Hamlin Lake

Make plans now to enter the popular Michigan Ice Open coming to Hamlin Lake on February 1-3, 2013. For details, visit the Michigan Ice Open story where you will find registration information and more.

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 20s 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!!!

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.

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.

We've had good traffic in the store, and many patrons are reporting on how current fishing conditions are on the upswing. Although Lower Hamlin Lake is getting slushy in several places, Upper Hamlin Lake ice is still adequate. We've had reports of perch being caught at 10" or larger on the Upper Lake. Anglers are catching nice bluegills, decent numbers of pike, and crappie fishing is going well. Overall action is improving compared to the past few weeks.

Sign up now for the Gettin' Jiggy Ice Fishing Tournament February 26 at Pere Marquette Expeditions in Ludington. They will be opening at 5:30am, with the tournament starting at 7am. All DNR rules apply, and you can fish any Michigan lake. Prize includes a 100% payout for the longest fish in each category: Blue Gill, Crappie, and Perch. You must be in line for measuring by 6pm. The $10 entry fee includes Sander's Hot Dogs down by the river following the tournament.

10-12 inches of snow and heavy slush reported on the ice yet still a good base. The lake is still accessible to snowmobiles but difficult for quads. Many small panfish, perch being caught. Moderate size blue gills are being caught and evening crappies are still reportedly slow. Receiving reports of nice walleye being caught off of Partridge Point. The cold temperatures will harden the slush by the weekend.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the 1st. annual Hamlin Hooker's Ice Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12th. You can enter the tournament by registering at Hamlin Grocery up until Friday, Feb. 11th. For information call Hamlin Grocery 231-843-2058 or checkout our facebook page or our website at www.HamlinGrocery.com. 100% cash pay out for 1st. place. 2nd place -Sheppel Rover Flip-over Shanty, 3rd place - Aquaview Fish Camera. $150.00 cash for longest fish and $200.00 certificate for a fish mount provided by Chris Hansen. Please join us for the Thank You Afterglow at Tamarac Club House 5:30-7pm. Sloppy Joes and Beverages will be served.

Currently, there is about 10 inches of ice on the lake. Alot of fishermen are going out on fool with no problems. Mostly, small perch are being caught, however a small quantity of nice-sized bluegill are being caught as well. Evenings seem to be good for crappies, many are going out for those. There are a few local guys getting walleye as well, but they fish in their secret spots.

We're getting ready for our Hamlin Hookers Ice Fishing Tournament on the 12th. Anyone is welcome to enter, note there is a $15 entry fee. For more information, follow the link below:

Hamlin Hookers Ice Fishing Tournament