Word on the ice is that fishing is good these days.  Last week my source Joe reported that one could catch a meal’s worth of perch in just a couple of hours.  Another fisherman on the ice reported that he caught 52 perch with an average length of 9″ on Saturday!  With such good fishing, the number of shanties is really growing out there.   Bait is conveniently available at Cenzo’s, the local grocery store located across the street from the lake.  And, don’t forget to grab one (or two) of their Killer Italian Subs while you’re at it!

As a part of the 3rd Annual Winterfest, the Perch Derby challenges you to catch the largest perch in Pentwater Lake from 11am - 4pm on Saturday 2/14/09.  Registration is at Cenzo’s, the local grocery store in Pentwater, where measurements will take place.  There are 3 trophies in the adult division and 3 trophies in the 14 and under division.  BONUS:  This tournament takes place during the State of Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend so no license is required!

My fishing source (and tournament director), Joe, reports that the best rig at this time appears to be a 2-hook crappie rig with minnows.  He rates the fishing of perch to currently be “slow but steady” but everyone on the ice is hopeful that the big schools of perch will come into Pentwater Lake by the end of February, like they did last year.

Channel Lane Inn has rooms available starting at $60/night.  All rooms have well-stocked kitchens where you can fry the perch you caught for your dinner!

Are you looking to get away for a weekend of cross country skiing?  Pentwater Pathways is located only 5 miles from the Channel Lane Inn and offers groomed trails in a tranquil, scenic setting.  The trail system includes four loops totaling 15 miles, with beginner to advanced trails.

In conjunction with the 3rd Annual Winterfest, the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association will be hosting “free ski day” on Sat. 2/14 and Sat. 2/21.  There will be ski equipment (boots/skis/poles) in the parking lot for anyone that wants to give cross country skiing a try.  Check out www.oceanaski.org to download a map of Pentwater Pathways.

New Year’s Day was spent at Crystal Mountain with my son and his teenage friends.  With some on skis and some on snowboards we had a great time playing in the snow!

I was impressed with the variety of slopes for all skill levels and the helpfulness of the staff throughout the day.  It only took us just under an hour and a half to drive there from the Channel Lane Inn.   Our low Winter rates (beginning at $60/night) and rooms complete with kitchens make for an affordable ski vacation.  Check out www.crystalmountain.com for more information on lift tickets and snow conditions.

A little village has begun to appear on the ice covering Pentwater Lake!

I’ve heard that Northern Pike and Perch are caught throughout the winter.  If any of you fisherman are interested, stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted as to what’s being caught as the season progresses.  The Channel Lane Inn is located adjacent to the lake and would be a convenient place to stay if you’d like to do some fishing in Pentwater.

The 3rd Annual Winterfest 2009 is a fun opportunity to socialize and play in the snow in Pentwater and the neighboring communities of Hart & Mears!

Saturday 2/14 activities include cross-country skiing in Pentwater, a perch fishing tournament in Pentwater, wine tasting at Pentwater’s art galleries, and Vegas Night in Hart.

Saturday 2/21 activities include a pancake breakfast followed by outhouse races in Mears, cross-country skiing in Pentwater, the 3rd Annual Icicle Open at Colonial Golf Course in Hart, beer tasting in Pentwater, and a Mardi Gras Celebration at Pentwater’s Gull Landing.

Book your room at Channel Lane Inn and you’re within walking distance of downtown Pentwater events. Don’t forget to pack your boots!