PILGRIM VILLAGE RESORT AND FISHING SHOP
181 S. Lake Mitchell Dr. - Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: 231-775-5412 - Email: info@pilgrimvillagefishing.com
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FISHING REPORT 
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013
The sequester has not affected the fishing. But the rain, snow and wind has slowed things down. Every thing was turning on at once. Soon this cold front will pass and things will return to normal.
The missing gills and sunfish started biting in the shallows here and on other area lakes. The coves on Mitchell is the place to find them. The warm afternoons will find them as shallow as 2 feet. There's no evidence of them spawning or making beds. They seem to enjoy the warm sun.
Limited crappie catches are coming from both lakes. Many are in the 11-12 inch range and are as big and round as a dinner plate. Easiest fish to find come from Lake Cadillac in 8 to 10 foot depths outside the State Park, canal area. Boat Anglers are finding schools. Those we've seen at the cleaning station have not spawned yet. Egg sac's are tight and small. These catches will last for some time. Shore fishermen are still waiting for them to come to the shallows. Still no numbers coming from the causeway on Cadillac, a favorite place for shore fishing.
Walleye, everyone's favorite fish, are co-operating on both lakes. Thank the DNR for the stocking programs. One of the better areas has been outside the canal, swimming beach on Lake Mitchell. At dusk and into the dark, Anglers in waders are casting Rapalas and cashing in. Several boats troll the area nightly. Usually there's no need to measure because they've been 16 to 22 inches. A few are caught during the day however as has been the pattern, the best bite is after dark.
Trolling solo in a kayak, Derek Tonello holds the 18 1/2" Wadding the canal area on Lake Mitchell, Jack Polus had
walleye he caught on Lake Mitchell. We'll see more of a good night. He holds 4 great walleyes caught casting
him. Rapalas.
Both large and small mouth bass seem to be every where and bite everything. Their season doesn't open until May 25th and must be released immediately. Tournament Anglers sharpening their skills are seeing beds in the shallows. Catching them by intent or by accident is fun and the numbers are high.
21 Month old, Whitney Page Gary gets to see a giant small
mouth half her size caught on Lake Mitchell, before it was released.
At dark, the muddy areas of both lakes and the canal is a live with bullheads. Some fill buckets of them. There's no size limit and most measure a foot or more. They fight! Bullheads often get a bad rap but are tasty fried or smoked. Master Angler size 1 1/2pounds or 14 inches are abundant. Take some home.
Although the folks in Mesick expected the warm temperatures to continue for the Mushroom Festival, it wasn't to be. Wet and cool is one thing. Snow and sleet is another. However those tromping the woods did return with black morels. The ground is very wet and warm temperatures are on the way. Dry out your bags and start searching again. The best is yet to come.
Show off your catch, bring it in and we’ll take your picture and put you on the web.
Detailed maps of current fish conditions are available at the Pilgrim Village Fishing Shop. Stop in.
If you would like to receive the fishing report send your email address to:
pilgrimvillagefishing@hotmail.com
Lake Mitchell Map Lake Cadillac Map
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