We've been waiting for bluegill to come to the beds to increase the fishing action but there are still some bluegills being caught. Bass, however, have been biting and anglers are bringing in some great catches. For a handy map to use while fishing on Hamlin Lake, go to www.hamlinlake.com/hamlin-lake-fishing-map and print a free copy.

Starting the season off, anglers are excited to be fishing open water again after a long winter. While lake levels are on the rise, fishing is mostly along the shoreline. We're getting reports of small panfish and perch being caught using worms and crawlers. Most fishing enthusiasts are looking forward to abundant catches this spring. The last Saturday in April is the opening of Northern Pike and Muskie season with Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass season opening Memorial Weekend.

We've had about 2-3 dozen men in the store today who have been fishing Upper Hamlin near Wilson Hill Park. They report that they're catching 8-10" bluegills, though they aren't limiting out. Fishing is reported to be better in the morning.

The water is still a little murky in some places. Reports of gills and crappie off of Wilson Hill Park hitting waxies, spikes, and minnows. The walleye are hitting on blue shiners on Rattlin flyers or Jiggin Raps in front of North Bayou and by Hobbycrest.

Fishing still isn't back in full force. Guys were out yesterday, but didn't limit out. The past three days have been slow on the lake, but yesterday could be the start of a turnaround. Blue gill were hitting on orange jigs, wax worms and spikes. There's very little spearing action, no walleye reports from over the weekend. The lake is still muddy. Guys with cameras just two feet off the bottom can't see anything yet. Cars are parking on the ice now on Upper Hamlin Lake, but we don't encourage it. Check out the rules for parking on ice and make sure that you don't damage the ice on your way out. DNR and authorities are out in full force, especially on the weekends.

The ice is better! A combination of the warm-up with rain, followed by no snow, followed by very cold temperatures has made the ice much better. Reports from Upper Hamlin are that anglers are still catching some nice Gills off of Wilson Hill Park. Fisherman are still fishing both the South Bayou and North Bayou on Lower Hamlin Lake. But Now, anglers are also taking their shanties out over the drop off on the east side of Lower Hamlin. I have had some pretty good reports on the Walleye fishing out there. Reports from the South Bayou of Lower Hamlin are that the anglers are catching small pan fish and working hard for a mess of nice gills. Reports from the North Bayou, where anglers are typically spearing Pike and Musky in January, are that some larger pike are still visiting the area. One angler got several keepers. As the water continues to clear after the rain, it should get better. As soon as I hear more reports I will let you know. Good Luck Fishing!