Houghton and Cadillac lakes doing anything right now?
Michigan Fishing
Dec 20, 2022 14:17:52 #
Just trying to see how the action is and more importantly how the ice is. I’m downstate with a trip planned for next week and I’m itching to go
Dec 21, 2022 08:55:37 #
LittleRichie wrote:
Just trying to see how the action is and more importantly how the ice is. I’m downstate with a trip planned for next week and I’m itching to go
Getting cold now, but I would call a local bait shop about ice conditions
Dec 21, 2022 13:13:24 #
davedumont
Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
On other fishing sites from that area the locals are saying that Houghton has some fishable ice but you have to hunt for it. I haven't heard any info on Cadillac yet.
Dec 21, 2022 13:14:42 #
davedumont
Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
They ARE catching fish on Houghton for sure because they are posting pics.
Dec 22, 2022 14:41:55 #
Randog113
Loc: Southeast Michigan
Locals know where, someone just heading up may be in trouble not knowing the lake. I go out on sketchy ice on lakes I know at the same early ice areas I have fished for years. Haven't fallen through, that is exciting. I know the risk.
Dec 22, 2022 19:40:12 #
davedumont
Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
Randog 113, I hear ya. I know a lot of people that do the same thing. I'm just the opposite. Lol. My frame of mind is that there isn't a fish in the world worth dying for. They will still be there once the ice gets thicker. One quick tip for everybody though. If you go early and you don't know the lake but you know they are getting out there and fishing it, just drive around the lake and see where the fishermen are. Then follow their tracks out the the area they are fishing at. No matter what always carry and use a spud to check the ice as you go out and come back on. Especially on early ice since it can change rather quickly. Good luck out there!
Dec 22, 2022 19:42:02 #
davedumont
Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
Checking the weather report it looks like we're in for a week of above normal temps not long after this storm. Go figure! In january!!
Dec 22, 2022 19:43:52 #
Randog113
Loc: Southeast Michigan
Remember they might not have walked directly to where they are they might have had to make a lot of turns and read that ice don't walk from the shore directly towards someone and think you're going to get there. You might be sorry and if you're by yourself no one will even see you go in
Dec 22, 2022 20:05:04 #
davedumont
Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
Randog 113, exactly. Even if you CAN follow their tracks you better use that spud or you may be sorry. Great advice. Even seasoned ice fishermen go through every year bacause they made just one small mistake, like forgetting to test the ice with their spud all the way out and all the way in. As an example, I just read a story earlier this year about an experienced guide that went though the ice miles out on Lake Superior and died. He had just guided some clients out to a spot along with his friend but they weren't catching anything so he and his buddy went to check another spot on their snowmobiles. The ice was a few feet thick where they were fishing however on the way across the ice the guide hit a spot where there was an air pocket or something and the ice was thin. He had no idea until it was too late. His buddy was right behi d him and tossed him a rope and got him out after several tries but he died before he could get back to shore. Moral of the story: no ice is safe ice. Period.
Dec 22, 2022 20:12:40 #
Dec 23, 2022 09:16:27 #
Dec 23, 2022 09:20:49 #
Dec 23, 2022 09:54:06 #
davedumont
Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
That's for sure. The point I was making is that he was an experienced guide and knew what he was doing yet he made a bad mistake and headed out over untested ice. It only takes one mistake out there to possibly cost you your life. Always think ahead. Don't be in a hurry to get out to your spot. Take your time and test that ice! Even then bad things can happen if it isn't thick enough. I've seen people go in and can tell you first hand it's scary as hell.
Dec 23, 2022 11:07:50 #
Randog113
Loc: Southeast Michigan
I understand. I haven't gone through but I did step on a skim over fishing hole my leg went in up to my thigh. Busted up my knee. A couple years ago a group of teenagers were walking across the ice a straggler mosing along fell through. His friends didn't hear his yells,I laid out reached him with a fishing pole and pulled him out. He didn't even thank me for risking my life. . He was soaking wet and cold. I did my best. I was going to ask him if he needed my heated shanty but he ran off to catch up with his friends
Dec 23, 2022 16:31:11 #
davedumont
Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
Congrats on pulling him out. My biggest fear on the ice is falling through and being able to get out. I imagine that young man was beside himself and all he could think of is getting to his buddies for help as well as to chew them out for not noticing him in the water. You did a heroic thing pulling him out and I imagine he's very thankful even if he did forget to say so. I would think once he got back on top of the ice he was freezing up quickly. We need more people like you out there.
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