Heading to Sanford Lake, Help please

[scubajay]

I am heading to Sanford Lake this Saturday afternoon (March-05) and was wondering if anyone could provide me some information on where to go and what to use. I have never fished this lake before and I am not that familiar with it. Thanks in advance for any help that you can provide.

[Copper44]

All i know is stay away from that center channel that goes underneath the highway bridge. Especially with all the snow now thats gonna be covered an insulated and usually doesnt get much ice.

[slim Jim]

I'v fished it a couple times during the summer and that, but have never tried it during winter. During spring I know they catch fish off of black creek. I know in MS magazine, they where talking about the church grounds on the southend, but not sure where that it is.

Good luck,
Jim

[krt]

I haven't icefished it in years, but I believe the church grounds are/is on the west side a mile give or take, north of the 1st fill. It's kind of a big cove. It used to be a great place for specks.

[gman]

try doing a search of old threads it might help out for general areas to try.

[scubajay]

I did do a search on Sanford Lake and the only thread that had any icefishing information was posted in 2002 and it did not really have anything useful. That is why I posted a new thread hoping that someone may be able to provide some recent information. I thought that if I did a search that I would come up with enough empirical data that I could make an informed decision as to where/what/when/how but no such luck. Once again thanks for any input that you can provide.

[tommy-n]

You might want to consider going north a few miles to wixom lake, There are some good access sites., and probally better fishing. It's only 10-12 miles

[gman]

I've been wanting to try Wixom myself. the only shanties I've seen on Sanford this winter is right off the shoreline on the north side of the bridge where U.S. 10 crosses. I usually go through there 3-4 times a week. I've been cutting up 30 through edenville and there has always been a couple groups of shanties along the west shore of the west arm. I'm not sure what they are fishing for but they are always there. one of these days I hope to check it out. always too much to do. I think we need to go to a 4 day work week.

[tommy-n]

They are fishing crappies on the edge of the river channel, It's a deep water bite there 26-34ft water.

[dzag23]

Empirical Data? You must work in Research scubajay.;) :)

--Dave

[scubajay]

That is correct Dzag.

[tommy-n]

scubajay, chech your pms

[scubajay]

Thanks Tommy-n. I appreciate when fellow anglers are willing to provide worthwhile information to help out other fishermen.

[gmalicoat]

Hey scuba--

I live on the corner of the 1st fill and the lake and have fished it a ton this winter. It has been slow to say the least. I have had 2 tip-ups out since 11 AM not a flag. I do think, however, that if you can get upstream the pike may be moving into spawning grounds. As for the fill you can come out and probably catch a bunch of dink perch and a few bluegill. If you go into black creek you will catch perch, crappie and bluegill but they will likely be on the small side.

good luck

[tommy-n]

Your welcome, I know it's not right were you asked but you can get on fish and not waste all your time.

[Shad]

My cousin and I went up on the Tittabawsee and fished below the Sanford Dam Sunday afternoon. We had a report that they were getting a few Eyes. My 1st cast hooked a 28-1/2 in. Pike. My cousin landed a 22 incher on his 2nd cast. We landed another 22 in., probably the same damn fish before we headed home. I spoke with a couple locals who said they caught 4 eyes all over 20 in. The night before. We were using slip sinkers with a small stinger hook tipped with a Blue Shiner. Also used a 3/8 ounce leadheaded jig with a blue, green, or white twistertail. There's a real nice baitshop on W.Saginaw rd. just West of the bridge. Good luck...

[holzy]

My best suggestion would be to head to Wixom Lake. You can access via the DNR boat launch and just drive out on the ice. Like was mentioned earlier though, it's a deep water bite along the channel.

Sanford has been extremely difficult to locate good sized pan fish in the winter. Spring is a different story. Pike and Muskies are the best bet though if you do hit Sanford. I'd make sure to have steel leader! There are some monsters in there.

[scubajay]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Due to a couple of complications I was unable to get there until 11 MAR. I fished Wixom lake based on the input from several folks. I fished straight out from the DNR launch site. I did not do very well as I was skunked but I learned a few thins from some of the locals and will be trying again.