Ice Fishing in Diamond Lake, Michigan
Diamond Lake is a 1,020-acre lake in Cass County in southwest Michigan. It reaches a depth of 64 feet; however, 68 percent of the lake is 20 feet deep or less. Most of the lake freezes to the point you can ice fish in late January and February, but the ice does not freeze at a uniform rate; and it is hard to say what a safe depth of ice is on a large body of water. Never go onto the ice alone, and always let someone know when you are heading out and when you expect to return.
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Fish
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Smallmouth and largemouth bass, black crappie and northern pike inhabit the lake; however, bluegill, walleye and yellow perch are likely to be your catch in the winter months. Yellow perch are the most frequently caught game fish in Michigan, according the state's Department of Natural Resources; they travel in schools and inhabit both shallow and deeper waters under the ice. Bluegills average 6 to 8 inches and can be found in multiple water columns in winter. Walleye are the largest fish you are likely to catch in the winter months, and the best time do so is in the early morning and evening when they are feeding. Most will be found at depths of 10 feet or deeper.
Equipment
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Many ice fishing anglers use a medium-action jigging rod with spin reel, though the type of fish you're after and the lures you plan to use can affect this decision. One- to three-pound test line will hold perch and bluegill, but you should rig your rod with 4- to 8-lb. test line if bigger walleye are biting. Other useful ice fishing equipment includes an auger, pliers, a fish finder, ice cleats, a bucket and a flashlight. A well-insulated, waterproof ice fishing suit will keep you warm for hours of fishing.
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Baits and Lures
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Effective lures for fishing these species in winter are small and bright; cold water will reduce fish activity and appetite, and they will be looking to take smaller bites. Try tea teardrops like the Fairy and the Speck, and spoons like the Swedish Pimple; airplane jigs can also be very effective below the ice. Baits such as minnows, crayfish and grub worms are popular choices among ice fishermen in the area and are most effective when attached to the hook of a flashy lure.
Tips
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Switch up your bait and tackle if you're not getting any action in 20 minutes. Choose lures with contrasting colors rather than ones that are uniformly colored. Fish attractants are often used in winter and can help draw in fish; however, some attractants will repel yellow perch, bluegill and walleye, so be careful what you use. Read online ice fishing blogs for the latest information about places on the lake where fish are biting.
License and Fees
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Ice fishing in Michigan requires a state fishing license. A license for the 2010/2011 season is $28 for residents and $42 for nonresidents. The license applies for the full year, so you may use the same license to fish in the summer and winter months. A one-day license is $7 for both residents and nonresidents. Anglers under the age of 17 can purchase a permit for $2, and seniors over 65 can fish for $6.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit ice fishing image by Bruce MacQueen from Fotolia.com
