Michigan Fishing Reports

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports & hunting report from 7/25/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Cooler temperatures will be good for both fish and anglers. Walleye fishing continues to be good in Saginaw Bay and around the Thumb. Inland lakes and rivers are producing bass, pike and panfish.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: The majority of limit catches for walleye have come in deeper waters around West Sister Island which is in Ohio waters. Those fishing in Michigan waters were still taking a fair number of fish when trolling or drifting harnesses and spoons between the Banana Dike and the Bell Buoy or between the Dumping Grounds and the E Buoy. Hot colors were purple, fire-tiger or a perch pattern. The smallmouth bass fishing has been great in 12 to 14 feet of water throughout Brest Bay and the Raisin River Channel.

Detroit River: Was producing some walleye in the lower river between Humbug Island and Celeron Island. Most anglers were using jigs with crawlers. Walleye and smallmouth bass were caught in the Livingston Channel.

Lake St. Clair: Has very good smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers are finding bigger fish in the deeper water. Try the mid-lake area on the Michigan side in waters more than 15 feet deep. Walleye fishing was spotty but some managed to take limit catches when trolling crawler harnesses along the shipping channel and south of Huron Point in water more than 17 feet deep. Muskie fishing was good. Anglers are reminded that warm water temperatures in the lake can result in stressed fish so it is important to limit the time a muskie is out of the water when practicing catch and release. A few yellow perch showed up in Anchor Bay however catch rates were not consistent. Sturgeon season is now open on both Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River. Sturgeon anglers need to obtain a free non-transferable Lake Sturgeon Tag from a license vendor before they go sturgeon fishing.

St. Clair River: Walleye fishing was spotty for the most part. Smallmouth bass were starting to move up into the channels where water temperatures were in the mid-70’s. White bass have slowed down, but walleye anglers are still catching them when jigging or trolling in the delta channels.

Lexington: Has seen a good number of pleasure boats out and about. Pier anglers caught bluegill and rock bass.

Port Sanilac: Catch rates for perch were spotty in 15 to 40 feet of water. Those that caught fish were drifting minnows on perch rigs until they find the fish, then anchor. Coho and steelhead were caught in 85 to 100 feet. Pier anglers caught a few brown trout and pike in the evening.

Harbor Beach: Some limits of walleye have been caught in 20 to 40 feet of water between Harbor Beach and Port Hope. Try small spoons and body baits with offshore boards or crawler harnesses with crawlers. Even those casting body baits in the early morning or late evening caught walleye. Lake trout action was fair in 95 to 130 feet. Brown trout were caught on bright colored spoons or body baits in 25 to 40 feet. Steelhead are hitting on spoons in the top 50 to 60 feet. Hot colors were blue, silver, green or anything bright. Bass and pike were caught close to shore but perch fishing was slow.

Grindstone City: Walleye fishing off the tip of the Thumb is still very good in 30 to 40 feet of water. Boat and shore anglers caught walleye inside the harbor at night.

Port Austin: Has excellent walleye fishing in 25 to 30 feet of water near Hat Reef and other reefs. Pier anglers caught walleye and catfish in the evening.

Saginaw Bay: The west side is still producing walleye pretty much everywhere including the Spark Plugs, both the Saganing and Pinconning Bars, the Black Hole, off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River, and two to three miles northeast of Spoils Island. On the east side, walleye fishing in the Slots has slowed. Most boats from Quanicassee, Sebewaing and Bay Port are crossing The Bar and heading to deeper water on the other side. For those that do not want to go that far, walleye are being caught along the edge of the weed beds in Wildfowl Bay. At Caseville, boats are doing well off Oak Point, north of the Charity Islands, and the reefs between Caseville and Port Crescent State Park.

Saginaw River: Small boats trolling Hot-n-Tots in the lower river are still getting some walleye. Shore anglers at Smith Park in Essexville caught bass and catfish.

Shiawassee River: Is producing a few bass that were keepers. Small panfish have been caught in the backwaters.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Is producing the occasional steelhead or perch but overall fishing was slow. Boat anglers managed to catch a few salmon in 100 feet of water when using spoons. A few perch were caught south of the piers in 25 feet. Pier fishing was slow.

South Haven: Perch fishing was still good with decent catches in waters as shallow as 18 feet or as deep as 30 feet north or south of the piers. Boat anglers said fishing was a challenge for trout and salmon. Those that were lucky enough to catch fish did so when trolling spoons in waters 120 feet or deeper.

Kalamazoo River: Is producing a few walleye up near the Allegan Dam.

Holland: Salmon have been caught in 120 to 170 feet although the action was best in 120 to 140 feet. Downriggers were set at 60 to 110 feet. Anglers are using 250 coppers. More fish were caught on flies than spoons. Warm water around the piers has limited fishing. No perch to report.

Grand Haven: Anglers are catching salmon in 70 to 200 feet of water however they did best in 125 to 180 feet. A good number of salmon were more than 20 pounds. Downriggers were 45 to 95 feet with 150, 225 or 300 coppers. Use small spoons in blue, yellow, orange or blue and green. Fish were also caught on white paddles with mirage flies. Pier anglers were casting for smallmouth bass. No perch to report.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is producing catfish for those fishing off the bridges. Flatheads up to 35 and 40 pounds have been caught. Most are using suckers, bluegills or fresh cut bait. A fair to good number of pike were caught on sucker minnows. Smallmouth bass are hitting on tube baits, crank baits, crawlers, leeches and soft shell crabs. Millennium Park was good for bass and bluegills. Those fishing up near the dam have caught the occasional summer steelhead.

Grand River at Lansing: Those fishing below any of the dams have caught channel catfish and smallmouth bass. Look for bluegill and crappie in the backwaters.

Looking Glass River: Is producing some pike and bowfin. Anglers will also find largemouth bass, bluegill and the occasional perch.

Muskrat Lake: Was producing some crappie.

Maple River: Is producing some catfish and the occasional walleye.

Reeds Lake: Anglers caught some nice largemouth bass when using top water baits. Blue or white with chartreuse was a good color.

Muskegon River: Is producing a good number of smallmouth bass for those casting spinners, tube baits or poppers along the rocks and near the drops. Walleye fishing was steady with some limit catches taken in Hardy Pond.

Whitehall: Most anglers have caught Chinook and coho along with the occasional lake trout or steelhead west of the pier, out from Duck Lake and several miles to the north. Try 50 to 60 feet down in 100 to 150 feet of water. Lake trout were 80 feet down. Pier anglers caught bass on crawlers and wax worms.

White Lake: Walleye fishing has picked up. For salmon, the hot colors were green, blue, orange or anything that glows.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Mullett Lake: Was producing some walleye.

Rogers City: The fish were scattered after the wind but try Seagull Point, Forty Mile Point, the State Park, Calcite Harbor, Swan Bay and Adams Point. Target 50 to 130 feet of water with downriggers, dipsey’s and lead core off planer boards. Put the downriggers about halfway down or look for the thermocline. Good colors were green, blue, black, purple, yellow, orange or anything that glows. Darker colors seem to work better in the warm water.

Presque Isle: Head straight out, north between the lighthouses or south towards Stoneport while looking for structure and baitfish. Set downriggers about halfway down in 50 to 130 feet. Use the same colors as Rogers City. Anything that glows or dark colors seem to work better early and late.

Rockport: Anglers are fishing anywhere from Stoneport down towards the wreck and taking a mixed bag of Chinook, steelhead, lake trout and walleye. Look for salmon in the top 50 feet of waters 80 to 120 feet deep. Walleye anglers are catching fish on crawler harnesses and body baits. Purple was the hot color.

Grand Lake: Was producing some walleye. Try drifting or slow trolling crawler harnesses with bright colored blades around Grand Island.

Alpena: Those fishing Thunder Bay are heading out to deeper water for walleye. Fish have been caught in waters 20 to 50 feet deep near Sulphur Island, Scarecrow Island and North Point. Most are running crawler harnesses and reef runners. Hot colors were pink, purple and chartreuse. Lake trout were caught out further around Thunder Bay Island, the Nordmere Wreck and the Humps. Some caught the occasional steelhead or brown trout.

Thunder Bay River: Has smallmouth bass and freshwater drum.

Harrisville: Anglers found salmon, steelhead, lake trout and walleye all at the same depth. Boats targeting trout and salmon have caught a few walleye. Lake trout were suspended in 80 to 100 feet. Salmon and steelhead were either in closer or out further. Most are using spoons, flies, cut bait or body baits.

Oscoda: Is producing salmon, steelhead, lake trout and a good number of walleye. They are fishing 80 to 150 feet of water with spoons, flies, wobble glows and cut bait. As the water turns over and cooler waters move closer to shore, it will not be long before fish start moving into the river.

Tawas: Those walleye fishing in the bay were heading toward Alabaster and fishing in 30 to 50 feet of water. Walleye anglers also caught several steelhead when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses. Pier anglers caught large and smallmouth bass, rock bass and a couple small perch outside the wall.

Au Gres: Walleye have been caught on the north side of Big Charity Island in 20 to 30 feet of water. Limit catches are still taking place beyond Pointe Au Gres, along the inner bay north of Buoys 1 & 2 and off Point Lookout in 40 feet of water.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Harbor Springs: No sign of salmon yet but lake trout have been caught 80 to 100 feet down near Harbor Point. Some were keepers and some were not. Lake trout were also caught near 5-Mile Point.

Petoskey: Those fishing from the D Pier which is near the mouth of the river have caught bluegill and freshwater drum on crawlers and spinners. Small perch were caught inside the piers.

Bear River: Water levels were still quite low. Those fishing for steelhead have not had much luck.

Charlevoix: Angler effort for trout and salmon is starting to pick up. Boat anglers caught lake trout 65 feet down near the can at the Cement Plant and off North Point. Spin-glows worked best. The size of the lake trout is starting to increase. A few salmon were caught however the fish range from a couple pounds all the up to 22 pounds. Try straight out from the channel with spoons or meat rigs 60 to 80 feet down in 120 to 200 feet of water. The last thermocline was between 60 and 70 feet. Lots of smallmouth bass were caught in the channel when using crawlers or leeches.

Traverse City: Lake trout and cisco were caught in 60 to 120 feet of water in the East Bay. A few salmon are beginning to arrive. Smallmouth bass fishing was steady for those using tube baits and plastics near the drop-off in 20 to 40 feet. In the West Bay, lake trout were taken by those trolling or jigging in waters 50 to 120 feet deep. Salmon fishing was limited as the fish are just starting to come in. Smallmouth bass were caught along the drop-off in 30 feet.

Elk River: Had fair smallmouth action however some of the fish caught were good size. Try early morning with leeches, crayfish or scented plastic baits.

Boardman River: Had slow fishing except for a couple smallmouth bass or rock bass taken on crawlers, crank baits or spinner baits.

Frankfort: Chinook are hitting throughout the area with early morning the best when fishing 55 to 85 feet down in 120 to 220 feet of water. The number of fish is down a bit for now but is increasing daily and the size of fish being caught is impressive with several fish in the mid-to-high twenties. Fish are actually breaking lines and straightening swivels so make sure you rig for big fish. Many are using blue and orange magnum spoons early and switching to UV spoons after daylight. Lake trout are hitting on spin-glows bounced off the bottom in 70 to 90 feet.

Onekama: Those fishing the “Barrel” are taking Chinook salmon early and lake trout throughout the day. The Chinook are 50 to 90 feet down in 175 to 250 feet and hitting on UV spoons. Those bouncing spin-glows off the bottom caught lake trout.

Portage Lake: Bass anglers are having some trouble landing the big ones but the bite is good for this time of year. Several large and smallmouth more than four pounds have been reported. Perch are hitting crawlers along the weed beds. Those fishing in the early morning caught bluegill, rock bass and pumpkinseed.

Lake Missaukee: Anglers caught bluegill, pike and bass.

Manistee: When boats can get out, anglers caught salmon near the Ledge and beyond. Try green or glow spoons 30 to 70 feet down in 80 to 160 feet. Coho and steelhead were caught on orange spoons.

Manistee River: Bass were still hitting on crawlers, crayfish, tube baits or plastics. Those fishing the Little Manistee have caught a few salmon.

Ludington: Is producing Chinook about halfway down in waters 60 to 120 feet deep. Use spoons, meat rigs and flies. Hot colors were green, orange or glow. Steelhead and coho were hitting on orange spoons in the top 60 feet.

Pere Marquette River: Is producing a fair to good number of brown trout especially for those fly fishing.

Pentwater: Boat anglers caught salmon in shallow waters 60 to 70 feet deep in the early morning. Some are fishing 50 to 70 feet down in 100 to 120 feet of water near the Silver Lake sand dunes and off the point. They caught a mix of Chinook, coho, steelhead and lake trout.

UPPER PENINSULA

Marquette: Anglers are fishing in 160 to 200 feet of water between the White Rocks and Granite Island. Fish were also caught in 180 feet near the Sand Hole. A couple Chinook salmon were taken in 50 feet or less near the upper harbor and towards Shot Point. Water temperatures were in the low to upper 50’s.

Menominee: Anglers are still waiting for the salmon to start biting. Those fishing out near Washington Island and beyond were lucky to catch one fish.

Menominee River: Walleye are still being caught but many were on the small side. Anglers are catching smallmouth bass, pike and freshwater drum.

Cedar River: Has good smallmouth bass fishing but many were small.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye fishing was fair. Anglers did best along the “Black Bottom” when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses in 18 to 25 feet. Fish were also caught along the reefs near Kipling in 20 to 30 feet. Perch were caught near Kipling in eight to 14 feet however most of the fish were small. Pike were hitting on spinners in 17 to 25 feet between the Day’s River and Brach’s Cabins. A few smallmouth bass were caught off the mouth of the Ford River by those casting spinners or tube baits in 10 to 15 feet. Salmon were caught 30 to 40 feet down in 50 to 60 feet of water near the Ford River Can.

Big Bay De Noc: Anglers are still taking a fair number of smallmouth bass in Nahma, Kate’s Bay and Garden Bay. Use crank baits, spinners or plastics in 14 to 22 feet of water or go shallow along the weed beds. A few perch were caught in Garden Bay and Fayette Harbor. Most are drifting or still-fishing crawlers in eight to 16 feet of water. Off Fairport, Chinook were caught 30 to 60 feet down in 50 to 110 feet of water when trolling spoons or cut bait.

Manistique Lake: Anglers have caught walleye and pike.

Au Train: Had fair lake trout action with anglers taking three to six fish per boat. Surface water temperatures are in the mid to upper 50’s as opposed to last year at this time when water temperatures were close to 70 degrees.

Munising: Most were fishing early for lake trout in Munising Bay, Trout Bay and Murray’s Bay in waters less than 100 feet deep. Fish up to nine pounds were reported but overall the bite was slow. Pier fishing was light as catch rates for splake were slow.

Grand Marais: Pier anglers targeting whitefish in the early morning were not having much success as most of the fish were in the nine to 12 inch range. Most are still-fishing with a single egg in the early morning or evening. When boats can get out, lake trout were caught five to seven miles north of the bay and the shipping channel in 150 to 250 feet of water. Pike fishing was slow.

St. Mary’s River: Fly hatches were moderate in Raber Bay. A few walleye were caught at Raber Point and Carlton Creek. Most are trolling crawler harnesses near the weed beds in 12 feet of water.

DeTour: Those heading out to the red and green cans or around the lighthouses have caught Chinook and lake trout in the early morning. Try spoons in colors like white with orange dots, green and gold, blue and silver, yellow, green or white. Lake herring and a few

whitefish were on the east side of Long Island.

Drummond Island: Has good walleye fishing in Maxton Bay. Fish were caught in the evening until dark in eight feet of water near Bay Island which is just south of James Island. Most are trolling pencil plugs. Walleye and smallmouth bass were caught in 12 feet of water on the northwest side of Peck Island. Most are jigging crawlers and tube jigs. Pike were caught in six to eight feet around Grape Island in the early morning. Lake herring were still being caught near long Island, Maple Island and Butterfield in 27 to 30 feet of water. The bite may not last much longer as the fly hatches are slowing down.

Cedarville and Hessel: Anglers are still taking a limited number of perch in Hessel Bay, Musky Bay, Cedarville Bay, Snows Channel and the Middle Entrance. Good numbers of pike and bass have also been caught.

St. Ignace: Boat anglers are fishing the backside of Mackinaw Island for trout and salmon. Most are trolling in 150 feet of water.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports & hunting report from 8/1/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Rain and windy conditions were making it hard for anglers to get out, especially on the big waters. The cold front will make fishing a little more difficult.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Still had good walleye fishing around West Sister Island which is in Ohio waters. Walleye fishing in Michigan waters slowed but a few fish were still caught around the Bell Buoy and the Dumping Grounds. Perch fishing was fair to good in 18 feet around Brest Bay and 23 feet off Stony Point. Anglers should expect to catch white bass, white perch and freshwater drum as well. Smallmouth bass were caught in 12 to 16 feet. Channel catfish were caught offshore near the Metro Park and Pt. Mouillee.

Huron River: Anglers caught smallmouth bass and catfish.

Detroit River: Had few anglers as most are heading down to Lake Erie for walleye. Check around the islands for smallmouth bass or the occasional perch.

Lexington: Perch fishing was spotty. Try 15 to 30 feet of water. Boats out trolling caught lake trout, steelhead and the occasional coho.

Port Sanilac: Those trolling caught salmon and lake trout in waters between 80 and 145 feet deep. Perch fishing was hit-or-miss in 20 to 30 feet near the weed beds. Pier anglers caught some brown trout early or late when casting Cleo’s. A few pike were caught.

Harbor Beach: Walleye were caught in 35 to 50 feet. Those trolling for salmon and lake trout caught fish in waters 85 to 140 feet deep. Steelhead and coho were found in the top half of the water column and lake trout were at the bottom.

Grindstone City: Is producing walleye straight north in 22 to 30 feet and off Lighthouse Park.

Port Austin: The best walleye fishing is still west and south of town around the Hat, the Flat Rock Reefs, and the Perch Reef north of the lighthouse.

Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing along the southernmost part of the bay is slow because the fish are moving to deeper waters. Many boats are making the trip out to Buoys 1 & 2. Walleye are still being caught in Pinconning off Gambil’s Marina, the Pinconning and Saganing Bar and the Spark Plug (buoys 11 &12). Most are using crawler harnesses, crank baits or spoons. Along the east side, persistent anglers are still taking a few walleye from the Slot however most of the boats from Sebewaing and Bay Port are crossing the Bar and heading for deeper water on the west side.

Saginaw River: A few walleye are still being caught in the lower river but catch rates are slowing down. Shore anglers at Smith Park caught a few catfish, bass and freshwater drum.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Skamania runs in the region have been good because of the unusually cool weather. Try fishing the tributaries to the St. Joseph River, Paw Paw River, Black River, and the Galien River just to name a few.

Kalamazoo River: Is producing a few walleye, smallmouth bass and catfish below the Allegan Dam. Check the backwaters for panfish.

Holland: Boat anglers are using bright green or yellow spoons 55 to 80 feet down in in 80 to 200 feet of water for salmon. White paddles with blue flies worked deeper. Meat rigs were also taking fish. Perch fishing was slow.

Grand Haven: Salmon anglers are fishing 55 to 80 feet down in 80 to 200 feet of water. Try spoons in bright colors such as yellow and green in 55 feet or white paddles with blue flies out deeper. Meat rigs that glow caught fish. Others did well with 150, 225 and 300 copper or 5 to 12 colors of lead. Pier fishing was slow. Some were trying shrimp under a bobber for steelhead.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has a good number of Skamina (summer steelhead) and some were seen jumping the Sixth Street Dam in the early morning. Anglers are using half a crawler, gold and orange spinners, or chrome and blue Hot-n-Tots with a red lip. A few walleye are still being caught on crawlers and leeches. Catfish are hitting on suckers and cut bait. A couple salmon were caught downriver by those casting thundersticks.

Grand River at Lansing: Good size channel cats along with some bass were caught below the North Lansing Dam. Try live baits such as crawlers and minnows. A few pike were caught over at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge.

Jackson County: The inland lakes are producing bluegill and crappie. Try live bait such as spec minnows.

Reeds Lake: Bass are still feeding even with the cooler temperatures.

Muskegon River: Continues to be good for smallmouth bass. Fish can be found in and around the brush piles. Try top water lures, spinners, tube baits or plastic crawlers. Walleye were caught on crawlers or leeches.

Whitehall: Boat anglers are fishing west of the channel or out from Duck Lake. Pier anglers caught some nice catfish at night. During the day everyone caught freshwater drum.

White Lake: Had very good walleye fishing.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

In Lake Huron, fish seem to be scattered in small active pods. If you catch fish, be sure to turn back on that area and stay on the active ones. Anglers may also want to try running a couple lines up high and away from the boat.

Rogers City: Fish are scattered so target waters 45 to 120 feet deep with downriggers, lead core, copper and dipseys to get lines about halfway down. Anglers are fishing all over the place and have caught mostly Chinook followed by lake trout and the occasional steelhead. Good colors are orange and silver, green or blue with silver or chartreuse, black and white or purple. Conditions are constantly changing right now so anglers will have to be ready to adjust each day.

Presque Isle: The fish are scattered so put your lures between 20 feet down and halfway down in waters 45 to 90 feet deep. Anglers have caught Chinook, steelhead, walleye and smaller lake trout.

Rockport: Was producing a mix of trout, salmon and walleye off Stoneport, Middle Island and down near the wreck. Salmon and steelhead were caught 10 to 50 feet down in 60 to 120 feet of water. Walleye were caught south of Rockport. Hot colors were pink and purple.

Alpena: Those trolling caught brown trout, steelhead and walleye around Thunder Bay Island, the “Humps”, and out near the Nordmere Wreck. Most are using spoons, peanuts and spin-glows for lake trout and salmon. Steelhead were caught on green, blue and orange spoons.

Thunder Bay River: Had few anglers. The walleye were small but some nice smallmouth bass were caught on crawlers or leeches.

Harrisville: Is producing a good number of lake trout, steelhead, salmon and walleye. All species seem to be in the same area as far as depth and water temperature. Most fish were in 80 to 150 feet and hitting on spoons, flies and cut bait. Target the fish in the lower two-thirds of water. Look for the scum lines for good numbers of steelhead.

Oscoda: Pier fishing for walleye has slowed but good numbers of smallmouth bass and freshwater drum were caught. Late night fishing is producing good numbers of catfish. Boat anglers caught walleye, salmon, steelhead, and lake trout. A good number of walleye were caught in 100 to 150 feet of water. As for salmon, fish were on the small side but the numbers were up.

Higgins Lake: Look for lake trout in 80 to 100 feet. Anglers are catching a good number of rock bass. For smallmouth, try the weed beds, off the points and out near Treasure Island.

Houghton Lake: Catch rates were steady but not great. Walleye and bluegills were found in six to 10 feet along the weed beds.

Lake St. Helen: Is producing bluegill and other panfish in six to eight feet. Catch rates for walleye were slow but the bass fishing was good for those using top water baits or plastic worms around the weeds and lily pads. Pike fishing was average.

Tawas: Pier fishing was slow except for a few smallmouth bass or rock bass. Walleye were caught in the early morning or evening when casting spoons. Those trolling in 20 to 40 feet were still catching walleye north of Big Charity Island and down near Alabaster. The occasional steelhead or brown trout was taken 15 feet down in 50 feet of water near Alabaster.

Au Gres: Continues to have very good walleye fishing with most boats heading north of Big Charity Island, south to the inner bay and the north end of the shipping channel in 20 to 40 feet of water.

Au Gres River: Is producing quite a few catfish.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Harbor Springs: Still has a good number of lake trout but no sign of salmon on the harbor side of the bay. Lake trout can be found just off the bottom. The thermocline in Little Traverse Bay was more defined in 75 feet of water.

Petoskey: Those fishing near the mouth of the river caught bass, bluegill, freshwater drum and rock bass. Small perch were caught inside the piers. Charter boats did manage to catch a few salmon. Lake trout were caught in front of Bay Harbor. Anglers are using glow spoons and flies. Salmon were 70 to 80 feet down and hitting on spoons, dipsey divers and flies. Some are using meat rigs. Charter captains were also catching whitefish when trolling for trout and salmon.

Bear River: Water levels rose with all the rain. This usually triggers an influx of fish. Some reported a few salmon up at the dam. A couple nice steelhead were taken on flies in the early afternoon.

Charlevoix: Lake trout are once again just off the bottom in 120 feet. On the windy days, try 60 to 80 feet down in 130 to 160 feet. Most were using glow spoons. A couple salmon were caught however they are still few and far between. Salmon were caught higher in the water column. Spoons and meat rigs worked best in the early morning. Try between the cement plant and North Point. Pier anglers were catching mostly sub-legal smallmouth bass when using leeches, crawlers or minnows near the bottom. Rumor has it a couple walleye were caught in the early morning.

Traverse City: The East Bay is producing lake trout in 60 to 110 feet of water. Those jigging caught whitefish. Chinook salmon were taken on spoons along the southern end of the bay. Try 60 to 110 feet down. Smallmouth bass were holding near the drop-off in 20 to 40 feet. In the West Bay, those trolling in 70 to 110 feet caught lake trout. Chinook were 70 to 80 feet down near “the Hole”. For smallmouth bass, try fishing along the drop-offs.

Elk River: Is producing some moderate size smallmouth bass. Try crawlers, leeches or plastic baits.

Boardman River: Was slow. Some decent panfish were caught near the dam. Most were using live bait.

Frankfort: Boat anglers were trolling 40 to 50 feet down in 150 to 200 feet of water. Hot colors were pink and chartreuse. Those trolling the harbor and car ferry caught Chinook on J-plugs or brown trout on spoons.

Betsie River: Is producing the occasional Chinook salmon as far up as the Homestead Dam however the number of fish is still very low. Fish coming into the cleaning station have immature eggs.

Onekama: The “Barrel” and the golf course are still good for Chinook and lake trout. Chinook weighing 20 pounds or more were caught in the early morning. Lake trout were caught later in the day when bouncing spin-glows along the bottom.

Lake Cadillac: Walleye fishing has been hit-or-miss. Those trolling crawler harnesses caught a few. Crappie were hitting near the surface in the early morning. Anglers have done well for bass and pike. They are using crawlers, leeches, spinners or crank baits.

Lake Mitchell: Those fishing the weed beds in the early morning caught walleye on jigs with leeches. Look for bass along the weed beds in the early morning or evening. During the day, fish deep. Pike have also been active.

Manistee: Salmon fishing is slowly picking up with fish caught 25 to 60 feet down in 60 to 120 feet of water. Glow plugs and orange or green spoons worked best in the morning. Even with the rough weather, boat anglers have caught a mixed bag of Chinook, lake trout and steelhead. The Chinook are much bigger this year with many more than 20 pounds and a few more than 30 pounds.

Manistee River: With cooler temperatures, a light number of salmon moved up into the river. No big numbers yet, it still too early. Those fishing below Tippy Dam have caught some nice smallmouth bass. Try crawlers, tube baits or plastics.

Ludington: Salmon have been caught 20 to 60 feet down in 40 to 100 feet of water. Most are using glow plugs or green, orange and glow spoons.

Pere Marquette River: Brown trout are still being caught. Most are fly fishing but a few were casting small spoons.

Pentwater: Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught 50 to 70 feet down in 120 feet of water due west of the channel, straight out from the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and off the point. Green and blue were the hot colors for salmon but steelhead were hitting on orange. Those fishing the channel caught bass on crawlers. Pier anglers caught a few perch on minnows.

UPPER PENINSULA

Marquette: Had fair lake trout action for those using spoons tipped with cut bait in 180 to 220 feet of water. Try north of the White Rocks and out near Granite Island. Some fish were marked in 100 feet, they could be salmon.

Little Bay De Noc: Had few walleye anglers as catch rates were slow. A couple fish were taken on crawler harnesses in 18 to 25 feet of water along the “Black Bottom” or in 16 to 30 feet along the shoals. Perch were spotty but caught in 10 to 19 feet near Kipling and off the mouth of the Ford River in eight to 12. Crawlers and minnows worked best. Smallmouth bass fishing was good near Round Island and south of the Ford River in five to 12 feet. Try crank baits, spinners or plastic baits.

Big Bay De Noc: Had no walleye reports but the smallmouth action was good in Kate’s Bay, the mouth of Garden Bay and off Nahma. Use crank baits, spinners or plastics in six to 18 feet. Fairport was producing few salmon. Better catches were 60 feet down in 80 to 120 feet with spoons or cut bait.

Au Train: Had a few boats heading out to target lake trout. A few fish were caught spoons in 160 to 180 feet of water. Surface water temperatures remain cool in the mid to upper 50’s.

Munising: Catch rates were fair at best. Most were targeting lake trout but some have shifted to salmon but the fish were small. The popular spots to fish were Munising Bay, Trout Bay, Murray’s Bay and north of Wood Island in 100 feet of water. Surface water temperatures were in the low 60’s. Pier anglers have caught a few fish when still-fishing with spawn. The bigger splake were up to 21 inches and three pounds.

Grand Marais: Boat anglers had good lake trout action and a few limit catches were reported. Fish were caught in 150 to 250 feet of water in the shipping channel or five to seven miles north. Many were small at two to four pounds but some went as high as 12 pounds. Those targeting salmon in 50 feet of water west of the bay had fair results. The fish were 18 to 20 inches long and about two pounds. Pier anglers were still-fishing with a single egg for whitefish.

St. Mary’s River: Walleye fishing was very good at the north end of Lime Island which is in Raber Bay. Most are trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses in 12 to 14 feet of water. Walleye also moved into the shipping channel near Buoy 25. Try crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers in 25 to 30 feet of water.

DeTour: Atlantic, Chinook and lake trout are all active in the early morning. Anglers are using green and white flashers and flies or spoons in blue and silver, green and gold, green, white or yellow.

Drummond Island: Had excellent walleye action in Scott Bay, around Peck Island. Try the northwest side when trolling bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses in 12 to 15 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were good at Peck Island for those using tube jigs or still-fishing with minnows.

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch fishing is good in Musky Bay, Hessel Bay, Middle Entrance and the Moscoe Channel. Use minnows, leaf worms or crawlers. Hessel Bay was good for those targeting pike. Large and smallmouth bass are being caught in Musky Bay, Duck Bay and Snows Channel.

St. Ignace: Anglers are targeting Chinook and Atlantic salmon in waters up to 150 feet deep on the backside of Mackinac Island, Round Island and the Coast Guard Station.

________________________________________

Do you have a great spot to go fishing that you'd like to share? Consider submitting it to the DNR for the Family Friendly Fishing Waters project!

Revenue from fishing and hunting license sales supports DNR activities to enhance Michigan’s natural resources. These license sales also increase federal revenue to the State of Michigan for the management of these resources. Please help support Michigan’s abundant natural resources by purchasing a fishing and hunting license each year. You can purchase fishing licenses online 24-hours a day!

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports & hunting report from 8/8/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Rain and cooler temperatures shut fishing down in some areas. The return of stable weather will once again enhance fishing conditions around the state.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Still had good walleye fishing in Ohio waters. A few walleye were caught in Michigan waters but not as many as Ohio. Some perch were caught off Stony Point and the Dumping Grounds off Bolles Harbor.

Huron River: Is producing small panfish, smallmouth bass and some white bass.

Detroit River: A few walleye were caught on jigs with crawlers in the Trenton Channel. Those trolling the deeper channels with crawler harnesses also caught a few fish. Walleye and smallmouth bass were caught along the south end of the Trenton Channel as well as the cuts on either side of Sugar Island.

Lake St. Clair: Has good bass fishing in Anchor Bay. Try watermelon or black plastics in eight to 11 feet of water. Muskie anglers have caught some large fish.

Lexington: Perch fishing was spotty in 20 to 45 feet. Boat anglers caught trout and salmon in 80 to 100 feet. Pier fishing was slow.

Port Sanilac: Some perch were caught to the north in 32 to 40 feet of water when drifting shiners. Those trolling caught Chinook, lake trout, steelhead and the occasional walleye straight out or north of the port in 80 to 100 feet.

Harbor Beach: Fishing came to a halt with the recent storms. When the weather clears, anglers will want to start fishing in close to shore and work your way out to deeper water. Those casting spoons and body baits off the wall in the early morning should find some fish.

Saginaw Bay: Catch rates slowed with the storms and cold front. A few walleye were still being caught west of the Spark Plug, west of Buoys 1 and 2 in 25 feet of water, off Pinconning in 23 feet, off Fin Road in eight to 10 feet and along the Saganing Bar. Fishing on the east side of the bay was slow.

Saginaw River: A few walleye were caught by those trolling between Weadock and the Coast Guard Station. Some caught smallmouth bass. Those fishing at Smith Park caught channel catfish and freshwater drum.

Shiawassee River: Walleye were caught at the spillway off Main Street in Owosso and at the Corunna Dam.

Indian Lake: In Livingston County was producing bluegill and crappie.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Perch fishing was spotty in 40 to 50 feet. Pier fishing was slow. Boat anglers targeting salmon said catch rates were spotty in waters 60 to 160 feet deep.

St. Joseph River: Summer run steelhead are in the river and the tributaries.

Branch County: Union Lake was producing a few panfish.

Calhoun County: Catch rates were moderate at best. Brace Lakes and Lee Lake were producing a few panfish.

South Haven: Salmon fishing was slow. Some lake trout were caught in 80 feet but many were scattered in 80 to 150 feet. Perch fishing was slow with only a few fish caught in 40 feet of water.

Holland: Was producing salmon 60 to 80 feet down in 80 to 110 feet of water. Blue and green were the hot colors. Some perch were caught in 30 to 50 feet of water.

Grand Haven: Salmon anglers caught fish in 80 to 120 feet or 160 to 200 feet when fishing 50 to 80 feet down. They are using blue and green spinnies with blue and green flies on 300 and 450 coppers or glow spoons on 225. Pier and boat anglers caught perch around the piers.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Summer steelhead can still be found up near the Sixth Street Dam. Anglers are using spinners or Hot-n-Tots. Gold and orange or blue and silver were good colors. Channel cats and flathead catfish were caught on suckers, small bluegills or cut bait.

Grand River at Lansing: Continues to produce bass and channel cats for those using live bait. Try the backwaters for bluegill.

Jackson County: The inland lakes are producing smallmouth bass and panfish. A few perch were also caught.

Muskegon River: Has good smallmouth action. Hardy Pond is producing panfish.

Whitehall: Pier anglers picked up the odd salmon however the fish caught were just a few stragglers. No real hot spots in Lake Michigan so most of the boat anglers were just heading west.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Rogers City: Bad weather has scattered the fish. When anglers can get out, they might want to try up near Forty Mile Point or south near Adams Point and Swan Bay. Baitfish were reported in 40 to 70 feet. Anglers are using downriggers, lead core, copper and dipseys about halfway down. Keep the lines away from the boat. Good colors were green, orange, light blue and silver, yellow and green or black and white. Anything that glows was good early or late.

Presque Isle: Anglers are heading straight out of the harbor from the red can and north between the lighthouses. Salmon, steelhead and walleye were caught about halfway down in 45 to 130 feet. Focus more on structure and baitfish instead of water temperature.

Rockport: Fishing was difficult as the fish were scattered. Once you find them, stay in that area. Because of the strong wind and storms, there is no pattern at this time. A few more walleye were showing up. Scatter your lines and fish deeper.

Alpena: Walleye fishing in Thunder Bay was not good as the fish are scattered and they have moved out to deeper water. A couple walleye were caught in 90 feet or more. Anglers will want to scatter their lines throughout the water column.

Thunder Bay River: Catch rates were slow with only a few smallmouth bass and small walleye caught.

Harrisville: Walleye have been caught in deeper water. Those able to get out far enough did catch steelhead. Try near the surface in 60 to 80 feet. Salmon should start coming in soon. Lake trout could be anywhere in the water column as they tend to travel to where the baitfish are.

Oscoda: Catch rates were hit-or-miss for those heading straight out, north or south of the river. Steelhead could be found near the surface along the scum lines in 65 to 85 feet. Salmon were caught but the fish were small at six to 10 pounds. Walleye were hitting on spoons in 80 to 140 feet of water. Lake trout are top to bottom. Hot colors were blue and silver, orange and silver, or black.

Higgins Lake: Lake trout were caught by those jigging Swedish pimples, sand kickers and 5/8 to one ounce spoons along the bottom. Those trolling are fishing just off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet. Perch were caught around Treasure Island, Sunken Island and along the west shore when using minnows in 30 to 40 feet. This is the time of year to catch a lot of rock bass.

Tawas: Anglers are still catching walleye beyond and near the Charity Islands when using Hot-n-Tots or crawler harnesses. Fish were also caught near Buoy 2, inside the bay near Buoys 4 and 6 in 10 to 20 feet or near Alabaster in 15 to 20 feet. Some caught the incidental steelhead or brown trout. Pier fishing was slow with only a few small perch taken.

Au Gres: Fishing was difficult. Baitfish were abundant and catch rates were low. Head out to the islands or straight out from the harbor and try 20 to 35 feet of water.

Au Gres River: Is producing a good number of catfish and some freshwater drum.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Some good catches of bluegill and sunfish have come from inland lakes in the area. Bass and pike catches were decent.

Harbor Springs: Is producing lake trout 100 to 110 feet down around Harbor Point. The occasional salmon was caught up near Five Mile Point. Try blue and chartreuse spoons and blue meat rigs. Those targeting smallmouth bass caught a mix of legal and sub-legal fish when using crawlers, crank baits or tube baits.

Petoskey: Lake trout were the most abundant fish caught however a couple large salmon were also taken. The salmon were 80 to 100 feet down in 120 to 130 feet of water and hitting on spoons in fire-tiger or glow. Baitfish were marked in 70 to 130 feet. Lake trout were caught on spoons 95 to 110 feet down between Bay Harbor and the pier. Those fishing off the pier caught rock bass, a couple bluegill and sub-legal smallmouth bass.

Bear River: It is true; there are some salmon and steelhead jumping at the dam. Fish have been caught by those drifting flies or spawn bags. A couple brown trout were caught but the fish were small. Those fishing down near the mouth caught steelhead on spawn.

Charlevoix: Pier anglers are still catching bass but many are sub-legal. They are fishing near the bottom with crawlers, leeches and minnows. A couple rock bass were also caught. Salmon were caught on spoons 70 feet down near the Cement Plant and North Point. Some heading down to Cathead Bay caught a few fish. Lake trout were caught 100 to 110 feet down in 120 to 140 feet or suspended about 60 feet down in 125 feet of water.

Traverse City: Lake trout were caught in the East Bay by those trolling in 90 to 130 feet of water. Salmon anglers were not taking a lot of fish however the Chinook were over 20 pounds. Try spoons, plugs or flies 70 to 90 feet down in 150 feet of water. Those trolling in the West Bay caught lake trout and the occasional Chinook salmon in 100 to 130 feet. Depths were variable but most were fishing 50 to 90 feet down. Smallmouth bass were caught near the drop-offs.

Elk River: Anglers have caught some nice smallmouth bass and rock bass on plastics, crawlers, or leeches.

Boardman River: Had a few reports of smallmouth bass and rock bass hitting on crawlers.

Lake Cadillac: Anglers are catching bass, pike and even the occasional walleye. Try spinners, plastics or live bait along the weed beds. Those seeking panfish caught crappie, bluegill, rock bass and a few perch.

Lake Mitchell: Has been good for pike as they are in the beginning of the cold weather feeding frenzy. Those fishing the coves caught pike and bass along the weed beds. Panfish numbers were fair to good.

Manistee: Catch rates for salmon were slow but still improving. Try 25 to 60 feet down in 50 to 120 feet with glow spoons and plugs or green and orange spoons.

Manistee River: Even though it is a bit early, a light number of salmon have started to move up into the river. The Little Manistee is getting an early run of salmon.

Ludington: Catch rates were hit-or-miss. Salmon were found 20 to 70 feet down in 50 to 120 feet. Try running glow plugs and spoons in the early morning. As the sun comes up, switch to orange or green spoons with green flies. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum.

Pere Marquette River: Is getting an early run of salmon. Brown trout are still being caught. Most are fly fishing but a few were casting small spoons.

Pentwater: Had good fishing but the fish have been scattered. Trout and salmon moved closer to shore because of the cooler weather. Some are fishing in 60 to 80 feet while others are heading out to waters 200 feet or deeper. Sliders, copper and dipseys worked well. Hot colors were orange and red.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay: Those trolling have done well for Chinook, coho, lake trout and steelhead when trolling between Sand Point and the red rocks. They are using spoons in black, white, raspberry, chartreuse, gold, blue or anything that glows. Go 25 to 75 feet down in 30 to 80 feet. Near the South Portage Entry, a good number of lake trout, coho and steelhead were taken by those trolling near the lighthouse, Mud Banks, Farmers Reef, Newton’s Reef or Big Reef. Those jigging in Traverse Bay caught lake trout in 170 to 220 feet off Gay Point and Big Louie’s Point. Those trolling took lake trout between Gay Point, Big Louie’s Point and Hermits Cove. Go 60 to 145 feet down in 80 to 150 feet. Salmon were caught 25 to 50 feet down in 30 to 60 feet.

Marquette: Surface water temperatures were in the upper 50’s. Lake trout and coho were caught on high-lines in 200 to 230 feet north of the white rocks and north of Granite Island. Some came in with limit catches of lake trout. Those fishing near Shot Point caught fish in 120 to 180 feet when using spoons and assorted flies with cut bait. Some went out to Stannard Rock and caught fish. In general, the fish averaged four to five pounds however a few were 20 pounds. The coho were two and a half pounds and 18 to 20 inches long.

Menominee: Those trolling for salmon north and south of Green Island were not having any luck. A few salmon were caught 60 to 80 feet down in 120 to 150 feet east of Sturgeon Bay. Anglers are picking up some salmon out near Washington Island and Rock Island. Try different colored spoons with flashers 50 to 60 feet down in 120 feet of water. A few boats launching from Stoney Point were fishing near Chambers Island but catch rates were very slow.

Menominee River: Was producing walleye, smallmouth bass and a good number of freshwater drum.

Cedar River: Is producing smallmouth bass, northern pike and freshwater drum. Anglers are drifting crawlers or casting crank baits.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye fishing was still on the slow side. Those fishing the southern waters had fair catches when trolling crawler harnesses in eight to 14 feet between Round Island and the “Fingers”. Perch fishing was fair to good near Kipling and Butler Island when still-fishing with crawlers in six to 23 feet. Smallmouth bass action was fair off the mouth of the Ford River in six to 14 feet. Try plastics, crank baits or spinners along the weeds. A few salmon were caught out by the Ford River Can when trolling spoons or cut bait 50 to 65 feet down in 135 feet.

Escanaba River: Walleye anglers trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 25 feet caught fish but many were sub-legal.

Big Bay De Noc: Had no walleye catches to report. Perch fishing was fair when using crawlers in eight to 24 feet in Fayette Harbor. Smallmouth bass were caught in eight to 14 feet off Ogontz and in Kate’s Bay when using crank baits or plastics. Salmon fishing off Fairport was fair. Some fished 40 to 60 feet down in 150 feet south of Poverty Island while others fished 50 to 60 feet down in 110 to 300 feet. They are using a variety spoons or cut bait.

Au Train: Surface water temperatures remain cool in the upper 50’s. Northwest winds have made fishing difficult and catch rates were slow. Those able to get out were lucky to get two to five lake trout in five hours of fishing. Try just off the bottom in 150 to 200 feet of water.

Munising: Lake trout were slow and the salmon action was fair to poor. Most are fishing Munising Bay, Trout Bay and Murray’s Bay in waters less than 100 feet deep. A couple coho were caught in Trout Bay. Pier anglers have taken some limit catches of splake when still-fishing with spawn.

Grand Marais: Pier anglers targeting whitefish are still-fishing with a single egg in the early morning. When boats can get out, lake trout were caught five to seven miles north along the shipping channel in 150 to 250 feet. The fish averaged two to five pounds.

St. Mary’s River: Walleye were caught in Raber Bay near Carlton Creek. Anglers are trolling crawler harnesses with blue blades. Those trolling in 28 to 30 feet along the shipping channel caught walleye when using bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses. Most of the fish were caught between Buoy 25 and the old bell buoy.

DeTour: Chinook, lake trout and steelhead were caught between Frying Pan Island, the #3 green can, the lighthouse and the #2 red can. Anglers are using silver and green flashers with small flies or spoons in black and chartreuse, purple and yellow, white with a red nose, or green with black dots.

Drummond Island: Had good catches of walleye and smallmouth bass in Scott Bay when fishing on the northwest side of Peck Island. A few walleye were caught around Bay Island in Maxton Bay when drifting or jigging crawler harnesses just off the weed beds in eight to 12 feet. For pike, anglers are trolling or casting chrome spoons in the weed beds around Grape Island. Moving west of Maxton Bay to Sims Point, a few yellow perch were caught in eight to 14 feet around Arrow Island.

Cedarville and Hessel: Anglers are targeting perch in eight to 12 feet of water around Haven Island. Some nice catches were reported in front of the marina dock and from the east end of Hessel Bay. Fair catches were taken in Musky Bay, Middle Entrance and the Moscoe Channel. Pike fishing was very good in Hessel Bay, Snows Channel, the west end of Musky Bay, and Government Bay. Most are still-fishing chubs. Bass fishing is good all over. Salmon were fair in the Yacht Entrance in 40 to 70 feet.

St. Ignace: When they can get out, boat anglers are fishing from the old fuel tanks, the flats and the Coast Guard Station. Fish have been caught around the islands. Try green flashers with flies or spoons in purple and pink, white and gold, green, white, and yellow.

________________________________________

Do you have a great spot to go fishing that you'd like to share? Consider submitting it to the DNR for the Family Friendly Fishing Waters project!

Revenue from fishing and hunting license sales supports DNR activities to enhance Michigan’s natural resources. These license sales also increase federal revenue to the State of Michigan for the management of these resources. Please help support Michigan’s abundant natural resources by purchasing a fishing and hunting license each year. You can purchase fishing licenses online 24-hours a day!

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports & hunting report from 8/15/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Fishing seems to be scattered in certain areas and steady in others. Cooler temperatures in many water bodies are pushing fish in.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Catch rates for perch were slow and steady. Those willing to put in the time could catch a decent number of fish when using minnows. Weeds and algae were making it difficult for those trolling for walleye. Some limit catches were taken in Ohio waters around West Sister Island.

Detroit River: Catch rates for perch were spotty. Anglers have been fishing the Cross-Dike and the south side of Sugar Island.

Lake St. Clair: Continues to produce muskie for those trolling. Bass are still being caught in waters six to 10 feet deep.

Lexington: Anglers are getting a mixed bag of lake trout, coho, Chinook and steelhead in 60 to 100 feet of water. Magnum spoons worked best.

Port Sanilac: Perch fishing was spotty but a few boats did manage to catch some fish in 40 feet. Those heading out deeper caught Chinook, coho, steelhead and lake trout when trolling large spoons.

Harbor Beach: Lake trout were scattered in 80 to 120 feet. Try dodgers with spin-glows and spoons just off the bottom. Steelhead were hitting on small or regular size spoons. Walleye fishing slowed but a few were caught between here and Port Hope in 60 to 90 feet. Crawler harnesses at night worked best. Those using small body baits off the wall early or late caught the occasional walleye. A couple brown trout were caught in 50 feet. Bass are still being caught but perch were slow.

Grindstone City: Those trolling to Lighthouse Park have caught smallmouth bass in 25 to 35 feet and walleye in 35 to 45 feet. Those trolling spin-glows for lake trout also caught a couple walleye in 140 to 160 feet.

Saginaw Bay: For the most part, the walleye have moved far offshore, even beyond the Charity Islands. This is typical for August as the fish head out to deeper water. The baitfish that hatched last spring are now big enough to interest the walleye. With that said, your crawlers and crank baits are competing with millions of shiners and gizzard shad. Most of the walleye anglers from Pinconning to Essexville are making the long trip out to Buoys 1 and 2 as well as four to five miles past them. Walleye have been caught northeast of the Black Hole in 22 feet. No perch activity to report. Boat anglers from Quanicassee, Sebewaing and Bay Port are heading across the Bar to fish deeper water along the east side of the shipping channel or going out to and past Buoys 1 and 2. Catch rates were not great with only one to four fish per boat. The walleye off Caseville and Port Austin have moved to deeper water.

Saginaw River: Is producing some catfish, freshwater drum and smallmouth bass in the lower river near Essexville. The Hot Pond is producing catfish.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Salmon fishing remains slow as the fish seem to be scattered in waters 80 to 140 feet deep. Perch were still being caught in 36 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow.

St. Joseph River: Has experienced a large run of steelhead during the first couple weeks of August. Lots of fish were distributed throughout the river in Berrien County and some have moved into the cold tributary streams such as the Dowagiac River.

South Haven: Had slow fishing as the fish were scattered here as well. Try trolling in 60 to 140 feet. Start shallow and move out as the sun comes up. Perch are still being caught in 18 to 20 feet. Pier fishing is slow.

Holland: Fish have been caught in 90 to 120 feet of water with 250 or 300 copper with plugs and divers with meat rigs. Hot colors were glow, white, green or yellow. Boat anglers caught a few perch in 30 to 60 feet.

Grand Haven: Boat anglers are fishing between the end of the pier and 120 feet of water. Most are fishing the top 50 feet with meat rigs that glow on divers or plugs. Hot colors were glow, white, green or yellow. Pier and boat anglers managed to catch a few perch. Boats fishing off the north pier were just off the mud line.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has a good number of steelhead. Fish are being caught on half a crawler, spawn bags, wobble glows, spinners with four to five blades and small blue and glow Cleo’s. A good number of walleye are also in the river. They are hitting on body baits like perch runs or Hurky jerks. Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie up and down the river and in the bayous. Pike are hitting on suckers or half ounce spoons. Panfish have been caught in Millennium Park.

Grand River at Lansing: Continues to produce bass and channel cats for those using live bait. Try the backwaters for bluegill. Anglers might find a walleye or two near the Moore’s Park Dam.

Reeds Lake: Is producing some panfish. Bluegills and crappie were hitting on minnows, leaf worms and wax worms. Perch were caught by those using perch rigs on the bottom.

Muskegon River: Water levels were low and clear. Anglers are still taking good numbers of smallmouth bass.

Whitehall: Is producing trout and salmon as shallow as 60 to 80 feet or as deep as 200 feet or more. Most are using spoons in red, orange or glow. Pier fishing was slow but some nice bluegills were caught in the channel by those using live bait.

White Lake: Anglers have caught a good number of walleye and pike when trolling crawler harnesses in 20 feet.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Rogers City: Anglers are getting a few Chinook, steelhead or lake trout but they are working to get them. Try straight out from the harbor, south towards Swan Bay and Adams Point or north and west near the State Park and Forty Mile Point. Most are fishing halfway down in waters 40 to 150 feet deep with spoons, plugs and flashers with squid or flies. Good colors were blue and silver, orange and silver, orange and green, black and white, purple, green or chartreuse.

Presque Isle: The better fishing was straight out from the red can and north between the two lighthouses in 45 to 130 feet of water.

Rockport: Walleye were caught however anglers need to move around to find them. Most are using crank baits but crawler harnesses may also be a good choice. The fish are scattered throughout the water column. Salmon were caught 40 to 70 feet down in 100 to 200 feet. Spoons worked best.

Alpena: Most of the walleye were caught both north and south of the bay. The fish are scattered throughout the water column. Lake trout were caught out near the Humps. Anglers are trolling deep with spin-glows behind flashers.

Thunder Bay River: Gave up a few smallmouth bass and rock bass.

Harrisville: Few anglers have been out. A couple Chinook were caught by those casting spoons in the harbor. This seems a bit early but the cool water temperatures may jump start the pier fishing. Walleye seem to be moving in from deeper water. More boats are fishing north of the harbor and near the Black River. Late night was best for walleye in 25 to 100 feet when using spoons, crawler harnesses and body baits.

Oscoda: Catch rates were slow as the fish were scattered.

Au Sable River: Steelhead should be making their way in especially with the cooler water temperatures. Catfish have been caught in good numbers in the late evening. Crawlers and minnows worked best. Walleye catches were slim and most of the fish were on the small side. A good number of smallmouth bass are in the river.

Higgins Lake: Those trolling spoons, body baits, cowbells and rapalas continue to catch lake trout. Those jigging Swedish pimples, sand kickers and small spoons just off the bottom have also caught fish. Perch anglers are still taking some fish around Treasure Island and the Sunken Island. Rock bass are everywhere.

Houghton Lake: Catch rates were slow but a few walleye were caught. Cooler water temperatures have the bluegill in six to eight feet.

Tawas: Those trolling are heading out past Buoy #2 to waters 35 to 45 feet deep. Some are fishing around Tawas Point and up near Au Sable Point in 80 feet. Walleye were suspended 25 to 50 feet down. In Tawas Bay, a few walleye were caught on crawler harnesses in 20 to 25 feet off Jerry’s Marina.

Au Gres: Still has a good number of walleye anglers. A few limit catches were taken by the die-hards. Some are heading straight out from the mouth of the river to waters 25 to 35 feet deep but catch rates were slow. Others are traveling anywhere between two and nine miles south of Pointe Au Gres. A few were perch fishing in 35 to 40 feet off the hotel but most of the fish caught were small.

Au Gres River: Is producing a good number of catfish and some freshwater drum.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Harbor Springs: Most of the boat anglers were fishing around Harbor Point in 180 to 200 feet of water. The salmon were up higher in 60 to 80 feet but the lake trout were deeper at 100 to 120 feet. Spoons were the ticket.

Petoskey: Few fish were seen or caught off the breakwall, the D-Pier, or at the Bobber Hole. A couple salmon were caught between the pier and the water treatment plant. Salmon and lake trout were caught 90 feet down in 120 feet of water with spoons, flashers and flies. One angler managed to land a 27 pound salmon.

Bear River: Chinook and steelhead can be found up near the dam however the big push of fish has not yet occurred. The fish being caught are the typical early ones that come in every year.

Charlevoix: Boat anglers are getting a few salmon but catch rates were still low. The fish caught were over 20 pounds and taken 80 to 100 feet down in 90 to 120 feet between North and South Point. Fish were caught on spoons without dodgers, dipseys and green flies. Salmon, lake trout and cisco were caught off Fisherman’s Island. Lake trout were 70 to 85 feet down in 120 feet and cisco were 80 feet down. Pier anglers caught rock bass and sub-legal smallmouth bass on crawlers, minnows and leeches.

Traverse City: Chinook have been caught in the East Bay. Most were running about 80 feet down, but the fish were scattered. Some were caught just 50 feet down. Numbers are low, but the salmon are very good size, up to 30 pounds. Lake trout and the occasional whitefish were caught. Smallmouth bass fishing was decent in 40 to 50 feet. Try drop-shotting with plastic baits. In the West Bay, salmon were caught by those trolling along the west shore. Try spoons or a Hoochie Mama 50 to 90 feet down in 90 to 200 feet of water. A few lake trout were caught. Those looking for smallmouth bass will want to fish the drop-off in 30 to 50 feet.

Elk River: Anglers have caught smallmouth bass and rock bass on plastics, crawlers and leeches. There has been rumor of salmon or steelhead being spotted near the power dam.

Boardman River: Fishing was slow with only a few smallmouth bass or rock bass taken. A couple steelhead and salmon were in the river but they will not stay long with the warmer temperatures.

Frankfort: Has good fishing with several Chinook salmon weighing in between 22 and 30 pounds. Anglers are heading straight west of the lighthouse to waters 180 to 220 feet and then trolling 55 to 110 feet down while heading north. Fish were caught on splatter back plugs, meat rigs, UV ladder back spoons in green or blue and flies. Coho and steelhead were also caught. Early morning is best.

Onekama: Is producing some fish. Anglers are trolling 60 to 90 feet down in 180 to 220 feet with J-plugs. Those trolling north to the “Barrel” reported lots of baitfish right along with trout and salmon in 60 to 70 feet.

Portage Lake: Those looking for bass and panfish will want to look for an area where the fish are moving in and out of the shallows. Those moving around seem to catch more fish.

Lake Cadillac: Is producing some bluegills along the weed beds. Those fishing near the high school did well for pike and bass. Crappie were a bit scattered but some have taken limit catches.

Lake Mitchell: Has good pike fishing. Try spoons or live bait. Panfish are being caught along the weed beds.

Manistee: Boat anglers found trout and salmon 40 to 90 feet down in 60 to 220 feet of water with glow spoons, plugs or meat rigs. Hot colors were green, red or purple.

Manistee River: Continues to provide very good smallmouth bass fishing. A light number of salmon were reported in the lower river.

Ludington: Trout and salmon were caught anywhere from 60 to 400 feet of water. Early morning was best. Coho and steelhead were taken on glow spoons, plugs or meat rigs. Good colors were green and orange, black and white or red. Freshwater drum were caught but pier fishing is slow.

Pere Marquette River: Has a light run of salmon moving into the lower river, but no big numbers yet as it is still a bit early. Anglers continue to catch a fair to good number of brown trout when casting small spoons or flies.

Pentwater: Fishing was good as salmon and trout moved in closer to shore. Some caught fish in 60 to 80 feet while others did well in 200 feet or more when trolling 50 to 70 feet down with red, orange and glow spoons. Pier fishing was slow.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay: Catch rates were hit-or-miss but anglers did manage to catch Chinook, coho and lake trout. Fish were caught between Sand Point and the red rocks when using spoons 25 to 75 feet down in 30 to 80 feet. Trolling speeds were between 1.2 and 2.6 mph. Those jigging for lake trout did best out from the pine tree on Pequaming Point. Boats trolling near the Lighthouse, Farmers, Newton’s and the Big Reef took a fair number of coho and lake trout 25 to 70 feet down in 30 to 90 feet. Traverse Bay anglers are jigging for lake trout in 170 to 220 feet off Gay Point and Big Louie’s Point or trolling 60 to 145 feet down in 80 to 150 feet. Fish were also caught near Five Mile and Six Mile Reef.

Marquette: Surface water temperatures are averaging 60 degrees. Most anglers are targeting lake trout because few salmon were caught. They are heading north towards Presque Isle and the Clay Banks and using spoons or flies tipped with cut bait. Lake trout were averaging four pounds but a few were up to 12 pounds. A large fish weighing in at 34 pounds was caught last week! Some lake trout were caught out near Stannard Rock.

Menominee: Those heading out to the Whalesback and Green Island for salmon have not had much luck. Many were switching to walleye fishing. They are trolling north and south along the first drop off.

Menominee River: Those trolling crawlers or rapalas have caught smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, catfish and freshwater drum.

Cedar River: Anglers caught some nice smallmouth bass right along with the small ones when drifting crawlers, artificial shad or crayfish.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye fishing was slow. Anglers were trolling or drifting crawler harnesses or rapalas in 18 to 23 feet of water near the mouth of the Escanaba River. When the weather allows, boats were heading south to Round Island, the “Fingers” or the Minneapolis Shoals. Those trolling crank baits in the early morning caught fish in 10 to 18 feet. A few nice perch were taken in 18 to 25 feet off the mouth of the Escanaba River. Perch fishing was fair to good around Butler Island but the fish were smaller. Try minnows or crawlers in six to 23 feet.

Escanaba River: Has had the most consistent walleye fishing. Anglers are trolling or drifting crawler harnesses or rapalas.

Big Bay De Noc: Bass fishing was fair off Ansell’s Point and Garden Bluff. Anglers were fishing six to 28 feet of water with crawlers and minnows. Some were trolling or drifting crank baits, spinners or plastic baits along the weeds. Ogontz had smaller fish. Perch anglers in Fayette reported several nice catches in the harbor when using crawlers along the weeds in eight to 14 feet. Those salmon fishing at Fairport picked up the occasional large fish. Some are fishing out deep but most were trolling spoons 60 feet down in 80 to 120 feet of water along the “Gap”.

Au Train: Those targeting lake trout had poor results as few fish were caught. Those salmon fishing had no luck. Anglers were fishing off the Shelter Bay Flats and just east of Au Train Island in 140 to 180 feet.

Munising: Windy conditions have kept anglers at bay. Surface water temperatures were in the low 60’s. Boat anglers targeting lake trout reported slow catch rates while those fishing for Chinook and coho reported fair catches. Small splake were also caught. Try Murray’s Bay or Trout Bay in 100 feet of water or less. There was a mixed catch of bass, pike and perch in the bay and around Grand Island. Those still-fishing off the pier for splake had poor results.

Grand Marais: Also had windy conditions. Boat anglers targeting lake trout were fishing five to seven miles north in the shipping channel in 150 to 250 feet of water. The fish range two to five pounds. Those targeting coho were fishing east and west of the bay, about halfway down in 50 to 60 feet. Pier anglers targeting whitefish reported very slow catch rates and small fish. Try a single egg in the early morning.

St. Mary’s River: Had good walleye fishing in the shipping channel between the north end of Lime Island and the old Bell Buoy. Most are using crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers. Gold beads and gold spinner blades worked best. Walleye were caught across from the Neebish Island Ferry Dock. Try minnows or small worms just off the weed beds in eight to 12 feet.

DeTour: Anglers are catching Chinook, Atlantic salmon and lake trout between Frying Pan Island, the lighthouse and the #2 red can near Drummond Island. Good colors were white, green or any other color with some white on it.

Drummond Island: Yellow perch are good outside Harbor Island in eight to 10 feet. Smallmouth bass have been caught near Peck Island. Most are trolling crawler harnesses in 12 to 14 feet.

Cedarville and Hessel: Catch rates for perch picked up around Haven Island in eight to 12 feet. Some nice catches were reported from the marina dock, the east end of Hessel Bay, Musky Bay, the Middle Entrance and Moscoe Channel. Good pike action in Hessel Bay, Snows Channel, the west end of Musky Bay and Government Bay. Salmon were caught in Yacht Entrance in 70 feet.

St. Ignace: Boat anglers are fishing from the city launch to the flats and over to the Coast Guard Station. Chinook salmon were caught on spoons in white with multi-color strips, blue and white, black and white or green.

________________________________________

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[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports & hunting report from 8/22/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Those willing to put in the time have caught a decent number of yellow perch in 18 to 20 feet of water near the River Raisin Channel and the E-Buoy. White perch, white bass and freshwater drum were also caught. Most of the walleye were caught in Ohio waters.

Huron River: Is producing smaller white bass, smallmouth bass and panfish.

Detroit River: Those looking for perch are fishing near the Cross-Dike or the south end of Sugar Island. Not many but the occasional walleye was caught.

Lake St. Clair: Had clear water conditions. Smallmouth bass remain scattered in the deeper waters.

St. Clair River: Smallmouth bass are showing up in all three channels. Walleye fishing was slow but some anglers did manage to find a few keepers in the shipping channel. Perch fishing also picked up.

Lexington: Is still producing a mixed bag of Chinook, steelhead, lake trout and the odd walleye in 100 to 135 feet. Most fish were caught between 80 feet down and the bottom. Pier fishing was slow.

Harbor Beach: Fishing started to pick up with some lake trout taken in 120 to 140 feet. Try dodgers or cowbells with spin-glows, peanuts or spoons just off the bottom. Salmon and steelhead were hitting on small or regular spoons in 90 to 120 feet. A few walleye were caught between here and Port Hope. Try 60 to 90 feet with small body baits and spoons or crawler harnesses. Bass are still hitting on spoons or body baits. Perch fishing was slow.

Grindstone City: Was slow with only a couple walleye caught.

Port Austin: Boat anglers trolling around the lighthouse caught smallmouth bass in 12 to 15 feet. Those heading out to waters 160 to 190 feet deep caught Chinook, lake trout and even walleye. The thermocline started about 110 feet down. Lake trout were within 10 feet of the bottom.

Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing is slow all over, and the perch have not really started yet. A few walleye were caught off Gambill’s Marina near Pinconning and off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River in 14 feet or west of Buoys 1 & 2 in 25 feet. A couple perch were taken near the Red Spark Plug (Buoys 11 & 12) but no big numbers yet. Perch fishing will improve as the cooler weather moves in. Walleye anglers on the east side had a slow week. Those trolling off Quanicassee, Sebewaing and Bay Port were lucky to get one fish per angler.

Shiawassee River: Is producing the occasional walleye at the Corunna Dam and the spillway off Main Street in Owosso. Panfish and smallmouth bass were also caught. Most are using shiners or crawlers. Catfish numbers were down however the fish were bigger.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Had good perch fishing north of the piers in 35 feet. Salmon fishing was slow as the fish were scattered. A few were caught about 60 feet down in waters up to and beyond 140 feet deep. Pier fishing was slow.

St. Joseph River: Warmer weather has slowed the steelhead bite. Target the deeper holes.

Branch County: Near limit catches of panfish were taken from Morrison Lake.

South Haven: Perch were caught north or south of the pier in waters 20 to 40 feet deep. Those trolling for salmon caught Chinook and coho along with the occasional steelhead in 100 feet. Pier fishing was slow.

Holland: Salmon were hitting 40 to 70 feet down in 50 to 170 feet of water. Use 5 color lead and 150 coppers with bright orange or yellow spoons and green spinnies with green flies out deeper. Pier anglers caught a couple perch and steelhead. Try live bait such as minnows for the perch. For steelhead, go with shrimp under a bobber. Anglers were perch fishing off the State Park.

Grand Haven: Perch are still being caught of both piers and just off the mud line in Lake Michigan. Minnows worked well. Boats are finding fish in 50 to 150 feet with downriggers set about halfway down. Most are using orange and yellow spoons up high or green spinnies with green flies out deep.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead were caught up near the 6th Street Dam in the early morning. With the warm temperatures, target the deeper holes. Bluegill and crappie fishing were fair to good. Catfish slowed but some big flatheads were taken on live bait, cut bait or crawlers.

Grand River at Lansing: Continues to produce bass and channel cats for those using live bait. A few limits of panfish were reported. Try the backwaters for bluegill. Anglers might find a walleye or two near the Moore’s Park Dam.

Clinton County: The inland lakes had mostly small bluegills.

Muskegon River: Water levels continue to be low and clear. This may be good for bass fishing but not good for salmon and steelhead. Fish the weed beds for bass but try the deeper holes for trout.

Whitehall: Catch rates slowed. Many were fishing around Minor Park but some traveled as far as Stoney Creek. The water near shore is very warm but seemed to be cooler near Stoney Creek. The bite was better in the early morning with fish caught on anything that glows before daylight. Try 50 to 70 feet down in 150 feet of water with green flashers and blue flies. Pearl J-plugs on lead core worked well. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Rockport: Has no set pattern for catching fish at this time. The thermocline is very deep or is not found at all in depths less than 100 feet. Fish are scattered and are difficult to target. Lake trout can still be found near bottom when fishing spoons. Some caught the occasional Chinook or Atlantic salmon. A few walleye were found and actually caught out in waters 120 feet or deeper.

Long Lake: In Alpena County was producing good numbers of bass and pike.

Alpena: Had few anglers fishing Thunder Bay because the walleye have moved out to deeper water. Some may still find the occasional walleye, bass or catfish.

Thunder Bay River: Is producing the occasional rock bass, under-sized smallmouth bass, freshwater drum or channel catfish.

Harrisville: Catch rates were slow as the fish are scattered and out deep. Steelhead should start to show up closer to shore. Try up near the surface in 50 to 70 feet. For trout and salmon, lead core and planer boards have worked best this year. Spoons with dodgers, wobble glows and body baits have caught fish but don’t be afraid to experiment with other bait combinations.

Oscoda: A few salmon were showing up around the pier. Those fishing late night with glow spoons did catch a couple fish.

Au Sable River: A few walleye were caught but no big numbers. The water is too warm for trout and salmon.

Gladwin County: The inland lakes were producing limit catches of bass and panfish but anglers are working hard to get them.

Clare County: The inland lakes are producing some nice bass.

Tawas: Walleye anglers trolling out around Tawas Point and north to Au Sable Point found success in 50 to 80 feet. Fish were also caught in 20 to 50 feet off Alabaster and in 20 to 25 feet along the weed beds off Jerry’s Marina. Pier anglers caught walleye, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass and small perch.

Au Gres: Walleye fishing slowed a great deal but those trolling did pick up the occasional 10 or 11 inch perch.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Harbor Springs: Boat anglers were focusing their effort between Harbor Point and Five Mile Point. Try 65 to 70 feet down in 180 to 190 feet for salmon or 100 feet down for lake trout.

Petoskey: Is producing a light number of salmon for those trolling between the hospital and the Water Treatment Plant. Anglers are using spoons and flies. Green was the hot color. Meat rigs with cut bait caught fish. The occasional lake trout was also caught. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass and rock bass.

Bear River: Water levels were low. Very few fish were seen jumping at the dam but some anglers were still trying for a steelhead or coho when still-fishing with spawn, flies, or rubber eggs. Those using crawlers at the dam caught a couple small brown trout and one nice brook trout.

Charlevoix: Salmon are starting to show up in greater numbers but some boat anglers are still getting skunked. Many of the Chinook were more than 20 pounds. Try 50 to 80 feet down in 100 to 230 feet with spoons, dipseys, flies, squid and dodgers or meat rigs. Pier anglers are still catching smaller bass on leeches, crawlers or minnows.

Traverse City: The East Bay is producing Chinook about 80 to 100 feet down. The bite was slow but those using meat rigs and flies seem to do best. Don’t rule out the occasional lake trout or whitefish. Smallmouth bass were deep in 20 to 50 feet. In the West Bay, salmon were caught 80 feet down in waters 100 to 150 feet deep. Most are running spoons, flies, and meat rigs. Those jigging in 100 to 150 feet caught whitefish and lake trout.

Elk River: Anglers caught panfish and sub-legal smallmouth bass on live baits.

Boardman River: A couple salmon and steelhead were spotted near the Union Street Dam however they will not be there long with the warmer temperatures.

Frankfort: Anglers caught a good number of salmon between the Herring Hole and Platte Bay. Several large Chinook were caught right along with coho ranging 10 pounds or more. They are trolling plugs 40 to 80 feet down in 100 to 180 feet. Fish were caught on magnum spoons 30 to 100 feet down in 200 to 240 feet. Steelhead were up near the surface. West Platte Bay has been very good for coho. Anglers are using high lines or boards. Fish were caught just in front of the piers when using blue, pearl or chartreuse plugs or spoons that glow. Pier anglers casting blue and glow wobblers or Cleo’s caught a mix of Chinook, coho and brown trout.

Betsie River: Has a few salmon and steelhead but no big numbers, it is too warm.

Onekama: Those fishing the “Barrel” have done well for lake trout and the occasional Chinook or coho salmon. Those heading north to waters between 150 and 200 feet and trolling 40 to 80 feet down had some luck when they found bait fish. Early morning was best.

Portage Lake: Had good bluegill fishing along the weed beds in 12 to 18 feet. A few nice perch were also caught. Water temperatures were a bit cool in the early morning but anglers will want to head out to deeper water as the sun comes up.

Lake Cadillac: Is producing crappie, bluegills and bass. Walleye fishing was hit-or-miss. Some are trolling crawler harnesses or crank baits while others are still-fishing with a leech and slip bobber. Crappie were caught on the east end in the early morning.

Lake Mitchell: Is producing some nice bluegills in eight to 12 feet of water. Try crickets, leaf worms, wax worms or butter worms.

Manistee: Fishing was slow but some large salmon more than 25 pounds have been caught ion glow spoons or plugs in the early morning. Salmon and steelhead were also caught 40 to 90 feet down in 80 to 200 feet. Try green flies and meat rigs as well as orange or green spoons. Pier anglers caught a couple salmon on spoons.

Manistee River: Was producing a decent number of summer steelhead up near Tippy Dam but warmer temperatures this week will once again slow catch rates.

Manistee Lake: Those trolling did catch some salmon however south winds this week will slow catch rates.

Ludington: The fish are scattered. Salmon can be found anywhere from 45 to 80 feet down in 50 to 300 feet. Try glow spoons and plugs or red and green meat rigs. Pier anglers caught the occasional salmon or freshwater drum when casting spoons.

Pere Marquette River: Has salmon but no big numbers yet.

Pentwater: Anglers caught salmon close to port. Some were taken 50 to 70 feet down in 80 to 90 feet or deeper in 150 to 180 feet. They are using green flashers and blue flies. Pier anglers were trying but few fish were caught. Smallmouth bass were hitting on live bait in the channel.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay: The bite was hit-or-miss but trout and salmon were caught by those trolling from Sand Point to the red rocks and off Pequaming Point. Try spoons 25 to 75 feet down in 30 to 80 feet. Those jigging caught lake trout in 230 feet off Pequaming Point. From the South Portage Entry, anglers caught Chinook, coho and lake trout when trolling near the Lighthouse, the reefs, the red rocks and the Mud Banks. Fewer fish were caught from Traverse Bay.

Marquette: Produced a few limit catches of lake trout. Average size was six pounds but some were 12 to 15 pounds. They are fishing at various depths in 110 to 220 feet of water between the white rocks and Granite Island. Try spoons and cut bait. A few coho were caught but no Chinook. Shore anglers fishing near the mouth of the Chocolay River had poor results. Stannard Rock had good lake trout action for those jigging or casting spoons.

Menominee: Catch rates for salmon were very slow around Washington Island, Rock Island and Chambers Island. Walleye anglers are picking up a few fish especially at night. Try 20 to 30 feet when trolling north or south of the river. Fishing in Green Bay was slow.

Menominee River: Is producing walleye in the evening for those trolling crawler harnesses or stick baits. Smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and perch were caught.

Cedar River: Is still producing smallmouth bass for those drifting crawlers or casting stick baits.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers were targeting the Second Reef off Kipling, and the “Black Bottom” in 14 to 23 feet of water. They are using crawlers or minnows. Perch fishing was fair to good off the mouth of the Escanaba River and near Kipling in 22 to 29 feet.

Big Bay De Noc: A couple anglers were targeting walleye down near Round Island. Perch fishing was fair in 18 feet off Ansell’s Point. In Fayette Harbor, perch were taken on minnows and crawlers in eight to 14 feet. Smallmouth bass fishing was fair in Kate’s Bay, off Ansell’s Point and near the Bluff in eight to 21 feet. Try minnows, crank baits or plastics. Catch rates for salmon improved off Fairport. Try spoons 35 to 65 feet down in 80 to 130 feet.

Au Train: Catch rates were slow but those willing to put in the time did catch a few east of Au Train Island and near Shelter Bay when fishing in 100 to 150 feet. Those fishing in deeper water out near the shipping channel and Wood Island had poor results. Surface water temperatures were in the low 60’s near shore and upper 50’s out deeper.

Munising: Boats targeting lake trout and salmon had fair results in Trout Bay and Murray’s Bay in 100 feet of water or less. Those fishing the Big Reef reported good catches including several large fish coming in at 20 pounds. Pier fishing was light as catch rates were poor.

Grand Marais: The majority of lake trout anglers are fishing in 100 to 250 feet of water in the shipping channel. Fish between three and 10 pounds were caught off the Southwest Bank. Those targeting coho did well east and west of the bay. Try halfway down in 50 to 60 feet. Shore anglers caught pike near the boat launch.

St. Mary’s River: Out from Raber Bay, walleye have been caught at the Canadian Rock Pile when jigging orange and brown twister tails in six to 10 feet. Early morning was best.

DeTour: Anglers continue to fish from Frying Pan Island to the #3 Green Can and to the #2 Red can near Drummond Island. They caught Chinook, lake trout and steelhead. Hot colors were watermelon, purple, green or any color with white on it.

Drummond Island: Had a few reports of yellow perch were coming from the red buoy on the south end of Grape Island. They are drifting minnows in eight to 12 feet in the early morning. Walleye fishing slowed however a few fish were taken on crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers in 12 to 14 feet on the northwest side of Peck Island.

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch anglers did well off the Hessel Pier and the north end of the Snows Channel when using minnows or crawlers in eight to 10 feet. Musky Bay, Middle Entrance and the Moscoe Channel are also producing good numbers of perch. Pike are there too for those still-fishing with chubs. Government Bay had excellent pike fishing in 10 to 16 feet. Good salmon fishing off Hessel in 70 feet or more.

St. Ignace: Boats are still heading from the city launch to the flats and over to the Coast Guard Station and water treatment plant. Trout and salmon were caught around Bois Blanc Island, Round Island and the backside of Mackinac Island.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports & hunting report from 8/29/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: A few continue to fish for walleye but the majority are now perch fishing near the Raisin River Buoys 1 and 2, the humps around the Banana Dike or in 22 to 24 feet off Stony Point. No big numbers yet but those doing the best are moving around. Bass, white perch and freshwater drum have also been caught. Those launching out of Bolles Harbor were fishing in 17 to 20 feet around the E-Buoy and the Dumping Grounds. A good number of smallmouth bass have been caught in eight to 12 feet throughout the lake.

Huron River: Is producing some white bass, smallmouth bass and panfish.

Detroit River: Perch fishing has been spotty. A couple anglers did find fish along the south end of Celeron Island. A few walleye were caught by those jigging.

Lexington: Lake trout, steelhead and Chinook were caught in 105 to 140 feet of water. Salmon and steelhead are up high and the lake trout are at the bottom. Strong winds have stirred up the waters so it will take a few days for conditions to improve. Perch fishing was slow.

Harbor Beach: Recent storms have the fish scattered. Start shallow in 60 to 70 feet and work your way out deeper for salmon and steelhead. Try spoons off downriggers, lead lines with offshore boards. For lake trout, try using dodgers or cowbells with spin-glows, peanuts and spoons just off the bottom. For walleye, try 70 to 90 feet with small body baits and small spoons or crawler harnesses. Bass were caught by those trolling spoons and body baits. Perch fishing is slow.

Port Austin: Those trolling have caught steelhead, salmon and lake trout along the outside of the Thumb however recent winds have turned the lake over so finding the right temperatures means a trip out to at least 140 feet.

Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing was on the slow side and perch fishing is slowly getting started. A few walleye were taken in six to 10 feet off the state park, the mouth of the Kawkawlin River, or out near the Black Hole in 14 feet. Anglers were drifting crawler harnesses above the weeds. Walleye were caught from the Slot and off the Bar but the average was one fish per angler. Catfish were caught from the Hot Pond.

Saginaw River: Smallmouth bass have been caught near Essexville.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Salmon have been caught in 100 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow. Catch rates for perch were good south of the piers in 20 feet of water.

St. Joseph River: Has some steelhead. Target the deeper holes.

South Haven: Salmon fishing remains consistent. No limit catches to report but the size of the Chinook has been impressive. Boats are trolling in 100 to 130 feet. Catch rates for perch remain good north and south of the piers in 30 feet.

Holland: The better fishing was very early morning or at night. Try 45 to 80 feet down in 110 to 130 feet of water. Coppers are 300, 350, 400 and 450. Meat rigs are working best. Hot colors were blue and purple with 10 inch spinnies. Pier fishing is slow. Perch were caught on minnows in 35 to 45 feet.

Port Sheldon: Those fishing out near the “Bubbler” have caught perch.

Grand Haven: Boat anglers are fishing 60 to 95 feet down in 85-115 feet of water with glow plugs, green and yellow spoons and white paddles with a mirage fly. Perch fishing has slowed as the fish are moving out to deeper water. Pier anglers are struggling because of the warm water and the lack of baitfish.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Heavy rain should have pushed some steelhead and salmon up into the river. Walleye anglers were bouncing crawlers off the bottom. Catfish were hitting on cut bait. For bluegill and bass, try the bayous and backwaters.

Grand River at Lansing: Is producing catfish, carp, smallmouth bass and the occasional largemouth bass.

Lake Lansing: Is producing bass, bluegill and a few crappie.

Lake Interstate: Is producing bluegill.

Muskegon River: Water levels were low and water temperatures were at or near 70 degrees. Trout fishing will be slow during the current warm spell but this is a great time for bass fishing.

Whitehall: Trout and salmon fishing was slow with few fish taken. Anglers could travel north and look for cooler water. Early morning is the best time to head out. Try any lure that glows, J-plugs, lead core and dipseys.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

The inland lakes such as Grand, Long and Hubbard are producing some very nice smallmouth bass. This is grasshopper and cricket season on the smaller trout streams and those using imitations are doing well.

Rogers City: Adult Chinook are beginning to show up and they are good size. The better fishing was very early and after sunset when heading south towards Swan Bay and Adams Point but the fish are moving. Head to deeper water as the sun comes up while using downriggers, short segments of lead core, dipseys and copper with spoons, J-plugs, bombers and flashers with either squid or flies. Hot colors were green, blue, pearl, red, purple, orange with green or silver as well as black and white. Those fishing north and straight out of the harbor caught a mix of salmon, steelhead and walleye.

Presque Isle: Catch rates were slow but picking up. Anglers were hanging out in shallow waters 35 to 60 feet deep as they wait for the fish to come in and feed on the abundant baitfish. Try straight out or north between the two lighthouses and fish the top half of the water column.

Rockport: Is producing a few Chinook, lake trout and walleye. Walleye were also caught in to 20 to 40 feet.

Alpena: Few anglers were out but they did manage to catch a couple smallmouth bass and the occasional walleye in Thunder Bay. The trick is to move around until you find fish.

Thunder Bay River: Catch rates have improved for smallmouth bass that average 12 to 14 inches but some were as big as 17 inches. Freshwater drum, channel catfish, and rock bass were caught. Most are using crawlers but a few did well with crank baits. A few salmon are in the river but catch rates were poor. Cooler weather is needed.

Harrisville: The fish are scattered so anglers will have to work for them. The walleye are deep, 100 to 140 feet and most were caught by those targeting trout and salmon with spoons and body baits. A few salmon were caught in the harbor but these fish seem to be early runners.

Oscoda: Fish are on the move so finding them can be difficult. Walleye are deep and were caught with the trout and salmon. Pier anglers caught a few salmon with glow spoons in the early morning or evening.

Au Sable River: Fishing below Mio has been very good and the white fly hatch should continue through the Labor Day weekend. Water temperatures have been fairly cool below Mio which means the fish have been active and healthy. Catfish are moving in and out of the river.

Higgins Lake: Was producing perch near the Sunken Island and along the drop offs. No big numbers but the fish were nice size. Those trolling just off the bottom in 80 to 120 feet caught lake trout on the north end including the north side of Treasure Island. Those jigging found lake trout and whitefish in 80 to 100 feet. Anglers are still catching lots of rock bass. This is a great fishery for kids.

Houghton Lake: Catch rates were slow but steady. Those using crawlers, leeches and leaf worms caught bass, walleye, and panfish.

Tawas: Boat and pier fishing in the bay are slow. A few walleye were taken off Alabaster, Au Sable Point and Jerry’s Marina but anglers need to fish deeper water. One angler targeting walleye actually caught a 15 pound Chinook in 80 feet of water when trolling a crawler harness.

Au Gres: A few walleye are still being caught straight out from the mouth of the river or six to eight miles south in 26 to 30 feet of water. Those targeting perch found a few in 30 to 40 feet four to eight miles to the south.

Au Gres River: Is producing a few catfish and freshwater drum.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Salmon fishing is going strong. At this point, offshore is the place to be, in depths deeper than 100 feet. Heavy south winds pushed the fish deep so the piers and drowned river mouth lakes have not been as productive.

Harbor Springs: Had a small number of salmon and lake trout in and around the harbor. Boat anglers were fishing around Harbor Point. Chinook were caught 70 to 90 feet down and lake trout 100 to 130 feet down. Try spoons, flies and squid. Green and white was the hot color.

Petoskey: Some boat anglers did catch the odd salmon or lake trout. Most were fishing from the water treatment plant and east to the buoy just past the pier. Salmon were caught 100 to 115 feet down on glow spoons, meat rigs and flies. A few lake trout were also caught.

Bear River: Had a few salmon moving in even with the low water levels. Those fishing up near the dam caught the occasional fish on spawn or yellow flies.

Charlevoix: Salmon fishing was still a bit slow as anglers were averaging maybe one fish per trip. Boats are trolling 60 to 85 feet down in 120 feet of water between North Point and South Point. Try plugs, spoons, meat rigs and dodgers with flies or squid. Lake trout were 80 to 125 feet down in 120 to 250 feet. Pier anglers are still taking sub-legal bass but a good number were also keepers. Try just off the bottom with crawlers, leeches or minnows. Some nice rock bass were caught near the end of the piers.

Lake Charlevoix: Anglers are marking some large fish where Round Lake comes into Lake Charlevoix.

Traverse City: Those trolling in the East Bay caught Chinook 60 to 110 feet down in 80 to 200 feet. Try blue and green spoons with flies or glow spoons early and late. A few lake trout were caught. Those looking for smallmouth bass were fishing 20 to 50 feet or deeper. In the West Bay, salmon were found 40 to 100 feet down. Try spoons, plugs and meat rigs or flies with flashers. Those jigging in 110 feet caught the occasional whitefish or lake trout.

Elk River: Fishing was relatively slow with only smaller bass and panfish caught on crawlers or leeches. No large number of salmon yet.

Boardman River: Had a few salmon. Anglers were targeting Chinook with spawn, flies and stick baits.

Frankfort: Good numbers of large Chinook salmon have been caught between the piers, straight out and near the Herring Hole. The fish were starting to stage. Many are trolling 30 to 90 feet down in 200 to 225 feet. Platte Bay has coho running in 40 to 80 feet. Spoons work best. Pier fishing was good between 2:00 a.m. and daybreak for those casting wobblers. Green, orange and blue were good colors.

Betsie River: The Chinook are in and all the way up to the Homestead Dam.

Onekama: Had good fishing just outside the “Barrel” when trolling 40 to 80 feet down with J-plugs in chrome, splatter back and perch or meat rigs. Lake trout are hitting on cowbells and spin-glows throughout the day.

Portage Lake: Continues to have good bass fishing for those working the weed beds and along the drop offs. A nice largemouth bass was caught off the wall in the channel. Panfish are hitting on worms along the weed beds in the morning and moving to deeper water by afternoon.

Lake Cadillac: Catch rates were very good for panfish and bass.

Lake Mitchell: Has also been good for bass and panfish.

Manistee: Salmon have been caught 40 to 80 feet down in 80 to 200 feet of water off the Shelf. Glow spoons and plugs worked well in low light, standard size spoons and meat rigs have produced during mid-day. Pier and harbor fishing was slow.

Manistee River: Anglers have caught a few salmon in the lower river. Try fishing the deeper holes as the fish will seek out colder water. Bass fishing slowed a bit but those fishing near the brush piles in the early morning or late evening should find some fish.

Ludington: Salmon are 40 to 90 feet down in 80 to 160 feet of water. Spoons, plugs and meat rigs are all taking fish. Pier and harbor fishing was slow.

Pentwater: Fishing was fair. Salmon were caught 50 to 70 feet down in 80 to 90 feet or as deep as 150 to 180 feet. Meat rigs were the ticket this week however fish were also taken on pearl colored J-plugs or spoons. Bass were caught by those using live bait in the channel.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay: Those heading out for trout and salmon had to work hard to get them. They caught a mix of Chinook, coho and lake trout 40 to 90 feet down in 50 to 100 feet of water from Carla’s Restaurant north past the red rocks and off Pequaming Point. Those jigging for lake trout had little success. Near the South Portage Entry, a fair number of lake trout, Chinook and coho were taken near the lighthouse, the reefs and the Mud Banks. They are using a mix of spoons in a variety of colors. For Traverse Bay, lake trout action picked up some for those jigging in 170 to 220 feet off Gay Point and Big Louie’s Point. Those trolling 60 to 145 feet down in 80 to 150 feet also caught fish.

Marquette: Most anglers are targeting lake trout but those using high lines for salmon and trout had mixed results. Lake trout were caught near the Clay Banks, Granite Island, and Shot Point in 120 to 130 feet. A couple small coho were caught. Surface water temperatures were in the low 60’s. Those fishing near the mouth of the Chocolay River had poor results. Anglers are being asked to participate with the creel census surveys that are being conducted in the area. The information you share plays a vital role in fisheries management on the Great Lakes.

Menominee: Bay anglers were trolling for walleye near Green Island. Catch rates were fair to good. No trout or salmon were caught. Those targeting walleye did best in the evening when trolling rapalas in 20 to 30 feet of water. Salmon anglers tried closer to shore because of the high winds but no fish were caught.

Menominee River: Is producing a fair number of walleye for those trolling rapalas and crawler harnesses. Many were on the small side. Shore and boat anglers caught smallmouth bass when floating crawlers or casting crank baits.

Cedar River: Those floating crawlers caught smallmouth bass.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers had fair catch rates near Kipling. They are trolling or drifting crawlers and stick baits in 15 to 25 feet between the Second and the Center Reef and along the drop near Gladstone in 25 feet. Fair to good perch action was reported off the mouth of the Escanaba River when using minnows and crawlers in 20 to 25 feet or the Second Reef in eight to 17 feet. Smallmouth bass were caught on crawlers and crank baits near the mouth of the Ford River. A couple salmon were caught out near the Ford River Can when trolling spoons 60 to 70 feet down in 100 to 130 feet.

Big Bay De Noc: Had good smallmouth bass fishing for those using minnows or crank baits in 10 to 28 feet off Ansell’s Point and the many shoals. Those trolling spoons or cut bait off Fairport did well 60 to 75 feet down in 120 to 130 feet of water.

Au Train: Lake trout anglers have had mixed results depending on wind direction. The hot spots were the edge of the flats and the humps near the shipping lanes east of AuTrain Island in 140 to 200 feet. Offshore surface water temperatures have risen to the low 60’s. No salmon to report.

Munising: Catch rates for Chinook and coho were fair in Trout Bay and Munising Bay. Lake trout fishing continues north of Wood Island. A couple pier anglers were targeting splake but catch rates were slow.

Grand Marais: Lake trout anglers were fishing in 100 to 200 feet of water along the shipping channel, five to seven miles north of the bay. The fish have been feeding on insects and sculpin. Whitefish are feeding in the shallows. Coho anglers were fishing east or west of the bay in 50 to 60 feet. Shore anglers casting for pike had poor results.

St. Mary’s River: Walleye fishing in Raber Bay has slowed in the shipping channel from Point Aux Frenes to the old bell buoy. A few pike were caught on the southwest end of Neebish Island, at the mouth of the Munuscong River or the southwest end of Kemps Point when trolling chrome spoons or black bucktail spinners. Anglers need to watch for low water levels when boating on the St. Mary’s River and around Drummond Island.

DeTour: Anglers are still taking Chinook and lake trout between Frying Pan Island, the #3 green can and the #2 red can out near Drummond Island. Chinook salmon are ranging seven to 15 pounds. Hot colors are watermelon, green, purple and white.

Drummond Island: Wind direction did have an effect of walleye fishing. Fish were caught by those trolling crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers in 12 to 14 feet around Peck Island. Anglers had fair to good perch fishing in Maxton Bay. Most are drifting or still-fishing with medium size minnows near the red buoy located on the south end of Grape Island. A few nice pike were taken on the northwest side of the island when casting or trolling chrome spoons with a red eye in eight feet of water. Smallmouth bass are hitting tube jigs near Harbor Island or a crawler with a slip bobber on the west side of Peck Island. Brown and green tube jigs worked well.

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch anglers have done well off the east end of the marina pier in Hessel Bay and off the public dock. They are using minnows or crawlers in eight to 12 feet. The south end of Hessel Bay had excellent pike fishing for those using chubs. Salmon were caught in 50 to 70 feet in Hessel Bay and the Yacht Entrance.

St. Ignace: Had no change. Lake trout and salmon are still being caught around Mackinac Island, Round Island, Bois Blanc Island, the flats and the Coast Guard Station.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports & hunting report from 9/5/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

With Labor Day behind us, the majority of anglers will now turn to salmon and trout fishing. The fish are starting to move in closer to shore as well as into some of the river systems. The inland lakes have been good for both large and smallmouth bass and panfish activity has picked up.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Perch fishing improved somewhat with the cooler nights. A decent number of fish were caught near the Raisin River Buoys 1and 2 and off Toledo Beach in 14 to 16 feet of water. Emerald shiners seem to work best.

Huron River: Those fishing at the Belleville Dam caught bluegill and crappie. A few walleye were caught in Belleville Lake.

Detroit River: Walleye anglers are jigging chartreuse gulp. Some are hand-lining with flat fish in the Trenton Channel. As for perch, a few were caught at the Cross Dike and the south end of Celeron Island.

Lexington: When anglers can get out, those trolling have done well in waters 100 to 140 feet deep. A surprising number of Chinook salmon have been caught along with lake trout, steelhead and walleye. Pier fishing was slow.

Harbor Beach: Look for salmon and steelhead when trolling spoons off downriggers and lead lines with offshore boards. Try J-plugs for salmon in 70 to 90 feet. Lake trout are scattered. Try cowbells with spin-glows, peanuts or spoons just off the bottom. Catch rates for walleye were slow however a few fish were taken with the salmon in 70 to 90 feet. Try small spoons or body baits in the early morning or late evening and crawler harnesses at night.

Saginaw Bay: Anglers were still taking some walleye out in the deeper waters of the inner bay when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers. The trick is to go slow. Anglers are still waiting for the perch fishing to get started.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Perch anglers have done well south of the piers in 35 to 40 feet of water. Those targeting salmon were heading out to waters 100 to 150 feet deep

St. Joseph River: Approximately two miles of the river will be closed to all users starting Monday, September 9 at 11 p.m. through Wednesday, September 11 at 11 p.m. Fisheries Division is developing a plan to combat Asian carp. Staff will be conducting an Early Detection and Prudent Response field exercise. The exercise will be stationed at the DNR’s Jasper Dairy boating access site in Berrien County. The river will be closed about one mile upstream and one mile downstream of the boating access site. Click here for additional information.

South Haven: Salmon anglers are trolling about halfway down in 100 to 130 feet of water. Catch rates for perch remain good north and south of the piers in 30 to 40 feet of water. Anglers are sorting out the small ones.

Kalamazoo River: Anglers are catching a few fish in the lower river as well as up near the Allegan Dam. A couple walleye were caught on Hot-n-Tots.

Grand Haven: Boats targeting salmon are starting in shallow waters then heading out deeper as the sun comes up. A few coho were caught around the piers.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Anglers are still waiting for that big push of fish to come into the river. Walleye were caught off the bridge at Fulton Street and Wealthy Street. Boat anglers are trolling crawler harnesses and rapalas. Catfish are hitting on crawlers and live bait. A good number of bass have been caught on shiners, crawlers, tube baits and spinners.

Grand River at Lansing: Is the place to go for catfish and smallmouth bass. Those fishing over at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge were taking a fair number of pike and a few walleye.

Muskrat Lake: Anglers are catching bluegills but sorting out the small ones.

Morrison Lake: Is producing a few bigger bluegills.

Reeds Lake: Is producing bluegill, crappie and perch. Try leaf worms, minnows or wax worms.

Muskegon River: Is producing some nice smallmouth bass. No word on salmon yet but it should not be long.

Whitehall: Salmon fishing picked up for those trolling 50 feet down in 100 to 120 feet. The bite was best in the early morning hours. Most are using spoons and J-plugs that glow.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Rogers City: Northwest winds blew warm water back into the area. Try fishing high in the water column or shallow waters in the early morning or late evening with spoons, plugs, flashers or dodgers with flies and squid. Good colors were green, white, red and silver with blue or chartreuse. Fishing in Swan Bay should be quite good in the next couple weeks.

Presque Isle: Anglers are fishing straight out of the harbor and north. Fish the top half of the water column with spoons, plugs flashers and flies. Concentrate more on the baitfish and less on water temperature.

Rockport: Anglers have caught a few walleye and steelhead. Those heading out to deeper water caught a mix of Chinook, lake trout and steelhead.

Alpena: Had a few boats looking for walleye in Thunder Bay but catches were limited. Bass fishing can be good this time of year. Look for rocks or deep structure.

Thunder Bay River: Has decent bass fishing. Try crawlers or crank baits. Anglers can also find freshwater drum, channel catfish, and the occasional walleye. Salmon are in the river, but no big numbers yet.

Harrisville: The fish were scattered. Lake trout, salmon and walleye were caught in waters 10 to 180 feet deep. When venturing out, be aware of shallow water just north of the harbor. The buoys may be removed soon.

Oscoda: Anglers had limited success. Trout, salmon and walleye were still being caught in deeper water 80 to 150 feet deep. Pier anglers have caught a limited number of salmon.

Au Sable River: Does have a low number of salmon and steelhead. No reports of walleye being caught in the river or at the mouth.

Tawas: Is still producing some walleye in the deep water south of Tawas Point.

Au Gres: Walleye have been caught straight off the mouth of the Au Gres River in 25 to 30 feet.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Harbor Springs: Salmon and lake trout were caught on the harbor side. Most anglers are fishing between Harbor Point and Forest Beach. Chinook were caught 70 to 90 feet down but the lake trout were a little deeper in 100 to 130 feet. Try spoons, flies and squid.

Petoskey: Catch rates did improve slightly as anglers caught Chinook, coho and lake trout. The salmon were hitting on spoons, plugs and meat rigs 75 to 90 feet down in 120 to 160 feet. Lake trout were more abundant and were caught 120 feet down. Boats were fishing from the buoy near the breakwall to Bay Harbor. A couple anglers caught fish with long lines and plugs in shallower waters. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass on crawlers.

Bear River: Water levels were still very low but that has not stopped a few salmon from coming in. Try spawn bags, rubber eggs and small flies at the dam.

Charlevoix: Salmon fishing is still pretty slow. The fish were scattered but some were starting to stage near the mouth of the rivers. Many were fishing between North and South Point or near the Cement Plant but some were heading further south to Fisherman’s Island. Try anywhere from 65 to 115 feet down in 70 to 150 feet of water. A white dodger and flies with red or blue beads worked best but fish were also caught on spoons. Lake trout were caught on spoons and meat rigs 130 feet down.

Lake Charlevoix: Salmon were starting to head to the Boyne River and the Jordan River. Anglers did well where Round Lake meets Lake Charlevoix. Most were using flies in 40 feet.

Traverse City: In the East Bay, Chinook were caught on plugs 90 to 100 feet down in 100 to 150 feet of water. Smallmouth bass fishing was steady in 20 to 50 feet. In the West Bay, the number of salmon caught was not high but the fish are good size. Try 80 to 90 feet down in waters up to 150 feet deep with spoons, flies or plugs.

Elk River: Is producing the occasional steelhead or smallmouth bass. Try fresh spawn bags for the salmon.

Boardman River: A few salmon are in but the numbers are still low and few have been caught. Try drifting skein under a bobber. The weir grates are now in place.

Glen Arbor: Fishing has slowed as most of the fish have moved to the rivers. Anglers are finding both juvenile and mature kings in the harbor and off South Manitou Island.

Platte Bay: Is producing fish about 40 feet down in 50 to 70 feet of water in the East Bay. Anglers are using J-plugs. Those surfcasting caught fish on spinners or spawn. A dredge is now opening up the mouth of the river.

Frankfort: The Herring Hole has been doing very well for Chinook salmon. Anglers are trolling 55 to 90 feet down in 100 to 120 feet with spoons and plugs. Hot colors were orange and blue. Several large Chinook weighing more than 27 pounds were caught off the piers by those using spawn or Cleo’s that glow.

Betsie River: Was full of fast moving Chinook salmon. Not many were seen on the beds or in the holes but fishing at the dam was good.

Onekama: Those heading out to the “Barrel” had good action throughout the day for Chinook and coho. The Chinook were deep in 120 to 150 feet but the coho were found in shallow waters. Both are hitting on spoons or plugs.

Portage Lake: Anglers are starting to see increasing numbers of bluegill, perch and bass now that cooler temperatures have arrived. Working 12 to 18 feet of water with worms around the weed beds has produced good catches.

Manistee: Boat anglers are catching salmon between the piers and 60 feet of water. Chrome, green and glow J-plugs worked well. Glow spoons were best in the early morning. Pier anglers casting spoons also caught fish.

Manistee River: Has a fair to good number of salmon.

Ludington: Salmon were caught inside the piers and out to 50 feet of water in the early morning. Chrome plugs worked best. Pier anglers caught a few Chinook when casting spoons.

Pere Marquette River: Water levels were good. Salmon were caught on flat fish. Those fly fishing reported slow catch rates.

Pentwater: Had good fishing. Anglers are running lines 50 to 70 feet down in 120 to 150 feet near Silver Lake. Try pearl, green and silver J-plugs. Some large Chinook and coho have been caught.

UPPER PENINSULA

Marquette: Lake trout action was fair with some limit catches reported from Shot Point, the Clay Banks, Little Presque Isle and east of the White Rocks in 100 to 140 feet. The occasional Chinook or coho were caught near the mouth of the Carp River and the Chocolay River.

Little Bay De Noc: Catch rates for walleye were fair. Many were trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 27 feet near Kipling and the Second Reef. Try stick baits or crawlers in 25 feet off the east bank in Gladstone. Pike were hitting spinners and crank baits in the Yacht Harbor. Perch fishing was fair at Kipling in 8 to 19 feet or Gladstone in 14 to 25 feet with crawlers.

Big Bay De Noc: Perch were caught in 10 to 14 feet in Fayette Harbor and a few were starting to show up in Garden Bay. Smallmouth bass are hitting on minnows or spinners in 12 to 16 feet near the Big Bay Shoals. Good numbers of salmon were caught 50 to 70 feet down in 120 to 140 feet off Fairport. The fish were hitting on spoons or artificial cut bait.

Au Train: Catch rates for lake trout slowed considerably with only a few fish taken off the flats in Shelter Bay and east of Au Train Island. Try 120 to 150 feet with assorted spoons. Only a few Chinook salmon were caught. Surface water temperatures were in the 50’s.

Munising: Boat anglers targeting lake trout reported fair results while those fishing for Chinook or coho had fair to good results. Most are fishing in Trout Bay. Smaller splake were caught in Munising Bay. Lake trout anglers are fishing north of Wood Island.

Grand Marais: A few boats were lake trout fishing five to seven miles north of the bay. The fish were two to five pounds and were caught in 100 to 200 feet. Coho were caught about halfway down in 50 to 60 feet. Shore anglers had no luck.

St. Mary’s River: Walleye fishing in the shipping channel has slowed. Carlton Creek is still producing lots of walleye for those trolling crawlers over the weed beds in the early morning. Muskie were caught around Tea Cup Island. Use large body baits.

DeTour: Anglers are still fishing between Frying Pan Island, the #3 Green can and the #2 Red Can near Drummond Island. They are catching Chinook between seven and 15 pounds and some lake trout. Spoons worked best in white, green, orange, red silver or the hammered orange.

Drummond Island: Walleye were caught around Peck Island when trolling crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers in 12 to 14 feet. Gold and purple blades worked best. For yellow perch, try Maxton Bay when drifting or still-fishing minnows, the south end of Grape Island or Arrow Island in Sturgeon Bay. Pike were on the northwest side of Grape Island in eight feet. Good smallmouth bass action for those using tube jigs in six to eight feet. Fish were also taken on crawlers along the west side of Peck Island.

Cedarville and Hessel: There was good perch fishing off the end of the marina pier and the public dock at Hessel. Use minnows or crawlers in eight to 12 feet. The south end of Hessel Bay had excellent pike fishing for those using chubs. Both the Yacht Entrance and Hessel Bay were producing salmon.

St. Ignace: Trout and salmon are being caught around the islands.

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[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports & hunting report from 9/12/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Windy conditions have stopped many boats from heading out. The salmon runs are going strong on the northwest side of the state. Anglers are reminded that the season to take snapping turtles and softshell turtles will close on September 15th.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Perch fishing is slowly improving. The E Buoy, Stony Point and 22 feet of water in Brest Bay produced the best number of fish however anglers will still need to move around. Emerald shiners were the hot bait. A couple walleye were caught in 16 to 20 feet straight out from the beach at Sterling State Park. A good number of smallmouth bass are still being caught.

Detroit River: Is producing a few walleye in the lower river. Anglers are jigging crawlers or bottom bouncing in the Trenton Channel. A few perch were caught around Celeron Island, Sugar Island and the Cross Dike.

Lake St. Clair: Perch fishing has started to pick up. Some good catches were taken near the Grosse Point Yacht Club. Musky fishing was good.

St. Clair River: Smallmouth bass fishing has improved in the channels. Anglers are using jigs or the drop shot method with plastic baits. Walleye action was slow in the lower channel but those fishing up near Marysville and Port Huron did well when fishing at night.

Lexington: Few boats have been able to get out but those that did found the fish to be scattered in 60 to 80 feet or 100 to 140 feet. Pier fishing was slow.

Port Sanilac: Pier anglers caught a few smallmouth bass, pike and white bass.

Harbor Beach: The story is the same from here to Lexington. When boats can get out, they caught chinook, lake trout and steelhead in waters 60 to 140 feet deep. Because of all the wind, the thermocline is somewhat broken up and the fish are scattered.

Saginaw Bay: Windy conditions have kept most boats off the bay and southern Lake Huron. Walleye fishing is winding down.

Saginaw River: Shore anglers at Essexville caught some catfish, a couple walleye and a fair to good number of bass.

Quanicassee River: Shore anglers caught a few small perch.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Perch fishing is spotty. One day they catch fish and the next day nothing. Try 45 feet of water. Those fishing offshore are doing better than those fishing around the piers.

South Haven: Perch fishing continues to be good. The fish are moving in and out so target waters 18 to 50 feet deep. The occasional salmon has been caught around the piers but overall catch rates were still slow.

Holland: Boat anglers are starting shallow and moving to deeper waters as the sun comes up. Perch anglers did catch some fish in 12 to 35 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow. Anglers are using spawn, alewife or spoons.

Grand Haven: The State Park has closed the Fisherman's parking lot. Work has started to make room for more parking and upgrades. Anglers can still access the south pier by parking in the main lot at the State Park and walking to the pier. Fisherman’s lot should re-open by November 4th. Salmon anglers have been fishing the channel with plugs. Good colors were white, pearl, silver with green or red. Pier fishing was slow.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Look for more fish to move in with the upcoming cooler temperatures. Try floating skein and crawlers or casting small spoons or spinners up near the dam in the early morning. Try the parks or backwaters for bluegill, crappie, bass, pike and catfish.

Grand River at Lansing: Some large flathead catfish have been caught below the Portland Dam. Live or cut bait worked best. A few walleye were caught in Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. For pike, try sucker minnows or spinners.

Looking Glass River: Is a good place to target pike, bass and bowfin.

Muskegon River: Continues to provide some very good smallmouth bass fishing.

Whitehall: Salmon were taken 50 to 60 feet down in 100 to 120 feet. Early morning is best with anything that glows, J-plugs and lead core. Pier anglers started to catch salmon when casting body baits.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Rogers City: More and more salmon are beginning to stage off Swan Bay. Fish were caught in shallow waters 10 to 30 feet deep with high-lines off boards, J-plugs and bombers. Salmon were also caught halfway down in 40 to 75 feet. Try spoons, plugs, and attractors with squid and flies. Some caught the occasional steelhead, walleye or lake trout. Baitfish were marked in shallow waters.

Presque Isle: When they get out, anglers will want to head straight out or north of the harbor and fish halfway down in 40 to 90 feet. Try spoons, J-plugs and attractors with squid or flies. Remember to look for the bait and not water temperatures.

Rockport: Only a few walleye have been caught and there is no set pattern for location or depth. Salmon and trout fishing were also slow with anglers fishing in waters between 10 feet and 100 feet or more.

Thunder Bay River: Angler pressure is increasing as chinook salmon are in the river. Catch rates are still slow but should pick up as we move further into September. Try spoons, crank baits, spawn bags, or skein. The occasional smallmouth bass and freshwater drum have also been caught.

Harrisville: Salmon are starting to come into the harbor. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish. Shore anglers are casting spoons and body baits and those trolling are using long lines. Walleye are also coming into the harbor in the late evening. Try small spoons or body baits.

Oscoda: A few salmon were caught off the pier.

Au Sable River: More fish will be moving up into the river as soon as the water cools. Boats trolling the mouth had limited success.

Tawas: Pier fishing was very slow with only a few rock bass and small perch caught. A couple salmon were seen inside the harbor but none were caught. Those trolling caught a couple walleye near the weed beds off Jerry’s Marina. A lot of fish were marked off Au Sable Point in 60 feet however they would not bite.

Au Gres: Was producing decent catches of perch in 26 to 30 feet off the hotel. Walleye fishing was very slow.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Salmon fishing on the big lake is winding down, at least for the big adult kings. Some are still being caught around the piers as well as Betsie Bay, Manistee Lake and Pere Marquette Lake.

Harbor Springs: Anglers are focusing on the waters near Harbor Point and straight out from the marina. Not a lot of fish however boats are usually bringing in one trout or salmon.

Petoskey: A few salmon were caught by those fishing the breakwall and the pier east of the boat launch. They are casting spoons and crank baits. Early morning and late night were best when using anything that glows. Boat anglers caught a few salmon, lake trout or whitefish in the early morning when using glow spoons, plugs or flies. Those trolling between the breakwall and Bay Harbor caught salmon 75 to 80 feet down or lake trout 80 to 100 feet down.

Bear River: Salmon are moving up into the river. Anglers caught fish at the dam and between the two bridges downstream. Most are using spawn bags. Green and yellow were good colors for beads, felt and flies.

Charlevoix: Boat anglers are fishing between the Can and North Point. Lake trout were in 80 to 120 feet just past North Point. Chinook were caught 70 to 75 feet down in 80 to 100 feet with spoons, plugs and flies. A few coho were also caught. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass on leeches and crawlers. Fish have moved into Medusa Creek. A good number of fish were in the boat slip at the cement plant. Those wading and the shore anglers are casting spoons and crank baits.

Lake Charlevoix: Anglers are still fishing the area near the Coast Guard Station as well as into the lake. Catch rates for salmon were hit-or-miss. A couple salmon were caught in Round Lake.

Traverse City: Chinook along with the occasional coho and lake trout were caught on spoons, plugs and meat rigs 80 to 110 feet down. Smallmouth bass were in 20 to 40 feet. In the West Bay, chinook are staging in front of the Boardman River but the bite was slow. Those caught were about 80 feet down. Smallmouth bass are hitting in 20 to 40 feet.

Elk River: A few salmon are beginning to arrive and the number of fish should pick up by the weekend. Steelhead were hitting on spawn or crank baits.

Boardman River: Chinook salmon are in the river, but it is still a bit early for the run.

Try drifting spawn or skein near the bottom.

Glen Arbor: Catch rates have slowed significantly. Those surfcasting did manage to catch a few chinook and coho on artic spinners and homemade hooks.

Platte River: Is producing a good number of fish down near the mouth. Anglers are using spawn and yarn in the fast water. Use light tackle and bright colors.

Frankfort: Water temperatures have been up and down over the last week. Boats heading out to deeper water caught steelhead along the “Shelf.” Pier and shore anglers reported slow catch rates.

Betsie River: The salmon run has been fast and heavy. The fish are not holding in the holes for long.

Onekama: Anglers are heading out to waters 220 to 300 feet deep and fishing the top 80 feet with spoons or plugs. They are catching chinook, coho and steelhead.

Portage Lake: Bass anglers are doing very well for large and smallmouth bass in 20 to 25 feet of water. One angler landed a nice 7 pound smallmouth. Bluegill, perch and rock bass were caught on crawlers.

Manistee: Boat anglers were still taking a few salmon around the piers. Early morning is best with white and glow plugs. Pier anglers caught a few fish when casting green, glow or white spoons.

Manistee River: Salmon fishing improves as more fish have entered the river. Chinook and coho have been caught up near Tippy Dam.

Ludington: Boat anglers caught salmon and steelhead 40 to 80 feet down in 300 to 400 feet of water. Orange and green spoons were the ticket. Pier anglers casting glow plugs caught a few fish.

Pere Marquette River: Continues to produce salmon.

Pentwater: Salmon were caught 50 to 70 feet down in 120 to 150 feet of water near Silver Lake. Pearl colored J-plugs worked best but fish were also taken on cut bait. Those casting body baits off the pier caught bass.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay: The bite was slow but anglers managed to pick up a mix of chinook, coho, lake trout and steelhead. No one area to target as the fish are scattered and hitting on spoons 40 to 120 feet down. Those jigging for lake trout found fish in 230 feet off Pequaming Point. Traverse Bay was a bit slower. Lake trout were taken by those jigging in 170 to 220 feet off Gay Point and Big Louie’s Point. Salmon and lake trout were also caught.

Marquette: Lake trout action was fair to good. Early morning and evening were best near Little Presque Isle and Granite Island in 140 to 160 feet. Average size was between 4 and 10 pounds.

Dead River: Had light fishing pressure from the 550 Bridge to the mouth. Water levels below the dam were low as the gates were closed.

Carp River: Those fishing the mouth caught the occasional coho in the early morning. Crawlers worked better than spawn.

Chocolay River: Catch rates were slow with only a couple coho and brown trout caught on crawlers between M-28 and the mouth. Water levels are quite low. Those with boats larger than 14 feet should not try it until the water levels come up.

Menominee: Anglers trolling in 25 to 30 feet near Green Island caught a couple walleye on crawler harnesses or rapalas. Smallmouth bass were caught.

Menominee River: Is producing smallmouth bass for those drifting crawlers or casting spinners. The occasional walleye or channel catfish were also caught. Evenings were best.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye were caught by those trolling or drifting crawler harnesses in 18 to 24 feet near the Second and the Center Reefs or 20 to 30 feet off the East Bank near Gladstone. Bigger fish were taken on stick baits and crawlers in 10 to 14 feet near Round Island. Fair to good perch fishing near Gladstone and the Day’s River. In Gladstone, anglers are using crawlers in 18 to 30 feet. At the Day’s River, try crawlers in 14 to 20 feet near the green buoy. Pike were caught by those trolling crawlers or rapalas in 12 to 18 feet near the coal piles at the power plant.

Big Bay De Noc: Anglers are smallmouth bass fishing. Try minnows 15 to 25 feet down along the drop-off. Reports say the fish are smaller than previous years but the number of fish is good.

Manistique River: Has reports or salmon starting to move into the river.

Au Train: Had no salmon to report. Lake trout fishing was slow but fish were caught east of Au Train Island.

Munising: Catch rates were fair to poor for boat anglers in Trout Bay or Munising Bay. Catches in Trout Bay slowed over the last week with boats lucky to get one fish per hour of trolling. Pier fishing was also very slow.

Grand Marais: Had few anglers. Those heading out for lake trout were fishing 5 to 7 miles out in the shipping channel.

St. Mary’s River: Walleye fishing slowed in Raber Bay and the shipping channel but a few fish were still taken by Carlton Creek when trolling crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers. Just upstream of the Gogomain River, a few musky were caught near Roach Point and Rocky Point. Fish 38 to 44 inches were caught by those trolling black bucktail spinners in 6 to 8 feet. In Barbeau, perch were caught below the rock cut and the green concrete buoy in the early morning. Try shiners in 8 to 12 feet of water.

Detour: Those fishing from Frying Pan Island to the #3 green can, around the lighthouse and to the #2 red can near Drummond Island caught chinook and lake trout. Hot colors were white, green, orange, red or hammered spoons in orange and silver.

Drummond Island: Yellow perch were caught in 12 feet of water around Peanut Island. Try shiners or small leaf worms. Perch were also caught on the south side of Grape Island near the red buoy. Most are drifting minnows in 8 feet in the early morning. The northwest side of Burnt Island is producing a good number of smallmouth bass in 18 to 20 feet.

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch fishing is slowly improving in Musky Bay, Hessel Bay, and the east end of Cedarville Bay. Anglers are using minnows and crawlers. Pike fishing remains excellent for those still-fishing with chubs. A good number of largemouth bass have been caught along the weeds in shallow water. The Yacht Entrance and Hessel Bay are still producing salmon in 50 to 70 feet.

St. Ignace: Anglers are fishing from the city launch to the flats and over to the Coast Guard and Water Treatment Plant. The backside of Mackinac Island, Round Island and Bois Blanc Island are producing chinook and lake trout.

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[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 9/19/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie: Perch fishing was fair as catch rates were still spotty. Those doing best continue to move around. Many are fishing in 18 to 22 feet between the River Raisin and Stony Point or out near the Michigan-Ohio line. Some are starting to fish for walleye as the water temperatures cool. There are some algae blooms but cleaner water can be found north of Bolles Harbor.

Detroit River: Catch rates for walleye were slow in the lower river however perch anglers picked up some fish in 8 to 15 feet of water when using minnows.

Lake St. Clair: Had good bass fishing near the mouth of the channels.

Lexington: Has pier and shore fishing but catch rates were slow. No trout or salmon to report.

Harbor Beach: The few out trolling did manage to pick up the odd walleye and a couple lake trout. Try just off the bottom in 80 to 90 feet.

Saginaw Bay: Few anglers were out as fishing was almost at a stand-still with the wind and rain. There were rumors of perch caught off Standish and Pinconning. Boats were launching at Eagle Bay Marina. Perch were also caught off Bay Port. The occasional smallmouth bass were taken off the wall at Port Austin.

Saginaw River: Shore anglers at Essexville picked up a few catfish and some freshwater drum.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph: With the windy conditions, most boats were fishing around the piers but catch rates were slow. Perch fishing was also slow.

St. Joseph River: Is producing some salmon between the mouth and the Berrien Springs Dam. Many are casting spoons. Try glow spoons in the early morning or late evening.

South Haven: Pier anglers caught salmon on small spoons. Boat anglers caught salmon in 100 feet of water. Perch fishing has slowed.

Black River: Has salmon. Boat anglers seem to do better than shore anglers.

Kalamazoo River: Has a good number of coho. Attention Anglers: The stairway and fishing platform near the Caulkins Dam will be closed until September 20th. Workers are installing safety and security fencing in the area.

Duck Lake: In Calhoun County is producing some nice bass and a few panfish.

Holland: Had slow catch rates for those trolling near the channel and those heading out deeper for steelhead and young salmon. Most were trolling plugs.

Grand Haven: Catch rates were slow. Those targeting salmon were trolling in the channel with plugs. Colors were chrome and redhead, green or pearl with spots. Those heading out deeper for steelhead and young salmon were struggling to find fish. Pier anglers are using spoons, spawn or alewife.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has lots of coho. Some limit catches were reported. Try small spoons; wobble glows, spawn or crawlers under a bobber. For steelhead and brown trout, try spinners, small spoons or spawn. Look for walleye near the bridges. This is a good time of year to catch some big catfish. Try live or cut bait.

Grand River at Lansing: A couple steelhead were caught. Anglers are anxiously waiting for the salmon to arrive. Catfish were caught on live or cut bait.

Clinton County: Bass fishing has picked up but panfish action was slow on the inland lakes. Pike are starting to pick up.

Muskegon River: Has a light number of salmon throughout the river. Water temperatures were still a bit warm. Most anglers are fly fishing. Look for smallmouth bass around the weed beds and the brush piles.

Whitehall: A couple salmon were taken 35 feet down in 100 feet north of the pier. Those casting mega baits off the pier caught the occasional salmon.

White Lake: Had reports of salmon but they would not bite.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan River: Salmon fishing is starting to pick up with the rain and cooler temperatures. Those trolling will want to try plugs, spoons or flatfish.

Ocqueoc River: Is also producing a few salmon.

Rogers City: The adult chinook salmon are now staging off Swan Bay. Those trolling in 10 to 40 feet are catching fish on boards with bombers and J-plugs. A few were caught on spoons. Hot colors were green, blue, chartreuse, black and white or anything that glows early and late. The young chinook salmon were starting to show up as well. They are feeding heavily on young smelt. Steelhead and lake trout are also taking advantage of all the baitfish.

Presque Isle: The few boats out fishing caught salmon, steelhead and lake trout. The better fishing was straight out from the red can or north between the lighthouses. A lot of baitfish marked here as well.

Alpena: Very few anglers are fishing Thunder Bay. Those targeting walleye or salmon had very little or no luck.

Thunder Bay River: More fish have entered the river. Anglers are using a variety of baits including spoons, flies, crank baits, thundersticks and spawn bags.

Oscoda: Fishing was slow. The boats heading out had limited success.

Au Sable River: Fish are moving up into the river system. Those fishing in the flies only section between Burtons Landing and the Wakeley Bridge have caught brook and brown trout.

Tawas: A few salmon were seen inside the harbor but none were caught. Pier anglers took a limited number of small perch, a few rock bass and catfish.

Tawas River: Is producing a few salmon.

Au Gres: Those heading out for perch did not have much luck. They were marking large numbers of fish along with plenty of baitfish.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey: Anglers are targeting salmon off the breakwall, the Clock Dock and near the mouth of the river. Try crank baits during the day and switch to glow spoons and crank baits at night. Some are using spawn under a bobber near the mouth. Boat anglers picked up a few chinook and lake trout between the breakwall and the water treatment plant.

Bear River: The amount of salmon in the river has varied over the last week. Anglers are using spawn, yarn, flies and rubber eggs. Orange and yellow were the hot colors.

Charlevoix: Boat anglers are fishing at the Can near the cement plant or trolling near the freighter slip. Try 50 to 70 feet down in 100 to 120 feet. Those casting along the breakwall are using spoons and crank baits. Boats trolling inside the breakwall caught a few fish as did those casting glow spoons at night. Pier anglers are catching smallmouth bass on crawlers and leeches. Salmon were taken on glow spoons at night. Near Medusa Creek, anglers are shore fishing or wading near the cement plant.

Traverse City: Chinook and coho were caught in the East Bay. Try 40 to 80 feet down with spoons or plugs. Lake trout were taken by those trolling or jigging in 90 to 100 feet. Good smallmouth action in 20 to 40 feet. A few chinook were caught in the West Bay. Those casting glow spoons near the mouth of the river at night caught fish as well.

Elk River: Salmon were caught on spawn near the power dam. Hot colors were pink, orange and chartreuse.

Boardman River: Had a decent push of salmon last week. Those drifting skein under a bobber caught a few but overall the bite was slow.

Glen Arbor: The number of boat anglers continues to decline but those still heading out have caught a couple chinook off Sleeping Bear Point. The fish have found their way up into the Crystal River. Fish were seen at the tubes, along the gravel and near the log jams.

Platte River: This year’s coho run arrived early and the number of fish is impressive. DNR staff estimate between 10,000 and 15,000 fish at the weir, and it sounds like there are many more in the lower river.

Frankfort: Salmon are in the bay but the bite was slow for those trolling around the breakwalls.

Betsie River: Anglers are doing well but the salmon are moving fast. A good number of males have been caught and the females with eggs were still tight.

Onekama: Catch rates were slow even for those trolling out near the Barrel. They were using spoons, plugs and meat rigs in the top 40 to 80 feet.

Portage Lake: Bass anglers continue to do very well for both large and smallmouth. Panfishing slowed a bit with the cooler temperatures. Anglers were struggling to find keeper size bluegill and perch.

Manistee River: Had a big push of fish. Anglers are catching some large fish when casting flies, crank baits and thundersticks. There is still a good number of fish staging in Manistee Lake.

Pere Marquette River: Has a good number of fish at the mouth as well as up near Custer and Walhalla. Anglers are casting flies, crank baits and thundersticks. Try anything that glows in the early morning and late evening.

Pentwater: Catch rates were slow. Charters were heading north and fishing along the shoreline but few fish were caught. Pier angler did manage to take a couple salmon. Hot colors were green and white or blue and silver.

Upper Peninsula

Keweenaw Bay: Windy conditions made fishing difficult in all parts of the bay. The bite was slow with very few coho and lake trout taken.

Marquette: Boat anglers are trolling in shallow waters 60 to 100 feet deep. Catch rates for trout and salmon were slow. Surface water temperatures are in the mid 50’s but warmer near the mouth of the rivers.

Dead River: Anglers were fishing between the 550 Bridge and the mouth or below the generating plant but catch rates were very slow.

Carp River: A couple coho were taken on small spoons, spinners or crawlers.

Chocolay River: Catch rates were slow with only a few coho and brown trout taken on crawlers or spinners. Water levels are still low for boat launching.

Menominee: Bay fishing was slow because of the high winds. Those able to get out were trolling for trout and salmon but none were caught.

Menominee River: Chinook salmon are moving up into the river but trying to get them to bite has not been easy. Most anglers were drifting spawn bags or casting small spoons. Shore anglers drifting crawlers caught smallmouth bass, rock bass, walleye, catfish and bluegill. Those targeting lake sturgeon caught fish near the Hattie Street Dam when using crawlers on the Michigan side and near the rock pile in the middle of the river. The area between the Hattie Street Dam and the mouth is catch and immediate release only.

Au Train: Had few anglers because of windy conditions. Surface water temperatures were in the mid 50’s.

Au Train River: Had higher water levels.

Munising: Had fair catch rates for those trolling in Trout Bay and Munising Bay. Pier fishing has increased with anglers taking a fair to good number of splake and coho. Splake were hitting on spawn while coho were caught by those casting or floating spawn bags.

Grand Marais: Had few anglers. Some are still targeting lake trout in the shipping channel while others are trolling for coho. Catch rates were slow. Shore anglers targeting coho near the mouth of the Sucker River came up empty handed.

St. Mary’s River: A few walleye were caught in Raber Bay by those trolling just north of the Lime Island dock in 14 feet. Purple Hot-n-Tots caught fish in the early morning. Off Barbeau, perch were caught on minnows and leaf worms in 8 to 12 feet near the green buoy and rock cut or upstream of Neebish Island in 12 to 16 feet.

Detour: Catch rates were slow for chinook however coho and pink salmon were caught around the #3 green can.

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch fishing in Hessel continues to improve. Anglers are fishing off the pier, the east end of Hessel Bay, Snows Channel, Musky Bay, Middle Entrance, and Cedarville Bay. Most are drifting crawler harnesses. Anglers report great pike action for those still-fishing with chubs or casting in the weed beds. A good number of large and smallmouth bass have been caught and splake are moving into the Hessel Marina. Salmon are moving into Bush and Beavertail Creek.

Carp River: Chinook salmon are in. Harvest is taking place at the mouth and upstream at the McDonald Rapids. The fish are 15 to 18 pounds and were in good shape. Most are using spawn.

St. Ignace: Anglers are catching chinook between the Coast Guard Station and the flats. Orange and green lures were the ticket.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 10/3/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Salmon runs are nearing their peak in some locations. Please remember that snagging is illegal. It is unlawful to snag or retain a fish not legally hooked in the mouth. All Type 1 and Type 2 rivers and streams as well as all Type A and Type D inland lakes closed to fishing on Sept. 30. Lake trout season on the waters of Lake Huron and northern Lake Michigan also closed on Sept. 30. The waters of Lake Michigan between Arcadia and New Buffalo remain open for lake trout until Oct. 31.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie: Catch rates for perch are slowly improving. Some limit catches were reported out near Stony Point in 24 feet and off the DTE Plant in 18 to 22 feet. Glow or chartreuse beads on hooks worked best.

Detroit River: Perch have been caught south of Celeron Island, south of Sugar Island, and east of Rat Island. Anglers are using minnows and perch rigs in 10 feet. Orange was the hot color. Those jigging crawlers near the Cross Dike caught a couple walleye. A fair to good number of bass have been caught.

Lake St. Clair: Yellow perch fishing is steadily picking up. Minnows worked best for those fishing on the Ontario side of the lake. Some good catches were also reported near the Dumping Grounds and off the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Smallmouth bass fishing was good as perch anglers are catching them. Muskie fishing was steady.

St. Clair River: Shore anglers at Port Huron have caught trout and salmon. A few were taken by walleye anglers trolling crawler harnesses. Walleye fishing is good from Port Huron all the way down into the Delta Channels. Most are trolling or jigging. The season to harvest lake sturgeon closed on September 30th but the catch and immediate release season remains open through the end of November.

Harbor Beach: The few boats still heading out are taking the occasional steelhead about 80 feet down in 90 feet of water. Near shore water temperatures were on the warm side. A couple walleye were caught in the harbor.

Saginaw Bay: Had good perch action in 8 to 10 feet off the Pinconning Bar and near the H Buoy. They are sorting the small ones but still taking 8 to 10 inch fish. Those fishing off the mouth of the Saginaw River caught few perch but did get a couple walleye on minnows. At Quanicassee, boat anglers caught a few perch out near the last channel marker buoys in 11 feet of water. At Sebewaing, a few small bluegills and the odd perch were caught off the docks inside the municipal marina. Bay Port is producing smallmouth bass in shallow waters 2 to 4 feet around North Island. Perch anglers are heading to the west side of the bay. At Caseville, a few boats fishing off Oak Point found some perch averaging 10 to 12 inches.

Saginaw River: Those fishing at Essexville have caught catfish, freshwater drum, smallmouth bass, and small perch.

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Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph River: Continues to produce a fair to good number of salmon and steelhead up near the Berrien Springs Dam. Try small spoons, spinners or spawn.

Kalamazoo River: Is producing chinook and coho up near the Allegan Dam. Some are casting spoons and spinners while others are floating spawn and crawlers. Some have caught the occasional steelhead.

Calhoun County: Prairie Lake and Ackley Lake were producing some nice bluegills. Duck Lake was good for pike and panfish.

Holland: Pier anglers are struggling when casting or using spawn and alewife. Boat anglers targeting salmon found fish in 100 to 120 feet when trolling spoons and body baits. No perch to report.

Grand Haven: Salmon anglers are fishing in waters between 50 and 250 feet deep however most fish were caught in the 100 foot range with downriggers 30 to 90 feet down. Spoons and body baits were the favorite. Orange and green were best in shallower waters but dark colors like purple and black worked better out deeper.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Salmon and steelhead are being caught on spoons, spinners, spawn, wobble glows or flies. Look for brown trout in the next week or two.

Grand River at Lansing: More anglers are out as salmon are moving into both the Grand and the Red Cedar. Low water levels have resulted in a lower number of salmon.

Muskegon River: Has a good number of chinook salmon throughout the river. While many are turning dark, anglers will still find some fresh fish.

Whitehall: Boats out trolling in waters 100 to 180 feet or more caught steelhead 30 to 70 feet down. Yellow and red spoons were the ticket. A few salmon were still being caught by pier anglers casting orange and red body baits.

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Northeast Lower Peninsula

Rogers City: Adult salmon are still in and around the bay. Those going out at 3am and fishing until sun up have caught fish. Once the sun comes up, the bite quits. Most are using bombers off boards. Those fishing off the breakwall caught a few when casting spoons and body baits or floating spawn. Young salmon were caught between Swan Bay and Adams Point. Try halfway down in 40 to 80 feet with smaller spoons. Hot colors were green, blue, orange and silver, black and silver, or purple and white. They are running sliders off the main lines and getting two fish on one rod. Lake trout season closed on September 30th.

Presque Isle: Anglers are doing well for young chinook along with a limited number of steelhead and walleye straight out or north between the lighthouses, off Black Point and north of North Bay. Try halfway down in 40 to 90 feet with smaller spoons.

Thunder Bay River: Has chinook salmon but some have already turned. Try casting spoons and crank baits or floating spawn. Use glow spoons after dark.

Harrisville: Fish are making their way in and out of the harbor but catch rates were slow with the warm water temperatures. When the fish are there, they seem to be in good numbers but would not bite. Try floating spawn or casting spoons and body baits late at night. Spawn is working during the day if the fish are there.

Oscoda: Pier fishing was hit-or-miss because of the warm water. Try spoons or body baits at night.

Au Sable River: Very few fish have made their way up into the river. Watch for cooler temperatures and winds from the north or east which will bring the fish in.

Lake Margrethe: Fishing was good for perch and panfish during the warm spell.

Lake St. Helen: Is producing bluegill and sunfish in 3 to 5 feet of water. Pike are active and can be found around the weed beds. Some are still catching bass.

Tawas: Pier anglers managed to catch one salmon, some bullhead, the odd walleye or a few small perch.

Tawas River: Those fishing at night caught a couple salmon.

Au Gres: Fishing was slow. Those trying for perch had limited success. They were fishing straight out from the mouth of the river in 20 to 25 feet. Catch rates were better further down the bay.

Au Gres River: Down at Singing Bridge, a light number of salmon have been caught in the surf. Fish can be seen offshore. A brown trout was caught.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey: Salmon fishing was slow for pier anglers casting spoons or crank baits but those surfcasting near the breakwall caught the occasional fish on spoons.

Salmon can be seen near the mouth of the river but they are not interested in anything being thrown at them. Boat anglers reported slow fishing.

Bear River: Had a large run of fish. Anglers have caught chinook and coho at the dam. Most were using flies but yarn, artificial eggs and spawn have also caught fish.

Charlevoix: The few boats heading out did catch fish around the Can and in the slip at the cement plant. They did best between 2am and 7am when casting spoons or crank baits. Smallmouth bass were caught on crawlers and leeches in the channel.

Angling pressure was still high near the Medusa Weir. Catch rates were still a bit slow but should improve with rain and cooler temperatures. Anglers are wading and casting spoons, crank baits or spawn. Best time to fish is early morning or at night.

Traverse City: Lake trout season is now closed in both bays. Coho and cicso have been caught in the East Bay. Anglers are trolling spoons about 80 feet down. A few perch were caught by those still-fishing with minnows and wigglers. In the West Bay, cisco were caught by those trolling. A small number of boats were perch fishing along the weed beds in 20 to 30 feet. Salmon were caught after dark by those casting glow spoons near the mouth of the Boardman. Both bays had good smallmouth bass fishing.

Elk River: Fishing has been hit-or-miss but chinook and coho have been caught near the dam. Young steelhead were also caught.

Boardman River: Has a decent number of salmon however the run is likely past the peak. The bite was slow but a few were taken by those drifting skein under a bobber.

Glen Arbor: Fishing has pretty much stopped as the kings are heading up into the Crystal River and Shalda Creek.

Platte Bay: Fishing at Platte Point is slow but a few were taken by those surfcasting with glow spoons before sunrise. There are chinook and coho at the mouth but they do not want to bite.

Betsie River: Is full of chinook salmon and plenty of anglers are taking advantage of the opportunities at hand. Anglers are reminded that snagging is illegal.

Onekama: Had no fishing activity because of dredging in the channel.

Portage Lake: Those trolling J-plugs caught a few chinook and coho along the west side of the lake. Bass anglers are working hard but some good size fish have been caught along the breakwalls and drop-offs.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting have caught the occasional steelhead. Boat anglers caught young salmon and steelhead in the top 60 feet of waters 300 to 600 feet deep. Orange spoons were the ticket.

Manistee River: The salmon run is near its peak. Anglers are reminded that snagging is illegal. Foul hooked fish must be released.

Ludington: Some boats have found salmon and steelhead. They are using short coppers and lead core with orange and green spoons. No steelhead to report.

Pere Marquette River: Is producing some big chinook right along with a few brown trout and steelhead.

Pentwater: The salmon are pretty much done though a couple fish were caught by pier anglers casting orange and red body baits. A few were trolling along the shoreline but no fish were caught.

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Upper Peninsula

Marquette: Anglers report good coho action with a couple limit catches reported. A few chinook and lake trout were mixed in. Anglers are trolling in waters less than 40 feet deep outside the Lower Harbor breakwall and the Carp and Chocolay Rivers.

Dead River: Is producing pink salmon between the mouth and the 550 Bridge.

Carp River: Catch rates were fair with a few coho caught on crawlers or stick baits in the early morning. No chinook salmon to report.

Chocolay River: Is producing a fair to good number of coho for those using spoons, stick baits or spawn sacks between M-28 and the mouth.

Menominee: Bay anglers were trolling for trout, salmon, and walleye in 25 to 35 feet. For trout and salmon try spoons and for walleye try rapalas or crawler harnesses.

Catch rates for walleye were slow but a few trout and salmon were caught near the Menominee Marina.

Menominee River: Most anglers targeting trout and salmon are upstream between Stephenson Island and the Hattie Street Dam. They are drifting spawn and yarn or casting small spoons. Some walleye were caught in the early morning or evening when trolling rapalas, crawler harnesses or jigs with crawlers. Shore anglers drifting crawlers or minnows continue to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel cats, suckers, bluegill and perch. Sturgeon season closed on September 30th.

Little Bay De Noc: Windy conditions have kept many boats at bay. A few walleye were caught along the Black Bottom and the East Bank in Gladstone. When trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 27 feet. Perch anglers did well in Kipling and near the mouth of the Day’s River with crawlers in 13 to 16 feet of water.

Escanaba River: Is producing good numbers of chinook salmon. Most are wading out near the 1st Dam and casting spoons, spinners or crank baits along the rapids.

Big Bay De Noc: Continues to see plenty of smallmouth bass anglers fishing between Snake Island and Snail Shell Harbor. Most are drifting minnows in 15 to 30 feet. No walleye to report. A few perch were caught off the mouth of Garden Bay in 18 to 25 feet. Crawlers worked best.

Au Train: The few boats heading out did catch coho and lake trout. Salmon were caught in less than 30 feet of water near the Rock River and lake trout were taken along the drop-off east of Au Train Island.

Two Hearted River: Has a fair to good number of salmon. Those surfcasting at the mouth caught chinook and coho. The occasional steelhead has been caught.

St. Mary’s River: Most of the walleye anglers are now targeting perch however a few walleye were still being caught on the east side of Lime Island where the channel narrows down between Hart Island and Lime Island. They are using bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses in 12 to 18 feet. Muskie were caught by those trolling large black and yellow bucktail spinners in 8 to 10 feet along the rock ledges on the east side of Lime Island. In Sault St. Marie, anglers trolling bottom bouncers with purple beads and smiley blades caught fish off 6-Mile Road.

Drummond Island: Perch are schooling in and around most of the Islands in Scott Bay. Fish were caught on the south end of Ashman Island, just out from the yellow house in 12 to 14 feet. Minnows and popcorn shrimp worked best. Those drifting minnows along the south end of Grape Island caught a few walleye in 12 feet of water off the red buoy. Smallmouth bass were suspended in 12 to 14 feet on the northwest side of Burnt Island. Anglers are jigging green and brown tube baits just off the rock ledges.

Cedarville and Hessel: Few anglers were in Hessel Bay but the perch fishing was good along the east end and in Government Bay. At Cedarville, perch fishing was excellent in Musky Bay and Snows Channel for those using minnows and worms in 6 to 10 feet of water. Pike fishing remains very good for those casting along the weed beds or fishing with chubs. Bass fishing has been excellent. Lake trout and splake season closed on September 30th.

Carp River: Has a lot of anglers and they are harvesting a good number of fish. Chinook and pink salmon are hitting on small Cleo’s or spawn bags. Some of the fish were 20 pounds or more.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 10/11/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie: Perch fishing continues to get better as water temperatures cool. Fish have been caught out from the River Raisin and north to Stony Point in 20 to 24 feet. Most of the limit catches were reported out near the Michigan/Ohio line.

Detroit River: has not changed much. Perch are still being caught south of Celeron Island and Sugar Island by those using minnows and perch rigs in 10 to 12 feet of water. As for walleye, few have been caught.

Lake St. Clair: has good perch fishing for those using minnows. Some say the smallmouth bass are chasing the schools of perch away. Muskie fishing has been good and should continue to improve as water temperatures drop. Smallmouth bass fishing was slow but some were caught in shallow waters.

St. Clair River: Walleye fishing has been good in the river and the channels. Some limit catches were taken up near Port Huron. Catch and release sturgeon fishing has been good in the North Channel.

Lexington: Salmon are rolling and jumping in the harbor but they will not bite.

Port Sanilac: Boat anglers out trolling reported warm water temperatures at least 90 feet down. No fish were caught. A brown trout was caught on a spinner.

Harbor Beach: A couple brown trout and one very dark chinook salmon were caught in the Edison Channel when casting rapalas.

Saginaw Bay: A few perch were caught off the Pinconning Bar which is straight off Pinconning in 9 to 12 feet and off Linwood. A walleye and some channel cats were caught in the Hot Ponds which are just east of the mouth of the Saginaw River. On the east side of the bay, several shore anglers caught bluegill, crappie, rock bass and a few perch. Smallmouth bass were caught in Wildfowl Bay but most of the boats out there are duck hunters. Just north of Caseville, perch fishing was slow off Oak Point.

Saginaw River: Fishing is slow and will probably stay that way for a few days after several inches of rain fell in the watershed.

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Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph: A decent number of perch have been caught in 50 feet of water north and south of the piers. Pier fishing was slow. When they can get out, boat anglers have caught salmon in 90 feet of water.

Kalamazoo River: Is producing chinook and coho up near the Allegan Dam. Some are casting spoons and spinners while others are floating spawn and crawlers. The occasional steelhead has also been caught.

Grand River at Lansing: Salmon can be found, however the bite is slow. Very few were caught at Moore’s Park or the Point where the Grand meets the Red Cedar. The few caught seem to attack bright spinners with feathers. A few walleye were caught over at Moore’s Park and catfish continue to hit on live bait.

Muskegon River: The recent rain did help to push what might be the last of the chinook salmon into the river. Anglers were starting to see some steelhead.

Whitehall: Pier Anglers are taking a few steelhead on spoons and on spawn.

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Northeast Lower Peninsula

Rogers City: Still has adult chinook salmon in and around Swan Bay. Try anchoring and casting spoons or body baits. Some are trolling high lines off boards with bombers. Pier anglers are getting a few when casting spoons or body baits in the early morning or late evening. Younger salmon have been caught halfway down in waters 40 to 90 feet deep with spoons. Hot colors are still green, white, purple, blue and silver, black and white or blue and green. Boats are fishing Swan Bay or north towards the State Park and Forty Mile Point.

Presque Isle: Has good fishing straight out of the harbor between the red can and the lighthouses. A decent number of young chinook salmon have been caught by those fishing summer patterns halfway down in 40 to 90 feet and using the same colors as Rogers City. The key is to find the baitfish.

Thunder Bay River: Has salmon. Many have turned dark and some are spawning.

Catch rates were better in the evening or early morning before the sun comes up. Try spawn or crank baits.

Harrisville: Salmon continue to trickle in and around the harbor. Most anglers are floating spawn or casting spoons just before daylight and throughout the evening. Wind direction makes a difference so watch for winds from the north to east.

Oscoda: Salmon have been caught off the pier, but again seem to be coming in and out of the river. The majority of fish seem to be fresh.

Au Sable River: Few salmon have made it up into the river. Anglers are hoping rain will cool the water temperatures and improve the flow.

Tawas: Those fishing from the pier and inside the harbor have caught a few small perch and some rock bass. One angler did catch a 26 pound chinook salmon.

Tawas River: A few salmon were caught in the lower river at night.

Au Gres: Perch fishing was spotty but a few decent catches were taken in 45 feet of water off the Northport Marina, which is just to the north of Au Gres.

Au Gres River: Anglers fishing the East Branch can be found near the Singing Bridge. Salmon can be seen in the surf and the lower river however they will not bite.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey: Had dredging in the marina. The boat launch has been closed and the dock has been pulled out. Those surfcasting inside the breakwall did manage to catch a couple salmon on crank baits. A couple steelhead were caught on spawn.

Bear River: Has a lot of salmon after the recent rains. Anglers caught mainly chinook followed by coho and steelhead. They are using flies, skeins, spawn bags or yellow and green yarn.

Charlevoix: Boats are fishing inside the Cement Plant breakwall and into the boat slip. Most are casting crank baits or spoons but some are still-fishing with spawn. Smallmouth fishing was good in the channel. Try crawlers or leeches. A lot of anglers are salmon fishing near the Medusa Weir. Catch rates were up after the rain.

Anglers wading near the slip did well with spawn during the day. Those fishing at sunrise and sunset did best with crank baits in a green tiger pattern. Those fishing at night used anything that glows.

Traverse City: The East Bay is producing smallmouth bass for those using live bait or plastics. Cisco have also been caught. In the West Bay, anglers have caught smallmouth bass and perch. They are fishing along the edge of the weeds with minnows, wigglers or shrimp. Those putting in the effort to locate the fish and stay on them have taken some decent catches of perch ranging 8 to 10 inches.

Elk River: Chinook and coho have been caught near the power dam. Coho were hitting on small spawn bags and the chinook were hitting on skein, spawn bags, deep diving crank baits and beads.

Boardman River: The chinook salmon run is nearing the end. Those drifting skein under a bobber were still picking up the occasional fish. Anglers are reminded that snagging is illegal. Look for coho and steelhead to start moving in.

Platte Bay: Fishing in the bay has slowed as most of the fish are now up into the river. Those surfcasting with spinners or spawn have still caught the occasional fish.

Platte River: Chinook and coho have been caught below the weir and the canoe landing. Try yarn flies or rubber eggs.

Frankfort: Boats heading out in waters between 190 to 250 feet and trolling 80 to 120 feet down caught coho and young chinook on spoons and plugs. Pier anglers at Frankfort and Elberta have caught steelhead on fresh spawn.

Betsie River: Still has a good number of chinook salmon but many are now quite dark in color.

Onekama: Dredging should be done sometime this week. Coho could be seen off the north pier but the fish were not willing to hit.

Portage Lake: Is producing some good catches of large and smallmouth bass. Perch and bluegill fishing slowed with the change in weather.

Manistee: Boats are catching chinook and coho salmon 80 to 130 feet down in 120 to 200 feet of water. Green flies and blue spoons have been working well. Steelhead action is slow off the piers and surf.

Manistee River: The recent rain pushed some steelhead into the river. Anglers are fly fishing or using spawn.

Ludington: A few steelhead and salmon have been caught in 100 to 200 feet of water. Steelhead have been biting on orange spoons higher in the water column. Salmon have been coming 70 to 100 feet down on blue spoons or flies. Pier anglers targeting steelhead have found the action to be slow but it should pick up soon.

Pere Marquette River: Is still producing some big chinook though many have turned dark. A couple steelhead and a few brown trout have also been caught.

Pentwater: Pier anglers are reporting catches of brown trout, steelhead and coho salmon on spawn.

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Upper Peninsula

Keweenaw Bay: Those casting spoons from Sand Point and out from the L’Anse Marina have caught coho. Those fishing Traverse Bay might find leaving a little more difficult as the last storm pushed a lot of sand into the harbor. River fishing around the bay has started to pick up with coho caught on a daily basis.

Marquette: Boat anglers had good action with three to five fish and some limit catches of coho taken outside the lower harbor breakwall in 40 to 50 feet or trolling near the mouth of the Carp River and the Chocolay River. Those fishing off the breakwall caught coho and lake trout. The coho are not quite ripe yet and the lake trout are still a couple weeks away from moving in close for spawning. The fish cleaning station in the Lower Harbor is closed for maintenance.

Dead River: The pink salmon are done spawning and the chinook salmon have moved into the area. Fishing pressure has increased as several chinook have been caught.

Carp River: Has good action with anglers catching good numbers of coho and the occasional steelhead. Early morning is best with stick baits, crank baits, spoons, crawlers and spawn bags.

Chocolay River: Boat anglers are averaging zero to five coho. Shore anglers and those wading had good action with one to five fish per trip. They are using spoons, spinners, small stick baits or spawn bags.

Menominee: Those targeting trout and salmon were casting spoons off the lighthouse pier. The marina pier is closed to fishing due to work being done on the docks and dredging.

Menominee River: Most of the trout and salmon action has been just below the Hattie Street Dam. The fish are active but the catch rate was on the slow side. Anglers are drifting spawn or casting spoons and crank baits. Shore anglers have caught walleye, smallmouth bass, bluegill and perch when drifting crawlers near the Mystery Ship Marina and off Stephenson Island.

Little Bay De Noc: Windy conditions have kept walleye anglers in the north end of the bay. Fish were caught but many were sub-legal. Perch anglers have done fair to good near the mouth of the Day’s River in 13 to 16 feet or east of Butler Island in 20 to 25 feet.

Escanaba River: Shore anglers up near the 1st Dam have caught salmon when casting spoons, spinners and crank baits. The fish are turning dark as the season winds down.

Big Bay De Noc: Due to windy conditions, perch anglers were not able to reach their destinations. Smallmouth bass action was fair as fewer anglers were catching them. Try just off the break in 10 to 35 feet between Garden Bluff and Snake Island with minnows, crank baits or plastics.

Two Hearted River: Has coho, a few chinook and the occasional steelhead. The high water levels could make fishing a bit of a challenge however.

Munising: reports a good amount of fishing activity over the past week. Boat angling effort has remained fairly active targeting coho salmon almost exclusively this week with fair to good results on coho with several limit catches being reported. Pier fishing activity has remained steady but slightly down from its peak with anglers fishing various times of the day targeting coho and splake. Shore angling effort was very light but those trying reported fair to good results.

Grand Marais: Shore anglers reported fair results this past week targeting coho salmon and steelhead at the mouth of the Sucker River. Steelhead were caught primarily on spawn under windy conditions while coho continue to be mainly caught while casting.

St. Mary’s River: A few nice walleye were caught in Raber Bay by those drifting and trolling in the early evening up until dark. Use floatation devices to keep the crawler harness above the weeds. Hot colors were orange, chartreuse and yellow fire-tiger.

A few smallmouth bass were caught on the north end of Munuscong Bay, east of Kemps Point, and on the south side of Moon Island. Try jigging tube baits near the rock piles in 14 to 18 feet.

DeTour: The fish cleaning station is closed for the season.

Drummond Island: Anglers are fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Yellow perch fishing was fair around most of the islands. Anglers are using shiners and wire spreaders in waters 14 feet or deeper. Perch 9 to 11 inches were reported off the south side of Harbor Island in 20 feet. Try jigging shiners just off the bottom.

Cedarville and Hessel: Yellow perch have been caught on the east end of Hessel Bay, Snows Channel, and Musky Bay. Try crawlers or minnows in 6 to 11 feet of water. Pike fishing has been great for those still-fishing with chubs or casting into the weed beds in shallow water. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing remains excellent. Salmon can be found in Bush Creek and Beavertail Creek.

St. Ignace: Boat anglers heading out have caught chinook and pink salmon. One angler was pleasantly surprised with a chinook measuring 40.5 inches. The action in Nunns Creek slowed but the rain should have pushed more fish into the area.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 10/17/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie: Perch fishing has been hit-or-miss. The majority of catches came near the Fermi Power Plant in 24 to 26 feet however fish were also caught around Turtle Island, buoys 3 and 4 off the River Raisin and the Dumping Grounds, which are east of Luna Pier in 11 to 15 feet of water. Try husky jerks and body baits.

Detroit River: Anglers caught perch near the Cross-Dike across from Sugar Island.

Lake St. Clair: Has very good smallmouth bass fishing. Perch fishing continues to get better between Nine Mile Road and Twelve Mile Road and off Grosse Pointe.

St. Clair River: Has good walleye fishing at Port Huron. Anglers are vertical jigging late at night. Catch and release sturgeon anglers are doing well near Algonac.

Lexington: Salmon are in the harbor but they will not bite. Those fishing at night have managed to catch the occasional salmon or brown trout. Boat anglers report large schools of baitfish in 30 to 35 feet.

Saginaw Bay: Catch rates for perch have increased somewhat off Linwood in 15 to 18 feet. Some reported 30 to 35 fish per boat however they are sorting out the small ones. No shore fishing for perch yet as that usually picks up right around deer season in November. Boat anglers fishing off Quanicassee caught a few perch.

A few boats launching from Bay Port and heading across the bay to Au Gres were bringing back about 30 perch. At Caseville, dredging in the channel continues so fishing was slow. Those perch fishing off Oak Point did well one day but caught nothing the next. A majority of the boats were duck hunters.

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Southwest Lower Peninsula

Kalamazoo River: Continues to produce chinook and coho up near the Allegan Dam. Many are turning dark. Steelhead are starting to show up.

Calhoun County: Fishing is slow on most of the inland lakes. Duck Lake and Gang Lake were producing a few nice panfish. Prairie Lake had bluegills and perch.

Holland: Water temperatures were still on warm side so the trout and salmon are out in waters 120 to 150 feet. Pier anglers are floating spawn for steelhead however catch rates were slow because of the warm water.

Grand Haven: Boat anglers were fishing in waters 100 to 160 feet. Most fish were taken in the 120 to 150 range. Fish have been caught on magnum or small spoons, spinnies and flies. Hot colors were green, blue and orange. Pier anglers are trying for steelhead however the warm water makes fishing more difficult.

Grand River at Lansing: Has salmon however anglers are having little success.

Looking Glass River: Is producing a few panfish and bass. A good number of pike have been caught near Babcock’s Landing.

Jackson County: Inland lakes were producing bluegills.

Muskegon River: Is still producing some large chinook salmon though many are turning dark. Catch rates for steelhead are increasing as more fish move in. A few nice brown trout have also been caught.

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Northeast Lower Peninsula

Rogers City: The adult salmon run is pretty much done however those still heading out have done well for younger salmon and steelhead when trolling small spoons halfway down in 50 to 90 feet. Lead core of 3, 5, and 7 colors worked well. Good colors are green, blue, orange, black or white with silver, red and white or anything that glows early or late. The bite was best the last couple hours of daylight or just as the sun comes up in Swan Bay or between US-23 and Forty Mile Point.

Presque Isle: Boat anglers will want to try straight out of the harbor and north between the two lighthouses. Try halfway down in 50 to 90 feet the last couple hours before dark or as the sun comes up.

Thunder Bay River: A large number of salmon are very dark and spawning. Fish are still being caught by those drifting flies or spawn along the bottom.

Harrisville: Salmon are working their way into the harbor slowly but consistently. Some are still fairly fresh, but most are starting to turn. Early morning and evening was the best time to fish with spawn, spoons or body baits. Walleye are coming into the harbor in the late evening. Fish were caught on body baits.

Oscoda: Fish caught from the pier are still in good shape and hitting on spoons or body baits. The occasional walleye has been picked up by anglers targeting salmon or steelhead.

Au Sable River: More anglers are heading upriver now that the Foote Dam area is open. Fish up near the dam are starting to turn dark but were still in good shape. Try floating spawn. Steelhead are making their way into the river and the number of fish will only increase as we move towards November.

Tawas: Had very little boat activity. Fishing in the harbor and off the piers was slow.

Tawas River: Is still producing salmon in the lower river at night.

Au Gres: Perch fishing picked up with anglers taking up to 25 fish ranging 7 to 11 inches. Most were caught out near the shipping channel in 35 to 45 feet.

Au Gres River: Is producing salmon and steelhead down at the Singing Bridge and for those surfcasting. For the steelhead, try drifting spawn.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey: Had very few anglers. The marina is still being dredged and the dock has been pulled. A couple steelhead were caught on spawn near the mouth of the river.

Bear River: Catch rates for chinook have dropped. The leftover fish are in pretty rough shape. A limited number of coho and steelhead were caught on fresh spawn.

Charlevoix: Smallmouth bass fishing is still good in the channel. Try crawlers, leeches, or scented rubber baits. Perch anglers were straight out from the pier in 80 feet but all they caught was gobies. The few fish in Medusa Creek are in bad shape.

Traverse City: The East Bay has steady smallmouth bass fishing. Try plastics such as darters or tube baits in 20 to 40 feet. A few perch and cisco were caught. Perch fishing was slow in the West Bay but smallmouth bass were caught in 25 to 35 feet.

Elk River: The chinook salmon run is past its peak. Steelhead and the occasional coho and lake trout were caught on spawn bags near the power dam. Salmon have also hit on deep diving crank baits.

Boardman River: The salmon run is winding down. Anglers are now catching the occasional steelhead or lake trout when drifting spawn.

Frankfort: Water temperatures are starting to drop. Steelhead were caught on fresh spawn. Try to keep the weeds off your line.

Betsie River: Is still producing chinook and coho however catch rates have slowed.

Onekama: Dredging in the channel is done. Anglers are now targeting coho and steelhead in front of the piers.

Portage Lake: Bass anglers are still picking up large and smallmouth along the south wall and the drop-offs. Strong winds made it hard for those pan fishing.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are starting to catch steelhead on spawn. Boat anglers are catching salmon and steelhead 80 to 140 feet down in 300 to 500 feet of water when using green or blue spoons. A couple steelhead were caught on orange spoons in the top 40 feet.

Manistee River: More steelhead are starting to show up.

Ludington: Pier anglers are starting to catch steelhead on spawn. Those heading out to waters 200 to 400 feet deep found fish 80 to 130 feet down when using green flies or spoons.

Pere Marquette River: Is still producing some big chinook though many have turned dark. More steelhead are starting to show up.

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Upper Peninsula

Marquette: Boat anglers caught chinook, coho, steelhead and lake trout just outside the lower harbor breakwall in 40 to 50 fee or up near the mouth of the rivers with spoons, stick baits or crank baits. Pier anglers caught coho and lake trout.

Dead River: Fishing pressure decreased as catch rates slowed.

Carp River: Shore anglers reported fair catches of coho. A couple steelhead were caught. Most are casting spoons and crank baits or floating spawn.

Chocolay River: Is still producing some coho in certain sections of the river. Anglers are using spinners or stick baits. Those using spawn bags had no luck.

Menominee: Walleye were caught off the Cedar River when trolling crawler harnesses or rapalas. Channel cats, pike and smallmouth bass were caught. A few were salmon fishing near the rapids in the river but none were caught.

Menominee River: Those targeting trout and salmon are fishing off Stephenson Island and up near the Hattie Street Dam. Some are drifting spawn and yarn while others are casting spoons. Shore anglers downstream of Stephenson Island caught channel cats, smallmouth bass and yellow perch when drifting crawlers. Those trolling after dark caught some walleye on crawler harnesses or stick baits.

Little Bay De Noc: Those pre-fishing for the walleye tournament caught fish but they would not say where. Perch fishing was fair near Kipling in 10 to 23 feet, and off Brach’s Cabins in 14 to 17 feet. Try crawlers and minnows. Good smallmouth action off the Farmer’s Dock in 18 to 35 feet with minnows, tube baits, or spinners.

Escanaba River: Shore anglers caught salmon near the 1st Dam. A good number of fish are making their way up into the river. Most are casting spoons, spinners or crank baits. Rock bass were also caught.

Big Bay De Noc: No walleye to report but smallmouth bass fishing was fair to good off Garden Bluff. Anglers are drifting minnows 15 to 30 feet down along the drop-off.

Munising: Boat anglers targeting coho reported fair catch rates. Some were able to get one or two fish but some returned empty-handed. Pier anglers caught coho, splake and the occasional steelhead. Splake were hitting primarily on spawn.

Grand Marais: Pier fishing was light and unproductive. Those trolling near the mouth of the Sucker River caught the occasional coho or steelhead. Shore anglers fishing the mouth of the Sucker River report low catch rates.

St. Mary’s River: Had fair perch fishing. Extra water being released from the power plant in Sault Ste. Marie is forcing perch away from the main channel and into the bays off the shipping channel.

DeTour: Boat anglers are targeting walleye along the reefs and Moon Island. A few limit catches of yellow perch were reported.

Drummond Island: Anglers are catching yellow perch in 12 to 14 feet of water around Ashman Island, Grape Island and Peck Island. Most are using shiners.

Cedarville and Hessel: Yellow perch are biting on the east end of Hessel Bay, Snows Channel, Middle Entrance and Musky Bay. Try crawlers or minnows in 6 to 11 feet of water. Pike fishing has been very good for those casting chubs in shallow water. Bass fishing continues to be good.

Carp River: Anglers are fishing from the mouth upstream to the McDonald Rapids. They are catching chinook and steelhead though the chinook are starting to deteriorate.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 10/17/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie: Perch seem to be holding in waters 24 to 26 feet deep southeast of Stoney Point. A few walleye were caught between the beach at Sterling State Park and the mouth of the River Raisin. Crank baits worked best. Water temperatures are dropping at a good rate so catch rates should continue to improve.

Detroit River: Is producing smallmouth bass, a few walleye, and the occasional muskie. For perch, try the Cross-Dike, the south end of Grosse Ile or around Celeron Island with minnows or crawlers.

Lake St. Clair: Smallmouth bass fishing has slowed as anglers struggle to find them. Cooling water temperatures should bring the fish back into shallower waters. Muskie anglers have done well which is typical for fall fishing. Yellow perch fishing was spotty but fish were caught near the Dumping Grounds, Grosse Point Yacht Club and the shipping channel.

St. Clair River: Walleye fishing has been very good at Port Huron. Anglers are jigging or wire line trolling. Walleye fishing was good in the lower river and the channels near Algonac.

Lexington: Those fishing off the breakwalls and the docks have caught the occasional chinook, steelhead or brown trout. There are a lot of emerald shiners in the harbor.

Port Sanilac: Is also producing trout and salmon for those shore and pier fishing. A few pike were also caught.

Harbor Beach: Those fishing at night have caught walleye off the north wall between 1 AM and 5 AM. Only a few brown trout were caught in the Edison Channel.

Saginaw Bay: When they can get out, boat anglers reported decent catches of perch in 20 feet off Gambil's Marina which is up near Pinconning, near Buoy 22 along the shipping channel, or northeast of Spoils Island which is the large island straight off the mouth of the Saginaw River. The bite is best from dawn until about 10:30AM. At

Quanicassee, a few were caught but most boats had to stay in the river. At Sebewaing, a few guys fishing from the docks in the marina caught bluegills and a few crappie. The boats are gone so the docks at Bay Shore Marina, near Bay Port and the docks in the Caseville City Harbor are now open to shore anglers. Dredging continues in the channel at

Caseville.

Saginaw River: Had nothing going on in the lower river.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph: Salmon are still being caught out in 120 feet. Pier anglers have caught a fair number of steelhead.

St. Joseph River: A few salmon are moving through the ladder but the fish are dark. The steelhead run has been slow. It could take a cold rain to get the fish moving because they prefer water temperatures between the upper 40's or low 50's.

South Haven: Boat anglers are still taking salmon in waters 100 feet deep. Pier fishing was slow but they are getting the occasional steelhead.

Kalamazoo River: The salmon action is pretty much done but anglers are catching steelhead and brown trout up near the Allegan Dam.

Holland: Boat anglers caught steelhead in 80 to 140 feet. Downriggers were set 70 to 120 feet down. Fish were hitting on magnum spoons with a silver back.

Grand Haven: Fishing was slow. No boats were out but pier anglers managed to take a couple steelhead when fishing spawn before daylight.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Anglers should find steelhead and the occasional brown trout up near the Sixth Street Dam. Try spawn bags, a jig and wax worm or small spoons such as Cleo's.

Muskegon River: Anglers are still catching the occasional salmon. Steelhead are in the river and eating the abundance of salmon eggs. Try drifting fresh spawn, fish egg patterns or a jig and wax worm.

Whitehall: Pier anglers are catching steelhead on spawn but they are putting in some time to get a few fish.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Rogers City: Boat fishing has almost come to a stand-still. The marina, the restrooms and the fish cleaning station are now closed for the season. Dredging is still scheduled for this fall. Those fishing off the wall caught a couple salmon but the fish are dark. A fair number of brown trout are in the marina and were caught by those casting spoons and body baits or floating spawn.

Presque Isle: All the boats are gone. The marina and restrooms are closed.

Thunder Bay River: The salmon are actively spawning and turning very dark. Anglers will not find few fresh fish at this point. Not many steelhead yet.

Harrisville: Anglers are still catching a few salmon on spawn, spoons and body baits. Fish have been caught day and night as times vary when the fish are moving into the harbor.

Oscoda: Pier anglers have caught some walleye on spoons or body baits.

Au Sable River: Most of the salmon seem to be up at the dam but a few stragglers are still coming in. Many are turning dark and are spawned out. The good news is fresh steelhead are now moving into the river and those floating spawn or flies are catching fish.

Tawas: Pier fishing was slow. A large number of emerald shiners are moving into the harbor and small perch ranging 4 to 7 inches are following them. A couple boats were trolling near the mouth of the river.

Tawas River: Is still producing a chinook salmon here and there but the run is definitely past the peak.

Au Gres: Boat anglers caught perch in 20 to 35 feet of water straight off the river or up near the Gravelly Shoal which is between Pt. Au Gres and the Charity Islands.

Au Gres River: Salmon and steelhead fishing has been hit-or-miss down near the Singing Bridge. Steelhead are just starting to show up.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey: Dredging in the marina is done and most likely the docks will remain out of the water until next season. Pier fishing was slow. A couple chinook or steelhead were caught on spawn bags near the mouth of the river. Most are now waiting for the steelhead run to get started.

Bear River: Still has the occasional chinook up near the dam or downstream. Fish were caught between the bridges below the dam. Try spawn or yarn. A couple coho and steelhead were caught on spawn near the dam.

Charlevoix: Smallmouth bass fishing slowed but a few largemouth bass were caught on crawlers, minnows, and scented rubber baits. Those fishing near Medusa Creek reported no fish caught.

Traverse City: Those fishing the East Bay caught cisco and the occasional whitefish when jigging in 80 to 130 feet. Smallmouth bass can be found in 10 to 30 feet and a few perch were caught on live bait in 30 feet. Very few boats were out on the West Bay. Look for perch and bass in 20 to 35 feet.

Elk River: Steelhead, coho, and a few lake trout were caught on spawn bags near the dam but catch rates were slow.

Boardman River: Anglers caught a couple steelhead on spawn, jigs or trout beads. Lake trout are hitting on spawn bags. The salmon are in bad shape.

Platte Bay: Those surfcasting with spawn have caught steelhead near the mouth.

Frankfort: Steelhead anglers were landing some very nice fish. They were using fresh spawn or gold and orange wobblers. Pier anglers caught some nice fish including a 13 pound coho.

Portage Lake: The boat launch in town is closed for dredging this week but the DNR site at the west end is still open. With the wind and rain, anglers were not having any luck for bass or panfish.

Lake Cadillac: Is producing a few walleye, bass and pike.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting have caught salmon and steelhead. Most are using spawn.

Manistee River: Is producing steelhead all the way up to Tippy Dam. Chinook can still be found up near the dam however the fish are in bad shape. Cold rain did push some coho up into the river. Anglers are floating fresh spawn, fly fishing with egg patterns or floating a jig and wax worm.

Ludington: No boats have been out. Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching some steelhead. Fresh spawn worked best.

Pere Marquette River: While the salmon run is winding down, anglers are still catching the occasional coho. Steelhead are moving in on a daily basis. Some nice brown trout were caught.

Pentwater: Pier anglers are catching coho when still-fishing with spawn. Steelhead should also be in but none were caught yet.

Upper Peninsula

Anglers are reminded that it is unlawful to take fish for the sole purpose of removing the eggs.

Marquette: Catch rates varied as boat anglers caught mainly coho and lake trout. Those targeting the breakwalls in the Lower Harbor had no success. The lake trout out further in the lake are close to spawning so catch rates should pick up with the onset of colder weather.

Dead River: Had no chinook to report but anglers did catch a few coho.

Carp River: Shore anglers reported fair catch rates for coho near the mouth. The coho run has peaked. Anglers are using spinners or floating spawn bags.

Chocolay River: The coho are spawning so catch rates have slowed. Try spinners, stick baits or spawn bags.

Menominee: Those trolling off the Cedar River in 12 to 30 feet caught a few walleye after dark. Those fishing the Cedar River caught smallmouth bass when casting crank baits. Those targeting trout were casting spinners or floating spawn bags up near the first rapids, but no fish were caught.

Menominee River: Anglers are fishing just below the Hattie Street Dam on both the Michigan and Wisconsin side. Salmon were still being caught but the bite has slowed. Some nice yellow perch have been caught between the mouth and Stephenson Island. Boat and shore anglers are drifting or still-fishing with minnows or crawlers. Walleye and smallmouth bass were caught early or late.

Little Bay De Noc: Has lots of perch anglers. Catch rates ranged from fair to excellent. Most were fishing north of the "Narrows" or between the Kipling Flats and the Day's River with minnows or crawlers in 10 to 24 feet. Catch rates were better in shallower waters. Some caught the incidental northern pike.

Big Bay De Noc: Has plenty of smallmouth bass anglers. They are fishing minnows 15 to 30 feet down out near Snake Island or 14 to 24 feet off Ansell's Point. Some were also looking for perch but very few were caught.

Munising: Boat anglers have decreased as those targeting coho were lucky to get one fish. It appears the late arriving fish will most likely be caught while staging off the Anna River. Pier anglers caught coho and splake. Coho were caught by those casting or floating spawn bags. Splake were caught primarily on spawn. The salmon are running smaller this year. They range 2 to 3 pounds.

Grand Marais: Those trolling for trout and salmon had poor results. Pier fishing was slow. Shore anglers had little success when casting spoons or floating spawn.

St. Mary's River: Anglers fishing the east side of Lime Island caught walleye when trolling crank baits in 12 to 18 feet. In Munuscong Bay, those jigging dark green or brown tube jigs in 4 to 8 feet caught smallmouth bass over the rock piles near Moon Island.

DeTour: Had poor weather and low angler pressure.

Drummond Island: Those able to get out did catch a few perch in 8 to 11 feet in Scotts Bay and in 12 to 14 feet on the south end of Ashman Island or the west side of Rutland Island. Try crank baits off the bottom with spreaders and shiners. A couple walleye were caught on the northwest side of Peck Island by those trolling medium size crank baits in chrome or fire-tiger. Rattle traps also caught fish.

Cedarville and Hessel: The weather has been poor. There are no bass or pike anglers, and the perch are not hitting in the bays.

Carp River: Anglers are targeting steelhead but none were caught.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 11/7/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Perch have been caught off Stony Point, the Fermi Plant and Rat Island, which is the smallest island off the mouth of the Huron River.

Huron River: Is producing some steelhead in the lower river.

Detroit River: Continues to produce a fair number of walleye in the lower Trenton Channel. Perch have been caught on minnows and crawlers around Sugar Island.

Lake St. Clair: Boat anglers are catching muskie when they can get out on the lake. Perch anglers were targeting the waters near the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.

Port Sanilac: Pier anglers caught a few brown trout and steelhead when casting spoons and spinners in the harbor.

Saginaw Bay: Trolling for large walleye off the mouth of the Saginaw River could be productive when the weather allows. For those looking for perch, start hitting the river mouths around the opener of deer season and keep at it until ice forms. The better fishing is usually between dawn and 11 a.m.

Kawkawlin River: Anglers are just starting to target perch. Some were fishing off the bridge on State Park Drive.

Saginaw River: Had anglers fishing for perch or walleye near Veterans Park.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Pier anglers are catching some steelhead and a few whitefish.

St. Joseph River: Steelhead fishing should be good by the end of the week as rain will help bring water levels up.

Kalamazoo River: Has a fair to good number of steelhead all the way up to the Allegan Dam. Those casting spinners or flatfish have done well.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is producing a few walleye for those fishing off the wall and off the bridges. Steelhead are in the river and hitting on spawn, Hot-n-Tots or a jig and wax worm. Boat anglers were back bouncing with spawn.

Looking Glass River: Those using minnows or small bluegills caught the occasional pike off Babcock’s Landing.

Muskegon River: Water levels were up and steelhead are being caught. Try spawn, flies or flatfish.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Rogers City: Still has some fish to catch. Anglers are reporting Chinook between three and five pounds and also some lake trout that must be released immediately. Fish were caught off the point south of the port in 85 to 100 feet. Anglers will also want to try north off the State Park when the weather permits. The key is to find the baitfish.

Thunder Bay River: Should have more steelhead moving into the river by the weekend.

Harrisville: Salmon were caught by those floating spawn or casting body baits. Look for steelhead to start making their way into the harbor. Try spawn, small spoons or body baits.

Oscoda: Pier anglers have caught steelhead. Walleye were caught late at night.

Au Sable River: As the salmon wind down, steelhead are hanging out around the mouth and making their way up into the river. Anglers have caught fish from the pier all the way up to the dam. Those scouting the holes can them flashing on the beds. Spawn, flies and small spinners are producing fish. There have been reports of walleye being caught late at night between the pier and the bridge. Small glow spoons or body baits worked best.

Au Gres River: Watch for steelhead to be moving up into the river. Those fishing the East Branch will want to try casting near the Singing Bridge.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Bear River: Should have more steelhead moving up towards the dam. Try spawn, yarn, crawlers or a jig and wax worm.

Elk River: Is producing the occasional coho and some steelhead. Anglers are floating spawn or casting spoons and spinners.

Boardman River: Is producing steelhead between the mouth and Sabin Dam. Recent rain helped to bring more fish into the river system.

Frankfort: The steelhead action has been very good. Boat anglers are trolling the shoreline with orange spoons and pier anglers are using spawn.

Betsie River: Is producing a good number of steelhead.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are taking steelhead when the winds allow. Most are floating spawn or casting small spoons and spinners.

Manistee River: Rain helped to bring the water levels back up. Anglers will find a good number of steelhead in the river. Some are drifting spawn while others are casting small spoons or flies.

Ludington: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead.

Pere Marquette River: Rain has brought some fresh steelhead into the river.

UPPER PENINSULA

Fall’s River: Is producing some steelhead. Try drifting crawlers and spawn or casting small spoons and spinners.

Cedar River: Is producing smallmouth bass for those fishing in the deep hole under the Interstate Bridge. Casting crank baits and drifting crawlers were the ticket. Those trying for trout and salmon near the first rapids had little success.

Menominee River: Those trying for trout and salmon near the rocks on the Michigan side said the bite was slow. Walleye have finally made it up into the river. Anglers were casting rapalas off the Cat Walk. Yellow perch fishing was good for shore anglers behind the City Campground and near the Mystery Ship boat launch.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye fishing picked up especially for those fishing at night. Most are trolling stick baits in 10 to 23 feet along the reefs near Kipling. Daytime anglers fished the reefs in the early morning then moved out to deeper waters while trolling stick baits or crawler harnesses in 19 to 30 feet. Perch fishing was fair for those using minnows or crawlers in 10 to 25 feet around Butler Island. The Escanaba Yacht Harbor opened up again but watch for more dredging in the future.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 11/22/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Strong winds have muddied up the water. The only report this week is some panfish caught in the Metro Park Marina.

Huron River: Water levels are up and steelhead are in the river. Catch rates should pick up by the end of the week.

Detroit River: Water levels are coming up but the water is muddy after all the rain and strong winds. Very few anglers have been able to get out. A few perch have been around the islands by those using minnows and wax worms.

Lake St. Clair: Strong winds have the lake stirred up and muddy. These conditions continue to make fishing a challenge.

Saginaw River: Walleye fishing slowed with the warmer weather but catch rates should pick up by the weekend. Water flow is up after all rain. Be sure to watch for floating debris.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Had good steelhead fishing for pier and shore anglers when the weather permits.

St. Joseph River: Water levels are coming up but anglers will have to watch for a lot of debris after the storm. Steelhead fishing has been good and walleye are still being caught.

South Haven: Is producing whitefish for those fishing at night. Good steelhead action for both pier anglers and those surfcasting.

Kalamazoo River: Has good steelhead fishing but anglers will need to navigate carefully and watch for floating debris.

Saugatuck: Is also producing steelhead for pier and shore anglers.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead. Whitefish are also being caught at night.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are coming up and steelhead fishing continues to be good. Anglers will need to watch for debris coming down the river.

Grand River near Lansing: Anglers are catching steelhead in Prairie Creek near Ionia and near Lyons. Try spawn, wax worm or crawlers. No word yet on steelhead in Lansing.

Muskegon: Pier anglers are catching whitefish at night when floating a single egg.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

This is the best time of year for whitefish action especially for Alpena, Oscoda and Tawas. The number of fish may be down from previous years but anglers should still find some good fishing right now.

Thunder Bay River: Is producing whitefish. Try floating a single egg or wax worm. Good catches of small perch were reported in the river and the Alpena Boat Harbor.

Oscoda: Walleye are still being caught off the pier. Best time to fish is between late evening and early morning with small spoons or body baits. No word on whitefish.

Au Sable River: The water is high and fast. Anglers need to use caution when wading or fishing off the banks. Strong winds have weakened trees along the river. Watch for broken branches or trees that could come down at any time. Steelhead fishing seems to be getting better and better. A good number of fish have been caught near the mouth however more fish are moving up into the river and were caught up near Foote Dam. Spawn, wax worms, spoons and body baits have produced fish.

Au Gres River: Has steelhead in the East Branch.

Rifle River: Also has a number of steelhead up into the river.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Boardman River: Had good steelhead fishing all the way up to Sabin Dam. Try flies, spoons, spawn or crawlers.

Betsie River: Continues to produce a good number of steelhead.

Manistee: Pier and surf anglers continue to catch steelhead when the weather permits.

Manistee River: Has a good number of steelhead. The water is high and dark but as it comes down fishing will be good. Anglers will need to watch for debris coming down the river.

Pere Marquette River: Catch rates may slow a bit but will resume as water levels come down.

UPPER PENINSULA

Little Bay De Noc: Few anglers have been out but those targeting walleye at night have caught fish from the reefs near Kipling. They are trolling stick baits in 10 to 24 feet of water at night or crawler harnesses with crawlers during the day in 18 to 30 feet. A few perch were caught on minnows in 10 to 20 feet around Butler Island. Water temperatures were holding in the low 40’s.

________________________________________

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[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 12/20/13 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Those fishing in the Metro Park Marina were catching bluegills when using small teardrops with spikes or wax worms. Anglers might want to check out the Banana Dike.

Huron River: Has some shelf ice. The river is fishable but use caution. Steelhead are still being caught. Try Hot-n-Tots or a black jig with a wax worm.

Detroit River: As of this report, anglers were fishing Airport Bay which is along the south end of Grosse Isle. Though catch rates were slow, anglers were starting to catch a few perch. Try small spoons or teardrops with minnows.

Oakland County: Has ice fishing with anglers reported on Green, Oxbow, Cass, Cooley and Long Lake. A few crappie were taken on wax worms.

Lake St. Clair: Has ice but heavy snow is not helping with the freezing process. There are numerous bad spots with thin ice and slush so ice thickness is not uniform by any means. About the only reports coming in were a few perch caught at Fair Haven.

Saginaw Bay: Ice is forming out in the bay and it seems the fish are scattered as those going out had not caught any fish.

Saginaw River: Ice is marginal but still forming. Anglers need to use extreme caution as a freighter came in just recently. The Coast Guard is bringing an ice breaker up into the river to make way for a barge. Anglers should stay off the ice along the upper river and also in the bay near the mouth until it freezes back up.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

There is some ice fishing on the small lakes, mostly in the bays, small channels or along the shoreline. Ice thickness is not uniform so anglers need to use extreme caution.

St. Joseph River: Continues to produce steelhead below Berrien Springs.

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead action was fair below the Allegan Dam. Try spoons, plugs or spawn. A few walleye have also been caught.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Continues to produce steelhead and walleye. For steelhead, try white jigs with wax worms or bright colored spawn bags. For walleye try Hot-n-Tots, husky jerks, bucktail jigs or minnows under a bobber.

Muskegon River: Continues to produce some nice steelhead. There is some shelf ice along the banks and access can be tricky as the launch sites are snow covered and slippery.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Grand Lake: Should have good ice but use caution.

Long Lake: Should have good ice but use caution.

Fletchers Pond: Has fair to good ice and providing some good opportunities for anglers. Those using spikes and minnows have caught bluegill and perch. A few pike were taken on tip-ups.

Hubbard Lake: Takes longer to freeze because it is much deeper. Anglers should wait a bit longer before they start to venture out.

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead. As of this report, the ramps at Rea and Whirlpool were usable but those launching are encouraged to have 4-wheel drive and some rock salt or gravel just in case. The river near Oscoda is forming ice, so floating may be limited to the upper river below Foote Dam.

Higgins Lake: Had some ice out to the drop-off but there is snow on the ice so anglers should stay off. The ice is not ready yet.

Houghton Lake: Ice continues to build thanks to artic temperatures in the region. The lake is snow covered so anglers need to use caution and watch for pressure cracks. Some are starting to take ice shanties out. Most are catching pike and a few walleye however bluegills should also be available.

Lake Margrethe: Has ice and anglers are fishing for panfish.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Cadillac: Ice fishing is on for the west side of the lake however the east side takes longer to freeze. Anglers need to use caution and check the ice carefully. Panfish action has been slow to get started. Those using tip-ups are getting some pike. Those jigging small spoons or rapalas are taking some walleye. Those targeting crappie have done well with wax worms or spikes.

Lake Mitchell: Those ice fishing are taking a good number of panfish. Slush is forming under the snow so anglers need to be careful. Fish have been caught in the coves and off the state park.

Lake Missaukee: Has ice and some good action for panfish.

Manistee River: Those braving the cold have caught some nice steelhead below Tippy Dam. The lower part of the river near M-55 is iced over so anglers will have to fish further upstream.

Pere Marquette River: Fishing was a bit slower but anglers are still taking some nice steelhead and a few brown trout. Some are bottom bouncing flies or spawn while others are swinging flies.

UPPER PENINSULA

Ice anglers are fishing the inland lakes for bluegill, crappie, perch, walleye and pike.

Munising: The bay has ice and some are taking their shanties out. Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 1/23/14 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

As frigid temperatures blanket the state once again, fewer anglers are out fishing. Those braving the cold are catching fish but the bite has slowed. River anglers are dealing with ice in many locations.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Still had some anglers taking a few perch in the Metro Park Marina. Catch rates at the Banana Dike were fair however the cold spell will more than likely slow the bite. Some were fishing at the marina near the mouth of the Huron River. Walleye anglers are fishing Brest Bay. Try 14 to 17 feet with orange and silver spoons tipped with a shiner.

Detroit River: Airport Bay was producing some perch. Most are heading off Groh Road and taking Frenchman’s Creek out to the bay. Some are fishing the border waters however extreme caution needs to be used. Those fishing off Bellenger Park caught some perch on minnows.

Lake St. Clair: Perch fishing has been hit-or-miss. The water is clear and those using spears had good success. While there is ice and plenty in some areas, there is still some open water because of the currents. Anglers still need to be very careful about venturing too far from shore.

Port Sanilac: Had some anglers out but all they caught were small fish. There is dredging equipment in the southeast corner and that is where anglers usually fish.

Saginaw Bay: Strong winds last weekend have opened up an active pressure crack three to four miles offshore. The crack runs from Linwood south to an area off the Bay City State Park. It opened to a width of three to four feet and a lot of people ran into it causing damage to their ATV’s and snowmobiles. Anglers need to use caution. On the east side of the bay, those heading off Thomas Road were fishing near the shipping channel. Perch fishing was poor off Vanderbilt Park. Those pike spearing were still having trouble with turbid water at Sebewaing and Mud Creek.

Walleye anglers were heading out from Geiger Road. Perch are still being caught off Mud Creek and the marina basins at Caseville. Anglers fishing out near the end of the breakwall with a camera reported walleye, whitefish and lake trout but they would not bite.

Saginaw River: The best perch was in the lower river. Walleye were caught off Wickes Park in 14 feet. Fishing is slow through most of downtown Saginaw, but improves downstream of the Zilwaukee Bridge and north to the south end of Bay City. Anglers are catching a lot of sub-legal walleye for every keeper. They are using chartreuse, orange or clown-colored jigs with minnows or jigging rapalas with the head of a minnow on the center of the hook. Fishing was slow at Cass Avenue and the Middle Grounds. Those fishing downtown Bay City did catch a few keepers off Veteran’s Park during the first and last two hours of daylight. Walleye and perch were caught downstream from the old Navy destroyer. They are using jigs, perch rigs and jigging rapalas.

Tittabawassee River: There’s no fishing at the present time. There is too much ice for boats but not enough to stand on yet.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph River: Steelhead fishing has once again slowed with the cold weather. Those heading out will want to try Hot-n-Tots, spinners or a jig and wax worm.

Kalamazoo River: Has steelhead for those willing to try. Walleye may also be found up near the Allegan Dam.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead are still being caught but the bite did slow. Try the deeper holes with spinners, wobble glows, yarn, flies or wax worms. Try the backwaters for panfish.

Lake Lansing: For bluegills, try the weedy areas in deeper water along the northwest and south end. Those pike spearing have taken a few fish.

Muskrat Lake: Anglers caught a few crappie and bluegill but the bite was slow.

Lake Ovid: Anglers are out fishing but few reports have come in.

Jackson County: The inland lakes are producing panfish and even some limit catches for those willing to spend time on the lake.

Muskegon River: Continues to provide fair to good steelhead action. Anglers are floating spawn or fly fishing. Some have also caught brown trout.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Burt Lake:Was producing a fair number of walleye and perch.

Hubbard Lake:Was producing some limit catches of walleye.

Au Sable River:Anglers fishing below Foote Dam need to be aware that water flows are fluctuating widely at this time because of ice damming issues above Alcona. Anglers should check the USGS river flow gauges for the most up-to-date conditions. Severe cold causes the river above the Alcona Impoundment to turn to slush, creates anchor ice, and forms ice dams that create large changes in downstream flows. Thus, conditions may be very difficult for fishing or floating below Foote Dam. Those fishing for steelhead had success all along the river with wax worms and spoons. Most points are accessible however the banks, parking lots and fishing platforms are icy. The best launch for small boats would be Whirlpool. The store launch was clear and Rea Road is open, but icy and parking is limited. High Banks and Foote Dam have limited parking and the stairs were icy. If using the snowmobile trails to access parts of the river, watch for traffic as most are not expecting to see people on the trail.

Higgins Lake: The entire lake is frozen and ice shanties are starting to show up. Lake trout were caught out deep by those using greys on tip-ups or jigging Swedish pimples and sand kickers. Rainbow trout including one 27-inch fish were caught on wigglers near the Conference Center and Big Creek. Whitefish have been caught just off the bottom in 85 to 120 feet by those chumming. Perch were caught near Big Creek, Treasure Island, or B & B Marina. On the south end of the lake, perch were caught off Sunken Island. A few pike were taken on tip-ups and large minnows. Those spearing were seeing smaller pike.

Houghton Lake: Has good ice and lots of activity. Anglers are catching walleye and pike however the bite may slow with all the traffic on the lake.

Tawas: Those heading out should stay on the well-traveled trails in order to avoid getting stuck in snow-drifts. There’s quite a bit of fishing activity off Jerry’s Marina where anglers have caught some nice perch and walleye in 15 feet. Those spearing pike have taken a few nice fish. Anglers heading out to 20 feet of water near the tip of Tawas Point caught walleye at dusk.

Au Gres: Most walleye anglers were going off the end of Santiago Road and Booth Road and fishing a mile or two out. At Palmer Road, anglers reported slow walleye and perch fishing. They can see fish but they will not bite.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Most of the bigger inland lakes are now being fished. Steelhead are in the rivers but ice and brutal weather are keeping most from trying.

Green Lake: Is still producing some smelt. Anglers do best at night when using a jig. Try off the Music Camp with small minnows. Anglers have also caught bluegill, perch and pike.

Skegemog Lake: Had good yellow perch fishing.

Lake Cadillac: Panfish anglers were doing well off Kenwood Park which is on the northwest side of the lake. They caught bluegill, crappie and a few perch in waters 10 to 12 feet deep. Try minnows and red spikes. Pike have been caught along the weed beds by those using tip-ups.

Lake Mitchell: Usually produces more pike than Lake Cadillac. Anglers are using tip-ups with large minnows. For bluegill, try the coves on the west side of the lake with teardrops and wax worms. Crappie can be found off the State Park.

Lake Missaukee: Is producing bluegill, crappie and the occasional perch. The better fishing is usually along the weed beds on the west side of the lake with a tear-drop and minnow or spike.

Manistee River: Still has steelhead though the bite will slow once again with the cooler temperatures. Fish the deeper holes with eggs or spawn.

UPPER PENINSULA

Menominee: Bay anglers are heading out near Red Arrow Park on the Wisconsin side or Hennes Park on the Michigan side. Most are targeting whitefish and catch rates were fair to good with a jig and wax worm.

Menominee River: Walleye can still be found on the Wisconsin side near the Hattie Street Dam. Try jigging minnows and wax worms. Pike are showing up on camera near the Mystery Ship landing however they would not bite. Try tip-ups with large minnows. Those jigging near the lighthouse caught bluegill and crappie.

Little Bay De Noc: Ice conditions remain good although travel has not been easy due to deep and drifting snow. The weight of the snow has opened up some pressure cracks. Extreme caution needs to be used when crossing them. Walleye catches were best in the southern bay between Aronson Island and Portage Point when jigging rapalas with or without a minnow in 40 to 50 feet. Some were fishing in 25 to 35 feet near the Escanaba River however this area is DANGEROUS. Whitefish anglers did well at Gladstone when using minnows or spawn in 45 feet and off Sand Point in 75 to 85 feet. Perch anglers reported small fish near Kipling and Garth Point. A few jumbo perch were caught near Gladstone and the “Narrows.” Try minnows or wigglers in 18 to 35 feet. Pike have been speared at Kipling and northeast of Butler Island in 10 feet.

Munuscong: Has ice and a good amount of slush. Though the perch and walleye action has slowed, persistent anglers are fishing with tip-ups and minnows.

Cedarville and Hessel: Musky Bay and Hessel Bay are slow with very few perch being caught. Slushy conditions make travel a little more difficult.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 2/6/14 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Many are fishing out of Bolles Harbor however they are not catching very many fish. Perch were caught in the Metro Park Marina however be ready to sort out the small ones. Walleye have been caught in Brest Bay by those using small spoons tipped with a minnow.

Detroit River: Airport Bay was good for perch during the cold spell but then catch rates slowed.

Lake St. Clair: Has lots of ice however due to currents and pressure cracks, there is still some areas with open water and a couple machines have gone through the ice over the last week. Again, anglers are reminded to use extreme caution. Perch fishing seems to have slowed and the average size was down.

Harbor Beach: A few perch were caught inside the city harbor.

Saginaw Bay: Walleye were caught in 16 to 20 feet off Linwood and the Bay City State Park. On the east side of the bay, walleye anglers are fishing from Sunset Bay and off Thomas Road are heading out eight to 11 miles. Perch anglers fishing in five to six feet off Vanderbilt Park near Quanicassee have caught some nice fish during the first half hour of daylight but then the bite quits after the sun come up. Only a few pike and small perch were taken at Sebewaing. Some are accessing the bay at Rose Island and Geiger Road and fishing out in the Slot for walleye. Fishing at Caseville, Port Austin and Grindstone City was slow.

Saginaw River: Pressure was generally light from Wickes Park and Rust Avenue north through downtown Saginaw. Anglers picked up the occasional keeper when using green jig-heads baited with a minnow in nine to 15 feet. Walleye were caught near the Zilwaukee Bridge and downstream of the Veteran’s Bridge on the east side. A few perch were also caught. Fishing around the Independence Bridge was generally slow but a few anglers did well when using silver and blue jigging rapalas. Further down at Smith Park, the Cement Plant and the mouth, catch rates were slow and spotty.

Lake Chemung: In Livingston County is producing a small number of panfish.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Pretty much all the inland lakes have ice. Bluegills have been hit-or-miss because of the numerous weather fronts. The best bite was in the morning or evening.

St. Joseph River: Has shelf ice and the ramps are extremely icy. There are steelhead in the river if anglers can get to them.

Branch County: Marble Lake was producing some good size bluegill and crappie. Pike and perch were also caught. Bluegill and perch were caught on Matteson Lake. Those fishing Randall Lake caught good numbers of small panfish and pike including two fish over 30 inches.

Duck Lake: In Calhoun County was producing some pike for those spearing.

Kalamazoo River: Also has steelhead but like most of the rivers in southwest Michigan, shelf ice and icy ramps are preventing access.

Gull Lake: Is producing some smelt, perch and the occasional lake trout.

Gun Lake: Is producing walleye, perch and bluegills. For walleye, try east of Murphy’s Point or Robbins Bay.

Grand River at Lansing: Anglers are still finding some leftover steelhead below the dams. At the North Lansing Dam and the Portland Dam, fish were caught when floating a golden shiner.

Lake Lansing: Is producing the occasional big crappie. Some are using wax worms instead of minnows.

Round Lake: Was producing a few pike for those spearing.

Muskrat Lake: Catch rates were fair for bluegill but the crappie were slow.

Muskegon River: Has good steelhead fishing with most fish being caught in the deeper holes.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Panfish activity is sporadic on the smaller inland lakes. Deep snow is making access a little more difficult for anglers.

Au Sable River: The few anglers making their way onto the river had good success because of the good number of steelhead in the river. Most are fishing the dam, Rea Road Launch, the Gas Line and the Whirlpool. Other areas of the river may be holding fish, but may not be accessible. Foote Dam and Whirlpool are open to 4-wheel drives. Wax worms, small spinners or spawn were best.

Higgins Lake: Lake trout are being caught on greys. Perch anglers were starting to catch a few bigger ones in eight to 12 feet of water on the east side of the lake off Maple Hurst Road and Flag Point. Perch were caught south of the Sunken Island by those using minnows, wigglers and wax worms. Rainbow trout can be found in the shallows off Big Creek and the Conference Center. Most are using wigglers.

Houghton Lake: Anglers are catching a fair number of walleye. Most are fishing along the weeds in eight to 10 feet. Catch rates for panfish were sporadic.

Tawas: Most fishing activity is now outside the harbor rather than inside. Perch fishing was fair to good in 15 feet of water off Jerry’s Marina. Anglers are seeing a lot of perch down the holes but they do not want to bite. Further out near the ice that has broken up and re-froze, walleye were caught in 20 feet and a few pike were speared including one 20 pounder.

Au Gres: Most of the fishing activity is off the end of Booth Road in 15 feet of water where they’re picking up some walleyes and perch. Catch rates were fair. Off Palmer Road, walleye anglers were going out four to four and half miles and fishing in 16 to 18 feet. Perch anglers closer to shore are seeing fish but few were caught.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Torch Lake: Has ice. Anglers are catching whitefish and herring on the north end near Eastport.

Green Lake: Continues to produce smelt for those hook and line fishing at night near the Betsie River or the Music Camp. Deep snow and slush make travel difficult.

Crystal Lake: In Benzie County has excellent smelt fishing at night in 45 to 50 feet of water. Use Hali jigs with wax worms. Look for perch along the weeds in 25 to 35 feet of water. Try tear drops tipped with a minnow or wiggler.

Lake Cadillac: Is producing some panfish and pike. Lots of snow and slush in some areas is making travel on the ice difficult.

Lake Mitchell: Is producing the occasional pike and crappie.

Lake Missaukee: Is producing a few perch and crappie. The better fishing is usually along the weed beds on the west side of the lake with a minnow or spike.

Manistee River: Steelhead are in the river however not many anglers are pursuing them.

UPPER PENINSULA

Anglers are actively ice fishing the inland lakes as well as the Great Lakes.

Menominee: Ice anglers were targeting whitefish. Catch rates were fair to good in 30 to 40 feet of water when jigging minnows or wax worms. Access was found from Henes Park in Menominee or Red Arrow Park in Marinette.

Menominee River: Anglers are still marking walleye through the ice on the Wisconsin side near the Hattie Street Dam. A few fish are still being caught but catch rates have slowed. Some are still targeting pike near the Mystery Ship launch when jigging artificial bait or using tip-ups with minnows. Catch rates were slow. Those seeking panfish are jigging wax worms at the Mennikaunee Launch or behind K-Mart however no fish were caught as the water was low and cloudy.

Little Bay De Noc: Travel has been limited because of snow. The deep snow makes moving shanties very difficult and some have been unable to reach them because of drifting snow. There was a large pressure crack and no vehicles are traveling over it. Anglers are venturing as far south as the No See-um Creek area. The best walleye catches were reported near Portage Point when jigging rapalas or using tip-ups with minnows 40 to 50 feet down along the break. A few walleye were caught near Gladstone in 30 to 40 feet. As for whitefish, fair to good reports came from Sand Point when jigging minnows or spawn in 75 to 85 feet or off Gladstone when fishing off the bottom. Perch anglers have struggled as catch rates were down. A few jumbo perch were caught near Saunders Point but only small fish were caught near Butler Island.

Munuscong: Those fishing east of Roach Point in waters 25 to 27 feet reported fair catch rates. Only a handful of perch were caught in four feet of water.

Cedarville and Hessel: There is a lot of snow on the ice and the plowed trail was blown shut. Perch fishing in Musky Bay and Cedarville Bay was poor with very few fish caught. Anglers were using wigglers or minnows in 10 to 13 feet. Hessel Bay was a little better with a few bigger fish taken. Try minnows in 10 to 14 feet. Hessel Bay did not have as much snow but travel on the ice was still difficult.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 2/13/14 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Is producing walleye in Brest Bay. Try 12 to 20 feet of water with Swedish pimples, small Cleo’s or jigging rapalas tipped with a big minnow. Those fishing off the Metro Park Marina caught perch and bluegills.

Detroit River: Perch have been caught in the canals around Gibraltar. Try shiners, spikes or wax worms. Those heading out to Airport Bay are getting perch. Anglers will have to park at Groh Road and then take the half mile walk down Frenchmen’s Creek to get out to the Bay.

Lake St. Clair: Still has a lot of snow on the ice and that makes travel more difficult. Despite the cold temperatures, there are still some areas with open water so anglers need to use caution. Perch fishing was spotty with mainly small fish caught.

Harbor Beach: Had a few anglers fishing in the boat channel off the Edison Plant and some off the discharge channel. There were rumors of perch being caught but the only fish recorded was a brown trout.

Saginaw Bay: A few walleye were caught in 20 feet of water off Linwood and the Bay City State Park. A couple perch were caught in six feet off Newman Road. Those wading at the Hot Pond caught a few pike. Those heading off the end of Callahan Road caught some nice walleye about eight miles out. Near Quanicassee, perch anglers did well off and on at Vanderbilt Park. They were fishing out near the first pressure crack. Walleye anglers continue to fish about 10 miles off Sunset Bay Marina and Thomas Road. Catch rates were hit-or-miss.

Attention Anglers: The Village of Sebewaing is planning to use dynamite to break up some of the river ice to prevent flooding. This action will take place on or about February 20. There are signs posted to alert the public. For now, anglers are fishing off the VFW, Rose Island and Geiger Road. Most are likely fishing the Slot or crossing the Bar to deeper water. Perch were spotty at Mud Creek.

Saginaw River: Walleye fishing was slow at Wickes Park, Middle Grounds, Cass Avenue, Veterans Park and Smith Park. A few fish were taken south of the Zilwaukee Bridge near the grain silos in 23 feet or downstream of the Liberty Bridge and out to the channel in 23 feet. Some five and six pounders were taken between I-675 and First Street but those fishing near the mouth off Patterson Road caught many sub-legal fish.

Tittabawassee River: A couple walleye were caught through the ice downstream of the Center Road Bridge. This area is close to open water so anglers use caution.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph River: Has shelf ice and the ramps are extremely icy. Anglers have caught a couple steelhead on the warmer days.

Kalamazoo River: Is still iced up with shelf ice. Look for steelhead fishing to improve as the temperatures warm up.

Gull Lake: Anglers have caught a few smelt, northern pike and some lake trout on the north end of the lake.

Gun Lake: Was producing bluegill, black crappie, walleye and perch.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has shelf ice along the banks. The better steelhead fishing will be down near the dam. Walleye can usually be found near the dam or under the bridges.

Lake Lansing: Some bluegills were caught in 15 feet of water. Try a tear drop with a wax worm or spike.

Muskegon River: Catch rates should increase as temperatures warm by the end of the week.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Au Sable River: Has steelhead in good numbers. Anyone making the effort to get to the open areas on the river should be successful when using spawn, wax worms or small spinners. There is ice built up along the banks but open water areas up river between the Whirlpool and the dam. Parking is at a minimum in most places. You may be able to launch at Whirlpool and Rea Road, but launches have ice built up so you may have to break through to launch a boat. The snowmobile trails have been very active so use caution if walking on the trials.

Higgins Lake: Some are taking smelt at night. Those heading out are catching lake trout in deep water. Try greys just off the bottom. For perch, try near the Sunken Island, Detroit Point or Flag Point. For rainbow trout, try up near the Conference Center and Big Creek.

Houghton Lake: Catch rates for bluegill were slow but should improve as the weather warms. Try along the weed beds in 10 feet or more for walleye.

Lake St. Helen: Catch rates were slow but fish have been caught. For pike, try tip-ups with large minnows. Anglers will find crappie in waters eight feet or deeper. They were hitting on small minnows and wax worms. The lake is producing a few perch ranging 10 to 12 inches but no big numbers. Most anglers are fishing First Lake especially the north and northwest side as well as off the boat launch.

Tawas: Perch were caught off Jerry’s Marina and inside the harbor. Most fish were six to eight inches but a few were up near the 10 inch range. Walleye fishing was active out near the edge of the safe ice but catch rates were slow. Pike spearing was also slow.

Au Gres: Most of the fishing activity was down near Pointe Au Gres off Booth Road. Perch were taken at the edge of the drop-off in eight feet and some walleye were taken out further. Down off Palmer Road, walleye anglers are getting a few fish from the Catfish Hole at dusk. Catch rates for perch about a mile offshore were spotty in six feet of water.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Grand Traverse Bay: Has fishable ice so anglers are heading out for whitefish.

Green Lake: Continues to produce smelt for those fishing near the Betsie River or the Music Camp at night. Try a teardrop or hali jig with a wax worm.

Crystal Lake: In Benzie County has decent smelt fishing at night in 45 to 50 feet of water. Use Hali jigs with wax worms. Some have caught lake trout just off the bottom. Look for perch along the weeds in 25 to 35 feet of water. Try tear drops tipped with a minnow or wiggler.

Lake Cadillac: Anglers are catching pike and crappie.

Lake Mitchell: Is another good lake for pike, crappie and bluegill.

Lake Missaukee: Is producing a fair to good number of panfish for those using minnows and spikes.

Manistee River: Steelhead can be found up near Tippy Dam. Below High Bridge the river is iced up and not fishable.

Pere Marquette River: Has steelhead. Those wading have caught steelhead and the occasional brown trout.

UPPER PENINSULA

Marquette: Anglers are ice fishing however caution needs to be used because ice thickness varies from one area to the next. A few ice anglers were targeting menominee and splake out from the Lower Harbor but catch rates were poor. Some are fishing near the bubblers however few fish were caught.

Chocolay River: The wayside on M-28 is plowed. The river is frozen however ice thickness is not uniform because of the current. Anglers typically fish for steelhead and brown trout this time of year.

Au Train: A couple anglers were targeting coho and steelhead out from the Rock River however few bites were reported as ice fishing was slow. No activity to report from the Brownstone Launch or the Au Train River. All areas are iced in and the launch areas are not plowed.

Munising: Ice in the bay is very thick and may be a challenge for those without a power auger. Anglers are targeting whitefish however catch rates were slow. For splake, catch rates were slow and the vast majority of fish were sub-legal. Those fishing in Trout Bay caught coho along with the occasional lake trout and steelhead. Small perch were caught at Sand Point.

Menominee: Anglers are still targeting whitefish off Henes Park and Red Arrow Park. They are using a jig with a small piece of minnow or wax worm in 30 to 40 feet. Catch rates were fair.

Menominee River: Those targeting panfish are jigging wax worms off the Menikaunee launch or behind K-Mart. Catch rates were still a bit slow however some bluegills were caught. Pike are still being marked off the Mystery Ship launch but few were caught. Anglers are jigging rapalas or using tip-ups with large minnows. For walleye, anglers are fishing through the ice on the Wisconsin side near the Hattie Street Dam. Catch rates were fair to good with the occasional whitefish also caught. Most are jigging a piece of minnow or wax worm. Some are targeting trout in the open water on the Michigan side but no fish were caught.

Little Bay De Noc: Angler participation was down as deep snow is making travel difficult. Catch rates for walleye were fair with Portage Point and Second Reef the hot spots. Anglers used tip-ups with minnows or were jigging rapalas in 24 feet on the Second Reef and 40 to 50 feet near Portage Point. Some fish were suspended 10 to 12 feet from the bottom. Sand Point was producing a fair number of whitefish in 75 to 90 feet and off the Terrace Bay Inn in Gladstone in 30 to 45 feet. Minnows and spawn work best. Perch fishing was slow but a few fish were taken in 14 to 17 feet near Kipling. A few jumbo perch were caught in the Kipling Flats in 23 to 30 feet.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 2/28/14 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Had decent perch fishing off the Metro Park Marina. Those fishing Brest Bay are taking some walleye.

Detroit River: Does have some ice coming down the river. Catch rates slowed for perch however some were still heading out to Grosse Ile and fishing Airport Bay.

Lake St. Clair: The ice is holding but there are thin spots and patches of open water because of currents. Anglers should not venture too far away from the normal fishing locations. The snow pack melted quite a bit so travel was much easier. Perch fishing was slow to fair however catch rates will improve when it starts to thaw and the perch start moving into shallow waters to spawn.

Saginaw Bay: Catch rates are slow and hanging on a bit longer than normal this year, most likely due to the bitter cold temperatures. Underwater cameras are showing walleye and perch but the bite is not there. Some were lucky enough to catch a few perch in 10 feet of water off White’s Beach and walleye in 15 feet before the first pressure crack off the State Park, and out near Spoils Island. Perch fishing off Vanderbilt Park was non-existent. Walleye anglers going off Thomas Road found a few fish in the middle of the Slot. They did better than the guys crossing the Bar and going to the Slot. Bluegill, crappie and the odd pike were caught out from the marina at Sebewaing.

Saginaw River: Catch rates were slow but some caught the occasional walleye on a blue and silver jigging rapala with a treble hook and minnow head. A couple perch were caught off the cement plant at Essexville. Anglers are seeing a lot of fish on their cameras but the fish are ignoring the bait. Water clarity was back to normal.

Tittabawassee River: Had a little bit of open water up near Gordonville Road where anglers were casting for walleye. None were caught. With the return of cold air, there is too much shore ice again.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Anglers are still ice fishing. The rain did help reduce some of the snow cover making for easier travel. Shallow and weedy lakes are starting to show signs of poor dissolved oxygen. Fish are becoming lethargic and suspending higher in the water column. Try fishing just a few feet under the ice on these types of lakes.

St. Joseph River: Those fishing up near the Berrien Springs Dam have caught steelhead. Boat launches may still be iced in.

Kalamazoo River: Had less ice but the boat launches will still be tricky. Anglers are catching steelhead and some walleye up near the Allegan Dam. Minnows and crank baits were the ticket.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Continues to produce steelhead for those using spawn, wax worms, small spoons or Hot-n-Tot’s. Fair to good walleye fishing for those using bucktail jigs with three-inch twister tails or a jig and minnow.

Grand River at Lansing: Those looking for pike will want to try a jig and twister tail or a shiner under a bobber below the dams.

Lake Lansing: Was producing some crappie.

Muskrat Lake: Was producing some crappie.

Park Lake: Anglers caught bluegill but had to sort out the small ones.

Morrison Lake: Is producing some crappie.

Muskegon Lake: Has decent ice fishing. Perch anglers had fair catches. The trick is to keep moving to find the schools of fish. Most are using a teardrop or small spoon with a minnow head.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Van Etten Lake: Ice conditions remain good. Access sites at the park and Air Force Beach are clear of snow. Perch, bluegill and crappie were caught in good numbers.

Au Sable River: Fishing is good in the area's that are accessible. Steelhead were caught on spawn, wax worms or small spoons. Rea Road, Foot Dam, High Banks, and Whirlpool were in good condition. The snow has been cleared but ice still remains and there is ice along the banks. The snowmobile trail is the easiest to travel however watch for snowmobile traffic as they may not be watching for you.

Lake Margrethe: Is producing some muskie for those spearing.

Higgins Lake: Lake trout were caught on grays in 85 to 100 feet. Those chumming have done the best for whitefish. Catch rates for northern pike have slowed. A decent number of perch were caught in 20 to 70 feet by those using minnows, wigglers and wax worms.

Houghton Lake: Some are catching the occasional walleye along the weed beds.

Tawas: Overall fishing was slow. A few small perch were caught inside the harbor and off Jerry’s Marina. Few pike have been speared and walleye fishing near the tip of Tawas Point was slow.

Au Gres: Also had slow fishing with only a couple anglers sighted off Booth Road. At Palmer Road, walleye anglers had mixed results at the Catfish Hole. Perch fishing there was very slow.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Ice fishing continues on all the inland lakes. Anglers are catching crappie, walleye, pike and bluegills.

Traverse City: Both bays are producing a few whitefish and lake trout.

Lake Cadillac: Was producing a good number of crappie for those fishing in water 12 feet or deeper. The fish can be along the bottom or just under the ice.

Lake Mitchell: Gave up some crappie and bluegills though the bluegill bite was not as strong. No word on pike spearing.

Portage Lake: Ice anglers are catching perch and pike. The better perch fishing is usually in six to 18 feet of water along the south end between the two camps.

Manistee River: Is pretty much locked up with ice from High Bridge down. A couple steelhead were caught at Tippy Dam.

Hamlin Lake: Was producing some bluegills, crappie and walleye. Early morning or late evening was best. Try 10 to 18 feet along the weed beds with Hali jigs and small spoons with wax worms or cut bait such as the head of a minnow.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay: The lake herring, coho and perch bite has been slow. Smelt were caught between Baraga and Bucks Marina by those using teardrops with wax worms at night. Lake trout were found in 130 to 310 feet of water off the Whirl-I-Gig, Pequaming, Mud Bank, Koskie Flats or Farmer’s and Big Reef. The bite was good one day but non-existent the next.

Munising: Angler activity has been light especially for those without a permanent shanty or a power auger to get through the thick ice. Walking conditions improved. Those targeting whitefish will want to try bouncing a single egg off the bottom. Most of the fish caught were small. Those targeting splake caught few fish and many were small. The best chance for bigger fish was off Sand Point. Several anglers were marking smelt but there were no reports of fish caught. Trout Bay was still producing the occasional steelhead or lake trout.

Menominee River: Had an ice breaker that came in all the way up to the Marinette Marina. The only activity was up near the Dam. Some were targeting walleye through the ice on the Marinette side. Catch rates were fair for those jigging parts of a minnow. Some caught the occasional lake whitefish. On the Menominee side, anglers are targeting trout in the open water. Most are drifting flies, spawn and yarn or casting spoons.

Little Bay De Noc: Ice conditions continue to hold however no anglers were out near the Escanaba Power Plant due to ice breakers keeping the shipping lanes open. A few perch and sub-legal walleye were caught in 28 to 35 feet along the Narrows. The better perch fishing was in 24 to 30 feet along the Kipling flats. Try minnows or wigglers. The better walleye fishing was at the head of the bay. Try tip-ups with sucker minnows in eight to 20 feet. Whitefish action was fair off Sand Point when using minnows, wigglers or spawn in 85 to 90 feet. Though many have removed their shanties, anglers are still reminded that ice shanties must be removed by midnight of March 1.

Munuscong: Ice conditions remain good but catch rates were slow in Raber Bay.

Cedarville and Hessel: Catch rates were poor on Musky Bay and Hessel Bay. Anglers caught smaller perch ranging seven and eight inches.

[Rick]

LANSING, MI - The weekly Michigan fishing reports, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie & hunting report from 3/20/15 are gathered by local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Michigan Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Michigan Fishing Reports - Click Here

To visit the Michigan Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Will not be usable to anyone as the ice is in poor shape but there is still enough to prevent boat anglers from going out. A few were ice fishing for perch at the Metro Park Marina but those days are numbered.

Huron River: Continues to produce the occasional steelhead.

Detroit River: Has quite a bit of flow ice coming down. Boat anglers will need to keep watch. Some were jigging for walleye in the Trenton Channel. A few perch were still being caught in the canals around Gibraltar.

Lake St. Clair: Still had ice but it was deteriorating quickly especially in the areas with a current. The top layer of ice was honeycombed and granular with hard ice underneath however with temperatures above freezing this week conditions will be very dicey by the weekend. It appears time to hang up the ice fishing gear and start preparing for open water fishing.

Clinton River: Anglers have caught a couple steelhead.

St. Clair River: Patchy ice flows can restrict shore fishing however when the waters open up anglers have caught steelhead and coho on large shiners fished near the bottom or when casting spoons near the surface.

Saginaw Bay: Warm weather over the past 10 days coupled with strong wind is causing ice conditions to deteriorate quickly. This is the time of year when ice becomes extremely unpredictable and dangerous. Anglers need to use extreme caution! The shoreline ice is getting bad. Watch out for pressure cracks and think twice before crossing them. Anglers have been rescued near Pinconning and the mouth of the Saginaw River. Those fishing off Palmer Road caught walleye including some limit catches. Most of the activity was about 1 ½ miles out in 7 to 8 feet inside the first pressure crack. Some nice perch were also caught. Decent size perch and a few walleye were taken in 8 feet near White's Beach. Down off Cody-Estey Road and Pinconning Road, walleye were taken in 14 feet however be extremely careful around the pressure cracks as the ice was not good. A lot of anglers were fishing off the Bay City State Park. Some were going out 3 miles for walleye while others stayed close to shore and caught fish in 4 to 5 feet. The bite was best before 9:30AM. The ice is getting bad near the mouth of the river so avoid the area. Those heading out from Finn Road caught some walleye toward the north end of Spoils Island however stay away from the Hot Pond Channel! Bluegill and crappie were caught inside the marina basin at Sunset Bay. Walleye fishing in the Slot has slowed due to questionable ice conditions. At Sebewaing, the river is getting dirty and those fishing the marina said it was slow. Mud Creek was spotty. Those fishing the east side of the bay need to watch out for large areas of open water near the islands.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Anglers were still getting out on some lakes but extreme caution needs to be used because last ice is dangerous. Shoreline ice was extremely soft.

St. Joseph River: The fish ladders are open and steelhead have started moving through at Berrien Springs. The river is turbid due to all the runoff during the past week. Stream flow is within normal range for this time of year. A lot of anglers were fishing below the dam.

Black River: At South Haven was producing a couple steelhead or brown trout.

Kalamazoo River: Anglers are reporting good catches of steelhead below the Allegan Dam.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: The fish ladders are open. Anglers are reporting good catches of steelhead below the 6th Street Dam. Movement through the ladders will increase as water temperatures get above 39 degrees.

Grand River at Lansing: All the fish ladders are open.

Muskegon River: Steelhead fishing is slowly improving and will only get better as water temperatures warm up. Most of the river is free of ice flow but snowmelt has the water stained

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Although many lakes still have fishable ice, anglers still need to use caution. Rivers and streams are beginning to open up.

Grand Lake: Perch fishing started to pick up.

Long Lake: Was producing perch on the south end. The size was smaller but a good number were caught.

Grass Lake: In Montmorency County was producing a good number of hand size bluegills.

Fletchers Pond: Is producing a good number of bluegills but many were small.

Higgins Lake: The ice is holding but the shoreline ice was starting to go especially along the west side. Anglers were heading out from the North State Park and the launch on the west side. Perch were caught on the north end and along the shelf that runs out to the Sunken Island in 40 to 60 feet and in shallow waters 15 to 20 feet. Lake trout action slowed as most anglers are perch fishing. Those with cameras have seen smelt out from Big Creek in 20 feet however they will not bite.

Houghton Lake: Still has ice and anglers are targeting bluegill and perch. Most are fishing along the weed beds a couple hundred yards offshore. Try wax worms or spikes for bluegill and perch minnows or wax worms for perch.

Tawas: Those spearing pike in the bay took several fish 30 inches or more. Perch fishing was slow. A few walleye were taken off Jerry's Marina and the mouth of the Tawas River, but success was spotty. A couple lake trout were caught by those targeting walleye.

Au Gres: A couple anglers going out just north of the breakwall caught a few walleye along with a couple whitefish or lake trout in 7 to 10 feet. The water was muddy out from the Rifle River and the Pine River because of snowmelt.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Ice fishing is still going, but anglers really need to be cautious. Even with lots of ice if it doesn't get cold at night, the ice can change quickly. Steelhead fishing is slow because water temperatures are still cold from the snowmelt. Once the snowpack is gone, the spring run will begin.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Anglers are still fishing however extreme caution needs to be used. Safety is always a concern on first and last ice. Some bluegills and crappie were caught just under the ice.

Lake Missaukee: Ice anglers were getting panfish. Be careful and pay close attention to temperatures and wind direction.

Manistee River: Anglers are starting to catch more steelhead and the catch rates will only improve as the water temperatures rise. Melting snow has the water levels up.

Hamlin Lake: Anglers were catching a mixed bag of fish including a fair number of bluegill.

Pere Marquette River: The ice is pretty much gone. Snowmelt will stain the waters and raise the levels. Those targeting steelhead will want to try spawn in the deeper holes until the water warms up.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Marquette: The ice is deteriorating out near the "bubblers" and there are pressure cracks near shore on both the Upper and Lower Harbors. The ice is no longer safe and several miles out you can see stretches of open water with ice flow. Water levels at the mouth of the Carp River and the Dead River have started to rise slightly because of runoff. Those fishing the Carp River have caught the occasional steelhead on spawn or crawlers.

Au Train Bay: The mouth of the Rock River and the Au Train River are slowly starting to open up. There was no activity at the Brownstone launch. The bay remains frozen with some pressure cracks near shore.

Menominee River: The dam at Menominee has 2 gates partially open so anglers are now open water fishing. A couple dozen anglers were fishing near Hattie Street.

Little Bay De Noc: Ice conditions have deteriorated quickly and shoreline ice has opened up in many locations. Although some anglers were still driving out on the bay, the ice is getting dangerous and driving on it is no longer safe. Extreme caution needs to be used near the rivers, Sand Point, Saunders Point and the entire southern sections. Perch anglers had fair catches but most of the fish were small. The better catches were between the Second and Center Reefs with wigglers or minnows in 17 to 28 feet.

Munising: Warmer weather equals more anglers but catch rates were slow. Walking conditions are slick so bring your cleats. Ice conditions in the bay were still good, the snow cover is gone but there were pockets of slush near shore. Pressure cracks are beginning to show up around the shoreline at Sand Point and small open water pockets are beginning to pop up. A couple keeper size splake were taken on jigging lures, eggs or minnows. Catch rates for whitefish did improve some after several hours of effort. Try a single egg or wax worm on the bottom. Anglers were marking schools of smelt but none were caught. A few coho were taken and catch rates should pick-up soon. Those in the spearing shacks had poor to fair results for herring in the early morning. Trout Bay continues to have fishable ice though catch rates were slow for a mixed bag of chinook, coho, lake trout, herring and burbot.

St. Mary's River: Walleye season is closed so anglers are now targeting perch which were scattered in Munuscong Bay. The better fishing was up in Fowlers Bay when using minnows in 4 to 6 feet. The ice has water and slush on top.

Cedarville and Hessel:Pike season is closed but perch fishing is starting to improve in Musky Bay and Hessel Bay. Fish were caught on wigglers and wax worms in 6 to 10 feet of water.

Enjoy your catch! Eat safe fish! Learn about eating safe, local and healthful fish from our Great Lakes State at www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie:  With walleye season winding down anglers are reporting lower catch rates but a few were still caught when trolling in 20 to 25 feet with crawler harnesses, spoons or crank baits.  Try a mile or two out from Stony Point and Fermi or near the Banana Dike and the E-Buoy.  Perch numbers are on the climb as anglers are catching fish out of Brest Bay and Bolles Harbor when jigging in 15 to 22 feet using minnows with pink or purple beads.  

Lenawee County:  Devils Lake seen fair to good bluegill fishing by those putting in their time.  Most fish were caught in six to 12 feet when using crawlers and wax worms.  Those trolling for pike did well using deep divers and spinner baits along the weed lines.  A few good catches of crappie were taken on minnows.  On Lake Hudson, fishing was hit-or-miss depending on the day.  Bass anglers are doing best throwing top water baits or Senkos.  Panfish were caught in good numbers but the keepers were hard to find.  A few walleye are starting to trickle in for those trolling or casting.  

Detroit River:  Walleye anglers are jigging around the islands or trolling crawler harnesses near the mouth.  Perch fishing was slow but anglers are finding them in the open areas around the weed beds.  Smallmouth bass are being caught around the islands and some musky were caught on the east side of Grosse Ile.  

St. Clair River:  Was producing some limit catches of walleye along the wall in Port Huron.  

Lexington & Port Sanilac:  Lake trout fishing picked up as the thermoclines settled down.  The fish were caught on bright green lures near the bottom in 100 to 140 feet.  Steelhead and the odd Chinook were caught on bright orange spoons about halfway down.  Perch fishing was very slow.  

Harbor Beach:  Lake trout are being taken in 100 to 120 feet north of the harbor when using spoons off downriggers and dodgers with spin-glo’s off the bottom.  Blue, green, glow or white with pink dots worked well especially when trolling a little faster.  Steelhead and the occasional salmon were caught out near the scum line in the top 25 to 70 feet.  Good colors were bright orange, green and yellow.  

Grindstone City:  The walleye action was spotty but some boats did well about 4 miles south when fishing in 35 to 48 feet off the New River.  Anglers are fishing around the reefs with lead core and crawlers, crank baits or spoons.  

Saginaw Bay:  A good number of walleye were still being caught beyond Buoys 1 & 2 in 25 feet or more, off the Pinconning Bar and off Linwood in 20 feet.  There was also an early morning bite off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River and the Callahan Reef in six to nine feet along the weed beds.  Most are trolling unweighted or very light crawler harnesses off planer boards so they ride just over the top of the weeds.  This is a pre-dawn until about 10 a.m. bite and then the fish go deeper.  Those trolling up the east side are taking a few walleye from the Slot, off the Bar and along the shipping channel when trolling harnesses.  The fish are scattered so if you find some, circle back through them.  Success off Caseville was limited so try northeast of Big Charity Island.  Walleye fishing was slow off Port Austin but the lake trout action has picked up.  

Saginaw River:  Walleye catches were spotty with the better action near the bridge supports.  Smith Park in Essexville is open after renovations.  Shore anglers there were catching the occasional bass, catfish and freshwater drum.

Sanford Lake:  A recent bass tournament had mixed results with some taking limits while others were skunked.  Crappie fishing slowed but some were caught on pinkie jigs, minnows or worms.  Warmer water made it more difficult to find active fish.


SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph:  Boaters should use caution as there was a lot of debris floating around because of the recent storms.  Perch were caught in good numbers in 35 feet.  Salmon fishing was slow as the fish were scattered.  The most consistent water seemed to be 90 to 120 feet.  Pier anglers are still catching a couple steelhead when floating shrimp or alewife under a bobber.  

St. Joseph River:  Flows are high and turbid and there are a lot of logs and debris moving downstream.  Boat anglers will need to use caution.  A fair number of steelhead moved upstream through the Berrien Springs fish ladder.  Water temperatures were in the mid 70’s so those fish will need to find colder water near springs or in the tributaries.  

South Haven:  Also has debris coming down into the lake.  Boat anglers will want to use caution.  Those targeting salmon found fishing was starting to improve in 80 to 100 feet.  Pier anglers caught the occasional steelhead when using shrimp under a bobber.  Perch anglers were starting to catch a few fish in 20 to 60 feet but overall the fish were scattered.  

Saugatuck:  Pier anglers are catching summer steelhead.

Kalamazoo River:  Flathead and channel catfish are being caught in good numbers.  Steelhead were caught at the Allegan Dam.  

Holland:  Pier anglers are catching summer steelhead.   

Grand Haven:  Pier anglers had some success when the alewives were in close.  They caught Chinook and some had limit catches of steelhead when using shrimp or alewife for bait.  Boat anglers caught fish 40 to 90 feet down in 70 to 140 feet with green spoons and meat rigs.  

Grand River at Grand Rapids:  A few summer steelhead making it up to the dam were caught by those drifting flies, yarn and beads.  Channel and flathead catfish are being caught on worms and bluegills.  Carp were hitting on worms, corn and shredded wheat.  Those fishing off the wall caught bluegills.  Crappie and a few walleye were also caught on minnows.

Grand River at Lansing:  Catfish are being caught near the dams.  Try crawlers, bluegills, cut bait, or shrimp.  Some crappies were also caught.

Lake Lansing:  Was producing a few bass.  

Livingston County:  Bass and bluegill were caught in Woodland Lake and a few panfish were taken in Lake Chemung.

Muskegon:  Catch rates were slow with most boats going at least fifteen miles out and searching for better fishing waters.  Those that did catch Chinook did so when fishing throughout the water column in 120 feet with J-plugs and meat rigs.  

Muskegon River:  Boats are finding a few Chinook 40 to 80 feet down in 60 to 120 feet with green and yellow meat rigs or green spoons.  

Whitehall:  Boat anglers were taking some Chinook, coho, lake trout and steelhead.  Pier fishing for steelhead and salmon died off but a few bait fish remain in the channel.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Rogers City:  Fishing continues to pick up for Chinook and steelhead with the occasional coho or Atlantic salmon mixed in.  There has not been one spot better than another however the better fishing was in the evening in 45 to 120 feet with downriggers, dipseys, lead core and copper.  Most fish were caught in the top 40 feet with green, blue, yellow and chartreuse spoons.  Glow spoons work best at first and last light.  Steelhead were caught on orange spoons up high.  Lake trout are still abundant and those targeting them have done very well when using cowbells with spin-glo’s near the bottom or suspended.  Conditions are changing continuously with the different wind directions.  

East & West Twin Lakes:  Fishing was slow on East Twin but the walleye fishing on West Twin was very good with fish ranging 15 to 18 inches.  Those trolling reported fish over 20 inches.  Rock bass fishing was easy on West Twin when using crawlers or artificial worms in the six to eight foot holes.  Perch fishing was also good with fish ranging eight to 14 inches.  Bass fishing was moderate with most fishing along the shallows and near structure off Eagle Point.    

Alpena:  A mixed bag is beginning to show up with mostly lake trout along with a couple salmon and steelhead.  Lake trout can be found near the bottom but the salmon and steelhead were hitting in the top 50 feet.  Try around Thunder Bay Island or the “Humps” with orange, green or blue spoons.  The walleye fishing has been great with most boats catching fish near the North Shore and Red Can, behind Grass Island, between Sulphur Island and Grass Island or around Thunder Bay Island.  Most fish were taken on crank baits, body baits and crawler harnesses.  The fish have moved deeper and were anywhere from eight to 15 feet down in 20 to 40 feet.   

Thunder Bay River:  The water has warmed significantly and slowed the bite for most species but some young anglers caught rock bass and some undersize smallmouth bass.  

Harrisville:  The water temperature has been up and down making it hard to find the breaks.  Lake trout, salmon and walleye seem to be in the same area north of the harbor between Sturgeon Point and the Black River in 10 to 30 feet.  Lake trout and salmon were caught in 70 to 170 feet.  Those fishing top to bottom caught a variety of fish with downriggers, planer boards and long-lining.  Spoons, wobble glows and spin-glo’s behind cowbells, flashers and dodgers are working well.    

Oscoda:  Pier anglers have caught channel cats but they were not biting until very late at night.  Walleye have slowed.  Lake trout are out deep and staying close to the bottom.  Try 80 to 150 feet with dark colored spoons, spin-glo’s and cut bait.  

Au Sable River:  A few walleye were caught just below Foote Dam.  Early morning and late at night were the best times.  

Houghton Lake:  Is producing panfish and walleye.  

Tawas:  Had a lot of boats out trolling for walleye.  They did best in 50 to 60 feet outside Tawas Point when using crawler harnesses.  A few limit catches were reported.  Some boats were going south toward the “crib” off Alabaster and fishing in 40 to 50 feet.  Pier and river fishing were “summer slow” and producing the occasional bass, catfish or freshwater drum.  

Au Gres:  Remained very busy with lots of walleye action between Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres in 35 to 45 feet and northeast of the Charity Islands.  Harnesses and some body baits were the main lures.

Au Gres River:  Fishing was slow with only the occasional catfish taken.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Inland lakes in the area are producing a mixed bag of panfish, pike and walleye.  

Harbor Springs:  Anglers did very well for lake trout 50 to 70 feet down in 60 to 80 feet.  Many were traveling up the coast to fish around 5 Mile Point.  Spin-glo’s and dodgers worked best.  The occasional salmon was also caught.  Smallmouth bass fishing was slow with only a few smaller fish caught.     

Petoskey:  Anglers did well for lake trout but no salmon were reported.  Most boats are fishing the area from the breakwall to Bay Harbor with spoons in 50 to 70 feet or deeper.  Some tried cut bait, but didn’t catch anything.  Fish were also marked mid water in 130 to 150 feet.  Pier anglers caught undersize smallmouth bass in the rocks.  Fishing was still slow at the “Bobber Hole” near the mouth of the Bear River.  Those using worms with or without a bobber and small spinners or crank baits caught freshwater drum, bullhead, rock bass and smallmouth.   
    
Bear River:  The water level is very low and fishing pressure was low.  A few smaller brown trout were seen jumping in the falls at the dam.  Those using spawn bags and worms up near the dam have caught bullhead and rock bass.  

Charlevoix:  The charter boats heading out were picking up a few Chinook.  Anglers may want to try from the cement plant to the south.  Those fishing the channel caught mainly undersize smallmouth bass when using crawlers or leeches on the bottom.  Freshwater drum are also in the channel and can provide some action for those using crawlers, leeches, spoons or crank baits.   

Elk River:  Smallmouth bass fishing has slowed but anglers were still catching a few on leeches.

Traverse City:  The East Bay is producing lake trout and the occasional whitefish or cisco.  For lake trout, try near the bottom in 90 to 130 feet.  Anglers are marking a few salmon but few had success catching them.  In the West Bay, lake trout were found in 85 to 140 feet.  Anglers reported salmon north of Elmwood Marina but few were caught.  Look for the fish to be suspended about 60 feet down in 100 to 200 feet.  

Boardman River:  Fishing near the mouth has been slow. Undersize smallmouth and some rock bass seem to dominate the catch however a few walleye were caught on occasion.  Carp fishing has slowed.  Below Sabin Dam, a few brown trout continue to be caught at night, mostly on flies. Very few anglers were upstream of Sabin Dam.

Frankfort:  Is producing Chinook salmon 40 to 110 feet down in 175 to 250 feet when trolling blue spoons and meat rigs.  Those heading offshore caught steelhead and lake trout in 33 to 35 feet.  Brown trout are still in the harbor and the channel and were hitting on jointed body baits.  

Onekama:  Boat anglers trolling 40 to 80 feet down in 120 to 150 feet caught Chinook in the early morning and after dusk.  Spoons and flies were the ticket.  Lake trout can be found around the “Barrel” and were caught with cowbells bouncing the bottom.  

Portage Lake:  Had another Mayfly hatch so bass anglers were having a rough time catching fish.  Water temperatures were climbing so most were fishing 14 to 22 feet down.  The bite did improve with the warmer weather.  

Lakes Cadillac & Mitchell:  Have good bass fishing for those using crawlers, spinners, crank baits and top water baits in shady areas.  Crappie are hitting in the shallows early and deeper as the day goes on.  Pike have been caught but many are undersize.  Walleye fishing was slow.     

Manistee:  Boat anglers are catching a mix of Chinook, lake trout and steelhead.  

Manistee River:  A fair number of salmon are making their way into the Little Manistee and the Big Manistee is producing some steelhead.    

Ludington:  Boat anglers are catching a mix of Chinook, lake trout and steelhead.  

Pentwater:  The better salmon fishing was found on the south side of Little Sable Point where anglers caught lake trout, steelhead and coho in 75 to 100 feet.  Those bringing in more fish were traveling 10 to 15 miles offshore and fishing in waters 400 feet deep.  Pier fishing slowed but a few baitfish remain in the channel.  Pier anglers caught some nice smallmouth bass.

UPPER PENINSULA

Brook trout fishing has been excellent and any stream with brook trout is worth fishing.  The lack of rain and steady weather is producing the ability to take limit catches.  

Keweenaw Bay: Had fewer anglers but those getting out did catch a mix of Chinook, coho, splake, lake trout and brown trout.  A few limit catches were also reported.  

Lake Gogebic:  Is producing walleye and the best reports came from those trolling crank baits or still-fishing with minnows, leeches and crawlers.  Walleye were found in both deep and shallow water.  Those fishing from the public pier in Bergland caught sunfish, rock bass and the occasional perch.

Lake Antoine:  Was producing small perch and some bluegills.  

Menominee:  Brown trout fishing has been consistent with an average of two to three fish per boat.  Walleye and perch fishing efforts were minimal.  

Menominee River:  Is producing walleye, catfish, freshwater drum and smallmouth bass.  The best time to fish is early morning or evening when trolling crawler harnesses and stick baits.

Little Bay De Noc:  Salmon anglers reported steady catches.  Most were fishing north of the Ford River Buoy however catches were also reported in the deep channel just off Aronson Island when trolling spoons 35 to 60 feet down.  Further south, anglers did best 30 to 60 feet down in 60 to 80 feet.  Very few walleye or perch were caught.  Those fishing off Breezy Point were marking a moderate number of fish however few were caught.  A couple walleye were taken by those trolling crawler harnesses in 30 feet near Kipling and out from the Terrace Bay Inn in 30 to 40 feet.  Pike were active with several areas producing fair to good catches but most were undersize.  Try the mouth of the Escanaba River and near the ship docks when trolling spinners or crank baits in eight to 20 feet.  At Kipling, most were trolling daredevils or spinners in 10 to 24 feet and those near the Day’s River were trolling crawler harnesses or crank baits in 16 to 20 feet.  

Big Bay De Noc:  Smallmouth bass anglers reported much better catches.  The best area was to the south near St. Vitals Island when casting plastics or crawlers and leeches on jigs in 10 to 12 feet.  Fish were also caught in Kates Bay and just off Garden Bluff in 10 to 18 feet.  Walleye fishing slowed but a few fish were still caught from Big Bay Shoals to Kates Bay when trolling crawler harnesses in 12 to 25 feet.  At Fairport, salmon anglers are still taking fish in 130 to 150 feet however some have also taken fish in 90 to 110 feet.  The fish were 50 to 60 feet down in both areas.  Spoons and artificial cut bait were the ticket and colors varied.  

Marquette:  Lake trout anglers in the Upper and Lower Harbor had slower catch rates with most having a tough time catching one or two fish.  They were fishing on the bottom at various depths between 150 and 225 feet or deeper.  A few Chinook were caught but no coho.  Target the waters north of the white rocks, to the east near the “sand hole” and north of Granite Island when trolling spoons or flies.  

Au Train Lake:  A few more anglers were out and mainly targeting northern pike and walleye.  Results were poor with only a few fish caught on crawlers.  Some were targeting yellow perch but most of the fish were released as they were only six to seven inches.  There appears to be a possible turnover of the lake with surface water temperatures up near 70.  Visibility was close to ten feet and very clear.  

Munising:  Those heading out reported a few splake and lake trout taken in 100 to 200 feet when trolling in Trout Bay and off Sand Point.  Those fishing off the dock of the Anna River continue to catch good numbers of small splake.  

Grand Marais:  Strong winds have kept many in the bay.  The occasional whitefish was caught on a single egg and very few lake trout were caught.  No coho were caught.  There were no anglers fishing the mouth of the Sucker River.  

South Manistique Lake:  Northern pike action remains hot all over, with a massive 38 inch fish caught near the south end.  Anything from inline spinners to crawler harnesses were taking fish.  Walleye numbers have improved, but overall catches were still slow.  The largemouth hits were especially good for those using soft plastics near Sunset Pines Resort.

Tahquamenon River:  Perch, walleye and musky fishing is picking up with the steady weather and warmer temperatures.  

DeTour:  Lake trout anglers had good success trolling along the 80 foot flat directly south of the lighthouse when using chrome and orange spoons 50 to 60 feet down  Hammered silver, chartreuse and white spoons caught lake trout from the red buoy east of the lighthouse and northwest to the green buoy.  Those trolling lead core with three inch purple and white spoons caught Atlantic salmon 12 to 15 feet down in 60 feet.  Anglers may want to try using fly type baits for Atlantic salmon while the Caddis hatch is underway.  

Drummond Island:  Had good lake herring action on the south side of Harbor Island just off the bottom in 20 feet when using gold tear drops tipped with a wax worm or natural fly.  Catch rates were also good at Howard Island which is the small island on the south side of Harbor Island with dark red or brown tear drops.  Noodle rods with four to six pound test worked best.  Walleye were still holding in 14 to 18 feet for those trolling bottom bouncers with a 32 inch leader and crawler harness on the back side of Rutland Island in Scott Bay.  The evening hours were good off Paw Point when trolling shallow running crank baits in four to six feet.  Look for pike along the weed beds off the DNR boat launch.  

Cedarville and Hessel: Pike fishing was very good in the early morning or late evening off the Hessel pier.  Pike fishing is very good all through the Les Cheneaux Islands.  Perch fishing is best in Hessel Bay, Cedarville Bay and Moscow Channel.  Fishing for herring is about done except for Prentice Bay.  Bass fishing is very good in the shallow weedy bays.