Mecosta County

[gooch25]

Anyone check on ice conditions in the Mecosta area? I plan on fishing Lake Mecosta Saturday and Sunday this weekend for crappie and Pike. Will post a report Saturday.



Countdown to 3 lines per person has begun....

[gooseboy]

havent been on since the warm weather, last thursday we were driving on the lake with vehicles, I live close to the launch and fish it very often. I will check tomorrow conditions, at least to see who and what are out there, cool weather coming back

[gooch25]

My folks live in the channel (probably a stones throw from you). I'll be out early Saturday if things go well. Plan on working out around the island on some of the drops for crappie/pike. Have only been up once this winter and it was a slow weekend.

Any big perch being caught this winter? I've heard good reports in the past, but have never run into them myself.

[DougM]

Let us know Gooseboy, I'm takin' my boys up to Lake Isabella this weekend & trying to decide weather or not to bring up my gear. If there is water on the ice, they'll be soaked before I can get the holes drilled :lol:. I'm guessin' most of the lakes will be in similar condition. :dizzy:
Thanks

[gooseboy]

i just fish the specs in the evening, reports from end of last week for perch were red hot. decent fish and not alot of sorting, the gills in the small bay by Marywood/St Ives were decent.out from the new big house..these reports were from end of last week...all from reliable source. Havent heard anything about Round Lake or Blue Lake, havent seen hardly anyone on Round viewing from M-20 all winter...specs have been great to excellent all winter if you can find em

[iceassasin]

I went out on Chippewa lake yesterday. There were still people driving on the ice, most where pulling shanties off though. We ended up catching a decent mess of specks right before dark.

[gooch25]

I love fishing Round in the summer, but without a quad or sled, I never make it out there in the winter. Is there any where to park over there and walk out?

I'll be out around the south of island during the day bouncing around looking for anything active. Definitely need to get camp setup for that night crappie bite though! Look for the single guy sitting around the lantern and stop by for a beer.

[gooseboy]

toss up this weekend for evening specs on Mecosta or going to river for some steelie action

[skamaniac]

With all the rain we got you can forget about the river. Buddy was on the PM Tuesday and did well on browns and a few brookies but no steel action. Blue has been giving up some good catches of nice Pike.

[gooch25]

Is there any public access spots for Blue? I can't imagine the channel being any good to travel after this weather.

I think the river will be fine...just need a boat ;)

Can't wait to get out there this weekend. Loaded up on smelt for pike bait and re-tied all my leaders.

Anyone know what time the bait shop opens on M-20?

[gooseboy]

well, I checked Lake Mecosta and no one out there all morning, I did walk out about 50 yards from the launch and quite honestly I didnt feel comfortable, some funny looking colored ice. If you go I would take a spud, one shanty was pulled off the ice and several were still on the ice around the corner....yah, so much for steelie action, gonna have to wait a few days I guess

[gooch25]

Thanks for the update gooseboy. Looks like the weather may cooperate with us the next few days. I'm rolling the dice and coming up tomorrow night. Hoping for a safe, good fishing weekend. Maybe I'll see you out there.

[gooch25]

Drove by a few hours after dark and did not see anyone out there. Will be out in the morning and will post a report.

[gooch25]

Drove down to the ramp a few times this morning and no one is out. Snow is not helping my confidence since I can't see what the ice is like. Hate to venture out by myself, but will be checking soon.

[mihunter32]

people fishing chippewa about 11" in the bay, and 4 wheelers out on pretty.

[gooch25]

Well, after finally seeing another group out on Mecosta, decided to give er a go. Ice was great. The shore was a little sloppy but fine. The ice was still a solid 12" with the top 4" or so a little soft, but no problem at all.

Fished from 1 to 8:30. Bluegill were active in 10 - 13 ft, but not any real size. Night crappie bite was ok. Fish were hitting 10ft down in 15ft of water. Tipup would have been just as good if it didnt have any bait.

Heading out today for hopefully better success.