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Top-Rated Ice Fishing in Newaygo County, MI
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Newaygo, Michigan, USA
- $325 - $650 price range
- Updated Date: August 15, 2025
Summary
Ready for some winter fishing action? Join REEL'D IN OUTDOORS GUIDE SERVICE for a 4-hour ice fishing trip in Newaygo County, Michigan. We'll set you up with everything you need to target a variety of fish, including bluegill, crappie, walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. Whether you're new to ice fishing or an experienced angler, our guides will help you make the most of your time on the ice. We use a mix of live bait, artificial lures, and tip-ups to increase your chances of landing a good catch. While Newaygo County is our home base, we also offer trips to other popular Michigan fishing spots like Saginaw Bay, Big Star Lake, and Muskegon Lake. Bundle up, grab your thermos, and let's see what's biting under the ice!
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Ice Fishing Action
Aggressive smallmouth bass hammered the pink jig
River smallmouth bass smashed the yellow jig
Hungry smallmouth bass crushed the yellow jig
Hard-hitting smallmouth bass slammed the pink jig
Lively rock bass hit on light tackle
Feisty little rock bass crushed the jig
Hard-fighting smallmouth bass
Aggressive smallmouth bass nailed the bait
Hungry smallmouth bass crushed the jig
Chunky smallmouth bass smashed the yellow jig
Aggressive smallmouth bass hammered the pink jig
River smallmouth bass smashed the yellow jig
Hungry smallmouth bass crushed the yellow jig
Hard-hitting smallmouth bass slammed the pink jig
Lively rock bass hit on light tackle
Feisty little rock bass crushed the jig
Hard-fighting smallmouth bass
Aggressive smallmouth bass nailed the bait
Hungry smallmouth bass crushed the jig
Chunky smallmouth bass smashed the yellow jig
Aggressive smallmouth bass hammered the pink jig
River smallmouth bass smashed the yellow jig
Hungry smallmouth bass crushed the yellow jig
Hard-hitting smallmouth bass slammed the pink jig
Ice Fishing Adventure in Newaygo County
Get ready to bundle up and drill some holes, because we're headed out for an epic 4-hour ice fishing trip in beautiful Newaygo County, Michigan! Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time on the hard water, REEL'D IN OUTDOORS GUIDE SERVICE has you covered. We'll set you up with everything you need to target a smorgasbord of fish species, from tasty panfish to trophy predators. So grab your warmest boots and let's hit the ice!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're sitting on a bucket, surrounded by a winter wonderland, with a hot thermos of coffee by your side. The flag on your tip-up suddenly pops up, and the rush of excitement hits as you sprint across the ice to set the hook on a monster pike. That's just a taste of what you're in for on this trip. We'll be fishing prime spots in Newaygo County, known for its abundance of lakes teeming with fish. Don't worry if you're new to ice fishing - we'll show you the ropes, from setting up shelters to reading your electronics. And if the bite is slow, we might even take a quick road trip to hotspots like Saginaw Bay or Muskegon Lake to put you on the fish.
Techniques & Gear Rundown
Ice fishing isn't just about dropping a line through a hole and waiting. We use a mix of cutting-edge techniques to maximize your chances of success. We'll set up tip-ups baited with lively minnows for those big predators, while actively jigging with ultra-light rods for panfish. Our arsenal includes flashy spoons, tiny tungsten jigs, and even underwater cameras to see what's really going on down there. We provide all the gear you need, from ice augers to portable shelters. Just bring your lucky fishing hat and a good attitude, and we'll take care of the rest. Oh, and don't forget to download a few good jokes - time flies when you're having fun on the ice!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Bluegill: These feisty little panfish are the bread and butter of ice fishing. They might be small, but they pack a punch in both fight and flavor. Bluegills often school up in massive numbers during winter, so when you find them, it's game on! We'll target them with tiny jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes. The best part? They're perfect for a fish fry!
Crappie: Often called "specks" or "papermouths," crappies are another panfish favorite. These silvery, speckled beauties can grow to impressive sizes and are known for their delicate, flaky meat. We'll use small minnows or plastic baits to entice them. Crappies tend to suspend in the water column, so finding the right depth is key. When you see that distinctive white flash coming up through the hole, get ready for some fun!
Walleye: The crown jewel of many ice anglers' bucket lists, walleyes are prized for their tasty fillets and challenging nature. These golden-eyed predators are most active during low light conditions, so early morning or late afternoon can be prime time. We'll use jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads or set up tip-ups with large shiners. When a walleye hits, it's often a solid "thunk" followed by head shakes that'll have your rod tip bouncing.
Northern Pike: If you're looking for a drag-screaming battle on the ice, look no further than the northern pike. These toothy missiles can grow to impressive sizes in Michigan waters. We'll target them with large minnows on tip-ups, often set near weed edges or drop-offs. When that flag pops up and line starts peeling off the spool, get ready for an adrenaline rush! Just watch those fingers when unhooking - pike have a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth.
Yellow Perch: Often overlooked but never underappreciated, yellow perch are a staple of ice fishing in Michigan. These striped beauties school up in large numbers and are known for their sweet, mild flesh. We'll use small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms to target them. The best part about perch? When you find one, you've often found a whole bunch. It's not uncommon to pull fish after fish through the same hole!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something magical about ice fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peaceful silence of a snow-covered lake, broken only by the occasional whoop of joy when someone hooks up. Or perhaps it's the camaraderie built while huddling in a shelter, swapping stories and sipping hot chocolate. Whatever it is, ice fishing has a way of getting under your skin. And with REEL'D IN OUTDOORS GUIDE SERVICE, you're not just getting a fishing trip - you're getting a winter adventure you'll be talking about until the ice melts (and probably long after).
Time to Book Your Spot
So, are you ready to experience the thrill of ice fishing in Newaygo County? Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with tasty fillets or just want to try something new this winter, we've got you covered. Remember, ice fishing season is short and sweet, so don't wait too long to book your trip. Grab your warmest socks, pack your sense of adventure, and let's make some memories on the hard water. Who knows? You might just catch the fish of a lifetime - or at least a story worth telling. Book now with REEL'D IN OUTDOORS GUIDE SERVICE and let's turn those ice fishing dreams into reality!
Learn more about the species
American Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are a favorite target for ice anglers. These tasty fish usually run 7-10 inches, with jumbos hitting 12 inches or more. They often school up near the bottom in 15-30 feet of water. We find them over sandy or pebbly areas, sometimes near weed edges. Small jigs tipped with minnows, waxworms, or spikes work great. Perch are active all day but often bite best in the morning and evening. They're fun to catch on light tackle and are excellent eating - some of the best-tasting freshwater fish around. One local trick: use your flasher to find schools, then drop your bait right on their heads. When you catch one perch, there are usually more nearby. It's not uncommon to pull dozens through a single hole!
Bluegill
Bluegill are perfect for anglers of all ages. These feisty panfish average 6-8 inches and are found in most lakes. Look for them near weed edges or submerged timber in 5-15 feet of water. We use tiny jigs tipped with waxworms, spikes, or plastics. Bluegill are active all day but often bite best in the morning and evening. They put up a scrappy fight on ultralight gear and are excellent eating. One tip: use a spring bobber to detect their light bites. When you find a school, you can catch them one after another. Bluegill are great for introducing kids to ice fishing - action is usually fast, and they're easy to handle. Just be prepared to unhook a bunch!
Crappie
Crappie are a blast to catch through the ice. These tasty panfish usually run 7-12 inches and hang out in schools near structure like fallen trees or weed edges. We target them in 10-20 feet of water using small jigs tipped with waxworms or minnows. Dawn and dusk are prime times, but you can catch them all day if you find an active school. Crappie put up a good fight on light tackle and are excellent eating. A local trick is to use a spring bobber to detect their light bites. Keep an eye on your electronics - once you catch one, there are likely more nearby. Crappie fishing is perfect for all skill levels and a great way to introduce kids to ice fishing. Just be ready to unhook a bunch when you find the school!
Northern Pike
Northern pike are the apex predators in many of our lakes. These long, toothy fish average 24-30 inches but can grow much bigger. Look for them in weedy areas or near drop-offs in 5-15 feet of water. We use tip-ups with large minnows or jigging spoons to target them. Pike are active all winter but especially in late ice when they prepare to spawn. They're known for explosive strikes and powerful runs - be ready for a fight! Pike are popular for their aggressive nature and the challenge they present. One key tip: use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. Pike make for some exciting ice fishing action and great photos, but handle them carefully!
Walleye
Walleye are prized catches here in Michigan. These golden-olive fish average 15-20 inches but can grow much larger. They tend to hang near the bottom in deeper water during the day, moving shallow to feed at night. We often find them along drop-offs or near rocky structure. Jigging with minnows or blade baits works well. Walleye have excellent eyesight, so low-light conditions are best - dawn, dusk, and cloudy days. They put up a good fight and are known for their delicious, flaky white meat. One tip: use a slow, steady retrieve and be patient. Walleye often follow a lure before striking. When you feel that telltale tap, wait a second before setting the hook. These fish are a real trophy through the ice!
