Babs writes: It was a beautiful day here so the fisherpeople were out without cover. I think the dude in the middle is about to reel in a big one.
He was one of the lucky few. Ice-fishing diehards tromped into the market all weekend, buying carryout fried chicken and prime rib because they had no fish. Nobody’s grousing too much, though. It was too pretty out there to complain about it. I think the reason there aren’t many shanties on the lake is that it’s been too warm and the ice is too thin to support them and the trucks or sleds that drag ’em out there. One of the disappointed fishers told me “Those guys over in East Jordan are crazy. They’re out there fishing 20 feet from open water [on Lake Charlevoix].” It’s been an odd winter. Of course, it’s not over yet.
Every week photographer Babs Young captures moments in northern Michigan, and every week she sends one to Torch Lake Views just for you. You can find more of her photos at the Babs Young Photo Archives and on her Blue Heaven Flickr photostream.
Torch Lake Views 
Scott Thomas Photography
February 22, 2010
I was wondering why they didn’t have their tents out. Winds calm and warm sun on a frozen lake must be heaven for these hardy sportspeople.
Looks like northern Michigan and the UP had a great weekend. No such luck my way as the skies didn’t clear until night fall. Will have to enjoy Babs and yours photos until the weather breaks my way.
Gerry
February 22, 2010
Well, as of this morning it’s snowing again here–not nice fluffy stuff, either, but that drizzly little snow that makes everything a mess. Anyway, I hope the pretty days are flowing toward you. They were sure nice while they lasted.
Kathy
February 22, 2010
Many of our guys were out without their tents yesterday too. Including my husband and two guy-friends. Our friend Nancy put up her tent, though. Our bay looks like half the population is living out there!
Barry has gone fishing 6 times and been skunked every time. so have a lot of the guys. But he keeps getting fish from people who have caught some…so there are fish in the lake.
You ever go ice fishing, Gerry?
Gerry
February 22, 2010
But of course! I went ice-fishing with some kids and a black lab over on Intermediate Lake and, if memory serves, with you on your Bay. (You caught a fish, too. The black lab was skunked. But that’s another post.)
Cindy Lou
February 23, 2010
We have our shack out now and have been fishing for those lovely little smelt three nights in a row….OK, I only went last night, but Johnny’s gone all three. He caught about 45 – I only got 5, but it was fun! And Kathy’s right….it does look like everyone and their grandmothers are out there!
Gerry
February 23, 2010
Grandmothers! Grandmothers, for heaven’s sake. Do we take our ice-fishing seriously in Michigan or what?
Patrick
February 4, 2014
Where is the best spot an how deep to catch whitefish on Torch Lake? I will be out on it tomorrow but not sure where to go or what to use for bait.
Gerry
February 5, 2014
Hello Pat – I am the very last person you want to plan an ice-fishing expedition. I recommend that you (1) ask the folks at the place where you buy your fishing license, including the ones who are standing around in line to buy provisions (2) consult the DNR website which is full of all sorts of useful information, and (3) look for the ice shanty villages and join the one that appeals to you. The other villagers will tell you everything they think you ought to know, whether you want them to or not, and you can make up your own mind which fish tale to believe. I’ll bet you’ll do just fine. Have fun.