fish'ndad Loc: South Haven, MI

Anyone willing to give info on fishing Lake Cadillac and Mitchell Lake?
Thanks

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Good evening! At this point in the season...regarding ice fishing, I would strongly suggest that you stay off those lakes at this time. They never really got a solid start this year, and after the long 3 week thaw we had the ice has become very unstable, soft, honeycombed and punky. I have even noticed a modest amount of abandoned gear sitting on some lakes this season...which is not a good sign. It tells me that folks went out but retreated in a hurry.

The recent brief drop in night time temperatures might lead a person to think that decent new ice is forming below the crud, but that is not the case., at least in a significant way. Everybody I know around this region has been keeping off the ice.

I stopped at Jay's in Clare, MI a few days ago and picked up a nice ice rod/reel combo on sale, and the floor staff said my timing was perfect because in about a week they are taking all the ice tackle off the floor and gearing up for Spring already...considering that the season in Michigan was basically a "bust" this year.

Although it is possible that things could turn around, I would be extremely cautious this year.

fish'ndad Loc: South Haven, MI

Not going out on any ice this year. Looking at a trip in early June and trying to keep up with fishing reports for Mitchell and Cadillac lakes. Thank you.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Ahhh...I see. That makes sense.

You never know how a lake will produce on any given day depending on numerous parameters that can affect fishing.

Not sure if you have past experience on those 2 lakes, but something I always suggest to folks is to pick up a hard bound paper copy of a spiral bound book from "sportsmans connection". Their web site is scmaps.com.

Although the content of the books are somewhat dated, they still contain a lot of pertinent information such as lake contours, public access points and historic fish stocking data. They also make suggestions about where to try angling based on local knowledge from fisherman.

Both of these lakes are covered in the West Central Region book, which is one of seven books that cover all of Michigan. The books mostly cover lakes, but some do cover a few rivers as well. Whenever I use this media to start learning a lake, I have always done well and found the material to have been well worth the money spent, which is $25.00 per booklet. I think you can also purchase specific lakes for $2.00 per page via their web site.

Lake Cadillac and Mitchell are covered on pages 48 thru 51. Sometimes I have seen these books in tackle shops and bait shops too. In the electronic age we live in, I find it refreshing to rely on good old fashioned printed materials....

Enjoy your future trip in June! Depending on the timing of the mayfly hatch, it could have a significant impact on the fishing at that time.

fish'ndad Loc: South Haven, MI

Thanks for the response. You are correct, the books are very helpful. I have all for lower Michigan. Some info is dated such as the most recent fish stocking or lack of it. Over all a worthwhile purchase.

Do you have any spots to recommend for walleye in west Michigan? (ok, I realize that is like asking where your mushroom spot is)

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Ok...good to know that you also use those books! They are terrific...

I do not target walleye very often (just once or twice each year), but when I do it is in South Lake Leelanau. I hook a few, but have never been lucky enough to catch a limit like what is so easily done in Saginaw Bay for instance.

I'm also trolling from a kayak, which limits how far I can reach from the public launches. There seems to be numerous lakes in NW Michigan that have them stocked, but I do not have any first hand information on them.