There’s no need to wait indoors for the ice to thaw so you can enjoy your favorite sport of fishing. Grayling offers numerous lakes where the fish bite all year round as is evident by the ice shanties that pop up on the ice covered lakes each winter. Numerous lakes in Grayling offer quality ice fishing. Lake Margrethe, Kneff Lake and Wakeley Lake are among the more popular lakes which are filled with bass, bluegill, walleye and pike.
There’s nothing more calming and serine than spending the day out in the clear cool air surrounded by the comradery of dozens of others who share the same love of fishing. Nearby shops cater to the sport where you can find anything you need including, flies, bait, and ice fishing equipment. Many of the local shops also sell fishing licenses; advise you on current ice conditions as well as offer advice and the latest information on the sport.
Fishing in the winter can be bone chilling however, with the proper equipment; you can be warm and cozy. Most ice fishermen will use shanties which are available at sporting shops. Many in Northern Michigan fishermen will build their own, complete with insulated walls and propane heaters. It is important to remember to follow the rules of the lake and remove shanties by the required date and to leave the area as clean as you found it.
Like in all sports, safety is foremost. When it comes to the sport of ice fishing, make sure you avoid dark or discolored ice, test for ice thickness, never fish alone, bring your cell phone, let someone know where you are going, have a life jacket with you and dress warmly. If you’re new to the sport, ask your local sport shop where you can take a course to learn more about ice fishing.
Surprisingly, ice fishing makes up about a quarter of all fishing in Northern Michigan so why not come up next winter and find out more about what makes ice fishing such a popular wintertime sport.
For those who prefer a more isolated spot for ice fishing, check out these equally beautiful but less busy lakes:
Big Creek Impoundment, Bradford Lake, Bluegill Lake, Bright Lake, Connor’s Marsh, Glory Lake, Hardgrove Lake, Hartwick Lake, Higgins Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Howes Lake, Jones Lake, K.P. Lake, Lonesome Lake, Lost Lake, May Lake, Pickerel Lake, River Lake, Sandhill Lake, Section One Lake, Shupac Lake and Wakeley Lake