Michigan Recreational Weekly Fishing Report - 9/18/2008
September 18, 2008
 
All the rain helped push more salmon into the rivers however many of the rivers in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula are experiencing very high water levels which has caused flooding in many areas. Anglers are urged to not only wait until the water levels recede before attempting to fish but to also pay close attention to any warnings issued by the Health Department regarding water quality issues.
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Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - The lake is high and muddy. The few anglers venturing out did manage to find some small perch in 19 feet of water off Stony Point. Fishing should pick up once the waters clear up.
Detroit River - Has muddy water however anglers are catching perch and a few walleye. A lot of catfish have also been caught.
Huron River - Is running high and fast but anglers are catching some steelhead. Good bluegill action in the backwaters.
Lexington - Lake trout are still being caught in waters up to 100 feet deep. Pier anglers are trying for salmon but the fish have not come in yet. No perch to speak of.
Port Sanilac - Boat anglers report limits of lake trout but perch fishing remains slow.
Harbor Beach - Is still producing limits of lake trout. Pier anglers are starting to try for salmon however the fish have not come in yet. Bass are still being caught.
Grindstone City - Is still producing limits of lake trout.
Port Austin - Limits of lake trout are still being caught in 90 to 110 feet of water off the tip of the Thumb. Some have also taken the occasional steelhead.
Saginaw Bay - Perch have been caught around the Spark Plug and near Buoys 15, 16 and 18. Some nice perch were taken from the weedbeds on the edge of the Callahan Reef in 8 feet of water and about two or three miles northwest off the mouth of the Quanicassee River. A few walleyes were caught on a crawler harness in the Slot however anglers were doing more fishing than catching.
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Southwest Lower Peninsula
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The rivers in this area of the state are flooded and un-fishable. Conditions are dangerous around the dams due to the risk of failure. Anglers should stay off all rivers in Southwest Michigan until flood waters recede.
St. Joe River - Had a really good run of coho however water levels are high and the river is not safe to fish.
Dowagiac River - Is flooded and un-fishable.
Paw Paw River - Look for good numbers of coho after the waters recede.
Kalamazoo River - Water levels are high and the river is not safe to fish.
Rabbit River - Is flooded and un-fishable.
Thornapple River - Is flooded and un-fishable.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Water levels are high and fast however anglers are still catching coho when dropping and drifting flies. Be advised that the Ottawa County Health Department issued a no-contact advisory for the river after sewage and storm water overflowed into the river in Grand Rapids.
Grand River at Lansing - Is running high and muddy. Before the water levels came up, anglers did mange to catch a few salmon in the Lansing area. Try drifting spawn or jigging spoons in the deeper holes when the water levels come back down.
Reeds Lake - Reported fair to good action for crappie and the pike are starting to bite good as they prepare for colder weather.
Muskegon - Perch have been caught on minnows north of the piers in 10 to 30 feet of water. If the waters are cool, anglers will find fish. A few salmon were caught.
Muskegon Lake - Boat anglers caught a few salmon. Bluegills are biting and the largemouth bass fishing was very good from the weedbeds out to 20 feet of water.
Muskegon River - Water levels are up but the river is fishable. Anglers are taking salmon when casting spoons or crank baits near the mouth.
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Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - The primary focus is salmon fishing in Swan Bay. The fish are turning dark and should be running up the Swan River soon. Fish have been caught in shallow waters 15 to 30 feet deep when using J-plugs and bombers off boards in the early morning or after dark. Green and pearl have been good colors. Those fishing the top 35 feet of waters 40 to 70 feet deep are taking a mix of chinook, coho, atlantic and steelhead. Good colors were green, blue, orange, purple or anything that glows.
Presque Isle - Has very good fishing for young chinook salmon. Coho, atlantic, lake trout and steelhead were also caught off the Red Can and around the lighthouse. Stoneport is producing some fish but anglers will want to use caution around the fishing nets. The fish caught have been full of smelt and alewife.
Alpena - When boats can get out, steelhead and lake trout have been caught in 80 to 100 feet of water. The steelhead are close to the surface.
Thunder Bay River - Anglers have been fishing off the pier, the docks and around the Alpena Marina. A few salmon were caught around the Ninth Street Dam.
Harrisville - A few salmon have been caught in and around the harbor. Boats venturing outside the harbor are staying in 25 to 50 feet of water and trolling J-plugs or spoons in a variety of colors. Shore anglers and those in small boats are floating spawn under a bobber or casting spoons and body baits. Lake trout season is slowly coming to an end as fish were caught in 85 to 120 feet of water.
Oscoda - Pier fishing was limited but fish were caught in the early morning and late evening when casting spoons. Hot colors were orange and silver or blue and silver.
Au Sable River - There have been some walleye caught in the river, but dredging has slowed the number of anglers attempting to fish.
Tawas - Pier fishing was slow, with a few small perch and one or two walleyes taken. Boat anglers caught a few perch from the weedbeds off Jerry’s Marina and a few walleye were caught near Buoys 4 and 6.
Au Gres - A couple chinook salmon have been caught in the surf off the Singing Bridge access site. The walkways along the Whitney Drain remain closed for renovation. Walleye fishing is very slow so most anglers are now switching over to perch fishing. Some 8 to 10 inch perch were caught straight out near the shipping channel in 30 to 40 feet of water.
Au Gres River - Water levels are running high and fast. The river might be fishable by the weekend.
Rifle River - Water levels are high and the current is fast.
Higgins Lake - Few anglers have been out as many have turned their attention to bird hunting. Those fishing have managed to catch lake trout and perch. Those hunting are doing well for woodcock.
Houghton Lake - Cooler nights have the northern pike biting. Minnows and large crank baits are taking fish. Walleye action remains steady.
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Northwest Lower Peninsula
Petoskey - Pier anglers caught a few fish when floating spawn just off the bottom.
Charlevoix - Just a few salmon were taken by boat anglers trolling the shallows with J-plugs, reef runners and thundersticks. Target the drop-off and fish the top 50 feet of water. Shore anglers took fish in the early morning and late evening when using glow spoons. Spawn on the bottom produced fish near the Cement Plant.
Glen Lake - Is booming with perch anglers taking limit catches while still throwing a lot of fish back. The perch have started to school and several fish over 10 inches have been caught. The best location changes with the wind but stick to the north end of Big Glen between the Yacht Club and the entrance to Fisher Lake. Try wigglers, minnows or shrimp in 20 to 30 feet of water.
Frankfort - Has fair to good chinook and coho fishing in front of the piers in 150 to 170 feet of water. Steelhead can be found out deep in 320 to 350 feet of water. Pier anglers are casting alewife rigs or white and glow spoons. Those fishing off the old Elberta dock caught fish on spawn. Anglers are catching fish in Platte Bay however there is no indication yet of a large run.
Betsie River - There are many fish in the river! Anglers were catching the most from River Road all the way up past the Homestead Dam.
Onekama - The Shelf is still producing good catches of chinook. The Barrel is producing fish in the early morning but after the sun comes up, anglers are fishing 45 to 50 feet down in waters 120 to 160 feet deep while trolling white and glow J-plugs and green, orange or blue spoons. Pier anglers have caught chinook and coho in the early morning when using alewife.
Portage Lake - Good numbers of panfish are still being caught in the deeper waters on the east end of the lake. Good walleye and pike fishing. The walleye bite is better at night and the pike are hitting on small spoons and body baits throughout the day.
Manistee - Anglers are catching chinook salmon in front of the piers and in the harbor. The best baits are glow and pearl J-plugs. Pier anglers are also catching chinook when casting glow spoons.
Manistee Lake - Boat anglers are taking some nice chinook salmon.
Manistee River - Has fishable numbers of salmon although peak conditions are not here yet. Spawn, flies and small spoons are taking fish.
Hamlin Lake - Good fishing continues with limits of bluegill taken in 6 to 12 feet of water off the Boy Scout Camp and in Pete’s Bayou.
Big Sable River - Fishing slowed since the first big run but chinook are stacked up below the highway bridge. Fish are on the gravel but not bedding. Some anglers are using alewife while others are drifting spawn under a bobber. Those surfcasting at the mouth are using spawn bags however Mepps and Cleo’s were taking more fish. There are a good number of suckers below the dam.
Ludington - Boat anglers are catching chinook salmon in front of the piers and between the Bath House and the Pointe in 30 to 80 feet of water.
Pere Marquette River - Has fishable numbers of salmon although peak conditions are not here yet. Spawn, flies and small spoons are taking fish.
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Upper Peninsula
Keweenaw Bay - The bite has been slow for the most part. A few chinook, coho and lake trout were taken by those trolling about halfway down in waters 60 to 100 feet deep between Sand Point and Carla’s Café. Those jigging found a few lake trout in 120 to 240 feet of water. A nice pike was caught in Huron Bay. In the South Portage Entry, anglers have caught coho and lake trout in 60 to 90 feet of water between the Farmers Reef and the Jacobsville Lighthouse.
Falls River - There have been reports of some pink salmon in the river.
Marquette - The past week was good for lake trout fishing with many boats catching their limit in shallow waters. Salmon fishing continues to be slow however a few more chinook were caught along with a couple steelhead.
Dead River - Coho salmon have been seen.
Carp River - Coho and steelhead are in the river.
Green Bay - The chinook have started to move closer to shore. Fish were caught on the Bay side when fishing off the pier with small Cleo’s. Good colors were silver with green or blue. Smallmouth bass were caught off the pier and walleye were caught straight out from the marina on perch colored harnesses.
Ford River - Salmon are starting to show up around the mouth and several walleye anglers have caught them. The launch on the river is closed to all fishing until the construction is done.
Cedar River - Yellow perch and smallmouth bass were caught when drifting with crawlers or crank baits. Walleye were caught near the mouth when trolling a crawler harness in 15 feet of water.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye action was spotty but fish were caught off the First Reef when trolling crawlers in 10 to 16 feet of water and in the flats near Brach’s Cabins. The Black Bottom produced a few fish however more fish were marked to the south around the East Bank in 14 to 26 feet of water. Good perch fishing in the flats out from Brach’s Cabins and off Gladstone Beach when fishing the drop-off. Excellent smallmouth action around Hunters Point.
Big Bay De Noc - No walleye to report this week but the smallmouth bass anglers are just getting started around Snake Island. Only a few catches to report so far but the fish were big. Most are drifting minnows 15 to 25 feet down along the break. Perch fishing was fair off the southern end of Ogontz when jigging worms in 8 to 14 feet of water. Salmon season is winding down off Fairport. A few chinook were still being caught on spoons 40 to 60 feet down in 100 to 120 feet of water.
Au Train - Lake trout were caught in the flats and along the Wood Island Reef.
Munising - The coho are starting to move in.
Grand Marais - Coho and steelhead were caught when trolling in the bay and out towards the Sable Point Lighthouse.
St. Mary’s River - Has good numbers of pink salmon between the Power Plant and the tour boat docks. Anglers are casting or jigging Swedish Pimples and spoons. Good walleye action in the early morning when trolling a bottom bouncer with a crawler harness and blades. Some nice yellow perch were caught in the weedbeds across from the ferry dock on Neebish Island. Good smallmouth action off the southeast corner of Sugar Island in 20 feet of water.
De Tour - Chinook and lake trout are still being caught in the shipping channel. Green and blue spoons worked well. Walleye are still being caught around Peck Island, Rutland Island, Scott Bay and north of the city launch. Off Drummond Island, perch were caught in 6 to 8 feet of water near Ashman Island and Harbor Island.
Cedarville and Hessel - Fishing has been slow but chinook can still be found 50 to 80 feet down when using hammered silver spoons with chartreuse or black. Small orange and gold spoons also caught fish.
Carp River - A couple pink salmon were caught by the Mackinaw Trail Bridge which is down near the mouth.
Related posts
Michigan Recreational Fishing Report - 9/4/2008
September 4, 2008
 
Cooler temperatures and rain by the weekend should help push the salmon. Inland, anglers are taking advantage of the excellent bass fishing.
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Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - No walleye action to report but the perch fishing has been good in 22 feet of water off Stony Point and near the end of the River Raisin Buoys. A few perch were taken near the turn-around buoy but the action was not consistent.
Detroit River - Anglers are still taking walleye in the Trenton Channel and in the lower river. Some are jigging while others are using a crawler harness and bottom bouncer. Perch can still be caught around the islands.
Lake St. Clair - Some nice muskie are still being caught.
Lexington - Boats out trolling have managed to catch lake trout, steelhead and walleye. Perch fishing was spotty and pier fishing was slow.
Port Sanilac - Perch fishing was spotty here as well. Anglers are having trouble locating more than a few fish at a time.
Harbor Beach - Lake trout are being caught in waters 100 to 130 feet deep. Those trolling in shallow waters 50 to 60 feet deep in the early morning have taken a mix of walleye, steelhead and smallmouth bass.
Saginaw Bay - Reports fair walleye fishing in the evening in several locations including 19 feet of water one or two miles east of the Spark Plug, 7 to 14 feet of water north of Quanicassee, around the Slot, and over the bar which is outside the islands off Sebewaing and Bay Port. Crawler harnesses are consistent, but crank baits are also taking fish. Perch fishing is still slow with only a few caught near the Spark Plug, the Black Hole, or about two and a half miles north of the Quanicassee River. The Hot Pond is still producing channel cats.
Saginaw River - Anglers are catching bass in the lower river.
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Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Boat anglers can still find chinook, steelhead and lake trout when trolling 45 to 55 feet down in waters 80 to 100 feet deep.
St. Joe River - Anglers are still taking fair to good numbers of skamania between the mouth and the Berrien Springs Dam. Some are floating spawn or crawlers under a bobber while others are fly fishing.
Kalamazoo River - Steelhead are still being caught between the mouth and the Allegan Dam. As the day warms up, fish the deeper holes. Walleye are still hitting on crawlers.
Grand Haven - Pier anglers were starting to catch salmon when using large alewife hooked just once behind the dorsal fin. Skamania were hitting at night off the south pier when fishing 3 to 4 feet off the bottom. Perch fishing was slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Anglers are starting to catch a few more chinook and steelhead. Most are dead drifting crawlers or using flies. The occasional brown trout have also been caught. Pike are still hitting on large sucker minnows under a bobber. Some large channel cats and flathead cats have been caught on cut bait. Bluegill and crappie can be found in the backwaters.
Grand River at Lansing - Catfish action has improved and the pike are hitting. Try large sucker minnows or rapalas. Some nice bluegills have been caught above and below the dams. For crappie, look for structure such as fallen trees.
Muskegon - A few salmon have been caught in waters 80 to 100 feet deep. Rain in the forecast should push more fish into the channel and the river system.
Whitehall - Boat anglers are catching salmon in 100 feet of water but the action has been slow. Not many fish up near the piers as water temperatures were in the 70’s.
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Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - Has excellent chinook salmon fishing and the fish are now beginning to stage in front of Swan Bay. Boats are doing well between Calcite and Adams Point in waters 25 to 75 feet deep. They have been using everything from downriggers, dipseys, lead core with planer boards to high lining bombers and J-plugs in shallow waters. The fish are high in the water column.
Presque Isle - Finally has some great fishing for chinook, coho, lake trout, steelhead and walleye. Target the top half of waters 35 to 80 feet deep. Most are using spoons or J-plugs however attractors with flies and squid are also taking fish. Good colors are blue and silver, green, white on white, black and white, purple and orange glow.
Alpena - Anglers are catching lake trout and salmon 80 to 90 feet down in waters 100 to 150 feet deep. Green and chartreuse have been hot colors this week. Stoneport is really doing well for salmon. Walleye were caught in 35 feet of water.
Thunder Bay River - Anglers are starting to catch a few salmon.
Oscoda - Lake trout are still being caught in 80 to 100 feet of water. J-plugs and spoons in a variety of colors are taking fish.
Au Sable River - Anglers are catching a few salmon in and around the mouth. The bass are biting and some nice catfish have been caught.
Tawas - Fishing has been slow however anglers are still taking some walleye in 15 to 35 feet of water out near Buoys 2 and 6. Most are still using crawler harnesses.
Au Gres - Perch action has picked up along the shipping channel for those fishing in about 35 feet of water. The trick is to move often until you find an active school of fish. Those that work hard at it have caught fish ranging from 8 to 11 inches or larger. Walleye are still hitting in about 30 feet of water south of Pointe Au Gres.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout are hitting just off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet of water. Whitefish are now hitting on Swedish Pimples tipped with a wax worm. Perch fishing remains good in 40 to 50 feet of water on the north end of the lake around the Sunken Island and along the drop-offs. Perch were also taken in shallow waters south of the boat launch on the west side of the lake.
Houghton Lake - Walleye fishing has been very good but many are small. Anglers are trolling crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers or Hot-n-Tots in 6 to 10 feet of water. Some nice bluegills have been caught on wax worms or leaf worms in 4 to 6 feet of water. Both the large and smallmouth bass fishing continues to be good and some nice big pike were caught on large sucker minnows or silver spoons.
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Northwest Lower Peninsula
Elk Lake - Smallmouth bass are hitting on crawlers, leeches, tube baits, crank baits and rapalas in waters 5 to 30 feet deep. Those trolling for large muskie are targeting 15 to 30 feet of water around Spencer Bay, Kewadin and between the Whitewater Park and Rex Terrace. Yellow perch are still being caught in 13 to 17 feet of water and rock bass in 10 to 15 feet of water in the same area.
Skegemog Lake - Bass ranging from 8 to 18 inches are still being caught in the flats between the Torch River and Baggs Road and the Narrows. They are targeting waters 4 to 20 feet deep. More have started trolling for muskie but no fish had been caught. For pike, try 10 to 20 feet of water with sucker minnows, stick baits or large rapalas. Perch continue to be scarce. Rock bass have been caught inside the mouth of the Torch River and on the north side of the narrows around the stumps.
Glen Lake - Reports good perch fishing when using minnows. The biggest fish were caught on the north end of Big Glen in 30 to 40 feet of water. Trout are hitting in 80 to 100 feet of water and rock bass were on a feeding frenzy.
Fisher Lake - Is still a good spot to catch bluegills and the occasional largemouth bass. For the gills, target the deeper waters and for the bass try casting crawlers, tube baits or spinners along the edge of the weedbeds.
Frankfort - Warm water has the fish scattered from the Herring Hole up into West Platte Bay. Anglers are fishing real early in the morning or late evening. Fish have been caught in 160 to 300 feet of water on the south end of the Herring Hole and off the Bank. Pier fishing has been very slow due to the water temperatures and the lack of baitfish close to shore. A few fish were caught off the old ferry dock. J-plugs and spoons are catching the most fish.
Onekama - Fish have been caught south of the piers, and up near the Barrel. Anglers report early morning is best as the bite slows after 7:30am. They are still taking a mix of mature and young chinook about 80 feet down in 120 to 240 feet of water. J-plugs are working the best, especially the lighter colors.
Portage Lake - Walleye are hitting at night. Those fishing in the early afternoon have caught the smaller fish. The bigger bluegills are biting once again. Try wax worms or crawler pieces in waters up to 25 feet deep. Bass fishing has been a little slow, but those trolling have caught pike, rock bass and big bluegills.
Manistee - Trout and salmon are being caught 60 to 120 feet down in waters 120 to 240 feet deep. Those fishing in front of the piers in the early morning have only managed to catch a few fish. Pier fishing has been slow due to warm water.
Hamlin Lake - Fishing has been good to very good depending on location. Limits of panfish including bluegills were taken in 5 to 10 feet of water near the Boy Scout Camp, Laman’s Landing, Pete’s Bayou, the Narrows, the Dunes, the Sable River outlet and Sterns Bay. Catch rates have been higher in clear water. Bass anglers are having a field day as fish have been caught at all depths with most any kind of tackle. Walleye fishing was slow with only a few fish caught off the State Park when slow drifting in 10 to 20 feet of water with a single hook crawler harness and a leech.
Ludington - Boat anglers are catching salmon in 80 to 160 feet of water with most of the fish caught in the deeper waters between the Bath House and the Point. The best baits were green and white flies. Pier fishing was slow.
Pentwater - Boat anglers are doing well in 80 to 90 feet of water. There have been no reports of salmon staging.
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Upper Peninsula
Ontonagon - Fishing slowed during the warm spell but cooler weather is coming and catch rates for salmon, lake trout and brown trout will improve. Those trolling candy corn and green apple spoons in the middle of the water column were catching fish.
Lake Gogebic - Jumbo perch are showing up near the weeds before dark in 8 to 10 feet of water. Walleye are being caught when trolling the middle of the lake. Smallmouth bass are still active in 6 to 12 feet of water. Try spinners or crank baits.
Keweenaw Bay - Boat anglers have caught the occasional chinook, coho and lake trout. Those fishing out from Ruona’s on Point Abbey have caught lake trout when jigging in 130 to 180 feet of water. In Traverse Bay, those trolling and jigging were doing well and taking limit catches of lake trout out from Big Louie’s Point.
Marquette - The kings are back! Good numbers of chinook salmon are being caught in 50 to 70 feet of water in both the Upper Harbor and the Lower Harbor. Lake trout fishing has been hit-or-miss. Try 140 to 250 feet of water around the Sand Hole.
Ford River - Shore anglers are catching smallmouth bass on crawlers.
Cedar River - Salmon fishing has slowed. Smallmouth bass have been caught but the fish are running small. Crawlers were the bait of choice.
Little Bay De Noc - Early morning anglers did the best for walleye near the mouth of the Escanaba River and along the drop-off near the Bathhouse in Gladstone. From Kipling, walleye were caught off the south end of Butlers Island when using crawlers in 13 to 16 feet of water. Those night trolling out from the Ford River Launch have also caught walleye. Smallmouth bass have been caught off the docks. Perch fishing has picked up with some nice fish caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Some nice perch were caught in Ogontz Bay. Try crawlers or minnows in 12 to 16 feet of water. Smallmouth bass and small perch were caught near Garden when using crawlers or crank baits near shore. Fairport reported some nice catches of chinook 60 to 75 feet down in 90 to 120 feet of water. Fish were also caught near Point DeTour when using multiple colored spoons 30 to 45 feet down in 70 feet of water.
Au Train - Many reported limits of lake trout when trolling or jigging by Wood Island.
Munising - Limits of lake trout are still being taken in Trout Bay. A coho was also caught. Salmon fishing should pick up soon.
Grand Marais - Lake trout fishing remains good about three miles out in 80 to 170 feet of water when trolling spoons. A few coho were also caught when trolling from the pier to Sable Point in 40 to 70 feet of water.
St. Mary’s River - Those fishing south of Nebeshone have caught a few walleye in 25 to 35 feet of water. Walleye were caught in the shallows of Raber Bay when using a crawler harness.
Cedarville and Hessel - Has excellent pike fishing for those casting, trolling or still-fishing with minnows. Perch fishing has picked up in the Middle Entrance and Musky Bay. The east end of Cedar Bay has fair to good perch fishing in 6 to 15 feet of water. Smallmouth bass fishing has been good in most of the bays. Perch, pike and smallmouth bass are still being caught off the public marina.
Carp River - Chinook along with a few pink salmon are moving up into the river.
St. Ignace - Anglers are catching some chinook and lake trout 50 to 80 feet down when using hammered silver spoons. Other good colors for small spoons have been chartreuse, black, gold and orange. Those fishing the northwest side of the bridge are taking smallmouth bass on small spinners. Hot colors were gold and red.
Related posts
Michigan Weekly Regional Fishing Reports - 7/17/2008
July 17, 2008
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The season to take both softshell turtles and snapping turtles statewide will open on July 15th and will close on September 15th, 2008. Be sure to check the Michigan Fishing Guide for new minimum size limits and possession limits.
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Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Water levels were up and muddy so fishing on the big lake has been tough. A few walleye were caught in 27 to 29 feet of water near Stony Point and the Fermi Plant. Boat anglers reported one or two fish per trip. Catch rates were better near the Banana Dike when using Hot-n-Tots. Freshwater drum have been caught.
Huron River - Is fishable and anglers are catching bass and catfish in the pond between the two dams.
Detroit River - Some walleye are still being caught in the lower river. Those fishing the Trenton Channel are taking perch and bass.
Lexington - Some nice perch have been caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Port Sanilac - Perch fishing around the weedbeds has been fair with most reporting about a dozen fish per boat. The fish are in 20 feet of water and are good-sized.
Harbor Beach - Not a lot of fishing pressure here, but trout and salmon have been caught in 80 to 100 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are still hitting in the harbor.
Port Austin - Has excellent walleye fishing west of the port on the reefs and around the lighthouse. Crawler harnesses work best. Boats trolling for trout and salmon can be found north and northeast of the port in 100 to 130 feet of water.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing in the bay has been incredible with lots of limit catches taken. Crawler harnesses and Hot-n-Tots were taking most of the fish, but some anglers were also using small spoons. Anglers from Standish, Pinconning, Linwood, and Bay City were fishing 20 to 24 feet of water near the Black Hole or the shipping channel between Buoys 1 and 12. For the east side of the bay, the Slot and 10 to 12 feet of water out on the Bar (the area between the Slot and the middle of the bay) were producing well for anglers coming out of Quanicassee, Sebewaing, Bay Port, and Caseville. As far as walleye fishing goes, it just doesn’t get any better than this!
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Southwest Lower Peninsula
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The bluegills are pretty much done spawning in southwest Michigan. The bigger bluegills have moved to 8 to 12 feet of water or deeper. Try fishing off the bottom with worms or crickets or slow trolling in deeper waters.
South Haven - Anglers are catching summer run steelhead off the piers in the early morning. Perch fishing remains strong with good catches taken in 18 to 30 feet of water. Most boats are going a couple miles south of the piers. Chinook and lake trout were caught when trolling in 85 feet of water.
Kalamazoo River - Water levels were still running high and fast after all the rain.
Rabbit River - Has high water levels.
Grand Haven - Boat anglers are fishing in 50 to 65 feet of water with downriggers set for the bottom 25 feet, and those out further in 80 to 120 feet of water have their downriggers set for the bottom 40 feet. Good colors have been green, blue, orange and chartreuse. Pier anglers have caught steelhead on shrimp off the south pier. Very few perch have been caught.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Water levels are still a bit high however walleye have been caught when bouncing crawlers off the bottom. Pike fishing has been good with fish 30+ inches caught. Channel cats are being caught however the flathead bite was slow. Smallmouth bass were caught up near Riverside Park. Bluegills can be found in deeper waters.
Thornapple River - Water levels were up.
Grand River at Lansing - Has good catfish action throughout the river. Try both live and dead baits, corn, or shrimp. Walleye have been caught below the dams, like the Lyons Dam and the dam below Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. Smallmouth bass have been caught near the Smithville Dam when casting tube baits.
Lake Lansing - Bluegills, pumpkinseed and crappie have been caught. Look for largemouth bass along the weeds in the early morning or late evening.
Muskrat Lake - Anglers are catching bluegill, crappie and a couple pike. Look for largemouth bass and brown bullhead in this lake.
Reeds Lake - Crappie fishing has been very good in 25 feet of water along the north shore when using a crappie rig with minnows.
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Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - The fish are still scattered. Boats are fishing about halfway down off the points with downriggers, planer boards and lead core.
Rockport - Boat anglers are limiting out on lake trout when trolling around the wreck. Chinook are hitting 20 to 40 feet down in 110 to 140 feet of water around the Middle Island. Green and metallic silver spoons have worked the best.
Alpena - Walleye action has slowed on the bay, but anglers are still catching some fish when trolling rapalas in 40 to 50 feet of water.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye and catfish action has shut down however some nice smallmouth bass have been caught on crawlers.
Harrisville - Lake trout and salmon catches are increasing in 80 to 100 feet of water. Try orange and silver spoons. The fish have been on the move from north to south and not holding in one spot. A few walleye were caught in 45 to 55 feet of water.
Oscoda - Rough waters have lead to slow catch rates. Those able to get out were trolling with spoons in 80 to 120 feet of water. Good colors have been silver and orange or anything with white.
Au Sable River - Walleye are still in the river and anglers have been limiting out in the early morning. Crawler harnesses or drifting with a slip bobber seem to be producing the most fish.
Tawas - Walleye are hitting near Buoy #2 however most anglers are heading to Au Gres. A few bass and catfish were taken near the mouth of the Tawas River and the odd walleye, pike and panfish were caught off the pier.
Au Gres - Continues to provide excellent walleye fishing in 20 to 24 feet of water. Crawler harnesses and Hot-n-Tots were taking most of the fish, but some anglers were also using small spoons.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout are hitting on spoons, body baits or live bait in 85 to 100 feet of water. Perch were biting but if the mayfly hatch starts, it will no doubt shut the perch fishing down.
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Northwest Lower Peninsula
Elk Lake - Boat anglers are trolling for trout from the Narrows to north of the Whitewater Park and over to Spencer Bay. Try 60 to 140 feet of water while using spoons or rapalas. For bass, try the backwaters near Kewadin where all the stumps are and the shoreline between Kewadin and Spencer Bay. Try tube baits, crank baits or spinners in 5 to 25 feet of water. A few perch were taken in 8 to 12 feet of water south of the Whitewater County Park.
Skegemog Lake - The bass are still hitting on the east side of the lake near the mouth of the Torch River and on the west side between the public access site and the Narrows. A few pike were also caught. Rock bass have been caught all over the lake when using spinners or crawlers in 5 to 20 feet of water and bluegills are hitting on crawlers.
Big Glen Lake - Perch are still the favorite and can be found on the east end of the lake near the ski area. The mayflies are finally gone and the trout are hungry. Anglers have once again caught several lake trout and rainbow trout when trolling in 50 to 100 feet of water. The lake trout are hitting on green and black spoons and the rainbow trout on silver rapalas.
Little Glen Lake - Perch anglers are doing well on the west end of the lake.
Fisher Lake - Has good bluegill fishing.
Frankfort - Fish have been caught from the pier heads to Point Betsie and down near the Herring Hole. Some nice chinook salmon have come from waters 30 feet deep to waters over 200 feet deep. Those trolling 12 to 17 miles out have caught steelhead. A couple small salmon were caught off the pier. Blue and orange have been good colors.
Onekama - Fishing was decent off the Shelf and up near the Barrel. Chinook, lake trout, brown trout and steelhead have been caught in 130 to 200 feet of water. Look for the temperature breaks. Good colors have been blue and orange spoons and a white on white flasher/fly combination.
Portage Lake - Bass anglers are catching good numbers of fish along the south shore. Big bluegills can be found in waters 15 to 20 feet deep. Boat anglers trolling in the afternoon have caught small walleye and those trolling after dark are catching a mix of walleye and pike. Lots of small perch and rock bass have also been caught.
Manistee - Anglers are catching chinook and lake trout off the Shelf in 100 to 175 feet of water. Good colors are green and blue.
Hamlin Lake - Fishing has slowed due to the mayfly hatch. Anglers targeting bluegills are having a tough time finding fish willing to bite. Those fishing the North, Middle and South Bayou’s have caught some fish using wax worms or a piece of crawler but the better action seems to be up around Wilson Hill Park and the Boy Scout Camp in 8 to 12 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were caught in 10 to 15 feet of water on Lower Hamlin’s east side when using tube baits near the bottom.
Ludington - Good catches of chinook and lake trout have come in 80 to 160 feet of water off the Point. Some bigger salmon in the 15 to 20 pound class have also been caught. An 18 pound steelhead also came in.
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Upper Peninsula
Lake Gogebic - Fishing has been sporadic however trolling with a crawler harness has been a good way to locate a school of fish. Use a slip bobber and a small minnow. The mayfly hatch is just getting started.
Otter Lake - In Houghton County will be closing the access site on July 14th due to construction on the ramp. The ramp will remain closed until July 18th. Boaters can access the lake from the north end near the Otter Dam.
Ottawa Lake - In Iron County has good smallmouth bass fishing.
Hagerman Lake - West of Iron River is producing very good smallmouth bass action. Anglers are also catching largemouth bass and bluegills.
Paint Pond - Located south of Crystal Falls is producing muskie and northern pike on bucktails and jerk baits.
Menominee River - Walleye are still being caught including one fish that was 30 inches long however, most of the fish have been much smaller. Try crawlers or Mr. Twisters. For smallmouth bass, rock bass, freshwater drum or channel cats, try fishing between the mouth and the Hattie Street Bridge.
Cedar River - Has lots of smallmouth bass but the fish are small. Try trolling or drifting with a crawler harness or casting crank baits. Freshwater drum and northern pike have been caught near the mouth.
Green Bay - Boat anglers are trolling one to eight miles offshore. Close to the Cedar River, boats are trolling 60 to 70 feet down around the Whaleback Shoal for chinook, steelhead and brown trout. Try spoons or dipsey divers in a variety of colors.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye have been caught off Breezy Point when trolling or drifting crawlers just off the break in 10 to 14 feet of water. Best fishing was in the early morning or late evening. Gladstone has produced several nice catches of walleye and perch for those jigging or trolling with crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water. Good smallmouth action near the mouth of the Ford River when casting spinners or crank baits. Good perch fishing was reported around Garth Point when jigging in 10 to 20 feet of water.
Escanaba River - Channel cats have been caught along the old bridge area when drifting crawlers. Catch rates have been good as there appears to be good numbers of fish in the river.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye anglers reported the best catches off Garden Bluff in 20 to 30 feet of water when trolling or drifting crawlers. Good fishing from Ansell’s Point out to the “Boot” and south to Big Bay Reef when trolling crawlers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Good smallmouth action in Garden Bay when casting crank baits or spinners along the weeds. From Fairport, salmon action is starting to pick up. Those trolling 80 to 90 feet down in waters up to 105 feet deep have done well with cut bait. Steelhead could be found about 30 feet down.
Au Train - Boat anglers able to get out have been fishing the backside of Au Train Island. Try about 100 feet down in 140 to 160 feet of water.
Munising - Those able to get out are taking limits of lake trout out on the big reef. Rumor has it one 22 pound fish was caught. A few splake have been caught off the mouth of the Anna River when using spawn and artificial lures.
St. Mary’s River - Lake herring have started to bite around Harbor Island, Boulanger Island and Wreck Island. Although the hatches are behind schedule, the herring are biting on red teardrops with a wax worm.
De Tour - Catch rates have dropped but anglers are still fishing the channel to the #3 green can and the lighthouse. Try 25 to 55 feet down when using small spoons or body baits in a variety of colors.
Cedarville and Hessel - There has been very light fishing pressure in Hessel with those casting from the pier catching a few northern pike and yellow perch. Boat anglers fishing the Snows Channel have caught pike, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Musky Bay and Middle Entrance are also producing some perch in 10 to 12 feet of water when using minnows. Those fishing Cedarville Bay and the Moscoe Channel have caught good numbers of pike. For herring, target Government Bay, Musky Bay, Prentice Bay or the east end of the Moscoe Channel while using a tear drop with a wax worm in 15 to 20 feet of water.
Pine River - Has slow action with only white suckers caught on leeches or crawlers.
St. Ignace - The primitive launch on the northwest side of the bridge is producing smallmouth bass. Anglers are wading into the bull rushes while casting floater baits or small spinners.
Related posts
Michigan Regional Fishing Reports - 6/26/2008
June 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.
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 catchin