Winter fishing is awesome! Surrounded by three freshwater lakes, Charlevoix has easy access to ice-fishing hot spots. When ice fishing, it is important to check the DNR’s weekly fishing report because they provide ice safety information.
Lake Charlevoix is over 17,000 acres which makes it perfect for ice fishing. A lot of fishermen like to fish off of Young State Park and the mouth of the Boyne River. These locations are perfect spots for walleyes.
On the south arm of Lake Charlevoix, ice conditions are often safer because the water is shallower, more narrow, and freezes faster than the rest of the lake. You will often find fishermen closer to Ironton where the water depth is between 15 and 30 feet. The south arm of the lake is a good place to find walleye ranging between 18 and 22 inches. The best type of bait to use: Jiggin’ Rapalas, Rattling Buckshot Spoons, and Swedish Pimples. For other types of species found in Lake Charlevoix, the end of January is the best time to catch pike, and February is for Cisco and the occasional Lake Trout.
Lake Michigan generally freezes for 4–5 months during the winter, generally from December through March. Every winter, ice conditions can vary so it’s important to take caution when venturing out on the great lake.
The DNR has a helpful update for fishermen about ice conditions and general safety tips. They recommend the following:
- Check the ice thickness.
- Don’t forget to check the weather. The best way to make sure you’re extra safe is to check the weather while planning your trip (if possible), a few days before, and right before you hit the ice.
- Don’t fish alone. If you can, head out with your fellow anglers, friends, or family. If you’re going solo, consider telling someone you trust where you’re going and when you expect to come back.
- Pack a life jacket. Along with a life jacket that’s an essential part of your safety gear, it’s recommended that you pack a spud to test the ice, along with ice picks.
- Hire a local guide. Ice fishing involves carrying a lot of gear around, and getting to the best spots might sometimes be tricky. A knowledgeable guide who knows the local waters usually takes care of all the details so that you can fully enjoy your ice fishing adventure.
Check out the Michigan Department of Natural Resources page for more information about ice fishing.
Here are some helpful tips that can help you be productive (and warm) during your Michigan ice-fishing trip:
- Permanent/portable ice shanties. These are ice houses – sheds – that fit all your gear and electronics, as well as a heater while separating you from the ice. Sheds can be made of different materials, from plastic to wood.
- Navigational electronics. Good electronics and a fish finder can help you locate the fish. Some Michigan ice fishing guides may carry underwater cameras to help you spot your next target under the ice.
- Transportation. Depending on where you’ll be fishing, you might need a snowmobile or an airboat to maneuver on the ice. There are various types of those, some can even propel through water before clawing back to the ice.
- Fishing gear and tackle. Your go-to gear while fishing in Michigan may include spinning rods and reels. Depending on your target fish, you may also use jigging spoons, reels, and various types of bait.
