Ice conditions around the state continue to improve however anglers in the far southern stretches of the Lower Peninsula may have to wait a bit longer for safe ice on the bigger waters. The new regulation that allows anglers to use three lines is getting a lot of attention however; anglers are reminded that the new regulation does not go into effect until April 1, 2009.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Ice anglers are still taking some nice perch in the Metro Park Marina however, be ready to sort out the small ones. Shiner minnows on pink or gold tear drops were taking fish. Fair to good perch action out near the Banana Dike when using Russian hooks with shiners, wax worms or wigglers. The rest of the lake is iced over however anglers will want to wait a bit longer before venturing out.

Huron River - Water levels are back down and steelhead are being caught on spawn. The higher water levels put the fish on the move and those willing to put in the time are catching them.

Detroit River - Boat anglers are launching at Metro Park and heading up to Gibraltar and fishing for perch in the canals. Most of the fish are not real big, but they are keepers. Most are using perch and crappie rigs. Bluegills and perch are being caught in Airport Bay.

Lake St. Clair - The ice is back so anglers are fishing the shallow waters. Panfish are hitting off Metro Beach and fair to good bluegill and perch action was reported in Anchor Bay. Try minnows, spikes or wax worms.

Saginaw Bay - Perch are being caught on the west side of the Bay off Standish, Pinconning and Linwood. Some are fishing off the docks in the marinas.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

The smaller lakes and those that are shallow are all fishable however the shoreline ice may not be safe. Anglers should be careful on the large lakes such as Gun Lake, Gull Lake, Coldwater Lake, and Diamond Lake, or lakes that are part of river systems such as Thornapple Lake.

St. Joe River - Water levels are still a little high and muddy, however anglers are catching walleye and steelhead up near the dam at Berrien Springs. Those finding safe ice on the backwaters are taking some nice bluegills.

Magician Lake - In Cass County is producing some walleye in the evening. Pike and bluegills have also been caught.

Stone Lake - Near Dowagiac is producing some bluegills, perch and even a few black crappie.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Walleye have been caught on bucktail jigs and blue shiners all along the shore and off the East Wall. Some steelhead are still being caught on large spawn bags or jigs with wax worms.

Grand River at Lansing - Walleye action below the dams has been hit-or-miss. Check out the backwaters for big bluegills.

Lake Lansing - A good number of pike have been caught but many are small.

Muskrat Lake - Had a couple weak spots so check the ice before you venture out.

Lake Ovid - The ice was weak in places so fish the shallow waters for now.

Reeds Lake - Anglers are ice fishing however avoid the area near the Fisk Channel which is on the north side of the lake due to unsafe ice. Some nice perch have been caught off the bottom in 30 to 40 feet of water when using shiners, wigglers and wax worms. Bluegills are on the bottom in 20 to 40 feet of water and crappie are 10 to 15 feet down in waters 25 to 35 feet deep. A couple pike were taken on tip-ups with sucker minnows or golden shiners near the boat launch.

Dean Lake - Near Rockford has bluegills hitting on red and white spikes or mousies when fishing just off the bottom. A few pike and one muskie were taken 3 to 6 feet down in waters 10 to 15 feet deep.

Muskegon Lake - Has ice however avoid the area where the freighters are moving through. Enough perch for a meal are being caught along the south end of the lake in waters 45 to 55 feet deep. Bluegills are hitting on bright colors or anything that glows off the State Park on the northwest corner of the lake. Those setting tip-ups for pike have caught the occasional walleye.

Northern Lower Peninsula

East Twin Lake - Had about 1 to 3 inches of snow on top of the ice which makes for easy foot travel. There has been little fishing pressure on the lake. Those targeting perch in 6 to 10 feet of water while jigging minnows have caught some nice fish, but not very many.

West Twin Lake - Also had snow cover for easier travel. Eagle Point has been fair for walleye when using tip-ups with minnows or when jigging minnows in 5 to 8 feet of water. Walleye were seen on the east side of the lake however they were not biting. Anglers are seeing some nice perch and a few of the bigger ones have been caught. No word on bluegill or crappie just yet.

Van Etten Lake - Has good ice but the bite has been slow.

Au Sable River - A couple steelhead were caught in the lower stretches.

Lake Margrethe - The bite has been on one day and off the next. On the good days, some nice perch along with a few pike and walleye have been caught.

Higgins Lake - Is ice covered and anglers are fishing. Lake trout have been caught in 100 feet of water when using large minnows. Perch are biting in 50 to 80 feet of water and some smelt were taken in 50 feet of water. Those spearing have started to take a few pike including one that measured 45 inches.

Houghton Lake - Has been fishing quite well, mostly pike on tip-ups. Walleye were caught in the East Bay and those fishing along the south shore have caught panfish.

Tawas - Anglers are taking walleye about a mile out from Jerry's Marina. Some are jigging while others are setting tip-ups in 15 feet of water.

Au Gres - Anglers fishing here have caught walleye in 15 feet of water off Santiago Road. Try jigs with minnows, spikes or wax worms.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Burt Lake - Catch rates have picked up for walleye and perch. The occasional trout has also been caught.

Traverse City - Both the East Bay and the West Bay still have open water as strong winds prevent the freezing process.

Long Lake - Ice anglers are taking walleye however some of the fish are running small. Some nice perch have also been caught.

Cedar Lake - In Leelanau County is producing some smelt. Try minnows, spikes or wax worms.

North Lake Leelanau - Is starting to produce some walleye.

South Lake Leelanau - A few walleye and some rock bass have been caught. For big bluegills, try the south end of the lake.

Spider Lake - Is good for pike when using tip-ups with sucker minnows. The lake can offer up some nice bluegills this time of year.

Manistee Lake - In Kalkaska County had light fishing pressure. Some walleye and pike were caught on the southeast end of the lake.

Manistee River - Higher water levels should have pushed the steelhead out of the deeper holes and put them on the move. Tippy Dam would be a good place to start looking for fish.

Lake Cadillac - Has been good for pike and panfish, with a few walleye showing up as well. The perch are running small.

Lake Mitchell - Those fishing the coves have caught some nice big bluegills. Some pike have been caught on tip-ups and a few walleye were taken after dark.

Hamlin Lake - Word has it limit catches of bluegill are possible when the bite is good. Try the North, Middle and South Bayous. Look for big crappie at the Narrows.

UPPER PENINSULA

Squaw Lake - Near Republic is still producing some pike. Try tip-ups with live bait. Slush may be a problem for snowmobile or ATV traffic.

Michigamme Reservoir - Near Crystal Falls is also producing some pike even though unstable weather and winds from the east have made for spotty catch rates.

Little Bay De Noc - Has ice and anglers are fishing. The walleye fishing has been steady but not spectacular with most taking home a couple fish per trip. A fair number of sub-legal fish have been caught and released. The deeper water has been more consistent lately when using jigging raps, with or without live bait. Walleye were caught just south of Gladstone.

North Manistique Lake - Has good ice but the fishing has been spotty. A couple nice perch in the 12 inch range and a few walleyes have been caught.

South Manistique Lake - Fishing here is a little better for perch but the walleye action has slowed.