05-25-2007, 04:05 AM
[font "Arial, Helvetica"]Thursday, May 24, 2007 [/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica"]Recreational Fishing Report[/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica"]![[Image: fish_reportmap2_23340_7.gif]](http://www.mi.gov/images/fish_reportmap2_23340_7.gif)
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[url "http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/"][font "Arial, Helvetica"][#000000]Great Lakes temperature map[/#000000][/font][/url]
This coming Saturday May 26th is the opening day of bass season on the Great Lakes and all the inland waters except Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River and the Detroit River which do not open until the 3rd Saturday in June. The opener looks to be a good one if the warm weather continues. Look for bluegills to be on the beds by the weekend.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Walleye fishing has been good this week. The fish can be found in 16 to 20 feet of water near the Fermi Power Plant and the E-Buoy. Drifting crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers has been the most productive, but a few fish were also caught when trolling dipsey divers and spoons.
Detroit River - Good walleye fishing continues in the lower river near the mouth, in the Trenton Channel and on both sides of Grosse Ile when jigging or slow trolling with crawler harnesses. The white bass fishing has been excellent with anglers taking limit catches.
Lake St. Clair - Walleye fishing has been very good when using crawler harnesses from Metro Beach to Masonic. The catch and release bass fishing has been very good. Anglers are reminded that the bass season does not open until the 3rd Saturday in June.
St. Clair River - Has been very good for walleye fishing. Anglers have done well both after dark and during the day.
Lexington - The trout and salmon are scattered in waters 15 to 50 feet deep. Those trolling have caught mainly lake trout with salmon, steelhead and walleye mixed in.
Port Sanilac - The trout and salmon are scattered here as well, but fish are still being caught.
Harbor Beach - Smallmouth bass have started to show up, and anglers have been targeting them during the catch and release season.
Willow Creek - Near Huron City has bass starting to show up near the mouth.
Port Austin - Anglers are still taking lake trout. Pier anglers have caught walleye very early in the morning.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing on inner bay was nothing short of incredible until the cold front moved in. Everybody was getting fish, and lots of limits were taken everywhere from Linwood south and east to Quanicassee when trolling with planer boards or drifting crawler harnesses. Off Linwood, Buoys A and H were both hot. Other good spots were around the Spark Plug, the south end of the bay between Finn Road and Quanicassee, and in the Slot between Quanicassee and Sebewaing.
Saginaw River - Anglers are taking good catches of freshwater drum and carp.
Tittabawassee River - There are still some limits of walleye coming from the lower river near the launch at Center Street, around Imerman Park, and off Gordonville Road when jigging, trolling or casting crankbaits. White bass and smallmouth bass are also in the river.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Boats trolling between the surface and 40 feet down in 150 to 200 feet of water are taking chinook and coho. Pier fishing has been good with anglers taking flathead catfish and freshwater drum when fishing the river side off the North Pier. Most are using alewife. Some brown trout have also been caught.
South Haven - Boat anglers are taking chinook, coho and lake trout when trolling 20 to 40 feet down in waters 100 to 200 feet deep.
Kalamazoo River - Walleye continue to hit on large shiners. The dredging operations are still going on so anglers will want to avoid those areas.
Grand Haven - Boats are trolling with spoons in waters up to 200 feet deep. Perch were hitting on minnows in 60 to 70 feet of water. Some big catfish have been caught in the channel.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Walleye are hitting on minnows, crawlers and chartreuse Twister Tails with red heads. Some big smallmouth bass have been caught using minnows, crawlers, bodybaits and small spinners. The bass opener looks to be a good one. Bluegills and crappie can be found in the pockets of slow water. Lots of catfish have also been caught. The flatheads are hitting on large sucker minnows while the channel cats prefer crawlers and dough baits.
Rogue River - Some nice brown trout have been caught in the upper river. The hot bait has been salted shiner minnows.
Thornapple River - Anglers are taking lots of nice crappie. The trick is to fish the downed trees, and when they stop biting, move on to the next area.
Grand River at Lansing - Walleye have been caught on minnows when fishing off the walls and near the bridges. Bluegills should be on the beds by the weekend. Look for crappie in the brush and downed trees. The carp are still active.
Maple River - Has good bowfin action. The fish are very active right now and because they put up such a good fight, they are fun to catch.
Reeds Lake - Anglers report the crappies are spawning and the bluegills should be on the beds by the weekend. Northern pike have been caught near the Yacht Club.
Cranberry Lake - Bluegill and crappie have been caught on the south side of the lake near the cattails
Big Wabasis Lake - Those fishing near the boat rental reported seeing bluegills on the beds.
Murray Lake - Northern pike and muskie have been caught when slow trolling with 10 to 12 inch sucker minnows and no weight attached.
White Lake - Anglers are catching lots of panfish, mainly bluegills. Northern pike have been caught when trolling plugs in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - The lake trout fishing is here. Anglers are fishing the bottom 5 feet in waters 30 to 55 feet deep. Spoons, Cowbells, Spin-Glows and Peanuts have caught fish. Any color of green has been working well. Good places to fish have been from the Calcite breakwall all the way down to Adams Point, and near Seagull Point. A few brown trout and atlantic salmon were caught along the shoreline, especially near Calcite when using planer boards and bodybaits in a variety of colors.
Rockport - Slow lake trout fishing continues as boats are trolling around Middle Island, the Humps off Ferron Point, and out by the Wreck. Some are going five miles past the Wreck and fishing in 150 feet of water. Pier anglers casting spoons have caught a few brown trout. Anglers will want to bring some bug spray.
Alpena - Boat anglers are trolling around Grass Island, the 9-Mile Can, and just outside the breakwall. Only a few fish have been caught, but those taken were large. Those trolling for lake trout are going out in deeper waters around the 9-Mile Can, off North Point, and four miles straight out into the Bay. Pier anglers have caught northern pike and smallmouth bass.
Thunder Bay River - Those fishing for walleye during the daylight hours are having the best luck when trolling bodybaits from Mill Island down to the mouth. The walleye are averaging 16 to 19 inches and are full of gobies, so fish tight along the river bank.
Harrisville - Anglers are taking limits of lake trout in 45 to 55 feet of water in front of the harbor. A few boats went down to Sturgeon Point and also did well.
Oscoda - Walleye fishing has slowed during the day, but there has still been a fair amount of activity after dark.
Au Sable River - Most anglers are night fishing for walleye. They are drifting crawler harnesses down the river or using dipsey divers.
Tawas - Those fishing in Tawas Bay have taken some walleye in 10 to 30 feet of water. Coho, brown trout and walleye have been caught off the pier.
Au Gres - The best walleye fishing has been in the warm waters just south of Pte. Au Gres. The further south you go the better the fishing.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout are hitting on cowbells and live bait in 80 to 100 feet of water. Rainbow trout and brown trout can be found in 30 to 40 feet of water near the drop off. Smallmouth bass are hitting on crankbaits.
Houghton Lake - Fishing has been good. Walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses, leeches and rapalas. Anglers have caught both large and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegills and rock bass. Pike have also been caught, but many are running on the small side.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Walloon Lake - Smallmouth bass seem to be the target and most are having pretty good luck when casting shallow divers, plastic worms or grubs along the weeds or in the shallows. Some undersized walleye along with some bluegills and perch were taken while still-fishing or drifting with worms.
Thumb Lake (Lake Louise) - Anglers switched tactics over the last week putting their efforts into trolling for splake instead of fishing the shallows. Fish were caught using deep divers, stingers and stickbaits in waters 8 to 50 feet deep.
Traverse City - In the East Bay anglers are reporting good catches of lake trout and some brown trout on the east shore off Dock Road and Deepwater Point. Whitefish action was fair off Old Mission when the weather cooperates. In the West Bay, good numbers of lake trout along with some chinook salmon have been caught off the Gravel Pit. Those trolling with spoons did best, but fish were also taken when jigging a pearl colored Swedish Pimple. Smallmouth bass have been caught in the harbor.
Elk River - Fishing for steelhead is slow but the persistent anglers are catching some up at the dam. Try spawn on the bottom or casting. Suckers are really stacked up at the dam. Smallmouth bass are in the harbor and at the dam.
Boardman River - Smallmouth bass are being caught when casting spinners and bodybaits. Only a handful of steelhead are still in the river, but those fishing the mouth have caught brown trout and lake trout.
Crystal Lake - Good numbers of perch have been caught but the fish are running small. Good whitefish action was reported on the east end of the lake.
Frankfort - Chinook and brown trout are being caught by those trolling in and around the pier heads. Baitfish can be found in the harbor and in front of the mouth. Most are trolling rapalas in the early morning or evening. Hot colors have been chartreuse, orange, silver or perch patterns. Pier anglers willing to put some time in have caught a few brown trout when fishing in the early morning.
Onekama - Those trolling spoons up near the Barrel and in front of the pier heads have been catching a few chinook and steelhead in 20 to 40 feet of water. Hot colors were chartreuse, orange and gold.
Portage Lake - Panfish and bass are starting to move up into the shallows. Anglers are catching bluegill, crappie and rock bass. Those looking for large and smallmouth bass seemed to have better luck on the drop offs on both the east side and the south end of the lake. Crankbaits and spinner baits have worked best. Northern pike continue to hit throughout the day.
Manistee River - Some large brown trout have been caught up near Tippy Dam when using minnows or crawlers.
Ludington - Cool water temperatures continue to slow fishing. Pier anglers had no luck when using spawn or casting spoons. Night anglers have managed to catch a few walleye. Those trolling were able to pick up a few fish when trolling down towards Pentwater and the Project were water temperatures are warmer. They are catching mainly brown trout, but a few chinook salmon are also starting to show up.
Pere Marquette Lake - Anglers are catching northern pike.
Pentwater Lake - Good numbers of crappie and other panfish have been caught. Check around the docks and near the channels.
Upper Peninsula
Torch Lake - In Houghton County is providing fair to good northern pike fishing when casting minnows near the drop offs. A few walleye along with good numbers of bass were caught when working the shorelines.
Portage Lake - Fair numbers of northern pike have been caught when using minnows. Some nice walleye were taken when back trolling or drifting crawler harnesses. Warmer weather is still needed.
Marquette - Fishing has been slow. The coho fishery is wrapping up and anglers are still waiting for the chinook action to start. Lake trout have been caught in waters about 150 feet deep.
Little Bay De Noc - Has very good walleye fishing with limit catches reported. Most fish have been in the 16 to 23 inch range. Night anglers trolling crankbaits along the Second and Third Reefs took fair catches. Several large fish were taken when trolling crankbaits in 18 to 25 feet of water near Breezy Point. Shore anglers fishing off the new pier did well when floating crawlers just off the bottom. Walleye and perch were taken from the Narrows over to the East Bank when drifting or trolling crawler harnesses along the bottom in 20 to 34 feet of water. Good catches were taken around Garth Point and near the mouth of the Whitefish River. Northern pike have been caught throughout the Bay
Big Bay De Noc - The better walleye fishing has been in the head of the Bay when drifting or trolling crawler harnesses in 8 to 20 feet of water between the Big Fishdam River and Valentine Creek. Fish were also caught across the Bay near the Nahama Golf Course. Anglers have also seen lots of bass, so the opener looks good.
Au Train Lake - Anglers are doing fairly well when fishing for walleye and northern pike. Most are trolling or still-fishing with crawlers. Most fish have been small but a couple 30 inch pike have been caught. Several smallmouth bass and a couple brown trout have also been caught.
Grand Marais - Anglers are still catching coho off the pier when using spawn and in the bay when trolling spoons. Lake whitefish were taken on spawn in the early morning or late evening.
Big Manistique Lake - Has excellent walleye fishing. Most of the fish taken have been in the 15 to 18 inch range, but fish up to 25 inches have been caught. Drifting and trolling with live bait or casting crankbaits worked best.
Drummond Island - Northern pike fishing has been excellent, with limits taken in Maxton Bay and Scotts Bay when casting Little Cleo's or drift fishing with large minnows.
Cedarville and Hessel - Good splake fishing continues around the pier at Hessel. Early morning and late evening are best in 15 to 20 feet of water. Northern pike and smallmouth bass are being caught. Anglers are averaging 25 pike per day with about half of those fish meeting the minimum size limit.
Upper Peninsula:[/url]
On Copper Harbor, the splake fishing is reported as being fair. The best fishing is found out from 10th and Sixth streets.
Lake Gogebic is producing fair to good walleye fishing. Anglers are catching good numbers of fish, but some are below the legal size to keep.
Around Marquette, the walleye fishing is improving on the Dead River Basin and Lake Independence. Anglers on the Greenwood Reservoir are reeling in a few bluegill and crappie. The coho and king salmon fishing is fair on the Upper Marquette and Lower Marquette harbors. Outside of the harbors, a few lake trout are being caught in water no more than 100 feet deep.
Out on Little Bay de Noc north of Escanaba, the walleye fishing is good. The marble eyes are hitting on crawler harnesses, floating jigheads and crank baits. The best fishing is found on the north end of the bay.
By Manistique, the walleye fishing is fair on both Indian Lake and the Manistique River. Early mornings or evenings are the best times to be out.
Anglers on Munuscong Bay are reeling in good numbers of walleye, using jigheads and crank baits. The perch fishing on the bay is fair, at best.
The pike fishing is good on Maxton Bay near Drummond Island. The northerns are hitting on spoons and live bait. Anglers are Scott Bay are catching a few walleye. Along the St. Marys River, by the lighthouse, the salmon fishing is reported as being fair.
At St. Ignace, the walleye fishing is slow on Brevort Lake.
Northwest:[/url]
Anglers on Crooked Lake near Alanson are catching a few walleye. Try drifting, using a crawler harness. The pike fishing is fair on Burt Lake. Out on Little Traverse Bay, a few lake trout are being reeled in.
Out of the Boyne City area, the walleye fishing is fair on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix. Anglers are using crawler harnesses and body baits.
East Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City is producing fair whitefish fishing. The walleye fishing on Long Lake and Lake Leelanau ranges from slow to fair. Anglers on the local inland lakes are catching a few bluegill.
Crystal Lake is producing good whitefish and perch fishing. The whitefish are hitting on wigglers. On Lake Michigan, the brown trout fishing ranges from fair to good.
By Manistee, the salmon fishing is improving on Lake Michigan. The panfish fishing is good on most of the inland lakes. Anglers on Manistee Lake are reeling in a few pike.
Around Kalkaska, the pike and perch fishing ranges from slow to fair on both Clam Lake and Lake Skegemog.
In the Gaylord area, the trout fishing is very good on sections of the Black, Jordan, Manistee, Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers. The best fishing occurs during the warmer parts of the day. The fish are hitting on elk hair caddis, Roberts drakes and borcher specials.
At Cadillac, the crappie and pike fishing is very good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The east side of Lake Cadillac is producing the best crappie fishing. The bluegill fishing is improving on Lake Cadillac. At night, the bullhead fishing is fair on the lakes.
West:[/url]
In the Ludington area, the brown trout fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. The best fishing is found near the sand bars. The salmon fishing ranges from fair to good on the lake, in water up to 100 feet deep. Most of the fish are found in the top 50 feet of water. The crappie fishing is fair on the upper end of Hamlin Lake. The bluegill are starting to bite on the lake.
Out of the Muskegon area, the salmon fishing ranges from fair to good on Lake Michigan. The fish are found 40 to 60 feet below the surface, in water up to 220 feet deep. Anglers are starting to catch a few perch on the lake. On Muskegon and Wolf lakes, the bluegill fishing is spotty.
Chippewa Lake is producing good bluegill fishing. Both leaf worms and waxworms are being used as bait.
And in the Baldwin area, the crappie fishing is fair on Idlewild and Big Star lakes. The bluegill fishing is spotty on the lakes.
Southwest:[/url]
By Holland, the salmon fishing is improving on Lake Michigan. The fish are found 60 to 70 feet below the surface, in water up to 170 feet deep. Anglers along the Kalamazoo River are catching good numbers of walleye. The best fishing is found between the Blue Star and I-96 bridges. The bluegill and crappie fishing is pretty good on most of the inland lakes.
Around Benton Harbor, the salmon and steelhead fishing is good on Lake Michigan, in water 150 to 200 feet deep. Anglers on the St. Joseph River are catching a few walleye.
In the New Buffalo area, the coho, king salmon and steelhead fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. A few catfish are being caught on the Galien River.
Out of the Kalamazoo area, the crappie fishing is good on Pine Lake. The bluegill fishing is improving on Cedar and Gull lakes. Anglers along Campbell Creek are reeling in good numbers of brown trout. The catfish fishing is fair on the St. Joseph River.
At Three Rivers, the bluegill and crappie fishing is good on most of the local lakes. The gills are hitting on red wigglers and waxworms, the crappie prefer minnows as bait.
Northeast:[/url]
Out of the Alpena area, the walleye fishing is fair on Thunder Bay and on the Thunder Bay River. The marble eyes are hitting on leeches and Rapalas. The best times to be out fishing are the early mornings or evenings on the river and during the overnight period o the bay.
Around Grayling, the bluegill fishing ranges from fair to good on Frog and Margrethe lakes. A few bluegill are being caught on Section One and Guthrie lakes. The trout fishing on the Au Sable and Manistee rivers is fair.
The steelhead and walleye fishing is reported as being good on the Au Sable River near Oscoda, between the dam and the mouth of the river. Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds are producing good pike and walleye fishing. The crappie fishing on Foote Dam Pond is fair. Anglers on Van Etten Lake are catching a few perch and walleye.
Anglers on Higgins Lake are catching a few lake trout. The lakers are hitting on Rapalas and gray shiner minnows.
Houghton Lake is producing very good bluegill, crappie and walleye fishing. Walleye anglers are trolling the early morning or evening hours. Gill anglers are using leaf worms and waxworms as bait.
And on Saginaw Bay near Au Gres, the walleye fishing is fair between Point Lookout and Point Au Gres, in water 15 to 24 feet deep. Anglers along the Au Gres River are catching a few catfish, using crawlers as bait.
East:[/url]
Around Linwood, the walleye fishing is steady on Saginaw Bay. The best fishing is found in water 14 to 17 feet deep.
In the Bay City area, the walleye fishing is very good on Saginaw Bay.
Out of the Saginaw and Zilwaukee areas, the catfish fishing is excellent on both the Saginaw and Tittabawassee rivers. Good numbers of panfish are being reeled in on the rivers. The walleye fishing has slowed down, but is still reported as being fair.
By Bay Port, the walleye fishing ranges from fair to good on Saginaw Bay near Sand Point. Crawlers are the preferred bait.
On Lake Huron by Harbor Beach, the lake trout fishing is very good. The king salmon, brown trout and steelhead fishing is fair. Most of the fish are found in the top 20 feet of water that is up to 90 feet deep. Anglers are finding a few walleye and perch around the harbor.
The king salmon and lake trout fishing is fair on Lake Huron between Port Sanilac and Lexington. The kings are found in water about 20 feet deep. Anglers on the St. Clair River in Port Huron are reeling in excellent numbers of walleye. From shore, anglers are using plugs during the day, crawlers at night. On the Black River, the crappie and steelhead fishing is fair.
And between St. Clair and Marine City, the walleye fishing is excellent on the St. Clair River. Anglers on the river are also reeling in a few perch.
Central:[/url]
Lakes Isabella, Coldwater and Deerfield near Mount Pleasant are producing good panfish and pike fishing.
Out of the Lansing area, the crappie and bluegill fishing is good on the Grand River and on most of the area lakes. The gills are moving onto their beds, and are hitting on crickets or surface baits. Anglers on the river are reeling in a few walleye. The smallmouth bass fishing is fair, below the North Lansing Dam.
At Jackson, anglers are reeling in good numbers of bluegill on most lakes. The gills are moving onto their spawning beds. Both leaf worms and waxworms are being used as bait.
Southeast:[/url]
The St. Clair River by Algonac is producing excellent walleye fishing. The fish are biting at any time of day.
On the north end of the Detroit River the walleye fishing is very good. Anglers are catching fish handlining, jigging and whipping at night.
Along the south end of the Detroit River, the silver bass fishing is very good. The walleye fishing is good, if you can get your hook past the bass. Anglers near Stony Island are catching a few perch.
Out on Lake Erie, the walleye fishing is good near Luna Pier, the “E” buoy and Toledo Beach.
And by Belleville, the crappie fishing is good on Belleville Lake. Minnows are working well as bait. The smallmouth bass have also been biting.
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[/font] [url "http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/"][font "Arial, Helvetica"][#000000]Great Lakes temperature map[/#000000][/font][/url]
This coming Saturday May 26th is the opening day of bass season on the Great Lakes and all the inland waters except Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River and the Detroit River which do not open until the 3rd Saturday in June. The opener looks to be a good one if the warm weather continues. Look for bluegills to be on the beds by the weekend.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Walleye fishing has been good this week. The fish can be found in 16 to 20 feet of water near the Fermi Power Plant and the E-Buoy. Drifting crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers has been the most productive, but a few fish were also caught when trolling dipsey divers and spoons.
Detroit River - Good walleye fishing continues in the lower river near the mouth, in the Trenton Channel and on both sides of Grosse Ile when jigging or slow trolling with crawler harnesses. The white bass fishing has been excellent with anglers taking limit catches.
Lake St. Clair - Walleye fishing has been very good when using crawler harnesses from Metro Beach to Masonic. The catch and release bass fishing has been very good. Anglers are reminded that the bass season does not open until the 3rd Saturday in June.
St. Clair River - Has been very good for walleye fishing. Anglers have done well both after dark and during the day.
Lexington - The trout and salmon are scattered in waters 15 to 50 feet deep. Those trolling have caught mainly lake trout with salmon, steelhead and walleye mixed in.
Port Sanilac - The trout and salmon are scattered here as well, but fish are still being caught.
Harbor Beach - Smallmouth bass have started to show up, and anglers have been targeting them during the catch and release season.
Willow Creek - Near Huron City has bass starting to show up near the mouth.
Port Austin - Anglers are still taking lake trout. Pier anglers have caught walleye very early in the morning.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing on inner bay was nothing short of incredible until the cold front moved in. Everybody was getting fish, and lots of limits were taken everywhere from Linwood south and east to Quanicassee when trolling with planer boards or drifting crawler harnesses. Off Linwood, Buoys A and H were both hot. Other good spots were around the Spark Plug, the south end of the bay between Finn Road and Quanicassee, and in the Slot between Quanicassee and Sebewaing.
Saginaw River - Anglers are taking good catches of freshwater drum and carp.
Tittabawassee River - There are still some limits of walleye coming from the lower river near the launch at Center Street, around Imerman Park, and off Gordonville Road when jigging, trolling or casting crankbaits. White bass and smallmouth bass are also in the river.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Boats trolling between the surface and 40 feet down in 150 to 200 feet of water are taking chinook and coho. Pier fishing has been good with anglers taking flathead catfish and freshwater drum when fishing the river side off the North Pier. Most are using alewife. Some brown trout have also been caught.
South Haven - Boat anglers are taking chinook, coho and lake trout when trolling 20 to 40 feet down in waters 100 to 200 feet deep.
Kalamazoo River - Walleye continue to hit on large shiners. The dredging operations are still going on so anglers will want to avoid those areas.
Grand Haven - Boats are trolling with spoons in waters up to 200 feet deep. Perch were hitting on minnows in 60 to 70 feet of water. Some big catfish have been caught in the channel.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Walleye are hitting on minnows, crawlers and chartreuse Twister Tails with red heads. Some big smallmouth bass have been caught using minnows, crawlers, bodybaits and small spinners. The bass opener looks to be a good one. Bluegills and crappie can be found in the pockets of slow water. Lots of catfish have also been caught. The flatheads are hitting on large sucker minnows while the channel cats prefer crawlers and dough baits.
Rogue River - Some nice brown trout have been caught in the upper river. The hot bait has been salted shiner minnows.
Thornapple River - Anglers are taking lots of nice crappie. The trick is to fish the downed trees, and when they stop biting, move on to the next area.
Grand River at Lansing - Walleye have been caught on minnows when fishing off the walls and near the bridges. Bluegills should be on the beds by the weekend. Look for crappie in the brush and downed trees. The carp are still active.
Maple River - Has good bowfin action. The fish are very active right now and because they put up such a good fight, they are fun to catch.
Reeds Lake - Anglers report the crappies are spawning and the bluegills should be on the beds by the weekend. Northern pike have been caught near the Yacht Club.
Cranberry Lake - Bluegill and crappie have been caught on the south side of the lake near the cattails
Big Wabasis Lake - Those fishing near the boat rental reported seeing bluegills on the beds.
Murray Lake - Northern pike and muskie have been caught when slow trolling with 10 to 12 inch sucker minnows and no weight attached.
White Lake - Anglers are catching lots of panfish, mainly bluegills. Northern pike have been caught when trolling plugs in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - The lake trout fishing is here. Anglers are fishing the bottom 5 feet in waters 30 to 55 feet deep. Spoons, Cowbells, Spin-Glows and Peanuts have caught fish. Any color of green has been working well. Good places to fish have been from the Calcite breakwall all the way down to Adams Point, and near Seagull Point. A few brown trout and atlantic salmon were caught along the shoreline, especially near Calcite when using planer boards and bodybaits in a variety of colors.
Rockport - Slow lake trout fishing continues as boats are trolling around Middle Island, the Humps off Ferron Point, and out by the Wreck. Some are going five miles past the Wreck and fishing in 150 feet of water. Pier anglers casting spoons have caught a few brown trout. Anglers will want to bring some bug spray.
Alpena - Boat anglers are trolling around Grass Island, the 9-Mile Can, and just outside the breakwall. Only a few fish have been caught, but those taken were large. Those trolling for lake trout are going out in deeper waters around the 9-Mile Can, off North Point, and four miles straight out into the Bay. Pier anglers have caught northern pike and smallmouth bass.
Thunder Bay River - Those fishing for walleye during the daylight hours are having the best luck when trolling bodybaits from Mill Island down to the mouth. The walleye are averaging 16 to 19 inches and are full of gobies, so fish tight along the river bank.
Harrisville - Anglers are taking limits of lake trout in 45 to 55 feet of water in front of the harbor. A few boats went down to Sturgeon Point and also did well.
Oscoda - Walleye fishing has slowed during the day, but there has still been a fair amount of activity after dark.
Au Sable River - Most anglers are night fishing for walleye. They are drifting crawler harnesses down the river or using dipsey divers.
Tawas - Those fishing in Tawas Bay have taken some walleye in 10 to 30 feet of water. Coho, brown trout and walleye have been caught off the pier.
Au Gres - The best walleye fishing has been in the warm waters just south of Pte. Au Gres. The further south you go the better the fishing.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout are hitting on cowbells and live bait in 80 to 100 feet of water. Rainbow trout and brown trout can be found in 30 to 40 feet of water near the drop off. Smallmouth bass are hitting on crankbaits.
Houghton Lake - Fishing has been good. Walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses, leeches and rapalas. Anglers have caught both large and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegills and rock bass. Pike have also been caught, but many are running on the small side.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Walloon Lake - Smallmouth bass seem to be the target and most are having pretty good luck when casting shallow divers, plastic worms or grubs along the weeds or in the shallows. Some undersized walleye along with some bluegills and perch were taken while still-fishing or drifting with worms.
Thumb Lake (Lake Louise) - Anglers switched tactics over the last week putting their efforts into trolling for splake instead of fishing the shallows. Fish were caught using deep divers, stingers and stickbaits in waters 8 to 50 feet deep.
Traverse City - In the East Bay anglers are reporting good catches of lake trout and some brown trout on the east shore off Dock Road and Deepwater Point. Whitefish action was fair off Old Mission when the weather cooperates. In the West Bay, good numbers of lake trout along with some chinook salmon have been caught off the Gravel Pit. Those trolling with spoons did best, but fish were also taken when jigging a pearl colored Swedish Pimple. Smallmouth bass have been caught in the harbor.
Elk River - Fishing for steelhead is slow but the persistent anglers are catching some up at the dam. Try spawn on the bottom or casting. Suckers are really stacked up at the dam. Smallmouth bass are in the harbor and at the dam.
Boardman River - Smallmouth bass are being caught when casting spinners and bodybaits. Only a handful of steelhead are still in the river, but those fishing the mouth have caught brown trout and lake trout.
Crystal Lake - Good numbers of perch have been caught but the fish are running small. Good whitefish action was reported on the east end of the lake.
Frankfort - Chinook and brown trout are being caught by those trolling in and around the pier heads. Baitfish can be found in the harbor and in front of the mouth. Most are trolling rapalas in the early morning or evening. Hot colors have been chartreuse, orange, silver or perch patterns. Pier anglers willing to put some time in have caught a few brown trout when fishing in the early morning.
Onekama - Those trolling spoons up near the Barrel and in front of the pier heads have been catching a few chinook and steelhead in 20 to 40 feet of water. Hot colors were chartreuse, orange and gold.
Portage Lake - Panfish and bass are starting to move up into the shallows. Anglers are catching bluegill, crappie and rock bass. Those looking for large and smallmouth bass seemed to have better luck on the drop offs on both the east side and the south end of the lake. Crankbaits and spinner baits have worked best. Northern pike continue to hit throughout the day.
Manistee River - Some large brown trout have been caught up near Tippy Dam when using minnows or crawlers.
Ludington - Cool water temperatures continue to slow fishing. Pier anglers had no luck when using spawn or casting spoons. Night anglers have managed to catch a few walleye. Those trolling were able to pick up a few fish when trolling down towards Pentwater and the Project were water temperatures are warmer. They are catching mainly brown trout, but a few chinook salmon are also starting to show up.
Pere Marquette Lake - Anglers are catching northern pike.
Pentwater Lake - Good numbers of crappie and other panfish have been caught. Check around the docks and near the channels.
Upper Peninsula
Torch Lake - In Houghton County is providing fair to good northern pike fishing when casting minnows near the drop offs. A few walleye along with good numbers of bass were caught when working the shorelines.
Portage Lake - Fair numbers of northern pike have been caught when using minnows. Some nice walleye were taken when back trolling or drifting crawler harnesses. Warmer weather is still needed.
Marquette - Fishing has been slow. The coho fishery is wrapping up and anglers are still waiting for the chinook action to start. Lake trout have been caught in waters about 150 feet deep.
Little Bay De Noc - Has very good walleye fishing with limit catches reported. Most fish have been in the 16 to 23 inch range. Night anglers trolling crankbaits along the Second and Third Reefs took fair catches. Several large fish were taken when trolling crankbaits in 18 to 25 feet of water near Breezy Point. Shore anglers fishing off the new pier did well when floating crawlers just off the bottom. Walleye and perch were taken from the Narrows over to the East Bank when drifting or trolling crawler harnesses along the bottom in 20 to 34 feet of water. Good catches were taken around Garth Point and near the mouth of the Whitefish River. Northern pike have been caught throughout the Bay
Big Bay De Noc - The better walleye fishing has been in the head of the Bay when drifting or trolling crawler harnesses in 8 to 20 feet of water between the Big Fishdam River and Valentine Creek. Fish were also caught across the Bay near the Nahama Golf Course. Anglers have also seen lots of bass, so the opener looks good.
Au Train Lake - Anglers are doing fairly well when fishing for walleye and northern pike. Most are trolling or still-fishing with crawlers. Most fish have been small but a couple 30 inch pike have been caught. Several smallmouth bass and a couple brown trout have also been caught.
Grand Marais - Anglers are still catching coho off the pier when using spawn and in the bay when trolling spoons. Lake whitefish were taken on spawn in the early morning or late evening.
Big Manistique Lake - Has excellent walleye fishing. Most of the fish taken have been in the 15 to 18 inch range, but fish up to 25 inches have been caught. Drifting and trolling with live bait or casting crankbaits worked best.
Drummond Island - Northern pike fishing has been excellent, with limits taken in Maxton Bay and Scotts Bay when casting Little Cleo's or drift fishing with large minnows.
Cedarville and Hessel - Good splake fishing continues around the pier at Hessel. Early morning and late evening are best in 15 to 20 feet of water. Northern pike and smallmouth bass are being caught. Anglers are averaging 25 pike per day with about half of those fish meeting the minimum size limit.
Upper Peninsula:[/url]
On Copper Harbor, the splake fishing is reported as being fair. The best fishing is found out from 10th and Sixth streets.
Lake Gogebic is producing fair to good walleye fishing. Anglers are catching good numbers of fish, but some are below the legal size to keep.
Around Marquette, the walleye fishing is improving on the Dead River Basin and Lake Independence. Anglers on the Greenwood Reservoir are reeling in a few bluegill and crappie. The coho and king salmon fishing is fair on the Upper Marquette and Lower Marquette harbors. Outside of the harbors, a few lake trout are being caught in water no more than 100 feet deep.
Out on Little Bay de Noc north of Escanaba, the walleye fishing is good. The marble eyes are hitting on crawler harnesses, floating jigheads and crank baits. The best fishing is found on the north end of the bay.
By Manistique, the walleye fishing is fair on both Indian Lake and the Manistique River. Early mornings or evenings are the best times to be out.
Anglers on Munuscong Bay are reeling in good numbers of walleye, using jigheads and crank baits. The perch fishing on the bay is fair, at best.
The pike fishing is good on Maxton Bay near Drummond Island. The northerns are hitting on spoons and live bait. Anglers are Scott Bay are catching a few walleye. Along the St. Marys River, by the lighthouse, the salmon fishing is reported as being fair.
At St. Ignace, the walleye fishing is slow on Brevort Lake.
Northwest:[/url]
Anglers on Crooked Lake near Alanson are catching a few walleye. Try drifting, using a crawler harness. The pike fishing is fair on Burt Lake. Out on Little Traverse Bay, a few lake trout are being reeled in.
Out of the Boyne City area, the walleye fishing is fair on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix. Anglers are using crawler harnesses and body baits.
East Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City is producing fair whitefish fishing. The walleye fishing on Long Lake and Lake Leelanau ranges from slow to fair. Anglers on the local inland lakes are catching a few bluegill.
Crystal Lake is producing good whitefish and perch fishing. The whitefish are hitting on wigglers. On Lake Michigan, the brown trout fishing ranges from fair to good.
By Manistee, the salmon fishing is improving on Lake Michigan. The panfish fishing is good on most of the inland lakes. Anglers on Manistee Lake are reeling in a few pike.
Around Kalkaska, the pike and perch fishing ranges from slow to fair on both Clam Lake and Lake Skegemog.
In the Gaylord area, the trout fishing is very good on sections of the Black, Jordan, Manistee, Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers. The best fishing occurs during the warmer parts of the day. The fish are hitting on elk hair caddis, Roberts drakes and borcher specials.
At Cadillac, the crappie and pike fishing is very good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The east side of Lake Cadillac is producing the best crappie fishing. The bluegill fishing is improving on Lake Cadillac. At night, the bullhead fishing is fair on the lakes.
West:[/url]
In the Ludington area, the brown trout fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. The best fishing is found near the sand bars. The salmon fishing ranges from fair to good on the lake, in water up to 100 feet deep. Most of the fish are found in the top 50 feet of water. The crappie fishing is fair on the upper end of Hamlin Lake. The bluegill are starting to bite on the lake.
Out of the Muskegon area, the salmon fishing ranges from fair to good on Lake Michigan. The fish are found 40 to 60 feet below the surface, in water up to 220 feet deep. Anglers are starting to catch a few perch on the lake. On Muskegon and Wolf lakes, the bluegill fishing is spotty.
Chippewa Lake is producing good bluegill fishing. Both leaf worms and waxworms are being used as bait.
And in the Baldwin area, the crappie fishing is fair on Idlewild and Big Star lakes. The bluegill fishing is spotty on the lakes.
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By Holland, the salmon fishing is improving on Lake Michigan. The fish are found 60 to 70 feet below the surface, in water up to 170 feet deep. Anglers along the Kalamazoo River are catching good numbers of walleye. The best fishing is found between the Blue Star and I-96 bridges. The bluegill and crappie fishing is pretty good on most of the inland lakes.
Around Benton Harbor, the salmon and steelhead fishing is good on Lake Michigan, in water 150 to 200 feet deep. Anglers on the St. Joseph River are catching a few walleye.
In the New Buffalo area, the coho, king salmon and steelhead fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. A few catfish are being caught on the Galien River.
Out of the Kalamazoo area, the crappie fishing is good on Pine Lake. The bluegill fishing is improving on Cedar and Gull lakes. Anglers along Campbell Creek are reeling in good numbers of brown trout. The catfish fishing is fair on the St. Joseph River.
At Three Rivers, the bluegill and crappie fishing is good on most of the local lakes. The gills are hitting on red wigglers and waxworms, the crappie prefer minnows as bait.
Northeast:[/url]
Out of the Alpena area, the walleye fishing is fair on Thunder Bay and on the Thunder Bay River. The marble eyes are hitting on leeches and Rapalas. The best times to be out fishing are the early mornings or evenings on the river and during the overnight period o the bay.
Around Grayling, the bluegill fishing ranges from fair to good on Frog and Margrethe lakes. A few bluegill are being caught on Section One and Guthrie lakes. The trout fishing on the Au Sable and Manistee rivers is fair.
The steelhead and walleye fishing is reported as being good on the Au Sable River near Oscoda, between the dam and the mouth of the river. Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds are producing good pike and walleye fishing. The crappie fishing on Foote Dam Pond is fair. Anglers on Van Etten Lake are catching a few perch and walleye.
Anglers on Higgins Lake are catching a few lake trout. The lakers are hitting on Rapalas and gray shiner minnows.
Houghton Lake is producing very good bluegill, crappie and walleye fishing. Walleye anglers are trolling the early morning or evening hours. Gill anglers are using leaf worms and waxworms as bait.
And on Saginaw Bay near Au Gres, the walleye fishing is fair between Point Lookout and Point Au Gres, in water 15 to 24 feet deep. Anglers along the Au Gres River are catching a few catfish, using crawlers as bait.
East:[/url]
Around Linwood, the walleye fishing is steady on Saginaw Bay. The best fishing is found in water 14 to 17 feet deep.
In the Bay City area, the walleye fishing is very good on Saginaw Bay.
Out of the Saginaw and Zilwaukee areas, the catfish fishing is excellent on both the Saginaw and Tittabawassee rivers. Good numbers of panfish are being reeled in on the rivers. The walleye fishing has slowed down, but is still reported as being fair.
By Bay Port, the walleye fishing ranges from fair to good on Saginaw Bay near Sand Point. Crawlers are the preferred bait.
On Lake Huron by Harbor Beach, the lake trout fishing is very good. The king salmon, brown trout and steelhead fishing is fair. Most of the fish are found in the top 20 feet of water that is up to 90 feet deep. Anglers are finding a few walleye and perch around the harbor.
The king salmon and lake trout fishing is fair on Lake Huron between Port Sanilac and Lexington. The kings are found in water about 20 feet deep. Anglers on the St. Clair River in Port Huron are reeling in excellent numbers of walleye. From shore, anglers are using plugs during the day, crawlers at night. On the Black River, the crappie and steelhead fishing is fair.
And between St. Clair and Marine City, the walleye fishing is excellent on the St. Clair River. Anglers on the river are also reeling in a few perch.
Central:[/url]
Lakes Isabella, Coldwater and Deerfield near Mount Pleasant are producing good panfish and pike fishing.
Out of the Lansing area, the crappie and bluegill fishing is good on the Grand River and on most of the area lakes. The gills are moving onto their beds, and are hitting on crickets or surface baits. Anglers on the river are reeling in a few walleye. The smallmouth bass fishing is fair, below the North Lansing Dam.
At Jackson, anglers are reeling in good numbers of bluegill on most lakes. The gills are moving onto their spawning beds. Both leaf worms and waxworms are being used as bait.
Southeast:[/url]
The St. Clair River by Algonac is producing excellent walleye fishing. The fish are biting at any time of day.
On the north end of the Detroit River the walleye fishing is very good. Anglers are catching fish handlining, jigging and whipping at night.
Along the south end of the Detroit River, the silver bass fishing is very good. The walleye fishing is good, if you can get your hook past the bass. Anglers near Stony Island are catching a few perch.
Out on Lake Erie, the walleye fishing is good near Luna Pier, the “E” buoy and Toledo Beach.
And by Belleville, the crappie fishing is good on Belleville Lake. Minnows are working well as bait. The smallmouth bass have also been biting.