Ice Conditions, Weather Reports, and More!

An unfortunate picture tonight—not the kind of double we like to see. Butler’s Island has a reef extending northward off the point, with a half-mile of shallow water reaching into the bay. FYI: Nobody was physically hurt in these two incidents, except for their pride. Two ways to end up in the drink are confusion…

Water on the ice after yesterday’s drainage was minimal by this morning. However, by later in the morning, above-normal temperatures made for another sloppy day on the bay. One more night barely above freezing, and then the mercury begins to drop in our favor again. This warm weather pattern has certainly increased the feeding activity.…

As anticipated, the fishing is picking up with the warm weather. It’s far from slamming, but it’s a start. There are sloppy spots of slush and several inches of water on the surface of 20 or more inches of rock-solid ice. The standing water could be gone soon if the toilet bowling continues. That’s right—water…

What a difference a day makes.”On Sunday afternoon, a machine on tracks was the only way to traverse the bay as snow depths were reaching the point where some speed was needed to get anything on tires through without bogging down or getting stuck in a drift, or worse, hung up in a deep shack…

The wind has been steady out of the south for the first time in a while. Any change is welcome as anglers continue to work hard catching fish. It’s not just walleye; perch have gone on a diet as well. Finding fish is not a problem, though. Keep at it—it’s a jigging thing. Figure out…

It’s Wednesday night on the bay, and the seven-day forecast looks incredible. Above-freezing daily temperatures will get rivers flowing, and colder nights will keep good ice well past walleye season. Reports of the tight-lipped walleyes are already starting to eat again. The forecast, barometric pressure, and the moon are all lining up for a good…

Sunday on the Noc was windy and white. With gusts over 30 mph, winds from the northwest worked all day to send the tranquil blanket of snow on the bay down through the narrows. Huge walleyes are definitely roaming Little Bay de Noc. Reports of fish becoming active over the weekend were on the rise.…

Saturday morning started early on the ice, with some anglers following me out. This is a valuable service that I and other outfitters offer to help anglers who aren’t out there every day, ensuring a safe passage to their desired fishing location. I arrived at the Kipling public launch and looked out at a perfectly…

The addition of 3-4 inches of fresh snow leveled the bay, making it tougher to see differences in the terrain, resulting in occasional bogging down into a firm, unseen drift. With 3-5 inches of accumulation in the forecast for Saturday, it’s best to bring a shovel. While checking ice this afternoon, Lacy and I took…