Hamlin Lake

We had a couple of fishing groups stop in the store over Labor Day Weekend with some great reports. Bluegill fishing was going very well with nice sizes being caught. The bass fishing was also decent. Hot sellers over the weekend were worms and wax worms. Anglers were looking for walleye but didn't find many. Overall, the lake was full of boaters and lots of activity which may have affected the fishing.

Catches are limited due to the windy weather. However, the Bass Tournament held last Sunday on Hamlin Lake produced some good fishing. There were lots of fish caught, though smaller in size. Also reports of some really nice walleye.

We've been waiting for bluegill to come to the beds to increase the fishing action but there are still some bluegills being caught. Bass, however, have been biting and anglers are bringing in some great catches. For a handy map to use while fishing on Hamlin Lake, go to www.hamlinlake.com/hamlin-lake-fishing-map and print a free copy.

Starting the season off, anglers are excited to be fishing open water again after a long winter. While lake levels are on the rise, fishing is mostly along the shoreline. We're getting reports of small panfish and perch being caught using worms and crawlers. Most fishing enthusiasts are looking forward to abundant catches this spring. The last Saturday in April is the opening of Northern Pike and Muskie season with Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass season opening Memorial Weekend.

With the extreme cold nights, there's substantial ice and the men continue to go out for crappie. Evening has been best. Minimal fish being caught, but we're looking for a big turnaround and more fish with the upcoming change in weather. A few bluegill are hitting, but lots of hours needed to catch. Tackle being used: demon glows, teardrops, dj lures of different sizes and colors.

We've had about 2-3 dozen men in the store today who have been fishing Upper Hamlin near Wilson Hill Park. They report that they're catching 8-10" bluegills, though they aren't limiting out. Fishing is reported to be better in the morning.

Fishing still isn't back in full force. Guys were out yesterday, but didn't limit out. The past three days have been slow on the lake, but yesterday could be the start of a turnaround. Blue gill were hitting on orange jigs, wax worms and spikes. There's very little spearing action, no walleye reports from over the weekend. The lake is still muddy. Guys with cameras just two feet off the bottom can't see anything yet. Cars are parking on the ice now on Upper Hamlin Lake, but we don't encourage it. Check out the rules for parking on ice and make sure that you don't damage the ice on your way out. DNR and authorities are out in full force, especially on the weekends.

The ice is better! A combination of the warm-up with rain, followed by no snow, followed by very cold temperatures has made the ice much better. Reports from Upper Hamlin are that anglers are still catching some nice Gills off of Wilson Hill Park. Fisherman are still fishing both the South Bayou and North Bayou on Lower Hamlin Lake. But Now, anglers are also taking their shanties out over the drop off on the east side of Lower Hamlin. I have had some pretty good reports on the Walleye fishing out there. Reports from the South Bayou of Lower Hamlin are that the anglers are catching small pan fish and working hard for a mess of nice gills. Reports from the North Bayou, where anglers are typically spearing Pike and Musky in January, are that some larger pike are still visiting the area. One angler got several keepers. As the water continues to clear after the rain, it should get better. As soon as I hear more reports I will let you know. Good Luck Fishing!

We've had about 20 guys in the store so far today, most fishing on Upper Hamlin Lake, some on Indian Pete Bayou (Upper Hamlin). Reports are that the ice is good. They are catching lots of bluegill, many up to the limits, though they have to put in time on the ice to limit out. Mornings are best, evenings are okay, though a bit slower than mornings, not much happening in the afternoon. Last Saturday, the fishing was exceptional, but that was before the freezing rain set in on Sunday. Currently, there are reports of several groups of men who have been successful with walleye, but they won't tell where the action is. Some say they've seen guys walking out toward the Ludington State Park and I suspect that may be where the walleye are biting. Our store's most popular lures for panfish are spikes, waxworms and mousies. Teardrops are big sellers and we are getting in new shipments daily. Hot teardrops colors are chartreuse, yellows and glows. Pinks and purples are also quickly becoming popular. Check back on this website for further updates, or feel free to call me at Hamlin Grocery, (231) 843-2058 anytime for a report.

Bluegill fishing has been good, especially by the North Bayou on Lower Hamlin Lake and Wilson Hill Park on Upper Hamlin. Bass are being caught by Indian Pete Bayou on Upper Hamlin. Crappie fishing has slowed down with the wind we've had. Bait sales have been mostly worms, crawlers and wax worms.