A nice lake trout could be worth $25 in trade Saturday when a Leland tackle and bait store hopes to generate some ice fishing excitement.

Amber Alsip, owner of the Fish Hook in Leland, said fishing through the ice has been good on Lake Leelanau for a variety of species. But she and her husband, Randy, plan to concentrate on lakers Saturday in hopes of placing emphasis on one of the lake’s less-fished species.

The Fish Hook had been closing for winters in recent years, but is now open on Saturdays. The largest laker brought to the shop Saturday will be worth a $25 gift certificate to its owner.

Most Lake Leelanau lake trout are found in deeper water in the north portion of the lake. “I did see some fishermen in the middle, and that’s where they are,” said Alsip.

Walleye, some pike and perch are also being caught, but Alsip said the big buzz on the lake has been a resurgence of smelt fishing off Houdek’s Creek where a small village of shanties has emerged.

The Alsips’ sons, Greg, 19, and Jake, 16, have been taking from 18 to 30 smelt a night. They use their catches as bait — smelt are a preferred food for Lake Leelanau walleye and lake trout — and, of course, dinners.

The Fish Hook also sells minnows, including the 1-inch “blues” used for perch. Smelt and perch are also taking wax worms, said Alsip.

Although one group reported catching nine lake trout in one day and keeping six, the most popular word on recently frozen big Glen Lake has been “perch.”

Lots of perch, with some going to 14 inches.

Bob Smith, owner of the Sportsman Shop in Glen Arbor, offered a glowing report for perch fishing.

“There were limit catches of perch Saturday and Sunday in big Glen. It was a slaughter,” he said.

Most perch are being caught on small minnows.

Two inches of sloppy snow followed by rain Monday night should be turned to ice over the weekend when temperatures are predicted to dip again, Smith expects.

Reports coming from Cedar Lake in Elmwood Township point to a strong smelt bite.