RAPID CITY FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Below the Ice: Chasing Lake Trout and Perch on Northern Michigan’s Frozen Lakes
A half-day to full-day outing run by Fish With Jim Outfitters that takes anglers onto lakes such as Torch and Elk to fish for Lake Trout, Perch and other cold‑water species.
Below the Ice: Chasing Lake Trout and Perch on Northern Michigan’s Frozen Lakes.
Ice Fishing with Fish With Jim Outfitters drops you onto the frozen expanse of northern Michigan waters — Torch, Elk and a roster of nearby lakes — to probe the world beneath the ice for Lake Trout, Splake, Brown and Rainbow Trout, Perch, Burbot and Cisco. Guides select lakes each day based on ice conditions and where the fishing is best, offering an immersive, weather‑shaped experience on the ice.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A rotating slate of northern Michigan lakes
Guides fish several area lakes depending on ice and bite — examples include Lake Charlevoix, Bear Lake, Thumb Lake, Lake Skegemog, Elk Lake and Torch Lake — so each trip reads a different ice map and shoreline.
Cold‑water species under the ice
Targets include Lake Trout, Splake, Brown and Rainbow Trout, Perch, Burbot and Cisco — a varied winter roster that rewards patience and technique.
Local outfitting with day‑long focus
Fish With Jim Outfitters runs the ice fishing outings, focusing on quality fishing opportunities across the region’s lakes and tailoring lake choice to conditions on the day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a deliberate rhythm: a drive out to a chosen lake, cutting or standing beside holes on the sheen of ice, setting lines and reading subtle takes while the guide works locations where winter fish concentrate. Trips run through a half- to full-day window, and every outing is shaped by ice safety and the day’s bite.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and what to check before you go.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips run for roughly 4–7 hours; lake choice varies by ice conditions and where the fishing is best.
Specific gear guidance is not listed in the provided material—contact Fish With Jim Outfitters for recommended clothing and equipment.
The outfitter fishes different lakes in the area depending on ice conditions and the fishing; expect the guide to choose the safest, most productive water on the day.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ice fishing trip?
Trips run approximately 4–7 hours.
Which lakes will we fish?
Lakes visited vary by ice conditions and fishing and include Lake Charlevoix, Bear Lake, Thumb Lake, Lake Skegemog, Elk Lake, Torch Lake and more.
What species can we expect to catch?
Species include Lake Trout, Splake, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Perch, Burbot and Cisco.
Who runs the ice fishing outings?
The trips are operated by Fish With Jim Outfitters.
Why might the outfitter change the lake on the day of the trip?
Guides choose lakes based on ice conditions and where the fishing is best, so locations can change to prioritize safety and catch rate.