Well I keep checking these weather nerd reports, and the consensus seems to be weak El Nino means colder temps for Michigan. From what I read they base this on historical models. I for one am hoping to be on the ice before Christmas again this year. I might have to run up to Steph’s house north of GR, but I am ready to fish.
Well I have been spending some time researching what the guys who have been to weather college think. Here is a pretty concise chart on snow fall.
The entire state will see below normal snowfall
Temps will average near to even slightly above normal.
| Snw Dys | Place | Average | This Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53.0 | Ann Arbor | 57.3 | 53.4″ |
| 21.5 | Dearborn | 31.4 | 30.4″ |
| 36.4 | Detroit | 42.7 | 38.0″ |
| 45.0 | Flint | 47.4 | 42.5″ |
| 22.8 | Port Huron | 37.1 | 35.3″ |
| 24.9 | Saginaw | 41.8 | 39.4″ |
| Snw Dys | Place | Average | This Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44.6 | Battle Creek | 58.1 | 53.2″ |
| 27.9 | Benton Harbor | 84.5 | 80.0″ |
| 52.1 | Grand Rapids | 74.9 | 83.0″ |
| 31.8 | Holland | 69.9 | 63.2″ |
| 44.7 | Lansing | 51.1 | 47.6″ |
| 51.5 | Muskegon | 93.7 | 88.4″ |
| Snw Dys | Place | Average | This Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64.2 | Alpena | 82.8 | 77.5″ |
| 44.9 | Cheboygan | 92.6 | 87.4″ |
| 31.0 | East Tawas | 51.7 | 48.6″ |
| 51.8 | Frankfort | 103.0 | 99.5″ |
| 60.7 | Gaylord | 141.4 | 130.7″ |
| 33.5 | Harrisville | 52.4 | 48.6″ |
| 40.7 | Houghton Lake | 62.2 | 55.8″ |
| 52.4 | Petoskey | 122.8 | 114.9″ |
| 58.6 | Traverse City | 101.4 | 94.5″ |
| Snw Dys | Place | Average | This Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53.8 | Champion Van Riper Park | 120.3 | 110.5″ |
| 38.0 | De Tour Village | 70.6 | 60.5″ |
| 23.7 | Escanaba | 49.5 | 43.0″ |
| 90.5 | Houghton | 207.7 | 185.0″ |
| 37.7 | Iron Mountain | 58.4 | 55.4″ |
| 78.8 | Ironwood | 188.2 | 170.3″ |
| 69.1 | Marquette | 117.2 | 110.0″ |
| 67.2 | Munising | 152.1 | 145.4″ |
| 79.5 | Sault Ste Marie | 123.4 | 120.5″ |
| 69.3 | Whitefish Point | 122.3 | 117.4″ |
My favorite ice jig of all time is the Pelkie Skandia ice jigs from K&E Tackle. Made of heavy tungsten, I can get my bait back down in front of the fish fast, before they move. 
With ultra sharp hooks and superior finishes, I haven’t fished a better jig yet. Always coming through with what the fisherman wants, K&E continues that tradition for the 2014/2015 ice season. For us panfish guys there are new colors of the original Pelkie Tungsten jigs including black with different color glitter (gold, red, purple, and green) as well as (green, orange, chartreuse, and pink) candy stripped glow jigs. These new colors are offered in both size 12 & 14.
Also, don’t forget about the 8 colors of tungsten moon jigs that were introduced last season!!! Plus, Skandia is coming out with a NEW Diamond Eye Tungsten jig. Stay tuned for more details on that one….. I can’t wait until I get the opportunity to use these new patterns out on the ice!
Who likes the latest in greatest in ice fishing, I DO! Who thinks ice skimmers are boring, I DO! Who would be wrong, that would be me…… K&E Tackle has come out with the ultimate ice skimmer. The NEW Big Dog ice skimmer from K&E has a whopping 7 1/2″ diameter cup to take a huge bite out of any over sized ice hole. This giant skimmer will make quick work of those 8″, 10″ or even larger holes. This skimmer will also work great for you spear guys who saw the really big holes through the ice.
K&E actually carries a complete line of ice skimmers. They have an ice skimmer for just about any type of fishing. The 80SP has a 5 1/2″ diameter cup with an aluminum handle, the 80SPX has a 6 1/2″ cup and the NEW 80SPXX or BIG DOG has an oversized 7 1/2″ cup. The 80SPX and 80SXX also featured a longer and more beefed up aluminum handle compared to normal skimmers. Next time you’re at your favorite sporting goods store be sure to check out the NEW Big Dog Skimmer/80SPXX from K&E Tackle.
Scheduling is now in progress for the series that took West Michigan by Storm last year. Check out the new website and sign up for updates. MiFrostbite.com The MI Ice guys are also proud to announce our sponsorship this year of the series. Stay tuned for more information.
February 1, 2014 at Campbell Lake and Emmons Lake (You Pick)
$10 Per Individual $20 Per Team
Registration: 8am Lines in the water: 8:15am
Weigh in and measure @ 1pm
Prizes for:
Any Questions or to sign up contact Todd 616 262 2584
Prizes awarded at Caledonia American Legion at 1:30pm
Check out the West Michigan Angler Magazine at a Sports shop near you.
January’s GR Ice Report
USA ICE TEAM TRAINING CAMP
Chas. Thompson, host of the MI Ice Guys podcast, writes the Grand Rapids area report for Angler Magazine. The West Michigan Edition of The Angler Magazine is a free publication dedicated to fishing, hunting, conservation, and the enjoyment of the Outdoors. Our Magazine distributes 10,000 copies throughout the West Michigan area.
Ever wonder where to go to get your license or some bait? Here is a page that lists all the DNR license outlets in the state or just go online to eLicense
Well I finally got a chance to try out the new spikes that Steph got me. 
I have had several pairs and was about to go to building my own. Not many spikes fit my size 14 boots and give you solid coverage. These things are like wearing my Redwing Looger boots in the woods. Now for those of you in West Michigan you know that Mother Nature has been teasing us with cold and way too much snow to give us safe ice. So when I got a call from a friend that Campau lake had gotten 3.5 inches of ice, I was ready to go. Now some of you have heard the story from last year about the day I slipped and fell on Muskellunge Lake and scared the crap out of everyone that that 4-5 inches was going to blow out when my fine beer drinking wide load hit the ice, it was the first thought in my mind. So I put the new spikes on the big green thinsulate boots and headed out. I felt like I had the traction of a T9 dozer. The pack snow did not build up and just make a glob on the bottom of my boots, masking the spikes. The heavy duty chains hooked into the 400 Stainless spike bars with 3/8 inch sharp spikes easily shed the snow and slush as we made our way out to catch some fish.
I decided I was going to keep mine right on my boots and just slip on some smaller shoes to drive in, not sure how much love they would give the floor mats and pedals in the truck.
When your ready to get serious about not slipping, check out Kahtoolas.
Check it out, a new tournament series in West Michigan. Looks like this could be some fun.
Website
You must be logged in to post a comment.