Arkansas Weekly Fishing Report - 10/22/2008

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 October 22. 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 Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship will be held at Lake Hamilton Oct. 23-25. 20 anglers and co-anglers will launch from the Andrew Hulsey Hatchery Access each day and compete for up to $55,000 in cash and prizes. If you’re looking to learn new techniques on this fishery, now’s your chance to go out and watch. However, please keep a good distance from the competitors’ boats and respect their fishing locations. It’s a great time to learn new techniques and watch the championship unfold, but it shouldn’t be an opportunity to mark new hot spots with a GPS unit. 
 
  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

Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report:   Channel catfish are being stocked in all program ponds and will be biting well on worms, liver, hot dogs, bait shrimp and paste baits. Channel catfish are being caught with more success in early mornings and late evenings. Bream are still biting well on crickets and redworms. This week will mark the last catfish stocking for the year. Trout will be stocked in program ponds when the water is cool enough to support them, which is usually in December. For more information on catfish stockings, call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
 
CENTRAL ARKANSAS 
Lake Conway:  Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are biting well on top-water lures. Catfishing is good on large minnows. 

Dan at Gold Creek Landing (501-607-0590) said bream are fair in 3 feet of water. Crappie are biting fairly well in the pads and 5 feet deep on minnows and white/chartreuse jigs. Bass are good on buzzbaits and chatterbaits in the pads. Catfish are good on yo-yos and limb lines on shiners.  

Little Red River:  Lindsey’s Resort (501-302-3139) said water conditions are normal with a little generation throughout the day. Trout fishing still remains very good on pink Power Worms, Carolina rigs, Buoyant Spoons and orange or black Rogues. 

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse continues to lower the lake level. Intermittent generation started on Oct. 17 with releases beginning at 6 a.m. continuing until midnight. Sporadic releases will be the norm until the lake attains top power pool of 461.4 feet above mean sea level. When top power pool is reached, water releases will be determined by Southwestern Electric Power in Tulsa which reflect power demands from the grid. Normally, under these circumstances, releases are daily but brief. Wade fishing will be possible at times but predicting those times is hard. Drift fishing from a boat, however, is very good right now using prince nymphs, San Juan worms and sowbugs. The brown trout spawn is within a week or so of hitting on the Little Red. Aquatic insects are still hatching all along the Little Red. Midges seem to be the most prolific species, but BWOs, PMDs, march browns and sulphurs are contributing to the buzzing in the sky. 

Greers Ferry:  As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 461.73 feet MSL.

Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the fish are lethargic, possibly because of low dissolved oxygen in the water. Hybrids and whites are day to day, some days anglers are catching 25-30 and some days anglers catch as many as 150 per boat (but those days are much fewer), try the north end of the lake with small in-line spinners and spoons fished vertically between 25-54 feet of water on tips of points. Most of the black bass are deep; try football head jigs and Carolina-rigged Senkos and lizards. The crappie are still biting somewhat in the pole timber. They are suspended in 15-20 feet deep over 60-80 feet of water. Some walleye are biting crawlers in 40 feet. Catfishing is still good all over the lake on jugs.

Harris Brake Lake:  Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said the water is murky and high. Crappie are biting well on minnows. Bass are good on plastic worms and spinnerbaits.

Lake Overcup:  Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said the water is murky and at normal level. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. A few catfish have been caught on minnows and worms.

Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal with water temperatures in the low 70s. All fishing is slow.

Brewer Lake:  Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal with water temperatures in the low 70s. All fishing is slow.

Lake Maumelle:  Jolly Rogers Marina said Lake Maumelle has turned over and has settled down, resulting in better fishing. Largemouth bass are fair on jig-and-pig combos fished on points in 6 to 9 feet of water. Small Kentucky bass are loaded on the points and will nail the jig as well. White bass are fair at the west end of the lake and are biting smoke grubs on a ¼-ounce jighead in 10 to 15 feet of water. Crappie are biting well in 10 to 14 feet of water on live minnows. Bream are biting well in 8 to 10 feet of water on crickets around the old Jolly Roger cove. Catfish are fair on prepared bait fished 10 feet deep.   

Arkansas River at Little Rock:  Vince Miller from Fish N’ Stuff (501-834-5733) said the water is murky and high. Bass are fair in the backwater on crankbaits and jigs.

Sunset Lake:  Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair on 2-inch Tennessee shad grubs. Bass are biting well on top-water lures.

Saline River Access in Benton:  Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on black or yellow Rooster Tails and crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well on crawdad-colored crankbaits.  

Arkansas River at Morrilton:  Charley’s Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said bream are fair in 6 to 10 feet of water on crickets. A few crappie have been caught near brush on minnows. Stripers are good below the dams on live bait, bream or shad. Black bass are fair near drops on worms. Kentucky bass are good in the late afternoon on crankbaits. Catfishing is still good in the main channel on shad and worms early in the morning. 

Big Maumelle River:  Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair on minnows with a slip-cork rig and red or chartreuse jigs. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits.

Little Maumelle River:  Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said water conditions are normal. Crappie are good near pad beds on red/chartreuse jigs. Bass are biting well on Rogues, spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing is fair on limblines and trotlines on cut bait and chicken hearts. 

Terry Lock and Dam:  McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is dingy and at normal level. A few bream have been caught on worms. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait or chicken liver.

Clear Lake:  McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bass are picking up on top-water lures. A few catfish have been caught on chicken liver. 

Peckerwood Lake:  Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are good on minnows. Bass are biting well on crankbaits and top-water lures. Catfishing is good on minnows and cut bait.
 
 
NORTH ARKANSAS 
White River:  Sportsman’s White River Resort said water conditions are normal with seven generators running constantly. Trout fishing has been very good on pink worms, Rogues, Rapalas and stick baits.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said the pattern on the White is for heavy generation around the clock. The catch-and-release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close to all fishing Nov. 1 and will remain closed until Feb. 1. The section from the bottom of this catch-and-release section downstream to the wing wall at the state park is catch-and-release fishing only for the same time period. The upper river below Bull Shoals Dam to Cane Island has not been fishing as well. The Cotter area from the new bridge down to the bottom of Roundhouse Shoals has been fishing a bit better than the upper river. This section has a higher dissolved oxygen level than you may encounter upstream below Bull Shoals Dam. In addition to fishing San Juan worms and midge patterns, be sure and try sow bugs. Rim Shoals has not been fishing as well as it did last week. The hot fly has been the San Juan worm in hot pink and cerise. Remember that there is some limited safe wading in the vicinity of the second island during high water. Stop by Rim Shoals Trout Dock and have them ferry you down for a nominal fee. Crooked Creek has fished well during the last week. Hot flies have been Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns. The creek is low and clear. The section above the Snow access, as well as the lower creek near the confluence with the White River, have been hot spots.

Mountain River Fly Shop said dissolved oxygen levels are declining and the water temperatures are rising. A number of guides have been fishing the Bull Shoals area for some good results, and no apparent harm to the fish, which still pull strongly. But it looks as if the better fishing will occur further downstream in the next few weeks, if this high generation pattern of over 16,000 cfs continues. Sow bugs and worms continue to work well in the upper river. Oxygen levels increase as the surface is broken, through riffles and shoals. These sorts of structures will hold fish. Downstream, eggs and worms continue to prevail, whether they are Dynamite worms, regular San Juan’s, or our new Garden Hackle. Streamers continue to do well. Tan Near Nuff Sculpins or Rainy’s Carp Sculpins and Conehead Autumn Splendors are doing well. Bigger flies like the Circus Peanut, Zoo Cougars and Jim’s Ozark Sculpin have all been fish catchers.

Bull Shoals Lake:  As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 676.35  feet MSL.

Lake Norfork:  As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 563.92  feet MSL.

101 Grocery and Bait said the water temperature is in the low 70s. Bass fishing has been good using top-water baits and spinnerbaits. Striper fishing has been fair. Crappie fishing has been fair. Catfishing has been good. Bluegill fishing is good. White bass fishing is good. Walleye fishing has been on the slow side. The fish are all over the lake there are many baitfish everywhere.  

Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said the water is murky and high. Crappie are biting well on minnows near brush. Bass are fair on top-water lures. 

Norfork Tailwater:  John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said the pattern has been to run one generator around the clock. There have been some limited wading opportunities on the Norfork. Fishing has been spotty. The flows during the day have been light. The hot flies have been San Juan worms in hot pink and brightly colored eggs. There has been a bit of wading at Quarry Park below the dam along the parking lot for the ramp but with the lower dissolved oxygen the upper river has not fished as well as the lower river. Dry Run Creek is fishing well as always. With the brown trout spawn approaching, some of the browns are beginning to move up in the creek. There are plenty of large trout in the creek already. The hot flies are sow bugs, San Juan worms and egg patterns (peach would be the best color). With school back in session there is hardly anyone there. It is a great time to take your children or grandchildren
 
 
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS 
Beaver Lake:  As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,127.83 feet MSL.

JT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass are still biting well early and late in and around the flooded cover on shad-colored ¼-oz spinnerbaits or buzzbaits. Later in the day, try a hula grub fished along chunk rock and docks. Crappie have been getting bigger but there are still a lot of sub-legal fish being caught. They have been under docks and along bluff lines suspended 10 to 20 feet deep. Small yellow/white and black/chartreuse tubes have been effective. White bass fishing has been tough. A few are being caught on main lake flats with spoons early and late. Catfishing has been good at night from the bank using worms and cut bait. Bluegill have been hitting crickets in and around the flooded cover 2 to 5 feet deep. 

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are fair in shallow water on spinnerbaits. 

Lake Fayetteville:  Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said water conditions are normal. All species have been slow.

Lake Sequoyah:  Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said water conditions are normal. All fishing is slow.

Sugarloaf Lake:  Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said the water is clear and at normal level. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are biting well on minnows. Bass and catfish are slow.
 
 
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS 
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA:  Judy Potts of Judy’s Bait Shoppe at the north entrance to Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA reports 

Lake Charles:  Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the water level is down about 12 inches. The surface temperature is 60-65 degrees, and the water clarity is 6 inches. Some small bream are biting on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow, but a few have been caught on minnows. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Catfishing is slow on minnows and worms fished under jugs or from trotlines.  

Crown Lake:  Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are good in deep water on minnows. Bass are fair on plastic worms.

Lake Frierson:  Lake Frierson State Park said the water is cloudy and at normal level. All fishing has been slow.  
 
 
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS 
Lake Monticello:  Fishing guide Greg Gulledge (870-723-3928) with Basshunters Custom Crankbaits said the water is cooling and the fish are in their fall pattern. Bass are being caught in the shallows on River Bottom Get Sticks and Fishboy Trophy Lures’ tubes. Many bass are being caught on Baby Basshunter Crankbaits in Basshunter Shad and Sexy Shad. Baby Kill Gill topwaters are taking their share of fish when the bass are schooling. Crappie fishing is picking up every week.

Lake Chicot:  Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said water conditions are normal. Bream are good on crickets. Crappie are biting well on worms. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits.

Grand Lake:  Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said water conditions are normal. Bream are good on crickets. Crappie are biting well on worms. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits.
 
 
SOUTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS 
Lower Ouachita River:  Water is starting to subside in the Ouachita River lakes. Some people are catching a few crappie along moss lines using shiners. No report on other species.

Tri-County Lake:  Small worms on 1/16-oz. weights are working well on bass around channels. People are starting gearing up for catfishing, so the catfish bite should be good in the next few weeks.
 
 
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS 
Millwood Lake:  As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 259.43  feet MSL.

Millwood Lake Guide Service  said water clarity in the main lake and Little River is improving. Some high-density, broken vegetation and floating mats remain in Little River. Water surface temperatures range from 67 to 72 degrees. The lake level is slowly falling. Current in Little River is 4,349 cubic feet per second. Water clarity is 7 to 10 inches in the main lake away from the current. All USACE boat ramps and campgrounds are open. Millwood State Park has one operational boat ramp and one still under repair.

USACE has been diligently working on bank stabilization downstream of the spillway for the last several weeks. The west bank and rock and rip rap is currently being repaired from potential erosion issues during the week. Largemouth bass are excellent and still schooling around Millwood. Bass Assassin Shads, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits and 10-inch worms are the go-to baits during the last few weeks. Chunky bass from 2-6 pounds are schooling randomly during the day in many of the oxbow lakes upriver. Schooling bass seem to take a few hours to get started and best schooling activities are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The most consistent reaction bite during schooling activity is on Rat-L-Traps, hammered Cordell spoons (hint* use a buck tail feather hook!), and white or smoke colored grubs on light wire jigheads. Johnson silver spoons, War Eagle Spinnerbaits, and Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits are the go to baits when the schooling of these bass move into the vegetation and remaining lily pads. Bass were schooling in Horseshoe Lake upriver, deep in the lily pads. Swimming white jigs w/ white chunk trailers along the edges and pockets of hydrilla or other open holes in remaining vegetation are still working. Early in the morning slowly worked Jitterbugs in white colors, around edges of pads, Spit’n Images, buzzing toads, and buzzbaits are still working. White bass are schooling along with the largemouth bass this week in Mud, Horseshoe and McGuire Oxbow lakes. Crappie continue to improve along with the clarity along Little River. The best depth during the last week is 11-12 feet. Blues and Channel Cats remain consistent again this week on trotlines or yo-yos along the current in Little River, using cut shad, blood bait and chicken livers.

Cossatot River:  Davy Ashcraft at Cossatot River State Park (870-385-2201) had no report. 

Lake Columbia:  Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows.

Lake Erling:  Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is murky and dropping. Bream are biting well on crickets. Catfishing is good on cut bait.

White Oak Lake:  White Oak Lake State Park had no report.

Lake Greeson:  As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 544.02  feet MSL.

Lakeside Grocery said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets and wax worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on cut bait. Bass are fair on top-water lures and plastic worms. 

DeGray Lake:  As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 408.17  feet MSL.

DeGray Lake Resort said the water is 69 degrees and warming in the shallows. The water is clearing up. Black bass fishing is tough. Some are being caught, but many anglers are striking out. Bream have moved off their beds. The catfish are starting bite well. Hybrids are breaking more now than they have in the last 3 years on the south end of the lake; they are coming up and staying longer. There are no moss or grass beds to speak of, so it’s been little tougher than usual out there.

Charles at Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina said the water temperature is 70 degrees and falling. Largemouth bass are biting well on 11-inch redbug, cherryseed, tequila green and bloodline worms. Some bass are schooling early and late and are being caught on Zara Spooks, Tiny Torpedoes, Rooster Tails and watermelonseed jigs. Kentucky bass are biting well on live crayfish fished around drop offs and points around DeRoche and Caddo Bend in 20 to 26 feet of water. Hybrids are biting well on live shad. They are schooling early and late and are biting well on top-water lures and large CC spoons. The Dam and Caddo Bend are good places to try, as are the drop offs directly across from Iron Mountain. The Hybrids seem to be holding to 24-28 feet deep. Crappie are biting well on Tennessee shad grubs and live minnows fished around moss flats and points in 18 to 20 feet of water. Brush piles from 20 to 25 feet deep are also holding some crappie. Catfishing is good on jugs and trotlines baited with minnows or cut shad. Bream are excellent on worms and crickets fished 6 to 12 feet deep.
 
 
WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS 
Lake Dardanelle:  Eric Pratt at Lake Dardanelle State Park said the water is muddy. The surface temperature is 71 degrees. A forecasted release on Lake Dardanelle is expected to be around 30,000 CFS. Bass fishing is slow. Anglers that were catching fish report swimming a black jig with a trailer in mats of grass and in stump rows. A few fish were caught using Texas-rigged 10-inch worms, chatterbaits and buzzbaits. Bass seem to be hanging in about 7-15 feet of water. Crappie fishing is slow but should be improving shortly. Crappie jigs and minnows are the bait of choice. Bream are doing well on crickets and worms around docks and overhanging brush. Tributaries that feed Lake Dardanelle are a great area to find some fish. Catfish are biting slow but can be caught using nightcrawlers, artificial bait or liver.

Murphy’s Sporting Goods (479-229-3200) said the water is muddy and high. Bass are the best thing going on crankbaits near rocky points.

Spadra Marina on Lake Dardanelle in Clarksville, has seen crappie pick up in the backwater. Crappie are biting 10 to 12 feet deep in the mornings and evenings and 4 feet deep in the afternoons. Minnows work better in the deeper water, while white jigs work best in the afternoons. Good outings are netting 10-15 keepers, with sporadic limits. Catfish are staying steady. Your chances fare better on live bait or cut shad. Bass have slowed and seem to only do well in certain hot spots. Even then you have to work for a keeper. 

Ozark Pool:  Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is muddy and at normal level. Bream are fair on crickets and nightcrawlers. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfishing is fair on worms and chicken liver.

Lake Ouachita:  As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 578.14  feet MSL.

Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is clear and the surface temperature is 70-74 degrees. Largemouth bass are still good and can be caught with spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Spotted bass and largemouths are breaking early and late as well as on cloudy days. Walleye are biting well on spoons fished over brush piles on main-lake points. Bottom bouncers with spinners and night crawlers are fair and producing some quality fish as well. Stripers are very good on live bait with shad or trotline minnows. White ½-oz. jigs and ¾-oz. spoons are still working as well. Bream are still fair on crickets or worms in 18 to 25 feet of water. Crappie are still good and being caught over brush. Try brush in water 20 to 30 feet deep. Minnows or crappie grubs are working best. Tennessee shad and white are still the best colors for artificial baits. Catfish are fair on cut bait and live bait on jug lines and trotlines.

Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service said bass fishing is excellent with some very good bass being caught in the grass on Revenge flipping jigs in a variety of colors. Crappie fishing is fair with some being caught over the grass on Tennessee shad grubs with 1/16-oz. jigheads. Stripers are really spotty right now but a few are being caught on live shad and ¾-oz. jigging spoons.

Lake Hamilton:  Red Tuggle at Gene Lockwood’s said the water is stained but not muddy. The water temperature is cooling and typical fall patterns are right around the corner. Fishing has been slow overall. The schooling activity of bass has tapered down to a very sporadic hit-and-miss situation. Some fish are moving a little shallower and are biting on shallow- and medium-running crankbaits on points near creek channels and the mouths of coves. Crappie are hit-and-miss as well, but some are starting to move to 10-12-foot deep brush piles.

Lake Catherine:  Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that Entergy is running water in the afternoon through the late evening which has prompted the striper and hybrid population to chase shad in the tailrace. Most of the action is in the river channel where the most shad are present. The warmer afternoon temperatures raise the dam waters as much as 5 degrees which prompts the predator fish to feed. Stripers as large as 20 pounds have been hooked on gizzard shad floated under a balloon. Large jigs in white or grey work best for fishermen preferring to use artificial baits. Topwater action remains rare. The most stripers are in the 8- to 12-pound range and are caught from the bridge to the dam. Some quality largemouth bass are being caught in the feeder creeks that flow in the main lake. These areas continue to hold warmer water which attracts thousands of minnows and crawfish. Bass only need a few feet of water to migrate in and out of these areas, and are now actively feeding. Soft-plastic baits such as lizards and U-tail worms are perfect for fishing these spots. Some walleye are being caught in the main river channel by boaters trolling crawfish crankbaits. Most of these fish are females in the 3-pound class. Trout stocking will resume next month.

Diamond Head Marina said water conditions are normal. Bass are fair around the banks on spinnerbaits, top-water lures and plastic worms.

Lake Hinkle:  Bill’s Bait Shop (479-637-4719) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are biting well on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on top-water lures. Catfishing is fair on cut bait. 

Lake Atkins:  Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said crappie fishing is good in deep water on minnows. Bass are biting well on top-water lures and plastic worms. Catfishing is fair on chicken liver.
 
  
EAST ARKANSAS 
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff):  River City Sporting Goods (870-534-8303) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on redworms, wax worms and crickets. Crappie fishing is excellent on minnows and black or chartreuse jigs. Bass are fair on jig-and-pigs. Catfishing is good on cut bait.

White River:  Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) had no report. 

Maddox Bay:  Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is fair on trotlines with live bait.  

Bear Creek Lake:  Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said the water is clear and low. Bream are fair on crickets. Bass are fair on top-water lures.

Island 40 Chute:  Daily’s Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said water conditions are normal. Crappie are the best thing going on minnows and jigs.

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Michigan Weekly Fishing Reports - 10/9/2008

Great Lakes temperature map

Anglers are reminded that lake trout season in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan closed on September 30th. Splake season on Lake Huron also closed on September 30th.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - A good number of perch have been caught however most of them were small. Boats are heading out to waters 23 to 26 feet deep off Stony Point, across the line at the Sputnik buoy, off the mouth of the River Raisin, and around the E Buoy. Some nice fish were also caught in Canadian waters. Large numbers of both largemouth and white bass were caught near the Hot Ponds near Monroe.

Huron River - Steelhead are slowly making their way into the river. Nice bluegills were caught on wax worms below the Flat Rock Dam. Good crappie fishing was reported in Huroc Park. Target the waters around docks and downed trees.

Detroit River - There were reports of perch being caught around the islands. Anglers can try Sugar Island, Mud Island and Grassy Island.

Lake St. Clair- Bass anglers are doing well on smallmouth. Fish have been caught when trolling between Nine Mile Road and the 400 Club. On the north end of the lake, those trolling around Grass Island have also caught fish. Target the weedbeds, rock piles or any other structure.

St. Clair River - Boat and shore anglers have been looking for salmon but few fish have been caught. Those drifting or slow trolling with a crawler harness managed to catch a few walleye in the upper river near the drop-off.

Port Austin - Anglers are catching the occasional walleye near the junk pile.

Saginaw Bay - Walleye have been caught off Linwood and the Pinconning Bar in about 20 feet of water. Walleye were also recorded near Buoys 1, 2, and 27. Good perch fishing at Buoys 1 and 2, the first Spark Plug, and around the Black Hole. Walleye fishing slow to non-existent but the perch fishing has picked up. Sorting will be necessary but some nice 8 to 12 inch fish have been caught. Boats were averaging 20 to 30 nice fish about two and a half miles out from Quanicassee in the early morning or late evening.

Off Sebewaing, perch were caught north of the channel near Lone Tree Island in 10 feet of water. For Caseville, perch were caught in 40 to 50 feet of water between Oak Point and Sleeper State Park.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - They are catching chinook, coho and steelhead when trolling 75 to 85 feet down in waters 80 to 140 feet deep. Shore anglers are starting to take more fish off the piers. Orange and purple spinners were the ticket. Perch fishing has been very good with limit catches taken in 40 feet of water.

St. Joe River - Water levels are back to normal and fish are being caught. Anglers must be catching fish above the Berrien Springs Dam and up around Niles. Look for more fish to ascend with the cooler temperatures and much needed rain.

South Haven - Chinook and steelhead were caught by those trolling about halfway down in waters up to 140 feet deep. Limits of perch were caught off the piers.

Kalamazoo River - Anglers are catching some salmon up near the Allegan Dam.

Grand Haven - Fishing has not been good as the salmon are still out deep and scattered. Pier fishing was slow and no perch were caught. Cooler temperatures and rain are needed to push the fish in closer to shore.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Anglers are catching a good number of salmon up near the Sixth Street Dam when floating spawn or flies. A few brown trout along with a couple walleye were also taken.

Grand River at Lansing - Salmon are in the river but not in big numbers. A few fish have been caught over at the point where the Grand meets the Red Cedar. Anglers are still looking for fish downriver near Ionia and Portland. A few walleye were caught below the Moore’s Park Dam and the catfish action is still good.

Muskegon - Was also slow as the fish were out deep. More fish should move in closer to shore as cooler temperatures along with much needed rain will help to move fish closer to shore and up around the mouth of the river.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Rogers City - The action continues around Swan Bay, Adams Point and Calcite when fishing in 25 to 60 feet of water. Good numbers of fish are staging near the mouth and some fish have started to move into the Swan River. Those fishing the deeper waters have taken coho, atlantic and steelhead. Lake trout season is now closed.

Presque Isle - A lot of young silver fish are being caught. Best spots to fish are close to shore in 40 to 65 feet of water or out deeper between the Red Can and the lighthouses, the North Bay and off Black Point. Use anything that glows early or late.

Alpena - Chinook are running in the 30 to 40 foot range and coho in the 50 to 90 foot range. There have been more coho salmon taken this year than in previous years. Chartreuse lures and stick baits have worked well this year. Salmon around the pier are hitting on spoons. Walleye have been caught at North Point in 30 to 40 feet of water. Mock perch lures have worked well. No perch activity this week and most lake trout fishermen have wrapped it up for the year.

Thunder Bay River - Salmon at the Ninth Street Dam are hitting on spawn.

Harrisville - Salmon fishing has started to pick up with the cooler weather as the fish have started to stage outside the harbor. More catches are being recorded each day. Most fish are being caught on spawn, body baits and J-plugs. Silver and chrome are the hot colors. Catch rates for those trolling just outside the harbor and those casting from the shore are about equal. A few walleye were caught just outside the harbor and north towards Sturgeon Point in 25 feet of water.

Oscoda - The action has been very slow at the mouth of the river. Water temperatures are still in 60’s. The few fish that were caught were taken on Cleo’s. Good colors were silver, blue and orange.

Au Sable River - Salmon action has been slow here as well. There have been no reports of fish in the river and very few fish caught at the mouth. Cool temperatures and rain should push more fish into the river.

Tawas - Pier anglers have caught a few salmon when casting J-plugs or Cleo’s. They have also caught a few pike, walleye and some 6 to 9 inch perch.

Tawas River - Some salmon have been caught in the lower river when using spawn, plugs or small spoons.

Au Gres - Those casting inside the harbor have caught a few salmon. Perch fishing has improved but is still spotty.

Au Gres River - Those fishing the East Branch have caught salmon and steelhead when surfcasting near the Whitney Drain. Most fish were caught on lures.

Higgins Lake - Decent numbers of perch have been caught in 20 to 40 feet of water around the Main Island and the Sunken Island. Lake trout action has slowed.

Houghton Lake - Is producing good catches of walleye and pike. Jumbo yellow perch are being taken in the south shore weedbeds with leaf and wax worms. Good numbers of smallmouth bass are also being caught in the south shore weedbeds and the west end of the middle ground. A few nice size crappies are being taken.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey - With rainy and windy conditions, shore anglers are catching more fish. Some were doing well casting lures while others were doing well when fishing spawn near the bottom.

Bear River- Good numbers of salmon have been coming in with a few pink salmon and an occasional trout as well.

Walloon Lake- Boat anglers are targeting perch, walleye, and smallmouth.

Lake Charlevoix - Anglers are turning their attention to perch, walleye and smallmouth bass.

Elk Lake- Some are targeting muskie while trolling large baits in 9 to 30 feet of water along the south end and up the east side to Kewadin. Smallmouth bass anglers are fishing the southeast corner from the Narrows to Easley Road. Those perch fishing can be found near Kewadin and the Whitewater Park when using perch minnows, crawlers, or cooked shrimp. Rock bass have also been caught.

Skegomog Lake- Pike anglers are targeting the waters around the mouth of the Torch River and the Narrows while trolling crank baits, spinners or jigs in 7 to 17 feet of water. One fish measuring 24 inches was caught. Lots of smallmouth bass anglers are casting in shallow waters near the mouth of the river and along the weedbeds. Yellow perch were caught in the flats between Baggs Road and the mouth of the Torch River. Some fish up to 10 inches were caught on minnows, crawlers or cooked shrimp. Rock bass are hitting on jigs and spinners in 4 to 7 feet of water and bluegills were caught on crawlers in 5 to 17 feet of water.

Glen Lake - The boat launch on Little Glen Lake closed for dredging on October 1st. The work is expected to be done by October 8th. The workers are aware that this is the only public launch on the lake and they will try to accommodate boaters which may have to maneuver outside the buoys until the dredging is done. Perch fishing slowed but anglers are still able to bring in a good batch even after sorting through the small ones. Wigglers are catching the most in 30 to 40 feet of water.

Traverse City- In the East Bay, salmon fishing was slow because the fish were scattered. Whitefish can be found in the southern half of the bay jigging spoons such as Swedish Pimples. In the West Bay, the salmon are scattered.

Elk River- Salmon have been caught on spawn or body baits.

Boardman River- Is where most anglers are targeting salmon. A few fish were caught on spawn but more fish should move into the river system by the weekend.

Frankfort - A lot fish were reported in the bay however warm water temperatures slowed the action. Those jigging or trolling inside the bay reported slow catch rates. Out in the big lake, anglers are catching some nice chrome colored chinook, coho and steelhead about 90 to 140 feet down in waters 150 to 300 deep. Spoons and flies were catching fish.

Betsie River - Fishing continues to be good with limit or near limit catches taken on spawn, streamers, flies or hardware. Good fishing was noted all the way up to Homestead Dam.

Onekama - Some nice chrome colored chinook salmon have been caught out past the Shelf in 210 to 400 feet of water. Some fish were caught about 180 feet down. The piers were slow except for a few small chinook and a couple pike taken.

Portage Lake - Decent catches of bluegill were reported even though anglers had to stay out all day the get them. Try wax worms or crawlers in 25 to 30 feet of water. A few decent size perch, sunfish, and rock bass have also been caught. Those trolling for pike were taking good numbers of fish on the north shore and out near the channel when trolling small spoons or rapalas.

Manistee - Some boat anglers are reporting limit catches of salmon 80 to 120 feet down in waters 80 to 160 feet deep. There have been a few steelhead caught in the top 50 feet on orange spoons. Steelhead should start showing up off

Manistee River - Water levels are low and clear but cooler temperatures along with rain this week should push more fish into the river and on the gravel as they prepare to spawn.

Hamlin Lake - Some are taking limits of panfish. Sunfish are hitting on small worms in 5 to 12 feet of water around the points and narrows. In the same area, walleye and crappie can be found in 10 to 20 feet of water when using minnows. The water has cleared up and the fish are holding tight to the bottom. Bass anglers are still catching fish but success rates slowed.

Big Sable River - The chinook are still holding in the river. Warm water and slower flows are keeping the fish off the gravel. Some found success when drifting flies the same speed as the current. Try black streamers.

Ludington - Salmon are being caught in 70 to 140 feet of water with most of the fish taken deep in the water column. Pier action was slow.

Upper Peninsula

Keweenaw Bay - Those trolling for salmon picked up a few coho and lake trout near the Fall’s River, at the head of the Bay and near Sand Point. In Traverse Bay, some nice lake trout were caught near the Gay Stacks, Buffalo Reef and Five Mile Reef which is located out from Big Louie’s Point.

Falls River - A few coho were caught very early in the morning. The water levels are clear and low so the fish spook easily.

Marquette - Lake trout fishing has picked up again. Some bigger fish have been caught now that the fish are starting to stage in close to shore. Salmon fishing has picked up with chinook and coho taken when trolling near the mouth of the rivers.

Dead River - Coho, chinook, and pink salmon as well as a few brown trout are being caught in the Dead River. Water levels here are low and rain is needed to push more fish up the rivers.

Chocolay River- Anglers are catching chinook and coho.

Carp River - Anglers are catching chinook and coho.

Menominee - Chinook and steelhead have been caught off the piers in the early morning or late at night. A variety of different colored spoons have caught fish. Smallmouth bass were caught off the pier and walleye were caught in 10 to 15 feet of water in the bay.

Menominee River- A lot of chinook salmon are jumping near the Hattie Street Bridge. A few walleye were caught between the mouth and Hattie Street.

Ford River - Shore anglers have caught salmon near the mouth when casting spoons or crank baits.

Cedar River - Chinook and steelhead have been caught near the mouth by those night fishing. Walleye were caught just outside the mouth in 15 to 20 feet of water. Try a crawler harness or gold and brown rapalas.

Little Bay De Noc - Had low angler participation and catch rates were spotty. Walleye anglers did best in the north parts of the Bay when trolling crawlers and crank baits in 6 to 20 feet of water from Garth Point south to the First Reef. Only a few perch reports with most still fishing worms in 10 to 20 feet of water north of Butler Island. Good northern pike action in the harbor at Escanaba when trolling spoons or large crank baits. Several fish in the 40 inch range have been caught. Water temperatures in the low 60s are still warm for this time of year.

Big Bay De Noc - Has lots of smallmouth bass anglers. Most reported fair to good catches from Snake Island north to Garden Bluff when trolling or drifting minnows or crank baits in 17 to 35 feet of water. Several limits were reported. No walleye to report however a few perch were caught in Garden Bay by those jigging worms off the boat launch.

Au Train- One coho was caught off the mouth of the Rock River however few anglers can be found this time of year.

Munising- Coho have been caught off the mouth of the Anna River and a steelhead was taken off the Grand Island Ferry Dock. A few are still going out for lake trout in Trout Bay and around Wood Island. Those catching lake trout are using artificials and meat hooks.

Grand Marais - A handful of coho and steelhead were taken by those trolling around in the bay or casting spawn sacks near the mouth of the creeks and rivers in the area. Fishing conditions should improve this week. Those looking for lake trout will find them in 80 to 130 feet of water.

Big Manistique Lake- The boat launch on the north side of the lake will be temporarily closed for dredging on October 6th. The dredging and repairs are scheduled to be completed by October 27th.

St. Mary’s River- Pink salmon are still being caught at the Soo Power Plant when using a little bigger Cleo, about 4 inches long. Limits of smallmouth bass have been caught on the south end of Sugar Island. Try large minnows or shiners in 10 to 12 feet of water.

Drummond Island- Yellow perch are being caught around the island. Anglers are fishing around Peck Island, the west side of Ashman Island and in Scott Bay. Those trapping their own shiners in the lake have caught more fish.

Cedarville and Hessel - Perch fishing has picked up at the middle entrance of Muskie Bay in 8 to 12 feet of water. A few are also being caught at the end of Hessel’s Marina pier. Pike fishing continues to be good at Eerie Bay and Muskie Bay. Largemouth bass fishing was quite good in Snow’s Channel, Eerie Bay, in weeds along the shoreline.

Nunn’s Creek - Anglers have been catching chinook salmon casting from shore.

Bush Creek - Salmon continue to show up.

St. Ignace & DeTour - At DeTour anglers are still having success catching Atlantic salmon, Chinook and lake trout using yellow flies with silver and green spoons. At Albany Creek anglers report catching Chinook salmon at the mouth of the creek in deeper holes while wading and casting spawn bags. Walleye are being caught just north of the DNR marina around the red and green can and tripod, trolling with crawlers. North of the city launch in Maude Bay anglers are trolling and casting for northern pike and smallmouth bass with some success.

Related posts

• Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend Slated for June 7-8 (0)
• Michigan Weekly Recreational Fishing Report - 9/25/2008 (2)
• Michigan Weekly Fishing Reports - 10/16/2008 (0)
• Michigan Recreational Weekly Fishing Report - 9/18/2008 (1)
• Michigan Recreational Fishing Report - 9/4/2008 (1)

Michigan Recreational Fishing Report - 9/4/2008

 

Great Lakes temperature map

Cooler temperatures and rain by the weekend should help push the salmon. Inland, anglers are taking advantage of the excellent bass fishing.

 

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.

 

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 fish