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Ice Spearfishing Adventure on Michigan Lakes

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Brethren, MI, United States
  • $250 - $550 price range

Summary

Get ready for a unique winter fishing adventure on Michigan's frozen lakes! From December to March, you can join Captain Josh for a full day of dark house spearfishing. You'll set up in a cozy, heated shanty where you'll watch for northern pike and muskie through a hole in the ice. Armed with a traditional 7-tine spear, you'll wait for the perfect moment as your guide uses decoys to attract fish. It's a test of patience and skill that's totally different from regular ice fishing. The trip runs for 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to try your hand at this old-school technique. Lunch is provided, so you can stay warm and focused on the action below. Remember to grab your Michigan fishing license before the trip. Ice conditions can be tricky, so be sure to check in with us before booking. With a 3-day free cancellation policy, you can plan ahead without worry. Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking for something new, this spearfishing trip offers a memorable day on the ice.
Ice Spearfishing Adventure on Michigan Lakes

Beneath the Ice

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A picturesque scene of the town of Brethren

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Sea trout fishing in Brethren

Fired up! Brown Trout on the Manistee.

A lone angler fishing in Michigan

Lively Brown Trout!

Angler enjoys fishing in MI

Fresh! Brown Trout on the fly.

One fisherman fishing in Brethren

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Scenic shot of a beautiful coastal location in Brethren

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Scenic view of the fishing location in Brethren

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Scenic view of Brethren, a great fishing location

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A fisherman holding a beautiful rainbow trout in Brethren

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Image of a Spanish Mackerel caught while fishing at Brethren

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A picturesque scene of the town of Brethren

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Sea trout fishing in Brethren

Fired up! Brown Trout on the Manistee.

A lone angler fishing in Michigan

Lively Brown Trout!

Angler enjoys fishing in MI

Fresh! Brown Trout on the fly.

One fisherman fishing in Brethren

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Scenic shot of a beautiful coastal location in Brethren

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Scenic view of the fishing location in Brethren

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Scenic view of Brethren, a great fishing location

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A fisherman holding a beautiful rainbow trout in Brethren

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Image of a Spanish Mackerel caught while fishing at Brethren

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A picturesque scene of the town of Brethren

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Sea trout fishing in Brethren

Fired up! Brown Trout on the Manistee.

A lone angler fishing in Michigan

Lively Brown Trout!

Angler enjoys fishing in MI

Fresh! Brown Trout on the fly.

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Ice Fishing with a Twist: Winter Spearfishing

Ready for a heart-pounding ice fishing adventure? Ditch the rod and reel for something way cooler – spearfishing through the ice! Captain Josh from Majestic Michigan Charters is serving up an 8-hour private trip that'll have you stalking monster pike and muskie in a cozy heated shanty. This isn't your grandpa's ice fishing – it's a next-level experience that'll get your adrenaline pumping.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're hunkered down in a dark house (fancy talk for a blacked-out ice shanty), peering into a hole cut through two feet of solid ice. The water below is crystal clear, and you're gripping a wicked 7-tine spear, waiting for the moment to strike. Captain Josh works his magic with decoys, luring in curious predators. When that big northern shows up, it's all on you to make the perfect throw. It's like underwater hunting, and let me tell you, nothing beats the rush when you connect!

Spearing 101

Never tried spearfishing before? No sweat. Captain Josh will show you the ropes. You'll be using a heavy-duty spear with multiple tines – think of it as an underwater pitchfork designed for accuracy. The key is patience and a quick, smooth motion when you spot your target. The heated shanty keeps you comfy while you wait, and the darkness inside creates the perfect viewing window into the underwater world. Pro tip: Bring some snacks to munch on between the action, and don't forget that Michigan fishing license!

Why Folks are Hooked

Let's be real – ice fishing can sometimes be a waiting game. But spearfishing? It's non-stop excitement. You're actively hunting, not just hoping a fish finds your bait. Plus, you get an up-close look at the underwater ecosystem that most anglers never see. It's like having a front-row seat to nature's coolest aquarium show, with the chance to bring home a trophy catch.

Target: Toothy Predators

Northern Pike: These bad boys are the main attraction. Known as "water wolves," pike are ambush predators with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. They can grow huge in Michigan's lakes, with 30-inchers being common and real monsters pushing past 40 inches. Winter is prime time for pike – they're super active under the ice and drawn to larger prey (hello, decoys!). Watching a big pike cruise in is a heart-stopping moment you won't forget.

Muskie: The "fish of 10,000 casts" becomes the "fish of one perfect throw" when you're spearfishing. Muskies are like pike on steroids – bigger, meaner, and with an attitude to match. They're less common than pike, but landing one is the holy grail of ice spearing. These tigers of the freshwater world can top 50 inches and put up a fight that'll test your spearing skills to the max.

Book Your Spear-Tacular Adventure

Look, if you want a run-of-the-mill ice fishing trip, there are plenty of options out there. But if you're after a truly unique winter adventure that'll get your blood pumping? This is it. Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's passionate about putting guests on fish. With the 3-day free cancellation policy, you can lock in your spot without worry. Just remember to double-check ice conditions before you head out. So grab a buddy (or fly solo) and get ready for a day on the ice you'll be bragging about for years. Trust me, once you've felt the thrill of spearing a big pike, you'll be hooked for life!

Learn more about the specie

Northern Pike

Northern pike are the apex predators of Michigan's frozen lakes, and they're a blast to target through the ice. These toothy monsters average 2-3 feet long but can grow much bigger. Pike hang out in weedy shallows near drop-offs, ambushing anything that moves. They're most active in winter when the water's cold. Spearing pike is a unique challenge - you've got to stay dead silent and ready to strike. We use decoys to draw them in close. When a big one shows up, it's a real rush. Pike put up a heck of a fight and taste great too. The key is patience. Pike will often circle a decoy, sizing it up. Don't spook 'em by moving too soon. Wait for a clean shot at the gill area. Oh, and mind those teeth when you're handling one - they're no joke! Whether you're after a trophy or just want to try something different, pike spearing is hard to beat for winter action. There's nothing like the feeling when you see those yellow spots emerge from the gloom below.

Northern Pike
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Experience the excitement of fishing on the Manistee River with Majestic Michigan Charters! Join Captain Joshua Miller for a memorable adventure targeting the best fish species in the area – book your trip today and make unforgettable memories!

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