The January thaw this week was completely unnecessary this year, and served only to put a slight pause into the long awaited hard-water season. Let caution be a watchword as you venture back out onto lakes that were solid last weekend, things may have changed.

Reports for panfish in some early season areas have been encouraging, hopefully the fish remain really hungry, having missed out on a half winter’s worth of bait stolen from anglers hooks.

The best spot locally since the ice came in has been Hamlin Lake. Bluegill on an AM bite have been good, but late afternoon even better. The North arm of the lake has been the spot, with fish being found anywhere from the launch all the way across to the north side. Some walleye reported as well, but location of these has not been reported, big surprise that eh?

White Lake – Fisherman have been targeting the narrows area for bluegills and pike. For the latest info on White Lake call Johnson’s Great Outdoors at (231) 893-6688

Whitehall/Montague – Ice floes moving downriver disappeared by mid-week, some steelhead should be available. Fish are in winter mood, keep baits/flies moving no faster than current.

Muskegon – Snug Harbor was the only safe ice on Thursday. Boat Launch at Cottage Grove was ice free Friday morning. For latest Muskegon info call Angler Archer at (231) 744-5992

Muskegon River – Steelhead activity has slowed. Some perch along with a couple walleye were caught in Hardy Pond.

Hamlin Lake – Ice has remained good through this week’s warm-up, there was 4-6” of solid ice on Thursday Afternoon, and snowmobiles/quads on the ice. Limits of nice keeper bluegills have been taken, along with perch, crappie, small pike and a few walleye. Panfishermen have been focusing on 8-14’ of water. Mousies have been an especially good bait for bluegills. For latest information (and bait on your way) call Hamlin Grocery at (231) 843-2058.

Pere Marquette River – Steelhead action reported as good with warmer temperatures, with fish in winter patterns.