In fact, some experienced anglers say that winter is the best time to fish, because with the warm weather gone, so are the weeds. An ice fishing excursion can be as simple as drilling a hole in the ice and dropping in a line while perched on an overturned bucket. Or it can be an all-day outing complete with an elaborate ice shanty boasting all the comforts of home. With proper clothing and equipment, knowing the condition of the ice and following safety precautions, ice fishing can be a fun and rewarding experience in Pure Michigan.

Getting Started

If you want to try your hand at ice fishing, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 2012 Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity. During Free Fishing Weekend, February 18-19, all fishing license fees are waived with residents and out-of-state visitors allowed to enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish during their respective open seasons. 

Kids new to the sport can take part in the annual Youth Ice Fishing Clinic at the Winter Festival being held at Bay City State Recreation Area February 18. As part of the clinic, participants construct a fishing pole, learn how to rig it, design an ice fishing jig, learn about ice fishing safety and get a few tips on how to ice fish. 

Hook Up with an Expert

Both beginners and fishermen looking for a great catch and tips can benefit from an ice fishing charter.  Experts who offer four-season guided fishing trips include Captain Dan Manyen of Walleye Express in the Thumb. He offers two ways to make the most of fishing for walleye on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay: Download his electronic ice fishing info for personal use at your leisure, or purchase a package and spend a day on the ice with an expert with gear, bait and shanty provided. 

If perch is what you are fishing for, Great Lakes Guide Service offers guided ice fishing trips on Muskegon Lake, just off Lake Michigan. A five hour package includes a portable ice tent and heater. 

Tournament Fishing

Get your competitive juices flowing with any of a number of ice fishing tournaments being held in the state. 

The Gettin' Jiggy Ice Fishing Tournament will be held February 25, 2012, at Pere Marquette Expeditions in Ludington. Payouts for the longest fish each category: bluegill, crappie and perch.

The Frostbite Ice Fishing Tournament in Harrison, February 16-19 includes a fishing derby on Budd Lake, as well as a frozen lake golf tournament, petting zoo and soup cook-off.

The North American Ice Fishing Circuit makes a stop at Croton Dam Pond in Newaygo County on March 4. In addition to the one-day total weight tournament, there will be a NAIFC Pro Staff Seminar and social hour Friday night at Driftwood Bar & Grill Restaurant, as well as a Kids Ice Camp Saturday morning, 

Fishing Fun

Several winter festivals in Michigan feature ice fishing among their activities, including Winterfest on February 11 in the villages of Beulah and Benzonia. In addition to ice fishing, the whole family will enjoy the annual fish toss competition, frozen turkey bowling, horse drawn wagon rides, the Winterfest parade and fireworks over Crystal Lake. 

Try your luck in the pike and perch fishing contest at Les Cheneaux Snowsfest in the Eastern UP February 16-19 or head to the Curtis Fish Coop February 18 on South Manistique Lake – part of the Curtis Winter Carnival. 

Icing

Who needs a fancy rink?  With more than 11,000 inland lakes in Michigan it’s easy to start a pickup game no matter where you are. Because of this, pond hockey tournaments are a popular and growing past time in communities across Michigan.

The Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Championship in St. Ignace is one of the largest pond hockey tournaments in North America. Played on the wild ice of Moran Bay, part of Lake Huron, this is the only tournament where the 'pond' is actually one of the Great Lakes! Watch all the teams, including the Red Wing alumni team, February 17-19. 

Head to Mac’s Marina in Whitmore Lake for the Michigan Pond Hockey Classic January 27-29. Four-man teams battle it out on a 75’ x 150’ rink in both day and night games. In its fifth year, the event attracts players from Michigan, the Midwest and even Canada. Or head up north January 27-29 to the 2nd Annual Cadillac Pond Hockey Classic on picturesque Lake Cadillac. 

The 2012 Pond Hockey Championships at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, being held January 27-29, features a skate-up beer tent and grilled food all day long. Between games try your hand at the luge – the Winter Sports Complex has the most publicly accessible luge track in the nation – or take a run with the family down the sledding hill. 

Hockeytown USA

Home to the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit is known as Hockeytown when the puck hits the ice. Attending a Red Wings game at Joe Louis Arena is an exhilarating combination of excitement and tradition. With 11 Stanley Cups and more than 50 Red Wings in the Hockey Hall of Fame, the team remains a perennial favorite. But be sure to watch for flying octopuses! 

In West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Griffins, an affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, play at Van Andel Arena in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Goalie Joey MacDonald has paid tribute to his adopted state, featuring the Mackinac Bridge and Detroit skyline on his goalie’s mask. 

The Battle Creek Revolution, part of the All American Hockey League, gets fans fired up in Battle Creek and offers an affordable family outing. Kids under four get in free and tickets start at $5.  In Muskegon, the Lumberjacks are a training ground for aspiring NHL players. The teams play at L.C. Walker Arena, and on February 10 will celebrate 50 years of hockey in Muskegon with 1980’s throw-back jerseys.

Last year, the Kalamazoo Wings won the East Coast Hockey League Championship for the first time. An affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and the New Jersey Devils, the team plays at Wings Stadium with a dedicated Fanzone. 

Joe Louis Arena also plays host to several premiere collegiate hockey events. On February 11 the University of Michigan Wolverines will compete against rivals the Michigan State Spartans in an annual showdown at the Joe.  Joe Louis Arena will also host the 31^st Annual CCHA Championships March 16-17. Each year, the best teams from the Central Collegiate Hockey Association travel to Detroit for championship games to determine a CCHA Tournament champion. The event attracts more than 30,000 hockey fans to the Joe each year.

Leave the stick at home

If you prefer to leave your stick at home, Michigan offers great ice skating for all experience levels. A winter day in Detroit is not complete without a trip to the ice rink at Campus Martius Park, open seven days a week and as late as midnight on weekends. For only $1 you can take make figure eights at the Rosa Parks Circle ice rink in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. There are three ice skating rinks catering to hockey, family skating, and a kiddie rink at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex. Or meander through the 700 ft. skate trail on site. Up in Sault Ste. Marie the Pullar Stadium has been serving up quality ice for open skating since 1939 – and hockey greats, including Gordie Howe, Ed Lindsay, Sid Able and Alex Delvechio, have all skated at the facility.

Join the excitement of the dueling ice carvers’ competition as part of the 3rd Annual Ice Sculpture Festival in downtown Tecumseh January 21-22.  The competition continues with snowshoe races and the warm winter beverage competition where local business fight for bragging rights to the tastiest winter beverage in town. Other events during the weekend include a chocolate walk, man cave and activities for the kids. 

A world-class celebration of art and ice, the Plymouth Ice Festival runs January 20-22. Wander around Kellogg Park taking in more than 100 ice sculptures that will be on display and experience the Winter Fun Zone with fun for the whole family. Don’t miss the Dueling chainsaws speed-carving event or the lighting of the Fire & Ice Torch. 

In addition to more than 100 blocks of beautifully detailed ice carvings, Zehnder’s Snowfest in Frankenmuth also features larger-than-life snow sculptures January 25-30. One of the top snow-sculpting events in the country, visitors can take in the sites of both the snow sculpting competition and the U.S. National Collegiate Ice Carving Competition. Warm up with a famous chicken dinner and be sure to catch the fireworks display over this winder wonderland. 

It’s Ice Time in the Grand Old City of Dowagiac on February 4. Watch as artisans carve more than 20,000 pounds of ice into life-size sculptures and timber and wood carvers put their skill on display. Need a break from the cold? Sample southwestern Michigan’s spiciest chili during the professional cook-off or stop in to visit the city’s historic train depot. 

Known as a premiere beachtown, South Haven also knows how to play it cool. The community celebrates Ice Breaker 2012 February 3-5 with a chili cook-off and ice carving competition. More than 50 blocks of ice, weighing 300 pounds each, will be transformed into dazzling displays featuring ‘The Four Seasons of South Haven.’ While in town, stop in and explore the unique shops and terrific dining South Haven has to offer. 

Snow statutes are just part of the fun during the 91st Annual Michigan Tech University Winter Carnival February 9-12 in  Houghton. Experience all the winter weather has to offer with sleigh rides, snow volleyball, human dogsleds (and actual dogsled rides too) broomball and ice bowling. Then trade in your winter gear for a tux or gown and dance the night away at the Sno Ball.

The 8th Annual Magical Ice Carving Festival in St. Joseph February 10-12 will turn State Street into a gallery of professional ice carvings. Participate in the Snow Biz Scavenger Hunt or stop by Schu’s Festival Tent to get in the spirit – or embrace the tropics in February at Waikiki Weekend at Silver Beach Center. Children’s activities will also be ongoing throughout the weekend. 

There is a lot going on at the Cherry Capital Winter Wow! Fest in Traverse City February 17-20. The incredible ice sculptures of Michigan-based carvers the “Ice Brigade” will be on display throughout Front Street, and Marina Drive will host snow sculptures that Frosty the snowman simply can’t compete with.  There is an evening dedicated to Michigan wines, and the Downhill Dash where competitors may ride mountain bikes, ski bikes, skis or snowboards down the Mt. Holiday Ski Hill. Throughout it all the local shops of Traverse City will be featuring ‘shop till you drop’ sales. 

Looking for a completely different type of ice experience?  Head to the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association Championship in St. Ignace February 20-26.  Competitors from around the world will take to the ice with wings, kites and sails to prove who is best in this thrilling adventure sport.  This is the first time in 17 years the championships are being held in North America and activities will include ice golf, ice bowling, snowmobile safaris and a Traditional Finnish wood sauna built right on the ice. 

Southeast

Etch, Sketch and Stilettos: The Work of Topher Crowder
January 6 – 28, 2012, Northville
The Northville Art House is delighted to present the work of Topher Crowder, an artist first inspired by animated Saturday morning cartoons, vintage postcards and 1960s/1970s comic books. The show includes pop cultural shoe paintings, day-glow plexiglass etchings, ‘studio weavings’ and Mr. Crowder’s ‘reverse vandalism signs’ – all aspects of his diverse and unique artistic vision.

The Ultimate Fishing Show
January 12 – 15, 2012, Novi
As Michigan’s largest fishing show, The Ultimate Fishing Show is all about fishing tackle, fishing trips, fishing boats and features including Lake Ultimate, Trout Pond, Seminar Stages, Fish Fry and more.

Frankenmuth/Flint Area Brew Tour
January 14, 2012, Detroit
Tour three great breweries in the area – Frankenmuth Brewery, Redwood Lodge Brewing Co. and Black Forest Brew Haus. The tour includes guided bus transportation, brewer-led tours, three beer samples at each brewery, lunch, and water and snacks on the bus.

North American International Auto Show
January 14 – 22, 2012, Detroit
Experience the next generation of transportation at the 2012 North American International Auto Show! See more than 500 vehicles on display, representing the most innovative designs in the world and experience North America’s largest and most prestigious automotive showcase.

Michigan Winter Dog Classic
January 19 – 22, 2012, Novi
Come and see Michigan’s largest Dog Show at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan. Enjoy educational demonstrations, obedience and conformation judging, and breed seminars. The Michigan Winter Dog Classic will host more than 6,000 dogs and 160+ breeds of “man’s best friends” throughout the four day show.

Chocolate Tea
January 21, 2012, Lansing
Are you tired of winter already and want to get out for some fun? Make your way to the second annual Chocolate Tea, where guests will enjoy everything chocolate this winter at Turner-Dodge House.

Ann Arbor Folk Festival
January 27 – 28, 2012, Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Folk Festival will celebrate its 35th year with some of the finest in traditional and contemporary artists. The Festival returns to Hill Auditorium for two dynamic and different nights of folk and roots music beginning at 6:30pm each night.

Southwest

Winter Delights: A Festival of Wine, Food & Jazz
January 21, 2012, Benton Harbor
Enjoy an evening of wine tasting, culinary pleasures and the smooth sounds of Jazz for some soothing mid-winter relief. The festival will feature some of the best wines from across the state and local cuisine.

Upper Peninsula

Noquemanon Ski Marathon
January 26 – 28, 2012, Marquette
This fun-filled weekend will feature a Noque 12K – a classic and freestyle race which is meant to attract those skiers who want a first step into ski racing. Racers will ski on the same trail as the half marathon and marathon skiers.

West Central

Nordic Nights Gourmet Dine and Glide
January 21, 2012, North Muskegon
Experience one of the best culinary experiences in Michigan this winter. This event includes a four course dinner, ski pass and entrance to heated tent with live music. There will be three stations featuring a lovely blazing fire placed throughout your 5K glide. Each station will offer delicious food. Back at the heated tent, guests will enjoy dessert and music by Mike Snell.

Orchid Show
January 28 – 29, 2012, Grand Rapids
Enjoy hundreds of exquisite orchids featured in lush displays in the Grand Room. Members from the Grand Valley Orchid Society will answer your questions and point out some of the most unique orchids. Shop early for the best selection and find the perfect orchid for your home. The “orchid pyramid” offers photo opportunities. Kids will have fun on an “orchid hunt” and can express their creativity at the art station.

Animal Adventures: Surviving in the Wild
January 30, 2012, Grand Rapids
Enjoy an evening of warmth and wonder and discover fascinating things about four animals – a mammal, a reptile, an amphibian and a bird. Watch live animal presentations close up and pet the animals, enjoy animal story time, explore the Tropical Conservatory by flashlight, become engrossed in animal art activities and have fun playing Listen Up, What’s for Dinner and Pop Up Peek-A-Boo.

East Central

Caro 150 Winter Fest & Snowmobile Races
January 20 – 22, 2012, Caro
Enjoy the sights and sounds of professional snowmobile racing with the excitement of a hometown winter festival. The festivities get started Friday evening with a special downtown Caro open house and live entertainment, and continue throughout the weekend with community-wide shopping and restaurant specials, contests, fireworks and more. Be sure to bundle up for the races as you sit on the edge of your seat in the grandstands watching the racers fly around the track. Saturday’s races feature Sprint pro, semi-pro and junior, and Vintage.

Zehnder’s Snowfest
January 25 – 30, 2012, Frankenmuth
Stop by Zehnder’s Restaurant to enjoy a fun filled winter event for the whole family. Activities include snow sculpting and ice carving competitions, a children’s area, fireworks, entertainment, warming tent and much more.

Winter White-Out
January 25 – 28, 2012, St. Clair
St. Clair is closing the streets for winter fun! Make way for winter games, live music, entertainment and plenty of celebration at the Winter White-Out, where the community of St. Clair will be competing against four other Michigan cities to make the most snowmen in two hours. Competing cities are Saline, Sault Ste. Marie and Zeeland.

Chilly Fest
January 28 – 29, 2012, Port Huron
Get ready for a weekend of winter indoor and outdoor fun that coincides with the Silver Stick Hockey Tournament Finals. The downtown Port Huron event includes a chili cook-off, former Red Wings player Chris Chelios signing autographs, winter activities, ice carving competition, Knowlton Ice Museum tours and free horse and carriage rides.

Northeast

Fabulous 50s Weekend 
January 19 – 22, 2012, Gaylord
Put on your favorite 50s gear for a blast from the past at Treetops Resort! Activities include giant duck races, sock hop, kids activities, Minute to Win It and other spectacular events held daily.

Sno Drift Rally
January 27 – 28, 2012, Atlanta
The 2012 Sno Drift Rally will be a total blast! Held entirely within Montmorency County, it is a winter challenge that is not to be missed. There will be 18 stages of fast cars racing against the clock on some of Michigan’s snowiest and iciest roads.

Northwest

Bay Harbor Ice & Spice Festival
January 13 – 14, 2012, Bay Harbor
Join Bay Harbor for the grand winter celebration – the Bay Harbor Ice & Spice Festival. The event will feature ice carving competitions and an Ice & Spice Warming Tent. Other winter activities include sled dog musher rides, “live” sculptures, a chill lounge and winter activities for the whole family.

Beer and Boards Microbrew Festival
January 14, 2012, Bellaire
Experience a winter celebration of craft-brewed beer, where guests will sample unique flavors while chatting with the brewmasters themselves.

Winter Warm Up
January 14, 2012, Traverse City
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (WOMP) have teamed up with peninsula area businesses for the 2012 Winter Warm Up. Guests may visit any of the seven Old Mission wineries between 11am-5pm to purchase a souvenir mug for $10. This mug is your “ticket” into each participating winery and business on Old Mission allowing you to enjoy warm comfort food and drinks.

For those unwilling to brave the icy Straits, there’s plenty of other prime skiing available – from the Sand Dunes Ski Trail in St. Ignace, to the Peek-A-Boo Hill Ski Trail in Cedarville.  For a more adventurous trek, try 35 mile Petoskey to Mackinaw Trail stretching through eight cities in northern Michigan. 

Serious skiers can experience the largest Atomic Race center in the Eastern Great Lakes Region at the Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Higgins Lake. Enjoy more than ten miles of trails and then warm up in the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. 

There’s plenty of fun to be had downstate as well.

Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Lake Orion is known for its eight miles of groomed cross country skiing trails, and is also a great destination for snowmobiling, sledding and ice fishing. 

Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary in Bellevue was the first sanctuary of the Michigan Audubon Society. Well-known as a refuge for greater sandhill cranes, cross country skiing is welcomed along its trails in-season. 

Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids is a 143 acre facility, giving visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of nature areas along its cross country trails. It’s also possible to warm up indoors with special exhibits and Blandford’s popular wildlife care program. If you are out on December 22, stop by to experience the Winter Solstice Celebration.