Another strong weekend of fishing! Evening fishing continues to be best. Still catching limits on bluegills. some nice perch and northern pike are being caught. Stories of walleye being caught but to date, no fish have been brought in for picture taking. last report was that there was a good 5-8 inches of ice. it was reported Sunday morning that quads broke through the ice at Wilson and Victory parks. Fishermen report that the shoreline is tightening up but is still thin. Be careful when entering the ice. We appreciate the fishermen bringing in their catch to Hamlin grocery and we will continue to post pictures for everyone's enjoyment. With less than 2 weeks until the Hamlin hooker’s tournament and only 2 days left for early registration for the bait bucket giveaway, we’re reminding you to stop into Hamlin grocery and get entered.

Rain showers Sunday evening to Monday morning made for poor fishing conditions today but diehard fishermen still went out on the ice. Approximately two dozen fishermen were in this morning for bait. Afternoon reports were that of good ice with a little slush and still catching limits. Pictured area youth, Collin Trim, scouted the waters for the upcoming Hamlin Hooker’s tournament today, catching his limit of perch and bluegills.

What a great fishing weekend on Hamlin lake. First good ice this winter and fishermen came out in droves. Dusk til dawn fishermen were on the lake with many catching their limit. Best fishing has been reported in early evening. Most of the action has been with bluegill and perch in 8 to 12 foot waters. Fish have been hitting on waxworms and spikes and mousies if you can find them. The hot lure has been fiskas or anything made out of tungsten. Best colors are green, yellow, orange, chartreuse and anything in a glow. Early bird gets the worm and the parking spot!! Remember to park in designated areas!!! We have fresh live bait and grubs!! Bait shop hours are 6:00am to 6:00pm daily. Don’t forget to sign up for the Hamlin hooker’s ice fishing tournament, 2/11 from 7:00am to 5:00pm, 100% cash payout for 1st., Shappell ice fishing shanty for 2nd, powered auger for 3rd, and fish finder for 4th, cash prize for longest fish and prize for largest perch. Register at Hamlin grocery by January 31st. And you will be entered into the bait bucket giveaway with Rippin Lipps custom rod and fishing merchandise over $100.

It's time to register for the Michigan Ice Open Tournament (formerly the NAIFC) on Hamlin Lake. The date was moved from mid-January to February 3 & 4, 2012 due to ice conditions. If you're unable to fish the new date, contact the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce. Click here for more information about the tournament.

WE'VE GOT ICE – WE'VE GOT LIVE BAIT!! Brian Mulherin, LDN staff writer, went out on Upper Hamlin Lake off of Wilson Hill Park today to check the ice fishing conditions. He ventured North to the Crappie area and then East to the Bluegill area and found there was 4 to 5 inches of fishable ice. Indian Pete Bayou and North Bayou areas are both reporting good ice, catching bluegills/nice pan fish, but cloudy and mucky waters. Troy Veeneman shared some pics of fish he caught today on Hamlin Lake. He limited out on bluegills!! Hamlin Grocery will have live bait available late Tuesday morning (Jan. 17th). Be sure and stop into Hamlin Grocery on your way to the lake for your bait, tackle, snacks and refreshments.

We are still patiently waiting for adequate ice for fishing. As of January 14th, there is ice formulating on the North Bayou but there is still open water. At Indian Pete Bayou, there is approximately 2 inches of ice, however, it’s not solid. Local fishermen have been out on the ice and reportedly catching pan fish but we have been told the ice is unsafe. At Upper Hamlin (Wilson Hill, Barnhart area) there is walkable ice at the shore to 17 feet out, but it is thin and unsafe. At the pressure point, there is open water with swans and ducks contently swimming. We are told there is safe fishing on Lincoln Lake and some inland lakes but once again fish at your own risk. We will have live bait when we feel ice conditions are safe for fishing, hopefully next week! JUST IN - Large order of Fiskas (school bus and many new colors), Skandia’s, jet sleds and custom made poles. Stop in and check out our large selection of jigs and tackle. **Reminder-don’t forget to register to enter the 2nd Annual Hamlin Hooker’s Ice Fishing Tournament. This Individual tournament will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012, 7:00am to 5:00pm, entry fee $20, 100% cash payout. Other great prizes for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, place and longest perch. Registration is at Hamlin Grocery. Register by January 31st. and be entered into the bait bucket giveaway worth over $100 in ice fishing merchandise.