Big H report

[ifish4eyes]

Hey all, went to Big H. with two buddy's. Hit the ice at before 1st light out of Channel Ct Rd. We caught the morning bite, but no iced eyes. I had a possible eye at 7:30 that got off ( optimist ) Seen one keeper iced early in 12ft. Things died down for awhile. I kept my buddy busy messing around with my piece junk sled and hauling me around. lol. We stayed until the late afternoon bite. My buddy had a big eye to the top of his hole, but this 4 to 5lb brute had other plans and took off with his hot lure and busted line to the depth of Houghton Lake to fight another day. Lots of pike action with one legal at 25", some crappie, and rocky's, making for a nice mess of fish for my dad who is not able to get out. All in all a fine day on the ice. LP ( Very little snow, 9 inches of ice )

[krt]

I also spend time on Houghton. My buddy & I, though, have hit hard times I beleive due to the weed situation -- or lack there of. There was a time when eyes on the ice could be counted on. Not this year, though. I was wondering how your season has been going? Anything you would be willing to share would be greatly appreciated and the favor returned when possible.
Thanks

[notmuchtime]

Just got back from Houghton Lk. Fished from b4 sunrise to after sunset and brought home 19 gills of average size. Used chartruese teardrops w/ wax worms.
Two flags w/o a hookset. I fished straight out from the dnr ramp at Townline rd. in 8' of water. Lyman's also mentioned that the walleye were scarce so far this year. It sure was great to finally get out. I am sore as heck today, but slept like a baby last night. Hope to fish Kent Lk. Tues or next w/e. Saw alot of people out there today. Looks like they were on the old river channel.

[Houghton laker]

I have fished houghton twice this year ..plenty of pike but yet no eyes! Spots I have fished before with weeds are weedless now...I believe that is the trick..get on a nice weedline if you can find one..maybe by a drop-off and I believe those eyes will be on ice again! Last year was a terrible year for them..I can't tell you how may limits i have taken of good eaters in past years and the best i did last winter was a evening of 2 on the ice.....I am a firm believer in catch and release of the medium to big ones for future stock..love those 17 inchers for the fry pan!

[krt]

Last year was ok for me. Like you said, Houghton Laker, years past was very good for mr. walley up there. Most of our spots had began to dry up last year, I think because there were too many "junk weeds" taking over--certainly not a problem this year. We finally found fish away from the weeds on a gental slope heading towards a weed bed. Caught quite a few but had to sort them. I was told by a tournament fisherman to go back to that very spot because the ones we sorted last year are eaters now. I was told by many people that the boaters were killing them all summer. Lots and lots of fish taken. Maybe too many were taken. I told my budy that this winter would be hard fishing and we probably would have to find them all over again.

I agree that if a person can find a weed line, better yet on a drop off, he will be rewarded.













:( :(

[STEINFISHSKI]

Not to mention the fish have better visibility without all the weeds. They also probably spook easier without the comfort of the weeds. I'd drill a ton of holes in that area and move around a lot quietly after the holes are made. Then a flashier presentation to bring get their attention, and maybe a dead rod with very light line with a big blue or gray to close the deal. Man I'd better get out soon.

Nice avatar larry.:) Was that catch from Houghton?

Nice report.

[ifish4eyes]

That pick is from August 2000 Saginaw bay.