probabley 50 poeple out by the black bouy. Few qauds and sleds.

Had fun reeling this crappie in though, thanks to the x67c,...reeled up to 30fow,..... danced it in front of him,.... and the fight was on!
1/8 buckshot with a minnow.
14"
1# / 9oz
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSC00431.JPGhttp://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSC004301.JPG

Nice work

:coolgleam

sfw1960

02-14-2009, 10:07 PM

That's a bigg'n for sure!!!
There's a LOT of big Specs out there - but a lot of guys never look "up high"....

See guys?? I mentioned in a recent Mo Lk thread you could indeed catch specs out there... a few guys said not to waste their time and try a different lake.
:lol:
So Kevin brings the proof to the big screen !! LOL
:fish2:

I'm still glad I stayed indoors today though!!!
:evilsmile
Way to go!

Robert

N M Mechanical

02-15-2009, 10:04 AM

Nice no lag fish kev:evilsmile

rustyw

02-15-2009, 02:53 PM

kcarlson

02-15-2009, 04:33 PM

Just came off 2nd street, it is pretty much un safe. 6 inches of ice in spots but the river waters got it really thin where the snow is dark and wet. 1 inch and under. Stay on the beaten path some are taking and your golden.
Step on a wet area and you will go thru, saw 1 guy have a leg take a dip today up to his knee about a hundered yards out. Going left off the launch is unsafe, go right and its spotty.

Lots of current and waters very dirty.

Thanks for the 2nd street ice conditions.

Even though I fished on 9" of ice yesterday (by the clipper), it would not surprize me if it was alot less today.

I would'nt go near the black bouy.

STEINFISHSKI

02-16-2009, 07:55 AM

LOL @ TDI......
This thread has had upwards of 7500 views and it's not the same 20 or 30 folks that have posted in it!
:evil:

Yeah, but you personally have over 1000 hits I bet.:lol:

sfw1960

02-16-2009, 08:07 AM

Yeah, but you personally have over 1000 hits I bet.:lol:
And you have over 2300 my friend!!!

:yikes:

MoJoRisin'

02-16-2009, 08:42 AM

They pulled a disappearing act on us at the secret location off Cottage Grove. Now I understand why there was no one there Friday - the perch were gone. Between 3 of us from 10:30 AM to 3 PM - 18 keepers. Very slow. Most all everyone we saw earlier had cleared out by 3 PM. Didn't move 'cause it appeared from everyone leaving that the bite was off (or the fish were gone).

I did mark a fair amount of fish near bottom but it did not result in many hits. When they did hit they seemed tentative. Must be the change in conditions.

Did see a quad with a large trailer out further than us. Our ice was fine (7-8" Clear). Hard to tell what the overall conditions were though as the snow cover kept us from seeing the surface ice. Heard there were some areas where there were cracks that seemed to be iffy. Shore ice was fine except for right inbetween the docks. There were alot of guys at Sand docks but they cleared out as the afternoon progressed so I'm guessing they did not do so well either.

Sunday at just before 6 PM only had a few shanties out in the middle of the lake near the black buoy (looked out there as the wife and I came home from dinner).

I'll probably pass next weekend unless something changes drastically.

Good luck if you get out.

MoJoRisin'

02-16-2009, 08:44 AM

Also in case you are interested the lower Muskegon River and Cedar Creek are blown out of the banks big time. White River was not as bad as the Muskegon.

kcarlson

02-16-2009, 09:08 AM

OK....
1-Are the perch back out in lake michigan?
2-Are they still in muskegon lake?
3-Is the cloudy river current the cause?
4-Will they bite again this winter?
5-none of the above?
6-other
7-Dont know what your problem is they never stopped biting for me.

sfw1960

02-16-2009, 10:07 AM

STEINFISHSKI

02-16-2009, 10:40 AM

I just had 2 fried perch sammies with pepper jack cheese for lunch today.:corkysm55

Leftovers from last nights fish fry.

I need to plan a trip to Kroger Lake to restock my supplies, anyone know where they are biting? :)

kcarlson

02-16-2009, 10:51 AM

"Coopdog" (member on this site) Just got off the cell phone with him about 20 minutes ago.
Stopped by my house this morning and grabbed my x67. Him and his dad are off from cottage grove in 49fow w/ 10" of clear ice. Good shore ice also. He said you could not launch a quad off the clipper launch.
No fish yet, but they just dropped their lines in the water.

brigeton

02-16-2009, 11:19 AM

And you have over 2300 my friend!!!

:yikes:

Lurkers, maybe you should try ayce lake Robert.

STEINFISHSKI

02-16-2009, 11:28 AM

Lurkers, maybe you should try ayce lake Robert.

Is that by the Jaycees, or YMCA Lakes Lee?;)

That's Mr. Flamin' PeckaH hEAD to you!:lol:

TheBigRedDog

02-16-2009, 11:32 AM

keep us posted Kev

sfw1960

02-16-2009, 12:06 PM

Lurkers, maybe you should try ayce lake Robert.
MMMMmmmm all you can eat..........
:corkysm55
It's MAGICALLY Delicious !!!!!
Is that by the Jaycees, or YMCA Lakes Lee?;)

That's Mr. Flamin' PeckaH hEAD to you!:lol:
Somebody call me???
:evilsmile

keep us posted Kev

Yeah - buddy Jack was out Y/D in 54 FOW off a secret spot for a jumbo sPank!N' ......

We need a report... and a GOOD ONE!!!

:SHOCKED:

brigeton

02-16-2009, 04:38 PM

Is that by the Jaycees, or YMCA Lakes Lee?;)

That's Mr. Flamin' PeckaH hEAD to you!:lol:

From a sign on the south side of Freekmont. AYCE Lake perch.

Natty Cans

02-16-2009, 06:24 PM

I'm a little late here but went out on sat on the south southeast side and ice was about 7-9" of black ice and another few on top of that. The thickness def varied a lot about every 10'. Worse off the water was dirtier than a glass of swish. Still gave it a shot til dark tho and came up with a couple bites on perch and a small pike. No keepers. Seems like their still down there but blind as a blue hair behind the wheel.

kcarlson

02-16-2009, 10:12 PM

kcarlson

02-16-2009, 11:37 PM

Muskegon,..
How about a good weather report!:)
http://www.accuweather.com/us/mi/muskegon/49440/forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=1&metric=0

sports-n-cigs

02-18-2009, 02:32 PM

MichiganMike5

02-18-2009, 03:52 PM

kcarlson

02-18-2009, 05:21 PM

Been watching the current flow trends for the past few days. If the Ice holds
out and the current keeps trending down we may still be in decent shape to
see some more good perchin before ice out. Anyone been out the past couple of days
to check the Ice? Heres a link to the real time River Current data. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mi/nwis/uv/?site_no=04121500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Mike
Michigan Mike
Thanks for the river current data link,.....I think it will be a helpfull tool to have,.....For Sure!
Not Really sure on the latest ice conditions. There was 10" off cottage grove on Monday, but as far as today go's... I don't know?
Colder air on the way, so we should get a few more weeks of fishing in on Muskegon lake.

MichiganMike5

02-19-2009, 04:59 AM

Your welcome KC...here are a couple additional links to streamflow data which impact current flow in Muskegon Lk. that ya might find helpful...
Bear Creek @ Musk. Lk. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv/?site_no=04122100&PARAmeter_cd=00060,00065 and Musk. Rvr. @ Croton http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv/?site_no=04121970&PARAmeter_cd=00060,00065
I only get on the ice if theres a uniform 7-8" minimum. So I'm hoping the Ice
reports keep improving, current slows back down and water clarity improves...
If we can see that happening soon I think 'em Perches will be throwin on the
Feedbag again! :D
Mike

Natty Cans

02-19-2009, 01:24 PM

Thanks Mike for those links. Looks like the flow is back down again.

Lots of cans and hopefully some good fishing.

"Tip ups, hoes down"

Trout Slayer

02-19-2009, 07:35 PM

Any word on how the ice is fairing?
Hoping to get out tomorrow, but don't want to drive an hour if I have to tip toe around on 3 inches of ice... :tdo12:

MichiganMike5

02-20-2009, 04:48 AM

Heard yesterday that there were 6-9" of good ice and a few were getting out
w/Quads and sleds. Also heard that the shore ice at the Clipper launch was
still not completely frozen back in yet so ya might wanna try elsewhere.
Same person said the perch were starting to bite again but not like they were
before the last thaw. 30 keepers/Day.
Gonna try to get out Saturday AM. Good Luck
Mike

kcarlson

02-20-2009, 09:42 PM

Hello All,
I will not be going out on Saturday,...I know alot of you will be trying your luck,.. let us know how you did,.....good or bad....
Most of US! Don't care about your exact location, but are curious how you did....???
How thick was the ice?... Any quads -n- sleds??..
What baits / depths were working for you?
let us know!

I hope to make it out on Sunday.
Bite, ..or no bite, I will be out next weekend for sure,.... thanks for the reports!!!! Good Luck to All!

K.C

fishbucket

02-20-2009, 11:11 PM

Natty Cans

02-21-2009, 06:40 AM

Headin out today. Will post conditions if conscious later. I have half of one eye open right now and plan on getting them both open here in a few. Am going to need some of that energy liquor today boys.

kcarlson

02-21-2009, 09:07 AM

Has anyone been fishing the north side of the lake? I'm talking from the state park to bear lake channel area. I've heard stories of walleyes on the flats out from the state park/Weber road. Anyone have any info about this? I did get into some perch out there one time in about 12 foot of water. I figure it might be worth looking into this weekend :help:

I heard the same thing on the walleyes out there, but since the thaw
I have not heard anything. Not sure how the ice is out there, but I think it would be worth a try.

Also would like to know how you get a state park sticker if nobody is in the booth to sell you one. Drove through there earlier this year, and alot of the cars had what looked to be tickets on the windsheilds? Nobody in the booth ,... but they will drive through and ticket you?

2nd street also was producing a few eyes before the thaw, not sure how the ice is there either? Last we knew it was considered "unsafe"

force feeder

02-21-2009, 10:33 AM

If you get one of those "tickets" you can pay for a day pass or season pass through the mail. I would park there and if they get you pay for it if not sweet!! Good luck

rustyw

02-21-2009, 12:17 PM

Yes those are not actually "Tickets" They are just a 1 day pass you pay for in the mail, All unmanned state parks do it that way if you do not have a state park sticker. A DNR officer sometimes shows up and puts those on the cars with no stickers.

Ofcourse if you dont pay it you will get in some hot water.

I drove around the Lake Thursday and 2nd street was unsafe, under an inch at launch... open water out across the points. Snug was plenty safe with many perminant shantys still out. Conservation club had 2 shantys still out ready to drop in. It looked like the channels opened all the way to black bouy.

I cant make it out this weekend so those that do let us know how the ice is.

kcarlson

02-21-2009, 02:52 PM

If you get one of those "tickets" you can pay for a day pass or season pass through the mail. I would park there and if they get you pay for it if not sweet!! Good luck

Yes those are not actually "Tickets" They are just a 1 day pass you pay for in the mail, All unmanned state parks do it that way if you do not have a state park sticker. A DNR officer sometimes shows up and puts those on the cars with no stickers.

Ofcourse if you dont pay it you will get in some hot water.

I drove around the Lake Thursday and 2nd street was unsafe, under an inch at launch... open water out across the points. Snug was plenty safe with many perminant shantys still out. Conservation club had 2 shantys still out ready to drop in. It looked like the channels opened all the way to black bouy.

I cant make it out this weekend so those that do let us know how the ice is.

Thanks guys. I will feel better about parking there in the future.

MichiganMike5

02-22-2009, 06:13 AM

Started in 50 fow straight out from Clipper at about 7:30am, Shore ice was
completely froze in so buddy decided to unload his 500 Sporstsman and
Trap Voyager. In 50 fow ice was 9" in far left hole and 10.5" in far Right
Hole. Tried Minnows and Waxies on perch flies, Demon Glows and minnow heads
on Halis...by 12:00pm we had tossed back 2 Rock Bass and decided to move.
Noticed a few groups had set-up along a line west of the Black bouy (one group
looked to have 4-5 shantys and a quad or 2 right next to each other) and decided
to head out in that direction.
We ended up north of the line of shantys in 28 fow and setup. Ice was 10.5"
in all holes. pulled a few quick perch on red perch flies/minnows, stayed til
about 4:15pm anded up with a dozen 8-10" perch and called it a day.
when we returned to the launch there was about 2' of open water at the
launch which I assume was caused by all the traffic leaving the ice.
Did see a few other Quads/Sleds out on the Ice as travel conditions were
pretty good although there was some deeper drifts forming by late afternoon.
Good Luck, Hope ya find better action than we did.
Mike

wolverines

02-22-2009, 12:03 PM

rustyw

02-23-2009, 08:27 AM

Any reports off 2nd street?

fishbucket

02-23-2009, 12:38 PM

Any reports off 2nd street?

Drove by there yesterday and there was hardly anyone out there. I don't know if it was because of bad ice, the 25mph wind, or a combination of both :lol:. I fished out from bear lake channel for a little while and found plenty of ice, 10-12". Didn't do much catching though :rant:.

mybluetoy

02-23-2009, 03:11 PM

I was out Sat. morn. off the Sanddocks in 44 fow and there was about 8" of ice with quads and a snowmobile out. Fished from 9-3 and caught about 20, came home with 14. Very slow and tough...

Any reports from Cottage Grove???

Fished Cottage grove Sat. Morning from 8:30 until noon. No Bites. Everyone we talked to said the same.

N M Mechanical

02-23-2009, 03:27 PM

fished snug sunday just because it was blocked by the wind kept 20 gills and lost a pike 2lb line and pike don't mix.

StStutz

02-23-2009, 03:36 PM

drove to the south side of the lake on lunch today. There were a couple shanties at 2nd street, not sure how good the ice is though. all the reports i've heard from the weekend, including our group were very slow (muskegon and white lake).

rustyw

02-23-2009, 03:46 PM

Thanks for the info me and TheBigRedDog are going to hit 2nd after work and see whats going on.

kcarlson

02-23-2009, 03:56 PM

Thanks for the info me and TheBigRedDog are going to hit 2nd after work and see whats going on.

keep us posted,... tell cliff i said hello.

Also talked to a friend who fished by the clipper sat. for perch and got 0.
I think its gonna pick back up soon.

N M Mechanical

02-23-2009, 05:02 PM

water clarity should be better mid week before the weekend rush:SHOCKED:

TheBigRedDog

02-23-2009, 07:45 PM

@ 2nd st, well, the ice is ok I was on about 4 inches of clear ice and between 0 to 6 inches of snow on the ice with wet spots. Everyone out tonight was carrying spuds didnt see anyone get wet might be getting better but still need to use caution.
Caught 1 pike about 24" on a tip up with 8lb test and a walleye minnow. Jigged, marked a few, no takers, heard someone caught a walleye this evening dont know on what or how big but I do know where. Saw a few of the regulars go out to the "spot" dont know how they did or how the ice was, a few vetured to the west.
Might give it a try again this weekend if the water doent get muddy again.

joefish

02-23-2009, 11:33 PM

kcarlson

02-25-2009, 09:26 AM

Went off the sand docks this afternoon. Guys leaving as I was walking out all said that they hadn't had a bite all morning. Saw one guy set the hook a couple times while I was walking out so I headed that way. Fished from 11:30 until 3:30 and left with 43. Threw back 5 or 6. Size was pretty decent with most running 9" to 10". Was catching them on both wigglers and eyes. The fish seemed to be moving around a lot. If you got one, you would pick up 4 or 5 more within a couple of minutes and then you would sit there for 20 minutes before they passes through again. Guys in real shallow were catching some small ones as I was leaving. Ice was running around 9".

Nice report joefish,..

I would expect a good perch / walleye / pike bite for the rest of this week, and through the week-end my .02 cents.;)
I will be heading out on Sat. n Sun.
Hope to put a few more in the freezer.......Hope to put together a good post w/ some pics in the new, and up coming thread ...
"Muskegon Lake (March)" :D thread.

Good Luck Everyone.
Don't forget the camera this week-end!
Keep the posts, and reports coming.

KC

MoJoRisin'

02-25-2009, 09:57 AM

Hope the ice holds up OK as we are looking as significant rain tomorrow. I may get out once this weekend - sounds like sand docks might be the place to be? Anybody have any news on Cottage Grove or the Black Buoy / Clipper? I've been out of touch for a few weeks and the last time I was out the bite was off due to dirty water.

N M Mechanical

02-25-2009, 12:04 PM

what kc don't want to go 13,000 views:tdo12:

sfw1960

02-25-2009, 12:17 PM

I hope my FIL makes some more progess - and I can find the time or effort to get out there myself.
:)

kcarlson

02-25-2009, 12:42 PM

what kc don't want to go 13,000 views:tdo12:
We got a few more days maybe will hit 13000 views:lol:

It will be sad to say good bye to this thread.
Thanks to EACH! and EVERYONE! of YOU! who posted and viewed.

See you all in Muskegon Lake (March "till ice out")

kc

N M Mechanical

02-25-2009, 12:51 PM

like said earlier hope the rain won't come but it is rain now here in Casz

kcarlson

02-25-2009, 02:36 PM

http://www.accuweather.com/us/mi/muskegon/49440/forecast-15day.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=1&metric=0

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday looks real good, but after that I think it will be over real soon:sad:.
Better get out if its safe this weekend,.... as always use caution.

Matt V

02-25-2009, 02:37 PM

It is pouring in Holland right now, hopefully Muskegon isn't getting this rain....

kcarlson

02-25-2009, 02:41 PM

Who is bringing the planks?:lol: I would'nt count on any shore ice.

MoJoRisin'

02-25-2009, 03:37 PM

Wife took a ride by Sand Docks just after lunch and called me and said that there was about 20 shanties out in the rain. Must be catching them to be out there in that rain today. It rained hard between noon and 1PM today then quit. At least for the last 30 to 40 foot going on and coming off the ice you will not go in over your head as it is less than 5 ft deep!! It does drop off fast after that though.

Please report current conditions if you are out in the next few days.

Good luck if you get out!!

joefish

02-25-2009, 07:12 PM

Fished from 9:30 to 11:30 this morning and left just as it started sprinkling. Fished in the same spot I hit them decent on Monday but they were SLOW this morning. Only wound up with 15 and you had to be right on the rod as they would only bounce it once and they were gone which was kind of surprising as twice I caught fish with minnows in their mouth including one that had 3 minnows in it's mouth and still hit my wiggler. Looks like we lost a couple inches since Monday and the top inch was getting slushy when I left. With the rain that we got this morning and the wind, I wouldn't be surprised if the area I fished would be open water by tomorrow. Most guys only had 5 or 6 fish. There was only 1 shanty out off Cottage Grove and there was a small cluster of 8 or 10 out between the Clipper and the black bouy.

skamaniac

02-26-2009, 09:54 AM

Fished the sand docks from around noon until 5:00 pm. I think i talked to JoeFish coming off the ice, after reading his post above. Two of us in the same shanty managed to trick a dozen keepers (9&10s) to take the bait, but it was tough. Did mark fish consistanly. Didn't do much moving around until the rain quit. Ice in front of the channel 100 - 150 yds or so was a good solid 6" and up to 10" farther east when we left. Shore ice was still in good shape. This was as of 5:00 pm, i'm sure things could have changed over night.

MichiganMike5

02-27-2009, 01:32 AM

Not going to make it out this weekend.
Best of Luck to those that do get out.
Just remember to be safe. Spuds R our friends!

TheBigRedDog

02-27-2009, 06:01 AM

It is possible that I will be out if there are some good reports of ice I would rather not go out by myself if the ice is shady.
If not I just got some fresh spawn from a buddy:D and might try for some steelies sometime this weekend.

kcarlson

02-27-2009, 08:31 AM

We really need an ice report!
I plan on making a call to shoreline services ,and adams angler archer to see if they can give us an up to date ice report. I will post later this afternoon.
Post if you have any info on the ice conditions.

Thanks,

kev

kcarlson

02-27-2009, 09:43 AM

From the looks of this photo,...its not looking to promising.

http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/metdata/mkg/lmfs3.jpg (http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/metdata/mkg/lmfs3.jpg)

StStutz

02-27-2009, 10:45 AM

kcarlson

02-27-2009, 12:04 PM

went out last night night on the south side. There is still a good 10" of black ice around 7o'clock in the evening. rain took care of the snow on the ice but the shore ice was still in surprisingly good shape. I'd guess that the sand docks and east side are getting pretty nasty, but mid-lake should be OK, IMO.

Thanks StStutz
Thats kinda what I have been hearing also,......
I know someone that is going out there right now to check out cottage grove and the clipper.

All ice conditions, and fish reports welcome.

MoJoRisin'

02-27-2009, 02:07 PM

A buddy checking it out said a few guys at the Sand Docks and nobody off of Cottage Grove. Not sure at the Clipper.

4 Guys on the S Pier but they looked cold......I'm not ready to go pier fishing just yet with lower 20's forcast for tomorrow and Sunday.

Maybe Sunday for me if the ice reports and fishing reports are decent. Possibly by the Clipper in the deep water.

loonatic31

02-27-2009, 03:05 PM

We drove around the north side of the lake to look around.Saw a few out at 2nd,and a few out on Snug.Could see a couple out by the black bouy and over near the clipper.Sorry didnt get out and check the ice .could see that the shore ice over at snug was water about 2-4 feet out.goin out tomorrow to white!!

kcarlson

02-27-2009, 04:35 PM

Shoreline said..... anywhere from 2" to 8" of ice,... would not say if it was safe.

Johnsons up in Montague(white lake) said lots of poeple still fishing all over the lake, they recomended, life jackets and ropes.

I will be on one of these two lakes tomorrow.

Good luck.

N M Mechanical

02-27-2009, 08:58 PM

Walk Lightly and carry A Big Spud..

Matt V

02-27-2009, 09:23 PM

I drove by second street tonight, there was 1 shanty way out by the open water. There were 2 shanty's by BL channel, no one out off Weber.

sfw1960

02-27-2009, 10:26 PM

Well Kev , at least you made 13,500 + views on this thread - I'll have WALLEYE MIKE close it down tomorrow...LOL
j/k!!!

:lol:

With my FIL still in the hospital - it's unlikely I will get out - or if I do it might be close to home , but on one side of my brain I am already getting really antsy to troll ...

:D

Keep the reports coming - and LET'S HAVE SOME PICTURES!

:fish2: :fish2: :fish2:

Trout Slayer

02-28-2009, 11:20 AM

sfw1960

02-28-2009, 11:24 AM

Just got off the phone with Kev & he said there's a few guys out there...
He's out off the Clipper and sitting on about 8" of ice / 50 FOW , so if somebody heads out there his auger crapped out and he's spud-bound , offer to drill him a few more holes!!
:lol:

He had just set up and did land a keeper while I was on the phone with him.
There are still fish there!
:evilsmile
We'll be expecting a full report and pictures later............
:16suspect

G'Luck & be safe!

~Robert~

N M Mechanical

02-28-2009, 04:08 PM

Kev you should of called I was working in North Muskegon and Had the agur in the truck.

kcarlson

02-28-2009, 06:43 PM

Spuding through 10 inches of hard ***** ice will get ya warmed up in a hurry! Shore ice was good at cottage grove and the clipper. 20 shanties out at the black bouy along w/ 1/2 doz quads.
W/ all the snow off the ice it was easy walking today, being able to see the ice,... Its broke up real bad, so the 1st warm day we get I would stay off from it. It was solid as a rock today, but like I said it took a beating!

SLOW for me today got 6 fish all at the 7 1/2 inch mark.
10:30am to 2:30pm. I don't know how everyone else did, but I THINK the perch got pushed back out into the big lake w/ the big February thaw, It never really came back to what is was before the thaw.

Wanted to take some good photos today out on the lake, but the batteries were dead in the camera. Had a good chat w/ sfw1960 on the cell phone out there, hope to get aboard his boat for some walleye fishin this spring or fall. I'm not sure he believed me when I told him I only fished the hard water:lol: Sad but true!
Its like duck huntin through a chimney!

February 28 2009

KC