Metzgers/Crane Creek

[jrjr23]

On Tuesday morning 3 different ATV's went into the first crack off Magee Marsh. I was part of the crew helping to pull them out. This happened due to inexperience and snow cover, as the early morning dusting covered the active crack. This crack is about 75 yards off shore and is 2-3 feet wide. It's easily bypassed by going 150-200 yards down the shoreline to where it's less pronounced. On the way back in it was only about a foot wide. The fishing was on fire as we had a 5 man limit in a little over 3 hrs plus a few bonus perch too. Just please be safe, use caution, take a good look at your conditions and take your time moving around the lake. No fish is worth going into the water this time of year.

[getpotts]

is there still a shanty right by the path out of wild wings?

[Dr.Ed]

In years past the safe trail was marked with old Christmas trees anchored in the ice to show you the way. What if anything is being done today?

[fishin2]

I believe there is a christmas tree path @ Catawba goes out a ways.

[smackdaddy616]

Hey guys, any recommendations for a couple of rookies heading down for the weekend? Good launch? Bait Shops? Safest route? Coming down from Northern Michigan. Been doing well with 5/8 oz jigging rapala, tipped with a minnow head or tail. Thanks!

[smackdaddy616]

Heading out to crane creek, towards west sister. Any recommendations for bait shops and launch sites there?

[Lakeerieguy]

Take it slow and easy . There is alot of ice out there but things are changing daily . Dont take it for granted like the early season ice or it will bite you . Just because the cracks were good going out , does not mean they will be good going in .

Great ice but as the season winds down, things can and will happen like they have been the past day or two .. Be safe and go slow .

Dale