Nw Michigan Report

[JJ Mac]

With walleye season finally underway, last week I finally made it back out to do some evening trolling at an area lake in the Petoskey area. The fishing has been pretty good. I've been out four nights in row from 7:30pm to 10:30 pm. The pike are going bonkers. I've caught 13. Had to replace several hooks and split rings. I've picked up 3 smallies too including one last night around 5 lbs. But my prey is walleye, and I've gotten 5 so far. Not a lot, but they're running big--one 23", two 25"'s, one 29" (released) and this one in the picture is just about 30" (released).

All fish have been caught pulling hardbaits behind planer boards trolling 1.8 to 2.0 mph. And everybody tells me I should be jiggging. Ha! It sure is great to get out again after a long winter. I'll be back out next week and post an update.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/542/7497lk_chwally_67.jpg

[Crooked Dave]

Hey Mac,
Awesome fish (boat, too). Nice to hear you're putting them back so I can have a chance. Burt has been slow for the troll, but jiggin' seems to be the ticket. What is the water temp in the lake your fishing? Wind has kept me off the lake this last week, but going back out Mon/Tue/Wed...if the weather cooperates. Would like to get together for an evening boat ride if your ever one passanger short.

[JJ Mac]

Hey, Dave. I haven't bothered to take a water temp. or remember looking at it on the graph. It sure was cold when I had to reach down to adjust a transducer though! Shoot me with a pm of your phone # and we'll head out one night.