Fishing through the ice will yield a treasure trove of delicious eating and provide an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh, crisp winter air as a bonus. Of course, if you are going to fish through the ice, you will want to know the best place to drill a hole or set your shanty.
MDNR
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment publishes a comprehensive online fishing report, which is updated periodically throughout the year. The report is divided by regions, then by locations. It includes such vital information as fishing depths, successful lures and applicable fishing technique. If you fish the Great Lakes, there is also a water temperature map on the site's homepage.
Southern Lower Peninsula
If you are contemplating a trip onto the ice and really want to fill your creel, check with the local bait stores. As anglers stop in to purchase bait, they are quick to tell their fish stories. For those of you who ice fish in the southern reaches of the Lower Peninsula, look to Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor. You will get some good advice about fishing the "hard water." If you cannot make it into the shop, they have an online fishing report for your convenience.
Northern Lower Peninsula
In the northern Lower Peninsula, anglers gravitate toward Pat & Gary's Party Store in Indian Lake. Nestled between Burt and Mullet lakes, this perennial business establishment offers good ice-fishing tips that serve well as you try your tip-ups on this portion of the state's inland waterway, which starts at Pickerel Lake and ends in Lake Huron.
Upper Peninsula
If you ice fish the Manistique Lakes in the central Upper Peninsula, check out the Fish & Hunt Shop in Curtis. This popular hangout has been in business since 1953 and the staff knows all about the surrounding lakes, where to drill your hole and what baits are working on any given day.
Blogs and Forums
Ice fishing disciples have many outlets to share their knowledge and skills. Blogs and forums with up-to-date fishing reports specific to your area are up and running. Eager ice fishermen discuss equipment and contemplate the best fishing holes throughout the year. If you are into tournament fishing, these handy online resources can steer you to next weekend's contest.
Licenses
Ice fishing requires a license, so do not pull out that auger or drag your shanty onto the ice without one. Licenses are available at bait shops and sporting goods stores throughout the state as well as online. If you are fishing for trout or salmon, you will need an all-species license, which runs $28 a year for a resident angler. Licenses good for all species except trout and salmon cost $15 a year. A non-resident fisherman can purchase a yearly, all-species license for $42 or a 24-hour, all-species license for $7. A yearlong, restricted license, good for all species except trout and salmon, is $34. Resident or nonresident anglers under the age of 17 can purchase an all-species license, which is good for one year, for only $2.
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