The size and number of walleyes in Hamlin has been on the increase. Expect to catch plenty of 15- to 18-inch eaters, but 'eyes to 10 pounds are available. Trolling with bottom-bouncers and crawlers is a proven tactic for walleyes on Hamlin. Live-bait rigging is productive, too, and usually produces constant action and a smorgasbord for young anglers. Vertical jigging with a minnow or leech where the old river channel traverses the lake off Ludington State Park is good for walleyes and the chunky smallmouths.

Country Haven Resort has comfortable cottages and rooms right on lower Hamlin Lake. Boat and slip rental is also available. Contact them at 1-888-845-5187, or online at www.countryhavenresort.com. Bait, tackle and fishing reports are available by contacting North Bayou Resort at 1-800-261-7415, or online at www.nbayou.com. For information on other amenities, accommodations and other sites in the Ludington area, contact the Ludington Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-542-4600, or online at www.ludingtoncvb.com.

LAKES CADILLAC & MITCHELL
A family fishing road trip to Cadillac gives you two options for the price of one. Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell lie side by side and each offers its own brand of family fishing fun. Both are excellent panfish lakes. Mitchell tends to be a little better for crappies. Cadillac is better for perch. It's toss-up when it comes to bluegills and sunfish. For some strange reason though, the bluegill spawn on Lake Mitchell occurs up to two weeks after Lake Cadillac. One of them is bound to be hot when you're planning your vacation.

The two lakes are connected via a channel, so once you're on the water, you can fish either lake. There is a spacious parking lot and boat launch on Lake Mitchell at Mitchell State Park. Spawning bluegills can be found frequenting the 3- to 7-foot depths where there's a hard bottom off Big Cove and Little Cove. Slab crappies can be found in the same locations along weed edges and dropoffs in slightly deeper water. The 'gills will routinely top 9 inches, and foot-long specks are no big deal. Smallmouths averaging 17 inches and 2 1/2 to 3 pounds are common, as are largemouths. Walleyes range from eaters up to 6 or 7 pounds, and are best caught in late evening or after dark when the lake calms down.

Lake Cadillac has a good population of yellow perch. Most will range from 8 to 10 inches, but foot-long yellowbellies aren't uncommon. Target the deepest water on the east end. Try near the bottom with wigglers or minnows. Bluegills and crappies relate to weed edges in Lake Cadillac. Fish off the boat launch on the east end and in the southwest corner.

For bait, tackle, boat rental and lodging on Lake Cadillac, contact Laura Lee's Landing at 1-800-899-6755. For lodging, boat rental and live bait on Lake Mitchell, contact Pilgrim's Village at (231) 775-5412. For information on restaurants, amusements and things to do in Cadillac, contact the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau at 1-800-225-2537, or online at www.cadillacmichigan.com.

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Family fishing road trips can be a blast. It's not too late to get in on the fun. Start planning your getaway now!