Our Ice Fishing Strategy
A friend of Jack’s jumping from hole to hole while ice fishing on one of Michigan’s inland lakes.
Photo by Jack Payne
By Jack Payne
Our ice fishing strategy is basic and straightforward. No fancy equipment, on occasion an old-style flasher. We follow the following rule: He who cuts the most fish often wins. Cut at least a half-dozen holes before dropping a line.
We zig-zag from a shallow flat to the drop-off. And then we start hole-hopping. We move and continue moving until we find fish. When your fishing hole goes dry, try moving 30 feet. Keep bouncing back and forth between holes that produced. If none of the six holes produced, then start the process all over.
Anglers need to pay attention to their location. By this, I mean, are you on a flat? Are you next to a drop-off? Are you bordering weeds? Are you fishing near a point off of the weeds? Is it possible that you are fishing a long point of land that drops off into deep water? This is where learning how to read a topographic map comes in handy.
How far down are you fishing? If the bite slows, try the same hole but closer to the bottom. Also, try near the surface. Often we start about a third of the way down. Jig for a few minutes and then drop down a few feet deeper. Continue doing this until you reach the bottom. Then work the top few feet. You can fish a spot in a matter of a few minutes.
Think small baits when targeting bluegill. I like starting with a size 10 teardrop and will drop down to a 12 or 14. The reason we start with a 10 is because we use a size 8 or 10 all spring, summer and fall.
The location of the eye of the jig is important. A jig with the eyelet in the center will hold the jig horizontal. This can be a critical detail to remember. Bounce back and forth between a vertical jig and a horizontal jig. Many times a teardrop that holds perfectly horizontal will out fish a teardrop that is hanging straight up and down.
We also love anything with a glow pattern. For some reason a teardrop with glow or with a glow bead outperforms a non-glow presentation on most days. Remember to charge your glow bait. A glow or UV charger costs maybe 15 bucks. Mine is a simple model from Rapala. Charge your glow baits for five seconds and watch your lure glow for a long time.
We carry spikes and waxworms. On any given day one of these baits will work. Normally we thread a wax worm onto the teardrop. If you hook a wax worm through the tip, there is a good chance that it will be sucked off because they are so soft. The spikes we normally hook through the tip. Some days we might fish two or three spikes. You need to experiment.
Crappies are notorious for being real close to surface under low light conditions. They will move downward as the sun gets higher. Crappies love minnows.
A long rod works great. I like a three-to-four-foot rod that has the most sensitive tip. The reason we like long rods is that we can stand up and bounce between holes. A long soft rod is also very forgiving and provides lots of leverage.
Anglers should use soft plastics. I like the plastics from Stopper Lures and Northland Fishing Tackle. Some days these baits will surprise you. We use them all summer and fall and are getting a feel for them during the winter.
Pike love the flats and the edge of the drop-offs. Smelt often will outproduce live minnows two-to-one. When running tip-ups set one with a dead smelt on the bottom. A second tip-up is set one-to-two feet above the bottom. If you can get a live sucker or chub give it a whirl. Use the Quick Hit Rigs from Stopper Lures. This will eliminate pike swallowing your bait.
Ice fishing is a fun time and short in duration. Get out there and enjoy it.
Shop locally and put Grand Valley Sport Shop on the top of your list.
Our ice fishing strategy is basic and straightforward. No fancy equipment, on occasion an old-style flasher. We follow the following rule: He who cuts the most fish often wins. Cut at least a half-dozen holes before dropping a line.
We zig-zag from a shallow flat to the drop-off. And then we start hole-hopping. We move and continue moving until we find fish. When your fishing hole goes dry, try moving 30 feet. Keep bouncing back and forth between holes that produced. If none of the six holes produced, then start the process all over.
Anglers need to pay attention to their location. By this, I mean, are you on a flat? Are you next to a drop-off? Are you bordering weeds? Are you fishing near a point off of the weeds? Is it possible that you are fishing a long point of land that drops off into deep water? This is where learning how to read a topographic map comes in handy.
How far down are you fishing? If the bite slows, try the same hole but closer to the bottom. Also, try near the surface. Often we start about a third of the way down. Jig for a few minutes and then drop down a few feet deeper. Continue doing this until you reach the bottom. Then work the top few feet. You can fish a spot in a matter of a few minutes.
Think small baits when targeting bluegill. I like starting with a size 10 teardrop and will drop down to a 12 or 14. The reason we start with a 10 is because we use a size 8 or 10 all spring, summer and fall.
The location of the eye of the jig is important. A jig with the eyelet in the center will hold the jig horizontal. This can be a critical detail to remember. Bounce back and forth between a vertical jig and a horizontal jig. Many times a teardrop that holds perfectly horizontal will out fish a teardrop that is hanging straight up and down.
We also love anything with a glow pattern. For some reason a teardrop with glow or with a glow bead outperforms a non-glow presentation on most days. Remember to charge your glow bait. A glow or UV charger costs maybe 15 bucks. Mine is a simple model from Rapala. Charge your glow baits for five seconds and watch your lure glow for a long time.
We carry spikes and waxworms. On any given day one of these baits will work. Normally we thread a wax worm onto the teardrop. If you hook a wax worm through the tip, there is a good chance that it will be sucked off because they are so soft. The spikes we normally hook through the tip. Some days we might fish two or three spikes. You need to experiment.
Crappies are notorious for being real close to surface under low light conditions. They will move downward as the sun gets higher. Crappies love minnows.
A long rod works great. I like a three-to-four-foot rod that has the most sensitive tip. The reason we like long rods is that we can stand up and bounce between holes. A long soft rod is also very forgiving and provides lots of leverage.
Anglers should use soft plastics. I like the plastics from Stopper Lures and Northland Fishing Tackle. Some days these baits will surprise you. We use them all summer and fall and are getting a feel for them during the winter.
Pike love the flats and the edge of the drop-offs. Smelt often will outproduce live minnows two-to-one. When running tip-ups set one with a dead smelt on the bottom. A second tip-up is set one-to-two feet above the bottom. If you can get a live sucker or chub give it a whirl. Use the Quick Hit Rigs from Stopper Lures. This will eliminate pike swallowing your bait.
Ice fishing is a fun time and short in duration. Get out there and enjoy it.
Shop locally and put Grand Valley Sport Shop on the top of your list.
DNR Recommends Removal of Trout Lake Dam
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is recommending removal of Trout Lake Dam in Gladwin County due to ecological and safety concerns. The dam was built in 1961 and is located within state forest lands in the Gladwin Field Trial Area.
Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is recommending removal of the Trout Lake Dam in Gladwin County.
The DNR is responsible for more than 200 dams, many of which are declining in condition and need maintenance, including Trout Lake Dam. The deteriorating condition of the dam poses ecological and public safety risks, and removal was determined to be the best feasible option for balancing ecological benefits, public recreation and safety, and the DNR’s limited financial capacity for dam repair.
The 25-acre Trout Lake Dam impoundment provides recreational opportunities for the Trout Lake State Forest Campground and boating access site, which are located on the impoundment. Trout Lake Dam was built in 1961 and is located within state forest lands in the Gladwin Field Trial Area.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the expected lifespan of dam is 50 years; the 63-year-old Trout Lake Dam has exceeded its lifespan by 13 years. Efforts by DNR Fisheries staff to mitigate deteriorating components have been unsuccessful, and leakage has resulted in the water level lowering 7 feet below the normal impoundment elevation.
A 2024 inspection by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — the state agency that regulates dams — determined that Trout Lake Dam was in poor condition and required remedial action. Due to ecological changes in the region and changes in fisheries management best practices, the dam is no longer critical for managing the resource, and funding is not available for repair expenses and subsequent required routine maintenance and operation costs.
As a next step, the DNR Fisheries Division will pursue EGLE permits to draw down the impoundment as necessary to address immediate public safety concerns, then seek removal funding. Currently, no changes are planned for the campground, and recreational users can take advantage of similar fishing opportunities available nearby.
For more information on the management of DNR-owned dams, visit Michigan.gov/DNRDams.
DNR Raises Camping and Lodging Fees
To help ensure the long-term sustainability of state park operations and that rates are keeping pace with fixed costs, such as utilities, equipment replacement and staff, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is raising fees for modern and semi-modern campsites and all overnight lodging.
The adjustment goes into effect for overnight stays beginning Aug. 1, 2025, and for all subsequent dates moving forward. This is the first increase in three years. The Michigan State Park Advisory Committee approved the fee increases last August.
To help establish reasonable camping rates, the Consumer Price Index and a demand-priced lodging model were utilized.
• State park modern and semi-modern campsites will increase between $4 and $10 per night, depending on the location and available amenities, such as electrical.
• State park camp and overnight lodging – All overnight lodging rates are being adjusted to be more consistent with fewer rates. The rates will range from $60 to $120 per night; deluxe lodging will be $160 per night. Locations with 85 percent
or higher occupancy rates will incur a 7.5 percent premium fee per night.
• Modern lodges will undergo a phased increase, capping at $236 per night. Locations with 85 percent or higher occupancy rates will incur a $50 premium fee per night.
• The DNR will also establish fees for intermittent camping and equipment storage.
• There are no fee increases for rustic campsites in state parks or state forest campgrounds.
DNR officials say the Increased revenue will allow the state parks system to enhance visitor experiences across Michigan. This includes improved customer service, cleaner parks and restrooms, natural resource stewardship efforts and upgraded campground amenities like new fire rings and picnic tables.
The adjustments are based on market analysis that mitigates unfair competition with privately-owned campgrounds. The analysis also included other municipal, county, state and private-sector campgrounds in Michigan and the Midwest.
The adjustment goes into effect for overnight stays beginning Aug. 1, 2025, and for all subsequent dates moving forward. This is the first increase in three years. The Michigan State Park Advisory Committee approved the fee increases last August.
To help establish reasonable camping rates, the Consumer Price Index and a demand-priced lodging model were utilized.
• State park modern and semi-modern campsites will increase between $4 and $10 per night, depending on the location and available amenities, such as electrical.
• State park camp and overnight lodging – All overnight lodging rates are being adjusted to be more consistent with fewer rates. The rates will range from $60 to $120 per night; deluxe lodging will be $160 per night. Locations with 85 percent
or higher occupancy rates will incur a 7.5 percent premium fee per night.
• Modern lodges will undergo a phased increase, capping at $236 per night. Locations with 85 percent or higher occupancy rates will incur a $50 premium fee per night.
• The DNR will also establish fees for intermittent camping and equipment storage.
• There are no fee increases for rustic campsites in state parks or state forest campgrounds.
DNR officials say the Increased revenue will allow the state parks system to enhance visitor experiences across Michigan. This includes improved customer service, cleaner parks and restrooms, natural resource stewardship efforts and upgraded campground amenities like new fire rings and picnic tables.
The adjustments are based on market analysis that mitigates unfair competition with privately-owned campgrounds. The analysis also included other municipal, county, state and private-sector campgrounds in Michigan and the Midwest.
Outdoor Truths
Deer season has been over for a few weeks now, and turkey season is right around the corner. I like how each of these seasons are so different than the other.
If hunting turkeys involved as much as hunting deer, I would have to give up one. In days past, they were. Let me explain.
Years ago, deer hunting hardly amounted to anything more than building a couple of fixed tree stands in well-traveled areas. They lasted for years and each season one would simply climb into one of those stands. There was not much preparation, and for many hunters, opening day was an event that quickly came and left. There might have even been a cabin or camping area where guys would come together for a few days to hang out and hunt, but after those few days, it was back to work with an occasional weekend giving it another try.
There was not much land management, no trail cameras, and the trophy was any deer that fell to the ground. Today, serious deer hunters never stop pursuing their game. The year is made up of either hunting or getting ready to hunt.
It’s February now, and if there is to be a summer crop that will keep deer close all year, the field needs to be turned and prepared for the seed that must be planted in the next few weeks. And while we’re at it, now is a good time to do some scouting since there are no leaves on the trees. One might even find some sheds to let him know what bucks may still be around. It never stops.
Turkey hunting, on the other hand, amounts to knowing where the turkeys are and being able to call them close enough to shoot. That’s it! And thank God for it! Easier said than done, but simple. It’s like taking something that is otherwise hard, and even pressure-filled, and making it easy. I like that, and I guess that’s why I look forward to this season.
When I think about the Christian life, I have similar feelings. It seems while being a Christian can bring difficulty and persecution; that persecution and difficulty need not come from one’s own hand – or rather from one’s own false ideas. I find this to be the biggest problem among believers.
We make it harder than it needs to be by taking on a responsibility that is not only not ours but is impossible for us to do. It’s the responsibility for living out the Christian life. The power and responsibility for that comes from the Spirit of God.
And as soon as we learn this, not only will the pursuit be more fun, but success will also come with a lot less effort.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books, which include compilations of his articles and a father-son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoor truths.org
If hunting turkeys involved as much as hunting deer, I would have to give up one. In days past, they were. Let me explain.
Years ago, deer hunting hardly amounted to anything more than building a couple of fixed tree stands in well-traveled areas. They lasted for years and each season one would simply climb into one of those stands. There was not much preparation, and for many hunters, opening day was an event that quickly came and left. There might have even been a cabin or camping area where guys would come together for a few days to hang out and hunt, but after those few days, it was back to work with an occasional weekend giving it another try.
There was not much land management, no trail cameras, and the trophy was any deer that fell to the ground. Today, serious deer hunters never stop pursuing their game. The year is made up of either hunting or getting ready to hunt.
It’s February now, and if there is to be a summer crop that will keep deer close all year, the field needs to be turned and prepared for the seed that must be planted in the next few weeks. And while we’re at it, now is a good time to do some scouting since there are no leaves on the trees. One might even find some sheds to let him know what bucks may still be around. It never stops.
Turkey hunting, on the other hand, amounts to knowing where the turkeys are and being able to call them close enough to shoot. That’s it! And thank God for it! Easier said than done, but simple. It’s like taking something that is otherwise hard, and even pressure-filled, and making it easy. I like that, and I guess that’s why I look forward to this season.
When I think about the Christian life, I have similar feelings. It seems while being a Christian can bring difficulty and persecution; that persecution and difficulty need not come from one’s own hand – or rather from one’s own false ideas. I find this to be the biggest problem among believers.
We make it harder than it needs to be by taking on a responsibility that is not only not ours but is impossible for us to do. It’s the responsibility for living out the Christian life. The power and responsibility for that comes from the Spirit of God.
And as soon as we learn this, not only will the pursuit be more fun, but success will also come with a lot less effort.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books, which include compilations of his articles and a father-son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoor truths.org
Dahlia Combinations for Gardens, Bouquets
Dinnerplate dahlias, like this Berry Spritz collection, can grow up to 10 inches across on four- to five-foot-tall plants.
By Melinda Myers
Dahlias come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, making them easy to include in any garden, container, and bouquet. Grow them in their own dedicated space, mix them with other flowers, or plant a few at the end of the vegetable garden.
Consider including different varieties of dahlias for added interest and beauty in the garden and your arrangements.
Select colors that you imagine will look great together in a vase. This will make it easy to create a lot of creative combinations on the fly.
Grow dahlias with flowers of different shapes and sizes to create more interesting arrangements. Dahlias offer many options and it’s one of the reasons they are such a popular cut flower. Longfield Gardens provides help and inspiration in Types of Dahlias: 8 Great Looks (longfield-gardens.com/article/Types-of-Dahlias-eight-great-looks-for-your-garden).
You’ll find the widest range of colors and styles with new varieties in the decorative dahlia group continually being released. Add a bit of elegance to the garden and bouquets with Mondriaan’s soft pink petals tinged with pastel yellow, apricot, and lavender. Decorative dahlias make great cut flowers, and their sturdy stems make them easy to grow with other flowers in gardens and containers.
Add interesting texture to your gardens and bouquets with anemone-flowered and collarette dahlias. The anemone-flowered dahlias have a cluster of tubular florets in the center surrounded by more traditional petals. The two different lengths of petals in the collarette varieties add to their charm.
Enjoy an abundant harvest of cut flowers when growing ball and pompon dahlias. These perfectly round flowers are packed with tightly rolled petals and are long-lived in arrangements. Their size makes them excellent additions to mixed bouquets helping to connect the various flowers for an impressive display.
The unique blossoms of waterlily dahlias have made it one of the most popular for cutting. The relatively flat flowers have tightly closed centers surrounded by several rows of flat or slightly curved petals.Grow a few single dahlias for you and the pollinators to enjoy. The daisy-like flowers have a prominent center surrounded by a single row of petals. Their airy appearance complements a variety of late-season perennials in the garden and bouquets. Mix in a few peony-flowered varieties for a showier display. These also have a prominent center but are surrounded by two or more layers of petals.
Add a bit of excitement to any arrangement with cactus and semi-cactus varieties. Their tightly curled petals make them a standout in the garden and bouquets.
You’ll only need one or a few dinnerplate dahlia blooms to make a statement in a vase or arrangement. The large flowers can grow up to 10 inches across on four-to-five-foot-tall plants. Tag team a pair of dinnerplate dahlias for the back of the border. Labyrinth and Tyrell have apricot flowers with pink and yellow accents that blend nicely with a wide range of colors in the garden.
If you feel overwhelmed by all the choices or can’t decide on the best combination, let the experts lend a hand. Consider purchasing one or more ready-to-plant dahlia combinations selected to look great in the garden and arrangements. The bumblebee collection includes pollinator-favorite Kelsey Sunshine collarette and the coral pink decorative Great Silence. Or for a big splash of purple try the Berry Spritz dinnerplate collection (longfield-gardens.com) with lavender-pink, lilac, and eggplant purple blooms.
Take pictures of your favorite combinations and notes of what you want to try next year, and most importantly, enjoy the fantastic blooms. Fortunately, any flower combination is sure to brighten your day.
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Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
