Hamlin Lake

Due to the record-setting warm weather, all the ice on Hamlin Lake is gone and the lake levels will be on the rise beginning April 1, when boards will be added to the Hamlin dam at the Ludington State Park. Get your boats and motors ready for a great fishing season ahead!

With open water now at the shore, ice fishing on Hamlin Lake is too risky and pretty much done for the season. Get your boats ready!!

Today much damage was done to the entrance at the launch area of Wlison Hill. With quads breaking through the ice, it is nearly impossible to enter without going through. At the pressure crack it is about a two foot jump to cross north. With several people going through the ice , the Hamlin Fire Department deemed it unsafe to fish. With everyone's safety being first and foremost, it is my regret to cancel the Hamlin Hookers Tournament. At this point, we are trying to set a new date and will keep all posted. Truly sorry about any inconvience.
If you should venture out on the lake, please use extreme caution. Be safe !

-Vaughn

Cool days, cold nights making lots of ice. Reports of 5-7 inches of good clear ice. Morning fishermen report there is still a challenge to get past the shoreline. Much breakage from the weight of quads and sleds. It was a slow morning catch, minimal fish caught. Evening catch picking up and more ice forming. Forecast for the week - temperatures in the 20’s thru Saturday. Anticipating great ice for the 2nd annual Hamlin Hooker’s Ice Fishing Tournament, Feb. 11th. If you haven’t registered yet, you have until Saturday, Feb. 11th, 7:00am. Keep the fishing reports and pictures coming.....

We at Hamlin Grocery do not deem the ice as safe, that being said…
at the shoreline the ice is very poor. It has been broken up many times with all the traffic from quads and sleds. Once on the ice, we are told there is 4-5 inches of ice. A few “thin” areas have been found throughout. Several stress cracks with 8-10 inch openings, so watch your step.

Even with the poor conditions, it was a very busy week on Hamlin lake. Being the only lake with ice in the area, fishermen were out in hoards. Putting in the time, many caught limits on bluegill with some very nice perch being caught as well. Several nice pike were caught, with some reportedly just under legal size. Yes, it was a successful weekend and many smiles.

Mother nature has not been kind and we all are hopeful for cooler temps. If all goes well, we will proceed with Hamlin hooker’s ice fishing tournament. We will monitor the conditions and make a determination Thursday evening, February 9th, if we will be proceeding with the tournament. Think ice!!!
-Vaughn

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.