The deep water located straight out from the access at the county park on the northeast end of the lake is a good hole for trout and whitefish. Look for the lakers and whitefish to be relating to bottom there, and brown trout to be cruising the drops or suspended. Ice-anglers usually chum an area with spawn or macaroni to draw the whitefish in, and then jig for them. Lake trout can be caught by jigging also, or with tip-ups.

"North Lake Leelanau has the odd pike in it, and when you catch one, it's usually pretty good-sized," Rose said.

For information on accommodations, bait shops and amenities, contact the Leelanau County Chamber of Commerce at (231) 271-9895 or online at www.leelanauchamber.com.

SOUTH LAKE LEELANAU
Although North Lake Leelanau and South Lake Leelanau are connected, they offer vastly different ice-fisheries.

"North Lake Leelanau is more of a trout fishery, whereas South Lake Leelanau is much shallower and supports a good winter fishery for walleyes, perch, pike and some huge bluegills," claimed Rose.

South Lake Leelanau also offers more surface area, covering more than 5,370 acres.

Massive alternate-year plants of tiny walleye fry jump-started the fishery on South Lake Leelanau years ago, and now it contains several strong year-classes of walleyes. Most of the walleyes will be perfect eaters in the 15- to 19- inch size range, but 'eyes approaching 30 inches are pulled through the ice each winter.

Experts indicate that South Lake Leelanau's winter walleyes relate to flats, weedlines, and irregular points and contours. Look for hot first-ice action in the shallows of Perrin's Bay and Weisler Bay on the south end. Check out the contours from a line between the west-side public access to Gordon's Point and to the north early in the season, too. Look for weedlines along the dropoff in 5 to 20 feet of water. South Lake Leelanau's walleyes can be caught by jigging and with tip-ups. Most anglers hedge their bets by trying both.

The slab bluegills that South Lake Leelanau is famous for can be caught in the same areas. The big 'gills aren't as common in South Lake Leelanau as they once were, but anglers who work at it can usually find enough for a meal. Key is to locate well-defined weed edges.

The lake still has some very respectable perch in it, up to 14 inches, and limits aren't uncommon. The perch frequent the deep water near the south end of the lake in winter. Most of the biggest yellowbellies are taken on walleye-sized minnows or wigglers.

Pike are an added bonus and can reach trophy proportions.

For bait, tackle and fishing reports, contact Narrows Passage Bait & Tackle at (231) 256-2547.

INTERMEDIATE LAKE
"I would have to say that Intermediate Lake is another lake that provides one of our more consistent winter fisheries," suggested Rose. "Intermediate has some good perch, walleyes and a pretty good population of pike."

Intermediate Lake -- also known as Central Lake -- is long and narrow, has 1,530 acres and tends to freeze up fairly early in the season. Usually there's good ice by Christmas.

"The fishing can be really good on first ice for both perch and walleyes," Rose said. A hotspot is on the south end off Openo Park, which provides good access. Rose said the main-lake basin heats up during midwinter. A good location for perch is off Deepwater Point in 20 to 25 feet of water, according to Rose. The perch will average 8 to 12 inches. Try wigglers or minnows for the perch.

"The walleyes in Intermediate run from 15 to 24 inches, with a lot of those good eaters in the 18- to 19-inch range," claimed Rose.

The walleyes can be found in the shallows on either end of the lake on first ice. They gradually migrate to the lake's deeper confines as winter progresses. Slip-bobbers suspending a lively minnow, jigging spoons and tip-ups all are productive tactics for Intermediate's walleyes.

For more information on bait shops, amenities and lodging in the area, contact the Central Lake Chamber of Commerce at (231) 544-3322.

Don't let a lack of ice or too much snow keep you from getting in on some hot ice-fishing action this winter!

Find more about Michigan fishing and hunting at: MichiganSportsmanMag.com