2008

September 17, 2008

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Randy Zellers (501)223-6406, e-mail: rdzellers [at] agfc [dot] state [dot] ar [dot] us

This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for September 17. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.

Fishing Tip: The fall turnover can produce some quick limits of schooling white bass and black bass on lakes such as DeGray, Hamilton and Ouachita. Although most of the fish will be in the 1- to 2-pound range, they’re easy to spot breaking the surface near humps and points near the main lake. Concentrate on using small topwaters such as Zara Puppies and Tiny Torpedoes on the breaking fish. When the action slows, a small spoon or blade bait worked off the bottom can finish out your limit..

Arkansas River Levels are available at
http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WCDS/Reports/Daily/Pao_rvrs.txt

White River Levels are available at
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Conway: Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the water is murky and high. Bream are fair on crickets. A few bass have been caught on top-water lures. Catfishing is good on chicken liver, worms and minnows.

Little Red River: Lindsey’s Resort (501-302-3139) said trout fishing is still good on wax worms with marshmallows, chartreuse Power Eggs, olive or brown marabou jigs and Buoyant Spoons.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse has been releasing water more often than not during the previous week. Twelve-hour releases (3,000 day-second-feet) are scheduled to begin on Thursday and will continue until our lake level is back down to 461 feet above mean sea level. The lake water is averaging 53 degrees. Aquatic insect hatches continue to be sparse with midges being the most prolific. The dry flies of choice include the Adams (#16-#18), crackleback (#12-#14), royal coachman (#16) and midge (#22; cream or black). Sub-surface offerings should include sowbug (#14; UV tan, UV gray, olive or peacock), San Juan worm (#14-#16; red, wine or worm brown), zebra midge (#16-#22; red or black), pheasant tail (#16), copper john (#14-#16) or wooly bugger (#10-#12; green, brown or black).

Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 468.51 feet MSL.

Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water temperature is 77-80 degrees and falling. The bass fishing is good shallow as a lot of the fish have moved up. Topwaters, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and floating worms are working well in the shallows. Carolina-rigged lizards are working well in front of the brush and on main-lake and secondary points. The crappie are over brush piles and pole timber in 14-22 feet of water and are biting fairly well on jigs tipped with minnows. Walleye are few and far between with the water coming up. They’ve scattered quite a bit. The bream have spawned again and are still shallow and feeding well on crickets and worms. The whites and hybrids are feeding very well in places; the problem is finding big fish. The fishing is best on jigging spoons and small in-line spinners to mimic the small bait they are eating. Small grubs will work also. Use your graphs and find the bait and the fish will be close. Catfishing continues to be good all over the lake.

Shiloh Marina said the water is murky and high. Bass have been fair early on top-water lures.

Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said the water is murky and high. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on plastic worms. Catfish are fair on large minnows, worms and liver.

Lake Overcup: Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said the water is murky and high. Bream are biting well on crickets and redworms. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfishing is good on shad.

Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the water is murky and high with a surface temperature in the low 80s. Bream are fair on crickets and red worms. Crappie are good on minnows and brown jigs. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and buzz baits. Catfish are fair on jugs with live bait.

Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) had no report.

Lake Maumelle: Jolly Roger’s Marina said the lake is full and most fish have moved shallow. Largemouth bass are biting well in the weeds. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are working well. Kentucky bass are holding around shallow points and are biting fairly well on spinnerbaits.

Sunset Lake: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is muddy and high. All species are slow.

Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is muddy and unfishable.

Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley’s Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said bream have moved into the backwater and are biting well on crickets. Stripers are near rocky points below dams 9 and 10 and are being caught on whole shad in 8 to 10 feet of water. Black bass are fair in the backwater on Shad Raps and white spinnerbaits. A few white bass are schooling early and others are being caught on spinnerbaits. Kentucky bass are near jetties and can be caught on crawfish-colored jigs-and-pigs. Catfishing is excellent in the main channel drifting with shad.

Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish ‘N Stuff said the water is muddy and the current is too dangerous to fish.

Little Maumelle River: Josh Jeffers at Pinnacle Mountain State Park (501-868-5806) said water clarity is low. The rapid change in water levels the last two weeks has scattered the fish. Bream are slow, but a few have been caught on crickets. Crappie are slow. The only ones being caught are holding close to brush piles near the main channel and are biting shiners. Bass are fair in the shallows early and late on small top-water lures. Small spinnerbaits and crankbaits fished around grass and other cover are catching a few better-sized fish.

Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is muddy and high. Catfish are fair on chicken liver, nightcrawlers and minnows.

Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are picking up on minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and chicken liver.

Peckerwood Lake: Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is clear and high. Crappie are fairly good on minnows. Catfish are excellent on stink bait, liver and shrimp.

NORTH ARKANSAS

White River: Sportsman’s White River Resort said water conditions are normal with 1 to 2 generators running in the afternoon. Trout fishing has been fair on Power Bait and light lures.

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the generation pattern early in the week was for no or little generation. Later in the week, there were fairly low levels of generation. The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a perpetual hot spot for months and the past week has not been different. On high water the hot flies remain brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The most productive colors have been red, cerise, hot pink and fire orange. On lower water try black zebra midges, scuds and sow bugs. Soft hackles like green butts should also be effective. Remember to down size to 6X tippet for the lower flows. The Narrows has remained hot during the past week. On high water, the key to success has been to fish a brightly colored San Juan worm with a nymph on a dropper. The most popular nymphs have been zebra midges, trout crack, sow bugs, scuds, and bead head hares ears. On lower water try the same nymphs in size 18. Olive woolly buggers have been killer in slightly deeper water. Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch-and-Release section. I have done well with brightly colored San Juan worms, the hot colors have been cerise, hot pink and red. I have noted several anglers take advantage of Gary Flipin’s water taxi to deliver them to the bottom of the second island for some wade fishing and pick them up later. Check by Rim Shoals Trout Dock to take advantage of the service.

Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 684.33 feet MSL.

Lake Norfork: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 567.72 feet MSL.

101 Grocery and Bait said fishing has been good. It rained for two days this last week and we received about 4 inches of water. As a result Norfork Lake level only raised a few inches and the water temperature has dropped a few more degrees to the low 80s. Striper fishing is good. White bass fishing has been fair. Crappie fishing has been good using minnows fished from 18-20 feet deep. Bluegill fishing is good using worms and crickets. Walleye fishing is fair. Catfishing is fair.

Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the generation pattern has been to run one generator during the day and to turn it off at night. The Norfork is fishing a bit better this week, particularly on the low water. The hot spot has been Quarry Park just below the dam. Hot flies have been sowbugs, San Juan worms and zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead and brown with copper wire and copper beads) all in smaller sizes (18-20). On higher flows, the same midges in size 14 have been effective in this area.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,129.58 feet MSL.

JT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said cooling lake water has jump-started all species. Bass are biting well early and late on small top-water lures. Cast them around flooded brush for best results. Later in the day, Texas-rigged lizards have produced well along steep banks and bluffs. Crappie have been biting well under docks 8 to 18 feet deep with minnows under a slip float. Trolling along the bluffs near Horseshoe Bend or on the flat by Point 12 with small Bandit crankbaits or Hot n Tots has also been productive. White bass are schooling occasionally early and late. Try using small 3/8-oz. Kastmaster spoons and throw them directly at the schooling fish. Catfishing is still good lakewide from the bank using cut bait or liver. Night has been best. Bluegill have been biting night crawlers around bluffs and docks.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is muddy and high. Crappie have been fair on minnows. Bass are fair in the morning on top-water lures. During the day, finesse rigs seem to be working the best. Catfish are fair on chicken liver and trotlines with goldfish.

Beaver Tailwater: Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said with last week’s rain, Beaver Tailwater is backed up to the dam. Wading opportunities are very limited. The hot flies are still patterns in gray and black. Large darker zebra midges, scuds, pheasant tails and hare’s ears are working in all areas. The best areas have been near the dam and the Parker area. Several fish in the 18-20 inch range have been caught. Some fish also have been caught on micro jigs in pink and in gray.

Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the water is muddy and high. All fishing is slow.

Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the water is muddy and high. Catfish are the best thing going on worms, minnows and chicken liver.

Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said the water is high. A few crappie have been caught on minnows.

Kings River: Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said the river is in great shape and fish are biting on large streamer patterns fished on a sinking line. Top-water flies that make a big disturbance have pulled up some big fish. The smallmouth should begin their fall feeding pattern getting ready for colder weather.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA: Judy Potts of Judy’s Bait Shop at the Bald Knob north entrance to Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA had no fishing report for the area because of flooding last week along the White River. The main gate to the WMA will be closed until the water returns to safe levels.

Lake Charles: Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the water level is normal and the surface temperature ranges from 67 to 72 degrees. The water clarity is 10 inches. Bream, bass and catfish are slow, but soap and goldfish are doing better on catfish. The biggest change has been in crappie. One park visitor managed 12 good slabs fishing jigs.

Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water is clear and a little high. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are good on minnows. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits and top-water lures. Catfish are fair on chicken liver.

Spring River: Mark’s Fly shop said recent rains have muddied up the water a little bit, but it’s clearing up quickly. The dominant fly for the last week has been a plain black wooly bugger and egg patterns. Some really nice fish have been caught lately. Bait fishermen have been reporting great success with cut bait and fluorescent pink and orange Rooster Tails.

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS

Lake Monticello: Greg Gulledge with Basshunters Custom Crankbaits said with the last couple hurricanes coming through and dropping lots of rain, the lake has been high and the bass fishing has been somewhat slow. Some bass can be caught on worms at all depths. The fish seem to be scattered. There are bass busting shad on top if you are lucky enough to be on top of them when they come up. The best schooling baits have been Basshunter wake baits and Kill Gills. As the water temps get cooler the swimbait fishing should heat up.

Lake Chicot: Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said the water is high and murky. Bream are fair on crickets and redworms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on cut bait.

Grand Lake: Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said all fishing is slow.

SOUTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lower Ouachita River Lakes: Fishing has been slow along all the lower Ouachita RiverLakes for all species. The rains have kept the water muddy and the current high in the river.

SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS

Millwood Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 259.7 feet MSL.

Millwood Lake Guide Service says clarity along the main lake is muddy this week from Ike’s high winds and Little River’s clarity is heavy stained from rising influx of incoming water. Due to current in the river, some high density vegetation and floating mats remain in Little River. The main lake and Little River’s water surface temperatures are currently ranging from 72 degrees to 80 degrees depending on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday is above normal and slowly falling at 259.7 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Upriver oxbow’s clarity continues to be very good and is ranging from 20 inches to 36 inches. Cooler daytime highs in the 70 degrees to 80 degrees range and night time lows in the 60 degree range have improved the feeding activity of most all fish on Millwood. Largemouth bass continue to feed well and very good schooling activities are being seen in many various locations around the lake. Chunky bass from 2 to 4 pounds are schooling randomly in Cemetery Slough, Mud, Horseshoe and McGuire oxbow lakes up river and fishermen are catching good numbers of schooling fish periodically during the day. Definite best big bite is still early and late, but improving during noon hours, during schooling. Schooling bass seem to take a few hours to get started and best schooling activities are running between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or mid-day. The most consistent reaction bite is on gold and silver Wobbleheads on sunny days, (gold on cloudy days), buzz baits (white), Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits in the vegetation and remaining lily pads, along with white jigs with white chunk trailers and white or chrome RatLTraps. Top water action is the best right at daylight and dusk, using Jitterbugs (frog and perch colors), Spit’n Images, buzzing toads and buzzbaits. White bass are schooling in Mud Lake and in Little River around Hurricane Creek this week. The crappie bite is still slow this week with the stained and muddy water clarity along Little River. Clarity has steadily gone downhill, over the past 2 weeks and tapered off the crappie bite. The most consistent bite remains on live shiners, grubs on light wire jig heads, and white/chartreuse colored tails. Blues and channel cats remain consistent this week on trotlines, along the current in Little River and remain best using cut shad, Charlie or chicken livers. Yo-yo’s hung from cypress trees in about 12 to 15 feet of water, near any current are picking up some decent 4 to 8 pound cats.

Cossatot River: Davy Ashcraft at Cossatot River State Park (870-385-2201) said USGA states that the water level is 3.25 feet, with the surface temperature ranging from 70 degrees to 80 degrees. With the recent rainfall the river has risen to levels that are not conducive to bass fishing on the river. With no rain in the forecast for the week and temperatures staying nice, fishing will be greatly improved by this weekend. There have however been a few fishermen that are catching a few catfish on worms and cut bait in clam pools close to swift water, with some success. Also bream are biting well on worms weighted to the bottom. Take extra caution while fishing on the river or near it when it is up this high.

Lake Columbia: Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is murky and high. Crappie are picking up on minnows. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good on any bait.

Lake Erling: Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is murky and high. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good on chicken liver, cut bait and worms.

White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said the water level rose slightly last week and the water clarity is still poor. The bass where schooling before the storms on Saturday. They were hitting top-water lures. There have been catfish caught on worms and artificial baits. The bream have been going after crickets and worms. Crappie are still slow.

Lake Greeson: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 468.51 feet MSL.

Lakeside Grocery said the water is murky and high. Bream are good on crickets. Crappie are fair deep on minnows. Bass are good early and late on plastic worms, spinnerbaits and lizards. Catfish are fair on trotlines with minnows or bream.

Daryl Morris at Family Fishing Trips Guide Service said Crappie are good on brush piles and bamboo crappie condos. Bass have been reported to be surface feeding in the secondary creek channels. Stripers are beginning to move back up the lake and are very scattered.

DeGray Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 408 feet MSL.

Charles at Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina said the water temperature is 83 degrees. Largemouth bass are schooling early and late in the day. Tiny Torpedoes, Zara Spooks and Rooster Tails are working well on the schoolers. During mid-day, bass are biting well on watermelon-colored jigs, 11-inch Red Bug, Cherry Seed, Tequila Green or Bloodline worms. Night fishing is still very good for bass. Kentucky bass are biting well on live crayfish 20-26 feet deep on points and drop offs. Hybrids are excellent on live shad fished 35-45 feet deep around the Dam and Caddo Bend areas. Some are schooling early and late and can be caught on topwaters and jigging spoons. Crappie are good on Tennessee shad grubs and live minnows fished around brush piles and moss points in 18-22 feet of water. Catfishing is good on trotlines and jugs baited with cut shad or live minnows. Bream are great on worms and crickets in 8-16 feet of water.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Dardanelle: Eric Pratt at Lake Dardanelle State Park said Lake Dardanelle is muddy from the heavy rain and strong winds. Lake temperature is 77 degrees. River flow is reported to reach 140,000 CFS through the lake. With the passing of the storms and a cold front that directly moved into Arkansas, fishing on Lake Dardanelle has become challenging. Many veteran anglers struggled at the Wal-Mart BFL fishing tournament while a few were able to catch a limit. Anglers reported catching bass on chatterbaits, buzzbaits, jigs and crankbaits. Emergent grass seems to be the place to throw top-water baits. Bluegill, red-eared sunfish, and yellow bass are biting well on crickets, worms and small tube jigs. Catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers, homemade prepared baits, liver and cut shad.

Murphy’s Sporting Goods (479-229-3200) said the water is murky and high. Bass are scattered and have been caught on spinnerbaits. Catfish are good on any bait.

Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is muddy and high. A few bream have been caught on crickets. Catfish are fair below the dam on chicken liver.

Lake Ouachita: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 580.6 feet MSL.

Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is clearing up and surface temperatures are 80 to 86 degrees. Largemouth bass are still fair and these fish can still be caught with Texas-rigged worms and jighead finesse worms. Spotted bass are breaking on cloudy days and during low-light hours. Walleye are still good and being caught on spoons over brush piles on main-lake points. Bottom bouncers with spinners and nightcrawlers are good and producing some quality fish as well. Stripers are biting well on live bait with shad or trotline minnows. White ½-oz. jigs and ¾-oz spoons are working as well. Try around Brady Mountain, Bird Island and the spillway. Bream are very good with crickets or worms in 18 to 25 feet of water. Crappie are fair and being caught over grass and brush. Try large moss flats and brush in water 20 to 30 feet deep. Minnows or crappie grubs are still working best. Tennessee shad and white are still the best colors for artificial baits. Catfish are good and being caught on cut bait and live bait on jug lines and trotlines.

Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service said the rising water from last week’s downpours has the fish shallow, exploring new territory. Try fishing albino-shad-colored flukes and shad-colored spinnerbaits and crankbaits that run 6 to 10 foot deep on the inside edge of the grass for bass. Stripers are biting well at the dam on live shad and spoons.

Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that heavy generation has been the norm below Carpenter Dam as Entergy removes the flood water that fell during Hurricane Ike. Boaters are advised to use caution as extremely swift currents have created dangerous conditions. Despite these conditions, threadfin shad are still migrating in and out of the tailrace, which has kept large schools of stripers and hybrids in the area. September is the last month for good striper and hybrid action as the shad schools will move out with cooler weather. Most of the fish caught in the last several days have been with 1/4 ounce jigs in white or grey. Look for areas protected by rocks and sand bars as they provide some relief from the heavy current. The fish are present but rarely feed on top because of the fast water. As conditions return to normal, top-water action will improve dramatically. Fishermen should cast 6- to 8-inch soft plastics into schooling fish - preferably weightless. A free falling presentation is much more effective than one that sinks too rapidly. Also a larger bait will be more visible as it stands out from the hundreds of baitfish that surround it. Super flukes are tailor-made for such a technique. Largemouth and spotted bass are still roaming in and out of the dam area actively feeding on the shad schools. Rainbow trout stocking will begin in November and this always greatly benefits the fishing.

Diamond Head Marina (501-262-2272) said all species are slow.

Lake Hinkle: Bill’s Bait Shop (479-637-4719) said the water is very high. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are fair in deep water on minnows. Bass are good on top-water lures. Catfishing is excellent on chicken liver, live sunfish and shad.

Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the water is murky and high. Bass are schooling. Catfish are good on cut bait.

EAST ARKANSAS

Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): River City Sporting Goods (870-534-8303) said the water is muddy and high. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfishing is fair on chicken liver.

White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is high. All species are slow.

Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said the water is murky and high. All fishing is slow.

Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said the water is clear and low. All species are slow.

Horseshoe Lake: Local angler Clyde Gregory said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair in deep water on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on worms, liver and large minnows.

Island 40 Chute: Daily’s Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said water conditions are normal. Catfish are the best thing going on chicken liver or large minnows.

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Michigan Regional Fishing Reports - 6/26/2008

June 26, 2008

Great Lakes temperature map

Perch are being caught in the Great Lakes. Inland, anglers are catching bass, pike, walleye and catfish. Lots of rock bass are also being caught.

Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Walleye fishing has improved to fair. Fish have been found in 25 to 27 feet of water near the Fermi Plant and Stony Point. Pink, gold and purple baits were the ticket. A few yellow perch and freshwater drum were also caught. Smallmouth bass were caught near Bolles Harbor.

Huron River - Good numbers of catfish have been caught on crawlers, shrimp and even chicken liver. Smallmouth bass are hitting on spinners, crank baits or crawlers.

Detroit River - Jigging or handlining is producing fair to good numbers of walleye. Try rapalas, worms or leeches.

Lake St. Clair - Yellow perch have been caught by those willing to put in the time. Locate a school of perch and fish until the bite stops. Try perch rigs with shiners.

Lexington - Trout and salmon are being caught in 45 to 65 feet of water. Those fishing inside the harbor have caught walleye, pike and a variety of panfish.

Port Sanilac - Anglers here are catching trout and salmon when trolling in shallow waters 45 to 65 feet deep. Rumor has it perch were caught around the weedbeds.

Harbor Beach - Boat anglers have caught lake trout, chinook, coho and steelhead in 80 to 100 feet of water. A good number of pink salmon are starting to show up.

Grindstone City - Quite a few pink salmon are starting to show up here as well. Chinook, coho, and steelhead have also been caught.

Port Austin - Has really good walleye fishing early in the morning or late in the evening when using a crawler harness in 20 to 30 feet of water.

Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing seems to be good, with the better fishing in the middle of the bay off Linwood, Pinconning, and around the Spark Plug. Catch rates slowed in the Slot, but fish are still being caught.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Has excellent perch fishing just off the bottom in 30 to 35 feet of water. Chinook and lake trout have been caught in 80 to 120 feet of water.

St. Joseph River - Smallmouth bass have been caught on leeches. Those seeking catfish have caught some nice flatheads.

South Haven - Boat anglers caught chinook and lake trout in 70 to 110 feet of water. Perch are biting in 40 to 60 feet of water south of the pier around the Rock Pile.

Holland - Trout and salmon have been caught in 120 to 180 feet of water when trolling spoons or body baits. Good colors have been green, orange and blue. Perch fishing has been good in 30 feet of water both north and south of the piers.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Walleye have been caught when drifting a crawler harness downstream or when trolling upstream with a small shad or crank bait. Those drifting between the Sixth Street Dam and Fulton Street have also caught walleye in the early morning or late evening when drifting a crawler with a glow in the dark bead. Pike are hitting on big spinners or rapalas near the log jams. Good catfish action near the Post Office, east wall and off the bridges. Bluegills can be found in the pocket waters.

Reeds Lake - Some nice bluegills have been caught 5 to 6 feet down in waters 7 to 10 feet deep. Perch were caught in 15 to 25 feet of water.

Grand River at Lansing - A couple nice walleye have been caught over at Moore’s Park, but the really big ones are few and far between. Carp are hitting on bread and corn and catfish are hitting on crawlers, leeches or shrimp.

Hawk Island Park - Catfish were caught on corn, crawlers, leeches and shrimp. Lots of bluegills but many are small. This is a good fishery for kids.

Muskegon - Boat anglers are taking decent numbers of fish however size has been a struggle. Try green, blue and carmel spoons 60 feet down in 90 feet of water.

Muskegon Lake - Bluegills and bass have been caught in the shallows.

Mona Lake - Walleye were caught along the south shore in 12 to 15 feet of water.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - Lots of small lake trout have been caught in waters less than 50 feet deep when fishing close to the bottom with cowbells or dodgers with spin glo’s. Try slow trolling off Adams Point, Sea Gull Point or past the trap nets off Forty Mile Point with green or chartreuse spoons. Boat anglers need to navigate carefully and watch for the commercial fishing nets located between the State Park and Forty Mile Point.

Presque Isle - Has good numbers of lake trout and the bigger fish seem to be holding in the shallow waters. Try 30 to 45 feet between the lighthouses, North Bay or in front of the Red Can. The bottom 10 feet has been the best but if you fish deeper, use spoons on downriggers with dipseys and lead core.

Rockport - Pier anglers have caught atlantic salmon on minnows. Pink salmon have also moved in and can be seen swimming around the pier.

Alpena - Walleye have been caught just outside the harbor when trolling with an artificial perch lure. A few lake trout were caught in 75 feet of water.

Thunder Bay River - Catfish are still being caught on worms. Walleye have been taken by shore anglers and those in boats when still-fishing with real or artificial worms and leeches.

East & West Twin Lakes - A few walleye have been caught and some nice perch were taken on both lakes. For walleye, they are trolling a crawler harness or artificial baits and the perch were caught either while trolling for walleye or when drifting or still-fishing with minnows or worms.

Harrisville - Anglers have caught mainly lake trout and salmon when fishing north between the harbor and the Sturgeon Point lighthouse. Trolling with spoons or body baits just off the bottom in 60 to 120 feet of water seemed to catch fish.

Oscoda - Slow lake trout and salmon action but fish were caught when bouncing spoons or body baits off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet of water.

Au Sable River - Anglers targeting walleye while still-fishing are limiting out daily. Mornings are producing the most catches, but fish are being caught throughout the day and into the evening. Drift crawlers under a bobber.

Tawas - Fair walleye action in 35 feet of water off Buoy #2 and near the artificial reef. Bass fishing is really good right now in Tawas Bay. Pier anglers have caught a few bass, walleye, rock bass and small perch.

Au Gres - Walleye fishing has been excellent and anglers are taking their limits. Smallmouth bass fishing has also been very good out near the Charity Islands.

Au Gres River - Shore anglers are catching lots of channel cats. A few bass and some freshwater drum have also been caught.

Higgins Lake - Lake trout have been caught when trolling in 100 to 120 feet of water. Perch have been caught just off the bottom in deep waters when trolling perch rigs with shiners between Treasure Island and Sunken Island. Smallmouth bass can usually be found north of Treasure Island in 35 to 40 feet of water.

Houghton Lake - Walleye and pike are hitting on Hot-n-Tots or rapalas. Anglers have caught some nice pumpkinseed sunfish and rock bass.

Northwest Lower Peninsula
Elk Lake - Water temperatures are still in the low 60’s. No lake trout have been caught. Smallmouth bass anglers are targeting 5 to 10 feet of water from Kewadin to Spencer Bay and from the Whitewater Park access site to the Narrows. Try tube baits, swim baits, spinners, jerk baits or crawlers. A few small muskie were caught at the Narrows on large rapalas. Some are targeting perch near Kewadin and outside Spencer Bay, but catch rates were slow.

Skegemog Lake - Water temperatures have been around the 70 degree mark. May flies (Drakes and Hex’s) have been hatching in large numbers over the last week. For bass, target 5 to 15 feet of water on the east side near the Torch River or the west side near the public access site. Lots of rock bass were caught.

Big Glen Lake - The weather is warm, the may fly’s are out and minnows are in abundance. That means the fish are not biting like they have been the last few weeks. Smallmouth bass were hitting in the shallows on rubber worms and crank baits. Anglers are marking lake trout in 80 feet of water, but the bite was slow.

Frankfort - Fishing has been hit or miss, as the weather and water temperatures continue to be inconsistent. Some reported good catches of chinook and lake trout when fishing off the Bank and from the piers up to the Flats. Others have caught steelhead along with a few chinook salmon 6 to 20 miles offshore. Good spoon colors are still green, blue, orange and black.

Onekama - Chinook and lake trout have been caught out in the Barrel, off the Bank and 5 to 10 miles offshore. Most are fishing in 80 to 160 feet of water however some good catches were reported at 220 to 300 feet of water. Try orange and blue spoons along with purple and white flies.

Portage Lake - The mayfly hatch appears to be over for now, and more panfish have been caught. Bluegills were caught in 17 to 25 feet of water. Good numbers of largemouth, smallmouth, and rock bass were taken by those casting spinners and crank baits. Trolling for pike and walleye was best in the early afternoon or evenings. Try a crawler harness along the weed edges, or body baits up on the flats.

Manistee - Anglers are finding a fair number of trout and salmon in waters 150 to 250 feet deep. A few boats have ventured out looking for a scum line but have not found any temperature breaks. Good colors are still green and blue.

Lake Missaukee - Is producing some nice panfish.

Lakes Cadillac & Mitchell - Report good panfish and bass action.

Ludington - The boat launch was closed but has since reopened.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Fishing here has not been affected by the wind. Boat anglers have caught lake trout when trolling spoons 45 to 80 feet down in 150 feet of water.

Ontonagon - Good fishing for lake trout in the mornings in 20 to 50 feet of water. Some coho were also caught.

Ontonagon River - Fishing has been steady with good numbers of walleye showing up. Some 15 to 19 inch fish have been caught when trolling or jigging with crawlers

Lake Gogebic - Trolling a harness or stick baits is the key right now as the walleye are scattered. Slip bobber fishing over structure has also been productive.

Lake Antoine - In Iron County has excellent smallmouth bass action.

Hagerman Lake - Also in Iron County has very good smallmouth bass fishing.

Marquette - Fishing has been up and down as some are getting no fish while others are getting limits of lake trout. Chinook, coho, and steelhead have also been caught. Good spots to fish this week were east of the white rocks, Shot Point, Granite Island, and Stannard Rock.

Menominee - A good number of smallmouth bass have been caught from the Hattie Street Bridge to the mouth, but many were small. Lots of rock bass were also caught. Walleye were caught near the dam in the evening when using crawlers, spinners and a white Mr. Twister. Lots of freshwater drum and a good number of channel cats have also been caught.

Cedar River - Lots of smallmouth have been caught but the fish were smaller. Most are drifting or jigging with crawlers. A few walleye have been caught. Pike were caught down at the mouth.

Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were down but anglers marked good numbers of fish off Portage Point. Fish were caught when trolling or drifting crawlers in 8 to 14 feet of water or jigging in 15 to 20 feet of water off the mouth of the river and the Second Reef in 12 to 20 feet of water. Several nice catches of perch were taken by those jigging minnows or worms in 25 feet of water off the beach at Gladstone. Smallmouth were caught near the Ford River, Garth Point and the Day’s River. Try casting crank baits or spinners in the shallows along the shoreline.

Big Bay De Noc - Walleye action has picked up for those trolling in 8 to 10 feet of water in the north part of Ogontz Bay. The better fishing was about an hour before dark when using crawlers or crank baits. Those fishing in the mornings have marked fish from Kates Bay to Ansell’s Point, but few were caught. Good smallmouth action in 6 to 10 feet of water from Kates Bay to Popular Point, and in the South River area.

Au Train - Lake trout have been caught on the north side of Au Train Island.

Munising - Catch rates for chinook have decreased to almost nothing. A couple coho and some nice lake trout were caught off the west side of Grand Island.

Grand Marais - Whitefish action has been spotty. Mornings seem to be producing the bigger fish however more fish were caught at night. Limits of lake trout have been caught in 120 to 300 feet of water.

Nawakwa Lake - Walleye fishing has been best about an hour before sunset until just before daybreak. Those using jigs with artificial baits have been catching more fish than those trolling crawler harnesses or tipping jigs with leeches or crawlers. Good numbers of pike are still being caught.

St. Mary’s River - Atlantic salmon are hitting fly type baits behind the Edison Power Plant in the early mornings. On the lower river, anglers are getting limits of walleye when trolling bottom bouncers around the north end of Round Island. Good walleye action was noted on Lake George and above the rapids when trolling bottom bouncers with a 36 inch leader and crawler harness.

De Tour - The catch rate for trout and salmon has improved even though surface water is still ranging in the mid 50’s. Fish the channel to the #3 Green Can and around the lighthouse with spoons in a variety of colors.

Cedarville and Hessel - Cedarville Bay is producing some nice northern pike however angler pressure on the bay has dropped. Most anglers are heading towards Musky Bay for pike or the Middle Entrance for yellow perch. At Hessel, a couple pike were caught off the pier. Musky Bay is producing herring when using a tear drop with a wax worm. Limit catches ranging from 11 to 13 inches were reported.

Pine River - Bullhead and suckers have been caught on leeches

St. Ignace - Boats are still going out but no reports have come in. Those fishing off the primitive launch on the northwest side of the bridge have caught smallmouth bass and carp. Try casting small stick baits and body baits in green or fire tiger.

Michigan Regional Fishing Reports - 6/26/2008

Perch are being caught in the Great Lakes. Inland, anglers are catching bass, pike, walleye and catfish. Lots of rock bass are also being caught.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Walleye fishing has improved to fair. Fish have been found in 25 to 27 feet of water near the Fermi Plant and Stony Point. Pink, gold and purple baits were the ticket. A few yellow perch and freshwater drum were also caught. Smallmouth bass were caught near Bolles Harbor.