July 6, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
While mayfly hatches have slowed fishing in some areas, anglers were doing better as water temperatures continue to warm. Walleye fishing in Saginaw Bay and southeast Michigan has been very good with limit catches reported.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Weather caused fishing to be slow, but large numbers of sheepshead and small walleye were reported. Keepers were caught along the Michigan-Ohio line and out in front of Fermie using crawler harnesses and body baits.
Wamplers Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while casting plastics in seven to eight feet and panfish were caught under bobbers with worms or crickets in six feet by the beach and on the west end. Crappie were caught along the drop-offs in the middle of the lake on wax worms. Water temps reached 75 degrees there.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while casting crankbaits in seven to 10 feet.
Lake St. Clair: Boat anglers have caught smallmouth bass in the channel straight out from 9-Mile Road in 14 feet. Some have run across perch in the marina mouths south of 9-Mile Road when still-fishing with crawlers. There are areas with large amounts of mayfly larvae and that has reduced the number of fish caught but we should be nearing the end of the hatch.
St. Clair River: The walleye bite is on! Trolling in both the Middle and the South Channel has yielded multiple limit catches. Fish are on the small side and were just over the 13-inch minimum size limit. Crawler harnesses were the ticket.
Lexington to Port Austin: Blue-water trollers from Lexington to Port Sanilac caught the occasional steelhead or lake trout but the fish were scattered. Windy weather over the past week appears to have affected the lake’s temperature profile, which has temporarily scattered the fish. Most anglers between Harbor Beach and Port Austin have stopped trout and salmon fishing because the walleye fishing was so good. Launch ramps at all three ports have been packed. Limit catches were very common,
and the fish are running bigger than the ones in the bay. Crawler harnesses were the ticket, although some boats were doing well with crank baits or small spoons.
Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing has been very good. Early mornings are best if you want to avoid the wind. Most fish were taken on a crawler harness but a few were also taken on spoons and crank baits. Hot spots were two to three miles east of the Spark Plug, two miles north of Spoils Island, Callahan Reef, the old Dumping Ground, the Slot from Oakhurst to the tip of Sand Point in 15 to 18 feet and on either side of the Bar. Most are using side planers, bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses with orange, pink, purple or chartreuse spinners and trolling about 1.3 mph. At Caseville, some of the walleye boats were fishing in 25 to 30 feet off Oak Point while others were going to 50 feet of water northeast of Big Charity Island. Rivers in the Great Lakes Bay Region remain somewhat high and murky but conditions are improving. If we don’t get more rain this week, they should be in pretty good shape by next weekend.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Salmon fishing was spotty with only a few fish taken in 70 to 120 feet or deeper. Most were caught on blue or green magnum spoons. A few perch were caught in 50 feet or so but rough water has made it difficult for anglers to get out. Pier fishing slowed as water temperatures warmed up.
St. Joseph River: Large numbers of steelhead continue to move through the Berrien Springs fish ladder.
South Haven: Salmon fishing was inconsistent. A few fish were caught on spoons in 120 feet. Spoons with some yellow on them seemed to work best. A few perch were caught in 30 feet. Pier fishing was slow. The odd steelhead was caught but water temperatures are warming up.
Grand Haven: Salmon and trout action picked up. Lake trout were caught while targeting the bottom 15 feet in 110 to 180 feet below water. Yellow, green or blue spin- glo’s worked best. Chinook were caught 60 to 150 feet down in 110 to 200 feet. Meat rigs in yellow or green worked well, along with blue or white flies. Pier action was slow for steelhead but should improve with increase in water temperature. Freshwater drum were caught while casting silver spoons.
Muskegon: Action picked up for boaters with salmon being caught 60 to 120 feet down in 120 to 220 feet of water. Yellow or green meat rigs were working, as well as green, blue or yellow spoons. Lake trout were caught when fishing the bottom 20 feet in 120 to 200 feet. Spin-glo’s in yellow, green or blue worked best. Pier anglers were catching freshwater drum off spoons.
Muskegon River: Was still a bit high. Boat anglers have caught trout and smallmouth bass.
Whitehall: Warm water throughout the water column has made it hard to consistently find salmon. Boats trolling 90 to 140 feet down in 200 feet did catch coho, steelhead and the occasional Chinook on blue and green spoons. Lake trout were caught near the bottom in 80 to 150 feet with spoons or paddles and flies. Pier fishing for largemouth bass and freshwater drum was good. Try jigging soft plastics or slowly retrieving a crawler near the bottom.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: When they can get out, boat anglers had fair catches of lake trout off the south end of Bois Blanc Island. A few small Chinook in the four-pound ranges along with a couple steelhead were also caught.
Cheboygan River: Had anglers scattered between the dam and the DNR Field Office. They caught freshwater drum, rock bass and undersize smallmouth bass. Boat anglers caught a few walleye when drifting crawlers or leeches both early and late. Night anglers were targeting channel catfish.
Rogers City: Rain and windy conditions have changed fishing as there was no thermocline and anglers had to go deeper to find fish. Lake trout were caught but the fish moved to deeper water and were found about halfway down or just off the bottom in 60 to 90 feet. Try spoons, cowbells and dodgers with spin-glo’s. Steelhead, coho and Atlantic salmon were caught up high along the scum lines. Orange spoons worked well. Chinook were caught but unstable weather slowed the bite. Try 45 to 75 feet down in 70 to 120 feet in the early morning or late night with green, blue or glow spoons.
Rockport: Those fishing just off the bottom in 70 to 120 feet around Middle Island did well for lake trout. Run some lines higher in the water column for Chinook, coho, Atlantics or steelhead. Spoons worked best. Lake trout were caught with attractors. Stoneport and the Nordmeer Wreck were good spots to try when running lines throughout the water column.
Alpena: Lake trout were caught when trolling spoons and spin-glo’s with dodgers or flashers in the bottom 50 feet near the first set of “humps” in 60 to 120 feet. A couple steelhead were caught near the surface while feeding on mayfly hatches and other insects. Walleye were caught trolling a crawler harness or stick bait in 15 to 30 feet off the north shore of Thunder Bay, out near Thunder Bay Island, and Bay View Park.
Thunder Bay River: River discharge has been high over the last week. Anglers caught a few walleye when trolling and drifting crawler harnesses and crank baits near the mouth or still-fishing and drifting crawlers from shore near Lamarre Park and the 9th
Street Bridge. A few decent smallmouth bass were caught up by the 9th Street Dam. A couple pike were taken by those trolling or casting crank baits. Freshwater drum and channel catfish were caught on crawlers.
Oscoda: Lake trout were found near the bottom in 80 to 130 feet. Steelhead were taken in the top 30 feet. Try spin-glo’s or spoons. Pier anglers caught large channel catfish, smallmouth bass, freshwater drum and carp with crawlers on the bottom. A few walleye were caught from the pier early morning or late evening when drifting crawlers or leeches under a slip bobber.
Au Sable River: Anglers drifting and still-fishing crawlers in the holes between Oscoda and the Whirlpool Access found a few walleye in the morning and evening. Good catches of decent sized smallmouth bass were reported from areas just below the Foote Dam. Channel catfish, carp and freshwater drum were caught on crawlers at Au Sable River Park.
Tawas: Those targeting salmon and lake trout were going out around Tawas Point and north towards Oscoda and getting fish in 70 to 75 feet. Walleye anglers were fishing in 15 to 35 feet near the Charity Islands. Pier fishing was slow.
Tawas River: Shore anglers caught a few bass and pike right along with freshwater drum, catfish and carp in the lower river.
Au Gres: Walleye fishing was very good and the hot spots were 15 to 30 feet near the Charity Islands, out near the shipping channel and off the Saganing and Pinconning Bars. Limit catches were common.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Boat anglers were still taking a few smallmouth bass near the shoreline but the action was slowing down. Lake herring were caught by boat anglers targeting trout and salmon. The Little Traverse Bay weather buoy reported surface water temperatures at 64 degrees.
Petoskey: Windy conditions have made it difficult for boat anglers trying to locate lake trout. The “Bobber Hole” at the mouth of the Bear River is a good area for bass, pike, catfish and big bullhead. The Bear River was still a bit high but a couple anglers did manage to find a steelhead or brown trout when using spawn.
Charlevoix: Boat anglers had a tough time finding lake trout. Some were fishing 300 feet deep while others caught fish as shallow as 60 feet. A couple fish were caught 85 feet down in 130 feet off North Point. Still waiting for a good thermocline to set up and trout fishing will be easier. A couple steelhead were caught along the scum line when running high lines. Those fishing the channel caught a couple keeper size smallmouth
bass on crawlers, leeches, spoons and crank baits. Rock bass, small perch and freshwater drum were also caught. Lake Charlevoix still had some mayflies in the area.
Traverse City: Bass fishing was spotty at the sound end of the East Bay, but some nice fish were caught in both shallow and deep water. Those targeting lake trout did best in Elk Rapids while trolling or jigging. In the West Bay lake trout fishing has slowed and most smallmouth bass caught were good sized. At the Boardman River a few brown trout were caught on flies.
Leland: Had good lake trout catches but most boats experienced tough fishing. The water warmed up with the southwest winds and most trout were caught in 140 to 200 feet of water. Strong currents added to the difficult fishing. Spin-glo’s behind dodgers or cowbells were the most effective. Only a couple Chinook salmon were caught around the Manitou islands. Good numbers of smallmouth bass are still being caught in the river and harbor.
Frankfort: The early morning Chinook bite was good 120 to 160 feet down in 220 to 300 feet. In many locations, anglers were reporting warmer temperatures deeper than normal and there were high numbers of sea flee. Spoons, flies and meat rigs seemed to work best.
Onekama: Had a good early morning Chinook bite near the bottom in and around the “Barrel”. Pier anglers caught a few smallmouth bass when casting.
Portage Lake: Continues to produce bluegills and perch. Walleye fishing off the south breakwall slowed but occasional hits were still being reported.
Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Were producing a few more pike for those casting spinners in the weed beds. Bass fishing was good for those using spinners, crank baits, soft plastics or the occasional crawler. Walleye anglers were drifting or trolling a crawler harness. Panfish activity has been good but the fish were in deeper water. Try eight to 12 feet with worms and leeches.
Manistee: Windy days have made fishing tough. Lake trout were being caught in 180 to 300 feet of water. A few nice Chinook and steelhead were also caught at those depths. Pier fishing has slowed with just a few steelhead caught off the north pier. Water temperatures were at about 65 degrees.
Ludington: Wind has also been problematic here. Lake trout were caught in 150 to 350 feet of water, as were a few Chinook and steelhead. Pier fishing has been slow.
Pentwater: Despite the consistently warm water, anglers caught coho, steelhead and the occasional Chinook 70 to 150 feet down in 160 to 220 feet with blue and green spoons. Pier fishing has been slow, but anglers using minnows or crawlers caught smallmouth bass and freshwater drum.
Pentwater Lake: Anglers casting crankbaits or jigging soft plastics caught smallmouth bass in 10 to 15 feet. Those fishing Longbridge Road caught bluegills, sunfish and perch on red worms under a bobber or perch rigs tipped with wax worms.
UPPER PENINSULA
Keweenaw Bay: Jigging or bobbing for lake trout was fair with most fish in the two- pound range. Coho and brown trout fishing was good when trolling orange spoons in the top 20 feet of waters 50 feet or deeper. At the South Entry, coho and brown trout were caught around the city breakwall and along the shoreline. In Traverse Bay, coho were in the top 20 of waters 100 to 150 feet deep. Good fishing in Eagle Harbor where anglers caught lake trout, steelhead, coho and a couple Chinook in the top 15 feet.
Menominee River: Still had high water levels and was very dirty.
Munising: Boat anglers were trolling for Chinook and coho had slow catch rates with only a couple coho taken. Those targeting lake trout near Wood Island Reef caught a few fish. Those fishing Big Reef managed to take some limit catches of lake trout when trolling or jigging. Pier anglers fishing at the Anna River had poor results with only a couple splake taken. Try light line with spawn.
Grand Marais: Lake trout anglers were doing well and most were getting limit catches five to seven miles straight out to the “Humps” in 200 feet and towards Au Sable Point. Some were jigging off Big Reef and did well when the winds were favorable. Whitefish season for pier anglers is slowly winding down but some were still taking limit catches with a single egg and light line. Trout and salmon anglers may want to try casting off the end of the pier. Water temperatures were 46 to 50 degrees which is still cold.
Tahquamenon River: Boat anglers caught pike when casting or trolling crank baits. The occasional muskie followed baits to the side of the boat but few fish were netted. The Dollarville Dam was slow with only a few rock bass taken on worms.
St. Marys River: At Sault St. Marie, Cadis fly hatches brought whitefish and Atlantics out so anglers targeted them with fly hooks six to eight feet below the surface in over 16 feet of water. Best colors were dark brown or copper. Downstream at Thirteen Mile Road and the Charlotte River, anglers were catching good numbers of rock bass and a few yellow perch. Best baits were worms and minnows. At Sugar Island perch were taken on the west side of Bay Dewausi in four to six feet while pike were caught on twister tails or red and white spoons on the north end at Brasser Pointe.
Detour: Atlantic salmon were caught in 30 to 70 feet west of the lighthouse when trolling spoons. Lake trout were hitting spoons and spin-glo’s near the bottom by the flats.
Drummond Island: Walleye fishing was slow, those trolling with stick baits and crawler harnesses in deeper water brought in few fish. Cisco were starting to appear in Potagannissing Bay, as well as the islands of Rogg, Fire, Maple and Macomb.
Cedarville and Hessel: Perch fishing at Cedarville was fair as some did better than others when trolling a crawler harness in Snows Channel in five feet or fishing the west side of Cedarville Bay in five to eight feet. Pike were caught on worms. The lake herring bite is very good with limit catches taken in McKay Bay and Prentiss Bay when using a tear drop with a wax worm. Hot colors were green, white and orange. Shore anglers fishing the finger docks at Hessel caught some perch but many were small. Boat anglers caught pike near Haven Island and off Burley Point but most were too short at 22 inches.
St. Ignace: Anglers targeting pike in St. Martins Bay had success when casting near the mouth of the Carp River. Walleye anglers on the Carp River had success off the concrete footing when casting body baits and bright colored jig heads with a twister tail or when still-fishing and drifting natural baits. Leeches were favored. Catch rates are highly variable with anglers reporting between no fish to limit catches depending on the day, time and recent weather. The fish were 15 to 18 inches. Those targeting walleye in the Pine River reported poor catch rates. The river has been extremely high and dirty with lots of floating debris.
July 13, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Lake sturgeon season on Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River opens on Sunday, July 16. The possession season is July 16 through September 30. All sturgeon anglers need to obtain a non-transferable Lake Sturgeon Fishing Permit and Harvest Tag at any license vendor prior to fishing. Be sure to check regulations and size limits on page 15 in the 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide.
Michigan’s current Fishing Guide is always available online! View or download it at www.Michigan.gov/dnrdigests.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: A large number of small walleye along with some keepers were still being caught in 26 to 27 feet off Fermi. Limit catches were taken by those trolling near the bottom. A good number of yellow perch were caught out of Bolles Harbor near the W- Buoy and the Dumping Grounds with perch spreaders and minnows.
Detroit River: Walleye anglers caught fish in 17 feet near Horse Island and off the Metro Park with a black jig tipped with a worm or a purple crawler harness. A few more yellow perch have been caught about a mile south of Celeron Island.
Wamplers Lake: Anglers caught largemouth bass and bluegill while trolling a crawler harnesses on the west end in eight feet. Panfish were caught while still-fishing with worms or wax worms on the north end in 14 to 16 feet or just outside the canal that is near the boat launch. Crappie were caught along the drop-off in 14 feet.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while casting artificial bait in eight to 10 feet, crank baits in five feet, spinners in 10 feet or when drop-shotting at various depths. A couple bluegills were caught on worms along the west end.
Lake St. Clair: Smallmouth bass fishing picked up in deeper water. Tube jigs and drop-shot fishing worked best.
St. Clair River: Continues to have very good walleye fishing especially when trolling a crawler harness in both the Middle and the South Channel.
Lexington to Port Austin: Walleye fishing was phenomenal from Port Austin to Grindstone City to Port Hope and down around the Thumb almost to Harbor Beach. Most boats were fishing in 15 to 25 feet. Almost no one was fishing for lake trout or salmon right now and those that were reported the fish scattered in 60 to 120 feet. Yellow perch were taken at Lexington and Port Sanilac with the better success off Lexington in 15 to 18 feet around the weed beds. The fish were eight to 12 inches. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass, rock bass and the odd pike.
Saginaw Bay: Good walleye fishing was reported in 16 feet off Linwood, 12 to 15 feet off the Bay City State Park, the Old Dumping Grounds, three miles northeast of the Red Spark Plug (Buoys 11 & 12), seven to 12 feet on the Callahan Reef and just about anywhere in the Slot and up on the Bar between Quanicassee and Sand Point. Try a gold and black crank bait. Spinner colors did not matter as the fish were hitting just about anything but fire-tiger and chartreuse are always good. Limit catches were common all over the bay. Catfish were caught in the Hot Ponds. Shore anglers fishing the Quanicassee River caught freshwater drum, catfish and a few bass. Those casting in the Sebewaing River caught a couple pike.
Saginaw River: Shore anglers caught freshwater drum, catfish and a few bass.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Overall: Those fishing the inland lakes have caught bluegills and crappie. The fish moved to deeper water because of the heat wave.
St. Joseph: Salmon fishing was inconsistent as the fish were scattered in waters up to 120 feet or deeper. Perch fishing improved. Most were fishing south of the piers in 32 feet. Pier fishing for steelhead was slow but anglers did find freshwater drum and a few catfish when using crawlers on the bottom.
South Haven: Boat anglers targeting trout and salmon reported slow catch rates as the fish were scattered in 60 to 160 feet. Perch fishing improved with fish caught south of the piers in 30 feet. Pier anglers caught lots of freshwater drum.
Grand Haven: Salmon and trout action is picking up. Boat anglers caught salmon on green or yellow meat rigs 50 to 90 feet down in 100 to 180 feet. Steelhead were also caught. Lake trout were taken in the bottom 20 feet with green or yellow spin-glo’s. Pier action for steelhead and yellow perch was slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Skamania were caught up near the 6th Street Dam. Walleye anglers were taking a fair number of fish. A good number of large flathead and channel cats have been caught on suckers.
Rogue River: Was producing some Skamania steelhead.
Grand River at Lansing: Anglers caught lots of channel cats when using crawlers and sucker minnows near the North Lansing Dam, Moore’s Park Dam, and the Portland Dam. Bass and pike fishing slowed.
Muskegon: Boat anglers caught lake trout in the bottom 20 feet of waters 100 to 200 feet deep with yellow, green or blue spin-glo’s. Salmon were caught 40 to 120 feet down with green, yellow or blue meat rigs. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum.
Muskegon River: Water temperatures were up near 70 degrees and triggered the smallmouth bite.
Whitehall: Salmon fishing was slow but those trolling 40 to 80 feet down in 140 to 200 feet caught coho, steelhead and the occasional Chinook. Lake trout fishing was good in 120 to 180 feet with paddles, flies or spoons near the bottom. Pier fishing for large and smallmouth bass was excellent. Try a jig tipped with a crawler or soft plastic minnow.
White Lake: Anglers caught bluegills and sunfish on perch rigs tipped with wax worms or red worms in 10 to 15 feet. Bass anglers did well casting body baits in eight to 15 feet.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Mackinaw: Had some pier fishing activity. Anglers using jigs caught rock bass in shallow water.
Cheboygan: Atlantic salmon were caught when trolling spoons near Bois Blanc Island. Boat anglers were still getting limits of walleye when drifting worms on a plain hook or a yellow and green crawler harness. The fish were averaging 16 to 19 inches or smaller.
Cheboygan River: Pier anglers at the ferry parking lot caught rock bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, small pike, and some big freshwater drum with worms or leeches on the bottom. Some pike were also caught on a perch imitation or red and orange stick baits.
Rogers City: Anglers caught a mixed bag of silver Chinook, coho, steelhead, lake trout and Atlantic salmon. Depending on water temperature which has been changing constantly, fish were caught up high or down deep in 60 to 130 feet. Run lines throughout the water column. Use bright colors like orange and silver up high for steelhead and Atlantic salmon or green, blue, white and glow down deeper. The fish were scattered so look for the scum line and baitfish.
Rockport: Was producing Chinook, coho, steelhead, Atlantic salmon and the odd walleye. Look for cooler water and run lines throughout the water column using the same colors as Rogers City. No one hot spot as the fish are scattered. Chinook were coming at all hours of the day especially early and late. Try straight out, around Middle Island, the Nordmeer Wreck, and Stoneport.
Alpena: Lake trout moved deeper in 80 to 140 feet off Thunder Bay Island and the first set of “Humps”. Most were about 10 feet off the bottom; however, a few were suspended in the bottom 40 feet and were hitting on spoons and spin-glo’s with a dodger or flasher. A couple steelhead were found in the top 30 feet. Atlantic salmon were caught on chrome spoons up high. Those targeting walleye found fish in the morning or evening in 20 to 30 feet when trolling stick baits or harnesses with bottom bouncers near Sulphur Island, Scarecrow Island, and straight out of Bay View Park. Hot colors were wonderbread, fire-tiger, and bloody nose.
Thunder Bay River: A couple walleye were caught when still-fishing or drifting crawler harnesses near the 9th Street Bridge and Lamarre Park. Many were small but anglers did manage to get a few keepers. Those casting crank baits or jigging soft plastics caught smallmouth bass, northern pike, and bowfin. A few channel cats were caught on crawlers near the mouth.
Oscoda: Good catches of lake trout were found in 100 to 150 feet when trolling spoons and spin-glo’s near the bottom. Steelhead and pink salmon were found in the top 30 feet. Stomach contents show many of the steelhead were feeding on hatched and emerging insects. Anglers targeting walleye found a couple when still-fishing or drifting crawlers near the mouth of the river early or late. Channel catfish and freshwater drum were caught right off the bottom with crawlers and shrimp on a three way swivel or perch rigs.
Au Sable River: Water levels were high but anglers drifting crawlers through the holes between Oscoda and the railroad trestle found a couple walleye but most were too small. Anglers casting crank baits reported good catches of smallmouth up near Foote Dam and a few largemouth or pike in the marinas near the mouth. Freshwater drum and carp were caught when drifting crawlers.
Higgins Lake: Those jigging Swedish pimples and cast masters caught lake trout in 80 feet and deeper. Rainbow trout were caught on small minnows in 65 feet in the early morning. Anglers were getting lots of rock bass but the smallmouth bite has slowed. Perch have been caught but the fish are running small.
Houghton Lake: Had very good bass fishing for those using wacky worms. The walleye are scattered but those trolling have found some fish when working the drop- offs and fishing close to the weed beds in nine to 12 feet with crawlers or leeches on a harness. Pink, purple, gold and fire-tiger were good colors. Hot-n-Tots or crank baits in orange, gold, black and gold, chartreuse or fire-tiger also caught fish. Anglers caught
bluegills and some fish may still be on the beds. Crappie were hard to find but pike were hitting on anything.
Tawas: Boat anglers targeting walleye were getting fish on the northwest side of Big Charity Island in 10 to 45 feet. Trout and salmon anglers were taking steelhead and lake trout around Tawas Point in 70 to 75 feet. Pier fishing was summer-slow.
Tawas River: Shore anglers fishing the lower river caught the usual mix of catfish, carp, freshwater drum and bass
Au Gres: Walleye anglers were doing well. Finding warmer water seemed to be the key to finding active schools of fish. Some boats were crossing the bay to fish the Steeples and clear over to the Slot while others went south of Point Au Gres to the end of the shipping channel. Crawler harnesses, crank baits and spoons worked well. A few nice perch were caught incidental to the walleye.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Boat anglers managed to catch a few lake trout and salmon up near 7-Mile Point. Bass are off the beds so catch rates were spotty. The Little Traverse Bay weather buoy had temperature readings at 59 degrees.
Petoskey: Fishing pressure was low as water temperatures deep down were still warm so anglers will have to try deeper water. The Bobber Hole near the mouth of the Bear River was a good spot to get a variety of species like smallmouth bass, rock bass, freshwater drum, and big bullhead but the bite was slow. Water levels on the Bear River were just about normal. Anglers caught a couple steelhead and smaller brown trout on spawn and worms.
Charlevoix: Anglers fishing in the channel caught smallmouth bass but many were on the small side. Try natural and artificial crawlers or leeches. Freshwater drum were also caught.
Traverse City: The East Bay had good lake trout fishing for those trolling spoons along the west side of the bay. The bite was slow but bass were caught south of the M-37 launch in 15 to 20 feet. The Elk River was slow except for a few smallmouth, rock bass and freshwater drum caught on plastics, leeches or crawlers. In the West Bay, lake trout fishing was fair when trolling along the east side or when jigging near the bottom south of Lee Point. A few bass were caught out from the M-22 launch and south of Bowers Harbor in 20 feet. The Boardman River was slow with only a few smallmouth bass or rock bass taken on worms.
Leland: Lake trout fishing improved when cold water moved up into the water column. Good numbers of fish were caught in 100 to 150 feet between the First and the Second Bank. Spin-glo’s behind dodgers, cowbells or spin doctors worked best. A few Chinook
salmon and steelhead were caught between the First Bank and North Manitou Island. A decent number of smallmouth bass were caught in the harbor and the river.
Platte Bay: Good numbers of lake trout were caught in East Bay in the early morning. Boats leaving the river were having little trouble getting out, but conditions at the mouth could change with any strong winds.
Frankfort: Water temperatures increased this week so anglers were trolling in 200 to 250 feet and working the top 150 feet. Lake trout are active in all areas with good numbers of fish off the point. Steelhead were hitting orange plugs near the surface.
Portage Lake: Bass anglers had moderate catches in deeper waters during the heat wave. Perch and panfish anglers caught fish near the marker buoy.
Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Panfish were caught in deeper waters eight to 12 feet with worms, leeches or crickets. Walleye anglers continue to troll or drift harnesses and crank baits. Those targeting bass did well with spinners, crank baits or soft plastics.
Manistee: Surface water temperatures were about 65 degrees. Fishing picked up with a good number of lake trout taken in 100 to 180 feet. Chinook and steelhead were also caught. Pier fishing was slow.
Ludington: Good numbers of lake trout were caught in 100 to 200 feet. A few coho, Chinook and steelhead were also caught. Pier fishing was slow.
Pentwater: Had slow salmon fishing but those trolling between the dunes and Little Sable Point did manage to catch a couple steelhead, coho and Chinook in 150 to 200 feet. Lake trout fishing was good when trolling paddles and flies or spoons near the bottom in 90 to 150 feet.
Pentwater Lake: Those casting body baits or jigging soft plastics in the channel caught smallmouth bass and freshwater drum. Bluegills, yellow perch and smallmouth bass were caught off Longbridge Road when drifting worms.
UPPER PENINSULA
Marquette: Limits of lake trout were caught between the white rocks and Granite Island. Depths vary day to day but 150 to 200 feet was the typical range. A couple limits of coho were taken in both harbors in 20 feet and a couple Chinook were caught.
Lake Gogebic: The mayfly hatch appears to be coming to an end. Walleye were caught in the morning or evening when trolling a crawler harness or crank baits. Those fishing the weed beds with crawler and leeches caught bluegills, sunfish and a few nice perch. Smallmouth bass were caught along the rocks and near shore with jigs and crank baits. Pike fishing was slow.
Menominee River: Fishing pressure has been light as the dam is pushing a great deal of water. Anglers on the Fishermen's platform on the Michigan side caught freshwater drum, rock bass, smallmouth bass, and redhorse suckers on live bait.
Little Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers reported fair catches off Breezy Point. Fish were caught up near the dam in the Escanaba River when casting a jig and crawler or stick bait or when trolling a crawler harness near the mouth in 20 feet. Yellow perch were caught in 14 to 24 feet near Kipling and the Day’s River with crawlers, minnows or wigglers. Those fishing shallow waters three to eight feet deep found fish near Kipling. Several large freshwater drum were caught. Large pike were caught off the mouth of the Day’s River when trolling stick baits or a crawler harness in 16 to 20 feet. Salmon anglers caught a few fish when trolling spoons 65 feet down in 80 to 100 feet out near the Ford River Buoy.
Manistique: Salmon catches slowed but fish were still caught out near the buoy about six miles out when trolling spoons or flies 60 to 90 feet down in 80 to 120 feet. Some went as far as Point Aux Barques. In the Manistique River, walleye were caught up near the dam when casting a jig and crawler near the rapids. Shore anglers caught channel cats, freshwater drum and pike.
Au Train: A few coho and lake trout were caught near Au Train Island.
Munising: Dredging to expand the marina harbor has started at the city docks. Boat anglers report slow action for lake trout. Anglers tried a variety of areas from Wood Island Reef to Grand Portal and while some did manage to catch a limit of fish they spent over seven hours doing so. Most were jigging. A couple coho were caught. Pier anglers targeting splake caught a few fish on spawn or when casting spoons.
Grand Marais: Boat anglers targeting lake trout did well straight out about seven miles, towards Au Sable Point and near Big Reef when fishing in 200 feet and deeper. Most of the fish were four to five pounds and limit catches were reported. Pier anglers are still targeting whitefish and getting a few limit catches on a single egg.
Tahquamenon River: Panfish such as bluegills, pumpkinseed, perch and rock bass were caught off the Natalie boat launch and the Dollarville Dam. Worms were the ticket. Most of the muskie were caught by boat anglers but a couple shore anglers managed to take a few fish when casting silver crank baits near the Dollarville Dam. A few pike were also caught.
St. Marys River: Fishing on the upper river has been slow for walleye and pike. Atlantic salmon and whitefish have begun to show up behind the power plants. Try drifting flies or trolling stick baits that resemble smelt. In the lower river, walleye fishing improved in Raber Bay with several anglers bringing in 15 to 19 inch fish early or late. A few limit catches were reported. Most were trolling deep-diving stick baits and crawler harnesses behind bottom bouncers in 12 to 18 feet. Good colors were orange, pink,
fire-tiger, and clown. Some hot spots were Round Island, near the Raber Township piers, the mouth of Carlton Creek, and Raber Point. A few were targeting lake herring but catches were fairly small as the fish are just starting to move into the U.S. side of the river.
Detour: Trout and salmon fishing slowed with the heavy fly hatches and anglers were putting in twice as much effort to catch the same number of fish as the week before at the Detour Reef.
Drummond Island: The lake herring bite is on in Potagannissing Bay. Increasing mayfly hatches brought fish in from Lake Huron. Groups of over 50 boats have been observed targeting them at any given time. Some were getting limit catches. The location and quality of the bite purely depends on where the flies are emerging and good electronics are helpful for identifying where the schools are moving. Be sure to look for flocks of seagulls feeding on the surfacing insects as well. Some notable spots include the north side of Grape Island, the south side of Harbor Island, and near Burnt Island. Most are using teardrops and other similar ice jigs tipped with wax worms, wigglers, or adult mayflies fished near the bottom. Good colors include blood red, purple, brown, and gold.
Cedarville and Hessel: At Cedarville, fly hatches were still occurring two miles west of the Stone Quarry in Prentiss Bay. Lake herring and a few small yellow perch were taken when jigging natural fly baits or a tear-drop tipped with wax worms in eight to 12 feet. McKay Bay, located two miles west off Cedarville was still reporting a few limit catches of lake herring and whitefish when jigging wax worms in six to 10 feet in the afternoon or late evening. For young anglers, panfish were caught on twister tails and worms in three to five feet off Hill Island Road. At Hessel, a few yellow perch were caught off the pier and finger docks in the early morning. Try small worms or minnows in eight feet.
St. Ignace: Had no report this week. Boat and shore anglers on the Carp River have done well for walleye when putting crawler harnesses with worms or leeches on the bottom. Yellow and green were the hot colors. On the Pine River, boat anglers trolling a crawler harness had no luck.
July 20, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Hot July temperatures are warming the waters and driving the fish deeper especially during the day. Try heading out in the early morning or late evening when fish come into the shallows to feed. Look for areas where cooler water is coming from spring-fed streams or target lakes that have natural springs and where the waters are cooler.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Anglers were taking limit catches of walleye in 24 to 26 feet off Fermi and Stony Point when fishing out towards the Michigan-Ohio line. Most are trolling a crawler harness and bottom bouncer. Perch are beginning to slowly trickle in though a few anglers reported limit catches out of Bolles Harbor when using minnows and spreaders near the W Buoy. Fish were also caught off Stony Point and in front of the Metro Park wave pond.
Huron River: Anglers caught a mixed bag of panfish, bass, and bullhead.
Detroit River: Walleye anglers were getting fish in 14 to 17 feet around Horse Island, Celeron Island and Sugar Island. Fish were also caught in the Amherstburg Channel which is in Canadian waters.
Wamplers Lake: Large and smallmouth bass were caught in 5 to 8 feet along the weed lines with a grub or soft plastic crayfish.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught in 7 to 8 feet along the weed lines while casting or jigging a plastic crayfish.
Lake St. Clair: Walleye anglers primarily had luck in the shipping channel and around the Dumping Grounds when trolling a crawler harness. The bigger fish were coming from the Dumping Grounds. Smallmouth bass fishing was slow but a few were caught around the St. Clair Light. Many were now fishing for largemouth in the canals and along the shoreline. Perch anglers had luck when jigging crawlers out near the Middle Channel at Buoy 29.
St. Clair River: Limit catches of walleye continued to be caught along the shipping channel. The Middle Channel was producing a decent number of fish.
Lexington to Port Austin: Walleye fishing was still excellent all the way over to Harbor Beach. Smaller fish 14 to 16 inches were found in 20 to 30 feet but the big fish were in 40 feet. A few boats chasing lake trout found fish in 175 to 180 feet straight north of Grindstone City. The fish were near the bottom but some were also hitting up high just 20 to 40 feet down. Steelhead and Atlantic salmon were also caught. The big news off Lexington and Port Sanilac is the yellow perch fishing. Fish were caught around various weed beds from a little north of Port Sanilac all the way south to Lake Port. Most were taken in 15 to 22 feet but a few anglers were fishing out deeper. Pier anglers at Port Sanilac caught a few white bass and pike while pier anglers at Lexington caught bluegills and rock bass.
Saginaw Bay: Continues to have very good to excellent walleye fishing over most of the bay but the best fishing continues to be in the southern end and up the east side and around the tip of the Thumb. Good areas were 16 to 20 feet off Linwood, the Spark Plug (Buoys 11 & 12), 8 to 12 feet off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River, 2 to 3 miles northeast of Spoils Island, 10 to 12 feet on the Callahan Reef and in 12 to 18 feet in the Slot between Quanicassee and the tip of Sand Point. Most were trolling crawler harnesses with orange and chartreuse spinners but those trolling crank baits or spoons also did well. Fish are staying within the inner bay for the most part but the bigger fish are moving to the tip of the Thumb and outside it. Those trolling outside the Thumb have done well for lake trout. Caseville was slow and had very light fishing pressure.
Saginaw River: Walleye were caught just a couple miles up from the mouth in the lower river. This is a good place to try if it is too windy on the bay. Shore anglers at Smith Park caught catfish, freshwater drum and bass.
Tittabawassee River: Anglers caught some bass, pike and freshwater drum.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Salmon anglers are catching a few but the fish were still scattered. About 100 feet of water was a good starting point. Steelhead fishing was slow but a few fish were caught each day. Perch fishing continues to improve with fish taken in 30 feet. Pier anglers only caught a couple steelhead but lots of freshwater drum.
South Haven: Salmon anglers are catching a few in 90 feet or so. Perch were hitting south of the piers in 30 feet. A couple steelhead were caught by pier anglers when using shrimp.
Kalamazoo County: Good catches of bass and bluegills were noted in Indian, Austin, and Long Lake.
Barry County: Smallmouth bass were caught in the Flat River.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers caught a mix of trout and salmon 30 to 90 feet down in 80 to 200 feet with green, orange or pink spoons. Green or yellow meat rigs were better in deeper waters. Pier anglers caught a couple steelhead on shrimp or alewife. Those casting spoons caught freshwater drum.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: A light number of Skamania steelhead were still being caught up near the dam. Walleye fishing slowed but was picking back up. Bass fishing was decent.
Grand River at Lansing: Anglers caught channel cats, carp and smallmouth bass.
Lake Lansing: Was producing a few panfish and a couple small pike.
Maple River: Was producing a good number of bass.
Pine River: In Montcalm County was producing large carp, rock bass and smallmouth bass up near the St. Louis Dam.
Crystal Lake: In Montcalm County was producing walleye and panfish.
Muskegon: Salmon and trout were caught 30 to 90 feet down in 80 to 180 feet when using a mix of green, orange or blue spoons, flies and green or yellow meat rigs. Pier anglers were still taking some freshwater drum.
Whitehall: Anglers trolling 40 to 70 down in 90 to 150 feet caught chinook and coho on spoons. Those working the bottom caught lake trout on spoons or paddles and flies. Pier anglers caught largemouth bass on crawlers and jigs tipped with soft plastics.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Mackinaw City: Pier anglers drifting worms or casting spoons and spinners did not have much luck. Boat anglers caught smallmouth bass in Cecil Bay when using artificial baits.
Cheboygan: Anglers are not getting as many walleye but the fish caught were averaging 19 inches. Smallmouth bass were averaging about 18 inches and some weighed up to 7 pounds.
Cheboygan River: Many shore anglers fishing the Bois Blanc ferry dock or in front of the DNR Office have caught walleye, smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegills, catfish, suckers and freshwater drum with crawlers or leeches on a plain hook with a slip bobber or a crawler harness.
Rogers City: The better fishing has been when colder water is higher in the water column. Anglers have caught chinook, coho and Atlantic salmon, lake trout, steelhead and the occasional walleye in the top 25 to 30 feet of waters 50 to 120 feet deep. Orange and green spoons were good. For lake trout, try spin-glo’s, attractors and spoons. Chinook were caught before sunrise and after sunset. Good colors for spoons were green, blue, black and white, green and blue or anything that glows. Look for baitfish to increase catch rates.
Rockport: Anglers were taking a nice mix of trout, salmon and walleye. The thermocline has been changing a lot so pay close attention to wind conditions that will roll the lake over and bring the colder water up top. Most were fishing in 60 to 130 feet with lines throughout the water column. Use bright colors up high. The fish are scattered so try straight out, around Middle Island, the Nordmeer Wreck, off False Presque Isle and Stoneport.
Long Lake: In Presque Isle County had steady walleye fishing.
Alpena: Anglers continue to find decent numbers of lake trout when trolling spoons or spin-glo’s near the bottom in 90 to 140 feet off Thunder Bay Island and the first set of “humps”. A couple steelhead were caught in the top 30 feet. Walleye fishing was slow during the day but anglers did well at night when trolling crank baits and harnesses behind dipseys, planers, or bottom bouncers in 18 to 30 feet off Sulphur Island, Partridge Point, or in front of Bay View Park. Smallmouth bass, pike and freshwater drum were also caught. A few good size smallmouth were taken by those casting crank baits, jigging tube baits or drop-shotting in Squaw Bay, off North Point and near Grass and Sulphur Islands.
Thunder Bay River: Those casting body baits or drifting crawlers and leeches near the bottom or under a bobber caught a couple nice walleye. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, freshwater drum, and bullhead were also caught on crawlers. Pike, bowfin and smallmouth bass were caught on crank baits.
Oscoda: Still had good lake trout action when trolling spoons or spin-glo’s near the bottom in 90 to 140 feet straight out from the river and around the “humps”. A couple steelhead and pink salmon were caught in the top 30 feet. Pier anglers caught walleye, channel cats, carp and freshwater drum with leeches and crawlers near the bottom.
Au Sable River: Walleye were caught by those trolling harnesses with bottom bouncers or drifting crawlers and leeches through the deeper holes between Oscoda and the Whirlpool access. Legal sized fish were few and far between. Some rock bass and freshwater drum when taken by those drifting or floating crawlers. A few smallmouth bass were caught on crawlers or crank baits.
Higgins Lake: Good numbers of rock bass have been caught on minnows or crawlers along the drop-offs. Perch were still being caught but they are running small.
Houghton Lake: Was producing lots of bluegills in 2 to 3 feet of water. Walleye anglers trolling a jig and leech have caught fish along the weed beds. Bass were also caught. Those targeting pike say the fish are hitting on just about anything but most of the fish were small.
Tawas: Most of those trolling for walleye were heading over near the Charity Islands. The key is to find the warmer water and that’s where the fish will be. Everyone was getting fish including some limit catches. Those not wanting to head out that far were fishing the weed beds off Jerry’s Marina where they caught walleye and pike when trolling above the weeds or casting into the holes in the weed beds.
Tawas River: Shore anglers caught a mix of catfish, freshwater drum and bass.
Au Gres: Walleye anglers were crossing over to the Charity Islands or heading south of Pointe Au Gres and fishing in 20 to 30 feet around the “Humps” northeast of the end of the shipping channel in the warmer water.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Most lake trout anglers were fishing from Harbor Point and northwest of the bay. Many fish were suspended 30 to 60 feet off the bottom in 140 to 200 feet but others were caught near the bottom in 100 to 120 feet. Anglers are waiting for a decent thermocline to set up and stay in the area.
Petoskey: Lake trout fishing was hit-or-miss in Little Traverse Bay. Most boats were fishing the Harbor Springs side. A few lake trout were taken near the bottom in 120 to 130 feet between 9-Mile Point and Petoskey. Fishing at the mouth of the Bear River in the Bobber Hole was slow with only a small pike taken. Water levels were a bit low on the Bear River but a couple steelhead and small brown trout were taken on worms or spawn. Those fishing the breakwall caught smallmouth bass and rock bass.
Charlevoix: Boat anglers found lake trout near North Point when fishing just off the bottom in 135 feet. Those fishing the channel were starting to catch a few more legal size smallmouth bass but they were putting in their time to get them. Freshwater drum were taken on worms or leeches on the bottom.
Traverse City: In the East Bay, lake trout fishing was very good near Deepwater Point when trolling or jigging and at the south end of the bay when trolling. Smallmouth bass were caught in 10 to 15 feet south of the M-37 boat launch. The Elk River was slow with only a couple smallmouth bass taken. In the West Bay, lake trout were caught when trolling across from Elmwood Marina on the east side. Fish were caught south of M-22 on the west side but the action was very slow at times. Pike fishing in Northport was slow. The Boardman River was slow with only a few panfish or small bass taken.
Lake Leelanau: Was producing a good number of walleye for those trolling a crawler harness in 30 feet.
Leland: Still had good lake trout fishing on the First and Second Banks. A few chinook salmon were caught on the First Bank and around North Manitou Island. Most of the salmon were taken on spoons and the lake trout were taken on spin-glo’s behind cowbells, dodgers or spinners.
Platte Bay: Good numbers of lake trout were caught by those trolling spoons and spin- glo’s behind dodgers and cowbells.
Benzie County: Inland lakes were producing walleye, rock bass and small perch.
Lake Missaukee: Was producing some bluegills.
Manistee: Surface water temperatures were near 50 degrees. Chinook salmon are starting to show up and were caught when trolling south in 100 to 150 feet. Lake trout were caught to the north in 120 to 180 feet. A small number of coho and steelhead were also caught. Spoons and cut bait were producing the best. Pier fishing was slow.
Ludington: Surface temperatures here were about 47 degrees. A 24 pound chinook salmon was caught recently in 100 to 180 feet. Steelhead and lake trout were also caught. A small number of chinook were caught in the basin and just outside the piers in 30 feet as well. Spoons and meat rigs were the ticket.
Pentwater: Anglers trolling 40 to 70 feet down in 100 to 160 feet caught chinook and coho along with the occasional steelhead on spoons. Lake trout were taken near the bottom with paddles and flies. Pier anglers caught smallmouth in the channel with crawlers near the bottom.
Pentwater Lake: Bass anglers caught fish along the edge of the weeds in 12 to 20 feet when casting crank baits. Anglers fishing Longbridge Road caught bluegills, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass when drifting worms under a bobber.
UPPER PENINSULA
On the west end, good fishing was reported in Iron, Gogebic and Dickinson Counties. Summer fish patterns are starting to emerge with the recent bug hatches.
Lake Gogebic: A few walleye were caught when trolling crank baits and crawler harnesses or when floating a leech under a slip bobber. Panfish seem to be moving into deeper water. Pike fishing was slow and most of the fish caught were sub-legal. The consistent fishing was for smallmouth bass.
Menominee River: Shore and boat anglers caught walleye, smallmouth, catfish and freshwater drum. Boat anglers trolling stick baits and bottom bouncers with live bait and shore anglers were using crawlers and minnows on the bottom.
Little Bay De Noc: The walleye action was slow. Most fish were caught from the Escanaba River south to the Ford River. Near the Escanaba River, anglers were trolling a crawler harness in 18 to 24 feet. Off Breezy Point, anglers were using a crawler harness or stick baits just off the break in 16 to 22 feet. Fair perch catches at Kipling and near the Day’s River Buoy with crawlers in 3 to 25 feet. Smallmouth bass were caught off Garth Point in 18 to 24 feet and Hunters Point in 20 feet. The better catches came from the Farmers Dock area in 10 to 26 feet when casting jigs with plastics or crank baits. The best trout and salmon action was 65 to 90 feet down in 120 to 130 feet past the Ford River Can.
Munising: The few boats heading out had mixed results as some got no hits and others caught several lake trout averaging 4 to 5 pounds. Pier anglers at the Anna River reported poor catch rates.
Grand Marais: Boat anglers managed to catch a few lake trout in the early morning in 100 to 120 feet. The fish were feeding on smelt. Pier anglers caught whitefish on a single egg but most of them were small at 11 to 12 inches.
Tahquamenon River: Had slow catch rates. The main catches were small bluegills, rock bass and pumpkinseed sunfish. Pike and musky were few and far between as anglers were casting and trolling everything they had but had little luck.
St. Marys River: Fishing in Sault Ste. Marie has really begun to pick up as those targeting Atlantic salmon and whitefish have done well when drifting flies behind the Edison Power Plant. Those trolling had decent catches of Atlantic salmon and steelhead behind the Federal Power Plant with stick baits that resemble smelt and green and orange or silver spoons. Shore fishing for Atlantics is just starting off the Sugar Island Ferry docks. Fishing on Sugar Island is very slow with almost no walleye caught. Pike fishing was inconsistent. A few yellow perch were caught in the North Channel. In the lower river, slow walleye action was reported from Neebish Island to Sweet’s Point. Those drifting a crawler harness near Round Island caught walleye and several nice yellow perch in 12 to 18 feet. Use bright colors like orange, green and red. The lake herring bite was slow. It appears the herring are staying to the south and will continue to do so until the mayfly hatch shifts to the north.
Detour: Trout and salmon fishing slowed way down at the Detour Reef because of the large mayfly hatch. Most anglers have now switched to fishing lake herring and whitefish. Limit catches of lake herring mixed in with whitefish and a few yellow perch have been caught just south of Burnt Island which is on the north end of Drummond Island when using a tear-drop with a wax worm or a dark brown fly with a hint of gold mixed in.
Drummond Island: Lake herring were still being caught in Potaganissing Bay. Mayflies continue to hatch and are keeping fish in the area. A good number of whitefish have also been caught. Hot spots for herring include the south side of Harbor Island, near Burnt Island and near Long Island. Use tear-drops and other ice jigs with a wax worm near the bottom. Hot colors were red, purple and brown.
Cedarville and Hessel: At Cedarville, Snow’s Channel was producing some nice catches of northern pike 28 to 30 inches for those trolling black and yellow bucktail spinners in 6 to 8 feet off any of the weed beds throughout the channel. Good panfish action in and around the docks with worms or minnows. Some nice largemouth bass and rock bass were caught from Hill Island Road Bridge with small worms and minnows. A few walleye were caught off the Club Cut that borders the Cedarville Golf Course at the west end of Snow’s Channel to the east end of Mackinaw Bay when drifting shiners under a bobber in 6 to 10 feet early morning or late evening. In Hessel, pike fishing was good when still-fishing chubs in 6 to 10 feet in Wilderness Bay. Schools of yellow perch were seen moving through the finger docks at the Hessel Marina. Try small worms and shiners.
St. Ignace: Had no anglers but fishing pressure on the Carp River increased as several walleye averaging 18 inches were caught with leeches and crawlers on a harness or a slip bobber with a leech. Pike averaging 28 inches were caught at the mouth when trolling a yellow and white crawler harness. Fishing on the Pine River was slow.
July 27, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Good fishing continues around the state. Some areas are reporting excellent catch rates for trout, salmon, walleye and bass. Panfish including bluegills, perch, sunfish and rock bass can be found around the state.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Walleye were still being caught outside of Fermi with pink artificial baits but anglers were putting in a lot of work to get them. Those using a crawler harness did fair however many were on the small side. Perch were caught off Sterling State Park but no limit catches. Perch fishing was slightly better out of Bolles Harbor and near Buoys W & E. Water temperatures were about 80 degrees so try trolling in deeper water.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while casting a wacky worm in 5 feet or when drop-shotting a rubber worm in 12 to 20 feet. Panfish were caught in 8 feet along the southwest side.
Lake St. Clair: Walleye fishing remains strong in the shipping channel. Fish were also caught straight out from the Clinton River Cutoff launch in 16 feet in the early morning. Gold perch rigs with crawlers worked well for perch anglers fishing near the Clinton River Cutoff launch. Smallmouth anglers caught a mix of rock bass, perch and catfish. A few smallmouth were caught off the Mile Roads.
St. Clair River: Walleye fishing remains strong in the North Channel where anglers continue to get limit catches.
Lexington to Port Austin: At Port Sanilac and Lexington, perch fishing slowed a bit, but some nice catches were still coming from various weed beds in 20 to 30 feet south of Port Sanilac. Those trolling in 100 to 130 feet caught Atlantic salmon, steelhead and walleye. Those targeting lake trout at Grindstone City and Harbor Beach are going way out to find fish, starting at 100 to 130 feet and interestingly enough, they are getting about as many walleyes out there as lake trout. This would suggest that the winds have upset the thermocline as walleye often follow the warmer water out. Those fishing way out have also caught steelhead and Atlantic salmon up high. Those trolling north of
Harbor Beach in 50 feet were taking 4 or 5 walleye per boat but no limit catches. Walleye fishing remains good off Port Austin, but the action has moved out around the lighthouse and west toward the various reefs off Sleeper and Port Crescent State Parks. Lots of walleye were taken in 25 to 30 feet but the bigger fish were found in 40 feet. Lots of smallmouth bass were caught right along with the walleye in shallower water. It appears the fish are starting to scatter.
Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing is still very good. Limit catches are still not out of the question if you find an active school of fish. There are indications that the walleyes are starting to scatter off the tip of the Thumb to some extent, but fishing in the inner bay is still holding up pretty well. Walleye are still hitting in 16 feet off Linwood, two miles northwest of the Spark Plug (Buoys 11 &12), 8 to 9 feet off the end of Jones Road, 10 feet on the Callahan Reef, both sides of the Bar and especially in the Slot from Sunset Bay Marina all the way along the outside of the islands and into the narrows off the tip of Sand Point. The best crawler harness spinner colors were brass, silver, purple, chartreuse, fire-tiger, pink and orange. Lake trout are far offshore, possibly indicating that temperature in the deeper waters of the lake have been altered by the recent winds. Lake trout anglers were catching walleye in over 100 feet.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Boat anglers are catching a mix of steelhead, coho, lake trout and the occasional Chinook on spoons, spin-doctors and flies. The fish were caught in 80 feet however they seem to be moving out deeper. Good perch fishing continues in 30 to 40 feet especially south of the piers.
South Haven: Salmon fishing was inconsistent as the fish were scattered and caught in 70 feet as well as 120 feet or deeper. The majority were steelhead hitting on spoons but some did find the occasional Chinook with spin-doctors and flies. The perch action was improving with more fish taken south of the piers in 30 feet.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers are catching a mix of salmon and trout 30 to 80 feet down in 60 to 150 feet with a variety of meat rigs, flies, spoons and plugs. Meat rigs in green or yellow work along with green, blue, orange and yellow spoons. Pier anglers were still finding a couple steelhead with shrimp. Those casting spoons in the channel or off the end of the pier caught freshwater drum.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Walleye have been caught on crawlers throughout the river. Smallmouth bass and catfish are also being caught.
Grand River at Lansing: Anglers are getting lots of smallmouth bass near the dams. Most are using crawlers, leeches and minnows. Channel cats have been caught up near the North Lansing Dam and the Portland Dam. Bass and small pike were caught just off the Red Cedar River in Sycamore Creek.
Shiawassee River: Flows were good for wade fishing. Those fly fishing caught large and smallmouth bass, a few pike and some rock bass upstream of Owosso. Conditions are good for either popper or streamer fishing.
Muskegon: Salmon and trout are being caught 30 to 90 feet down in 70 to 160 feet with green, yellow and orange spoons, green or blue flies and green or yellow meat rigs. Pier anglers casting spoons caught freshwater drum.
Muskegon River: Water temperatures were in the low 70’s and the smallmouth fishing has been very good. Anglers caught quite a few pike.
Whitehall: Had excellent salmon and steelhead fishing 40 to 80 feet down in 110 to 180 feet with spoons and flies however meat rigs and plugs have taken some of the bigger fish. Red and white or orange and green spoons worked well. A couple salmon and steelhead were taken from the pier heads after the cool water moved in, but the main catches were large and smallmouth bass.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Mackinaw City: There was activity at the fishing pier but not much was caught. Anglers have tried body baits, soft baits or jigging Mister Twisters with no luck in the deeper water. Rock bass and freshwater drum were caught in the shallows.
Cheboygan: Anglers caught lake trout and a few Chinook around Lafayette Point, the west side of Round Island, and off Spectacle Reef when trolling spoons.
Cheboygan River: Shore anglers caught freshwater drum, walleye, smallmouth bass, catfish, bullhead, and rock bass with worms on a plain hook or crawler harness at the Bois Blanc ferry parking lot and near the lock and dam. The walleye catch slowed with the water temperature increasing but anglers are still harvesting some in 17 to 21 feet or in 13 feet near the lock and dam. Those drifting a worm or leech between the paper mill and the city launch caught walleye, rock bass and freshwater drum.
Rogers City: The fish were scattered all over and no one spot was better than the other but most were fishing in 60 to 130 feet. Anglers were running downriggers, leadcore, copper, and dipsey divers throughout the water column. Most were using spoons but dodgers and flashers along with flies, squid and cut bait caught fish. Good colors were green, orange, blue, bloody nose, blue and green, blueberry muffin, black and white, chartreuse or silver. Anglers were taking a mixed bag of Atlantic, Chinook, coho, steelhead, lake trout and walleye. The better fishing was in the evening.
Rockport: Anglers are taking a mixed bag of trout and salmon fishing straight out, around Middle Island, the Nordmeer Wreck, False Presque Isle and Stoneport in 60 to 130 feet. Most are using spoons but dodgers and flashers with flies and squid are also working.
Good colors were green, blue, black and white, orange, silver or glow early and late. Walleye are starting to hit body baits or a crawler harness in 20 to 50 feet straight out, around Middle Island, False Presque Isle and Stoneport. Fish were suspended and near the bottom.
Alpena: Salmon and trout were found in 90 to 150 feet at the First, Second or Third set of “Humps” and off Thunder Bay Island. Most were just off the bottom but a few were taken about halfway down with spoons and spin-glo’s with paddles. Atlantics, pink salmon and steelhead were taken up high and a couple Chinook were taken about halfway down. Several brown trout were caught on spoons in 40 to 50 feet in Thunder Bay. Walleye were caught in decent numbers by anglers trolling stick baits or harnesses with bottom bouncers in 25 to 40 feet off of Sulphur, Grass, and Thunder Bay Islands and out from the Black River. Early or late were best.
Thunder Bay River: Anglers caught smallmouth bass and a couple northern pike when casting crank baits. A few rock bass, bowfin, and channel cats were taken when still-fishing with crawlers. Walleye were caught sporadically by those drifting crawlers or casting and trolling stick baits.
Oscoda: Anglers found good numbers of lake trout straight out from the river in 100 to 150 feet. Most were on the bottom but a few were suspended about halfway. Coho and steelhead were caught in the top 50 to 75 feet. Try spoons, spin-glo’s and meat rigs. A few walleye suspended 25 feet down in about 100 feet were caught but most were hitting stick baits in 30 to 40 feet. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass, walleye, and freshwater drum when casting crank baits or still-fishing with crawlers. A few yellow perch and rock bass were caught on perch or crappie rigs.
Au Sable River: A few walleye were caught when drifting crawlers or leeches through the deeper holes in Oscoda and up near the trestle bridge in the late evening but many were too small. Large and smallmouth bass or pike were taken on crank baits. Bluegills and rock bass were taken on crawlers.
Higgins Lake: Lake trout anglers have taken fish when trolling with downriggers. Fish were found just off the bottom up near the North State Park in 135 feet. A few perch were still being caught in 30 to 35 feet and rock bass are everywhere.
Houghton Lake: Fishing has been steady. Walleye were being caught along the weed beds in 8 to 15 feet and bluegills were caught in 6 to 8 feet.
Tawas: Boat anglers after walleye are going down off Alabaster to fish in 50 to 60 feet, around Tawas Point and a bit north in 50 to 70 feet or crossing the bay and fishing north of the Charity Islands. Pier fishing is summer-slow with a few bluegills and bass caught.
Tawas River: Shore anglers were still taking a few catfish, smallmouth bass, carp and freshwater drum.
Au Gres: Walleye trollers were crossing the bay to fish the Slot and the Charity Islands, heading to 30 to 40 feet around the bell buoys or fishing the outside edge of the weed beds off Eagle Bay Marina. Everyone had fish but limits were a little harder to come by. Fishing was slow in the Au Gres River.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Most lake trout anglers were still fishing off Harbor Point and northwest of the bay. Fish were caught on spoons and spin-glo’s 115 to 135 feet down near the bottom or within 10 to 20 feet of the bottom.
Petoskey: Lake trout were about 100 feet down. No salmon were caught yet. Fishing was still slow at the “Bobber Hole” with only a few smallmouth bass and some big freshwater drum taken. Water levels in the Bear River were normal. Anglers caught very small brown trout.
Charlevoix: Lake trout fishing improved especially around North Point. Some were caught near the bottom in 120 feet while others were suspended 100 to 140 feet down over deeper water. Spoons and spin-glo’s were the ticket. A couple lake herring were caught 50 to 90 feet down around North Point. Those fishing the channel were still targeting smallmouth bass but numbers were low. Freshwater drum and the odd sucker were caught with worms or leeches on the bottom.
Traverse City: Lake trout fishing was great in the East Bay both north and south of the M-37 launch. Trout and the odd whitefish were also caught when jigging near the bottom in deep water. Smallmouth fishing was slow but some good size fish were taken. The Elk River was slow with only small bass hitting on leeches. Lake trout fishing was good in the West Bay for those trolling or jigging near the M-22 launch. A nice Chinook was also caught. Lake trout and the odd lake herring were caught south of Marion Island. A couple nice pike were caught in Northport. The Boardman River was slow except for a couple small bass and some panfish.
Leland: Good numbers of lake trout were caught on the First Bank with spin-glo’s behind cowbells or hootchies. A couple nice lake herring and Chinook were also caught. Chinook were found on the west side of South Manitou Island when trolling spoons. Good numbers of smallmouth bass are still being caught in the Leland River.
Frankfort: Anglers are reporting good numbers of bigger Chinook salmon from the Herring Hole to Betsie Point when trolling in the top 40 to 80 of waters 120 to 160 feet deep with spoons and plugs early or late. Pier anglers caught Chinook with alewife in the early morning off the south breakwall.
Onekama: A good number of Chinook and lake trout were caught in the “Barrel” with green or blue spoons in the early morning or evening. The fish are starting to shade from their chrome color indicating they may be staging for the run.
Portage Lake: The mayfly hatch has come to an end so panfish and bass were starting to show up a bit deeper. Anglers were working the drop-offs in 16 to 24 feet.
Manistee: Surface water temperatures were 65 degrees. Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught 40 to 80 feet down in 100 to 140 feet when trolling straight out or south with spoons, flies and meat rigs. Pier fishing was slow.
Ludington: Boat anglers caught some good size Chinook salmon along with coho and steelhead. The Projects were producing the most about 50 to 70 feet down in 100 to 140 feet or 50 to 90 feet down in 120 to 180 feet off Big Sable Point. A few Chinook were caught in the harbor and Pere Marquette Lake. Anglers did best with spoons and flies but a few were caught on meat rigs.
Pentwater: Salmon and steelhead fishing was excellent near Little Sable Point when trolling 40 to 80 feet down in 100 to 180 feet with spoons, flies and meat rigs. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass with crawlers near the bottom.
Pentwater Lake: Perch anglers had success in 25 to 35 feet on dropper-rigs tipped with perch minnows or wax worms. Those fishing the channel caught smallmouth bass with crawlers near the bottom.
UPPER PENINSULA
Keweenaw Bay: Anglers reported fair catches or coho and lake trout when trolling spoons throughout the water column in 80 feet or in the top 150 feet of waters 400 feet deep. Coho were caught on spoons and stick baits near the lighthouse in the South Entry. In Traverse Bay, boat anglers had limited success with lake trout caught throughout the water column and coho taken in the top 50 of waters 150 feet deep.
Lake Gogebic: The mayfly hatch continues but anglers were starting to catch a few more walleye when trolling crank baits, leeches or a crawler harness. The evening bite with leeches and slip bobbers produced walleye and perch. Those trolling caught small pike. Smallmouth bass are rather active and can be found along the rocky shorelines. Weed beds on the north end were good for bluegills, sunfish, perch and even a few walleye in the evening.
Menominee River: Boat and shore anglers caught walleye, freshwater drum, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Boat anglers are trolling live and stick baits or casting spinners and plastics. Shore anglers were using live bait on the bottom.
Little Bay De Noc: Fly hatches and good numbers of bait fish slowed catches for all species this week. Walleye anglers were mostly in Green Bay waters fishing the 11- Mile Shoals, Minneapolis Shoals and near Round Island. Bass anglers fished the “Black Bottom” area south into Green Bay waters. Perch anglers caught a good number of small fish in the Kipling area in 4 to 10 feet and the Escanaba Yacht Harbor near the mouth. Those trolling a crawler harness in the Escanaba River between the
mouth and the launch docks caught a few walleye. Anglers were marking good numbers of fish between Breezy Point and the Ford River Buoy but few were caught.
Manistique: Salmon anglers were going 10 to 16 miles out and fishing 50 to 90 feet down in 100 to 140 feet. Catch rates were slow as anglers report lots of baitfish throughout the area. Most river anglers have gone inland looking for panfish.
Marquette: Limits or near limits of coho were taken in the top 30 feet in the Lower Harbor and off Shot Point. Limits of lake trout were caught between the “white rocks” and Granite Island. Those running high lines also caught the occasional steelhead, brown trout or Chinook.
Au Train: Plenty of lake trout were caught along the flats in front of Shelter Bay and north of Au Train Island. A few Chinook and coho were caught in 50 feet or less out from the Au Train River.
Tahquamenon River: Muskie fishing picked up with quite a few fish being caught. Pike were also active and were hitting red and white lures. The Dollarville Dam and Pier were producing small fish like perch, pumpkinseed, bluegills and rock bass. Boat anglers caught a few perch throughout the river.
St. Marys River: Sault St. Marie had decent fishing with a good number of Atlantic salmon and whitefish caught behind the Cloverland Powerhouse when using flies in 7 to 10 feet. Those targeting them behind the Federal Powerhouse may want to try trolling spoons or stick baits that resemble smelt. Walleye fishing has started to pick up. Try the sand or mud flats in 10 to 20 feet with a crawler harness at night. Pike were hitting on crank baits in the North Channel. Fishing in Lake George was slow with very few walleye caught. Smallmouth bass fishing was decent with tube baits or rubber worms in the shallows. In the lower river between Neebish Island and Sweet’s Point, walleye and yellow perch were slow and many were too small. Those putting in the time were finding a few bigger fish when trolling or drifting a crawler harness or deep diving crank bait in 12 to 18 feet near Round Island, Lime Island or near the mouth of Carlton Creek. The lake herring bite in Raber Bay has not picked up despite evidence of large mayfly hatches.
Detour: Reported good catches of Chinook, lake trout and a few small Atlantics when trolling from Fry Pan Island just below the ferry boat lane to Drummond Island and the green buoy that sits just northwest of the lighthouse and Detour Reef. Chinook were 8 to 12 pounds and caught 60 to 80 feet near the lighthouse when trolling an orange and white or chartreuse and chrome 4 inch spoon. For lake trout, try trolling over the 90 foot flat with red and white or orange and white spin’glo’s with cannon balls almost hitting the bottom. Atlantic salmon were hitting a small 3 inch spoon 25 to 35 feet down in 60 feet.
Drummond Island: Lake herring activity has practically stopped as the schooling fish have moved on to different areas of mayfly hatches. Most of the fishing pressure now has been for walleye and smallmouth bass. Walleye fishing was slow as most fish
continue to gorge themselves on emerging insects. Schooling walleye were found but did not want to bite natural or artificial baits. Smallmouth fishing was excellent along the rocky drop-offs near Harbor Island and the shallow waters near Peck Island when floating crawlers and chubs or casting spinners, tube baits and deep diving crank baits.
Cedarville and Hessel: Cedarville had reports of 8 and 9 inch yellow perch caught in 8 to 12 feet at the Viking Boat Works which is one mile south of the Cedarville launch. Perch were caught on the west side of Island #8 which is closer to Little Joe Island and at Little Salle Island which is out near the Les Cheneaux Islands with worms or shiners just off the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet between 9 and 11am. Smallmouth bass were caught on spinners at the mouth of Duck Bay and on the east side of Marquette Island. Off Hessel, those casting fly rods for smallmouth bass did well on the west side of Marquette Island on green flies in the swift water and off the rock piles in 4 to 6 feet. A few pike were caught in the evening with frozen smelt or a black and yellow bucktail spinner.
St. Ignace: Had no reports. Some walleye were caught on leeches or worms and slip bobber at the pier and boat launch on the Carp River. Boat anglers caught pike on a crawler harnesses with leeches at the mouth. A few walleye were caught by shore anglers on the Pine River. Try worms or leeches and a slip bobber.
August 3, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Bass fishing has been hot on the inland lakes. Fish have moved to deeper waters because of the extremely warm temperatures and lack of rain. Boat and shore anglers will find good panfish action on the inland lakes and some rivers. Lower water levels in some rivers have made for very good catfish and sucker fishing.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Anglers are catching perch but it has been slow with the average catch less than 20 per boat. Walleye are still trickling in with an average of 1 or 2 fish per trip. Anglers did best when trolling bottom bouncers from the mouth of the River Raisin up to Fermi. Many bass anglers have caught walleye with artificial baits in shallow waters. A large number of freshwater drum are being caught.
Huron River: Anglers caught some panfish below the Hydro Dam. Channel cats were caught in the lower river at night with crawlers, minnows and dough balls.
Detroit River: Smallmouth bass are being taken in good numbers around the Cross- Dike near Sugar Island with tube baits, spoons and spinners.
Wamplers Lake: A few largemouth bass were caught when casting a crank bait, jerk bait or senko worm in 11 feet. Fish were also hitting top-water lures. Boat and shore anglers caught panfish on worms in 5 to 8 feet.
Sand Lake: Bass were caught all around the lake while casting top-water lures and when casting a rooster tail in 10 feet. Panfish were caught on worms in 7 to 10 feet especially along the west end. Surface water temperature was 81 degrees.
Lake St. Clair: Catch rates for walleye slowed and those heading out had a hard time coming up with a few small fish. Most were taken in the shipping channel with a gold crawler harness in the early morning. Smallmouth bass were sluggish. Those caught were taken in deeper water. Yellow perch were more abundant in the waters near Geno's and were caught on worms. Anglers were taking bluegills with worms or minnows a foot off the bottom.
Lexington to Port Austin: The strong northeast winds blew in the warm surface waters around the tip of the Thumb. Walleye anglers were heading straight north and west of the harbors where they found walleye scattered in 25 to 40 feet. Out of Grindstone City, walleye were taken anywhere from 70 to 130 feet. Those trolling for lake trout, Atlantic salmon and steelhead off the tip of the Thumb were going out to 150 to 160 feet and deeper to find cold water. Lake trout were at the bottom and the steelhead and Atlantic salmon were caught on high lines. Off Harbor Beach, Port Sanilac and Lexington, trout and Atlantic salmon were taken in 130 feet or deeper. Perch fishing at Lexington took a hit from the winds and the changing thermocline but a few were still being caught. Pier fishing was summer-slow at all ports.
Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing was still pretty good in 13 to 16 feet from Bay City State Park up to Linwood and in 30 feet northeast of the Charity Islands. Catches of 5 to 6 fish per boat per trip were the norm. Walleye were also caught in 17 feet outside the Pinconning Bar and in 10 feet off the Callahan Reef. A few went out for perch but it is still too early for the fall bite to be starting. Only a handful of perch were caught by those targeting them. On the east side from Quanicassee to Bay Port, walleye fishing continues to be pretty good about anywhere in the Slot but outside the islands was the best. The Bar and the Humps were also producing fish. Those trolling are starting to work harder for fish but still caught enough to keep them going out. The reefs between Caseville and Port Austin might be worth a try. Most were using a crawler harness, crank baits, and spoons. Hot colors were purple, green, silver, orange and gold.
Saginaw River: Shore anglers caught the usual freshwater drum, catfish and bass.
Tittabawassee River: Bass fishing was steady and a few small walleye were caught.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Boat anglers caught lake trout and a few Chinook salmon in 80 feet. Perch fishing was spotty as some are taking good catches while others did not catch anything. Most were fishing south of the piers in 45 feet however fishing north of the piers was improving. A decent number of steelhead were caught by pier anglers using shrimp under a bobber but the waters were warming.
South Haven: Salmon anglers caught a mixed bag of Chinook, lake trout and steelhead with spoons and flies in 100 to 120 feet. Perch fishing is improving. Lots of smaller perch and a few nice ones were taken in 40 feet north and south of the piers. Pier fishing was slow for all species except freshwater drum.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers continue to catch Chinook, coho, steelhead and lake trout 30 to 80 feet down in 70 to 140 feet with green, orange and blue spoons or green and yellow meat rigs. Pier anglers caught steelhead on shrimp and alewife or a few perch on minnows.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Anglers were still getting a few walleye and a fair number of smallmouth bass. Some large catfish were caught at night.
Grand River at Lansing: Anglers continue to catch smallmouth bass, channel cats and even some panfish. Many were fishing near the dams.
Lake Lansing: Was producing bass and bluegills.
Livingston County: Crappie were caught on Hoisington Lake. In Howell, good numbers of pike were caught on Crooked Lake and largemouth bass were caught on Thompson Lake.
Clinton County: A few largemouth bass were caught on Round Lake and Park Lake. Motz Park near St. Johns was producing bluegill, bass and a few small perch.
Maple River: Low water levels have made for excellent catfishing and sucker fishing in certain spots.
Pine River: In Gratiot County had good bass and pike fishing.
Muskegon: Those trolling have caught trout and salmon 25 to 75 feet down in 70 to 140 feet or so. Good spoon colors were orange, green and blue. For meat rigs, stick with green and yellow. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum.
Muskegon River: Continues to produce some nice smallmouth bass.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Boat anglers trolling spoons near Round Island and Mackinac Island caught Chinook salmon throughout the water column. Lake trout were caught in 100 feet of water off Lafayette Point which is on the southeast side of Bois Blanc Island.
Cheboygan River: Fishing slowed but shore anglers caught rock bass, smallmouth bass, freshwater drum and a few small walleye. Freshwater drum, small perch and walleye were caught at the lock and dam when using worms. Smallmouth and catfish were caught at the Bois Blanc ferry parking lot or in front of the DNR Office.
Burt and Mullett Lakes: Were showing strong perch numbers near the south end of both lakes.
Rogers City: Anglers were taking a mixed bag of fish depending upon water temperature and conditions. Most were in 50 to 130 feet and using spoons and flashers with squid, flies and cut bait. Hot spoon colors were green, blue, orange, silver, black and white or glow early and late. Chinook were hitting before 9am and after 9pm.
Rockport: Salmon and trout anglers were heading out towards the Nordmeer Wreck, Middle Island, False Presque Isle and Stoneport and fishing throughout the water column in 60 to 130 feet. Walleye anglers were starting to get a few fish around Middle Island and north towards False Presque Isle when trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses halfway down or near the bottom in 25 to 40 feet. Late evening was best.
Long Lake: Was producing some yellow perch along with other panfish and bass. Fish were caught near the drop-offs.
Alpena: Those targeting walleye had good catches in 25 to 45 feet when trolling a crawler harness and bottom bouncer during the day or using stick baits at night off the the point, straight out from Bay View Park, near Scarecrow and Sulphur Islands, as well as further south out from the Black River. A few good size pike were caught on crank baits when targeting walleye. Lake trout were caught when trolling spin-glo’s, spoons, and meat rigs in the bottom half of 100 to 160 feet. Most were just off the bottom with a few suspended. Steelhead and pink salmon were taken in the top 40 feet. Try between the first and third set of Humps or off Thunder Bay Island.
Thunder Bay River: Walleye fishing was slow but anglers did well for smallmouth bass when casting crank baits or drifting crawlers. Freshwater drum, rock bass, and bowfin were caught when still-fishing or drifting crawlers.
Oscoda: Had good catches of lake trout in 110 to 180 feet. Most were hugging the bottom but some were suspended about halfway up. Atlantic salmon and steelhead were taken in the top 40 feet along with a couple coho and pink salmon. Try spoons, spin-glo’s or meat rigs. Walleye were found just off the bottom in 25 to 40 feet or suspending in deeper water and following baitfish. Pier anglers caught channel cats, freshwater drum, and smallmouth when still-fishing with crawlers and leeches.
Au Sable River: Anglers found a couple walleye in the evening when drifting crawlers through the holes in Oscoda and near the mouth but overall the bite was very slow. Good numbers of smallmouth bass were taken by those casting crank baits, spinners or when jigging. Rock bass and smallmouth were also taken with worms near the bottom.
Au Sable Lake: Anglers caught limits of bass and numerous legal size pike.
Higgins Lake: Those trolling with downriggers were still taking a few lake trout just off the bottom in 120 to 135 feet near the North State Park. A few nice perch were taken on minnows in 40 to 50 feet. Smallmouth bass were hitting on spinners and buzz baits.
Houghton Lake: Walleye fishing improved with anglers getting 2 to 3 fish when trolling crank baits or a harness with crawlers or leeches. Bass and pike were hitting on just about anything. Lots of rock bass have been caught. Most fish taken were caught in 9 to 12 feet. For bluegills, try a white jig.
Tawas: Those trolling for walleye had moderate success but those trolling in deeper water outside the bay did better with fish taken in 35 feet off Buoy #2, 60 feet off Alabaster, and 60 to 70 feet east of Tawas Point. Some were going across the bay and fishing near the Charity Islands or down in the Slot outside Heisterman and North Island. Inside Tawas Bay, a few boats fishing off Jerry’s Marina took a few walleye on Lindy Rigs. Salmon and trout were marked in 60 to 70 feet outside Tawas Point but anglers had trouble getting them to bite so all they caught were walleye and the odd steelhead. Pier fishing was slow.
Tawas River: Shore anglers caught smallmouth, catfish and lots of freshwater drum.
Au Gres: Walleye anglers continue to do well at a variety of locations, and several limit catches reported. Hot spots were 15 feet straight off the mouth of the river, the Bell Buoys, Charity Islands, the Slot, off Oak Point, south of Pointe Au Gres, and off the Saganing and Pinconning Bars.
Au Gres River: Was producing catfish for shore anglers. Try crawlers, bluegills, cut bait or large minnows.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Boat anglers were still heading up to Seven Mile Point but only a couple lake trout were taken. Lake trout were caught 100 to 120 feet down near Harbor Point. Those targeting smallmouth bass caught some fish.
Petoskey: More boat anglers were fishing on the Petoskey side from Bay Harbor to the breakwall. A few salmon were caught up high and lake trout were caught about 100 feet down. The Bobber Hole was producing a few smallmouth bass and bluegill but most anglers caught freshwater drum. A couple smallmouth were caught off the breakwall. On the Bear River, anglers caught small 8 to 10 inch brown trout and small steelhead below the dam.
Charlevoix: Had signs that Chinook salmon are being caught. Lake trout fishing was good from Fisherman’s Island all the way to North Point in a variety of depths as some were suspended and some were closer to the bottom. Try anywhere from 60 to 130 feet down in 100 to 300 feet with spoons, flasher/fly combo and spin glows. Those fishing the channel were targeting smallmouth bass. While fishing improved slightly, there are still not a lot of fish around. Freshwater drum and the random walleye were caught. Most were fishing the bottom with worms or leeches.
Traverse City: In the East Bay, lake trout fishing in Elk Rapids was tough but fish were caught trolling near the bottom in 100 feet. Lake trout were caught out from the M-37 launch and 80 to 95 feet down at the south end off Deepwater Point. Those casting and jigging north of the M-37 launch managed to take a few. Smallmouth bass and rock bass were caught in Elk Rapids and some good size smallmouth were caught north of
the M-37 launch. A couple salmon were hooked but not landed. In the West Bay, lake trout were caught out from the M-22 launch near Lee Point. Some nice smallmouth bass were caught near Power Island and along the east edge of the by in 15 to 20 feet. Plenty of smallmouth bass were caught in the Boardman River.
Leland: A few Chinook salmon were caught off the First Bank and on the west side of South Manitou Island but the bite was slowing. Green and blue spoons were best for salmon and were also taking a few lake trout. Spin-glo’s behind cowbells were the most effective for lake trout. The Leland River was still producing smallmouth bass.
Platte Bay: Some good catches of lake trout and a few Chinook salmon were taken in the northern part when trolling spoons.
Platte Lake: Walleye and panfish action was consistent on Big and Little Platte Lakes.
Frankfort: Had reports of some nice Chinook salmon caught in the top 35 to 65 feet in 150 to 200 feet with several in the mid 20 pound range. Spoons worked best but fish were also taken on green flies, plugs and meat rigs. Coho were beginning to show up in small numbers.
Onekama: Chinook were caught straight out from the piers when trolling in the top 75 feet of waters 100 to 200 feet deep in the early morning or evening. Lake trout were still hitting good in the Barrel for those using cowbells and spin-glo’s.
Portage Lake: Those trolling a crawler harness in the early morning have caught a few walleye and pike. Bass anglers working the drop-offs caught largemouth. Panfish were caught in small numbers.
Lake Missaukee: Was producing limits of smallmouth bass. Nice catches of bluegill and crappie were also reported.
Manistee: Surface temperature readings were up near 68 degrees. Good numbers of Chinook, coho, and steelhead were coming in by those trolling 50 to 90 feet down in 120 to 180 feet with spoons, flies and meat rigs. A small number of lake trout were also caught. Most of the Chinook salmon were between 12 and 20 pounds.
Ludington: Had surface water temperatures up to 69 degrees. A good number of Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught 60 to 80 feet down in 110 to 180 feet. Steelhead were also caught in 300 to 350 feet. Chinook were caught when trolling in the harbor and the backside of Pere Marquette Lake. Spoons, flies and meat rigs were the ticket. A good number of Chinook were over 20 pounds.
Pentwater: Salmon and steelhead fishing has been excellent from the dunes down to Little Sable Point. Those trolling 30 to 70 feet down in 80 to 160 feet caught Chinook, coho, steelhead, and the occasional lake trout on spoons, meat rigs and plugs. Glow spoons have fished well early and late while daytime anglers used orange and green.
Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass in the channel using minnows or leeches near the bottom.
Pentwater Lake: Boat anglers casting body baits in 10 to 15 feet caught large and smallmouth bass.
UPPER PENINSULA
Ontonagon River: Walleye anglers were getting fish as the bite picked up.
Lake Gogebic: During the 3rd week of a slow and methodical mayfly hatch fishing has not changed much. The walleye and perch anglers are catching are full to the gills with wiggles yet they are still taking the occasional crawler or leech. Some were hitting on crank baits but the majority were taken on live bait in the deeper parts of the lake during the day and shallow water in the evening. Pike fishing is slow and most of those caught were undersize. Good numbers of smallmouth bass were still hitting natural and artificial baits. Bergland Bay is still producing panfish but there is more sorting then earlier in the season.
Menominee River: Boaters and shore anglers alike reported more catches of walleye and smallmouth bass when trolling a crawler harness and stick baits or when drifting jigs tipped with minnows, crawlers and plastics. Shore anglers are using live bait on the bottom have caught walleye, smallmouth bass, catfish and freshwater drum.
Little Bay De Noc: Walleye catches were up off Kipling when trolling a crawler harness in 14 to 20 feet around the First and Second Reefs and in 12 feet off Breezy Point. Perch anglers reported good numbers of small fish near Kipling. Several catches of larger perch were reported out by the Escanaba ship docks using minnows or crawlers in 25 to 30 feet. Northern pike and drum were active throughout the bay but most of the pike were undersize. Smallmouth bass fishing was fair to good in 8 to 14 feet off Hunters Point, 12 to 20 feet near the Farmers Dock and between the Ford River and Round Island in 5 to 18 feet. Most used plastics, spinners or crank baits. Salmon anglers reported very few catches.
Manistique: Salmon fishing was slow as water temperatures were too warm. Those fishing the river reported good walleye catches when casting jigs with crawlers near the end of the rapids near the Upper Dam. Good smallmouth action for those casting plastics, spinners and crank baits along the edge of the barriers. Several good size pike were caught in the same areas.
Marquette: Good numbers of coho were still being caught in top 30 of waters 50 to 60 feet deep in the Lower Harbor and off Shot Point. Short cores and copper, dipsies and downriggers have all taken fish. Lots of lake trout were caught between the white rocks and Granite Island in 130 to 200 feet and deeper.
Au Train: Limits of lake trout have been taken at Big Reef as well as the sand flats in front of Shelter Bay. A few coho were also caught.
Munising: Water temperatures finally reached the low 60’s offshore and mid 60’s near shore. Lake trout including some limit catches were caught off Wood Island and the Big Reef. Boat anglers caught a fair to good number of coho and a few Chinook salmon. The coho were about 30 feet down in 50 feet outside the breakwall. Pier anglers at the Anna River dock reported slow action with only a couple whitefish and splake caught. Try small red worms for the whitefish or spawn sacs and shallow running stick baits for the splake.
Grand Marais: Lake trout anglers reported good catches near the shipping lanes in 160 to 200 feet and near Big Reef. Those trolling did well on dodgers with spoons or flies and downriggers near the bottom. A few were also jigging around Big Reef. A couple coho were caught when trolling to the east with stick baits or spoons in 50 feet. Hot colors were silver, gray, orange and gold.
Tahquamenon River: Pike and muskie were a bit more active for boat anglers casting or trolling. Most of the pike were on the small side but the muskie were legal length. Those fishing near the Dollarville Dam caught small bluegills and rock bass.
St. Marys River: Was still producing some Atlantic salmon behind the Cloverland Powerhouse. Walleye were caught in 10 to 15 feet on the sand or mud flats. Lake George had decent smallmouth fishing in the shallows. In the lower river, walleye and perch fishing were very slow. Most of the catches were undersize pike. Schools of lake herring have been found near Lime Island but the fish appear to be inactive or traveling in schools around Raber Bay. Those trying to catch them had not gotten a single bite.
Detour: When boats could get out, a few lake trout were caught with downriggers over the 90 foot flat with short leaders no more than 18 inches and spin-glo’s in chartreuse or orange with white. A few Chinook salmon were caught on spoons 50 feet down in over 90 feet with chartreuse and chrome or white and orange spoons. For those targeting Chinook, it is about that time to look upstream in the river between the lighthouse and the Ferry Boat lane that runs to Drummond Island.
Drummond Island: Those targeting walleye are back now that the lake herring are gone but catch rates were still poor as very few were caught. Good bass fishing continues along the drop-offs, Scott Bay and the shallow waters near Maxton Bay and Drummond Island Yacht Haven when floating crawlers or chubs. Deep diving crank baits, swimbaits and spinners were also taking fish. Pike were hitting on chubs and stick baits around Harbor, Rutland and Peck Islands.
Cedarville and Hessel: Yellow perch were caught off Cedarville when drifting shiners in 8 to 10 feet off Conners Point in the early afternoon. Fish were also caught just north of Island # 8, and in 6 to 8 feet around Little Joe Island. Small schools of yellow perch also move throughout the Les Cheneaux Islands, with anglers targeting docks and
weed beds in 5 to 8 feet with worms or shiners. Panfish and largemouth bass are being caught off the Hill Island Bridge one quarter mile south of M-134. Northern pike were caught straight south of the Hessel at Cube Point when drifting chubs and frozen smelt in 6 to 8 feet along the weed beds early or late. Small perch and sunfish were caught east of Hessel Marina. For walleye, try drifting or jigging in 12 to 18 feet along the south end of Mackinaw Bay in the early morning. A few walleye were caught with a crawler harness and bottom bouncer.
St. Ignace: A few boats were trolling spoons around Mackinaw Island but had no luck. Shore anglers on the Carp River caught walleye on leeches and worms under a slip bobber of a crawler harness. Walleye fishing in the Pine River was slow. Shore anglers fishing the bottom with worms and leeches had little success.
August 10, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Summer fishing continues. Those fishing around the weed beds on the inland lakes are taking a variety of species including panfish, walleye, bass and pike. Chinook salmon fishing has picked up in the Great Lakes.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Had lots of perch anglers however not many limit catches were recorded. The average catch per angler putting in a full day was maybe 15 fish. Walleye fishing was good with limit catches taken in Brest Bay and off Fermi when trolling a crawler harness. Big freshwater drum were caught by those trolling for walleye.
Huron River: Anglers have caught smallmouth bass. Channel catfish were hitting on live baits in the lower river. Try crawlers, bluegills, crayfish or minnows.
Detroit River: Is producing some yellow perch. No big numbers but enough for a meal. Fish the mouth and around the islands in about 14 feet with a perch rig and minnows. Walleye are slowing down and most of the fish caught were undersize. A fair to good number of smallmouth bass have been caught.
Wamplers Lake: Bass anglers here were not having much luck. A few decent perch were caught on minnows on the west end. Panfish were caught while casting a small rubber worm near the beach or while drifting a worm with a flasher in 5 to 7 feet.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while drop-shotting a plastic worm in 8 to 10 feet or while casting a wacky worm in 5 to 10 feet on the north end. Some bluegills could be found on the beds but they would not bite. Sunfish were caught while drifting a crawler harness along the drop-offs in 4 to 12 feet.
Lake St. Clair: After a long month of sluggish smallmouth fishing things are slowly starting to turn around with decent catches reported near the point off the Metro Park, the spillway at the Clinton River, and up into the North Channel. The walleye bite was hit-or-miss. Those jigging and drifting did better than those trolling. A couple muskie were caught near the Clinton River when trolling close to shore.
Lexington to Port Austin: A few walleye were caught in 85 feet and a few perch were found near the weed beds in 22 to 24 feet off Lexington. Port Sanilac was hot for those trolling 40 to 50 feet down in 110 to 150 feet straight out and up to 7 miles north with orange spoons and lead-core. Anglers caught a good number of walleye along with a few Chinook, Atlantics, pink salmon and steelhead. No reports from Harbor Beach to Grindstone City. Those trolling straight north of Port Austin in 120 to 140 feet caught lake trout off the bottom and were also marking schools of fish that would not bite 40 to 50 feet down. The thermocline has been all over because of the winds.
Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing slowed. Recent winds have stirred up the bay making the water murky and there were lots of floating weeds to foul up anglers’ lines. Fish were caught just south of Whites Beach along the Saganing Bar, straight off Pinconning along the Pinconning Bar, five miles east of the Spark Plug which is the shipping channel and in 8 to 10 feet on the Callahan Reef which is just east of Essexville. Some of the better catches were taken out of Quanicassee but not everyone took fish home. Perch fishing is just starting with fish taken in 18 feet off the Pinconning Bar. Catfish were caught on crawlers and shrimp in the Hot Ponds which are just east of the Saginaw River mouth. Just south of Sebewaing, those wading along the edge of the weeds off Fish Point caught largemouth bass with surface lures at sunset. From Caseville, a few walleye were caught off Oak Beach and Oak Point in 30 to 35 feet. Walleye are still being taken on crawler harnesses, assorted crankbaits, and spoons, but you have to find an active school of fish.
Saginaw River: The lower river was producing the usual catfish, bass and freshwater drum for shore anglers at Smith Park.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Salmon anglers are catching a mixed bag in 80 feet which seemed to be the most consistent. Some going well past 120 feet caught some coho. Spoons, meat rigs and flies were the ticket. Perch fishing continues to improve though the fish seem to be scattered and were caught in 25 to 55 feet. Pier fishing was slow.
St. Joseph River: Had good numbers of steelhead up at the Berrien Springs Dam but fishing pressure was very low.
South Haven: Salmon fishing was inconsistent but a few fish were taken on spoons in 100 to 140 feet. Perch fishing was spotty as the fish were scattered in 20 to 60 feet. Of those caught, most were taken south of the piers.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers caught Chinook, coho, steelhead, and lake trout 70 to 150 feet down in 140 to 210 feet. Green, orange and blue spoons along with yellow and green meat rigs were the ticket. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum on spoons.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: A few limit catches of walleye were taken downstream of Johnson Park which is west of Grand Rapids. Some nice catfish were also caught. Bluegills have been caught and a few pike were taken here and there.
Grand River at Lansing: The big story is the very good smallmouth bass fishing. Water levels were back up just a bit and fish are being caught just about everywhere with live bait. A few scattered pike were also been caught.
Muskegon: Those trolling found a mix of salmon and trout 60 to 140 feet down in 140 to 220 feet. They were using orange and green spoons and yellow, green and black meat rigs with green or white flies. Pier fishing was slow.
Whitehall: Anglers trolling 35 to 70 feet down in 65 to 150 feet caught Chinook, coho, steelhead and lake trout with green or blue spoons, green plugs and flies as well as meat rigs. A couple Chinook were caught by pier anglers casting spoons. Those casting body baits in the channel caught smallmouth and the occasional walleye.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Boat anglers caught Chinook and lake trout along with the occasional steelhead or walleye. Most were trolling spoons and cut bait around Lafayette Point and Lighthouse Point. The Chinook averaged 10 pounds or so.
Cheboygan River: Fishing pressure slowed but shore anglers drifting worms with a plain hook or crawler harnesses caught walleye, smallmouth bass, rock bass, freshwater drum, catfish and pike. Most of the walleye were 15 to 18 inches but some were undersize. Anglers were fishing near the Bois Blanc ferry parking lot or up at the lock and dam.
Mullett Lake: The Jewell Road boating access site will close temporarily as major site renovations to the ramp will begin on Monday August 14th and will be completed by December 1, 2017. Boaters are encouraged to use one of three alternate access sites including Aloha State Park, the Mullett Village access or the Forks access site.
Rogers City: Windy conditions have prevented the set-up of a thermocline and the lack of cold water. Fishing was on the slow side with only a few Chinook, steelhead, lake trout or the occasional walleye taken. The better catches were taken throughout the water column in 45 to 120 feet before sunrise and after the sunset. When you find fish, keep going back and trolling over that same area with spoons and attractors with flies, squid and cut bait. Good colors were green, blue, white, black, orange, silver and glow.
Rockport: Had few anglers. Walleye were caught by those trolling body baits or a crawler harness in 35 to 60 feet.
Alpena: Lake trout were caught between the first or third set of “Humps” or off Thunder Bay Island in 110 to 160 feet. Some are on the bottom and some were about halfway down. A couple steelhead were taken in the top 60 feet. Try spin-glo’s, meat rigs or spoons with paddles depending on fish activity. Walleye were caught on stick baits in 25 to 50 feet near Scarecrow and Sulphur Islands, North Point and out from the Black River. Crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers caught a few walleye and channel cats during the day. Those trolling spoons in 100 feet or more found walleye suspended. Some good size smallmouth bass were caught in the LaFarge discharge when casting crank baits and spinners or when drifting a harness.
Thunder Bay River: Was producing a mix of smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, rock bass, bluegill, bowfin and channel catfish when still fishing or drifting crawlers near the bottom. A few walleye were found by those drifting crawlers on the bottom at night, but overall walleye fishing was very slow.
Oscoda: Lake trout were found in 110 to 180 feet. Some were on the bottom while others were about halfway down. Atlantic salmon, steelhead and a couple pink salmon were found in the top 60 feet. Try spoons, spin-glo’s and meat rigs. Pier anglers found good numbers of smallmouth bass and freshwater drum with crawlers near the bottom. Channel cats were caught on crawlers after dark.
Au Sable River: Had good smallmouth bass fishing for those using spinners, soft plastics or crawlers. Freshwater drum, rock bass, bowfin and a couple channel cats were also caught. The walleye bite was slow but a few were taken when drifting crawlers on the bottom or with a slip bobber in the holes between the railroad trestle and the mouth.
Higgins Lake: Perch are still being caught in 40 to 50 feet when still-fishing with minnows or wax worms. Lake trout were taken just off the bottom in 100 to 120 feet.
Houghton Lake: Those trolling along the weed beds near the drop-off in 8 to 12 feet have caught walleye on Hot-n-Tots. Bass, pike and bluegills are also in the weeds.
Tawas: Those trolling caught a few walleye inside the bay off Jerry’s Marina when using a Lindy rig along the weed beds. Fish were also caught on spoons in 50 to 60 feet down near Alabaster. Pier fishing was slow.
Tawas River: Shore anglers continue to find bass, catfish, carp and freshwater drum.
Au Gres: Walleye fishing was spotty with some caught in 35 feet straight off the mouth of the river or in 25 to 35 feet off Pointe Au Gres and around the weed beds off the mouth of the Pine River. Down off Sagatoo Road, perch anglers fishing at Eagle Bay Marina caught a decent number of fish in 15 to 25 feet.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Was sheltered from the wind so a few boats were able to get out but catch rates were very slow with only one lake trout caught about 125 feet down.
Petoskey: A couple lake trout were caught within 10 feet of the bottom 110 feet down. Smallmouth bass were caught off the D-Pier which is near the mouth of the river. The Bear River was a bit high after the rain. A few fish were hooked at the dam but not many were landed Most were using spawn bags or flies.
Charlevoix: Lake trout were caught about 100 feet down near the cement plant. Rumor has it a few salmon were also caught. Those fishing the channel were still targeting smallmouth bass with worms or leeches on the bottom but catch rates were slow. Freshwater drum and rock bass were caught.
Traverse City: Salmon fishing was slow in the East Bay. A couple lake trout and lake herring were caught. The east side of the bay produced some lake trout and a couple Chinook salmon off Old Mission. Only a couple small lake trout were taken off Elk Rapids. Bass were caught on the east side in 15 to 20 feet or in the Elk River. In the West Bay, a nice Chinook and a few lake trout by those trolling near the white walls. Perch fishing was good north and south of Marion Island with minnows or shrimp in 35 feet. A few smallmouth bass were also caught. Lake trout were caught off Northport in the early morning. On the Boardman River, a couple summer run steelhead were caught at the dam when using spawn.
Leland: A few Chinook along with good numbers of lake trout were caught out on the First Bank. Catch rates for Chinook improved around North Manitou Island for those using spoons and hootchie mama’s with flies. Lake trout were still being caught on spin-glo’s behind a dodger, hootchie or cowbell. Smallmouth were caught in the river.
Platte Bay: Was producing a few Chinook and coho. Good numbers of lake trout were also caught when anglers switched over and started targeting them.
Manistee: Surface temperatures dropped to 64 degrees. Chinook fishing was starting to pick up again. A mixed bag of Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught 15 to 80 feet down in 65 to 150 feet. A good number of Chinook were over 20 pounds. Flies, spoons and meat rigs were the ticket. Pier fishing was slow with a small number of Chinook caught on spoons.
Ludington: Salmon fishing picked up with Chinook and coho caught 30 to 90 feet down in 90 to 180 feet. Steelhead were also caught when using spoons, flies and meat rigs. One angler caught a 37 pound Chinook. The end of the south pier is closed due to construction. Chinook were caught in Pere Marquette Lake when trolling or jigging.
Pentwater: Boats trolling from the dunes down to Little Sable Point caught Chinook and coho 30 to 70 feet down in 70 to 150 feet with green and orange spoons, green
plugs and meat rigs. Coho and steelhead were 30 to 80 feet down in 160 to 180 feet with spoons and flies.
Pentwater Lake: Anglers casting body baits or using crawlers near the bottom caught smallmouth bass and freshwater drum. Perch were caught in 15 to 25 feet with jigs tipped with a red worm or wax worm.
UPPER PENINSULA
Lake Gogebic: Not much has changed over the last 30 days. Walleye were caught when trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses but few limit catches were reported. Fishing weed beds and rock piles with crawlers and leeches has produced some walleye and perch. Anglers are catching more legal size walleye. Some decent bluegills and sunfish along with the a couple nice perch and walleye were caught on the north end. Pike are still being caught but few were legal size. Smallmouth fishing remains hot along the breaks just off shore on the south end
Menominee River: Fishing was slow for boat and shore anglers with only a few walleye, smallmouth bass, catfish and freshwater drum caught.
Little Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers reported fair to good catches around the First and Second Reefs when trolling a crawler harness in 12 to 28 feet. A few walleye were caught near Breezy Point in 12 to 14 feet. Perch fishing was fair to good near Kipling with crawlers in 8 to 13 feet. Several jumbo perch were reported. Northern pike catches were up near the Day’s River and the Escanaba ship docks when trolling spoons or crank baits in 8 to 14 feet. Fair walleye action was reported in the Escanaba River when trolling crawler harness in 8 to 14 feet.
Manistique: Had no salmon reports as many are waiting until the fish move back into the area later this month. Pier anglers caught good numbers of rock bass and bluegills which can be lots of fun for the kids. Walleye fishing was good in the river up near the fast water when casting a jig with a crawler. Smallmouth bass fishing was good but few anglers were taking advantage of it.
Marquette: Strong winds scattered the fish. A few lake trout were caught near Granite Island, the white rocks and off Shot Point. A couple coho were caught near Shot Point.
Au Train: Lake trout were caught in front of Au Train Island and Shelter Bay.
Munising: A few coho were caught over the last week. Gusty winds made fishing difficult. Lake trout anglers continue to produce fair to good catches north of Grand Island, near Wood Island Reef and Big Reef. Pier fishing was slow with only a few splake taken.
Grand Marais: Coho suspended in 30 feet were caught when anglers could get out. Lake trout anglers continue to do well with limit catches reported near the shipping lanes straight out from the port, near Au Sable Point and near Big Reef.
Tahquamenon River: Muskie fishing was decent with a fair to good number of fish caught. Few panfish were caught.
St. Marys River: Atlantic salmon were caught behind the Cloverland Powerhouse up near Sault Ste. Marie. The whitefish action was beginning to slow. Try red or brown flies in 7 to 10 feet or black and white or smelt colored stick baits and spoons behind the Federal Powerhouse. The walleye action was beginning to pick up with moderate catches reported in the shipping channel south in the early morning. Pike were hitting on spoons and crank baits. Fishing in Lake George was slow. Yellow perch were caught in the North Channel when drifting crawlers on the bottom or floating minnows near the weed beds. In the lower river, walleye fishing was slow. The fly hatches are diminishing and the schools of lake herring were starting to disappear.
Detour: Salmon and lake trout catches were slow. A few Chinook, steelhead and pink salmon were caught 58 feet down in over 100 feet near the Detour Lighthouse. Most were using flashers with chrome and chartreuse spoons.
Drummond Island: Walleye fishing was poor but anglers are still trying. Perch fishing improved slightly with some anglers catching 5 to 10 fish between 7 and 11 inches. Most were caught between Peck and Rutland Island but those walleye fishing between Peck Island and Paw Point also caught a few. Try drifting a crawler harness near the bottom over the deeper weed beds in 10 to 14 feet. Smallmouth bass fishing was decent along the rocky drop-offs near the smaller islands and shallow areas with crawlers and chubs or when casting crank baits, swim baits, and spinners.
Cedarville and Hessel: Anglers targeting walleye and perch caught fish near Buoys 18 & 19 which are straight out from the Cedarville golf course. Most were drifting shiners and worms just off the weed beds in 8 to 10 feet. Some nice yellow perch were caught west of Conner’s Point. Northern pike up to 37 inches were caught on red and white spoons just off the weed beds in 8 to 10 feet in Hill Channel. At Hessel, young anglers caught a few yellow perch from the finger docks at the marina. Most were still-fishing with worms. Those targeting pike from the pier caught smaller fish 22 to 24 inches when casting chrome spoons or still-fishing with creek chubs. Moving one mile east to Mackinaw Bay, young anglers caught sunfish and rock bass in 4 to 6 feet. Cube Point which is straight out from the Hessel fishing pier was producing some 16 to 19 inch smallmouth bass for those jigging green and brown tube jigs along the rocky points in 6 to 8 feet in the early morning.
St. Ignace: A couple Chinook salmon were caught on spoons when trolling around Mackinac Island. Shore anglers on the Carp River were targeting walleye with worms or leeches on the bottom but most had little to no luck.
August 17, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
A small number of salmon were starting to move into the rivers in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. Those fishing the inland lakes are catching a variety of species. The fish are moving to deeper water when it is hot. Those fishing shallow waters early or late should find fish.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Is beginning to see large numbers of perch coming in. Anglers are starting just outside the River Raisin near Buoys 1 & 2 and working their way to the Ohio line and taking some limit catches with gold perch rigs and minnows. Walleye are still being caught but limits were few and far between. Most were trolling a crawler harness and bottom bouncer from Brest Bay to Ohio waters.
Huron River: Anglers caught smallmouth, channel cats and some panfish.
Detroit River: Was producing yellow perch in the lower river and around the south end of Grosse Ile for those using perch rigs with minnows in 12 to 14 feet. Those targeting smallmouth bass caught fish on both live and artificial baits.
Wamplers Lake: A few panfish were caught on worms in 5 feet near the beach and a couple crappie were taken while casting minnows along the drop-offs.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while drop-shotting and casting spinners in 7 to 8 feet on the north end. Very few panfish were caught by boat anglers.
Lake St. Clair: Anglers caught perch at a variety of locations. Some reported fair action with a slip bobber south of the Clinton River Cutoff launch near the 400 Club in 14 to 15 feet. The walleye action slowed but a fair number of fish and some perch were caught at the Dumping Grounds which are directly east of the Nine Mile launch. Muskie anglers caught several large fish in this area when trolling artificial baits. Smallmouth fishing has been very slow.
St. Clair River: Had very good walleye fishing. Most are jigging crawlers because the weeds made trolling difficult. Sturgeon were caught near Algonac.
Lexington to Port Austin: Lake trout, walleye and steelhead were scattered. The thermocline was disrupted by the wind and it was hard to find cold water. A couple walleye, lake trout, the odd coho and one three pound pink salmon were caught off the north pier at Port Sanilac when casting a Cleo. A small number of perch were taken in various weed beds in 20 feet off Lexington and Port Sanilac.
Harbor Beach: The fish were scattered. Lake trout were caught in the bottom 70 in 140 to 170 feet with spoons or dodgers with spin-glo’s. A couple steelhead were also caught on bright colored spoons off boards with 5, 7, and 10 color lines. Walleye continue to be on the slow side with a few taken on worm burners, thunder sticks or Hot-n-Tots. They were scattered with some taken in 60 feet as well as in the top 50 of waters 90 to 130 feet deep. Bass are still in close to shore so try casting body baits.
Saginaw Bay: Some walleye anglers are still getting limit catches, but all indications are that the majority have moved to deeper water. Fish were taken off Gambil’s Marina near Pinconning in 15 to 17 feet, near sailboat Buoys A & B and over the old Dumping Grounds. To the east, some walleye were taken in 12 to 13 feet on the Callahan Reef, and 14 to 15 feet in the Slot off Sebewaing. The north end of the Slot outside North Island was producing better catches. A good number of boats from Quanicassee and Sebewaing were crossing the Bar and going to deeper water 23 to 30 feet out near the Spark Plug and Buoys 11 & 12. Off Bay Port, walleye were taken near Sand Point in 20 feet. Perch anglers off Quanicassee did well in 10 to 11 feet.
Saginaw River: Shore fishing in the lower river was limited to catfish, freshwater drum and the occasional bass.
Tittabawassee River: Bass fishing was steady especially at night. A couple small walleye were caught here and there.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Salmon fishing was very inconsistent with fish caught in 80 feet as well as out past 150 feet. White spin doctors and green flies worked well. Perch fishing was slow as the fish were scattered. Some were found in 50 feet. Drifting seems to work better than still-fishing.
South Haven: Salmon fishing was hit-or-miss but a few were taken on spoons in 100 to 140 feet. Perch fishing was spotty as the fish were scattered in 20 to 60 feet. Of those caught, most were taken south of the piers.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers caught salmon 60 to 120 feet down in 120 to 220 feet. A flasher/fly combination is working best with green or white flies but fish were also taken on orange and green spoons or yellow and green meat rigs. Glow plugs produced a few fish in low light conditions. Pier fishing was slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Anglers are still getting some walleye and some nice catfish along with the occasional pike.
Rogue River: Anglers are getting some steelhead and coho. Most were using a jig and wax worm, spawn, crawlers or spinners.
Grand River at Lansing: Smallmouth bass continue to be caught especially the early morning and evening. A few walleye were caught near Eaton Rapids.
Lake Ovid: Was producing some panfish.
Maple River: Had excellent catfish and sucker fishing because of low water levels. A good number of pike were also caught.
Muskegon: Salmon were caught 60 to 140 feet down in 120 to 220 feet with yellow and green meat rigs, green or white flies, and orange, yellow or green spoons. Pier fishing was slow.
Whitehall: Early morning anglers trolling straight out from the piers caught Chinook 35 to 60 feet down in 90 to 120 feet. Boats fishing later in the day found Chinook, coho and steelhead 40 to 70 feet down in 150 to 200 feet with spoons, flies, meat-rigs, and plugs. Green was the hot color. Pier anglers casting spoons in the early morning caught the occasional salmon, but the primary catch was large and smallmouth bass on minnows, crawlers, or body baits.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Boat anglers fishing around Lafayette Point, Round Island and Mackinac Island caught lake trout and a couple Chinook salmon when trolling spoons with cut bait.
Cheboygan River: Fishing pressure for walleye has slowed as anglers are now waiting for the salmon to come in. A small number of fish were seen jumping at the dam but no fish were caught. Those fishing the city pier, Bois Blanc Island parking lot, DNR Office parking lot, or the lock and dam caught walleye, smallmouth bass and rock bass.
Burt and Mullett Lakes: Were producing a good number of perch along the south end of both lakes.
Rogers City: The fish were scattered. Some nice Chinook salmon are beginning to show up. The action was not hot but boats are picking up about one nice fish per trip usually in the very early morning or after dark in 50 to 120 feet. Fish the entire water column with spoons, flashers and squid.
Rockport: Had no trout and salmon anglers. A few caught some walleye but windy conditions made them unpredictable. Most targeted 30 to 60 feet with purple, gold and silver deep diving crank baits.
Otsego Lake: Was producing some panfish. Try the weed beds in 10 feet or so.
Alpena: Those targeting trout and salmon found lake trout near the bottom in 120 to 160 feet or suspended higher in the water column near the “Humps” off Thunder Bay Island. Coho and steelhead were found in the top 60 feet. Try spoons, meat rigs of spin-glo’s. Walleye fishing was decent in 25 to 40 feet off the north shore, Scarecrow Island and Sulphur Island with a crawler harness or stick baits.
Thunder Bay River: Freshwater drum, brown bullhead, and rock bass were caught by those still-fishing crawlers on the bottom or under a float. Some good size catfish were caught on crawlers from Mill Island and South Riverfront Park. Smallmouth bass were hitting on crank baits, tube baits and crawlers.
Oscoda: Lake trout were caught in 110 to 160 feet off the mouth of the river and near the “Hump”. Most were near the bottom with some suspended. Atlantic salmon, coho, steelhead and a couple pink salmon were caught in the top 30 to 70 feet. Chinook were taken about halfway down in 130 to 150 feet. Spoons, meat rigs and spin-glo’s worked best. A few walleye were caught 20 to 30 feet down in 100 feet or when drifting a crawler harness near the mouth of the river. Pier anglers caught smallmouth, a couple walleye and freshwater drum when still-fishing of drifting a crawler. Late evening was best for those targeting walleye and channel catfish.
Au Sable River: Walleye were caught when drifting crawlers through the holes in Oscoda but the bite was slow. Smallmouth bass were found by those casting crank baits or drifting crawlers. Those fishing from the handicap access site, the Au Sable Harbor or the Refuge Park caught smallmouth, freshwater drum, and rock bass.
Higgins Lake: Perch are still being caught but anglers had to work to find active schools of fish. Most were still in the 40 to 50 foot range. Lake trout are still being caught just off the bottom in 100 to 120 feet or so. The best bite was in the early morning. Anglers are still catching lots of rock bass throughout.
Houghton Lake: The bite slowed but those trolling did best. Walleye anglers trolling along the weed beds in 9 to 12 feet also caught bluegills, bass and even some crappie. Hot lures were anything with a little green on it. Smallmouth bass were caught along the north shore while largemouth bass were found along the west and south end. For bluegills, anglers need to move around to find them.
Tawas: Walleye fishing was pretty good with spoons in 50 to 70 feet outside Tawas Bay. The fish were at different depths depending on the day. Pier fishing was slow.
Au Gres: Walleye fishing was good straight off the river mouth between Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres and south of Pointe Au Gres in 30 to 35 feet with some getting limit catches. Those trolling in 12 feet off the Saganing and Pinconning Bars caught walleye. Perch were taken off the Pine River and Eagle Bay Marina in 8 to 20 feet.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Had quite a few lake trout caught anywhere from 100 to 170 feet down in 120 to 190 feet from Harbor Point north. A Chinook was caught 90 feet down.
Petoskey: Had a few salmon moving into the area. A couple Chinook were caught between 80 and 115 feet down. Many were focusing on the area near the breakwall but fish were also caught in front of Bay Harbor. Lake trout were taken 75 to 100 feet down. Smallmouth bass were caught off the D Pier near mouth of the Bear River. Water levels on the Bear River were moderate and fishing was slow up at the dam.
Charlevoix: Boat activity increased with the news of a couple Chinook salmon caught 80 to 90 feet down in 120 to 130 feet. Lake trout were 80 to 120 feet down in 100 to 140 feet or deeper between North Point and Cement Plant. Spoons and spin-glo’s were the ticket but some were using cut bait for salmon. Those fishing the channel caught undersize smallmouth, drum and rock bass on live or artificial crawlers and minnows.
Traverse City: Lake trout fishing was good for those trolling or jigging in 100 feet near Elk Rapids and off Deepwater Point. Fish were also caught near Yuba Creek. Salmon fishing was slow but a few bigger Chinook were caught along the drop-off south of the M-37 launch. Smallmouth fishing was slow. The Elk River was slow with only a couple bass and freshwater drum caught. In the West Bay, lake trout were caught south of the island and along the east side of the bay. Salmon fishing was slow but a few nice Chinook were found north of the Elmwood Marina on the west side and near Marion Island. The smallmouth bite was slow. Catch rates in the Boardman River were slow except for a couple small steelhead, rock bass and other panfish.
Leland: Had good catches of lake trout and some Chinook salmon. Most of the lake trout were caught on the First Bank with spin-glo’s behind cowbells. The north end of North Manitou Island was the hot spot but fish were also caught on the south end of North Manitou and the west side of South Manitou Island. Most of the salmon came on spoons 50 to 80 feet down.
Platte Bay: Anglers caught a decent number of lake trout, Chinook and coho including some big Chinook and coho. Even though coho numbers are starting to increase, many boats were still coming in with no fish.
Frankfort: Had good Chinook salmon fishing. Those trolling the “Bank” reported good numbers of fish including several Chinook 20 pounds or more taken in the top 60 feet of waters 100 to 140 feet deep with spoons, flies and J-plugs. Coho, lake trout and steelhead were reported in the same area.
Betsie River: Large Chinook salmon were caught in both the river and Betsie Lake.
Onekama: Those trolling 40 to 70 feet down in 100 to 160 feet reported good catches of Chinook salmon with spoons and meat-rigs in the early morning. Lake trout in the Barrel were hitting up high just like the salmon.
Portage Lake: Walleye, rock bass, perch and largemouth bass were hitting in 11 to 18 feet. Walleye anglers were working the shoreline with crawler rigs in the early morning or evening. Perch anglers using worms near the buoy and in front of the city launch caught some 12 inch fish.
Manistee: Surface temperature readings were about 68 degrees. Fishing picked up and big healthy Chinook salmon continue to come in. Most were taken 40 to 100 feet down in 90 to 160 feet. Good numbers of coho and steelhead were caught. Meat rigs, spoons and flies worked best. A few Chinook were caught by pier anglers casting spoons or those trolling plugs in the harbor.
Manistee River: Had reports of a 25 pound Chinook salmon caught above the coffer at Tippy Dam.
Ludington: Fishing picked up with some big Chinook salmon up near 30 pounds caught 40 to 90 feet down in 90 to 150 feet. Coho and steelhead were also caught. Meat rigs, spoons and flies were the ticket. Those trolling in the harbor and Pere Marquette Lake caught a few Chinook on plugs.
Pentwater: Boats trolling from the dunes down to Little Sable Point caught Chinook and coho salmon 40 to 80 feet down in 80 to 150 feet. They were hitting green flies and plugs or pink, red and green spoons. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass and the occasional walleye on minnows and body baits near the rocks.
Pentwater Lake: Those fishing the channel caught smallmouth and freshwater drum with minnows, crawlers, and body baits. Channel cats, perch and rock bass were caught on red worms or perch minnows near the bottom.
UPPER PENINSULA
Lake Gogebic: Fishing picked up slightly as those trolling deeper water with crank baits and crawler harnesses reported better catch rates. Those using a slip bobber with a leech or crawler in shallow water or weed beds caught walleye but were sorting out the small ones. The north end was producing a few walleye but more perch, bluegills and sunfish. Some are taking smallmouth bass and a few pike were caught by those trolling. The mayfly hatch seems to be slowing down.
Lac Vieux Desert: On the Michigan-Wisconsin border was producing pike and muskie.
Lake Antoine: In Dickinson County was producing a decent number of pike.
Menominee River: Anglers caught some nice smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish and freshwater drum from Bum Island which is just downstream of the Hattie Street Bridge to the mouth with live bait, plastics, and crank baits.
Little Bay De Noc: Most of the walleye fishing was near the mouth of the Whitefish River and the Kipling area. Anglers reported fair catches up by the Whitefish River trolling a crawler harness in 12 to 18 feet but many were undersize. Those fishing the First and Second Reefs had fair to good catches in 14 to 25 feet with a crawler harness or stick bait. Good numbers of small perch were reported around Butler Island and were caught on crawlers in 10 to 17 feet. Several jumbo perch were also caught. Steelhead were caught up near the fast water in the Escanaba River when casting spawn or crank baits. Shore anglers at the Ford River caught pike and smallmouth bass. Most were undersize but plenty were caught. Fair salmon catches north of the Ford River Buoy when trolling spoons or cut bait 40 to 65 feet down in 50 to 90 feet.
Manistique: The fish cleaning station is no longer in service. A new station will be installed next spring but officials are unsure when or if the existing station will be repaired in the meantime. Anglers targeting salmon out in the lake caught a couple Chinook in the 5 to 12 pound range. Salmon have already started entering the river and are being caught up by the dam. Brown trout and steelhead were also caught. Both gates are open so the current is still fairly fast and the area up by the dam was about waist deep on average. Most were casting spawn, mega-lips or Cleo’s. Good walleye reports were still coming from the fast water near the Upper Dam when casting jigs with crawlers or rapalas. Smallmouth, channel cats, pike and panfish were also caught.
Marquette: Near limit catches of lake trout were taken at the white rocks, little Presque Isle, Granite Island and Shot Point. Coho were mixed in around Shot Point and the Lower Harbor. A couple Chinook were caught outside the Lower Harbor breakwall.
Au Train: Limit catches of lake trout were caught around Au Train Island. No salmon to report.
Munising: Had a few boats out for coho but they had no luck. Surface water temperatures were in the upper 60’s offshore and low 70’s nearshore. The Anna River Pier had little to no fishing pressure.
Grand Marais: A few coho were caught by those trolling outside the breakwall. Lake trout fishing continues to be good and when the winds are favorable boats have typically limited out when fishing straight out about five miles or near Au Sable Reef and Big Reef. Pier anglers had no luck.
Tahquamenon River: Fishing was slow with very few muskie reports. Boat anglers fishing upstream of the Natalie launch and campground caught pike on spinners but many were undersize. Bluegills and rock bass were caught on both live and soft plastic worms or minnows near the Dollarville Dam.
St. Marys River: Had very good Atlantic salmon fishing in the upper river behind the Cloverland Powerhouse. Whitefish have left the area but a few were still being caught. Walleye fishing picked up with decent catches reported by those trolling a crawler harness in the shipping channel in the early morning. Pike were hitting on spoons and crank baits. Fishing in Lake George has begun to pick up with a few nice walleye caught near Hay Point. Yellow perch fishing was good in the North Channel. Try drifting crawlers or minnows on the bottom or floating minnows near the weed lines. Smallmouth fishing was fair to good for those casting tube baits or rubber worms in the shallows. In the lower river, walleye were caught in Raber Bay but the action was not consistent. Most of those bringing back fish were heading out around daybreak or putting in at least six hours on the water while drifting a crawler harness and bottom bouncer over the deep weed beds in 12 to 14 feet. Try near the mouth of Carlton Creek, in front of the piers at Raber, the inside of Fisherman’s Point or near Round Island with dark colored blades on the crawler harness.
Detour: When they could get out beyond the Detour Lighthouse, salmon and trout anglers caught a few lake trout in the 90 foot flat. They used orange and white or chartreuse and white spin-glo’s on short leaders near the bottom. A couple Chinook salmon were caught on blue and gold spoons between the green buoy and the lighthouse.
Drummond Island: Walleye fishing continues to be slow. A few fish were caught outside Peck Island but for most the fishing was not good enough to continue trying. Yellow perch fishing was still slow but some quality fish have started to make an appearance in Potagannissing Bay. Perch were caught near Peck and Rutland Island when drifting crawlers. Smallmouth fishing was fair with fish caught along the rocky drop-offs near the smaller islands and in shallows. Try casting crank baits, swim baits, spinners or using crawlers.
Cedarville and Hessel: Anglers caught yellow perch ranging 8 to 10 ½ inches when drifting or casting worms and shiners in 8 to 10 feet between Conner’s Pointe and Little La Salle Island. Try about a foot off the bottom. Good smallmouth action in 6 to 8 feet at the mouth of Duck Bay. Largemouth bass were caught in Mackinaw Bay on a crawler harness or spinner in 4 to 5 feet near the weed beds early or late. Hessel had very little fishing pressure.
St. Ignace: Had no reports. Shore anglers on the Carp River were targeting walleye but very few fish were caught.
August 24, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Northern Lake Michigan anglers are catching some big Chinook, coho and steelhead. While the number of Chinook salmon is down compared to previous years, the size of fish being caught this year has been impressive. To read more check out our 2017 is the year of the Big Fish on Lake Michigan story! http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364-324005--,00.html
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Is producing yellow perch outside the River Raisin near Buoys 1 & 2 and east of the buoys towards the Michigan-Ohio line with perch rigs and gold or white beads tipped with a minnow. Near limit catches of walleye were reported off Stony Point when trolling body baits.
Detroit River: Yellow perch were found around the islands including the south end of Grosse Ile in 10 to 15 feet. Most are still using perch rigs with minnows. Bass anglers are taking fish on crawlers, spinners and tube baits.
Lake St. Clair: Anglers have had a hard time locating fish. Those trolling crank baits and crawlers in the Middle and South Channels of the river caught a couple nice walleye. The smallmouth bass action was hit-or-miss. Usually the southern end of the lake is better but some decent catches were reported near the Clinton River spillway.
Lexington to Port Austin: Fishing along the tip of the Thumb was not great as the thermocline was all over the place because of strong winds moving the surface water around. One boat did manage to catch a couple walleye and one steelhead in 160 feet. Lake trout, Atlantic salmon, steelhead and walleye were found in 60 to 110 feet on occasion. Pier fishing was summer slow. Perch fishing will continue to improve through the fall as the water cools off.
Harbor Beach: The fish were still scattered. Lake trout were taken in 90 to 140 feet straight out and north of the harbor using dodgers with spin-glo’s near the bottom. A couple steelhead were taken in the top 60 of 160 feet with bright colored spoons. Walleye were caught with worm burners, thunder sticks or Hot-n-Tots. Bass were still hitting on body baits closer to shore.
Saginaw Bay: The area up toward Pinconning and Standish had fair fishing with perch hitting in 16 feet off the Pinconning Bar. Boat anglers were taking 20 to 25 fish per boat. Most were 8 to 10 inches but some did get the occasional 12 inch fish. A few walleye were taken off Gambil’s Marina near Pinconning in 14 feet and around the sailboat buoys A, B and H. Catfish were hitting worms and shrimp in the Hot Ponds. Over on the east side, most of the boats fishing out of Quanicassee have switched to perch along the south end of the Slot in 10 to 13 feet. Most were 6 ½ to 8 inches. Walleye fishing along the Slot was hit-or-miss but a few were taken in 10 to 12 feet between Sebewaing and Bay Port.
Saginaw River: Shore anglers in the lower river caught bass and catfish.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Anglers found Chinook and lake trout in 75 to 160 feet and deeper. The fish were scattered so anglers are working a little harder to find them. Perch fishing was fair for those drifting in 50 feet. Pier fishing was slow.
South Haven: Had good salmon fishing in 110 to 120 feet. Most were using white paddles and spin-doctors with green flies. Perch were caught in 55 feet but they are scattered so fishing was a little more difficult.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers caught salmon 70 to 140 feet down in 120 to 220 feet. A flasher/fly combination worked best with green or white flies. Fish were also taken on yellow or green meat rigs. The thermocline was about 70 to 80 feet down. Smaller boats are fishing inside 120 to 150 feet and the bigger boats are going out deeper when the weather allows. Most of the fish caught were salmon. Pier fishing was slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Continues to produce some walleye below the 6th Street Dam. Most are using leeches. A fair to good number of catfish are also being caught both above and below the dam.
Grand River at Lansing: Anglers are getting the occasional walleye. Smallmouth bass were hitting on live and artificial baits.
Muskegon: Salmon were caught 60 to 140 feet down in 120 to 240 feet on a white flasher with green or white flies or green, yellow and blue meat rigs. Glow plugs were best early or late. Pier fishing continues to be slow.
Whitehall: Warm water has slowed the salmon fishing, but boats trolling 55 to 90 feet down in 150 to 225 feet managed to catch Chinook and coho on spoons, flies, plugs and meat rigs. Hot spoon colors were variations of green or blue along with "bloody nose". Pier anglers casting spoons caught the occasional Chinook in the early morning. Those casting body baits or dragging crawlers on the bottom caught large or smallmouth bass and the occasional walleye.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Had good salmon fishing for those trolling spoons and spin-glo’s about a half mile out from the river mouth. The Chinook were averaging between 13 and 30 pounds. Lake trout were found just off the bottom around LaFayette Point.
Cheboygan River: The fishing pressure for salmon has picked up. Shore anglers were fishing the lock and dam with spinners, spawn, and worms but no fish were harvested. Boat anglers did best at the lock and dam.
Rogers City: Is producing Chinook salmon including some really nice fish but no big numbers yet. Most were caught throughout the water column out to 120 feet with spoons, J-plugs, and flashers with squid, flies and meat rigs. Good colors were green, white, blue, orange, silver or glow. A few boats were running planer boards with bombers and J-plugs. The best fishing was very early morning or very late in the evening. Trout and salmon anglers were still picking up a couple walleye.
Rockport: Windy conditions have limited the boat activity. Many are still waiting to see if a thermocline will set up because right now the fish are so scattered. When they can get out, boat anglers may want to try running body baits throughout the water column in 30 to 60 feet.
Alpena: Lake trout were found mostly near the bottom when trolling in 120 to 150 feet. Atlantic salmon and steelhead were found in the top 60 feet. Try spoons, meat rigs and spin-glo’s at the “Humps” and off Thunder Bay Island. A couple brown trout were taken in 50 feet. A few good catches of walleye came from 30 to 40 feet when trolling stick baits or harnesses off Scarecrow Island, Sulphur Island and the north shore. Channel cats were also caught.
Thunder Bay River: Anglers found brown bullhead and good size channel catfish in the evenings when still-fishing with crawlers or stick baits from Mill Island and South Riverfront Park. Those drifting crawlers and casting jigs with soft plastics caught smallmouth bass, rock bass, and freshwater drum.
Van Etten Lake: Anglers had a few decent catches of yellow perch with a perch rig and minnow or when casting small panfish jigs. A couple walleye were taken on crawlers or minnows.
Oscoda: Anglers found good numbers of lake trout when trolling in 120 to 160 feet. Most fish were found on the bottom but a few were suspended. Atlantic salmon and steelhead were in the top 30 to 70 feet. Chinook were 80 feet down in 130 to 150 feet. Walleye were suspended in 80 to 100 feet. Pier anglers caught some good size channel cats on crawlers or shrimp on the bottom. Freshwater drum and bass were taken on crawlers. A few walleye were caught when still-fishing or drifting crawlers.
Au Sable River: Was producing good numbers of smallmouth bass for those drifting crawlers, casting spinners or jigging soft plastics. A few largemouth bass were caught in the weedy cuts and marinas. Channel catfish, rock bass and bowfin were caught on crawlers. Water temperatures were right around 73 degrees. Closer to Mio, those fly fishing hooked a few brown trout with nymphs or terrestrial dry fly patterns like hoppers and flying ants. This time of year is good for white mayfly patterns. Smallmouth bass were hitting on spinners.
Higgins Lake: Lake trout are still being caught in 80 to 135 feet along the north end. Perch anglers found fish in 40 to 50 feet with perch rigs or Hali jig with minnows and wax worms.
Houghton Lake: Anglers are still taking fish along the weed beds in that 9 to 12 feet range. Walleye anglers did better when trolling bright green, purple or rainbow colored crank baits.
Tawas: A few walleye were taken off Alabaster in 50 feet. The odd walleye and steelhead were taken inside the bay when trolling in 80 feet. Pier fishing was slow.
Au Gres: Had slow fishing with only a couple walleye taken off Pointe Au Gres in 35 feet. Down off Eagle Bay Marina which is at the end of Sagatoo Road, anglers were taking a decent number of walleye and perch in 15 feet. The walleye were hitting a crawler harness with pink, purple or silver spinners. The perch were not big but anglers were getting anywhere from 12 to 25 per boat.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Most anglers were fishing the Petoskey side however a few fish mainly lake trout were caught around Harbor Point.
Petoskey: Salmon fishing picked up with some large Chinook and a couple coho caught but strong winds once again shut it down. Before the wind, fish were caught throughout the water column as well as 60 to 110 feet down with spoons, flies and cut bait. Lake trout were 80 to 115 feet down in 130 feet but moved to deeper water and were found 135 to 140 feet down. The Bear River had a run of Chinook after the rain. A few were caught with spawn and flies at the dam before catch rates slowed.
Charlevoix: A few more boats were fishing straight out from the channel or towards the cement plant while targeting salmon and lake trout. Chinook were 60 to 80 feet down in 100 to 140 feet on the “bank” in front of the channel. Smallmouth fishing improved in the channel with quite a few keepers caught on live or artificial crawlers and leeches.
Traverse City: A few nice Chinook salmon were caught in the East Bay when trolling spoons in 60 feet near the south end. Lake trout were caught when jigging on Deepwater Point or north and just south of the M-37 launch. Lake trout action out from
the Elk Rapids Marina was very good for those trolling along the bottom or jigging in 100 to 105 feet. A couple cisco were also caught. A few perch were caught along the south end. Bass fishing in the Elk River was very slow. Those caught were hitting on leeches and soft plastics. In the West Bay, A few Chinook and coho were caught trolling from Clinch Park to the mouth of the Boardman River and north of the Elmwood Marina. Salmon fishing was still slow but fish have been caught. Those trolling south of the M- 22 launch and near the island caught lake trout. Some perch were caught near Lee Point when using cut shrimp in 30 to 40 feet. The Boardman River produced some legal size rainbow trout and small panfish for those using crawlers.
Leland: Had some very good catches of Chinook from North and South Manitou Islands for some while others struggled. A few coho, cisco and lake trout were also caught. Recent southwest winds pushed the cold water deeper than 100 feet but some fish were still found above the break. The “First Bank” produced the occasional salmon and lake trout. Many were using a flasher-fly and meat rig. A few small bass were caught by shore anglers in the Leland River.
Platte Bay: The first run of coho were staging in the bay. Most boats were bringing in 1 to 3 coho along with the occasional Chinook or small lake trout when using J-plugs, spoons, flashers, flies and body baits 60 to 90 feet down. Bright colors worked best but silver and darker colors also took fish. The mouth of the Platte River is fairly deep and boats up to 17 foot had no trouble getting out of the river. There have been no coho up at the weir.
Frankfort: The winds shifted the thermocline so anglers were fishing 70 to 130 feet down. Schools of baitfish were harder to find. Those jigging near the car ferry landing and the south breakwall caught Chinook on spawn. Coho numbers were up slightly.
Onekama: Catch rates slowed as warm water was blown in by the strong winds. Anglers were trolling the top 80 in 100 to 180 feet with purple spoons.
Portage Lake: Mayflies returned yet again and those fishing reported lower numbers of perch and bass. Walleye were still being caught in the evening when trolling a crawler harness or body baits.
Manistee: Surface temperature reading was 69 degrees. Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught on J-plugs, spoons and meat rigs in 140 to 200 feet. The thermocline was 95 to 110 feet down. The number of fish caught slowed but those taken were big healthy fish.
Ludington: The better fishing was in 120 to 200 feet with spoons, J-plugs and meat rigs. Anglers caught some big Chinook along with some coho and steelhead. The last thermocline was 90 to 120 feet down.
Pentwater: Boats trolling from the dunes down to Little Sable Point caught Chinook and coho 50 to 90 feet down in 160 to 200 feet with spoons, flies, plugs and meat rigs.
Hot colors were blue flies, green plugs or a “bloody nose" spoon.
Pentwater Lake: Those still-fishing with minnows in the channel caught smallmouth bass and the occasional pike while those fishing near the channel entrance caught bluegill, rock bass, and yellow perch with red worms near the bottom.
UPPER PENINSULA
Lake Gogebic: Following another week of sporadic fly hatches anglers were still catching a few walleye with a crawler harness or crank bait. Walleye and perch could still be found in shallower water with live bait and a slip bobber though the action was much slower. The north end is still providing some nice panfish but no big numbers. Some legal size pike were caught by those trolling for walleye. Smallmouth are still abundant and being found primarily along rocky structure.
Menominee River: Still had a gate open but anglers have caught a few walleye and smallmouth bass at the Hattie Street Dam when using jigs, spinners and crank baits. Those trolling caught walleye, smallmouth, catfish and freshwater drum.
Marquette: Good numbers of lake trout were taken between the white rocks and Little Presque Isle. A few coho were mixed in. One Chinook salmon was caught near the Lower Harbor. Those targeting coho near Shot Point had minimal success however they caught a good number of lake trout.
Au Train: Catch rates for lake trout were down a bit however some bigger fish were caught near Au Train Island.
Munising: A couple coho were caught in Trout Bay and near Sand Point when trolling. Lake trout fishing was good and those trolling or jigging were taking limit catches in 130 to 180 feet along the Wood Island Reef, the West Channel, and north of Grand Island.
Grand Marais: Boat anglers were taking limits of lake trout including fish up to 22 pounds five miles straight out and off the reefs near the shipping lanes, along Big Reef and off Au Sable Point in 150 to 200 feet. The fish have been eating sticklebacks, herring and the occasional whitefish. Coho fishing was slow but a couple were caught when trolling east of the breakwall.
Tahquamenon River: Had slow fishing but boat anglers floating worms caught small perch and sunfish. Pike fishing slowed and no muskie were reported. Undersize smallmouth bass were caught on worms near the Dollarville Dam.
St. Marys River: At Sault Ste. Marie, only a handful of Atlantic salmon were caught behind the powerhouses. Walleye fishing continues to improve in the shipping channel in 30 to 32 feet with a crawler harness and bottom bouncer between the 3-Mile and 7-
Mile buoys. Walleye fishing was poor in Lake George but the pike fishing was consistent on the north end with a black and gold stick bait. Yellow perch fishing was steady in the North Channel in the early morning. Try 25 feet with minnows or crawlers on the bottom. In the lower river, the walleye action was slow. Most of the fish caught were taken in deeper structure when trolling a stick bait. A few perch were taken on a crawler harness near the bottom. Smallmouth bass and pike were caught off the township piers in Raber when casting bright colored crank baits or in-line spinners.
Detour: The few boats that managed to get out and fish from the green buoy south of Fry Pan Island and out near the lighthouse caught a few small Chinook on flashers and squid 55 to 60 feet down in 80 to 100 feet. A couple lake trout and pink salmon were caught along the 90 foot flat 2 miles south of the lighthouse.
Drummond Island: Walleye fishing continues to be slow; however, some fish have been caught after long days on the water. A few nice perch were caught near Harbor, Peck, and Rutland Islands when drifting crawlers. Smallmouth bass and pike fishing were decent for those casting pearl and perch colored artificial lures or flashy spoons.
Cedarville and Hessel: Anglers can find refuge from high winds in the Les Cheneaux Islands of Cedarville and Hessel. Reports of a few nice walleye in the 18 to 22 inch class were reported at the Club Cut which runs in between the west end of Snows Channel and Mackinaw Bay. Anglers were drifting a quarter ounce chartreuse jig tipped with a crawler in 10 feet from Buoys 18 & 19 west to the mouth of Mackinaw Bay. A few walleye were caught when drifting a shiner off the west end of Les Cheneaux Point in the early morning. A few 9 to 11 inch yellow perch were also caught. At Hessel, pier anglers caught pike ranging 25 to 30 inches. Try chubs, or a chrome spoon. Rock bass and sunfish were caught off the Hessel docks.
St. Ignace: Fishing pressure slowed but a few lake trout were caught by those trolling spoons around the islands. On the Carp River, more anglers were out. Shore anglers caught a few walleye on a mister twister or a crawler harness with a leech. Early morning was best. Boat anglers caught a few pike at the mouth when trolling crank baits.
August 24, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Northern Lake Michigan anglers are catching some big Chinook, coho and steelhead. While the number of Chinook salmon is down compared to previous years, the size of fish being caught this year has been impressive. To read more check out our 2017 is the year of the Big Fish on Lake Michigan story! http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364-324005--,00.html
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Is producing yellow perch outside the River Raisin near Buoys 1 & 2 and east of the buoys towards the Michigan-Ohio line with perch rigs and gold or white beads tipped with a minnow. Near limit catches of walleye were reported off Stony Point when trolling body baits.
Detroit River: Yellow perch were found around the islands including the south end of Grosse Ile in 10 to 15 feet. Most are still using perch rigs with minnows. Bass anglers are taking fish on crawlers, spinners and tube baits.
Lake St. Clair: Anglers have had a hard time locating fish. Those trolling crank baits and crawlers in the Middle and South Channels of the river caught a couple nice walleye. The smallmouth bass action was hit-or-miss. Usually the southern end of the lake is better but some decent catches were reported near the Clinton River spillway.
Lexington to Port Austin: Fishing along the tip of the Thumb was not great as the thermocline was all over the place because of strong winds moving the surface water around. One boat did manage to catch a couple walleye and one steelhead in 160 feet. Lake trout, Atlantic salmon, steelhead and walleye were found in 60 to 110 feet on occasion. Pier fishing was summer slow. Perch fishing will continue to improve through the fall as the water cools off.
Harbor Beach: The fish were still scattered. Lake trout were taken in 90 to 140 feet straight out and north of the harbor using dodgers with spin-glo’s near the bottom. A couple steelhead were taken in the top 60 of 160 feet with bright colored spoons. Walleye were caught with worm burners, thunder sticks or Hot-n-Tots. Bass were still hitting on body baits closer to shore.
Saginaw Bay: The area up toward Pinconning and Standish had fair fishing with perch hitting in 16 feet off the Pinconning Bar. Boat anglers were taking 20 to 25 fish per boat. Most were 8 to 10 inches but some did get the occasional 12 inch fish. A few walleye were taken off Gambil’s Marina near Pinconning in 14 feet and around the sailboat buoys A, B and H. Catfish were hitting worms and shrimp in the Hot Ponds. Over on the east side, most of the boats fishing out of Quanicassee have switched to perch along the south end of the Slot in 10 to 13 feet. Most were 6 ½ to 8 inches. Walleye fishing along the Slot was hit-or-miss but a few were taken in 10 to 12 feet between Sebewaing and Bay Port.
Saginaw River: Shore anglers in the lower river caught bass and catfish.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Anglers found Chinook and lake trout in 75 to 160 feet and deeper. The fish were scattered so anglers are working a little harder to find them. Perch fishing was fair for those drifting in 50 feet. Pier fishing was slow.
South Haven: Had good salmon fishing in 110 to 120 feet. Most were using white paddles and spin-doctors with green flies. Perch were caught in 55 feet but they are scattered so fishing was a little more difficult.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers caught salmon 70 to 140 feet down in 120 to 220 feet. A flasher/fly combination worked best with green or white flies. Fish were also taken on yellow or green meat rigs. The thermocline was about 70 to 80 feet down. Smaller boats are fishing inside 120 to 150 feet and the bigger boats are going out deeper when the weather allows. Most of the fish caught were salmon. Pier fishing was slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Continues to produce some walleye below the 6th Street Dam. Most are using leeches. A fair to good number of catfish are also being caught both above and below the dam.
Grand River at Lansing: Anglers are getting the occasional walleye. Smallmouth bass were hitting on live and artificial baits.
Muskegon: Salmon were caught 60 to 140 feet down in 120 to 240 feet on a white flasher with green or white flies or green, yellow and blue meat rigs. Glow plugs were best early or late. Pier fishing continues to be slow.
Whitehall: Warm water has slowed the salmon fishing, but boats trolling 55 to 90 feet down in 150 to 225 feet managed to catch Chinook and coho on spoons, flies, plugs and meat rigs. Hot spoon colors were variations of green or blue along with "bloody nose". Pier anglers casting spoons caught the occasional Chinook in the early morning. Those casting body baits or dragging crawlers on the bottom caught large or smallmouth bass and the occasional walleye.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Had good salmon fishing for those trolling spoons and spin-glo’s about a half mile out from the river mouth. The Chinook were averaging between 13 and 30 pounds. Lake trout were found just off the bottom around LaFayette Point.
Cheboygan River: The fishing pressure for salmon has picked up. Shore anglers were fishing the lock and dam with spinners, spawn, and worms but no fish were harvested. Boat anglers did best at the lock and dam.
Rogers City: Is producing Chinook salmon including some really nice fish but no big numbers yet. Most were caught throughout the water column out to 120 feet with spoons, J-plugs, and flashers with squid, flies and meat rigs. Good colors were green, white, blue, orange, silver or glow. A few boats were running planer boards with bombers and J-plugs. The best fishing was very early morning or very late in the evening. Trout and salmon anglers were still picking up a couple walleye.
Rockport: Windy conditions have limited the boat activity. Many are still waiting to see if a thermocline will set up because right now the fish are so scattered. When they can get out, boat anglers may want to try running body baits throughout the water column in 30 to 60 feet.
Alpena: Lake trout were found mostly near the bottom when trolling in 120 to 150 feet. Atlantic salmon and steelhead were found in the top 60 feet. Try spoons, meat rigs and spin-glo’s at the “Humps” and off Thunder Bay Island. A couple brown trout were taken in 50 feet. A few good catches of walleye came from 30 to 40 feet when trolling stick baits or harnesses off Scarecrow Island, Sulphur Island and the north shore. Channel cats were also caught.
Thunder Bay River: Anglers found brown bullhead and good size channel catfish in the evenings when still-fishing with crawlers or stick baits from Mill Island and South Riverfront Park. Those drifting crawlers and casting jigs with soft plastics caught smallmouth bass, rock bass, and freshwater drum.
Van Etten Lake: Anglers had a few decent catches of yellow perch with a perch rig and minnow or when casting small panfish jigs. A couple walleye were taken on crawlers or minnows.
Oscoda: Anglers found good numbers of lake trout when trolling in 120 to 160 feet. Most fish were found on the bottom but a few were suspended. Atlantic salmon and steelhead were in the top 30 to 70 feet. Chinook were 80 feet down in 130 to 150 feet. Walleye were suspended in 80 to 100 feet. Pier anglers caught some good size channel cats on crawlers or shrimp on the bottom. Freshwater drum and bass were taken on crawlers. A few walleye were caught when still-fishing or drifting crawlers.
Au Sable River: Was producing good numbers of smallmouth bass for those drifting crawlers, casting spinners or jigging soft plastics. A few largemouth bass were caught in the weedy cuts and marinas. Channel catfish, rock bass and bowfin were caught on crawlers. Water temperatures were right around 73 degrees. Closer to Mio, those fly fishing hooked a few brown trout with nymphs or terrestrial dry fly patterns like hoppers and flying ants. This time of year is good for white mayfly patterns. Smallmouth bass were hitting on spinners.
Higgins Lake: Lake trout are still being caught in 80 to 135 feet along the north end. Perch anglers found fish in 40 to 50 feet with perch rigs or Hali jig with minnows and wax worms.
Houghton Lake: Anglers are still taking fish along the weed beds in that 9 to 12 feet range. Walleye anglers did better when trolling bright green, purple or rainbow colored crank baits.
Tawas: A few walleye were taken off Alabaster in 50 feet. The odd walleye and steelhead were taken inside the bay when trolling in 80 feet. Pier fishing was slow.
Au Gres: Had slow fishing with only a couple walleye taken off Pointe Au Gres in 35 feet. Down off Eagle Bay Marina which is at the end of Sagatoo Road, anglers were taking a decent number of walleye and perch in 15 feet. The walleye were hitting a crawler harness with pink, purple or silver spinners. The perch were not big but anglers were getting anywhere from 12 to 25 per boat.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Most anglers were fishing the Petoskey side however a few fish mainly lake trout were caught around Harbor Point.
Petoskey: Salmon fishing picked up with some large Chinook and a couple coho caught but strong winds once again shut it down. Before the wind, fish were caught throughout the water column as well as 60 to 110 feet down with spoons, flies and cut bait. Lake trout were 80 to 115 feet down in 130 feet but moved to deeper water and were found 135 to 140 feet down. The Bear River had a run of Chinook after the rain. A few were caught with spawn and flies at the dam before catch rates slowed.
Charlevoix: A few more boats were fishing straight out from the channel or towards the cement plant while targeting salmon and lake trout. Chinook were 60 to 80 feet down in 100 to 140 feet on the “bank” in front of the channel. Smallmouth fishing improved in the channel with quite a few keepers caught on live or artificial crawlers and leeches.
Traverse City: A few nice Chinook salmon were caught in the East Bay when trolling spoons in 60 feet near the south end. Lake trout were caught when jigging on Deepwater Point or north and just south of the M-37 launch. Lake trout action out from
the Elk Rapids Marina was very good for those trolling along the bottom or jigging in 100 to 105 feet. A couple cisco were also caught. A few perch were caught along the south end. Bass fishing in the Elk River was very slow. Those caught were hitting on leeches and soft plastics. In the West Bay, A few Chinook and coho were caught trolling from Clinch Park to the mouth of the Boardman River and north of the Elmwood Marina. Salmon fishing was still slow but fish have been caught. Those trolling south of the M- 22 launch and near the island caught lake trout. Some perch were caught near Lee Point when using cut shrimp in 30 to 40 feet. The Boardman River produced some legal size rainbow trout and small panfish for those using crawlers.
Leland: Had some very good catches of Chinook from North and South Manitou Islands for some while others struggled. A few coho, cisco and lake trout were also caught. Recent southwest winds pushed the cold water deeper than 100 feet but some fish were still found above the break. The “First Bank” produced the occasional salmon and lake trout. Many were using a flasher-fly and meat rig. A few small bass were caught by shore anglers in the Leland River.
Platte Bay: The first run of coho were staging in the bay. Most boats were bringing in 1 to 3 coho along with the occasional Chinook or small lake trout when using J-plugs, spoons, flashers, flies and body baits 60 to 90 feet down. Bright colors worked best but silver and darker colors also took fish. The mouth of the Platte River is fairly deep and boats up to 17 foot had no trouble getting out of the river. There have been no coho up at the weir.
Frankfort: The winds shifted the thermocline so anglers were fishing 70 to 130 feet down. Schools of baitfish were harder to find. Those jigging near the car ferry landing and the south breakwall caught Chinook on spawn. Coho numbers were up slightly.
Onekama: Catch rates slowed as warm water was blown in by the strong winds. Anglers were trolling the top 80 in 100 to 180 feet with purple spoons.
Portage Lake: Mayflies returned yet again and those fishing reported lower numbers of perch and bass. Walleye were still being caught in the evening when trolling a crawler harness or body baits.
Manistee: Surface temperature reading was 69 degrees. Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught on J-plugs, spoons and meat rigs in 140 to 200 feet. The thermocline was 95 to 110 feet down. The number of fish caught slowed but those taken were big healthy fish.
Ludington: The better fishing was in 120 to 200 feet with spoons, J-plugs and meat rigs. Anglers caught some big Chinook along with some coho and steelhead. The last thermocline was 90 to 120 feet down.
Pentwater: Boats trolling from the dunes down to Little Sable Point caught Chinook and coho 50 to 90 feet down in 160 to 200 feet with spoons, flies, plugs and meat rigs.
Hot colors were blue flies, green plugs or a “bloody nose" spoon.
Pentwater Lake: Those still-fishing with minnows in the channel caught smallmouth bass and the occasional pike while those fishing near the channel entrance caught bluegill, rock bass, and yellow perch with red worms near the bottom.
UPPER PENINSULA
Lake Gogebic: Following another week of sporadic fly hatches anglers were still catching a few walleye with a crawler harness or crank bait. Walleye and perch could still be found in shallower water with live bait and a slip bobber though the action was much slower. The north end is still providing some nice panfish but no big numbers. Some legal size pike were caught by those trolling for walleye. Smallmouth are still abundant and being found primarily along rocky structure.
Menominee River: Still had a gate open but anglers have caught a few walleye and smallmouth bass at the Hattie Street Dam when using jigs, spinners and crank baits. Those trolling caught walleye, smallmouth, catfish and freshwater drum.
Marquette: Good numbers of lake trout were taken between the white rocks and Little Presque Isle. A few coho were mixed in. One Chinook salmon was caught near the Lower Harbor. Those targeting coho near Shot Point had minimal success however they caught a good number of lake trout.
Au Train: Catch rates for lake trout were down a bit however some bigger fish were caught near Au Train Island.
Munising: A couple coho were caught in Trout Bay and near Sand Point when trolling. Lake trout fishing was good and those trolling or jigging were taking limit catches in 130 to 180 feet along the Wood Island Reef, the West Channel, and north of Grand Island.
Grand Marais: Boat anglers were taking limits of lake trout including fish up to 22 pounds five miles straight out and off the reefs near the shipping lanes, along Big Reef and off Au Sable Point in 150 to 200 feet. The fish have been eating sticklebacks, herring and the occasional whitefish. Coho fishing was slow but a couple were caught when trolling east of the breakwall.
Tahquamenon River: Had slow fishing but boat anglers floating worms caught small perch and sunfish. Pike fishing slowed and no muskie were reported. Undersize smallmouth bass were caught on worms near the Dollarville Dam.
St. Marys River: At Sault Ste. Marie, only a handful of Atlantic salmon were caught behind the powerhouses. Walleye fishing continues to improve in the shipping channel in 30 to 32 feet with a crawler harness and bottom bouncer between the 3-Mile and 7-
Mile buoys. Walleye fishing was poor in Lake George but the pike fishing was consistent on the north end with a black and gold stick bait. Yellow perch fishing was steady in the North Channel in the early morning. Try 25 feet with minnows or crawlers on the bottom. In the lower river, the walleye action was slow. Most of the fish caught were taken in deeper structure when trolling a stick bait. A few perch were taken on a crawler harness near the bottom. Smallmouth bass and pike were caught off the township piers in Raber when casting bright colored crank baits or in-line spinners.
Detour: The few boats that managed to get out and fish from the green buoy south of Fry Pan Island and out near the lighthouse caught a few small Chinook on flashers and squid 55 to 60 feet down in 80 to 100 feet. A couple lake trout and pink salmon were caught along the 90 foot flat 2 miles south of the lighthouse.
Drummond Island: Walleye fishing continues to be slow; however, some fish have been caught after long days on the water. A few nice perch were caught near Harbor, Peck, and Rutland Islands when drifting crawlers. Smallmouth bass and pike fishing were decent for those casting pearl and perch colored artificial lures or flashy spoons.
Cedarville and Hessel: Anglers can find refuge from high winds in the Les Cheneaux Islands of Cedarville and Hessel. Reports of a few nice walleye in the 18 to 22 inch class were reported at the Club Cut which runs in between the west end of Snows Channel and Mackinaw Bay. Anglers were drifting a quarter ounce chartreuse jig tipped with a crawler in 10 feet from Buoys 18 & 19 west to the mouth of Mackinaw Bay. A few walleye were caught when drifting a shiner off the west end of Les Cheneaux Point in the early morning. A few 9 to 11 inch yellow perch were also caught. At Hessel, pier anglers caught pike ranging 25 to 30 inches. Try chubs, or a chrome spoon. Rock bass and sunfish were caught off the Hessel docks.
St. Ignace: Fishing pressure slowed but a few lake trout were caught by those trolling spoons around the islands. On the Carp River, more anglers were out. Shore anglers caught a few walleye on a mister twister or a crawler harness with a leech. Early morning was best. Boat anglers caught a few pike at the mouth when trolling crank baits.
August 31, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
As summer comes to an end, fall fishing is already starting to heat up. Chinook and coho salmon are both staging at the mouth of the rivers as well as moving up into some of the river systems, especially in the north half of the Lower Peninsula. Catch rates will only get better. The inland lakes are producing panfish, bass, pike, walleye and bullhead.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Anglers were getting limits or near limit catches of yellow perch. The hot spots were Buoys 1 & 2 outside the River Raisin, east of those buoys or out of Bolles Harbor at the E-Buoy. A few walleye were caught but most anglers were only taking one fish on average when trolling crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers off Stony Point and in front of the Fermi stacks.
Wamplers Lake: Fishing was slower with the cooler weather as water temperatures dropped to 72 degrees. Panfish were caught on both the east and the west side when drifting worms in 4 to 6 feet. A few pike were caught while casting crankbaits.
Sand Lake: In Lenawee County had largemouth bass hitting on plastics in 10 feet. Panfish were found in both 30 feet or shallower on the south end. Use worms or crickets under a bobber.
Detroit River: Smallmouth bass were hitting in the lower river at the Cross Dike near Sugar Island. Some were still getting a few perch near the islands.
Lake St. Clair: Fishing picked up with a fair number of walleye, perch and smallmouth bass reported. Walleye anglers had luck while trolling a silver crawler harness near the channel mouths and south of the Clinton River Cutoff in front of the 400 Club in 10 to 18 feet. The perch and smallmouth action was decent. Perch anglers were using minnows in 10 to 14 feet. Some caught both legal and sub-legal muskie. Pike and muskie were caught around Grassy Island when trolling.
Lexington to Port Austin: Those trolling in 100 to 120 feet were getting some lake trout, steelhead and the occasional walleye. From Lexington to Port Sanilac, anglers were getting a variety including lake trout, steelhead, walleye and the occasional Atlantic salmon in 100 feet straight out as well as a little north or south of the ports.
Harbor Beach: Lake trout were caught straight out and north of the harbor in 105 to 130 foot of water with dodgers, spin-glo’s and spoons near the bottom. Hot colors were black, green and purple. Steelhead were caught on bright orange, green or pink spoons. Walleye were found in the same area and were hitting on worm burners, crawler harnesses or small spoons. Hot colors were black, purple, green and blue. Bass were hitting body baits close to shore. Pier anglers caught some nice rock bass.
Saginaw Bay: Walleye were caught 2 to 3 miles northeast of the Pinconning Bar with spoons and harnesses. Perch were caught off the Pinconning Bar and off Gambills Marina in 14 to 16 feet but anglers were sorting out the small ones. Perch activity was slower near the sailboat buoys but the fish were bigger at 10 to 12 inches and the occasional fish at 14 inches. Those fishing the Hot Ponds caught catfish on worms and shrimp. Walleye were caught off Fish Point and along the edge of the Slot in 14 to 18 feet with body baits or a pink or purple crawler harness. Catch rates were spotty as the fish are scattered. Many switched to perch fishing. Try 9 to 11 feet off Quanicassee. Catch rates were decent but no limits reported. At Sebewaing, a few were fishing the Slot for walleye. Off Caseville, walleye were found in 25 feet near the Charity Islands.
Saginaw River: Shore anglers at Smith Park caught white bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and freshwater drum.
Tittabawassee River: Continues to have good smallmouth bass fishing.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: The salmon action was slow but a few were found in 200 feet when trolling a white spin doctor with green or blue flies. Perch fishing was still a bit slow with only light numbers caught in 40 to 50 feet.
St. Joseph River: Had a fair number of steelhead from earlier runs but there has not been much movement of trout or salmon through the ladders in the last couple weeks.
South Haven: Had good perch fishing for those drifting in 40 to 45 feet. Most were caught south of the piers. Salmon fishing was spotty. The fish were scattered in 90 to 120 feet. Pier fishing was slow.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers were struggling with only a few salmon caught 65 to 130 feet down in 95 to 160 feet.
Most were caught on white flashers with green or white flies or green, blue and orange spoons. Glow plugs worked best during low light or overcast skies. Pier fishing for salmon was slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Had a good number of coho and a few Chinook below the 6th Street Dam. Fish were caught on spawn, flies, spinners and thundersticks.
Grand River at Lansing: Anglers were taking some limit catches of bluegills. Try crawlers, crickets or wax worms. Smallmouth bass continue to hit on live and artificial baits. Anglers caught a few walleye and pike.
Round Lake: In Clinton County was producing some pike.
Maple River: Is quite shallow at this time. Big fish can be found in the deeper holes.
Pine River: In Gratiot County is producing good numbers of catfish.
Muskegon: Salmon anglers reported slow catch rates. The best action was 60 to 130 feet down in 100 to 170 feet with green and white flies with white flashers or green and orange spoons. Pier fishing was slow with no salmon reported.
Whitehall: Salmon and trout fishing were tough for most boats. A good number of fish were found in 80 to 120 feet but only a few Chinook or coho were caught in the early morning. Green spoons and flies were the ticket. Those fishing 60 to 90 feet down in 160 to 200 feet managed to catch some Chinook, coho and the odd steelhead. Lake trout were near the bottom in 180 to 225 feet. Pier fishing was slow. Those casting body baits or retrieving crawlers along the bottom caught good numbers of large and smallmouth bass and the odd freshwater drum.
White River: Anglers have caught a few Chinook in the lower sections near White Lake but fish numbers in the upper sections were still low.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Fishing slowed. Boat anglers were marking a lot of baitfish throughout the water column but had no luck finding fish. Most were trolling spoons in 60 feet around the red cans but had no luck.
Cheboygan River: Anglers fishing spinners, crank baits and worms caught smallmouth bass, rock bass and walleye but most of the smallmouth were sub-legal. Salmon are jumping at the lock and dam but no fish were harvested.
Burt & Mullett Lakes: Were again producing some perch. Anglers did best along the south end of both lakes.
Rogers City: Chinook salmon in Swan Bay are beginning to stage. Catch rates were slow with only a couple fish per boat. Anglers were fishing anywhere from 25 to 130 feet but the best fishing seemed to be in 45 to 90 feet with downriggers, dipsey divers, leadcore, copper and high lines. Find the thermocline or run lines throughout the water column. Use spoons, attractors with flies, squid and cut bait. Hot colors were green, black and white, purple, blue, green and silver, chartreuse or glow early and late. Very early in the morning and well after dark was best. A few lake trout or walleye were also caught by those trolling.
Rockport: Had very little angler activity. Those going for walleye caught a few but the fish were still scattered. Try 35 to 55 feet with deep diving body baits in gold, silver, purple and copper. Lake trout were just off the bottom in 170 feet.
Alpena: Anglers found good numbers of lake trout when trolling near the bottom in 120 to 160 feet. Steelhead were in the top 60 feet. Try the “Humps” or Thunder Bay Island with spin-glo’s, meat rigs or spoons. Walleye anglers found fish in 25 to 40 feet off Scarecrow, Sulphur, and Thunder Bay Island. Good numbers of smallmouth bass were taken in the LaFarge discharge when casting tube baits or crank baits.
Thunder Bay River: Smallmouth bass were caught by those drifting crawlers, as well as casting crank baits, spinners or Carolina rigged soft plastics. Bowfin, freshwater drum, bullhead, and channel cats were caught by those still-fishing with crawlers. A Chinook was caught at the 9th Street Dam but no big numbers yet.
Oscoda: Lake trout were found near the bottom in 120 to 170 feet. Steelhead were in the top 60 feet and Atlantic salmon were found both up high and near the bottom. Try meat rigs or spoons in green, chrome or pink. Walleye were suspended in 80 to 110 feet. A good number of fish were marked near the mouth of the river but they would not bite. Pier anglers caught a couple walleye, smallmouth bass, channel cats and freshwater drum when drifting or still-fishing with crawlers.
Au Sable River: Anglers found smallmouth bass and freshwater drum when drifting crawlers or casting spinners and crank baits. A few bluegill, rock bass, and perch were caught on crawlers near the mouth and in the marinas. Northern pike were hitting on crank baits. Walleye were caught when drifting crawlers but success was low.
Higgins Lake: Lake trout are still being caught just off the bottom in 80 to 120 feet off the North and South State Parks. Perch fishing was hit-or-miss in 40 to 50 feet. Good numbers of rock bass continue to be caught.
Houghton Lake: Trolling has been the key for all species and crank baits were working a bit better than live bait. Boat anglers caught walleye, pike, bass and big bluegills over the weed beds in 9 to 12 feet. Those still-fishing over an open hole in the weed beds caught fish. The north end of the lake was good for smallmouth bass while the south and southwest end were good for largemouth bass.
Tawas: Those trolling a crawler harness or spoons beyond Tawas Point in 50 to 80 caught a fair number of walleye and lake trout. Pier fishing is very slow with only rumors of walleye caught in the evening.
Tawas River: Anglers caught catfish and freshwater drum with crawlers on the bottom.
Au Gres: Walleye were caught off Eagle Bay Marina in 20 to 30 feet with a crawler harness. Perch were caught off Point Au Gres in 22 to 32 feet, off the Pinconning and Saganing Bars in 20 to 30 feet and off Eagle Bay Marina in 10 to 15 feet. Pier anglers caught catfish, freshwater drum and the odd pike.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: A few Chinook including one large fish were caught at Harbor Point.
Petoskey: Boat anglers came in with Chinook, coho and lake trout. The salmon were caught on spoons, flies and cut bait 60 to 80 feet down between the breakwall and Bay Harbor. Lake trout were 100 to 120 feet down. A couple smallmouth bass were taken on worms off the breakwall. Anglers are targeting salmon but no fish were recorded. The Bear River had a small run of trout and salmon. Most were using spawn or flies.
Charlevoix: Catch rates were hit-or-miss with only a few small Chinook, some lake trout and the odd lake herring caught. The Chinook were 75 feet down and the lake trout were 70 to 100 feet down straight out of the channel and south to the buoy near the cement plant. Smallmouth fishing was hit-or-miss for those using live or artificial crawlers and leeches.
Lake Charlevoix: A few walleye were caught by those trolling a harness and bottom bouncer. Try crawlers or leeches. Panfish were caught on worms, crickets or wax worms.
Traverse City: Lake trout jigging in the East Bay was good straight out and slightly north from the Elk Rapids Marina and south to Deepwater Point. Salmon fishing was spotty along the east side but a couple nice Chinook were caught. Lake trout jigging was good north of Old Mission. A few more lake herring showed up and were marked off Deepwater Point and the M-37 launch. Plenty of smallmouth bass were caught at the south end and near Dock Road. The Elk River was slow except for a few bass and panfish. Only a small push of salmon moved into the river. In the West Bay, anglers jigging and trolling out from the mouth of the Boardman River caught a few salmon. Perch were caught in good numbers off Lee Point when using minnows. Bass fishing was slow around Marion Island and Lee Point but a few nice fish were taken. Lake trout fishing was good south of the M-22 launch when trolling. Those jigging did well southeast of Northport. A few Chinook salmon were caught in the Boardman River.
Leland: There were some decent catches of Chinook and coho on the north end of North Manitou Island. A few fish were also taken on the “First Bank”. Most were hitting on spoons but a few were taken on flashers and flies. Lake trout were also caught.
Platte Bay: Had good numbers of coho along with some Chinook and lake trout taken on pretty much all baits including J-plugs, flashers and flies or spoons. With the east wind, fish were caught 40 to 80 feet down.
Platte River: The water on the lake side just past the mouth is now very narrow and shallow. Boats over 16 feet could have a tough time getting out. There is also a large shallow area just upstream of the mouth which will make it difficult for bigger boats. A mix of coho and Chinook salmon were coming into the lower river daily. Early morning was best. Surf fishing near the mouth should be a good option.
Frankfort: Chinook salmon have been moving into the river. Those trolling in front of the pier heads have caught some fish. Coho numbers are jumping right up there with several anglers reporting good catches in the early morning or evening when trolling spoons in the top 50 feet.
Betsie River: A good number of large salmon were running up into the river. Angler activity has increased below the Homestead Dam.
Onekama: Those trolling in front of the golf course and near the “Barrel” have caught coho from the top 60 feet in waters 80 to 120 feet deep. Spoons worked best.
Portage Lake: Due to another mayfly hatch, fishing was very slow and catch rates were low for all species.
Manistee: Surface water temperature was about 65 degrees. Southeast winds the last few weeks have slowed fishing. A few Chinook and coho were caught 40 to 100 feet down in 100 to 180 feet with meat rigs, flies and plugs. Pier fishing was slow.
Manistee River: Salmon appear to be moving up into the river. Anglers have caught brown trout and some brook trout in the upper stretches. Water levels at the coffer dam near Tippy were coming back up.
Ludington: Over the last couple weeks, bad weather has warmed the lake up, dropped the thermocline and slowed fishing. Chinook and coho were found 40 to 100 feet down in 90 to 150 feet with plugs, flies and meat rigs. Pier fishing was slow.
Pere Marquette River: Was producing some salmon.
Pentwater: Salmon fishing was slow but those trolling 50 to 90 feet down in 80 to 150 feet caught Chinook and coho on spoons, meat rigs and flies. Early morning in front of the dunes was the most productive. Pier anglers caught good numbers of smallmouth bass on live bait near the bottom.
Pentwater Lake: Anglers fishing the channel with crawlers or minnows near the bottom caught smallmouth bass and the occasional freshwater drum.
UPPER PENINSULA
Lake Gogebic: Anglers had moderate success with walleye and perch picked up sporadically by those using live bait with a slip bobber over the weed beds in 8 to 12 feet. Those trolling crawler harnesses and crank baits in deeper water caught more fish. A couple legal size pike were caught right along with many sub-legals. Some nice panfish and the odd walleye were caught on the north end with live bait. Smallmouth bass can be found along the rocky areas and off the points. Some nice rock bass 10 to 12 inches were caught along the south end.
Menominee River: Walleye, catfish, freshwater drum and smallmouth bass were caught from the Hattie Street Dam to the mouth by those trolling and shore anglers. Crank baits, plastics and live bait worked well. No salmon to report.
Little Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers reported spotty catches of legal fish in the northern part of the Bay. The better catches were reported in the “Black Bottom” area when trolling a crawler harness but the best walleye catches were coming from Green Bay waters when using stick baits or crawlers in 10 to 18 feet near Round Island which is about 2 miles south of the Ford River. A good number of smallmouth bass were reported in the same area. Good walleye catches were reported out near Seagull Point when trolling crank baits in 20 to 25 feet. No limit catches but all the boats interviewed had fish. Perch fishing was fair near the Day’s River in 16 to 18 feet, mouth of the Whitefish River in 6 to 8 feet, near Butler Island in 14 feet, the “Narrows” in 20 to 30 feet and near the mouth of the Escanaba River in 25 feet. Most were using crawlers. Northern pike were very active with excellent catches taken in the south end of the “Black Bottom” by walleye anglers trolling crank baits or crawlers in 16 to 25 feet. Salmon have started to enter some of the rivers but the Escanaba River will be tough to access this year because of construction on the US-41 Bridge.
Manistique: Almost all the fishing action has been in the river this week. A fairly good number of salmon have reached the dam and are being caught daily by shore anglers. Brown trout and steelhead were also caught. Many are using black flies with long leaders or jointed rapalas. The dams are open and flowing fast. The “Big Bass Hole” about a ¼ mile south of the dam gates produced fair to good catches of walleye, smallmouth bass and a few brown trout. Those targeting walleye used a jig and crawler, beetle spins, rapalas or spawn. Boat anglers caught salmon when trolling mega lips or rapalas. From the “Big Bass Hole” to the dam is shore fishing only.
Marquette: Limits or near limits of lake trout were caught between the white rocks and little Presque Isle. The occasional coho was caught near the white rocks. Those fishing near Granite Island had mixed results and the fishing at Shot Point has slowed. No salmon were caught in the rivers yet.
Au Train: Lake trout fishing was best within 3 miles of Au Train Island however no big numbers were caught. There were no reports of salmon in the rivers.
Munising: The weather was not favorable but a few boat anglers that managed to get out did catch some quality size lake trout near Wood Island and Reef and off Big Reef. The coho bite was slow and there was no splake action at the Anna River dock.
Grand Marais: When the winds were favorable for fishing, a few boat anglers did well for coho. Lake trout anglers continue to do well with limit catches reported near Au Sable Point and straight out near the shipping lanes. No activity for pier anglers or shore anglers.
Tahquamenon River: Overall fishing was slow. There were no reports of muskie or pike caught. Those fishing the Dollarville Dam and pier managed to catch small rock bass, bluegills, pumpkinseed and the odd bass with wax worms and crawlers. A couple boat anglers managed to catch some perch on a worm. The East Branch had very good brook trout fishing.
St. Marys River: In the upper river near Sault Ste. Marine, Atlantic salmon along with a couple pink salmon were picked up behind the Cloverland Power Plant. Yellow perch fishing was steady in the early morning and just before dark in the North Channel with minnows or crawlers on the bottom in 25 feet. Walleye fishing was a bit better in the shipping channel in 30 to 32 feet with a green or motor oil crawler harness and bottom bouncer between the 3-Mile and the 7-Mile Buoys. Smallmouth bass were caught on the rocks when casting tube baits or drop shotting. No walleye but pike were caught on the north end of Lake George. In the lower river, very few walleye were caught. Those lucky enough to get fish did so in Canadian waters with deep diving stick baits in 14 to 16 feet along the weed beds. Small pike were caught by those trolling for walleye off the Raber piers.
Detour: When boats can get out to the Detour Reef, they caught lake trout, pink salmon, a few small Chinook and a couple walleye. Each week the salmon are moving closer to the Detour Lighthouse. Anglers were successful trolling from Fry Pan Island and out to the green buoy with flashers and dipsey divers in 60 to 90 feet. The Chinook were in the top 60 and the pink salmon were in the top 40 feet. North of Detour Village at Swedes Pointe, a few nice walleye were caught in 8 to 12 feet in the early morning with a slip bobber and minnow off the reefs and underwater humps. Those trolling a harness and bottom bouncer with beads and blades also caught walleye.
Drummond Island: Perch fishing effort is starting however harvest numbers remain low with only 8 to 12 fish per boat. Those fishing in Potagannissing Bay were not as successful as boat anglers fishing in Canadian waters.
Cedarville and Hessel: Small yellow perch were caught throughout the Les Cheneaux Islands. For panfish, try around the docks and weed beds when floating small worms in 4 to 6 feet.
Some big sunfish were caught around Echo Island which is in Mackinaw Bay. For Hessel, pike were caught straight out from the pier and on the north side of Marquette Island. Most were caught on chrome spoons or black bucktail spinners just off the weed beds in 5 to 8 feet. On the west side of Marquette Island, smallmouth bass were taken off the rock piles in 4 to 6 feet. No reports on yellow perch.
Carp River: Walleye fishing picked up with fish caught off the pier with crank baits or a jig and worm. Artificial baits seem to work better. The fish caught were 14 to 17 inches but the average was 15 inches.
September 7, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Windy conditions have limited fishing on the Great Lakes however when boats can get out they are catching trout and salmon. Walleye fishing in Greater Saginaw Bay is just about done for this summer. The inland lakes had good fishing.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Anglers continue to catch yellow perch off the River Raisin, off Pt. Mouillee and near the Metro Park. A couple walleye were caught in 23 to 25 feet off Stony Point.
Wamplers Lake: Bass and a few nice pike were caught while casting crank baits in 8 to 10 feet. Panfish were caught on the west end in 6 to 8 feet when drifting or still- fishing with worms.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while casting a frog in water less than a foot deep. Bass were also caught while casting around the docks in 2 feet. Panfish were caught while drifting a crawler harness in 6 to 8 feet and crappie were hitting on artificial baits in 10 to 15 feet.
Detroit River: Is producing a few perch. No big numbers but some decent size fish were caught near the mouth and up near Sugar Island. Most anglers are switching from a crawler harness to a jig and worm. Try a purple or fire-tiger jig with a blade. Plenty of smallmouth bass were caught near the mouth on crayfish, tube baits or spinners.
Lake St. Clair: The recent cold front has slowed the bite. Walleye were sporadic with anglers either doing exceptionally well or nothing at all. Locations such as the Chenal Ecarte’ River and areas around Metro Park have produced the better catches. Bright colored crawler harnesses with green, yellow, and purple gave a lot of folks the edge. Same story with the yellow perch as anglers were doing very well or getting none. Smallmouth bass fishing was steady off the Mile Roads, along the southern portion of the lake, a mile or two out from the Clinton River Spill-way and up in the North Channel of the river.
Lexington to Port Austin: Wind and waves have made fishing difficult. When they could get out, a few boats found walleye when trolling a crawler harness in 30 to 40 feet off Port Austin. Those looking for trout and salmon had to go to 120 to 150 feet all around the Thumb. Pier anglers caught a few smallmouth bass and some rock bass.
Harbor Beach: Lake trout are taken in 105 to 160 feet straight out and north of the harbor when using dodgers with spin-glo’s and spoons. Best colors were black or a green and white with pink dots. A couple steelhead were taken out near the mud lines. Try the top 60 feet with bright green, yellow and orange spoons. Walleye continue to be taken in the same area with spoons and worm burners. Anglers need to be cautious when there are waterspout warnings!
Saginaw Bay: Windy weather and muddy water slowed fishing all over the bay. A few perch were taken near the sailboat buoys but anglers were working hard to get them. Catfish could still be found near the Hot Ponds. Perch fishing was spotty off Quanicassee. Those that moved around did better. Those trolling for walleye got a few out from the Slot and beyond the Bar from Oakhurst to Sunset Bay Marina in 12 to 20 feet when using a crawler harness with bright colored spinners. Shore anglers at the marina in Sebewaing caught bluegills on worms and largemouth bass on artificial baits. A few pike were caught off Geiger Road. Summer walleye fishing is about done. Anglers will have to wait until they come into the Saginaw River system in late October and November.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Boat anglers reported slower fishing. Most were trolling in 120 feet. Perch fishing was fair as fish were caught but anglers had to work for them. Fish were caught both north and south of the piers in 40 feet. Pier fishing was slow with only a couple fish caught on spawn.
South Haven: Salmon fishing was difficult as the fish seem to be scattered. A few were found in 70 feet, some in 120 feet and some were much deeper. Pier anglers managed to catch a couple salmon when casting spoons. Perch fishing was good however they were also scattered south of the piers in 16 to 44 feet.
Grand Haven: Had slow salmon action. A few fish were caught by those trolling glow plugs near the piers or green and blue spoons or green flies 60 to 120 feet down in 80 to 160 feet. Slow pier fishing with only the odd coho caught on gizzard shad or while casting glow spoons.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: All of the fish ladders on the Grand River are open. DNR staff saw coho at the Sixth Street Dam late last week. Anglers have reported catching coho in the greater Grand Rapids area.
Grand River at Lansing: The Webber, Portland and Grand Ledge fish ladders are now open.
Muskegon: Boat anglers trolling for salmon in the harbor and near the piers were unsuccessful. Those trolling out deeper managed to find a few fish 50 to 100 feet down in 70 to 140 feet with a variety of spoons, plugs and flies. Pier anglers had no luck.
Muskegon River: Is producing some salmon.
Whitehall: Salmon fishing was slow but boat anglers finding pockets of cold water in 150 to 200 feet caught a few Chinook and coho 60 to 100 feet down. Green or purple spoons, paddles and flies or meat rigs were the ticket. Pier anglers caught large and smallmouth bass along with the occasional freshwater drum.
White Lake: Bluegills were caught on perch rigs with wax worms in 15 to 20 feet.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Boat anglers targeted salmon in 60 to 120 feet but had no luck.
Cheboygan River: Salmon were still jumping at the lock and dam and some Chinook were caught with spawn or spoons. Those using spinners and crank baits had no luck. Rock bass and smallmouth bass were caught on worms off the city pier. Shore anglers casting spinners caught pike and smallmouth bass.
Rogers City: Chinook salmon fishing was decent with most boats getting 1 to 3 fish throughout the water column in 40 to 80 feet. Try spoons dodgers, hootchie mammas, flashers and J-plugs. Good colors were green, purple, blue, silver, black and white. Most were caught south of the harbor between Calcite and Adams Point but those fishing to the north caught Chinook, coho, lake trout, walleye and the occasional steelhead in 45 to 120 feet. Lots of baitfish were in the area so expect the fish to be feeding on small smelt.
Rockport: Cold water and lots of baitfish have been present. Anglers did well taking a mixed bag of Atlantic, Chinook and coho salmon as well as lake trout and walleye straight out towards Middle Island and the Nordmere Wreck or north towards Stoneport in 45 to 120 feet. Spoons and body baits worked well for most but lake trout were hitting on spin-glo’s with flashers and attractors.
Alpena: Anglers targeting lake trout found good numbers when trolling near the bottom in 100 to 150 feet. A couple Chinook were taken in 40 to 70 feet and a few were taken near the mouth of the river. Atlantic salmon and steelhead came from the top 40 feet in 100 to 180 feet. Try off North Point and Thunder Bay Island with meat rigs, spin-glo’s or spoons in green, pink, white and chrome. Walleye anglers did well when trolling a crawler harness or stick baits in 25 to 45 feet off the north shore, Scarecrow Island and Sulphur Island.
Thunder Bay River: Anglers found a couple Chinook salmon between Mill Island and the 9th Street Dam when casting glow or chrome spoons. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, and a couple largemouth were caught by those drifting crawlers or casting spinners and crank baits.
Oscoda: Lake trout were caught near the bottom in 110 to 160 feet. Steelhead and Atlantic salmon were taken in the top 30 feet. Try spoons, meat rigs or spin-glo’s. A few Chinook were caught at the mouth of the river in 24 feet. Pier anglers casting jerk baits and stick baits caught walleye in the early morning.
Au Sable River: A few walleye were caught near the mouth in the morning or evening when drifting crawlers or casting stick baits, crank baits and small spoons. Smallmouth bass were hitting crank baits and small jigs as well as crawlers drifted on the bottom. Pike were hitting on crank baits in the slow waters of the lower river. Rock bass and freshwater drum were taken on crawlers.
Higgins Lake: Lake trout anglers continue to do well when fishing just off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet. No perch reports this week but lots of rock bass are still being caught. Some reported good smallmouth bass fishing.
Houghton Lake: A few walleye were caught by those trolling a crawler harness or drifting a crawler in 9 to 12 feet. The key is to keep the bait moving. Only a few bass were caught as the fish were not quite as active in the cooler weather. Crappie fishing was hit-or-miss but bluegills were hitting on leaf worms and wax worms in the holes along the weed beds.
Tawas: Those trolling caught a few lake trout, steelhead and one Chinook in 60 to 80 feet. Walleye were found in 40 to 60 feet off Tawas Point and down near Alabaster when using a spoon or crawler harness. A couple small perch were taken off Jerry’s Marina in the weed beds near Buoy #4 and off the pier. A few walleye were also taken off Jerry’s Marina when casting Erie Dearies in the weed beds.
Au Gres: Walleye trollers are still getting a few fish straight off the mouth of the river, south of Point Au Gres, and off the Saganing and Pinconning Bars in 15 to 20 feet. Perch were found off Eagle Bay Marina in 10 to 15 feet. The average was 25 to 40 fish per boat but they were sorting out a lot of small ones. Fishing slowed but the cooler weather may get it going again. Bullhead, bowfin and a few small perch were caught at the mouth of the Pine River.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Some lake trout were caught about 85 feet down near Harbor Point. A few salmon were caught as well. Most were fishing the Petoskey side.
Petoskey: A few Chinook and coho were caught some days while other days it was a challenge to even catch a lake trout. The salmon were found 70 to 80 feet down and the lake trout were found near the bottom in 120 to 140 feet. The salmon ranged between 6 and 8 pounds to over 20 pounds. Smallmouth bass were caught off the breakwall. The Bear River was slow with only a couple Chinook, coho and small steelhead caught.
Charlevoix: Windy conditions have kept anglers off the big water and those able to get out and target salmon did not have much luck. Salmon are moving closer to the Medusa Creek area. Some lake trout were caught as shallow as 25 to 40 feet and as deep as 90 to 100 feet straight out from the channel and to the cement plant. Smallmouth fishing was hit-or-miss once again.
Traverse City: Salmon fishing in the East Bay was spotty but some days were good. Anglers did best at the south end trolling spoons and plugs. A good mix of coho and Chinook were caught. Anglers targeting lake trout did great when jigging in 80 to 120 feet near Deepwater Point and north of the M-37 launch. A few lake herring were also caught. Smallmouth fishing on the bay was slow with only a few fish taken on leeches in 15 to 30 feet near Elk Rapids and south of Acme. Smallmouth fishing was slow on the Elk River. On the West Bay, some nice Chinook and coho were caught when trolling. The majority were caught in the hole out from the Boardman River. Lake trout and a couple lake herring were caught off Lee Point and south of the M-22 launch. Perch fishing was good at times near Lee Point with minnows. Salmon moved into the Boardman River and were taken on spawn or body baits but catch rates were slow.
Leland: Salmon fishing slowed with most of the spawning fish leaving the area to stage or run up into the rivers. A few younger Chinook and coho were caught east and north of North Manitou Island. The “First Bank” did produce some good size lake trout and coho. For salmon, try spoons and a flasher/fly combo and for lake trout try a flasher or cowbells. A few salmon have shown up in the Leland River but very few were caught. Some nice smallmouth bass were caught in the river.
Platte Bay: Fishing in East Platte Bay slowed. Some of the fish staging in the bay were caught by those trolling or jigging 20 to 80 feet down. Most were using spoons, green J-plugs and a flasher/fly combo.
Platte River: Had its first major push of coho. Good numbers of fish were pushed up into the lower weir and the lower river was full of fish with good numbers caught. Many were fishing the shallows between the mouth and deep water. Those casting or trolling in shallow waters have done well when the fish are in the area but shore anglers have not done as well. A few Chinook and lake trout were also caught.
Frankfort: The Chinook bite slowed. Most of the fish have moved up and into the river. Those trolling medium to small spoons had good catches of coho.
Betsie River: The Homestead Dam was very active for salmon and had some very good reports.
Onekama: The “Barrel” is still producing lake trout. Most were bouncing spin-glo’s off the bottom.
Portage Lake: The perch, walleye, bass and panfish bite slowed. Anglers using worms in 12 to 18 feet caught a few fish along the weed beds. Coho were caught.
Manistee: Surface temperature readings dropped to 62 degrees. Fishing slowed but Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught around the pier heads and further out in 120 to 200 feet. J-plugs and spoons worked best 60 to 100 feet down.
Manistee River: Had a lot of salmon but there was not a lot of fish at Tippy Dam which means they must be further downstream.
Ludington: Also had slower fishing with a smaller number of salmon and steelhead caught between the piers and 200 feet. Those fishing out deep did best 60 to 100 feet down with spoons or J-plugs. Pier fishing was slow.
Pere Marquette River: Had salmon up in the river.
Pentwater: Salmon fishing was slow with only the occasional Chinook caught by those trolling 20 to 50 feet down in 35 to 80 feet in the early morning with spoons, plugs or paddles and flies. Those trolling 50 to 80 feet down in 180 to 200 feet also caught the occasional salmon with spoons or plugs. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass when casting body baits or still-fishing with live bait in the channel.
Pentwater Lake: Those targeting panfish caught bluegills and black crappie in 15 to 20 feet with perch minnows or wax worms.
UPPER PENINSULA
Lake Gogebic: Those trolling the main lake caught walleye. A crawler harness or crank bait was the weapon of choice and this method far out-produced anglers drifting or anchoring. Those fishing the weed beds along the north end picked up some nice panfish and a few perch with leeches and crawlers under a slip bobber or when jigging. Pike were caught but most were small. Bass were found in shallow waters along the rocky areas. Surface water temperatures are dropping and with all of the wind and rain the lake seems to be turning over which may result in some better fishing in the weeks to come.
Little Bay De Noc: Anglers caught fewer walleye but some were found in 12 to 14 feet off Breezy Point and near Round Island in 10 to 18 feet. Most were trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses. Windy conditions kept many from heading south to Seagull Point but when they could; fish were caught by those trolling crank baits in 15 to 25 feet.
Perch catches were also down with most fishing crawlers in 10 to 18 feet from the Day’s River south to the “Narrows”. Pike were very active throughout. Smallmouth were caught near Round Island, the east side of the “Black Bottom” when trolling crank baits in 12 to 20 feet and inside the Escanaba Yacht Harbor when casting crank baits, spinners or plastics. Salmon are starting to show up at the Ford River but fishing was a little harder with the high water levels. The Escanaba River probably has salmon also but hard to fish because of construction on the US-2 Bridge. Try trolling the channels from the mouth to the construction site.
Manistique: Had all salmon anglers as more fish moved up into the river. Boat anglers were trolling mega lips and jointed body baits along the deeper channels between the mouth and where the fast water starts. The best fishing was near the mouth. Several salmon anglers caught walleye as well. Shore anglers fishing the “Big Bass Hole” where the upper and lower dam split had fair catches when using spawn, flies, body baits or spoons. The water is faster than previous years and much more stained limiting angle access and sightings. The fish cleaning station is still down and probably won’t be fixed this year. The DNR freezer is still located at the fish cleaning station so those catching a trout or salmon with a missing adipose fin can still drop off the fish head.
Marquette: Had good fishing with many taking a mix of lake trout, coho, steelhead, and even a few Chinook 50 to 60 feet down near the white rocks and between the Upper and Lower Harbors. Most were using downriggers with 3 to 5 colors of lead core. A few salmon were caught in the Carp and the Chocolay Rivers.
Au Train: Limit catches of lake trout were taken a few miles off Au Train Island.
Munising: Coho fishing was still slow but a few bigger fish along with a couple brown trout were caught recently. Anglers were trying several areas from the West Channel to Trout Bay in 50 to 80 feet. Only a few lake trout were caught in 140 to 180 feet near the Wood Island Reef. Pier anglers at the Anna River report slow action with only a couple undersize splake taken on spawn bags.
Grand Marais: Lake trout anglers did well near Au Sable Point, Big Reef and straight out near the shipping lanes. A few coho were also caught. Some whitefish were observed near the breakwall. The Sucker River had no activity.
Tahquamenon River: Boat anglers caught muskie on crank baits and a few perch when floating worms. Many perch were on the small side. Bluegills and small sunfish were hitting on crawlers and wax worms off the Dollarville Dam Pier.
St. Marys River: At Sault Ste. Marie, Atlantic salmon fishing picked up behind the Cloverland Power Plant with a good number of fish caught. A good number of pink salmon were in the area and were caught by those jigging pink spoons. Walleye fishing improved some in the shipping channel in 30 to 32 feet with a green crawler harness and a bottom bouncer trolled between the 3-Mile and 7-Mile Buoys. Smallmouth bass were caught with tube baits and while drop-shotting on the rock piles.
Yellow perch fishing was steady in the morning between 6 and 9 a.m. or in the evening just before dark. Try 25 feet in the North Channel with minnows and crawlers on the bottom. Walleye fishing picked up on Lake George with fish taken in 9 to 12 feet on the north end. In the lower river, very few walleye were caught in Munuscong Bay and Raber Bay. The few that were caught were taken early morning when trolling deep diving stick baits or crank baits in 12 to 17 feet. Yellow perch action picked up Raber Bay. Anglers found pockets of nice 9 to 12 inch fish along the weed beds in 10 to 18 feet when drifting perch rigs and crawler harnesses just over the top of the deep weeds. Good colors were fire-tiger, perch, green, and purple.
Detour: For lake trout, try the 90 foot flat 2 miles straight south of the Detour Light House when trolling spin-glo’s with flashers and a 18 to 24 inch leader and bouncing cannon balls off the bottom. Pink salmon were caught 55 to 60 feet down in 80 feet north of the Detour Lighthouse with smaller orange and chartreuse spoons. There have been no reports of Chinook salmon at the Detour Reef however September is here and it is time for them to start running up the river.
Drummond Island: Very few walleye were caught. A few were caught when trolling deep diving stick baits in Scott Bay near Peck Island. Some nice pike were taken trolling spoons and shallow running stick baits over the top of the weed beds in Maxton and Scott Bays. A few nice yellow perch were caught when drifting crawlers near the weed beds in Scott Bay but most are still waiting for the fall bite to really kick in.
Cedarville and Hessel: Schools of perch were out in front of Viking Boat Works which is south of the Cedarville Launch. Fish were caught on shiners and worms. The fish were 8 to 10 inches with a few up near 12 inches. Conner’s Point and Government Island also had reports of schooling perch over the holiday weekend. Fish off the points that have weed beds or cattails in 6 to 8 feet. At Hessel, those targeting perch did not have much luck. Smaller pike were caught when trolling in 8 feet from Cube Point to the north side of Marquette Island on bucktail spinners with yellow spotted blades. Mackinaw Bay had good catches of largemouth bass when casting top-water lures in 3 to 5 feet. Sunfish were caught on twister tail jigs and worms around Echo Island.
Carp River: Fishing slowed as those floating worms for walleye off the pier had no luck and those targeting salmon with spawn or spoons had no luck. In Nunn’s Creek, the salmon are running and anglers had good success catching Chinook on spawn. Spoons and spinners were getting strikes but spawn did best. Most fish were between 5 and 10 pounds but a few were up near 20 pounds.
September 14, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
While many are enjoying the warm up, the sunny warm weather will slow salmon fishing in the rivers and it will stay that way until we get more rain and wind. Perch fishing has been good in the southeast region of the state. The panfish, bass and pike action has picked up on the inland lakes.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Perch fishing has been very successful over the last week. Anglers were taking limit catches in a matter of two to three hours with mud minnows and spreaders while anchored outside Buoys 1 & 2. Those fishing north of Stony Point towards the state line also caught fish. Walleye fishing is pretty much done.
Wamplers Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while casting crank baits in 8 to 12 feet or a hula popper in 5 to 9 feet. Panfish were caught on crickets in 20 feet.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while casting a rubber worm in 12 feet, crank baits in 8 to 10 feet or plastics in 3 feet. A few panfish were caught on spikes in 6 feet on the west end.
Detroit River: Anglers were doing well for yellow perch around Celeron Island, the south end of Grosse Ile, along the border waters and up near Sugar Island. Fish were hitting perch rigs or spreaders with minnows in 8 to 12 feet as well as the deeper holes. Walleye anglers jigging a worm caught the occasional fish. Smallmouth bass were hitting on crayfish, crawlers, tube baits and spinners.
Lake St. Clair: Yellow perch were caught with minnows in 17 feet off Gross Pointe and in Goose Bay. Those heading out for walleye caught a few near the shipping channel as well as the channels of the St. Clair Flats when trolling a crawler harness. Smallmouth bass action was slow with a few taken near Harley Ensign and Metro Beach when casting tube baits off the bottom. For those targeting bass, the canals around Fairhaven and Selfridge can produce some impressive largemouth.
Lexington to Port Austin: Fishing was slow but a few lake trout and steelhead were taken in 90 to 110 feet. A few Atlantic salmon were coming into the Lexington Harbor. Shore and pier anglers at Lexington caught a couple of walleye on body baits and bluegills on worms. At Harbor Beach, the fish were scattered with lake trout, steelhead and walleye taken throughout the water column straight out and north of the harbor in 100 to 160 feet. Dodgers with spin-glo’s, spoons and worm burners were the ticket. Hot colors were purple, green and black. Boat anglers were walleye fishing out of Port Austin but catch rates were hit-or-miss. Some lake trout and steelhead were found in 130 feet about seven miles off Port Austin.
Saginaw Bay: Some perch were caught around sailboat buoys A, B, and H but the bite was slow. Fish were also caught in the old shipping channel just north of the Saginaw River mouth and a mile east of Spoils Island. Catfish anglers fishing in the Hot Pond have done well with crawlers, shrimp and chicken liver. Anglers out of Quanicassee were targeting perch but only a couple boats caught fish. They basically stayed put in one place and let the fish come to them. Those moving around never located fish. Fish were found in 8 to 14 feet and deeper. Perch anglers were out in Wildfowl Bay between North Island and the tip of Sand Point but no reports came in. A few walleye anglers were still out but catch rates were spotty.
Saginaw River: A few perch were caught in the lower river near the Bay Harbor Marina.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Boat anglers targeting salmon and trout found fishing slower than last week though a few fish were found in about 100 feet. Pier anglers reported slow fishing with only a couple salmon and steelhead taken by those casting spoons. Try early morning. A small number of decent size perch were caught in 45 feet.
St. Joseph River: Is producing some salmon and steelhead.
South Haven: Boat anglers targeting salmon reported slow catch rates. Pier fishing for salmon was also slow but a few were caught near the mouth of the Black River. The better fishing was for yellow perch where a decent number of fish were caught south of the piers in 50 feet.
Kalamazoo River: Salmon were starting to show up in the river and some of the smaller tributaries.
Grand Haven: Salmon action continues to be slow. Those trolling in front of the piers caught the occasional fish on glow plugs. Younger Chinook salmon were caught 50 to 80 feet down in 120 to 200 feet with orange or green spoons and lake trout were found in the bottom 15 feet. Try dodgers with spin-glo’s. Pier fishing was slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are low but anglers are still taking some coho near the 6th Street Dam. Those targeting catfish have done well with some good size fish taken. In the Rogue River, anglers caught steelhead on spinners below the Childsdale Dam.
Grand River at Lansing: Crews reported a decent number of coho at the Webber fish ladder. Fish are on their way and could already be up in the area.
Pine River: In Gratiot County was producing good numbers of catfish and bowfin.
Muskegon: Those trolling in the basin and near the breakwalls caught a few Chinook on glow plugs in the early morning and those trolling 50 to 120 feet down in 120 to 220 feet found a few trout and salmon with green or blue spoons and white flashers and flies. Pier anglers had no luck.
Muskegon River: Has salmon with fish caught up near Croton Dam.
Whitehall: Those trolling 30 to 70 feet down in 60 to 90 feet caught the occasional Chinook or coho on spoons in the early morning. Lake trout were caught in the bottom third of waters 140 to 200 feet deep with paddles and flies or spoons. Those trolling 60 to 90 feet down in 200 to 250 feet caught a few salmon, steelhead, or lake trout. Pier anglers casting spoons caught a few Chinook in the early morning. Hot colors were green and silver, blue and silver or glow. Anglers casting jigs tipped with soft plastics or slowly retrieving a crawler along the bottom caught large and smallmouth bass in the channel. A few walleye were caught in the late evening by those casting body baits.
White Lake: Anglers fishing in 15 to 25 feet caught a good number of bluegills on dropper-rigs tipped with a wax worm.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Those trolling spoons near the red buoy or in 35 feet near the mouth of the river had little to no success.
Cheboygan River: Salmon moved into the river. There was a lot of activity at the lock and dam and behind the paper mill. Shore anglers caught a few Chinook on spoons, crank baits, spinners, artificial spawn and fresh spawn with an orange bag.
Rogers City: Anglers reported lots of salmon swimming in the shallows in and around the Swan Bay but catch rates were very slow. Most are trolling high-lines with bombers and J-plugs. Adult salmon were still out deeper in 30 to 60 feet. Those looking for young salmon were fishing anyway from 45 to 120 feet. Atlantic salmon, lake trout, steelhead, walleye and a few coho were also caught. Spoons worked best but J-plugs or dodgers with squid or cut bait also took fish. Hot colors are green, blue, white, purple, orange, silver and orange or glow.
Rockport: Anglers heading straight out towards Middle Island and the Nordmere Wreck or north towards Stoneport were taking a mix of trout and salmon in 45 to 130 feet. Most were running spoons, body baits, J-plugs and flashers with flies, squid or cut bait throughout the water column. Hot colors were green, blue, orange, white, black, purple or glow.
Alpena: Lake trout were found near the bottom in 120 to 160 feet. Those trolling high- lines found steelhead in the top 30 feet. Try spoons or meat rigs at the “Humps” and off Thunder Bay Island. A few staging Chinook salmon were caught on spoons and J- plugs in 20 to 50 feet at the mouth of the Thunder Bay River. Walleye were caught by those trolling stick baits or crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers in 25 to 45 feet off the mouth of the river, along the north shore and around Sulphur and Scarecrow Islands.
Thunder Bay River: Chinook salmon are moving into the river and were caught by those casting spoons and spinners or floating skein and spawn bags. A few fish were decent size. Despite the warmer water temperatures, a couple Atlantic salmon and a small steelhead were taken at the 9th Street Dam. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, and brown bullhead were taken on crawlers.
Oscoda: Good numbers of lake trout were taken from the bottom in 130 to 170 feet. Atlantic salmon were caught in the top 30 feet. Try spoons, meat rigs, and flies out from the Au Sable River. Chinook are being marked near the mouth of the Au Sable River and a few were caught in 20 to 35 feet with spoons and J-plugs. Pier anglers caught fish on spoons. Walleye and smallmouth bass were taken by those casting crank baits or still-fishing with crawlers. Channel cats were hitting on crawlers on the bottom at night.
Au Sable River: Those targeting walleye found a few in the evening when casting crank baits or when drifting and still-fishing with crawlers near the mouth. Channel cats, smallmouth bass, and rock bass were taken on marabou jigs or when drifting or still- fishing with crawlers. Lots of smallmouth bass but many were sub-legal.
Houghton Lake: Walleye are still being caught by those trolling a harness with crawlers and crank baits near the weed beds in 9 to 12 feet. Bluegills and crappie have also been caught in the weed beds. Bluegills were hitting on leaf worms and leeches and crappie were hitting minnows under a bobber.
Tawas: Boat and pier anglers targeting perch were doing a lot of sorting to get a few keepers. Same for the boat anglers off Jerry’s Marina. Boat anglers fishing near the rocks around Alabaster took a few walleye when casting or jigging. Those trolling about 10 miles south of the Tawas River mouth found a few walleye in 35 to 45 feet.
Au Gres: Perch fishing off the Saganing and Pinconning Bars slowed some. A couple walleye were taken from the edge of the weed beds in 10 feet or more along the Bars.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: A couple lake trout and salmon were caught 80 to 90 feet down. Anglers are now fishing east of Harbor Point.
Petoskey: A few Chinook and coho were caught 40 to 50 feet down in 75 to 120 feet. Boat anglers were staying close to the breakwall or trolling toward Bay Harbor with flies and plugs. Lake trout were caught 70 to 100 feet down in 80 to 220 feet. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass and rock bass. The Bear River was still at a pretty high level. A couple Chinook and coho were caught up at the dam with spawn and flies.
Charlevoix: Boat anglers caught Chinook and lake trout. The salmon were scattered and hitting 30 to 70 feet down in 65 to 100 feet. Lake trout were 50 to 90 feet down in 60 to 150 feet. Most were using spoons and flies near the red buoy and the cement plant. Smallmouth bass fishing was hit-or-miss but a couple big fish were taken. The Medusa Weir opened early last week, which means the creek is closed to fishing to within 100 feet of the mouth. Anglers caught a couple Chinook salmon when casting in the freighter slip and in front of Medusa Creek.
Traverse City: Lake trout were caught in the East Bay near Deepwater Point. Salmon fishing was spotty but Chinook and coho were taken by those trolling along the west bank, south of the M-37 launch and along the south bank. Bass fishing was spotty but fish were caught north of Old Mission and south of Elk Rapids. More lake herring were showing up for those trolling off the M-37 launch and Deepwater Point. A couple more salmon are at the dam in the Elk River. In the West Bay, some nice Chinook and coho were caught in the hole at the south end in the early morning. Good size perch were caught on shrimp and minnows in Suttons Bay and off Lee Point. Lake trout were caught south of the M-22 launch. Salmon were in the harbor at Northport. The Boardman River has plenty of salmon below the weir and at the dam. Good numbers of Chinook and coho were caught on spawn and skein. Early morning was best.
Leland: Some lake trout along with a few lake herring and a couple salmon were caught on the “First Bank” out of Leland. Some younger Chinook and a couple adult coho were caught east of North Manitou Island. Lake trout and lake herring were hitting on spin-glo’s behind flashers or cowbells. Salmon were hitting on spoons. The Leland River has some coho and a few Chinook but very few fish have been caught. Look for smallmouth bass in the river and the harbor.
Platte Bay: Those trolling east and west of the bays caught a few salmon and lake trout when trolling, jigging or casting as deep as 80 feet down or just off the mouth of the river. With large pushes of salmon into the river, fewer fish were marked in the bay.
Platte River: Anglers reported a large number of coho in the lower river and a good number of fish above the lower weir at times. Most anglers have done well with spawn, skein and flies.
Frankfort: Cooler water blew in and surface temperatures were in the low to mid 40’s in the harbor and off the piers. Chinook are still moving into the bay and a few were caught by those trolling around the piers.
Onekama: The “Barrel” is still producing lake trout near the bottom with spin-glo’s. A couple young Chinook and coho were caught but the action was slow.
Portage Lake: Catches rates were starting to pick up with a fair to good number of good size bass taken. Perch catches have been slow but the number and the size of the fish are slowly increasing for those using worms in 12 to 18 feet. Coho were reported on the west end but the fish were not very active.
Manistee: Fishing slowed but a few boats did manage to catch a couple Chinook, coho and steelhead in the harbor and around the piers. Some did better further out in 300 to 500 feet. Pier fishing was slow but a few trout and salmon were taken by those casting spoons. Try early morning or evening. Salmon are in Manistee Lake.
Manistee River: Anglers were starting to see fish in the lower river and some coho up at Tippy Dam.
Ludington: Slow fishing continues but those trolling in 250 to 400 feet as well as in the harbor found salmon and steelhead. Pier fishing was slow with only a couple Chinook taken on spoons. Chinook were also caught in Pere Marquette Lake.
Pere Marquette River: Some salmon are being reported in Lake and Mason Counties with a few fresh fish trickling upstream. Anglers are waiting for a large push of fish.
Pentwater: Salmon and trout fishing was very slow and few boats have been out. Those trolling 30 to 70 feet down in 60 to 100 feet caught the occasional Chinook or coho in the early morning with spoons, flies and meat rigs. Pier anglers casting spoons in the early morning caught the odd Chinook salmon.
Pentwater Lake: Anglers casting crankbaits or working jigs tipped with soft plastics along the bottom caught smallmouth bass in 8 to 15 feet. Those fishing the channel with crawlers caught smallmouth bass and redhorse suckers.
UPPER PENINSULA
Lake Gogebic: Walleye and perch fishing were about the same as last week. Those trolling crank baits and crawler harnesses suspended in deeper water caught a nice bag walleye, perch and a few crappie. Those drifting and anchoring caught perch and walleye but no big numbers. Sorting is a must due to the small walleye. The north end was still producing some nice bluegills and sunfish along with the small ones. Try crawlers and leeches. Those using minnows near shore have also caught fish.
Keweenaw Bay: Most boats were heading north and trolling around Pequaming where they caught lake trout and a few coho. Catch rates were getting better at the South Entry with lake trout taken off Farmers Reef when trolling spoons. Coho were showing up around the lighthouse. Those jigging caught lake trout in 150 to 160 feet.
Little Bay De Noc: Anglers caught walleye mostly at night when trolling stick baits or crawlers in 18 to 25 feet between the Second and Third Reefs. Best day catches were in the southern waters between Breezy Point and the Minneapolis Shoals area when trolling stick baits or crawlers in 10 to 16 feet at Round Island or 25 feet at the shoals. Perch numbers were down but some nice jumbo perch were caught on crawlers in 17 to 23 feet off Kipling. Pike were active throughout the bay with a couple fish over 40 inches taken near Escanaba when trolling rapalas along the edge of the shipping docks. Salmon were caught at the dam in the Escanaba River.
Manistique River: Salmon fishing just keeps getting better with anglers taking Chinook, coho, pink salmon and brown trout. Boat anglers are trolling from the mouth to where the fast water starts using Mega lips, jointed rapalas, spoons or spawn. Shore anglers are fishing between the “Big Bass Hole” and the dam. The water is fast and muddy in this area making for poor visibility. Many of those targeting salmon have caught the bonus walleye. Anglers are reminded that the fish cleaning station is shut down but the DNR freezer is still there if you catch a fish with a missing adipose fin.
Marquette: Lake trout fishing was slow as most struggled to catch two or three fish. Coho were caught near the lower harbor and near the mouth of the Carp and the Chocolay Rivers. A couple Chinook were caught in the rivers but no word on coho yet.
Au Train: Limit and near limit catches of lake trout were taken within a few miles of Au Train Island. A few coho and Chinook were caught in 60 feet or less near the mouth of the Au Train River. No word on any salmon caught in the Rock or the Au Train River.
Munising: Surface water temperatures have cooled to around 59 degrees which is much cooler than last year and anglers are hoping this will bring fish in sooner. Coho salmon have been caught and while most boats were getting one to three fish, some had none. Most were trolling within the bay, towards Sand Point and out into Trout Bay and fishing in 60 to 70 feet. There has been very little activity at Bay Furnace. The city docks and the Anna River were producing some legal size splake but anglers were putting in a lot of time just to catch a couple fish. Try spawn bags or casting Cleos. Lake trout were caught near Wood Island Reef, Grumps Hump and Big Reef when the winds allow.
Grand Marais: Most boats stayed close and caught limits of lake trout about a mile out just off the break. A few coho were also caught. No activity at the Sucker River.
Two Hearted River: Coho salmon are staging outside the mouth. Few fish have entered the river as anglers have only reported a few catches. Warmer temperatures this week will most likely keep the fish out in Lake Superior a bit longer.
Tahquamenon River: Boat anglers caught a few muskie but pike reports were few and far between. Fishing pressure at the dam and pier were almost non-existent.
St. Marys River: A good number of Atlantic salmon and some whitefish have been caught behind the Cloverland Power Plant. Cloverland is performing maintenance on the turbines, and will periodically have the plant shut down. Fishing is poor during these times, so check flow from the park to east of the powerhouse first. A fair number of pink salmon have been caught when jigging spoons. Yellow perch fishing was steady in the early morning until 9 a.m. and just before dark in the North Channel. Use crawlers or minnows on the bottom in 25 feet. Walleye fishing continues to improve in the shipping channel in 30 to 32 feet with a green crawler harness and bottom bouncer. Most were caught between the 3-Mile and 7-Mile Buoys. Smallmouth bass were caught on the rock piles. Walleye were caught on the north end of Lake George in 9 to 12 feet. In the lower river, only a few walleye were taken in 12 to 17 feet in Munuscong and Raber Bays. Yellow perch fishing was slow but a few 9 to 12 inch fish were found in the weed beds in 10 to 18 feet.
Detour: Had good catches of lake trout taken a foot off the bottom along the 90 foot flat which is two miles straight south of the Detour Lighthouse. Try an orange and white or chartreuse and white spin-glo with an 18 inch leader behind a flasher. A few smaller Chinook salmon were caught when trolling 50 to 60 feet down in 80 to 100 feet from Fry Pan Island southwest to the green buoy. Hot colors were chartreuse, chrome or chrome and white.
Drummond Island: The fall yellow perch bite has started to pick up. Successful anglers caught 10 to 25 fish between 8 and 14 inches. Most were taken while drifting leaf worms and minnows on colorful perch rigs near structure The location of the schools seem to change daily, but some spots to try would be Scott Bay or around Rutland, Peck, Harbor and Bald Island. The perch are not schooled up in large groups yet, but were found in small pockets of weeds and rock piles in various depths. Hot colors were green, red and reflective silver or gold on sunny days.
Cedarville and Hessel: Cedarville had reports of a few perch caught when drifting worms and shiners in 8 feet in Musky Bay off Conners Point. Largemouth bass were very good in 3 to 5 feet off the weed beds when casting a weedless surface lure. Those casting spinners under the docks in 4 to 6 feet throughout the Les Cheneaux Islands also caught fish. Pike up to 30 inches were taken around Little LaSalle Island. Try chubs in 8 feet where there is a current. Hessel had no reports of yellow perch caught from the finger docks at the marina. A few pike were caught on chubs and spoons in the early morning. A few perch were caught by walleye anglers in Mackinaw Bay when drifting a jig with a shiner in 8 to 12 feet.
Carp River: Had some salmon activity but catch rates were slow. Pier anglers using spawn, spoons and crank baits had little to no success. Fishing slowed on Nunn’s Creek as well but anglers still managed to catch a few Chinook 9 to 11 pounds with a silver and green or silver and blue spoon as well as fresh spawn.
September 21, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Water levels are low and clear in many rivers and streams and water temperatures are too warm for this time of year. Expect slower catch rates for trout and salmon as we need rain and cooler temperatures for fall fishing.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Anglers are still getting limits of perch. Fish are being caught throughout the western basin from Luna Pier to north of Stony Point in 18 to 25 feet. When possible, anglers are drift fishing with a perch spreader until they find fish then anchoring. Sterling State Park has seen a large number of boat anglers causing parking lots to fill up and bait shops to run out of minnows. Boat anglers may want to launch from other areas such as Bolles Harbor. Either way, anglers should prepare for long lines to launch and retrieve boats.
Wamplers Lake: Largemouth bass were caught on jigs or while casting lures in 10 to 15 feet. Panfish were caught on worms in 6 feet on the northwest end or in 3 feet on the south end. A couple crappie were caught on minnows in 8 to 9 feet. Water temperatures inched up to 71 degrees.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught on a jig or top-water baits in 2 to 10 feet. The panfish action was very slow.
Detroit River: Anglers reported jumbo perch being caught around Celeron and Sugar Islands and near the Ford Yacht Club. Anglers were using perch rigs or spreaders with minnows in 22 to 24 feet.
Lexington to Port Austin: Boat anglers trolling from Lexington to Port Sanilac were marking a lot of fish but had a hard time getting them to bite. Those trolling out of Port Austin and Grindstone City actually did well taking lake trout near the bottom and a couple steelhead about halfway down in 107 to 140 feet. Same story at Harbor Beach were lake trout and steelhead were taken in 80 to 120 feet but those targeting walleye at night were unsuccessful. Pier fishing was slow at all the ports along the Thumb.
Saginaw Bay: Had good perch fishing around the first set of buoys along the modern shipping channel past Spoils Island. The fish ranged 8 to 12 inches and several limit catches were reported. Other spots worth trying would be near Buoys 17 & 18, and out near the Spark Plug in 23 feet. The perch action was spotty off Quanicassee in 9 to 13 feet. The boats that got out the earliest seem to do best. A few bigger fish were taken in 15 to 18 feet. A few walleye were taken in 13 feet off the Callahan Reef and in the Slot between Sebewaing and Bay Port. Unlike last week, the key to success seemed to be moving around until you find an active school of fish.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Had low fishing pressure. A few lake trout were taken in 110 to 140 feet. Perch fishing was on the slow side but anglers did find some fish south of the piers in 60 feet. Pier fishing was slow for all species.
St. Joseph River: Anglers have caught a decent number of salmon up at the dams. Crews checking the ladder at Berrien Springs found a few coho and the occasional steelhead.
Dowagiac River: Also had a number of salmon in it.
South Haven: Perch fishing was very spotty. There were some decent catches in 40 to 60 feet but the fish were scattered. Boat anglers reported slow salmon fishing. A few lake trout were found in 100 feet. Pier fishing was slow for all species.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers are finding a decent number of lake trout but salmon action continues to be slow. Lake trout were caught in the bottom 100 feet in 140 to 200 feet with a white flasher/fly combo and a green or yellow spin-glo. A few salmon were caught 50 to 90 feet down in 150 to 250 feet with green or blue spoons. Pier fishing was very slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Continues to have extremely low water levels. Up at the 6th Street Dam, a small but steady stream of coho were using the fish ladder.
Grand River at Lansing: There was little fishing activity at Grand Ledge and Portland and very light numbers of fish. The Webber Dam had about 60 coho’s in the ladder with many surfacing up in the reservoir. Water levels are extremely low with many gravel bars exposed. Water temperatures are still high.
Muskegon: Boat anglers reported slow salmon action with only a few fish taken 50 to 100 feet down in 175 to 200 feet. Green, orange, and blue were the hot colors. Pier fishing was still slow.
Muskegon River: Catch rates for salmon slowed. Water levels are low and clear.
Whitehall: Very few boats have been out trolling as salmon fishing has been very slow. A few lake trout were caught near the bottom in 150 to 200 feet on spoons or paddles and flies. Water temperatures around the pier heads remain warm and those casting for salmon reported very slow fishing.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Had few anglers. Boats pulling spoons in 60 feet had no luck.
Cheboygan River: Fishing pressure was still high. Many have caught chinook with skein, spawn bags, spoons or spinners but the skein and spawn bags did best. The fish were averaging 10 to 20 pounds.
Rogers City: The season is winding down but there appears to be a large hatch of smelt this year and the fish are starting to feed heavily on them. Adult chinook salmon have moved out deeper because of the warm spell and warmer water in the bay and river. There is cold water out deep and that is where the fish appear to be staging at this time. Those out trolling have done well with spoons, J-plugs, flashers with flies, squid or cut bait. Good colors were green, blue, black and white, bloody nose or anything that glows early and late. Anglers have caught young chinook along with the occasional Atlantic, coho, steelhead and walleye. Those looking for lake trout are getting easy limits in the bottom 10 to 20 feet in 65 to 120 feet.
Rockport: The few heading out caught lake trout near the bottom in 65 to 90 feet towards Stoneport and False Presque Isle with dodgers or cowbells with spin-glo’s. Anglers also caught young chinook along with the occasional walleye, coho or Atlantic.
Alpena: Lake trout were caught near the bottom in 110 to 150 feet out near the “Humps” and off Thunder Bay Island with spoons, meat rigs or spin-glo’s. A few chinook were found throughout the water column in 25 to 50 feet off the mouth of the river. Try spoons and J-plugs. Walleye anglers found fish when trolling harnesses with bottom bouncers off the north shore, around Scarecrow and Sulphur Islands and off the Black River in 20 to 40 feet.
Thunder Bay River: A few chinook were taken by those casting spoons and drifting skein and spawn bags. Glow, five dot, and blue were good colors. The fish were anywhere between 5 and 16 pounds. A couple steelhead and brown trout were caught by those casting small crank baits or drifting eggs and worms near the 9th Street Dam.
Oscoda: Anglers trolling in 120 to 160 feet off the river found lake trout near the bottom when using spoons. Boats trolling near the mouth of the river have seen and marked chinook however catch rates were slow. Pier anglers caught a few walleye on crank baits. Those still-fishing crawlers in the evening caught channel cats and a couple walleye. Those drifting crawlers under a float caught smallmouth bass, rock bass and a few small perch.
Au Sable River: Chinook salmon have been seen at Foote Dam, and a few decent steelhead and smallmouth bass were caught just below the dam when drifting skein and worms. An Atlantic salmon was caught near the mouth. Those drifting crawlers picked up a few walleye and smallmouth bass. Channel catfish were taken by those still- fishing with crawlers.
Higgins Lake: A few boats were still trolling for lake trout. Smallmouth bass fishing picked up off Flag Point and around Treasure Island when casting between the shallows and 20 feet deep. Perch anglers were starting to pick up a few bigger fish in 20 feet with a Hali jig and minnow. Some large rock bass are still being caught.
Houghton Lake: Water levels are down some so boat anglers will want to watch their props near shore. The walleye bite slowed with the warmer water but a few were still taken on a crawler harness or a single hook with a shiny blade. Bluegill and crappie were suspended 2 to 6 feet down in 12 feet. Bass fishing was good.
Tawas: Fishing was slow with only a few walleye taken around the weed beds. Perch anglers were sorting through lots of small ones to get a few keepers. Walleye trollers going south toward Alabaster took a few fish on a crawler harness in 24 to 40 feet. There were rumors of a few chinook staging off the mouth of the river.
Au Gres: Some perch were caught in 35 to 42 feet straight off the river mouth. Fish were also found in 10 to 15 feet off the Saganing and Pinconning Bars but no big numbers. The keepers were 8 to 10 inches. A few walleye were caught in 25 to 30 feet with a crawler harness.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Boat anglers were mainly fishing inside Harbor Point. For those interested in lake trout, there are still fish from Harbor Point north.
Petoskey: Boat anglers were coming in with a salmon or two and maybe a lake trout but some came in with no fish. Most of the salmon were coho and were taken 25 to 27 feet down in 100 to 120 feet with cut bait, spoons, plugs and flies. Try just in front of the breakwall and down near the hospital and water treatment plant. Lake trout were 50 to 90 feet down. A couple salmon were caught off the pier after sunset and before sunrise with spawn or flies. The Bear River was at normal flow and a few salmon were caught up at the dam.
Charlevoix: Boat anglers mainly caught lake trout. There should be chinook salmon staging near the Cement Plant. The weather has been so unseasonably warm and dry that no salmon had run up to the weir during the last week. There were reports of salmon caught 50 to 60 feet down in 80 to 90 feet near the plant when using spoons and flies. Smallmouth bass fishing in the channel is still drawing quite a few anglers.
There were a lot of keepers along with some fish weighing in at 5 pounds or more. Most are using crawlers and putting in a lot of time some days. The Medusa Weir is in operation, which means the creek is closed to fishing to within 100 feet of the mouth.
Traverse City: Those trolling in the morning in the East Bay caught a good number of coho and a few chinook along the west bank and along the drop at the south end. Lake trout fishing was good north of the M-37 launch and off Deepwater Point. A good number of lake herring were caught by those trolling and jigging. In Elk Rapids, lake trout and lake herring were caught straight out from the marina. Smallmouth bass were taken in 10 to 15 feet or as deep as 30 feet. The Elk River was producing coho and a few chinook in the early morning. In the West Bay, chinook and coho were caught from the south end off Clinch Park. Those targeting perch did well in Suttons Bay but the fishing off Lee Point was hit-or-miss. Minnows and cut shrimp worked best. Lake trout were caught south of Marion Island and off Lee Point when jigging. The Boardman River was good for salmon anglers in the early morning especially the stretch between the foot bridge and the Union Street Bridge.
Leland: Some young chinook salmon were caught around North Manitou Island. A decent number of lake trout were caught on the “first bank”. Chinook and coho are still present in the harbor and the river but few were caught.
Platte Bay: Has coho in close in the early morning and they were hitting on smaller spoons. A few more coho have shown up in East Platte Bay and were caught by those trolling, jigging or casting.
Platte River: The mouth of the river remains open after being dredged. Anglers casting spinners and spoons caught fish at the mouth in the early morning. There are still a lot of fish in the river below the lower weir and a few above the weir. Most were taken on skein, spawn bags or flies.
Frankfort: Chinook moved into the harbor but anglers had a hard time hooking them.
Betsie River: Anglers were still landing a good number of fish throughout.
Onekama: Pier anglers are reporting coho off both the north and south piers. Try spawn or spoons especially in the early morning or late evening.
Portage Lake: Perch numbers and sizes improved over the last week. The bigger fish were hitting on minnows. Good bass fishing along the breakwall and in the shallows.
Manistee: Surface water temperatures were about 65 degrees. Fishing remains slow with fewer anglers out. A small number of chinook and coho were caught in 120 to 160 feet when heading north of the port. A couple chinook were caught in the harbor and in Manistee Lake.
Manistee River: Still had decent fishing in the lower river. Coho have been caught up at Tippy Dam.
Ludington: Water temperatures were warm and fishing was slow with only a couple chinook caught in the harbor and in Pere Marquette Lake.
Pere Marquette River: Is still producing some fish. Coho were caught as far up as the Indian Bridge.
Pentwater: Anglers caught the occasional chinook or coho 60 to 80 feet down in 160 to 200 feet. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass with crawlers near the bottom or when casting body baits.
Pentwater Lake: Those targeting bass did well jigging soft plastics or casting body baits along the drop-offs in 8 to 15 feet. Those still-fishing with crawlers or casting body baits at Longbridge Road caught the occasional coho salmon or smallmouth bass.
UPPER PENINSULA
Menominee River: Anglers caught walleye, pike, smallmouth bass and catfish when trolling or jigging between Bum Island and the mouth. No salmon were observed.
Little Bay De Noc: Walleye catches were spotty throughout the Bay with the better fishing at the mouth of the Escanaba River when trolling a crawler harness or stick baits along the weed lines. Perch fishing was good in the same area with minnows in 18 to 25 feet. Good pike catches in several areas between the south end of the Black Bottom and the Escanaba beach area. Most fish were hitting crank baits and spinners in 6 to 12 feet. A few salmon were caught near the mouth of the river as well.
Manistique River: Salmon anglers reported fewer catches as water temperatures increased to the high 60’s. Shore anglers up near the dam caught coho and the occasional steelhead or brown trout. Those fly fishing took a couple steelhead between the “Big Bass Hole” and the ORV bridge. Chinook were seen jumping throughout the river and the better catches came in the late evening.
Munising: Boat anglers are targeting mainly coho and catch rates were slightly better. Scattered catches were reported by those trolling inside the bay but those trolling the west channel and in Trout Bay did slightly better when trolling 60 to 70 feet down in deeper waters. The key is to look for baitfish. Splake fishing was poor.
Grand Marais: Boat anglers trolling in 50 to 60 feet caught a few coho east of the breakwall and off the beach area when moving towards the Sable River. Some did well for coho in shallow waters less than 30 feet deep however some never caught a fish. Try very early morning or late evening. Some were fishing the mouth of the Sucker River but very few fish were caught.
Tahquamenon River: Boat anglers had luck for musky by trolling and casting upstream of the Natalie State Forest launch. Yellow perch anglers caught fish when floating a worm in the Dollarville Flooding. Shoreline fishing was slow for panfish.
St. Marys River: Up near Sault Ste. Marie, Cloverland continues to perform maintenance on the turbines, and will periodically shut the plant down. When this happens, fishing will be poor so be sure to check the flow from the park to east of the powerhouse first. Pink salmon fishing was slow with only a few taken. Yellow perch fishing was inconsistent in the North Channel. Try 25 feet with minnows or crawlers on the bottom. Walleye fishing is inconsistent in the shipping channel in 30 to 32 feet using bottom bouncers and a green or motor oil crawler harnesses between the 3-Mile and the 7-Mile Buoys. In the lower river, very few walleye were taken when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses over the deep weeds and rock piles. Yellow perch action remains slow with only a few caught by those targeting walleye. Musky anglers trolling or casting caught a few but most were under 40 inches. Some decent size pike were caught on spoons and crank baits in front of the two piers in Raber, near Maude Bay and Raber Point.
Detour: Was producing limits of lake trout and a few chinook. Try two miles straight south of the Detour Lighthouse when trolling the 90 foot flat with spin-glo’s and a 24 inch leader. Best colors are orange or chartreuse with white. Best area to target chinook is Fry Pan Island, which is the first island south of ferry boat lane that runs to Drummond Island. A few were caught on spoons 55 to 60 feet down in 80 feet.
Drummond Island: Yellow perch catches were decent but nowhere near peak yet. Warm water temperatures have kept the bigger fish from entering the bay. Anglers caught 5 to 20 perch above the legal size of 7 inches with a few 11 to 13 inches but were sorting through a lot of small ones. Smaller minnows seem to be the bait of choice, either drifted with small bladed rigs or floated under bobbers. The location of the schools changes daily, but some of the spots to try would include Maxton Bay and the islands of Rutland, Peck, James, Grape, and Bald. Colors to try would be green, red, and reflective silver or gold blades on sunny days.
Cedarville and Hessel: Yellow perch fishing slowed in the Les Cheneaux Islands. Those doing best were moving around the islands and targeting a variety of weed beds while casting with a slow retrieve. Both shiners and worms are good baits. Connors Pointe which sits between Urie Bay and Musky Bay is usually a good perch location in September especially when the water temperatures cool to 45 degrees. Snows Channel was productive for pike when trolling a chrome spoon with a red eye. Creek chubs were taking pike in 8 to 10 feet between Duck Bay and Little La Salle Island.
Carp River: Fishing pressure picked up but not many fish were harvested. Many reported seeing fish surface and some believe the pink salmon have already run up the river. Still lots of fishing pressure on Nunn’s Creek. Anglers are catching chinook on skein, spawn bags or spoons. Most of the fish have turned dark.
September 28, 2017
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT
Recent hot weather hasn’t been making fishing easy for anglers. A statewide cool-down would definitely help!
Don’t forget the season on all Type 1 and 2 streams and Type A and D inland trout lakes closes this Saturday, September 30. The possession season for brook trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon on Type 4 streams also closes this Saturday.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Yellow perch were caught at a steady rate with anglers averaging around 30 fish per person. Activity started to move north of Sterling State Park with depth ranges varying from 22 to 26 feet. Hot spots were outside of Fermi, the 1 and 2 buoys, and just north of Stony Point. Success was seen during the early morning hours. Walleye were also caught with anglers casting artificial baits in shallow waters outside the state park or trolling crawler harnesses in 20 feet.
Wamplers Lake: Largemouth bass were caught on grubs and dropshots in 3 to 8 feet while northern pike were caught in 8 to 15 while casting spinnerbaits. Some panfish were caught while casting worms in 4 feet.
Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught on jigs in up to 18 feet of water.
Detroit River: Good smallmouth fishing was reported in the lower river near Grosse Isle.
Lexington to Port Austin: Sporadic walleye action was seen off Port Austin, with some fish caught in 70 feet of water fishing over 110 feet. Lake trout were found out of Grindstone City in 107 to 142 feet of water while fishing close to bottom with pink and white spin-glos. At Harbor Beach lake trout, steelhead and walleye were found in 110 to 130 feet of water. Good spoon colors included orange and green. Near shore, boats fishing inside the harbor at Harbor Beach were getting smallmouth bass on body baits.
Saginaw Bay: The hot weather improved the walleye bite somewhat. Fish were taken by buoys 1 and 2 and in the slot. Meanwhile, perch were caught around Sailboat Buoys A, B, G and H in 17 to 18 feet of water, near the Spark Plug, and around Spoils Island. Perch were also caught in 15 feet of water straight north off Finn Road.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
On inland lakes in the area, panfish were post spawn and could be found in deeper water.
St. Joseph: Boat anglers continued to catch lake trout in 110 to 140 feet of water. A few perch were caught in 40 feet both to the south and north of the piers.
St. Joseph River: Coho were running with fish caught at the Berrien Springs and Pucker Street dams.
South Haven: Perch fishing was pretty good with fish caught in 28 to 60 feet of water. Boat anglers targeting salmon found activity to be slow. Lake trout were caught in 120 feet of water.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Salmon were around but the water has been extremely low and hot.
Whitehall: Fishing pressure was slow but those trolling 70 to 90 feet down in 180 to 250 feet caught the occasional lake trout, Chinook or coho on spoons or paddles and flies. Those fishing the pier for salmon left empty-handed but some still-fished with live bait and caught channel cats, largemouth bass and the occasional freshwater drum.
White Lake: Those casting near the river mouth caught the occasional Chinook on spoons or body baits and those targeting panfish caught bluegill and perch in 18 to 25 feet of water on dropper-rigs tipped with worms.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Anglers have been enjoying the summer-like weather and seeing lots of action while out on the water!
Cheboygan: Had no reports this week.
Cheboygan River: Fishing slowed but a few Chinook were caught at the lock and dam. Anglers used spoons, spinners and drifted spawn bags. Some smallmouth and rock bass were caught while drifting worms at the Boblo Island parking pier.
Rogers City: Normally Chinook have stopped biting by now but that hasn’t been the case as anglers fishing inside 30 feet around Swan Bay had success. Most were trolling j plugs and bombers off high lines. Lake trout were found in 70 to 120 feet of water and while fishing near the bottom 15 feet or so. Steelhead, Atlantic and coho were also caught. Popular spoon colors included greens, blues, silver, orange or glow. Fish were found in structured areas such as Adams Point, 40 Mile Point and the humps.
Rockport: Anglers were targeting lake trout but also caught the occasional steelhead, coho, Atlantic or walleye. Most fished waters up to 120 feet deep or near the bottom 20 feet.
Alpena: Lake trout were caught in 100 to 150 feet just off the bottom. A few steelhead and Chinook were taken throughout the water column. Fish were hitting on spin-glows and spoons at the first and second set of humps or off Thunder Bay Island. Walleye were found off the north shore, Sulphur Island and around Squaw Bay when trolling crawler harnesses or stick baits in 25 to 45 feet. A few channel cats and smallmouth bass were taken when trolling stick baits.
Thunder Bay River: Chinook were below the 9th Street Dam. Anglers casted spoons or floating skein, spawn bags or beads. Evening hours were most successful. A few brown and rainbow trout were caught below the dam on spinners and small spoons, floating worms and spawn. Smallmouth bass were caught on cranks and worms.
Oscoda: Lake trout were caught in 100 to 150 feet of water near the bottom. A couple steelhead were taken from the top half of the column in 80 to 150 feet, as well as closer to the mouth of the Au Sable. Pier anglers caught walleye in the evenings on drifted or still-fished night crawlers and while casting cranks. Some decent-sized channel catfish were also caught from the pier.
Au Sable River: Those still-fishing with night crawlers from the river mouth caught a few walleye and channel catfish. Smallmouth and rock bass were hitting on cranks and crawlers. Below Foote Dam a few rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and steelhead were taken on skein and worms.
Tawas: Perch fishing in the bay was slow and pressure was light. A few walleye trollers caught some fish down off Alabaster in 60 feet of water on crawler harnesses and body baits.
Au Gres: Those trolling for walleye caught some in 30 feet of water off Pointe Au Gres while perch were found in 40 to 42 feet. Fishing was far better south off the Saganing and Pinconing bars where a few limits of walleye were taken in 10 to 15 feet of water and perch were hitting in 10 to 12 feet and also 20 feet plus.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Boats picked up lake trout 80 to 100 feet down, 10 to 20 feet off the bottom, from Harbor Point and North. A few smallmouth bass were caught as well.
Petoskey: Anglers marked fish but didn’t catch many, only one Chinook was reported over last weekend. Most fish were found from 40 to 100 feet down. Lake trout were caught from 80 to 90 feet down with boats fishing from just in front of the breakwall and down to the water treatment plant.
Charlevoix: Salmon fishing has been slow, but a few days produced good lake trout numbers. Anglers did well near North Point, 75 to 100 feet down over 90 to 150 feet. Smallmouth bass were in the channel again, most anglers used crawlers. Please note, Medusa Weir is in operation when means the creek is closed to fishing within 100 feet of the mouth.
Traverse City: Salmon activity on the west bay slowed but a few Chinook were caught while trolling. Lake trout fishing was good along the eastern side of the west bay and south of Marion Island. A couple lake whitefish were caught there as well. Perch fishing was good in Northport, Suttons Bay and outside Elmwood Marina to the south. A few cisco were caught off Lee Point and smallmouth fishing was spotty near Marion Island in 10 feet. In the east bay a couple coho and Chinook were landed in the Elk River. Lake trout were caught straight out from the marina in Elk Rapids, along with some cisco. Lake trout were caught while trolling and jigging in various depths along the western side of the bay and near Deepwater Point.
Leland: Some coho and Chinook, as well as good numbers of lake trout, were caught on the first bank. Chinook and coho were also caught around both North and South Manitou Islands. Salmon numbers in the Leland River were down.
Platte Bay: Good numbers of coho and a few Chinook were reported. Fish were caught while trolling or jigging, mostly on body baits. Shore and boat anglers casting spinners and spoons were also catching fish by the mouth of the river.
Platte River: Good numbers of coho and a few Chinook were reported in the lower river. Skein and spawn were popular but flies and beads also produced catches.
Frankfort: Lots of fish were moving (such as salmon and lake whitefish) but there wasn’t much action due to warm water temps. Anglers caught coho in East Platte Bay on spoons and plugs in 80 to 100 feet and while trolling just off the bottom.
Betsie River: Lots of Chinook and a few coho were reported.
Onekama: There was no activity to report.
Portage Lake: Perch were biting with numbers and sizes starting to increase. Anglers used minnows. Bass anglers reported nice sizes and numbers throughout the lake with smallmouths biting more frequently on the west end and in the channel.
Manistee: Surface water temperatures were about 68 degrees. Fishing continued to be slow but some anglers had success fishing as deep as 300 feet. Chinook, coho and lake trout were found at those depths. Pier fishing was slow.
Manistee River: Lots of coho were reported up near Tippy Dam.
Ludington: Water temperatures were at about 68 degrees and angler activity was low.
Pere Marquette River: Was still producing fish.
Pentwater: Boats trolling near the bottom in 150 to 200 feet caught lake trout on paddles and flies or spoons. The occasional Chinook or coho was caught while trolling 70 to 100 feet down in 180 to 250 feet. Those on the pier were fishing for smallmouth and redhorse suckers and caught them on worms near the bottom.
Pentwater Lake: Anglers casting body baits at Longbridge Road caught the occasional Chinook while those drifting red worms caught yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Yellow perch and bluegill were caught in 20 to 30 feet on dropper-rigs tipped with wax or red worms.
UPPER PENINSULA
Lake Gogebic: Fishing slowed to a crawl. Northern bays were producing limit catches of panfish on live bait by marking schools of fish in deeper water.
Menominee River: Some walleye and smallmouth bass were caught, mainly from Stephenson Island up to the dam at Hattie Street. Chinook were observed jumping at the same dam.
Little Bay De Noc: Walleye catches were slow but picked up by last weekend. Best spots were just south of the Narrows trolling or drifting crawlers with harnesses in and around 30 feet. South of Black Bottom anglers were in 18 to 30 feet. Good northern pike catches were reported throughout the bay with Kipling area by the coal pikes, Escanaba ship docks and Escanaba beach producing well. Most trolled spoons or crank baits in 8 to 16 feet in early morning. Smallmouth bass fishing was slow and salmon have entered the Escanaba yacht harbor but no catches were reported.
Manistique River: Hot weather really slowed down salmon catches. Anglers did report pink, Chinook and coho up by the dam gates. Most used spawn or flies. The rest of the river was trolled or casted with j-body rapalas, mag lips, spoons or spawn.
A wave of steelhead did show up with catches reported along the upper dam. Fair to good walleye catches were reported in the Bass Hole area while casting cranks or using crawlers from shore.
Marquette: Near limits of coho were caught near White Rocks and from the Chocolay River mouth to shot point. Flasher/fly and j-plugs worked best in 40 to 60 feet. A few steelhead and brown trout were also caught. Lake trout were caught between White Rocks and Granite Island.
Au Train: Good numbers of lake trout were caught within a few miles of Au Train Island. Those targeting coho had varied results.
Munising: Anglers trolling within Munising and Trout bays had mixed results with only a few coho caught. Shore and pier anglers at the Anna River reported very few splake.
Grand Marais: A few coho and steelhead were reported last weekend with boaters trolling east in depths less than 25 feet towards the Sucker River. A few lake trout were reported from those fishing straight out from the breaks near the shipping lanes.
Tahquamenon River: Some muskie were caught from boats while casting. Anglers also caught pike while casting crankbaits and while fly fishing. Panfish and bass were caught off the Dollarville Dam where anglers floated a bobber with crawlers.
St. Marys River: On the upper river, salmon fishing behind the Cloverland Powerhouse continued to be hit or miss. Perch and walleye fishing was slow in this area as well but some fish were found in the shipping channel in 30 to 32 feet. Pike anglers were successful while using gold or silver inline spinners or spinner baits. On the lower river, all fishing activity was slow. Few walleye were taken while trolling and drifting crawler harnesses over deep weeds and rock piles out front of the Raber piers and on both north and south sides of Lime Island. Yellow perch action was light.
Detour: Most lake trout anglers bagged their limits with fish hitting on 3 to 4 inch hammered spoons in colors of gray or silver. They trolled over the 90 foot flat, located 2 miles straight south of the Detour Lighthouse. A few Chinook were caught in the area as well. They were also found while trolling from the red buoy on the Drummond Island side of the St. Marys River out to the lighthouse.
Drummond Island: Record heat drove the water temps in Potagannissing Bay above 70 degrees. Decent yellow perch catches were reported. Colors to try include green, red and pearl white.
Cedarville and Hessel: Perch fishing was sporadic, but some were reported off Connors Point and the north end of Government Island in 8 feet off weed beds. Snows Channel was popular with pike anglers who trolled with chrome red eye spoons. Others still fished with chubs in 8 to 10 feet just off the current at the south end of Government Island. Largemouth bass were reported by anglers casting surface lures and spinner
baits throughout the Les Cheneaux Islands. A few splake were caught off the Hessel fishing pier and finger docks. Some pike were reported by those fishing with chubs or casting chrome colored spoons in the early morning hours. Success was seen at Cube Point, straight out from the Hessel Pier, the inside of Wilderness Bay, and on the west side of Marquette Island.
Carp River: Some pink salmon were reported farther up river. Most anglers couldn’t get anything to bite.