Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Last Fling of the Summer
We have had another hot, humid week but rain and cooler weather is predicted to make fishing better. Wigglers are legal to sell again as this is a big tool to catch person. Perch are starting to show up with good catches in Lake Margreathe, East Grand Traverse Bay, North Lake Leelanau, Higgins Lake, Otsego Lake, Van Etten Lake and Long Lake by Traverse City. As we approach the so-called dog days of summer, walleye fishing in waters of the Great Lakes including Saginaw Bay has begun to taper off, as it usually does around Labor Day. Catch rates have been slow however rain, wind and much cooler temperatures by the weekend could be the jump start needed to get the salmon runs underway.
Warm water seems to be slowing the bite in many shallow lakes. Fish the deeper holes to catch fish in this sunny summer weather
Crickets have been selling good this week so gills are in deep water and crickets are the ticket.
Saginaw Bay -Had no walleye action to report. Perch are being caught at the Black Hole, the Spark Plug, two miles east of the Spark Plug, Buoy 18, and all along the shipping channel. Anglers will have to do a lot of sorting to find some keepers. Try pieces of crawler. Catfish were still biting near the Hot Pond.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam as water is flowing as they lower Sanford Lake 5 feet to repair the dam.
Saginaw River- Shore anglers in the lower river are catching some freshwater drum, catfish and the occasional bass.
Whitehall -Pier anglers have caught some salmon in the evening when casting Cleo’s, mega baits or anything that glows.
Wixom Lake has been super for gills being caught on waxworms
Mullett Lake -Lots of walleye anglers fishing 17 to 28 feet of water between Red Pine Point and Round Point or Dodge Point and Needle Point. Most are trolling in 20 to 30 feet of water but a few were trolling 40 to 50 feet down in 60 to 100 feet of water. Trout were caught 20 to 50 feet down in 75 to 100 feet of water. Pike anglers were still trolling crawlers, crank baits or minnows in 10 to 20 feet of water. Popular spots for yellow perch were Topinabee, Scott Bay, Pigeon Bay, Long Point, Dodge Point and near the sunken islands in 10 to 40 feet of water. For smallmouth bass, try Round Point and Pigeon Bay in 25 to 35 feet of water.
Oscoda - Salmon and steelhead were caught closer to shore in 30 to 60 feet of water in the early morning. Pier anglers might also catch a few fish early or late.
Higgins Lake -Had good lake trout action with fish ranging from 18 to 22 inches. Most are trolling cowbells and bombers 5 feet off the bottom in waters 80 to 100 feet deep. Lots of rock bass in the 9 to 12 inch range have been caught on minnows and worms. Perch are biting on wigglers.
Houghton Lake - Is producing panfish and bass. Early morning or late afternoon is best for bass up in the shallows. Walleye have been fair with crawlers working best.
Tawas -Walleye fishing has really slowed down with just a few fish reported. Anglers trolling crawler harnesses in 40 to 65 feet of water have also caught the occasional steelhead. A few bass were caught by pier and boat anglers when casting various artificial baits.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling A perch bite is on with minnows in about 9 feet of water is still going strong.
Charlevoix -Fishing remains slower than it should be for this late in the summer, with anglers only bringing in light numbers of fish. Salmon have been found 60 to 120 feet down in waters 100 to 170 feet deep.
Traverse City -Those fishing the East Bay were bringing in a salmon or two when trolling in 80 to 100 feet of water between Bluff Road and Mountain Jacks Marina. Whitefish anglers did well just south of the Center Road launch in 95 feet of water with sand kickers and Elk Rapids jigs, Near the bypass, smallmouth anglers were catching a few panfish only. In the West Bay, salmon and trout were caught between Lee Point Road and the Boardman River. The fish were scattered in 70 to 140 feet of water and hitting about 65 feet down.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action. I have been fishing there but have not found the fish yet but many are in 50 feet of water. Perch are biting on the North lake just past the narrows.
Portage Lake -Cooler weather was good for bluegill fishing as some limit catches were reported near Little Eden. Perch were also caught in the same area and around the buoy. Be ready to sort out the small ones.
Lake Missaukee -Was good for panfish and bass.
Lake Cadillac -Crappie fishing has been good after dark and in the early morning. Cooler weather will bring the bluegills back into shallower waters. Try wax worms, leaf worms or crickets under a bobber. Bass and pike are hitting again.
Lake Mitchell -Is producing some panfish. Bass are hitting on spinner baits and pike favored large crank baits.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair to good walleye catches out from the Terrace Bay Inn in Gladstone Bay when trolling crawlers and harnesses in 25 to 35 feet of water. The southern end of the Black Bottom was fair in 10 to 40 feet of water but several nice perch and crappie were caught when jigging crawlers. Salmon fishing was fair in the southern waters when trolling spoons 65 to 95 feet down in 110 to 125 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc -No walleye or perch to report but smallmouth bass catches were good for those using tube or crank baits in 15 to 30 feet of water from Ansell’s Point south to Snake Island. Fairport had good catches when weather permitted. Boat anglers after salmon were heading south to Poverty Island and trolling spoons 80 to 140 feet down in 120 to 160 feet of water.
Indian Lake - Most fishing effort was on the north end of the lake. Perch are starting to bite again. Walleye were caught by those trolling or drifting near the weed beds with crawler harnesses or surface rapalas. Perch anglers were fishing close to shore with crawlers. A lot of fish were caught however anglers put in a lot of time to catch fish big enough to eat.
St. Mary’s River -Walleye fishing is still good by the powerhouse to Raber Bay using crawler harnesses and jigs.
Cedarville and Hessel - At Sault Ste. Marie, chinook were caught in front of the power plant when trolling J-plugs near the drop off along the shipping channel. Pink salmon have been caught off the pier when casting small pink Cleo’s. Good action in Lake George between the rapids and Timber Ridge Resort when trolling crawler harnesses with purple blades in 12 to 18 feet of water. For Little Lake George on the Canadian side, yellow perch were caught in 30 feet of water between the Garden River and the Sugar Island Township Park.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Good numbers of salmon were found straight out from the harbor entrance. Try 70 to 110 feet down in 130 to 160 feet of water. Salmon were scattered between East Park and the pier. Hot baits were white with a green or blue fly or J-plugs in ghost white, fire tiger, chrome with a red nose, and meat rigs. Early morning and last light produced the most fish.
Charlevoix - Fishing remains slower than it should be for this late in the summer, with anglers only bringing in light numbers of fish. Salmon have been found 60 to 120 feet down in waters 100 to 170 feet deep.
Traverse City - Those fishing the East Bay were bringing in a salmon or two when trolling in 80 to 100 feet of water between Bluff Road and Mountain Jacks Marina. Whitefish anglers did well just south of the Center Road launch in 95 feet of water with sand kickers and Elk Rapids jigs, Near the bypass, smallmouth anglers were catching a few panfish only. In the West Bay, salmon and trout were caught between Lee Point Road and the Boardman River. The fish were scattered in 70 to 140 feet of water and hitting about 65 feet down.
Boardman River - Anglers are checking for salmon however few have been seen.
Platte Bay - Coho were caught in the East Bay when trolling spoons or J-plugs 40 to 80 feet down in 50 to 100 feet of water. Green was the hot color. The coho are still nice and silver however the chinook salmon are starting to turn dark.
Frankfort - Chinook were starting to stage and could be found in the holes near the old ferry docks where shore and boat anglers did well with Swedish Pimples in the early morning. Boats are also heading north to the point and trolling 80 to 100 feet down in 120 to 150 feet of water. Try flashers and flies during the day and glows at dusk and pre-dawn.
Onekama - Boat anglers heading straight out are fishing in 120 to 140 feet of water while those heading north did better in 80 to 120 feet. Early morning was best when using J-plugs or spoons that glow. Pier fishing was slow.
Portage Lake - Cooler weather was good for bluegill fishing as some limit catches were reported near Little Eden. Perch were also caught in the same area and around the buoy. Be ready to sort out the small ones.
Lake Cadillac - Crappie fishing has been good after dark and in the early morning. Cooler weather will bring the bluegills back into shallower waters. Try wax worms, leaf worms or crickets under a bobber. Bass and pike are hitting again.
Lake Mitchell - Is producing some panfish. Bass are hitting on spinner baits and pike favored large crank baits.
Manistee - A few salmon have been caught around the piers in the early morning. Boat anglers did well in 80 to 160 feet of water when using cut bait or glow plugs. Strong winds have made fishing difficult. Anglers fishing Manistee Lake have started to catch a few salmon.
Manistee River - Salmon fishing could pick up by the weekend but for now, few fish have been caught.
Ludington - On the good days, boat anglers continue to catch chinook and coho in 50 to 150 feet of water between the Bath House and Big Sable Point. Try running glow plugs in the early morning. Pier anglers took a few salmon in the early morning.
Pentwater - Had fair to good chinook salmon fishing from Juniper Beach down to Silver Lake when trolling spoons or J-plugs in 80 to 100 feet of water. Only a handful of salmon have been caught off the pier.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Lots of walleye anglers fishing 17 to 28 feet of water between Red Pine Point and Round Point or Dodge Point and Needle Point. Most are trolling in 20 to 30 feet of water but a few were trolling 40 to 50 feet down in 60 to 100 feet of water. Trout were caught 20 to 50 feet down in 75 to 100 feet of water. Pike anglers were still trolling crawlers, crank baits or minnows in 10 to 20 feet of water. Popular spots for yellow perch were Topinabee, Scott Bay, Pigeon Bay, Long Point, Dodge Point and near the sunken islands in 10 to 40 feet of water. For smallmouth bass, try Round Point and Pigeon Bay in 25 to 35 feet of water.
Rogers City - Boats were pounding the area around Swan Bay however the fish were not staging yet. It appears the salmon are still in their late summer feeding patterns so try straight out from the harbor or Adams Point in waters 40 to 120 feet deep. Every day seems to be a little different. Look for structure and baitfish. Use glows in the early morning and late evening, but try green and silver, blue and silver, orange and white, black and white, yellow, orange, green or purple otherwise. J-plug action was slow. Anglers continue to take a mixed bag of chinook, lake trout, steelhead, pink salmon, brown trout and walleye.
Presque Isle - Is producing mainly chinook, lake trout, pink salmon, steelhead and the occasional walleye. Try straight out from the red can or north between the two lights. Stoneport had pressure also. Commercial nets may be in the area so anglers need to use caution.
Alpena - Surveys and creel census both indicate that most fish in Lake Huron, walleyes and lake trout in particular, are focusing on a large crop of rainbow smelt which are now suspended in cool, offshore waters. Try fishing where the thermocline intersects the bottom about 70 feet deep or with suspended lures in deeper water. Walleyes are still abundant in the Thunder Bay area, but not in the bay itself as they have moved slightly offshore to deeper water where the smelt are. While the smaller immature chinook salmon remain focused on the smelt in deeper waters, the adult fish were just starting to stage off the rivers.
Thunder Bay River - A few salmon were caught up near the 9th Street Dam however it is still too warm and the fish were most likely heading back to deep water.
Oscoda - Salmon and steelhead were caught closer to shore in 30 to 60 feet of water in the early morning. Pier anglers might also catch a few fish early or late.
Au Sable River - Adult salmon were just starting to gather off the mouth.
Higgins Lake - Had good lake trout action with fish ranging from 18 to 22 inches. Most are trolling cowbells and bombers 5 feet off the bottom in waters 80 to 100 feet deep.
Tawas - Walleye fishing has really slowed down with just a few fish reported. Anglers trolling crawler harnesses in 40 to 65 feet of water have also caught the occasional steelhead. A few bass were caught by pier and boat anglers when casting various artificial baits.
Au Gres - Walleye fishing is slow here as well so anglers are going out for perch. They are heading in multiple directions such as off the mouth of the river, the hotel, along the shipping channel and off the gravelly shoals and fishing in 30 to 40 feet of water. There is a lot of sorting to be done but a few keepers are showing up.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Strong winds have kept anglers off the lake.
Marquette - Catch rates for lake trout were fair however some limit catches were reported near the white rocks and towards Granite Island. Most fish were caught near the bottom but a few were suspended in 150 feet of water. Spoons and flies work best. No reports on salmon or steelhead.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair to good walleye catches out from the Terrace Bay Inn in Gladstone Bay when trolling crawlers and harnesses in 25 to 35 feet of water. The southern end of the Black Bottom was fair in 10 to 40 feet of water but several nice perch and crappie were caught when jigging crawlers. Salmon fishing was fair in the southern waters when trolling spoons 65 to 95 feet down in 110 to 125 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - No walleye or perch to report but smallmouth bass catches were good for those using tube or crank baits in 15 to 30 feet of water from Ansell’s Point south to Snake Island. Fairport had good catches when weather permitted. Boat anglers after salmon were heading south to Poverty Island and trolling spoons 80 to 140 feet down in 120 to 160 feet of water.
Au Train - A few limits of lake trout were caught north of Shelter Bay and near Grand Island. Fish averaging 3 to 5 pounds were caught on spoons and flies.
Munising - Catch rates were slow due to weather conditions. Reports from the Big Reef area indicate there are still good numbers of nice lake trout in the 20 pound range to be caught. Some perch were caught off Grand Island in Murray Bay. Pier and shore anglers caught a few splake. Try spawn bags or spoons.
Grand Marais - Those able to get out caught lake trout along the drop offs in 150 feet of water about five miles north of the bay.
Indian Lake - Walleye were caught by those trolling or drifting near the weed beds with crawler harnesses or surface rapalas. Perch anglers were fishing close to shore with crawlers. A lot of fish were caught however anglers put in a lot of time to catch fish big enough to eat.
St. Mary’s River - At Sault Ste. Marie, chinook were caught in front of the power plant when trolling J-plugs near the drop off along the shipping channel. Pink salmon have been caught off the pier when casting small pink Cleo’s. Good action in Lake George between the rapids and Timber Ridge Resort when trolling crawler harnesses with purple blades in 12 to 18 feet of water. For Little Lake George on the Canadian side, yellow perch were caught in 30 feet of water between the Garden River and the Sugar Island Township Park.
Cedarville and Hessel - For perch, fish near the Hessel pier, the east end of Hessel Bay, the south shoreline, the north side of Haven Island and Snows Channel. Crawlers worked best in 8 to 12 feet of water however Snows Channel did better in 6 to 10 feet of water. Perch were caught in Musky Bay and the Middle Entrance but the Moscoe Channel was the hot spot when using crawlers in 4 to 6 feet of water. Pink salmon, Atlantic salmon, chinook, steelhead and lake trout were caught 30 feet down in 50 to 60 feet of water around Goose Island. Dredging continues at the Cedarville launch, resulting in only minor pressure around Little Joe Island. Anglers can launch off Four Mile Block on Musky Bay or the Tribal launch on McKay Bay.
St. Ignace - Fishing activity remains steady. Anglers are trolling the flats near the Coast Guard Station and the Edison Plant. Fish were 45 to 55 feet deep.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Perch fishing slowed this week. Good places to try are near the mouth of the River Raisin near Buoys 1 and 2, Luna Pier in 18 feet of water or Stony Point in 22 feet of water. Cooler water temperatures ushered in a few walleye near the River Raisin however the extreme warm up most likely sent the fish back to deeper water. When the next cold front hits, try trolling crawler harnesses.
Huron River - Good numbers of carp were caught up near Flat Rock. Nice bluegills were taken on wax worms or leaf worms at the Telegraph Bridge and the backwaters.
Detroit River - Some walleye were caught in the lower Trenton Channel by those jigging or hand-lining. A few perch were caught in the deep holes and around the northeast corner of Celeron Island.
Lake St. Clair - Is producing some nice smallmouth bass.
Lexington - Those trolling caught a mix of coho, steelhead, lake trout and walleye. Perch fishing was spotty in 35 to 40 feet of water.
Port Sanilac - The fish are out deep so head out to waters 100 to 180 feet deep for trout, salmon and walleye. Perch could be found in waters 30 to 50 feet deep however catch rates were slow.
Harbor Beach - Salmon fishing was slow however a few chinook and pink salmon were caught along with lake trout and steelhead. Most are fishing in 60 to 140 feet of water with spoons, J-plugs and spin-glows. Hot colors were black, glow, green and white with pink dots. For steelhead, try 50 to 60 feet back off the downriggers and 35 to 60 feet down with small spoons in bright colors such as yellow with silver, orange, pink or red with green. Walleye were caught on crawler harnesses, small spoons and body baits straight out and north of the harbor. Try 30 feet of water and work out to 100 feet until you locate fish. Pier anglers might want to start casting body baits or spoons in the evening.
Port Austin - Renovation on the boat ramp is nearly completed and the ramp is scheduled to re-open this Friday.
Saginaw Bay - Had no walleye action to report. Perch are being caught at the Black Hole, the Spark Plug, two miles east of the Spark Plug, Buoy 18, and all along the shipping channel. Anglers will have to do a lot of sorting to find some keepers. Try pieces of crawler. Catfish were still biting near the Hot Pond.
Saginaw River - Is producing a few bass in the lower river.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - When the lake turned over and bought cooler water close to shore, pier anglers were catching chinook and steelhead in the early morning but extremely warm temperatures once again were warming the waters of Lake Michigan. Perch fishing remained good in 20 to 50 feet of water.
St. Joseph River - Has no trout or salmon reports however good numbers of smallmouth bass have been caught on crank baits or soft plastics. Flathead and channel cats were hitting on cut bait.
South Haven - Is producing a few chinook salmon when trolling in 60 to 100 feet of water in the early morning. Pier fishing was slow. Fair to good numbers of perch were caught in 25 to 50 feet of water a couple miles north of the pier.
Kalamazoo River - Remains closed from Marshall to Morrow Dam until further notice. Clean-up will continue through the fall and most likely into winter.
Grand Haven - Salmon fishing was slow. Anglers are heading out in the early morning or right at dark and trolling 55 to 90 feet down in 140 to 240 feet of water. Try smaller spoons in blue and yellow or green and yellow. Big white paddles and green flies have also worked. A couple chinook were caught off the south pier when casting spoons.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Anglers continue to catch both large and smallmouth bass. Boat and shore anglers are catching walleye along with flathead and channel catfish.
Grand River at Lansing - Had good smallmouth bass action between Lansing and Grand Ledge. Moore’s Park Dam is producing some nice catfish and walleye. Try crawlers or cut bait on the bottom.
Muskegon - When boats can get out they are trolling in 120 to 200 feet of water. J-plugs, paddles and flies worked best. Good colors were green, blue, yellow and glow. No salmon were caught off the pier.
Whitehall - Pier anglers have caught some salmon in the evening when casting Cleo’s, mega baits or anything that glows.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Either the fish have decided to cooperate or our fishermen have improved their skills. Warm days and cool nights has made conditions perfect. Water temperatures are slowly falling. The panfish and predators are back on the bite.
The numbers of anglers on Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac are decreasing. Many are turning their attention to catching salmon on the Manistee River, Pier fishing or Great lakes charters. Another loss comes from the early goose season starting September lst.
Crappies are still hitting off the City Dock on Lake Cadillac. Best catches and best size are being caught after dark, the later the better. Gills and sunfish are returning to shallower 6 - 8 foot depths on both lakes. Bobber fish with cricket, leafworms or waxworms. Smaller baits are working best. Don’t sit, keep moving until you find them.
The pike and bass have returned. No hot spot, neither lake is better then the other. Spinner baits are still the local favorite. However, fatter crank baits are good. Many report small bluegills in the fish they clean. Match the hatch!
MANISTEE RIVER
Salmon fishing and salmon catching has begun. A few are alreadey at Tippy Dam. Better numbers are at the Pine and Bear Creek areas.
Pier fishing at Manistee or Frankfort is worth while. Start before day break.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Perch are Starting to Bite
Cooler weather has helped the fishing as perch are starting to show up with good catches in Lake Margreathe, East Grand Traverse Bay, North Lake Leelanau, Higgins Lake, Otsego Lake, Van Etten Lake and Long Lake by Traverse City. As we approach the so-called dog days of summer, walleye fishing in waters of the Great Lakes including Saginaw Bay has begun to taper off, as it usually does around Labor Day. A few salmon have been caught in some rivers but no big numbers yet.
Warm water seems to be slowing the bite in many shallow lakes. Fish the deeper holes to catch fish in this sunny summer weather
Crickets have been selling good this week so gills are in deep water and crickets are the ticket.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye action is almost non-existent as it usually tapers off near Labor Day, and this year everything is at least a week or two early. Forage fish born this spring are now large enough to be of interest to predator fish, and the forage base is at its annual maximum in terms of biomass. Couple this with warm water temperatures and you end up with predator fish that are not hungry. Perch were caught near Buoys 1, 2, 11, 12, and 18 and also a few miles east of Spoils Island.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam as water is flowing as they lower Sanford Lake 5 feet to repair the dam.
Saginaw River- Shore anglers in the lower river are catching some freshwater drum, catfish and the occasional bass.
Whitehall -Salmon fishing has been poor as the fish are scattered.
Wixom Lake has been good for crappie with gills being caught on waxworms
Mullett Lake -Walleye anglers are still heading out and taking a fair number of fish between Red Pine Point and Parrot Point, Dodge Point and Needle Point as well as near the southern Sunken Island and the Indian River. Target 10 to 30 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses, stick baits, crank baits or hot-n-tots. Trout anglers picked up a few fish when trolling spoons 20 to 50 feet down in 75 to 100 feet of water between Parrot Point and Round Point. Pike were caught in 10 to 20 feet of water on minnows, crawlers and crank baits. A few smallmouth bass were caught in Pigeon Bay and near the Indian River. Try crawlers or tube baits in 20 to 25 feet of water. Look for perch in the bays, off the points and near the sunken islands.
Oscoda - A few salmon and steelhead were caught closer to shore in 60 to 80 feet of water. Lake trout are 80 to 90 feet down in 120 to 150 feet of water. Silver and black were good colors for lake trout but the steelhead prefer orange. Van Etten Lake has been great for panfish and perch
Higgins Lake -Lake trout fishing is steady. Boats are trolling minnows and cowbells just off the bottom in 100 feet of water. Lots of rock bass in the 9 to 12 inch range have been caught on minnows and worms.
Houghton Lake - s producing panfish and bass. Early morning or late afternoon is best for bass up in the shallows.
Tawas -Pier fishing continues to be slow. Those trolling are picking up walleye in 35 to 70 feet of water outside Tawas Bay, near Buoys 4 & 6, and near the lighthouse when using crawler harnesses.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling has been real good for gills with crickets and waxworms working best. A perch bite is on with minnows in about 9 feet of water
Charlevoix -Anglers have found fish from North Point to Fishermen’s Island in 100 to 170 feet of water in the early morning or dusk. Fish 70 to 130 feet down with a flasher fly combo, green or moonshine spoons.
Traverse City -In the East Bay, good numbers of whitefish have been caught north of the Center Road launch in 60 to 90 feet of water. Try using natural colored sand kickers. Salmon anglers are catching few fish per trip south of Bluff Road when targeting waters 100 feet deep. Near Elk Rapids, smallmouth bass are hitting on minnows in the channel. In the West Bay, boats were not marking many fish. A few were caught north of Suttons Bay in 60 to 80 feet of water. Lake trout action was slow.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action. I have been fishing there but have not found the fish yet but many are in 50 feet of water.
Portage Lake -Bluegill anglers are still working the deeper waters and shaded areas. Bass anglers did manage to catch a few fish.
Lake Missaukee -Was good for panfish and bass.
Lake Cadillac -Has crappie hitting along the east side of the lake in deeper water. Try small jigs with minnows or leaf worms. Bass fishing was fair to good in the early morning or evening.
Lake Mitchell - Panfish numbers also thinned out with the heat. Those doing best fished the 10 - 12 foot range and deeper. Crappies account for the best numbers. They’re still suspending on the city side of Cadillac. Good size sunfish are coming from the southside of Mitchell in front of the Condos. Seeing catches of good meals but earlier easy limits are past.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair to good catches of walleye when weather permitted. The best fishing was off the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers in 10 to 38 feet of water however the bigger fish were caught between Round Island and the shoals when trolling stick baits or crawlers in 14 to 25 feet of water. Perch fishing was up a bit this week with several jumbo fish taken by the ship docks in Escanaba when jigging crawlers in 25 to 40 feet of water. Salmon anglers were trolling south of Escanaba in deep waters. Try 75 to 130 feet down in waters 100 to 160 feet deep.
Big Bay De Noc -Perch fishing tapered off. Anglers were catching mostly smallmouth bass when casting tube baits or crank baits in 15 to 35 feet of water between Ansell’s Point and Garden Bluff. At Fairport, salmon fishing was fair in 120 to 160 feet of water.
Indian Lake - Most fishing effort was on the north end of the lake. The wind has been high, which made still fishing difficult. Yellow perch were being taken on the north end and near the rock pile in the center of the lake on crawlers. Anglers drifted or trolled with crawler harnesses or drifted gulp minnows for walleye and a few smaller fish were caught. Smallmouth bass were also caught using the same method.
St. Mary’s River -Walleye fishing is still good by the powerhouse to Raber Bay using crawler harnesses and jigs.
Cedarville and Hessel - For perch, fish near the Hessel pier, the east end of Hessel Bay, the south shoreline, the north side of Haven Island and Snows Channel. Crawlers worked best in 8 to 12 feet of water however Snows Channel did better in 6 to 10 feet of water. Perch were caught in Musky Bay and the Middle Entrance but the Moscoe Channel was the hot spot when using crawlers in 4 to 6 feet of water. Pink salmon, Atlantic salmon, chinook, steelhead and lake trout were caught 30 feet down in 50 to 60 feet of water around Goose Island. Dredging continues at the Cedarville launch, resulting in only minor pressure around Little Joe Island. Anglers can launch off Four Mile Block on Musky Bay or the Tribal launch on McKay Bay.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Anglers are starting to pick up salmon from the Hospital to Bay Harbor in 110 to 150 feet of water. The bite was hit-or-miss as the fish are moving around daily and difficult to key in on. Try green, blue or white spoons.
Bear River - Has reported the first push of salmon after heavy rain last weekend. Fish were caught on spawn and yarn.
Charlevoix - Anglers have found fish from North Point to Fishermen’s Island in 100 to 170 feet of water in the early morning or dusk. Fish 70 to 130 feet down with a flasher fly combo, green or moonshine spoons.
Traverse City - In the East Bay, good numbers of whitefish have been caught north of the Center Road launch in 60 to 90 feet of water. Try using natural colored sand kickers. Salmon anglers are catching few fish per trip south of Bluff Road when targeting waters 100 feet deep. Near Elk Rapids, smallmouth bass are hitting on minnows in the channel. In the West Bay, boats were not marking many fish. A few were caught north of Suttons Bay in 60 to 80 feet of water. Lake trout action was slow.
Boardman River - Active fish could be found at the mouth of the river when using minnows or leeches. Bluegills and rock bass can be caught near the Union Street Dam any time of day.
Frankfort - Chinook and coho were starting to move into shallower waters. Boats were heading south and fishing 50 to 80 feet down in 80 to 120 feet of water. Early morning was best when using spoons or j-plugs that glow. After sunrise, try white paddles and green flies or meat rigs. Pier anglers caught a couple fish off the North Pier in the early morning when using glow spoons.
Betsie River - Those fishing near the mouth have caught a few chinook salmon on spawn sacks. Chinook were reported as far up as the Homestead Dam.
Onekama - Had good catch rates despite the wind. Anglers are fishing just north of the breakwall and fishing 50 to 100 feet down in 80 to 140 feet of water. Early morning was best however evening catches have produced fish over 20 pounds. Meat rigs were the ticket. Chinook like meat rigs and coho preferred j-plugs.
Portage Lake - Bluegill anglers are still working the deeper waters and shaded areas. Bass anglers did manage to catch a few fish.
Lake Missaukee - Reported good bass and bluegill fishing.
Lake Cadillac - Has crappie hitting along the east side of the lake in deeper water. Try small jigs with minnows or leaf worms. Bass fishing was fair to good in the early morning or evening.
Manistee - Salmon fishing has been good when the wind allows anglers to get out. Early morning was best with glow plugs in 60 to 120 feet of water. A few fish have been caught off the piers and in the harbor, but not many yet.
Manistee River - Salmon fishing is just starting with only a few fish caught so far.
Ludington - Boat anglers have caught mostly chinook along with a few coho when trolling in 50 to 150 feet of water between the Bath House and Big Sable Point. Use glow plugs in the early morning and switch to chrome as the sun comes up.
Pere Marquette Lake - Those trolling have caught a couple chinook salmon.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Walleye anglers are still heading out and taking a fair number of fish between Red Pine Point and Parrot Point, Dodge Point and Needle Point as well as near the southern Sunken Island and the Indian River. Target 10 to 30 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses, stick baits, crank baits or hot-n-tots. Trout anglers picked up a few fish when trolling spoons 20 to 50 feet down in 75 to 100 feet of water between Parrot Point and Round Point. Pike were caught in 10 to 20 feet of water on minnows, crawlers and crank baits. A few smallmouth bass were caught in Pigeon Bay and near the Indian River. Try crawlers or tube baits in 20 to 25 feet of water. Look for perch in the bays, off the points and near the sunken islands.
Rogers City - Fishing this week has been really good for some but a struggle for others. Bigger salmon and a good number of steelhead are starting to show up in the creel. Try straight out from the harbor or south towards Swan Bay about 45 to 60 feet down in 45 to 90 feet of water with 3, 5, or 7 colors of lead core off boards. This week should be good as anglers have done well in the daytime during a full moon. Look for baitfish in 35 to 60 feet of water or structure that drops off rapidly.
Rockport - Chinook salmon were caught about 25 feet down in 60 feet of water. Steelhead and walleye could be found in 60 feet of water around Middle Island. Lake trout and pink salmon were caught in 120 to 130 feet of water near the wreck. Salmon are hitting anything dark. Walleye and steelhead preferred body baits.
Lake Avalon - In Montmorency County is producing splake in deep water.
Alpena - Sulfur Island continues to be the only place producing walleye in 30 feet of water. The fish were suspended 7 to 10 feet down.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye, smallmouth bass and rock bass have been caught on crawlers. Quite a few bass were running on the small side. Walleye activity was best late at night when using green jigs with crawlers.
Harrisville - Boat anglers reported good fishing for lake trout, walleye, steelhead and the occasional chinook. Lake trout were 75 to 85 feet down in 120 to 150 feet of water, steelhead were near the surface in 80 to 100 feet of water and walleye could be found in 40 to 150 feet of water.
Oscoda - A few salmon and steelhead were caught closer to shore in 60 to 80 feet of water. Lake trout are 80 to 90 feet down in 120 to 150 feet of water. Silver and black were good colors for lake trout but the steelhead prefer orange.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout fishing is steady. Boats are trolling minnows and cowbells just off the bottom in 100 feet of water. Lots of rock bass in the 9 to 12 inch range have been caught on minnows and worms.
Houghton Lake - Is producing panfish and bass. Early morning or late afternoon is best for bass up in the shallows.
Tawas - Pier fishing continues to be slow. Those trolling are picking up walleye in 35 to 70 feet of water outside Tawas Bay, near Buoys 4 & 6, and near the lighthouse when using crawler harnesses.
Au Gres - Local anglers are putting their boats on trailers and heading up to Tawas where the better walleye fishing is. Perch were found in 40 feet of water along the shipping channel however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Fishing has picked up with coho caught by those trolling flies with a flasher or dodger about halfway down in 75 to 100 feet of water. Lake trout were also caught on spoons.
Ontonagon - Had good lake trout fishing just off the bottom in 65 to 85 feet of water. Coho salmon were also active in the same area.
Keweenaw Bay - The bite was slow however anglers did manage to pick up a mix of coho and lake trout when trolling between Sand Point and Carla’s Restaurant in 60 to 100 feet of water. Along the South Portage Entry, a limited number of coho and lake trout were caught by those trolling along the Newton and Farmers Reef.
Marquette - Fishing slowed with the weather however lake trout were still being caught north of the White Rocks and in the Sand Hole when fishing between the bottom and 30 feet up. Spoons worked best and good colors were silver, gold, orange or melon. Surface waters here were averaging 68 degrees. Lake trout were also caught around Stannard Rock.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair to good catches of walleye when weather permitted. The best fishing was off the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers in 10 to 38 feet of water however the bigger fish were caught between Round Island and the shoals when trolling stick baits or crawlers in 14 to 25 feet of water. Perch fishing was up a bit this week with several jumbo fish taken by the ship docks in Escanaba when jigging crawlers in 25 to 40 feet of water. Salmon anglers were trolling south of Escanaba in deep waters. Try 75 to 130 feet down in waters 100 to 160 feet deep.
Big Bay De Noc - Perch fishing tapered off. Anglers were catching mostly smallmouth bass when casting tube baits or crank baits in 15 to 35 feet of water between Ansell’s Point and Garden Bluff. At Fairport, salmon fishing was fair in 120 to 160 feet of water.
Au Train - Lake trout action was slow except for a few fish taken north of Au Train Island and Wood Island Reef. Surface water temperatures have cooled this past week due to rain. The average surface water temperature was 68 degrees.
Munising - The Big Reef continues to produce good lake trout action with fish between 10 and 25 pounds being caught with spoons just off the bottom. Small perch were caught in Murray Bay and a few small splake were seen by those fishing around the Grand Island dock.
Grand Marais - Good numbers of smaller lake trout have been caught about five miles north of the bay when trolling spoons in 150 to 200 feet of water. Shore anglers were pike fishing however catch rates were poor.
Indian Lake - Small walleye have been caught by those trolling or drifting the north end of the lake and around the rock pile with crawler harnesses. Smallmouth bass, pike and perch were also caught but most fish were running on the small side.
De Tour - Anglers continue to harvest trout and salmon when trolling. Chinook were averaging 3 to 12 pounds. Good numbers of pink salmon along with a few Atlantics and steelhead were caught in 45 to 60 feet of water. Watermelon spoons, dipsey divers and glow orange flashers worked best. Near Raber Bay, walleye have been caught by those using crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers. Hot colors were lime, red, purple or blue with smiley blades.
Cedarville and Hessel - For perch, fish near the Hessel pier, the east end of Hessel Bay, the south shoreline, the north side of Haven Island and Snows Channel. Crawlers worked best in 8 to 12 feet of water however Snows Channel did better in 6 to 10 feet of water. Perch were caught in Musky Bay and the Middle Entrance but the Moscoe Channel was the hot spot when using crawlers in 4 to 6 feet of water. Pink salmon, Atlantic salmon, chinook, steelhead and lake trout were caught 30 feet down in 50 to 60 feet of water around Goose Island. Dredging continues at the Cedarville launch, resulting in only minor pressure around Little Joe Island. Anglers can launch off Four Mile Block on Musky Bay or the Tribal launch on McKay Bay.
St. Ignace - Fishing activity remains steady. Anglers are trolling the flats near the Coast Guard Station and the Edison Plant. Fish were 45 to 55 feet deep.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Anglers found perch near the River Raisin channel. More fish were found in deep water however the bigger fish were caught in shallow waters. Catfish and freshwater drum continue to hit perch rigs. Walleye fishing was poor. Water temperatures have dropped to the high 70’s and low 80’s with the recent cold front.
Detroit River - Several anglers have been taking bluegill in the lower river along the west side of the Livingston Channel Dike. Walleye were hit-or-miss. Decreasing water temperatures should trigger some activity.
Lake St. Clair - Fishing was slow. Bass are still being caught however perch have not made it into the lake yet.
Lexington - Those trolling are catching trout and salmon. Perch fishing was spotty.
Port Sanilac - Steelhead fishing has been consistent all summer. Shiny spoons on bright sunny days were best. For perch, try 15 to 25 feet of water and keep moving to find active schools.
Harbor Beach - For lake trout, fish north of the harbor in 60 to 120 feet of water. Chinook and pink salmon were caught with the lake trout. Steelhead were in 100 to 140 feet of water and smaller brown trout were caught. Try J-plugs off downriggers, dipsey divers and boards. Walleye are straight out and north and hitting on crawler harnesses, small spoons or body baits. For color try root beer, perch, purple, gold or green and red. Bass and pike are hitting inside the harbor. Try casting small spoons or body baits in shallow waters.
Grindstone City - Those out trolling are catching a good number of lake trout and steelhead along with a few coho, pink salmon and walleye when fishing the bottom third of waters 70 to 140 feet deep.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye action is almost non-existent as it usually tapers off near Labor Day, and this year everything is at least a week or two early. Forage fish born this spring are now large enough to be of interest to predator fish, and the forage base is at its annual maximum in terms of biomass. Couple this with warm water temperatures and you end up with predator fish that are not hungry. Perch were caught near Buoys 1, 2, 11, 12, and 18 and also a few miles east of Spoils Island.
Cass River - Those fishing in Caro did well for panfish with near limits reported.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Is producing a few salmon, mostly chinook and trout when trolling in 60 to 100 feet of water. A fair number of yellow perch were also caught by those still-fishing a couple miles north of the pier in 20 to 40 feet of water.
St. Joseph River - Smallmouth bass fishing remained good with some nice fish caught on crank baits or plastics. Walleye fishing was slow with only a few fish taken by those drifting crawlers.
Kalamazoo River - Remains closed to fishing from Marshall to Morrow Dam until further notice. Clean-up will continue through the fall and most likely into winter.
Duncan Lake - In Barry County was producing some big bluegills.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Has good bass fishing above the Sixth Street Dam. Largemouth were hitting on frogs and smallmouth on tube baits. For walleye, anglers are fishing shallow waters in the early morning. Boats are drifting crawlers down towards Fulton Street and trolling small crank baits back up. Flathead cats are hitting on large white suckers and bluegills. Channel cats prefer cut bait, chicken liver or bad shrimp. Bluegills and crappie were caught all along the river. For pike, try live suckers or large spinners.
Grand River at Lansing - In North Lansing, smallmouth bass were caught below the dam and largemouth bass above it. Largemouth were running on the small side. Over at Moore’s Park, walleye were caught in the early morning or late at night. Catfish were still the target at Portland.
Park Lake - Boat anglers were catching largemouth bass and pike in deeper waters. Shore anglers were taking a few bluegill.
In Jackson County - Inland lakes were producing panfish and bass. In Big Portage Lake, bluegills were found in deep water.
Lake Ovid - Is producing some nice largemouth bass along with panfish.
Reeds Lake - Has good bass fishing with largemouth hitting on top water lures. Pike were also caught.
Murray Lake - In Kent County is producing some muskie. Anglers are using suckers or large body baits 20 to 25 feet down.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The fishing has been slow the last two weeks. The fish are there! We mark them on our electronics. Full graphs but few biting anything. We’re in the “August Funk” and things are hit and miss. Water temperatures are cooling slowly. Things will change for the better.
Crappie fishing is the only bright spot. The heat hasn’t bothered them. Limits are reported from the east side of Cadillac, as well as in the Big Cove on Lake Mitchell. Leafworms, minnows and especially small jigs are hot. Tube jigs in yellow, clear or pink/white have been out fishing live bait. Catching eater size in the 8 -9 inch range. There’s numbers of small ones, you have to cull. The bigger specks tend to stay deeper, closer to the bottom.
There’s still plenty of bass left. Warm water hasn’t bothered them. Mornings, before the sun starts to penetrate is definately the peak time.
Where did the pike go? What about the walleye? They must be together hiding in the deep holes preparing for back to school.
MANISTEE RIVER
Regardless the water temperatures, a few salmon have been reported all the way to Tippy Dam. There’s been a few catches on flies after midnight. We’re told the Little Manistee has good numbers of salmon already.
This is just the beginning.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Summer Going By Fast
The heat wave has passed, but it has been really windy. Look for cooler water temperatures in the Great Lakes, inland lakes and the rivers. Fish deep because that is where you will find the fish that are active and ready to feed. Salmon fishing has been good at Frankfort and Leland.
Warm water seems to be slowing the bite in many shallow lakes. Fish the deeper holes to catch fish in this sunny summer weather
Crickets have been selling good this week so gills are in deep water and crickets are the ticket.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye fishing continues to be slow in the inner bay due to elevated water temperatures. Perch fishing continues to be fair to good along the shipping channel at the Spark Plug at Buoys 11 and 12 and out at Buoys 1, 2 and 18. A few were also taken from the shipping channel near Spoils Island. Perch are hitting minnows, which continue to be in short supply because of the season of the year.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam
Saginaw River- Shore anglers in the lower river are catching some freshwater drum, catfish and the occasional bass.
Whitehall -Salmon fishing has been poor as the fish are scattered.
Wixom Lake has been good for bass with gills being caught
Mullett Lake -Walleye pressure has remained high with anglers having fair success trolling 50 feet down in 80 to 110 feet of water between Round and Red Pine Point. Night fishing has been showing success with anglers catching their three fish limit. Northern pike have been taken near Dodge Point, Long Point and near the Pigeon Bay and Indian River areas in 8 to 15 feet of water using live minnows, crawlers, and crank baits. Bass fishing pressure has still been low. A few smallmouth have been caught near Aloha State Park, Indian River, Pigeon Bay and between Long and Dodge Point in 15 to 25 feet of water on crawlers and tubes. Those targeting yellow perch are fishing near the points, the north sunken island and in the bays in 10 to 30 feet of water using crawlers and minnows. A few trout were taken by those trolling spoons from Red Pine Point to Round Point and near Long Point in 75 to 100 feet of water fishing 20 to 50 feet down. A few cisco have been taken while trolling spoons midwater in 80 to 110 feet while fishing for trout.
Oscoda - Lake trout are being caught in 120 to 150 feet of water, 80 to 90 feet down. A few steelhead have been caught straight out from the river mouth in 65 to 90 feet of water on spoons and flies when used in conjunction with dipsey divers and lead core. Orange is the most productive color, followed by silver and blue.
Higgins Lake - Is producing perch at the Sunken Island or along the drop-offs and towards the table top. Lake trout are being taken in 90 feet of water on the west side of the lake and pike can be found along the southwest corner. Some anglers are targeting bowfin in 15 to 20 feet of water. Houghton Lake - Fishing has slowed with the warm weather, but anglers are still catching walleye, bass and panfish in the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet of water.
Houghton Lake - Walleye anglers caught fish in the weeds along the south shore and along the east side of the Middle Grounds. A good number of fish were sub-legal. Pike anglers are using large sucker minnows in shallow waters near the weeds. Perch fishing was slow however fish were found out near the Middle Grounds. Bluegills were hitting on leaf worms, wax worms or leeches.
Tawas -Pier fishing is slow. Anglers trolling for walleye are getting good catches out near Buoys 4 & 6 and Buoy 2; also in 30 to 65 feet of water off Alabaster and out north of Big Charity Island. An occasional steelhead is being taken along with the walleye.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling has been real good for gills with crickets and waxworms working best. Also walleye are being caught on leeches and crawlers.
Charlevoix -Salmon fishing is starting to pick up with many anglers finding fish from North Point to Fishermen’s Point 70 to 100 feet down during the first or last light hours. Salmon have been taken on glow spoons and white rotators with a green or blue fly. Pine River Channel has slowed, with anglers catching small walleye and bass with the occasional keeper thrown in.
Traverse City -In the West Bay, anglers trolling for salmon are starting to see more steady results. Many have marked fish along the west side of the bay, south of the M-22 launch. Flies or plugs seem to work best. Lake trout and whitefish anglers are catching fish in around 90 feet of water and are doing better in early morning. Along the East Bay, whitefish anglers are catching good numbers of fish targeting waters around 100 feet. Salmon anglers are trolling the peninsula side of the bay and catching few fish. Lake trout anglers are finding spin and glows or peanuts work the best. Smallmouth anglers are still catching a good number of fish from 20 feet and shallower. Elk Rapids shore anglers are seeing good numbers of smallmouth and found leaches or minnows worked the best.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action. I have been fishing there but have not found the fish yet but many are in 50 feet of water.
Portage Lake -Due to warm water, the fish are hanging around the deep water of the buoy or close to where the trees overhang the water. On the south side bluegill are hitting well near the docks in 10 to 15 feet of water. Worms are working best. Bass anglers are having the most luck early morning on wax worms.
Lake Missaukee -Was good for panfish but walleye fishing was slow.
Lake Cadillac -Although both lakes are full of pike. Northerns of any size have been hard to come by. No trouble catching numbers of throwbacks out of weedbeds. Only a few in the over 30 inch range were reported lately. Deeper, colder water for big pike. Rattle Traps in bleeding colors out fished our favorite spinner baits this week.
Lake Mitchell - Panfish numbers also thinned out with the heat. Those doing best fished the 10 - 12 foot range and deeper. Crappies account for the best numbers. They’re still suspending on the city side of Cadillac. Good size sunfish are coming from the southside of Mitchell in front of the Condos. Seeing catches of good meals but earlier easy limits are past.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair walleye fishing near the Black Bottom and south to Breezy Point when trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water. The First and Second Reef were also producing fish for those using crank baits or crawlers, but many were sub-legal. Bass anglers reported good numbers of smallmouth throughout the Bay. Some nice yellow perch were caught by those jigging crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water off the Narrows. Salmon anglers had little to report.
Big Bay De Noc -Had good yellow perch fishing in Garden Bay. Most were still-fishing crawlers in 8 to 12 feet of water. Good smallmouth bass fishing from Kate’s Bay south to Snake Island. Try tube baits in 12 to 30 feet of water. Fairport had good trout and salmon action for those trolling spoons 80 to 145 feet down in 100 to 180 feet of water.
Indian Lake - Most fishing effort was on the north end of the lake. The wind has been high, which made still fishing difficult. Yellow perch were being taken on the north end and near the rock pile in the center of the lake on crawlers. Anglers drifted or trolled with crawler harnesses or drifted gulp minnows for walleye and a few smaller fish were caught. Smallmouth bass were also caught using the same method.
St. Mary’s River -Walleye fishing is still good by the powerhouse to Raber Bay using crawler harnesses and jigs.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are fishing from the Hessel Marina pier for perch, pike and bass. The perch catch is excellent with fish averaging 9 inches. Fishing the early morning hours with crawlers or minnows is best. Boat anglers are fishing in front of Haven Island, the south shore of Hessel Bay and Snows Channel. Perch can also be picked up in the east end of Cedarville Bay and in Moscoe Channel casting stick baits in 8 to 12 feet of water. Dredging has begun at the Cedarville launch, which means the launch will be closed for about 3 months. Anglers may use the public access off Four Mile Block on Musky Bay or the tribal launch on Mckay Bay.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Despite the bay remaining warm, salmon are starting to show up in Little Traverse Bay. Anglers have found salmon scattered in 110 to 150 feet of water from the Petoskey pier head to Bay Harbor. The best action has come on a white or green hoochie with a white, green or red fly.
Charlevoix - Salmon fishing is starting to pick up with many anglers finding fish from North Point to Fishermen’s Point 70 to 100 feet down during the first or last light hours. Salmon have been taken on glow spoons and white rotators with a green or blue fly. Pine River Channel has slowed, with anglers catching small walleye and bass with the occasional keeper thrown in.
Traverse City - In the West Bay, anglers trolling for salmon are starting to see more steady results. Many have marked fish along the west side of the bay, south of the M-22 launch. Flies or plugs seem to work best. Lake trout and whitefish anglers are catching fish in around 90 feet of water and are doing better in early morning. Along the East Bay, whitefish anglers are catching good numbers of fish targeting waters around 100 feet. Salmon anglers are trolling the peninsula side of the bay and catching few fish. Lake trout anglers are finding spin and glows or peanuts work the best. Smallmouth anglers are still catching a good number of fish from 20 feet and shallower. Elk Rapids shore anglers are seeing good numbers of smallmouth and found leaches or minnows worked the best.
Boardman River - Few anglers are reporting, seeing or catching fish. Many anglers are targeting the deeper holes in the river and using live bait for smallmouth and bluegills.
Frankfort - Is active with nice catches of chinook from the Herring Hole and north at the Six Mile Hole fishing to 200 feet. Try glow plugs and lures early in the morning, then switch to meat rigs and spoons with blue after the sun rises. Coho are starting to move into the area.
Betsie River - Fishing is slow with low fishing pressure. A few chinook have entered the river and are showing up at Homestead Dam.
Onekama - Straight out from the outlet to 220 feet and trolling 80 to 150 feet is working well for catching salmon. The early morning catch between 5:00 and 6:30 a.m. is the most productive. Pearl white flashers with green flies are a local favorite, after the morning glows. Chinook are beginning to change colors.
Manistee - Salmon are being taken in 80 to 140 feet of water on glow plugs. No salmon reported yet off the piers.
Ludington - Anglers are catching salmon in 80 to 160 feet of water between the bath house and Big Sable Point on glow plugs and glow spoons.
Portage Lake - Due to warm water, the fish are hanging around the deep water of the buoy or close to where the trees overhang the water. On the south side bluegill are hitting well near the docks in 10 to 15 feet of water. Worms are working best. Bass anglers are having the most luck early morning on wax worms.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Walleye pressure has remained high with anglers having fair success trolling 50 feet down in 80 to 110 feet of water between Round and Red Pine Point. Night fishing has been showing success with anglers catching their three fish limit. Northern pike have been taken near Dodge Point, Long Point and near the Pigeon Bay and Indian River areas in 8 to 15 feet of water using live minnows, crawlers, and crank baits. Bass fishing pressure has still been low. A few smallmouth have been caught near Aloha State Park, Indian River, Pigeon Bay and between Long and Dodge Point in 15 to 25 feet of water on crawlers and tubes. Those targeting yellow perch are fishing near the points, the north sunken island and in the bays in 10 to 30 feet of water using crawlers and minnows. A few trout were taken by those trolling spoons from Red Pine Point to Round Point and near Long Point in 75 to 100 feet of water fishing 20 to 50 feet down. A few cisco have been taken while trolling spoons midwater in 80 to 110 feet while fishing for trout.
Rogers City - Is producing chinook and pink salmon, lake trout, steelhead, brown trout and walleye. Most of the action is straight out and north towards Forty Mile Point and south towards Swan Bay fishing the top 40 feet in 40 to 80 feet of water. Common colors include blue, orange, green, white, glow or any combination
Presque Isle - Good catches are coming in from all directions. Anglers are fishing in 45 to 90 feet of water, fishing the top half. Blue, orange, silver, green and glow combinations are working well. Locate the bait and fish structure for best results.
Rockport - Lake trout are being targeted in 115 feet of water near the Wreck. Anglers looking for salmon are fishing False Presque Isle to the Island in water 60 feet deep, fishing 30 feet down. Dark colors are working well for both areas.
Alpena - Boat anglers were fishing walleye off Sulfur Island in 30 feet of water. The fish are suspended about 7 feet down, hitting on crawler harnesses. A few anglers are also heading 20 miles out to the Humps targeting lake trout on darker spoons. Those fishing the river are catching channel catfish and bass.
Harrisville - Fishing pressure has slowed with the warm weather. Lake trout are out in deep water, about 120 feet in the morning hours and deeper as the day progresses. Lures resembling smelt work the best. Lead core out to 10 colors have been working as well. Steelhead catches are being reported in 70 to 100 feet of water on dipsey divers, lead core and running planner boards with lead core. Orange still works well.
Oscoda - Lake trout are being caught in 120 to 150 feet of water, 80 to 90 feet down. A few steelhead have been caught straight out from the river mouth in 65 to 90 feet of water on spoons and flies when used in conjunction with dipsey divers and lead core. Orange is the most productive color, followed by silver and blue.
Au Sable River - Fishing is slow as dredging is still underway. No reports of walleye being caught, although a few catfish, smallmouth bass and pike have been caught further upriver.
Higgins Lake - Is producing perch at the Sunken Island or along the drop-offs and towards the table top. Lake trout are being taken in 90 feet of water on the west side of the lake and pike can be found along the southwest corner. Some anglers are targeting bowfin in 15 to 20 feet of water. Houghton Lake - Fishing has slowed with the warm weather, but anglers are still catching walleye, bass and panfish in the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet of water.
Tawas - Pier fishing is slow. Anglers trolling for walleye are getting good catches out near Buoys 4 & 6 and Buoy 2; also in 30 to 65 feet of water off Alabaster and out north of Big Charity Island. An occasional steelhead is being taken along with the walleye.
Au Gres - Those trolling for walleye are doing well north of Big Charity Island in 50 to 65 feet of water. A few perch are being caught along the shipping channel in 40 feet of water south of Pointe Au Gres.
Upper Peninsula
Keweenaw Bay - Angler participation was low but the fish bite seemed to pick up at South Portage Entry over the past week. A combination of lake trout, coho and rainbow were taken in 40 to 80 feet of water off Big Reef, Farmers Reef and Newton’s Reef.
Marquette - Action has been good with limits of lake trout reported. The best success has been north of White Rocks and the Sand Hole in 180 to 200 feet of water, with most fish being caught 20 to 30 feet from the bottom. Spoons are providing the best action with choice colors of silver/gold and orange/melon combination. Good catches of lake trout at Stannard Rock with fish averaging 5 to 28 pounds. If you catch a tagged fish, return it to the address located on the tag or contact your local DNRE office for more information.
Au Train - Good fishing action has been reported for lake trout, with fish averaging 3 to 5 pounds. The best areas have been north of the Wood Island Reef and north of Au Train Island.
Munising - Reports relatively slow fishing activity. Fishing within the bay has been poor though there are some scattered reports of decent fishing in Trout Bay. Anglers fishing the Big Reef are seeing good catches of nice sized lake trout. Trolling assorted color spoons remains the most popular method.
Grand Marais - Lake trout fishing has been good when the weather permits, with some limits being reported 5 to 7 miles north of the bay in the shipping channel. Most are fishing in 150 to 200 feet of water using an assortment of spoons. Good catches of lake trout at the Big Reef. Shore angling remains slow.
St. Mary’s River - Walleye fishing is still good by the powerhouse to Raber Bay using crawler harnesses and jigs.
Indian Lake - Most fishing effort was on the north end of the lake. The wind has been high, which made still fishing difficult. Yellow perch were being taken on the north end and near the rock pile in the center of the lake on crawlers. Anglers drifted or trolled with crawler harnesses or drifted gulp minnows for walleye and a few smaller fish were caught. Smallmouth bass were also caught using the same method.
De Tour - Salmon and trout anglers are still trolling both sides of the shipping channel to the red can on the Drummond Island side, to the number 3 green can and to the lighthouse. Chinook, Atlantic and pink salmon, along with lake and rainbow trout are being taken fishing white, black/white combination or green glow spoons, or green, silver flashers with flies. Walleye are hitting upstream in Raber Bay in front of the launch or Karens Resort. Changing colors frequently seems to be assisting the harvest, with pink or yellow/red crawler harnesses being a favorite.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are fishing from the Hessel Marina pier for perch, pike and bass. The perch catch is excellent with fish averaging 9 inches. Fishing the early morning hours with crawlers or minnows is best. Boat anglers are fishing in front of Haven Island, the south shore of Hessel Bay and Snows Channel. Perch can also be picked up in the east end of Cedarville Bay and in Moscoe Channel casting stick baits in 8 to 12 feet of water. Dredging has begun at the Cedarville launch, which means the launch will be closed for about 3 months. Anglers may use the public access off Four Mile Block on Musky Bay or the tribal launch on Mckay Bay.
St. Ignace - Anglers are tolling for trout and salmon on the bay flats from the old fuel tanks to the Coast Guard Station and to the Edison Plant fishing a green spoon with white and yellow scallops, orange crush or flashers and flies. At the Pine River mouth, catfish are being taken on leeches and rock bass on crawlers.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Anglers are catching nice perch out from Stoney Point and Sterling State Park in 24 to 26 feet of water using shiner minnows. Perch are also being taken out from Lake Erie Metropark Marina and Rat Island.
Detroit River - Walleye anglers are having success fishing at night dragging rapalas and pencil plugs on the American and Canadian side and hand-lining the Lower Trenton Channel. Some perch are being taken around the north side of the cross dike, near buoy 3 and the northeast corner of Celeron island.
Lake St. Clair - Warm waters and windy conditions have kept most anglers away. Those who are venturing out are finding a few walleye out by the channel. Muskie action is good in the middle of the lake.
St. Clair River - Fish are being taken jigging in the mornings and afternoons.
Lexington - Good catches of lake trout and steelhead, with the occasional coho, chinook, and pinks while trolling in 80 to 140 feet of water. Try spoons with greens or blues.
Port Sanilac - Perch action has been hit and miss. Try drifting until you find an active school. Most perch have been coming from weed beds in 15 to 35 feet of water.
Caseville - Those trolling for walleye are converging north of Big Charity Island and fishing the Steeples and around the reefs between Caseville and Port Austin. Fish are regularly being taken as deep as 65 to 70 feet. Find water temperatures around 70 degrees and you’ll find the walleye.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing continues to be slow in the inner bay due to elevated water temperatures. Perch fishing continues to be fair to good along the shipping channel at the Spark Plug at Buoys 11 and 12 and out at Buoys 1, 2 and 18. A few were also taken from the shipping channel near Spoils Island. Perch are hitting minnows, which continue to be in short supply because of the season of the year.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Anglers were reporting good catches of coho on the north pier, as well are out in deeper waters. Perch fishing was reported as fair to good.
St. Joseph River - Fishing was slightly better this week but overall on the slow side. Smallmouth bass were being taken on small crank baits. Anglers fishing on the bottom with live bait were catching drum and a few suckers.
Kalamazoo River - Due to the recent oil spill, a section of the river from Marshall to Morrow Dam is closed to all recreational use including fishing until further notice.
Wamplers Lake - Bluegill were biting 12 to 16 feet down in 6 feet of water with crickets being the most popular bait.
Holland - Anglers were catching some nice perch south of the pier in 40 feet of water.
Grand Haven - Trout and salmon are scattered in deep waters. Try fishing 90 to 110 feet down in waters 100 to 130 feet. Windy weather has made pier fishing slow to non-existent.
Grand River at Lansing - Anglers were catching large and smallmouth bass on baby crawlers, minnows and artificial grub tails. Moores Park was producing walleye in the early morning, while those fishing the afternoon were catching bass and catfish.
Muskegon - High wind and rough water has kept anglers away.
Whitehall - Salmon fishing has been poor as the fish are scattered.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The past weeks hot, humid weather kept many anglers off our lakes. The boat launches were empty. No air conditioning out there! Surface water temperatures on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell hit 82 degrees.
Cooler less humid weather has been forcasted. This week the fishermen and the fish will be more comfortable.
The warm water hasn’t bothered the bass. We’re catching large mouths in all depths, 4 to 20 foot. Expect to find them in the shady areas under docks and pontoons. They suspend at the drop offs or hide in the weed lines. This has been one of the best summers for bass in years.
Although both lakes are full of pike. Northerns of any size have been hard to come by. No trouble catching numbers of throwbacks out of weedbeds. Only a few in the over 30 inch range were reported lately. Deeper, colder water for big pike. Rattle Traps in bleeding colors out fished our favorite spinner baits this week.
Panfish numbers also thinned out with the heat. Those doing best fished the 10 - 12 foot range and deeper. Crappies account for the best numbers. They’re still suspending on the city side of Cadillac. Good size sunfish are coming from the southside of Mitchell in front of the Condos. Seeing catches of good meals but earlier easy limits are past.
MANISTEE RIVER
River salmon season is starting. Reports of salmon in the Little Manistee and the Big Manistee. Not many but it’s starting. On the Big Manistee, a few have been caught by the Udell Rollaways and the Pine Creek area. Sharpen the hooks on your Thundersticks, this season is just beginning.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Hot Fishing Report
Warm weather has really changed the fishing patterns as the fish are in deep water and suspended. Most are reporting a tough bite as it has been to hot to fish. It continues to be hot and just like humans; fish do not like hot weather. Look for cooler water temperatures in the Great Lakes, inland lakes and the rivers. Fish deep because that is where you will find the fish that are active and ready to feed. Salmon fishing has been good at Frankfort and Leland.
Above is a rare find as I got to photograph great grey owlet’s from only the second confirmed nest in Michigan
Warm water seems to be slowing the bite in many shallow lakes. Fish the deeper holes to catch fish in this sunny summer weather
Crickets have been selling good this week so gills are in deep water and crickets are the ticket.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye anglers fishing the inner bay are mostly washing worms or catching freshwater drum and catfish instead. Perch fishing was good. Hot spots were a mile east of the Spark Plug, the Black Hole and near Buoys 9, 4, and 2. The fish are hitting mostly on minnows which seem to be in short supply at some of the local bait shops. If you run out of minnows, try worms, a piece of crawler, or vertical jigging with tiny jigs tipped with power baits. Keepers are running 7 to 10 inches. Those fishing straight out from Sebewaing caught perch in the Slot and trollers off Bay Port were fishing the north end of the Slot. Walleye anglers are fishing the deep water off the Flat Rock Reef which is between Caseville and Port Austin. Look for water temperatures in the low 70’s. Channel cats continue to hit shrimp and crawlers in and near the Hot Pond.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam
Saginaw River- Shore anglers in the lower river are catching some freshwater drum, catfish and the occasional bass.
Whitehall -Salmon are hitting in 80 to 140 feet of water.
Wixom Lake has been good for bass with gills being caught
Mullett Lake -A few trout were caught by those trolling spoons 20 to 40 feet down in waters 70 to 100 feet deep from Red Pine Point to Round Point and near Scott Bay. Walleye fishing was fair with fish ranging 15 to 24 inches. Those targeting yellow perch are fishing near the points, the north sunken island and in the bays. Try 10 to 25 feet of water with crawlers or minnows. For pike, try the bays and near the rivers. More anglers are heading out for bass. Smallmouth were caught in 15 to 25 feet of water near the Aloha State Park, the Indian River and between Long Point and Dodge Point when using crawlers or tube baits.
Oscoda -Pier fishing was slow due to dredging in the river. Boat anglers reported good lake trout fishing 10 to 20 feet off the bottom in 90 to 150 feet of water. Green has been a good color. Steelhead are hitting on anything orange. Try 30 to 40 feet down in 60 to 100 feet of water. Walleye have also been caught.
Higgins Lake - Is producing good numbers of rock bass and some were Master Angler status. Perch anglers have caught the occasional 12 to 14 inch fish. Try fishing around the Sunken Island or along the drop-offs. Lake trout were hitting on bombers, rapalas, or live bait just off the bottom in 100 to 120 feet of water. Those fishing the flats on the north end were jigging for lake trout. Try jigs and twister tails, sand kickers, or Swedish pimples with a minnow or a plain hook.
Houghton Lake - Walleye anglers caught fish in the weeds along the south shore and along the east side of the Middle Grounds. A good number of fish were sub-legal. Pike anglers are using large sucker minnows in shallow waters near the weeds. Perch fishing was slow however fish were found out near the Middle Grounds. Bluegills were hitting on leaf worms, wax worms or leeches.
Tawas -Walleye anglers are trolling in 30 to 70 feet of water with a crawler harness near Buoys 4 & 6 or the weedbeds in deeper water by Buoy 2. Some are trolling down toward Alabaster. The fish are scattered so anglers will need to move around and run baits at different depths until you find an active school of fish. Pier fishing was slow except for a few bass and panfish.
Oscoda- Lake trout are in 60 to 150 feet of water and suspended in 10 to 20 feet of water. Fish have been caught on dodgers with spoons. At the end of the pier, walleye have been caught on body baits. Fire-tiger and clown did well.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling has been real good for gills with crickets and waxworms working best. Also walleye are being caught on leeches and crawlers.
Charlevoix -Is producing good numbers of lake trout when fishing spoons and flasher/fly combos just off the bottom in 120 to 150 feet of water. The salmon are scattered. Try 90 to 110 feet down in waters 120 to 200 feet deep.
Traverse City -Along the East Bay, anglers are still targeting 100 to 120 feet of water for lake trout and whitefish. Morning anglers did best north of Yuba Creek. Boaters heading out on the peninsula are reminded that the launch on Center Road is under construction, so be sure to park in designated parking spots only. Few salmon anglers have been out but the number is starting to increase. Shore anglers fishing the Elk Rapids bypass reported fewer fish but the size was bigger. Leeches seem to work best. In the West Bay, anglers are still marking and catching a decent number of lake trout and whitefish south of the island in 100 feet of water. Salmon anglers are putting their time in however few are bringing in fish.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action. I have been fishing there but have not found the fish yet but many are in 50 feet of water
Portage Lake -Fishing has been very good around the buoy with bluegills, rock bass and sunfish hitting on worms.
Lake Missaukee -Was good for panfish but walleye fishing was slow.
Lake Cadillac - Cadillac is fortunate to have the City Dock. A great place to catch crappies for shore fishermen. Best catches come early or just before dark. Minnows and jig combinations work.
Lake Mitchell - Walleye are showing up in the deeper areas of both lakes. Catches of onesies and twosies are regular. Mostly just legal in the 15; 16 inch range. Catches of undersized, 12 to 14’s are common. The stockers are growing. Not many fishing for walleye.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair walleye fishing near the Black Bottom and south to Breezy Point when trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water. The First and Second Reef were also producing fish for those using crank baits or crawlers, but many were sub-legal. Bass anglers reported good numbers of smallmouth throughout the Bay. Some nice yellow perch were caught by those jigging crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water off the Narrows. Salmon anglers had little to report.
Big Bay De Noc -Had good yellow perch fishing in Garden Bay. Most were still-fishing crawlers in 8 to 12 feet of water. Good smallmouth bass fishing from Kate’s Bay south to Snake Island. Try tube baits in 12 to 30 feet of water. Fairport had good trout and salmon action for those trolling spoons 80 to 145 feet down in 100 to 180 feet of water.
Indian Lake - A good number of yellow perch were caught by those floating a worm under a slip bobber along the drop-off on the west shore and the weedbeds along the north shore. Walleye anglers were starting to catch a few keepers when trolling a crawler harness along the rock pile in the middle of the lake and along the drop-off on the east side. A few pike and smallmouth bass were also caught.
St. Mary’s River -Walleye are still good in Raber Bay, the north end of Lime Island and the west side of Round Island when trolling crank baits in 6 to 12 feet of water. Good walleye action near Carlton Creek where anglers are trolling pink bladed crawler harnesses with red beads. Northern pike were caught off the docks when casting spoons in the evening. Near 9 Mile Road, walleye anglers are trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses in 25 feet of water. Muskie and pike were reported at the north end of Munuscong Bay and Moon Island.
Cedarville and Hessel - Pier anglers in Hessel are fishing for perch, pike and bass. Perch fishing has been excellent with fish averaging 9 inches. Early morning is best with crawlers on the north end of Haven Island, the south shore of Hessel Bay and first or second cut into Snows Channel. Perch can also be picked up off Cedarville, Little Joe Island, Government Bay or the Moscoe Channel when trolling stick baits in 8 to 12 feet of water. Those targeting pike are trolling the south shore of Hessel Bay, Snows Channel and the south shore of Musky Bay with minnows under a bobber or stick baits in 6 to 12 feet of water. Dredging has begun at the Cedarville launch, which means the launch will be closed for about three months.
Northwest:
Traverse City - Along the East Bay, anglers are still targeting 100 to 120 feet of water for lake trout and whitefish. Morning anglers did best north of Yuba Creek. Boaters heading out on the peninsula are reminded that the launch on Center Road is under construction, so be sure to park in designated parking spots only. Few salmon anglers have been out but the number is starting to increase. Shore anglers fishing the Elk Rapids bypass reported fewer fish but the size was bigger. Leeches seem to work best. In the West Bay, anglers are still marking and catching a decent number of lake trout and whitefish south of the island in 100 feet of water. Salmon anglers are putting their time in however few are bringing in fish.
Boardman River - Few anglers are reporting, seeing or catching fish. Those lucky enough to catch anything were fishing in the early morning.
Frankfort - Some nice catches have been reported by those trolling 80 to 135 feet down in 150 to 220 feet of water. Early mornings are the most productive when using anything that glows before daybreak. Some chinook were caught on meat rigs.
Onekama - Straight out from the lighthouse to 200 feet of water and trolling south seems to be the trick for catching trout and salmon. Try trolling just a little bit faster with J-plugs. A few coho were also reported so the fish are moving into the area.
Portage Lake - Fishing has been very good around the buoy with bluegills, rock bass and sunfish hitting on worms.
Lake Missaukee - Was good for panfish but walleye fishing was slow.
Manistee - Salmon have been caught in 90 to 180 feet of water. Try green plugs or anything that glows.
Ludington - Boat anglers are catching salmon and a few trout in 80 to 160 feet of water. Glow plugs and spoons are working early in the morning and late at night. Green has been a good color in flies and spoons.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - A few trout were caught by those trolling spoons 20 to 40 feet down in waters 70 to 100 feet deep from Red Pine Point to Round Point and near Scott Bay. Walleye fishing was fair with fish ranging 15 to 24 inches. Those targeting yellow perch are fishing near the points, the north sunken island and in the bays. Try 10 to 25 feet of water with crawlers or minnows. For pike, try the bays and near the rivers. More anglers are heading out for bass. Smallmouth were caught in 15 to 25 feet of water near the Aloha State Park, the Indian River and between Long Point and Dodge Point when using crawlers or tube baits.
Rogers City - Lots of baitfish have been marked in shallow waters 40 to 65 feet deep. Smelt were found in chinook, coho, pink salmon, lake trout, steelhead and the occasional brown trout. Try 45 to 80 feet down in waters 40 to 120 feet deep with 3 to 5 colors of lead core off planer boards. Good colors were green, blue, purple, or black and white. Anything that glows early in the morning or later before the sun goes down. Some nice steelhead were caught up high in the water column when using bright colors such as orange and silver.
Presque Isle - Anglers are fishing the top half of waters 120 feet deep when heading straight out of the marina or north towards the lighthouses. The key was to find baitfish because the fish seem to be on a feeding frenzy.
Rockport - Was producing coho, pink salmon and steelhead. Pink salmon were caught 90 feet down in 115 feet of water around Middle Island. Coho were 30 feet down in 60 feet of water and some walleye were taken 15 feet down in 35 to 45 feet of water. Crawler harnesses worked best for walleye.
Long Lake - Boat and shore anglers have caught bass and bluegills.
Alpena - A good number of shore anglers were looking for walleye and channel catfish. Sulfur Island was the best fishing location for boat anglers looking for walleye. Most were bringing back a fish or two caught 30 feet down in 60 feet of water when using crawler harnesses, deep divers, or reef runners.
Thunder Bay River - Shore anglers harvested a few channel cats when using worms. Night fishing always produces more catfish but some were caught during the day as well. Bass and walleye were mostly sub-legal.
Fletchers Pond - Was producing some bass and panfish.
Harrisville - Fishing was slow but lake trout were caught 80 to 90 feet down in 90 to 120 feet of water with green the hot color. Steelhead were caught in waters 60 to 150 feet deep. Try orange on lead core, dipsey’s and sliders. Walleye are out deep and hitting on steelhead rigs.
Oscoda - Pier fishing was slow due to dredging in the river. Boat anglers reported good lake trout fishing 10 to 20 feet off the bottom in 90 to 150 feet of water. Green has been a good color. Steelhead are hitting on anything orange. Try 30 to 40 feet down in 60 to 100 feet of water. Walleye have also been caught.
Au Sable River - Dredging continues but should finish up soon.
Higgins Lake - Is producing good numbers of rock bass and some were Master Angler status. Perch anglers have caught the occasional 12 to 14 inch fish. Try fishing around the Sunken Island or along the drop-offs. Lake trout were hitting on bombers, rapalas, or live bait just off the bottom in 100 to 120 feet of water. Those fishing the flats on the north end were jigging for lake trout. Try jigs and twister tails, sand kickers, or Swedish pimples with a minnow or a plain hook.
Houghton Lake - Walleye anglers caught fish in the weeds along the south shore and along the east side of the Middle Grounds. A good number of fish were sub-legal. Pike anglers are using large sucker minnows in shallow waters near the weeds. Perch fishing was slow however fish were found out near the Middle Grounds. Bluegills were hitting on leaf worms, wax worms or leeches.
Tawas - Pier fishing is slow, with a few panfish and perch in the mornings and the occasional walleye taken at night. Boat anglers have taken some fair catches of perch out by the lighthouse in 15 to 25 feet of water. Walleye fishing was still pretty good south towards Alabaster in deep waters.
Au Gres - Walleye fishing is still good if you’re willing to fish in 50 to 70 feet of water out northeast of Big Charity Island. It is a long way out there, but that’s where the fish have gone to escape the warm water temperatures found in the inner bay. Crawler harnesses seem to work best.
Flint River - Was producing good numbers of smallmouth bass and catfish from Flushing to Montrose.
Shiawassee River - Some walleye were caught up near the dam in Corunna
Upper Peninsula
Keweenaw Bay - Fishing was slow so anglers have not done well in the Bay or the South Portage Entry.
Ontonagon - Fishing has been good for salmon and lake trout. Best time to fish was 6-10 a.m. and again in the evening. Most are trolling spoons in 100 feet of water.
Marquette - Had fair fishing with a few limits of lake trout taken north of White Rocks and the Sand Hole in 180 to 200 feet of water.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair walleye fishing near the Black Bottom and south to Breezy Point when trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water. The First and Second Reef were also producing fish for those using crank baits or crawlers, but many were sub-legal. Bass anglers reported good numbers of smallmouth throughout the Bay. Some nice yellow perch were caught by those jigging crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water off the Narrows. Salmon anglers had little to report.
Big Bay De Noc - Had good yellow perch fishing in Garden Bay. Most were still-fishing crawlers in 8 to 12 feet of water. Good smallmouth bass fishing from Kate’s Bay south to Snake Island. Try tube baits in 12 to 30 feet of water. Fairport had good trout and salmon action for those trolling spoons 80 to 145 feet down in 100 to 180 feet of water.
Au Train - Fishing was a bit slow. Lake trout averaging 3 to 5 pounds were caught north of the Wood Island Reef and north of Au Train Island in 150 to 200 feet of water. No reports on salmon or steelhead. Surface water temperatures were 70 degrees in the Bay and the upper 60’s near the Wood Island Reef.
Munising - Lake trout fishing was just average in Trout Bay, near Wood Island and along the Pictured Rocks coastline. Anglers are trolling an assorted color of spoons. Shore anglers reported slow catch rates for splake. Time of day does not seem to make much difference in success rates.
Grand Marais - Lake trout fishing was good with some limit catches reported 5 to 7 miles north of the bay in the shipping channel. Some are also heading west and fishing near Au Sable Point. Most are fishing in 150 to 200 feet of water. Those fishing high lines 50 to 75 feet down caught a few coho and steelhead. Shore anglers targeting pike and perch near the boat launch had little success.
St. Mary’s River - Walleye are still good in Raber Bay, the north end of Lime Island and the west side of Round Island when trolling crank baits in 6 to 12 feet of water. Good walleye action near Carlton Creek where anglers are trolling pink bladed crawler harnesses with red beads. Northern pike were caught off the docks when casting spoons in the evening. Near 9 Mile Road, walleye anglers are trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses in 25 feet of water. Muskie and pike were reported at the north end of Munuscong Bay and Moon Island.
De Tour - Salmon and trout anglers are still trolling both sides of the shipping channel to the red can on the Drummond Island side or the green can to the lighthouse. Salmon were hitting 20 to 35 feet down and trout were about 50 feet down in 100 feet of water. Some large lake trout were hitting past the lighthouse near the Humps. Try white spoons with a red nose, green or purple.
Cedarville and Hessel - Pier anglers in Hessel are fishing for perch, pike and bass. Perch fishing has been excellent with fish averaging 9 inches. Early morning is best with crawlers on the north end of Haven Island, the south shore of Hessel Bay and first or second cut into Snows Channel. Perch can also be picked up off Cedarville, Little Joe Island, Government Bay or the Moscoe Channel when trolling stick baits in 8 to 12 feet of water. Those targeting pike are trolling the south shore of Hessel Bay, Snows Channel and the south shore of Musky Bay with minnows under a bobber or stick baits in 6 to 12 feet of water. Dredging has begun at the Cedarville launch, which means the launch will be closed for about three months.
Carp River - Anglers are catching northern pike using weedless baits.
St. Ignace - Anglers are still targeting trout and salmon between the fuel tanks and the Flats or the Edison Plant and the Coast Guard Station. Try purple spoons with a black ladder or green and silver flashers with a fly or squid. At the mouth of the Pine River, catfish were hitting on leeches and rock bass were caught on crawlers.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Those fishing out of Monroe were doing well for perch with limit catches reported. The odd walleye was also caught. Hot spots to fish were Stoney Point, LaPlaisance Bay and Buoys 1 and 2 of the River Raisin Channel. Perch fishing was also good in 18 to 23 feet of water off Luna Pier and in front of the Fermi Plant. Channel cat action has also been good.
Huron River - Is producing a few northern pike below Flat Rock.
Detroit River - Walleye anglers are having marginal success on the lower end of the river including the Trenton Channel.
St. Clair River - Target the deeper waters for walleye. Fish were caught in both the Middle and the South Channel.
Lexington - Is producing lots of steelhead for those trolling in 60 to 100 feet of water and fishing the top half of the water column. Coho and pinks were also caught.
Port Sanilac - Has fair to good numbers of steelhead in waters up to 130 feet deep. Perch fishing seems to have tapered off.
Harbor Beach - Lake trout were caught in 120 to 140 feet of water north of the harbor. Try using plain spoons off downriggers or ghost dodgers with spin and glows down on the bottom. Best colors have been glow in the dark, white with pink dots, and black. Some nice steelhead were caught in 120 to 140 feet of water with the line back 50 feet off the downrigger and down about 60 feet. Use small lures in bright colors such as orange, pink, yellow and silver or red with green. Walleye were caught straight out and north of the harbor on crawler harnesses, small spoons or body baits. Gold, root beer, perch, purple, green and red were good colors. Start in 25 foot of water and work out to 60 feet until you find fish. Salmon fishing was slow.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye anglers fishing the inner bay are mostly washing worms or catching freshwater drum and catfish instead. Perch fishing was good. Hot spots were a mile east of the Spark Plug, the Black Hole and near Buoys 9, 4, and 2. The fish are hitting mostly on minnows which seem to be in short supply at some of the local bait shops. If you run out of minnows, try worms, a piece of crawler, or vertical jigging with tiny jigs tipped with power baits. Keepers are running 7 to 10 inches. Those fishing straight out from Sebewaing caught perch in the Slot and trollers off Bay Port were fishing the north end of the Slot. Walleye anglers are fishing the deep water off the Flat Rock Reef which is between Caseville and Port Austin. Look for water temperatures in the low 70’s. Channel cats continue to hit shrimp and crawlers in and near the Hot Pond.
Saginaw River - Shore anglers in the lower river are catching some freshwater drum, catfish and the occasional bass.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Salmon and trout were caught with downriggers set 40 to 60 feet down in waters 50 to 120 feet deep. Most anglers caught chinook and steelhead.
St. Joseph River - Overall fishing was slow except for smallmouth bass hitting on small crank baits or minnows. Some were small. A few walleye were also caught however fishing was spotty and the fish were on the small side. Most anglers are using minnows or drifting crawlers.
South Haven - Boats here have also caught chinook and steelhead about 50 feet down in 60 to 80 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow.
Kalamazoo River - Due to the recent oil spill, a section of the river from Marshall to Morrow Dam is closed to all recreational use including fishing until further notice.
Grand Haven - Trout and salmon were caught in 120 to 170 feet of water with downriggers set between 85 feet down and the bottom. Paddles and flies in blue, green and white were good at the deeper depths, while green or glow J-plugs worked higher in the water column.
Grand River at Lansing - Large and smallmouth bass were caught on red worms or crawlers near the North Lansing Dam. At Moore’s Park, catfish were still hitting and some nice bluegills were caught on red worms and crawlers below the dam. Good catfish action near Portland.
Lake Ovid - Bass were caught in shallow waters in the early morning or evening. For bigger bluegills, try fishing near the bottom in deeper water.
Muskegon - The fish cleaning station at Muskegon State Park is open. Boats are trolling anywhere from 65 feet down to the bottom in waters 90 to 220 feet deep. Colder water was found 200 to 220 feet deep. Use paddles and flies or J-plugs here as well. No perch to report.
Muskegon River - Walleye fishing was good at the Hardy Dam Pond. Some were keepers but many were sub-legal.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The bite continues! Dispite heavy wind and rain, good catches are common. Our vacationers are happy.
Both large and small mouths are cooperating. Try top water fishing at dawn and dusk for some real fun. During the day the flats hold active fish.
The tooth crritters have been biting all day long. Spinner baits account for most of our pike. White and blends of white are the local favorites on Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac.
For August we’re experiencing better than average pan fishing. Forget the small ones in the shallows. Either lake, the best sizes of gills, sunfish and crappie are being caught in 10 foot and deeper.
Cadillac is fortunate to have the City Dock. A great place to catch crappies for shore fishermen. Best catches come early or just before dark. Minnows and jig combinations work.
Walleye are showing up in the deeper areas of both lakes. Catches of onesies and twosies are regular. Mostly just legal in the 15; 16 inch range. Catches of undersized, 12 to 14’s are common. The stockers are growing. Not many fishing for walleye.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Northern Michigan Fishing Report 7/29/10
Fish have been biting with leeches working the best for walleye and lots of suspended fish. Catch rates for panfish were good. Trout and salmon anglers were doing well and the walleye bite has improved. Anglers are still catching trout and salmon in the Great Lakes as well as walleye, bass, pike and panfish in the rivers and inland lakes.
Warm water seems to be slowing the bite in many shallow lakes. Fish the deeper holes to catch fish in this sunny summer weather
Crickets have been selling good this week so gills are in deep water and crickets are the ticket.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye fishing was generally slow around the inner bay as water temperatures reached the low 80’s. Saginaw Bay does not temperature stratify, which means water temperatures are the same from top to bottom. Walleyes prefer temperatures in the low 70’s, which may explain why fishing is slow. A few fish were caught along the weedbeds in the early morning and near the mouth of the Saginaw River in the evening. Those trolling did catch lots of white bass, freshwater drum, catfish and white perch, as these species love the warm water. Fair to good perch fishing was reported around the Spark Plug and Buoys 11 & 12 when using minnows in the early morning. Good walleye fishing was reported north of Big Charity Island at the Steeples and along the reefs between Caseville and Port Austin. Most are trolling harnesses or spoons off planer boards in 30 to 70 feet of water.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam
Saginaw River- Limits of panfish have been caught in the impoundments.
Whitehall -Salmon are hitting in 80 to 140 feet of water.
Wixom Lake has been good for bass with gills being caught
Mullett Lake -Walleye and perch are the targets followed by pike and trout. Walleye action was fair in 13 to 25 feet of water between the points, Pigeon Bay and near the sunken islands. Most are trolling crawler harnesses, stick baits or crank baits. Perch were caught in the same area in 5 to 10 feet of water. Pike anglers are fishing 10 to 15 feet of water with live minnows or crank baits. A few bass were caught on leeches or crawlers in 5 to 10 feet of water at Needle Point.
Oscoda - Lake trout, steelhead and a few salmon have been caught in 70 to 90 feet of water. Most of the fish are suspended and hitting on lead core, dipsey divers and sliders. Steelhead were up high in 60 to 80 feet of water. Walleye were caught out deep in 60 to 80 feet of water on trout and salmon baits.
Higgins Lake - Has good lake trout fishing in 80 to 90 feet of water when jigging or casting swedish pimples, sand kickers or cast masters. Bigger pike should be found in 20 to 40 feet of water. Perch have been caught but the fish are small. Good numbers of rock bass and smallmouth bass have been caught.
Houghton Lake - Had fair to good walleye fishing however not all the fish caught were keepers. Anglers are trolling crank baits or jigging with leeches. Those drifting along the weeds in 10 to 12 feet of water caught walleye, bass and bluegills. Pike were hitting on large sucker minnows.
Tawas -Walleye anglers are trolling in 30 to 70 feet of water with a crawler harness near Buoys 4 & 6 or the weedbeds in deeper water by Buoy 2. Some are trolling down toward Alabaster. The fish are scattered so anglers will need to move around and run baits at different depths until you find an active school of fish. Pier fishing was slow except for a few bass and panfish.
Oscoda- Lake trout are in 60 to 150 feet of water and suspended in 10 to 20 feet of water. Fish have been caught on dodgers with spoons. At the end of the pier, walleye have been caught on body baits. Fire-tiger and clown did well.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling has been real good for gills with crickets and waxworms working best. Also walleye are being caught on leeches and crawlers.
Charlevoix -Is producing good numbers of lake trout when fishing spoons and flasher/fly combos just off the bottom in 120 to 150 feet of water. The salmon are scattered. Try 90 to 110 feet down in waters 120 to 200 feet deep.
Traverse City -The East Bay is still producing good catches of smallmouth bass. Those fishing the Elk River bypass caught the occasional smallmouth bass on natural baits. Good numbers of lake trout and whitefish were marked north of the launch at Center Road. The West Bay saw slower catch rates due to warm water conditions. Lake trout were marked in 100 feet of water where anglers are jigging or trolling around the island. Green was the hot color.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action.
Portage Lake - The walleye and perch fishing has started to pick up the last few days.
Lake Missaukee - Is producing fair to good numbers of bass and panfish.
Lake Cadillac - Anglers are starting to catch more walleye. Boats are trolling crawler harnesses or drifting with leeches. Bass anglers are doing well for both large and smallmouth. Try crawlers, leeches or spinners. Pike have been caught in the shallows however the bigger fish are in deeper water. Fair to good numbers of panfish have also been caught.
Lake Mitchell - Is also giving up fair to good numbers of panfish in the coves and along the weedbeds. Those trolling or drifting crawler harnesses along the east side of the lake have caught some walleye.
Little Bay De Noc - Fishing was slow however some walleye were caught near the Escanaba River when trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 24 feet of water or south from Portage Point to the Ford River in 10 to 38 feet of water. A few perch were caught off the beach at Gladstone when jigging worms in 14 to 25 feet of water or south of the shipping docks in 20 to 30 feet of water. Salmon were recorded 60 to 75 feet down in 80 to 90 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Most of the anglers here are bass anglers. A good number of smallmouth bass are still being caught in Kates Bay and near Ansell’s Point. Most are casting or drifting tube baits, crank baits or minnows in 14 to 28 feet of water. Few are targeting walleye so no report for this week. Off Fairport, water temperatures are extremely warm so anglers will need to fish deeper. Try 75 to 90 feet down in waters over 100 feet deep.
Indian Lake - A good number of yellow perch were caught by those floating a worm under a slip bobber along the drop-off on the west shore and the weedbeds along the north shore. Walleye anglers were starting to catch a few keepers when trolling a crawler harness along the rock pile in the middle of the lake and along the drop-off on the east side. A few pike and smallmouth bass were also caught.
St. Mary’s River -Near Munuscong Lake, walleye have been caught when trolling the bell area and south. Some boats are going out of the channel into the shallows with bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses in gold, black and orange.
Cedarville and Hessel - Pier anglers in Hessel are fishing for perch, pike, and bass with minnows or crawlers. Perch averaged 9 inches. Boat anglers are fishing the south shore of Haven Island, the east end of Hessel Bay and just into Snows Channel. Musky Bay had fair catch rates for pike and bass. Perch were caught around Little Joe Island, Government Bay, the Moscoe Channel and the south shore of Cedarville Bay. Dredging operations at the Cedarville launch have begun. Anglers can use the launch off Four Mile Block or the Tribal launch in McKay Bay.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Little Traverse Bay still has warm water with temperature breaks down 120 to 140 feet. Lake trout have been caught in 120 to 150 feet of water when trolling spoons near the bottom. Anglers looking for salmon might want to try the waters between Seven Mile Point and Five Mile Point.
Charlevoix - Is producing good numbers of lake trout when fishing spoons and flasher/fly combos just off the bottom in 120 to 150 feet of water. The salmon are scattered. Try 90 to 110 feet down in waters 120 to 200 feet deep.
Traverse City - The East Bay is still producing good catches of smallmouth bass. Those fishing the Elk River bypass caught the occasional smallmouth bass on natural baits. Good numbers of lake trout and whitefish were marked north of the launch at Center Road. The West Bay saw slower catch rates due to warm water conditions. Lake trout were marked in 100 feet of water where anglers are jigging or trolling around the island. Green was the hot color.
Boardman River - Is producing a variety of fish from rock bass to summer run steelhead. Though most days have been slow on the river, overcast days seem to produce to the most fish.
Manistee - Salmon were caught 60 to 100 feet down in waters 120 to 180 feet deep when using meat rigs or spinnies and flies.
Ludington - Salmon here were caught in waters 100 to 200 feet deep. Try running glow plugs early in the morning and then switching to spinnies and flies.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Walleye and perch are the targets followed by pike and trout. Walleye action was fair in 13 to 25 feet of water between the points, Pigeon Bay and near the sunken islands. Most are trolling crawler harnesses, stick baits or crank baits. Perch were caught in the same area in 5 to 10 feet of water. Pike anglers are fishing 10 to 15 feet of water with live minnows or crank baits. A few bass were caught on leeches or crawlers in 5 to 10 feet of water at Needle Point.
Rogers City - Was producing limit catches of salmon and trout. Good spots to fish are straight out, north towards Forty Mile Point and south towards Adams Point or Swan Bay. Best depths have been from 45 to 120 feet down depending on the time of day. Cloudy days were better. Fish are easily spooked in shallow waters so get the lines and lures out away from the boat. Look for baitfish, not temperature. Good colors are blue, green, orange, or black and white glow.
Rockport - Walleye were caught 20 feet down in 40 to 50 feet of water in Bell Bay. Crawler harnesses worked best. No limits but usually 2 or 3 fish. For lake trout and salmon, anglers are fishing 120 feet of water near the Nordmeer Wreck or between Stoneport and False Presque Isle. Lake trout are close to the bottom and salmon are about halfway down.
Alpena - Was producing good numbers of lake trout, walleye and pink salmon, but a limited number of chinook. Walleye were hitting near North Point and Sulfur Island in 30 to 35 feet of water on harnesses and body baits, reef runners or crank baits. For trout and salmon, head straight out from the launch to the second and third set of Humps, which is about 25 to 30 miles out.
Thunder Bay River - A good number of catfish have been caught at night. Decent size smallmouth bass were caught along with a few small walleye. Hot spots were near the Foot Bridge behind the Boys and Girls Club and the Ninth Street Bridge.
Harrisville - Has fair catches of lake trout, steelhead and walleye with the occasional salmon reported. Lake trout are 70 to 90 feet of water in the early morning and 150 to 200 feet later in the day. Green, black, silver, and white in almost any combination seem to work well. Steelhead are in 60 to 90 feet of water and hitting on anything orange. Walleye are still being caught north of the harbor towards Sturgeon Point on crawler harnesses and body baits.
Oscoda - Lake trout, steelhead and a few salmon have been caught in 70 to 90 feet of water. Most of the fish are suspended and hitting on lead core, dipsey divers and sliders. Steelhead were up high in 60 to 80 feet of water. Walleye were caught out deep in 60 to 80 feet of water on trout and salmon baits.
Au Sable River - Walleye fishing in the river has slowed.
Tawas - Walleye anglers are trolling in 30 to 70 feet of water with a crawler harness near Buoys 4 & 6 or the weedbeds in deeper water by Buoy 2. Some are trolling down toward Alabaster. The fish are scattered so anglers will need to move around and run baits at different depths until you find an active school of fish. Pier fishing was slow except for a few bass and panfish.
Au Gres - Most of those trolling are still heading north of Big Charity Island or to deeper water off the Gravelly Shoals. Fish were caught in 15 to 50 feet of water. Some stayed north of Buoys 1 & 2. A few perch were caught in 40 feet of water south of Pointe Au Gres.
Au Gres River - Is giving up good numbers of channel cats.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - The salmon and trout bite were slow. Anglers had to make long runs to the south in order to find the chinook and coho.
Ontonagon - Fishing was good with lake trout in the 3 to 8 pound range caught straight out or a couple miles north. The fish were in 60 to 80 feet of water in the early morning and late evening however mid-day the fish were in 110 feet of water. More coho salmon have been caught south of the harbor and down near Silver City. Lake trout were close to the bottom and salmon in the upper half of the water column.
Lake Gogebic - Has been good for walleye, bass and perch.
Little Bay De Noc - Fishing was slow however some walleye were caught near the Escanaba River when trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 24 feet of water or south from Portage Point to the Ford River in 10 to 38 feet of water. A few perch were caught off the beach at Gladstone when jigging worms in 14 to 25 feet of water or south of the shipping docks in 20 to 30 feet of water. Salmon were recorded 60 to 75 feet down in 80 to 90 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Most of the anglers here are bass anglers. A good number of smallmouth bass are still being caught in Kates Bay and near Ansell’s Point. Most are casting or drifting tube baits, crank baits or minnows in 14 to 28 feet of water. Few are targeting walleye so no report for this week. Off Fairport, water temperatures are extremely warm so anglers will need to fish deeper. Try 75 to 90 feet down in waters over 100 feet deep.
Marquette - Was producing a good mix of coho, lake trout and steelhead when trolling outside the Lower Harbor and towards the Chocolay River in 50 to 70 feet of water. Good lake trout action near the Sand Hole and the White Rocks north of Granite Island. Gold and silver spoons were the ticket.
Indian Lake - A good number of yellow perch were caught by those floating a worm under a slip bobber along the drop-off on the west shore and the weedbeds along the north shore. Walleye anglers were starting to catch a few keepers when trolling a crawler harness along the rock pile in the middle of the lake and along the drop-off on the east side. A few pike and smallmouth bass were also caught.
Manistique Lake - Is producing some nice catches of bluegill in the south lake.
Au Train - Lake trout fishing was slow however a few fish have been caught in 150 to 200 feet of water around Wood Island and the shipping channel. There were rumors of coho near the Shelter Bay area.
Munising - Lake trout fishing was fair. The most productive spot was near Wood Island with fish averaging 5 to 10 pounds. Success in the Big Reef appears to be past its peak however a fair number of fish were still caught. Anglers are trolling lures or floating cut bait. A few salmon were caught in Trout Bay and along the Pictured Rocks. Shore fishing for splake was slow with only a few fish taken by those casting body baits or still-fishing with spawn.
Grand Marais - Boat anglers reported fair to good results when fishing the deeper waters in the shipping channel, which is 5 to 7 miles north of the bay. A good number of fish were running on the small side.
St. Mary’s River - Near Munuscong Lake, walleye have been caught when trolling the bell area and south. Some boats are going out of the channel into the shallows with bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses in gold, black and orange.
De Tour - Anglers report the herring have moved on. Trout and salmon are being targeted in the channel on the Drummond Island side. Those trolling have also caught the occasional steelhead, pink or Atlantic salmon.
Cedarville and Hessel - Pier anglers in Hessel are fishing for perch, pike, and bass with minnows or crawlers. Perch averaged 9 inches. Boat anglers are fishing the south shore of Haven Island, the east end of Hessel Bay and just into Snows Channel. Musky Bay had fair catch rates for pike and bass. Perch were caught around Little Joe Island, Government Bay, the Moscoe Channel and the south shore of Cedarville Bay. Dredging operations at the Cedarville launch have begun. Anglers can use the launch off Four Mile Block or the Tribal launch in McKay Bay.
St. Ignace - Anglers are still tolling for trout and salmon between the power plant and the Coast Guard Station or near the old fuel tanks and flats. Try 30 to 40 feet down in 60 feet of water with green spoons that have a large white dot.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Walleye fishing was poor as water temperatures pushed up towards the mid 80’s. Bass fishing was fair. Perch fishing has been the only bright spot with some good catches coming from the E buoy near Bolles Harbor and the area around Turtle Island. Small minnows worked best.
Detroit River - A few walleye were still being caught in the lower Trenton Channel near the power plant and Calf Island. Perch were caught around Celeron Island, the shipping channel, the Cross Dike and Sugar Island.
Lake St. Clair - Has good smallmouth bass fishing. Most of the fish have moved to waters 15 feet or deeper. Expect bass fishing to pick up in the Delta Channels as the fish look for cooler water. This is normal activity for a warm summer. Perch fishing was spotty but fish were caught along the shipping channel and near the Dumping Grounds. Walleye were also caught in the shipping channel when using crawler harnesses. Muskie fishing continues to be red hot! Anglers are casting near the weedbeds in clear water or trolling the shipping channel and the Ontario side of the lake. Buck tails have been the ticket.
St. Clair River - Walleye fishing has been extremely slow.
Lexington - A few perch were caught down toward Lakeport when fishing the weedbeds. Pier fishing is slow, and not many boats have been out.
Port Sanilac - Perch anglers did well on the right day. Fish in the 8 to 14 inch range were caught in 15 feet of water just south of the harbor.
Harbor Beach - Lake trout are being taken in 70 to 100 feet of water north and straight out from the harbor. Try using plain spoons off downriggers and boards. Best colors have been green and red, chartreuse and white, silver or black. Steelhead are hitting on bright colors in 70 to 120 feet of water. Salmon fishing was slow but a few coho and pink salmon were caught in the mix. Walleye were caught north of the harbor with some limit catches reported on crawler harnesses, small spoons or small body baits. Try gold, perch, or green and red. Perch fishing remains slow but bass and pike were caught inside the harbor.
Grindstone City - Had warm water temperatures. The thermocline was at 122 feet of water. Walleye anglers did well in 30 to 70 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses and small spoons off planer boards. A few whitefish along with a good number of freshwater drum were also caught. The tip of the Thumb has produced the best and most consistent walleye fishing. Smallmouth bass were caught in 30 to 40 feet of water. Boats trolling for salmon are going out to 150 to 160 feet of water or find the scum line and you will find fish.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing was generally slow around the inner bay as water temperatures reached the low 80’s. Saginaw Bay does not temperature stratify, which means water temperatures are the same from top to bottom. Walleyes prefer temperatures in the low 70’s, which may explain why fishing is slow. A few fish were caught along the weedbeds in the early morning and near the mouth of the Saginaw River in the evening. Those trolling did catch lots of white bass, freshwater drum, catfish and white perch, as these species love the warm water. Fair to good perch fishing was reported around the Spark Plug and Buoys 11 & 12 when using minnows in the early morning. Good walleye fishing was reported north of Big Charity Island at the Steeples and along the reefs between Caseville and Port Austin. Most are trolling harnesses or spoons off planer boards in 30 to 70 feet of water.
Saginaw River - Limits of panfish have been caught in the impoundments.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph River - Overall fishing was slow. Walleye were caught by those drifting crawlers however many were small. Bass anglers fared well with a couple really nice smallmouth caught by those casting crank baits from shore.
South Haven - Continues to produce some yellow perch.
Holland - Boat anglers caught chinook, lake trout and steelhead in the late evening.
Grand Haven - Anglers are having a hard time catching trout and salmon as the fish are scattered. Some are fishing 75 to 110 feet down in waters 95 to 130 feet deep. Try white paddles with blue and green flies. Pier fishing is for catfish, bass and freshwater drum. No perch to report.
Paw Paw Lake - Is producing bass and walleye.
Grand River at Lansing - Moore’s Park is still producing catfish and walleye in the early morning. The North Lansing Dam was good for largemouth bass. Try crawlers, spinners or crank baits.
Park Lake - Near Bath was producing bluegill and pike.
Lake Ovid - The boating access site at Sleepy Hollow State Park has reopened for public use. Site improvements included a new road to the boat launch off Price Road and improved parking. The new road to the boat launch will shorten the drive by three and half miles.
Clear Lake - In Jackson County has good bluegill fishing in deeper waters. A few pike have also been caught along the weedbeds.
Muskegon - Boat anglers heading north towards Whitehall have caught more fish in the bottom 60 feet of waters 80 to 140 feet deep. Try paddle/fly combos or spinnies and flies in white, blue or green in the morning. Change to yellow as the sun gets brighter. The fish cleaning station is shut down for maintenance for an unknown period of time. No perch to report.
Muskegon River - Trout fishing has been good near Croton Dam. Walleye have been caught in the Hardy Dam Pond.
Whitehall - Salmon are hitting in 80 to 140 feet of water.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Fishing on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell has been good as the weather.
The sun is hot, the lakes are warm. Still this has been one of the better summers for catching fish.
Bass fishing has been better then normal. Small mouths are even being caught in the same areas as the large mouths. Spinner baits are still catching good numbers. Expect the pike to try to steal your lures as well.
The fishing report hasn’t changed. Reports from both lakes of nice catches of bass, pike and crappie. Scattered catches of walleyes and some catches of keeper bluegills and perch.
If the toothy critters interest you, pike fishing has also been good. Expect lots of undersized in the shallow weed beds. The 30 inch and over have gone deep. Spinner baits are hot and expect mixed catches of bass and pike on them.
Descent catches of gills and crappie are being reported. The numbers are dominated by black crappie. Lake Cadillac, fish the deeper east and southeast side. Lake Mitchell, try the mouths of the Big and Small Coves. Although not as deep as Cadillac, healthy cabbage beds are holding the panfish.
Pictures tell the story better then words!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Fish are starting to bite again
Fish have been biting with leeches working the best for walleye and lots of suspended fish. Catch rates for panfish were good. Trout and salmon anglers were doing well and the walleye bite has improved. Strong storms at the end of the week may scatter the fish however catch rates should resume by the weekend.
Marking programs are implemented for a variety of reasons, including estimating fish growth, mortality, exploitation, and movement. Angler cooperation is an essential component of these programs. To report a tagged fish, http://www.michigan.gov/dnr, or call your local Fisheries Management Office.
Saginaw Bay -Most walleye were caught out deep just north of Buoys 1 & 2. Crawler harnesses were the most productive however some also did well using crank baits. On the Callahan Reef, walleye were caught along the weeds in the morning. Success rates were much higher for those fishing deep water. Caseville was also productive for walleye. Catfish were still hitting at the Hot Pond.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam
Saginaw River- Catfish are still being caught in the lower river.
Whitehall - Salmon and lake trout were on the bottom in 80 to 140 feet of water.
Wixom Lake has been good for bass with gills being caught
Mullett Lake -Surface temperatures were in the mid 70’s. Most anglers are after walleye and perch but a few were targeting pike and steelhead. Walleye anglers had fair success with fish ranging from 12 to 22 inches caught between Parrot Point and Pigeon Bay or Dodge Point and Needle Point. Try 10 to 30 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses, stick baits or crank baits. Those targeting trout were trolling spoons 20 to 40 feet down in 70 to 120 feet of water near Scott Bay or between Red Pine Point and Round Point. Yellow perch were targeted near Needle Point, Round Point, Long Point, Dodge Point, Scott Bay and the sunken island. Try 10 to 25 feet of water with crawlers or minnows. A few pike were caught in Pigeon Bay and near the Indian River when using large minnows or crank baits in 10 to 20 feet of water. The occasional white bass and smallmouth bass were caught between Aloha State Park and Round Point.
Oscoda - Is producing lake trout for those fishing halfway down in waters 90 to 120 feet deep. Black and white were the hot colors. Steelhead were caught on bright colors in 60 to 70 feet of water. The pier has been great for walleye and catfish
Higgins Lake - Has good lake trout fishing in 80 to 90 feet of water when jigging or casting swedish pimples, sand kickers or cast masters. Bigger pike should be found in 20 to 40 feet of water. Perch have been caught but the fish are small. Good numbers of rock bass and smallmouth bass have been caught.
Houghton Lake - Had fair to good walleye fishing however not all the fish caught were keepers. Anglers are trolling crank baits or jigging with leeches. Those drifting along the weeds in 10 to 12 feet of water caught walleye, bass and bluegills. Pike were hitting on large sucker minnows.
Tawas -Boats trolling for walleye are running 15 to 40 feet down in waters 40 to 70 feet deep around the Charity Islands or south towards Alabaster.
Oscoda- Lake trout are in 60 to 150 feet of water and suspended in 10 to 20 feet of water. Fish have been caught on dodgers with spoons. At the end of the pier, walleye have been caught on body baits. Fire-tiger and clown did well.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling has been real good for gills with crickets and waxworms working best. Also walleye are being caught on leeches and crawlers.
Charlevoix -Warm water pushed the salmon and lake trout out deeper. A few lake trout were caught 120 to 150 feet down in waters 150 to 180 feet deep between the sand dunes and North Point. Green and blue spoons with dodger/fly combos caught fish. Good steelhead fishing from the red can west to Fisherman’s Island when using orange spoons 20 to 40 feet down. Smallmouth bass in the Pine River channel.
Traverse City - Boat anglers trolling or jigging are doing well for lake trout and whitefish. Smallmouth bass were caught at the south end of the bay and the Elk Rapids bypass. In the West Bay, those trolling were marking more fish as catch rates improve. Lake trout and a few chinook salmon have been caught in waters over 100 feet deep.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action.
Portage Lake - Mayflies are still in the area so catch rates were slow.
Lake Missaukee - Is producing fair to good numbers of bass and panfish.
Lake Cadillac - Anglers are starting to catch more walleye. Boats are trolling crawler harnesses or drifting with leeches. Bass anglers are doing well for both large and smallmouth. Try crawlers, leeches or spinners. Pike have been caught in the shallows however the bigger fish are in deeper water. Fair to good numbers of panfish have also been caught.
Lake Mitchell - Is also giving up fair to good numbers of panfish in the coves and along the weedbeds. Those trolling or drifting crawler harnesses along the east side of the lake have caught some walleye.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were down due to several large mayfly hatches and schools of bait fish. The better fishing was at night when trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses along the weeds in 6 to 14 feet of water around Escanaba. Strong south winds pushed a good number of walleye into the Breezy Point area and catch rates were good. Perch fishing was spotty. Most fish were caught off Butler Island or the Narrows in 8 to 25 feet of water. Fair to good salmon fishing between the mouth of the Escanaba Yacht Harbor and south to the red buoy when trolling spoons 60 to 70 feet down in 80 to 85 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Several nice walleye were caught off Ansell’s Point when trolling crank baits in 18 to 22 feet of water. Good to excellent smallmouth bass fishing with the most fish caught in Kate’s Bay when casting tube baits or plastic worms in 12 to 14 feet of water. Off Fairport, water temperatures were variable making it harder to locate fish, but those trolling 60 to 70 feet down in 80 to 125 feet of water did manage to find some good action.
Indian Lake - With no wind and no mayfly sightings, catch rates picked up however more sub-legal fish were caught than legal ones. Most were still-fishing crawlers with different colored jigs while some were still trolling or drifting crawler harnesses. The north end near the weed beds produced a lot of walleye and some were keepers. Yellow perch were caught, some were 8 inches but most were smaller.
St. Mary’s River - Limits of walleye were reported near Sault Ste. Marie. Anglers are trolling crank baits in 14 feet of water between Neebish Island and Sugar Island. North of Raber Bay, limits of walleye were caught in stained water near the mouth of the Gogomain River. Boats are trolling spinner baits with orange and yellow twister tails in 8 to 10 feet of water.
Cedarville and Hessel - Yellow perch averaging 8 to 10 inches have been caught off the south shoreline of Hessel Bay. The Moscoe Channel has become a hot spot for perch with anglers still-fishing in 4 to 6 feet of water with worms or minnows. For smallmouth bass, try Musky Bay, Connors Point, or the south shoreline of the Middle Entrance. Musky Bay and Cedarville Bay were good locations for those targeting pike. Menominee and herring were caught in 20 to 25 feet of water in Prentice Bay.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Little Traverse Bay remains slow for salmon and lake trout. The best action come from Harbor Point up to Good Hart with lake trout holding near the bottom and the salmon were scattered.
Charlevoix - Warm water pushed the salmon and lake trout out deeper. A few lake trout were caught 120 to 150 feet down in waters 150 to 180 feet deep between the sand dunes and North Point. Green and blue spoons with dodger/fly combos caught fish. Good steelhead fishing from the red can west to Fisherman’s Island when using orange spoons 20 to 40 feet down. Smallmouth bass in the Pine River channel.
Traverse City - Boat anglers trolling or jigging are doing well for lake trout and whitefish. Smallmouth bass were caught at the south end of the bay and the Elk Rapids bypass. In the West Bay, those trolling were marking more fish as catch rates improve. Lake trout and a few chinook salmon have been caught in waters over 100 feet deep.
Boardman River - Anglers fishing the mouth are catching more smallmouth bass.
Lake Missaukee - Is producing fair to good numbers of bass and panfish.
Lake Cadillac - Anglers are starting to catch more walleye. Boats are trolling crawler harnesses or drifting with leeches. Bass anglers are doing well for both large and smallmouth. Try crawlers, leeches or spinners. Pike have been caught in the shallows however the bigger fish are in deeper water. Fair to good numbers of panfish have also been caught.
Manistee - Salmon fishing has been good 70 to 120 feet down in 130 to 260 feet of water. Thermoclines were fairly deep so downriggers and divers are a must. The best baits were meat rigs or green spoons and flies.
Ludington - Boat anglers are taking salmon 60 to 120 feet down in 120 to 140 feet of water when using green flies.
Pentwater - Salmon fishing has picked up with anglers averaging 3 to 5 fish per trip.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Surface temperatures were in the mid 70’s. Most anglers are after walleye and perch but a few were targeting pike and steelhead. Walleye anglers had fair success with fish ranging from 12 to 22 inches caught between Parrot Point and Pigeon Bay or Dodge Point and Needle Point. Try 10 to 30 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses, stick baits or crank baits. Those targeting trout were trolling spoons 20 to 40 feet down in 70 to 120 feet of water near Scott Bay or between Red Pine Point and Round Point. Yellow perch were targeted near Needle Point, Round Point, Long Point, Dodge Point, Scott Bay and the sunken island. Try 10 to 25 feet of water with crawlers or minnows. A few pike were caught in Pigeon Bay and near the Indian River when using large minnows or crank baits in 10 to 20 feet of water. The occasional white bass and smallmouth bass were caught between Aloha State Park and Round Point.
Rogers City - Is producing a mix of chinook, coho, pink salmon, steelhead and walleye. Boats are trolling from the marina to Forty Mile Point and beyond towards Hammond Bay in the evening. Most were fishing about halfway down in waters 50 to 120 feet deep. Lead core in three to seven colors along with sliders off downriggers were good. Hot colors were blue, green, orange, blue and silver or anything that glows early and late.
Presque Isle - Also had good fishing for trout, salmon and walleye using the same techniques as Rogers City. The fish seem to be in the top half of the water column and were hitting on smelt in the late evening.
Alpena - Walleye have been caught in Thunder Bay. Those fishing deep water outside the bay have caught lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, coho and pink salmon.
Thunder Bay River - Catch rates were not as good however a few walleye were caught on stick baits or crawler harnesses. Catfish, freshwater drum and smallmouth bass were also caught.
Harrisville - Catch rates continue to improve with lake trout caught about halfway down in waters 75 to 125 feet deep. Black and silver or white and silver were the hot colors. Steelhead were scattered in 65 to 150 feet of water. Those fishing deep north of the harbor in waters up to 200 feet deep have caught chinook. Bright colors were the ticket.
Van Etten Lake - Pike anglers have caught fish when trolling spoons, plugs or large sucker minnows around Loud Island. A few small perch were caught on minnows.
Oscoda - Is producing lake trout for those fishing halfway down in waters 90 to 120 feet deep. Black and white were the hot colors. Steelhead were caught on bright colors in 60 to 70 feet of water.
Au Sable River - A few walleye along with the occasional catfish were caught in the lower stretch of the river.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Higgins Lake - Has good lake trout fishing in 80 to 90 feet of water when jigging or casting swedish pimples, sand kickers or cast masters. Bigger pike should be found in 20 to 40 feet of water. Perch have been caught but the fish are small. Good numbers of rock bass and smallmouth bass have been caught.
Houghton Lake - Had fair to good walleye fishing however not all the fish caught were keepers. Anglers are trolling crank baits or jigging with leeches. Those drifting along the weeds in 10 to 12 feet of water caught walleye, bass and bluegills. Pike were hitting on large sucker minnows.
Tawas - Boats trolling for walleye are running 15 to 40 feet down in waters 40 to 70 feet deep around the Charity Islands or south towards Alabaster.
Au Gres - Most of the boats heading out caught fish, but limit catches were few and far between. Many were going 8 to 12 miles south to the inner bay and fishing 20 to 40 feet of water just north of Buoys 1 & 2. The “Steeples” just north of Big Charity Island were also productive for walleye.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Coho were still active 30 to 40 feet down in waters 70 to 90 feet deep but lake trout fishing was slow.
Ontonagon - Lake trout fishing is getting better with fish caught 5 to 20 feet off the bottom in 100 feet of water. Salmon and steelhead were caught at the same depths. Walleye fishing was slow due to muddy water.
Keweenaw Bay - Catch rates picked up with anglers taking a mix of chinook, coho and lake trout from sun up to 11:00am when trolling 35 to 65 feet down in 40 to 70 feet of water. Boats are fishing the head of the bay and north towards Carla’s Restaurant with orange, gold and chartreuse spoons. Good fishing in the South Portage Entry for those trolling in shallow waters near the Mud Banks, Big Reef, Farmers Reef and Newton’s Reef. Mostly lake trout being caught but coho were also found about halfway down in 15 to 40 feet of water.
Paint River - Smallmouth bass were caught near Crystal Falls. On the South Branch, brook and brown trout were caught on spinners.
Menominee River - Is producing smallmouth bass near Iron Mountain.
Michigamme Reservoir - A few walleye have been caught on leeches.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were down due to several large mayfly hatches and schools of bait fish. The better fishing was at night when trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses along the weeds in 6 to 14 feet of water around Escanaba. Strong south winds pushed a good number of walleye into the Breezy Point area and catch rates were good. Perch fishing was spotty. Most fish were caught off Butler Island or the Narrows in 8 to 25 feet of water. Fair to good salmon fishing between the mouth of the Escanaba Yacht Harbor and south to the red buoy when trolling spoons 60 to 70 feet down in 80 to 85 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Several nice walleye were caught off Ansell’s Point when trolling crank baits in 18 to 22 feet of water. Good to excellent smallmouth bass fishing with the most fish caught in Kate’s Bay when casting tube baits or plastic worms in 12 to 14 feet of water. Off Fairport, water temperatures were variable making it harder to locate fish, but those trolling 60 to 70 feet down in 80 to 125 feet of water did manage to find some good action.
Marquette - A fair number of coho and lake trout were caught by those trolling from the Lower Harbor to the White Rocks north of Granite Island. There were reports of nice coho along with a few chinook salmon caught in 60 to 80 feet of water. Surface water temperatures have been in the low 60’s north of Granite Island and 65 degrees near Shot Point.
Indian Lake - With no wind and no mayfly sightings, catch rates picked up however more sub-legal fish were caught than legal ones. Most were still-fishing crawlers with different colored jigs while some were still trolling or drifting crawler harnesses. The north end near the weed beds produced a lot of walleye and some were keepers. Yellow perch were caught, some were 8 inches but most were smaller.
Au Train - Limits of lake trout were caught near Au Train Island and Wood Island when trolling gold or silver spoons in 150 to 200 feet of water. A few coho were caught 50 to 70 feet down in 100 to 120 feet of water.
Munising - Had fair lake trout action around the islands. Big Reef continues to produce good numbers of fish in the 10 to 15 pound range. Shore anglers report slow fishing for splake. When fish are present, casting can be effective during daytime hours.
Grand Marais - Had good lake trout action in the shipping channel which is about five miles out. Size varies from a couple pounds up to 10 pounds. Coho may also be found in the bay. Pier fishing for whitefish is just about done however anglers may still want to try fishing a single egg in the early morning or late evening. A few small perch were caught in the bay.
St. Mary’s River - Limits of walleye were reported near Sault Ste. Marie. Anglers are trolling crank baits in 14 feet of water between Neebish Island and Sugar Island. North of Raber Bay, limits of walleye were caught in stained water near the mouth of the Gogomain River. Boats are trolling spinner baits with orange and yellow twister tails in 8 to 10 feet of water.
De Tour - Herring with a mix of whitefish have been caught 12 to 15 inches off the bottom in 30 to 35 feet of water off Maple Island, Butterfield Island, Big Trout Island, Long Island and Bacon Island. Anglers are using red teardrops tipped with a wax worm. Fish were also caught in 28 feet of water around Macomb Island.
Cedarville and Hessel - Yellow perch averaging 8 to 10 inches have been caught off the south shoreline of Hessel Bay. The Moscoe Channel has become a hot spot for perch with anglers still-fishing in 4 to 6 feet of water with worms or minnows. For smallmouth bass, try Musky Bay, Connors Point, or the south shoreline of the Middle Entrance. Musky Bay and Cedarville Bay were good locations for those targeting pike. Menominee and herring were caught in 20 to 25 feet of water in Prentice Bay.
St. Ignace - Boat anglers trolling between the flats, the Coast Guard Station and the old fuel tanks have caught some nice salmon. Those fishing near the mouth of the Carp River have caught pike and white suckers when casting stick baits or still-fishing with crawlers.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Fishing has not changed since last week. Walleye anglers will want to fish deeper waters near Canada and Ohio while trolling spoons and crawlers. Yellow perch fishing should pick up soon. Try 10 to 20 feet of water off Luna Pier or the shipping channel. Walleye anglers are catching white bass, white perch and freshwater drum. Good catfish action near the River Raisin.
Huron River - Shore anglers are catching a mixed bag of bass, pike, panfish, catfish and carp. Crayfish and leeches work best. Pike anglers are casting spinner baits and crank baits.
Detroit River - Walleye were caught in the lower Trenton Channel. Some are trolling crawler harnesses while others are drifting jigs with leeches in 15 to 22 feet of water. Try the waters around Calf Island, Horse Island or Celeron Island.
St. Clair River - A few anglers caught perch near Marysville. It appears the walleye are starting to move further upstream. A couple anglers reported limit catches between Marine City and Marysville.
Lexington - A few perch were caught but anglers will need to move often to find fish.
Harbor Beach - Steelhead were caught on color lines in 120 to 160 feet of water. Try offshore tadpoles with offshore boards to get them down deeper. Try bright colors for the best results. Lake trout action has started to pick up again. Try 100 to 140 feet of water with dodgers and spin glows, medium spoons or large spoons off downriggers. Green and white, green and purple or anything that glows worked best straight out or north of the harbor. Some limits of walleye were caught north of the harbor with crawler harnesses, small spoons or body baits. Try gold and green or white. Pier anglers can try off the north wall in the early morning when casting small spoons or body baits. Perch fishing was slow however bass and pike are still being caught inside the harbor and close to shore.
Grindstone City - Had excellent walleye fishing out from the harbor and south towards Port Hope. Most fish were coming from 25 to 40 feet of water.
Port Austin - Was producing some walleye.
Saginaw Bay - Most walleye were caught out deep just north of Buoys 1 & 2. Crawler harnesses were the most productive however some also did well using crank baits. On the Callahan Reef, walleye were caught along the weeds in the morning. Success rates were much higher for those fishing deep water. Caseville was also productive for walleye. Catfish were still hitting at the Hot Pond.
Saginaw River - Catfish are still being caught in the lower river.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Salmon have been caught in 80 to 110 feet of water. Steelhead were shallow in 40 to 60 feet of water. Most fish were caught in the bottom half of the water column. Pier fishing was slow. No word on perch.
St. Joe River - Smallmouth bass fishing has started to pick up especially for those using small jigs. Most of the fish were small however the number of fish taken was impressive. Catfish action has slowed but those using cut bait or shrimp still managed to catch a few fish.
Kalamazoo River - Summer run steelhead are being caught at the Allegan Dam.
Saugatuck - Salmon and lake trout are being caught by anglers fishing near the bottom in 80 to 140 feet of water.
Grand Haven - Boat anglers trolling downriggers in the bottom 50 feet of waters 95 to 110 feet deep are catching trout and salmon. Fish up to 20 pounds have been caught. Spoons and flasher/fly combos worked best. Blue was the hot color in the morning but green and yellow worked best later in the day. Warm water temperatures had pier anglers struggling.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Summer steelhead have been caught near the dam when using streamer flies. Catfish action is still good off the bridges and the east wall. Cut bait, live bait and suckers were the ticket. Pike are still being caught.
Grand River at Lansing - Has good smallmouth bass action in the Grand Ledge area. Try crawlers, leeches or small spinners. A few walleye were caught at Moore’s Park but some were small. Good numbers of carp are hitting on corn.
Reeds Lake - Bluegills are hitting on leaf worms and wax worms. Perch fishing was fair to good when using minnows. Pike are hitting on spinners and sucker minnows.
Muskegon - Some nice trout and salmon have been caught by boat anglers trolling with downriggers. Target the bottom 60 feet of waters 80 to 110 feet deep. Green and blue flasher/fly combos were the ticket. No pier fishing and no perch to report.
Muskegon River - Trout fishing was good with limit catches reported, but some of the fish are running on the small side.
Whitehall - Salmon and lake trout were on the bottom in 80 to 140 feet of water.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Fishing on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell has been good as the weather.
This has been the summer of bass. Large mouths have predominated but now the small mouths decided to show themselves. Live bait catches most. A glob of crawlers, leeches or shiners always work. Prefer tricking them with artificials, cast the edges of the weed beds with spinner baits or soft plastics. Mornings and evenings cast top water lures and watch them break the surface chasing your baits. They produce fish and excitement.
Each week more reports of walleye catches. Often they’re undersized but they’ll catch up eventually. Most keepers have been in the 15 to 16 inch range from the DNR’s past stocking. Both lakes have been good and finally multiple catches are reported. Drifting over the deep areas with leeches is effective. Trolling crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers or boards Saginaw Bay style is the best tactic.
If the toothy critters interest you, pike fishing has also been good. Expect lots of undersized in the shallow weed beds. The 30 inch and over have gone deep. Spinner baits are hot and expect mixed catches of bass and pike on them.
Descent catches of gills and crappie are being reported. The numbers are dominated by black crappie. Lake Cadillac, fish the deeper east and southeast side. Lake Mitchell, try the mouths of the Big and Small Coves. Although not as deep as Cadillac, healthy cabbage beds are holding the panfish.
Pictures tell the story better then words!
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Have a Great Fourth of July
It has been a slow week with rain and wind keeping angles off the lakes, so have not heard of any great bites this week.It seems the weather is suppressing fishing effort this year. Heavy rains have rivers running high and muddy. Great Lakes anglers may have to go out further to find clear water. Given the unseasonably cooler weather this week, the prognosis for fishing mid-week is not real good, but warmer weather for the upcoming holiday weekend may help get the bite going again. Remember, if you catch a tagged fish, please report it. Marking programs are implemented for a variety of reasons, including estimating fish growth, mortality, exploitation, and movement. Angler cooperation is an essential component of these programs. To report a tagged fish, http://www.michigan.gov/dnr, or call your local Fisheries Management Office.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye are hitting at all the usual spots when the weather cooperates. Some are trolling all the way out to Buoys 1 & 2 in search of fish and clean water. Others are fishing closer to shore near Jones Road and the Callahan Reef in the early morning and moving out to the Spark Plug and the Slot later in the day. Silver, blue and purple are good colors for crank baits or crawler harnesses with spinner blades. A few 8 to 10 inch perch were caught out near the Spark Plug. A good number of channel cats were caught in the Hot Pond. Pier anglers at Caseville are still catching walleye at night and smallmouth bass during the day.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam
Saginaw River- hannel catfish have been caught in good numbers in the lower river near Essexville. Catch rates for catfish usually improve with high water levels.
Whitehall - The better salmon fishing was south of the pier. Bass fishing has been good for pier anglers.
Wixom Lake has a great crappie and gill bite. A few pike and walleye also.
Mullett Lake -More anglers are walleye fishing between Dodge Point and Needle Point or between Round Point and Red Pine Point. Try crawler harnesses, stick baits or crank baits in 10 to 40 feet of water. Some were even fishing as deep as 70 feet of water. Northern pike were caught in 20 feet of water near Long Point and Dodge Point when trolling or casting minnows and crank baits. Bass anglers are fishing off the points and the sunken island with tube baits, spinners and artificial crawlers. Perch anglers are fishing off the points and in the bays in 15 to 25 feet of water.
Oscoda - Both salmon and lake trout were suspended 10 to 20 feet off the bottom in waters 60 to 85 feet deep. They are hitting on spoons, cut bait, and body baits in a variety of colors. Walleye and catfish are still being caught off the pier. Try crawlers with a slip bobber.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout were still in deep waters and hitting on cowbells with live baits, bombers or rapalas. Perch fishing continues with a few bigger fish caught.
Houghton Lake - Walleye fishing has slowed.
Tawas -Walleye anglers had fair to good success when trolling off Tawas Point, Buoy #2, and down towards Alabaster in 35 to 40 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow with a few panfish and the occasional pike taken. Smallmouth caught near shore.
Oscoda- Lake trout are in 60 to 150 feet of water and suspended in 10 to 20 feet of water. Fish have been caught on dodgers with spoons. At the end of the pier, walleye have been caught on body baits. Fire-tiger and clown did well.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling has been real good for gills with crickets and waxworms working best. Also walleye are being caught on leeches and crawlers.
Charlevoix -Lake trout and salmon are scattered but were caught 60 to 80 feet down in 100 to 150 feet of water with spoons and flasher/fly combos in a variety of colors. Smallmouth bass are starting to show up in the Pine River Channel. Try crawlers near the bottom.
Traverse City - Had good bass fishing in the East Bay. Some did well in the shallow waters of the flats while others were fishing along the rocks and the drop-offs on the west side of the bay. Lake whitefish have moved into shallow waters. In the West Bay, lake trout anglers are doing very well, and some have started catching a few salmon as well. Long Lake has been fair for walleye
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action.
Portage Lake - Mayflies are still in the area so catch rates were slow.
Lake Missaukee - Was producing some nice bluegill along the west side of the lake.
Lake Cadillac - Has given up a few nice walleye, especially along the east side of the lake. Good largemouth bass action for those using minnows, leeches and both live and artificial crawlers.
Lake Mitchell - Is also giving up fair to good numbers of panfish in the coves and along the weedbeds. Those trolling or drifting crawler harnesses along the east side of the lake have caught some walleye.
Little Bay De Noc - Mayfly hatches did slow the bite however walleye were caught off the Day’s River when drifting or jigging crawlers in 14 feet of water. Some yellow perch were caught off Butler Island when still-fishing worms in 10 to 20 feet of water. Good pike action near Kipling when trolling crank baits in 10 to 16 feet of water over the coal piles. Catch rates for salmon were slow
Big Bay De Noc - Had some good walleye reports from Ansell’s Point when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses in 16 to 22 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were hitting on tube baits or crank baits in 12 feet of water off Porcupine Point and Ogontz. Perch anglers reported fair catches in Snail Shell Harbor when jigging or still-fishing worms in 10 to 20 feet of water. Fairport had good salmon action with limit catches reported by those trolling spoons or meat rigs 60 feet down in 100 feet of water. Steelhead were caught along the bug line.
Indian Lake - Had slow catch rates combined with undersize fish in regards to walleye and northern pike. Anglers were trolling the west shore, south shore and the rock pike. Yellow perch were also small. Anglers were jigging crawlers and minnows along the north and south end of the lake.
St. Mary’s River - A few walleye were caught at 4 Mile Road and in Bay Dewausi off Lake Nicolet. Best time to fish is when the water is stained when trolling a crawler harness with purple beads. A few small walleye are being caught in Raber Bay when trolling bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses in 22 feet of water between buoys 20 and 24. Try Antelope Point, with a crawler harness and purple beads or crank baits.
Cedarville and Hessel - The Cedarville launch will close on July 1st for dredging which will take place in the bay, Middle Entrance and Snow Channel. It is anticipated that the launch will be closed for about three months. A handful of legal size pike were caught in the early morning off the marina pier in Hessel. Those trolling stick baits in 10 to 12 feet of water along the south shore and Musky Bay had fair results for pike, but many were small. McKay Bay is the place for lake herring with limit catches taken in 8 to 12 feet of water when casting small Swedish Pimples or using wax worms. Perch fishing was slow however sunfish and rock bass were caught in Cedarville Bay.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Lake trout were caught between the pier and Bay Harbor when trolling spoons in 100 to 150 feet of water. Hot colors were blue, green, and purple. Salmon are scattered but some fish were caught between Harbor Point and Seven Mile Point.
Charlevoix - Lake trout and salmon are scattered but were caught 60 to 80 feet down in 100 to 150 feet of water with spoons and flasher/fly combos in a variety of colors. Smallmouth bass are starting to show up in the Pine River Channel. Try crawlers near the bottom.
Long Lake - In Kalkaska County was producing some perch.
Lake Skegemog - Has good bass fishing.
Traverse City - Had good bass fishing in the East Bay. Some did well in the shallow waters of the flats while others were fishing along the rocks and the drop-offs on the west side of the bay. Lake whitefish have moved into shallow waters. In the West Bay, lake trout anglers are doing very well, and some have started catching a few salmon as well.
Elk River - Anglers found good numbers of smallmouth bass near the bypass at the mouth. Crawlers and leeches caught the most fish.
Boardman River - Did not have much going on except for smallmouth bass and catfish being caught at the mouth.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action.
Frankfort - Warm water temperatures forced anglers to fish in deeper waters. With north winds in the forecast, look for fishing to improve. Now that the alewives are done spawning, anglers will want to find the thermocline.
Onekama - Only those fishing straight out from the breakwall have caught fish in 160 to 220 feet of water with orange and green spoons.
Portage Lake - Mayflies are still in the area so catch rates were slow.
Lake Cadillac - Has given up a few nice walleye, especially along the east side of the lake. Good largemouth bass action for those using minnows, leeches and both live and artificial crawlers.
Manistee - Those trolling along the “Shelf” have caught salmon and trout 80 to 160 feet down. Green or blue spinnies and flies worked well.
Manistee River - Anglers are catching summer steelhead.
Ludington - Fishing was difficult however those able to get out have caught fish when trolling 80 to 140 feet down in waters 120 to 240 feet deep.
Pentwater - Salmon fishing was slow with mainly small chinook taken. Lake trout fishing was good right off the bottom in 90 feet of water. Mears State Park has pier fishing for children on Sunday afternoons. Poles and bait are provided. Call the park for more information.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - More anglers are walleye fishing between Dodge Point and Needle Point or between Round Point and Red Pine Point. Try crawler harnesses, stick baits or crank baits in 10 to 40 feet of water. Some were even fishing as deep as 70 feet of water. Northern pike were caught in 20 feet of water near Long Point and Dodge Point when trolling or casting minnows and crank baits. Bass anglers are fishing off the points and the sunken island with tube baits, spinners and artificial crawlers. Perch anglers are fishing off the points and in the bays in 15 to 25 feet of water.
Rogers City - Hot spots were straight out and south or west towards Forty Mile Point. Try 35 to 65 feet down in waters 55 to 120 feet deep with green, blue and silver, orange and silver or green and silver spoons. Anglers have caught chinook, coho, steelhead, lake trout, pink salmon and Atlantic salmon.
Presque Isle - Boats here were fishing the top 65 feet of waters 60 to 120 feet deep with spoons, just like Rogers City. Chinook salmon should start showing up in numbers in the next couple of weeks.
Rockport - Windy weather has kept many onshore, but those able to go out caught chinook in 60 to 65 feet of water and lake trout were right on the bottom in 100 to 120 feet of water.
Alpena - Had very good fishing on Thunder Bay with many getting their limits. Night fishing for walleye was good however daytime hours were also producing fish. Harnesses are still the best however some also did well when trolling rapalas. A few catfish were also caught.
Thunder Bay River - For some reason, fishing in the river is slow. Essentially no fish are coming from the river right now, which is a real disappointment for shore anglers that typically find fair fishing this time of year.
Harrisville - Still had good catches of lake trout, steelhead and walleye. Lake trout were suspended 10 to 20 feet from the bottom in waters 60 to 85 feet deep. Any silver combination with cut bait worked best. Steelhead are in 50 to 60 feet of water withy dipsey’s and lead core. Walleye were caught north of the harbor in 15 to 20 feet of water with crawler harnesses or body baits. Early morning was more productive than evening.
Oscoda - Both salmon and lake trout were suspended 10 to 20 feet off the bottom in waters 60 to 85 feet deep. They are hitting on spoons, cut bait, and body baits in a variety of colors. Walleye and catfish are still being caught off the pier. Try crawlers with a slip bobber.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout were still in deep waters and hitting on cowbells with live baits, bombers or rapalas. Perch fishing continues with a few bigger fish caught.
Houghton Lake - Walleye fishing has slowed.
Tawas - Walleye anglers had fair to good success when trolling off Tawas Point, Buoy #2, and down towards Alabaster in 35 to 40 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow with a few panfish and the occasional pike taken. Smallmouth caught near shore.
Tawas River - Shore anglers fishing in the evening caught channel catfish and freshwater drum.
Au Gres - Walleye fishing remained good in 32 to 40 feet of water. Smallmouth bass fishing in the shallows near shore was steady.
Au Gres River - Higher water levels increased catch rates for channel catfish.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Salmon are being caught in 75 to 120 feet of water trolling with dodgers and flies. No reports on lake trout.
Lake Gogebic - Is producing some 12 and 13 inch perch. Walleye have been caught by those trolling along the west shore. Weeds are on the surface now and some areas are almost too thick to fish.
Ontonagon - Lake trout are just off the bottom in 35 to 65 feet of water.
Ontonagon River - Walleye fishing was slow because the river was muddy.
Keweenaw Bay - The salmon and lake trout bite were slow. A few perch were caught in the Baraga Marina when using crawlers or minnows and a few pike were caught on minnows. In Traverse Bay, the bite was hit-or-miss however a few lake trout were caught in 140 to 150 feet of water. At the South Portage Entry, good fishing continues on the Farmers Reef, Newton Reef, Big Reef and the Mud Banks.
Marquette - Had a few reports of coho and lake trout caught by those trolling between the Lower Harbor and the Chocolay River.
Little Bay De Noc - Mayfly hatches did slow the bite however walleye were caught off the Day’s River when drifting or jigging crawlers in 14 feet of water. Some yellow perch were caught off Butler Island when still-fishing worms in 10 to 20 feet of water. Good pike action near Kipling when trolling crank baits in 10 to 16 feet of water over the coal piles. Catch rates for salmon were slow.
Escanaba River - Walleye were caught when drifting crawler harnesses in 10 to 25 feet of water up to the first bridge.
Big Bay De Noc - Had some good walleye reports from Ansell’s Point when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses in 16 to 22 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were hitting on tube baits or crank baits in 12 feet of water off Porcupine Point and Ogontz. Perch anglers reported fair catches in Snail Shell Harbor when jigging or still-fishing worms in 10 to 20 feet of water. Fairport had good salmon action with limit catches reported by those trolling spoons or meat rigs 60 feet down in 100 feet of water. Steelhead were caught along the bug line.
Indian Lake - Had slow catch rates combined with undersize fish in regards to walleye and northern pike. Anglers were trolling the west shore, south shore and the rock pike. Yellow perch were also small. Anglers were jigging crawlers and minnows along the north and south end of the lake.
Au Train - Lake trout were caught near Au Train Island when trolling gold and silver spoons. No chinook or coho to report. Surface water temperatures were averaging the low 50’s.
Munising - Fishing remained slow with only a few small lake trout caught by boat anglers. Shore fishing was also slow.
Manistique - Salmon were caught about a half mile from shore.
Grand Marais - Lake trout fishing was good with limit catches reported north of the port. The average size was 6 to 8 pounds. Anglers were using a combination of lures and cut bait. Pier fishing has tapered off, but a few whitefish were still being caught on a single egg in the early morning or at night.
St. Mary’s River - A few walleye were caught at 4 Mile Road and in Bay Dewausi off Lake Nicolet. Best time to fish is when the water is stained when trolling a crawler harness with purple beads. A few small walleye are being caught in Raber Bay when trolling bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses in 22 feet of water between buoys 20 and 24. Try Antelope Point, with a crawler harness and purple beads or crank baits.
De Tour - Boats are still trolling both sides of the shipping channel to the red cans on the Drummond Island side, near the #3 green can and south of the lighthouse to the “Humps” for lake trout and salmon. Fish were caught 55 feet down on green and silver or black and white spoons. Lake Herring were caught in Canadian waters around Cass Island and Tenby Bay when using teardrops with wax worms.
Cedarville and Hessel - The Cedarville launch will close on July 1st for dredging which will take place in the bay, Middle Entrance and Snow Channel. It is anticipated that the launch will be closed for about three months. A handful of legal size pike were caught in the early morning off the marina pier in Hessel. Those trolling stick baits in 10 to 12 feet of water along the south shore and Musky Bay had fair results for pike, but many were small. McKay Bay is the place for lake herring with limit catches taken in 8 to 12 feet of water when casting small Swedish Pimples or using wax worms. Perch fishing was slow however sunfish and rock bass were caught in Cedarville Bay.
St. Ignace - Anglers are targeting chinook salmon in front of the Coast Guard Station, near the flats and around the old fuel tanks. Shore anglers caught some nice 12 pound fish on green spoons.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Walleye fishing was improving with most fish found in deeper waters off Stony Point and near the Fermi Power Plant. Good fishing in Ohio waters near West Sister Island when trolling spoons or crawler harnesses. Perch fishing continues to improve. Those fishing between Sterling State Park and the Hot Ponds have caught good numbers of channel cat.
Detroit River - Walleye have been caught in the lower Trenton Channel including the area near the Edison Plant. Some jumbo perch were caught in the weeds around the Horse Island Flats.
Lake St. Clair - Walleye fishing should pick up with the cooler temperatures. Those out trolling for muskie have done well.
Lexington - Perch fishing was good when boats can get out. They were fishing straight east and all the way down to Lakeport in 15 to 20 feet of water. Try drift fishing with minnows until you find an active school of perch, then anchor. Perch average 8 to 10 inches but a few bigger ones were caught.
Port Sanilac - Had rumors of perch being caught around the weedbeds in 18 to 22 feet of water. Target waters 120 feet deep for salmon and lake trout.
Harbor Beach - Look for lake trout in deeper waters when using dodgers and spin glows on the bottom. Good colors were purple, pink, yellow, green or black. For salmon, use medium or large spoons 40 to 70 feet down in 70 to 150 feet of water. Steelhead were hitting on bright colors in 80 to 150 feet of water. Try 25 to 50 feet of water near the cemetery for perch when using minnows. Walleye fishing will be slow until the water clears up. Try off the north wall in the early morning or late evening when casting small body baits or spoons in green, purple, silver or blue. Inside the harbor is good for bass and pike.
Grindstone City - Those trolling are taking walleye and whitefish on small spoons in 30 to 40 feet of water. Salmon and lake trout were caught in 120 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were caught in the harbor.
Port Austin - Had very few boats getting out due to ongoing construction on the public access site. There is a private launch on Bird Creek that anglers can use. Those going out are catching walleye and whitefish around the lighthouse when using small spoons in 30 to 60 feet of water.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye are hitting at all the usual spots when the weather cooperates. Some are trolling all the way out to Buoys 1 & 2 in search of fish and clean water. Others are fishing closer to shore near Jones Road and the Callahan Reef in the early morning and moving out to the Spark Plug and the Slot later in the day. Silver, blue and purple are good colors for crank baits or crawler harnesses with spinner blades. A few 8 to 10 inch perch were caught out near the Spark Plug. A good number of channel cats were caught in the Hot Pond. Pier anglers at Caseville are still catching walleye at night and smallmouth bass during the day.
Saginaw River - Channel catfish have been caught in good numbers in the lower river near Essexville. Catch rates for catfish usually improve with high water levels.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Boat anglers are still targeting trout and salmon. Word has it some limit catches of perch were caught recently.
St. Joe River - With all the rain, water levels will be even higher this week. Fishing was very slow except for a few catfish being caught on shrimp and cut bait.
Grand Haven - Salmon were caught in the bottom 60 feet of waters 100 to 140 feet deep. Spinnies and flies in green, silver and green or white and green worked best. Pier fishing was slow with mostly freshwater drum caught. No perch to report.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Still has higher than normal water levels which lead to good catches of flathead and channel cats. Those fishing Millennium Park were still taking good catches of bluegill and crappie.
Grand River at Lansing - Moore’s Park and the North Lansing Dam were good for catfish, pike and bass. A few walleye were caught over near Lyons. Good numbers of carp have been caught along the entire river.
Lake Ovid - Has good bass fishing and a few muskie have also been caught. Bluegill action slowed with the cold front but should pick back up by the weekend.
Duck Lake - In Calhoun County was good for walleye and bluegills.
Big Portage Lake - A few walleye were caught by those trolling crawler harnesses in 10 to 20 feet of water. Largemouth bass were hitting on artificial worms. Good colors were purple, black, or black with yellow.
Lake Chemung - Located near Howell has good largemouth bass fishing. Bluegill and crappie were slow however pike were hitting along the weedbeds.
Muskegon - Windy conditions have kept boats on shore. Many are saying that salmon fishing has been odd this year and not following the same pattern as neighboring ports.
Whitehall - The better salmon fishing was south of the pier. Bass fishing has been good for pier anglers.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Fishing was good in between the storms this weekend. Our lakes are not known for walleyes but even they are cooperating. Catching mostly stockers from the DNR plantings in the 14 to 16 inch range. However several of the larger, natural ones have been caught lately. John Collins, fishing on the east side of Cadillac caught one better then the average. His was 28 inches, 8 pounds. His tip for catching walleye in the summer, FISH DEEP.
The pike bite has also been good. You’ll catch all the hammer handles you want in the shallows. Want big pike! Also go deep. Thirteen year old Sean Wojtczak caught a good one while fishing with his Dad on Lake Mitchell. He caught his on a blue and silver Rattle Trap. The best pike have been caught on the outside edges near weed beds. Spinner baits, crank baits and spoons all are effective when they have been hungry.
So far, this has been one of the better bass seasons. Large mouths in the 2 to 3 pound category have been common. Many have been caught while fishing for other species. Many of the hundreds of styles of rubber worms and creatures work. Live bait, whole crawlers, leeches or minnows always work. Michelle Asher caught an 18” smallmouth while fishing on Lake Cadillac. Small mouths have been scarce. While vacationing from Saginaw, Kimberly and Todd Butterfield show off their catch, a large mouth over 17 inches. They enjoyed our lakes and the fishing. Another vacationer, Mark Clark from Grand Rapids smiles as he holds a 16 ½ inch large mouth. Great fishing on Lake Mitchell.
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Lake Mitchell.
Panfishing is still strong. Good catches of gills and crappie are reported daily. Chris Baker caught a Master Angler rock bass. It was 10 ½ inches and weighed over a pound, eligible for the catch and keep entry.
Summer steelhead fishing has begun at the Manistee River. Brad Long made the short drive from Cadillac and caught a super, silver 28 incher.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Michigan Fishing Report 5/27/10
We have had lots of rain this week with wind. The weekend will be warm and will get fish back on the bite. Otsego Lake has a great walleye bite with some perch being caught. Walleye are biting when we can get out. Remember, if you catch a tagged fish, please report it. Marking programs are implemented for a variety of reasons, including estimating fish growth, mortality, exploitation, and movement. Angler cooperation is an essential component of these programs. To report a tagged fish, http://www.michigan.gov/dnr, or call your local Fisheries Management Office.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye are being taken off Knight Road in 5 feet of water. Between Parish Road and the State Park, walleye were caught on crawlers and rapalas in 8 to 10 feet of water. Catch rates were fair at the mouth of the Saginaw River. Good fishing in the early morning off Quanicassee, Fish Point, Bay Park and Thomas Road in 14 to 18 feet of water with crawler harnesses. Good colors were purple, red, silver, blue and copper. Freshwater drum along with smaller catfish have also been caught. Off Sebewaing, walleye fishing was a bit spotty with a few fish caught in the Slot in 14 to 16 feet of water. Better walleye fishing came north of Sebewaing in 18 to 30 feet of water outside Heisterman Island and 12 feet of water outside North Island. Bay Port was hit-or-miss. Pier anglers at Caseville caught light numbers of walleye and smallmouth bass. Carp and catfish were slower.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting
Saginaw River- Catfish action has been good in Essexville.
Wixom Lake has a great crappie and gill bite. A few pike and walleye also.
Whitehall - Boats reported slow fishing. A couple steelhead were caught off the pier. Water around the pier was a bit cooler and there were a lot of alewife in close. Fish were caught on Cleo’s or alewife.
Mullett Lake - Yellow perch were being caught using minnows and crawlers mainly in waters less than 15 feet deep. Northern pike were caught by those casting and trolling using stick baits and spoons near shore. Walleye anglers found success in deeper water as well as between Needle Point and Dodge Point.
Houghton Lake -Walleye were caught in 6 to 8 feet of water along the weedbeds and bluegills were caught out near the Middle Grounds.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout were caught just off the bottom in 100 feet of water when trolling cowbells with live bait, bombers or rapalas. Lots of yellow perch and rock bass were caught however perch anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Tawas -Those trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses have caught a few walleye in 30 to 45 feet of water near Buoy #2. Lake trout and channel catfish have also been caught. Closer to shore, anglers took good numbers of smallmouth bass. Pier fishing was slow with the occasional walleye, pike, smallmouth bass or rock bass caught.
Oscoda- Lake trout are in 60 to 150 feet of water and suspended in 10 to 20 feet of water. Fish have been caught on dodgers with spoons. At the end of the pier, walleye have been caught on body baits. Fire-tiger and clown did well.
Charlevoix -Salmon are starting to show up from Fishermen’s Island to North Point. The fish were hard to key in on do to the lack of a thermocline, so running lines at a variety of depths is important. Best colors were blue or green.
Traverse City - Heavy rains have depleted fishing success in both the East Bay and the West Bay. Anglers were still fishing however fewer fish were caught.
Portage Lake - The mayfly hatch has peaked so anglers were having a hard time. Largemouth bass are hitting along the weedbeds and around the docks.
Lake Missaukee - Was producing some nice bluegill along the west side of the lake.
Lake Cadillac - Anglers of all ages are taking a mix of crappie, bluegill, perch and rock bass. Try fishing the weedbeds and along the drop offs. Those trolling crank baits along the weedbeds have caught pike.
Lake Mitchell - Is also giving up fair to good numbers of panfish in the coves and along the weedbeds. Those trolling or drifting crawler harnesses along the east side of the lake have caught some walleye.
Little Bay De Noc - Has a lot of food out there right now with the mayfly hatches and the alewife moving in. Best walleye catches were off the mouth of the Escanaba River but most were sub-legal. Anglers were drifting or trolling crawler harnesses. Night anglers caught a few fish off the ship docks in Escanaba when trolling crank baits or jigging crawlers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Several nice catches of perch were reported in the Narrows when still-fishing minnows in 13 to 25 feet of water. Northern pike were active just off the coal piles at the Gladstone Power Plant. Try trolling crank baits in 10 to 14 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Still had good walleye reports off Ansell’s Point when trolling harnesses with crawlers in 16 to 22 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were active throughout the bay. The fish were off the beds and hitting on crank baits, tube baits or crawlers in 10 to 20 feet of water. There is a large mayfly hatch here as well so anglers were targeting the bug lines in search of fish. Off Fairport, more anglers are salmon fishing as catch rates increase when trolling spoons or imitation meat rigs 40 to 90 feet down in waters 80 to 120 feet deep. Good numbers of steelhead were caught in the shallow waters near the bug lines.
Indian Lake - Catch rates were slow however a few walleye were caught. The biggest concentration of boats has been along the west and the north shore. Smallmouth bass and northern pike were also caught however few were keepers. Some tried anchoring and jigging for yellow perch. Again, the bite was slow but enough fish were caught for a meal.
Cedarville and Hessel - Mayfly hatches are early this year and the lake herring are in. McKay Bay is producing limit catches in 10 to 12 feet of water with a teardrop and wax worm. Those in Cedarville Bay, Musky Bay and the Moscoe Channel are trolling and casting for pike and yellow perch in 6 to 10 feet of water. Perch were averaging 9 and 10 inches. Pike were caught in the Hessel Marina and in the bay when trolling or casting with minnows.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Lake trout have been taken between the pier head and Bay Harbor in waters 100 to 150 feet deep. Most fish were caught 70 to 100 feet down with spoons, flasher/fly combos or peanut combinations. Salmon and steelhead were also caught.
Charlevoix - Salmon are starting to show up from Fishermen’s Island to North Point. The fish were hard to key in on do to the lack of a thermocline, so running lines at a variety of depths is important. Best colors were blue or green.
Frankfort - Has produced some nice catches however anglers had to go out deeper than normal. Pier anglers were catching chinook, steelhead and brown trout but alewife in the area will not last much longer.
Onekama - Boats are starting out in 120 to 140 feet of water early in the morning and trolling spoons 40 to 65 feet down. As the sun comes up, move straight out or a little north and fish 250 feet of water.
Portage Lake - Fishing has been difficult with the mayfly hatch in progress. Bass anglers were doing well working the shoreline and drop-offs with wax worms.
Lake Cadillac - Anglers of all ages are taking a mix of crappie, bluegill, perch and rock bass. Try fishing the weedbeds and along the drop offs. Those trolling crank baits along the weedbeds have caught pike.
Lake Mitchell - Is also giving up fair to good numbers of panfish in the coves and along the weedbeds. Those trolling or drifting crawler harnesses along the east side of the lake have caught some walleye.
Manistee - Salmon and trout have been caught in 80 to 160 feet of water. Try glow spoons in the early morning then switch to green or blue spoons. Pier fishing is slow.
Ludington - Bigger salmon have been caught off Big Sable Point when trolling in waters 50 to 150 feet deep. Try green or blue flies.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Yellow perch were being caught using minnows and crawlers mainly in waters less than 15 feet deep. Northern pike were caught by those casting and trolling using stick baits and spoons near shore. Walleye anglers found success in deeper water as well as between Needle Point and Dodge Point.
Rogers City - Had very good steelhead fishing within a mile from shore due to a large mayfly hatch. Look for the scum lines which are full of mayflies and other bugs. Anglers were catching a mixed bag of chinook, coho, pink salmon, Atlantic salmon, lake trout, walleye and the occasional brown trout. Try the usual spots such as Forty Mile Point, Adams Point, the State Park or straight out from the harbor. Best depths were the top 38 feet of waters 40 to 70 feet deep with orange, green and silver leadcore. Downriggers with spoons 25 to 35 feet down were also good.
Presque Isle - The best area to fish was Stoneport to the red can when using downriggers and leadcore in the top 45 feet of waters 50 to 80 feet deep.
Rockport - Had low angler pressure but those going out did catch lake trout on green spoons in 130 feet of water.
Alpena - Walleye fishing in Thunder Bay is very good right now with limit catches reported. Waters surrounding Grass Island and the drop-offs near Sulfur Island were the hot spots, with crawler harnesses or body baits that resemble perch. Those fishing the north shore with reef runners also caught fish. All fish were caught in 20 to 25 feet of water. Squaw Bay is a great place for bass. Limited lake trout caught straight out from the boat launch in 100 to 125 feet of water.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye fishing slowed however the fish are still there and some were caught by night anglers fishing off the Ninth Street Bridge or the foot bridge behind the Boys and Girls Club. Those catching fish were using primarily leeches, but green jigs with live bait also caught fish. Legal size bass were caught by those still-fishing with crawlers.
Harrisville - Anglers are reporting good catches of lake trout and walleye. Lake trout are scattered from 60 to 120 feet of water and are suspended 10 to 20 feet from the bottom. A variety of baits seem to be working, from body baits to spoons in shades of white, silver, blue and orange. Walleye were caught outside the harbor and north toward Sturgeon Point in 15 to 40 feet of water with crawler harnesses or body baits.
Oscoda - Lake trout are in 60 to 150 feet of water and suspended in 10 to 20 feet of water. Fish have been caught on dodgers with spoons. At the end of the pier, walleye have been caught on body baits. Fire-tiger and clown did well.
Au Sable River - Walleye are being caught with crawlers and a slip bobber. Catfish are making their way into the river as well.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout were caught just off the bottom in 100 feet of water when trolling cowbells with live bait, bombers or rapalas. Lots of yellow perch and rock bass were caught however perch anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Houghton Lake - Walleye were caught in 6 to 8 feet of water along the weedbeds and bluegills were caught out near the Middle Grounds.
Tawas - Those trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses have caught a few walleye in 30 to 45 feet of water near Buoy #2. Lake trout and channel catfish have also been caught. Closer to shore, anglers took good numbers of smallmouth bass. Pier fishing was slow with the occasional walleye, pike, smallmouth bass or rock bass caught.
Au Gres - When they can get out, boat anglers were catching walleye in 30 to 40 feet of water between Pt. Au Gres and Pt. Lookout or just south of Pt. Au Gres. Most fish were caught on bottom bouncers with harnesses.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Salmon are still in the area and those trolling in 75 to 120 feet of water have caught them with a dodger and fly. Lake trout fishing was slow.
Ontonagon - Those able to get out have caught lake trout when trolling a couple feet off the bottom in waters 100 feet deep. Orange and green spoons worked best.
Keweenaw Bay - Lake trout fishing was good in Traverse Bay when jigging in 220 to 265 feet of water. Those trolling reported slower catch rates except for one group that managed to take limit catches when trolling a herring dodger and a chartreuse peanut straight out from the marina in 180 feet of water. In the South Portage Entry, those jigging reported slow action but those trolling in 30 to 70 feet of water did well off Newton’s Reef, Farmers Reef, Big Reef and the Mud Banks.
Marquette - Had light fishing activity with only a few coho and lake trout caught near Granite Island and the Sand Hole.
Little Bay De Noc - Has a lot of food out there right now with the mayfly hatches and the alewife moving in. Best walleye catches were off the mouth of the Escanaba River but most were sub-legal. Anglers were drifting or trolling crawler harnesses. Night anglers caught a few fish off the ship docks in Escanaba when trolling crank baits or jigging crawlers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Several nice catches of perch were reported in the Narrows when still-fishing minnows in 13 to 25 feet of water. Northern pike were active just off the coal piles at the Gladstone Power Plant. Try trolling crank baits in 10 to 14 feet of water.
Escanaba River - Had good walleye fishing however many were sub-legal. Most were drifting or trolling crawler harness in 10 to 25 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Still had good walleye reports off Ansell’s Point when trolling harnesses with crawlers in 16 to 22 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were active throughout the bay. The fish were off the beds and hitting on crank baits, tube baits or crawlers in 10 to 20 feet of water. There is a large mayfly hatch here as well so anglers were targeting the bug lines in search of fish. Off Fairport, more anglers are salmon fishing as catch rates increase when trolling spoons or imitation meat rigs 40 to 90 feet down in waters 80 to 120 feet deep. Good numbers of steelhead were caught in the shallow waters near the bug lines.
Indian Lake - Catch rates were slow however a few walleye were caught. The biggest concentration of boats has been along the west and the north shore. Smallmouth bass and northern pike were also caught however few were keepers. Some tried anchoring and jigging for yellow perch. Again, the bite was slow but enough fish were caught for a meal.
Au Train - Fishing was light with scattered reports of lake trout in 140 to 200 feet of water. Surface water temperatures were averaging the low 50’s.
Munising - Had slow fishing overall. Smaller lake trout were caught near the Big Reef and a couple pike were caught off the city dock.
Grand Marais - Those fishing in 180 to 200 feet of water for lake trout reported slow catch rates. Pier anglers did catch a few whitefish along with the occasional coho. The window of opportunity for pier anglers to catch whitefish appears to be closing.
St. Mary’s River - Whitefish and Atlanic salmon have been caught near Sault Ste. Marie near the power plant when fishing near the water discharge. Use wax worms for whitefish or smelt for Atlantic salmon. Raber Bay is giving up a few walleye off Antelope Point for those using bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses in 10 to 14 feet of water. Also, try the Canadian rock pile east of Raber Bay. Good northern pike action in 6 to 8 feet of water around Hart Island.
De Tour - Boats are still trolling in the area known as the “Humps” for lake trout and salmon. Try 55 feet down with green and silver or black and white spoons. Near Drummond Island, the mayfly hatch is in full swing. Walleye have been caught in 12 to 14 feet of water around Grape Island, Edward Island and Butterfield Island.
Cedarville and Hessel - Mayfly hatches are early this year and the lake herring are in. McKay Bay is producing limit catches in 10 to 12 feet of water with a teardrop and wax worm. Those in Cedarville Bay, Musky Bay and the Moscoe Channel are trolling and casting for pike and yellow perch in 6 to 10 feet of water. Perch were averaging 9 and 10 inches. Pike were caught in the Hessel Marina and in the bay when trolling or casting with minnows.
St. Ignace - Boat anglers seeking chinook and lake trout are trolling the middle of the bay and fishing 45 feet down in waters 70 to 100 feet deep. Try green and white or black and orange spoons.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Catch rates were slow because of the mayfly hatch. Walleye anglers found some active fish in waters 25 feet or deeper near the Fermi Plant and near the Michigan and Ohio boundary line when using crawlers. Freshwater drum and white bass were also caught. Catch rates for yellow perch were starting to pick up near the Dumping Grounds between Luna Pier and Toledo Beach. Small minnows were the hot bait.
Huron River - Water levels were up but anglers were still fishing with good results for bass, catfish and carp. Bluegills were hitting on worms. For crappie, try minnows in the backwaters.
Detroit River - White bass are pretty much gone so walleye are moving back in. The mayfly hatch is in full swing. For walleye, try down near the mouth and fish the deeper pockets or along the weedlines. Some are trolling while others are hand-lining with a jig and wax worm or bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses. Flatfish and small spoons were also taking fish. Perch were biting however the fish seem to be moving towards the big lake. Shore fishing was good for bass and bluegills near Pte. Mouillee.
Lake St. Clair - Anglers continue to catch large muskie when trolling plugs. Bass fishing was good for both boat and shore anglers.
Harbor Beach - Salmon mixed with lake trout have been caught on medium and magnum spoons on offshore boards and downriggers 40 to 80 feet down in waters 60 to 120 feet deep. Try adding tadpole weights to get them down deeper. Lake trout fishing is still good for those using dodgers and spin glows right on the bottom. Try medium and large spoons off downriggers as well. Best colors were glow, purple, pink, yellow and green. Steelhead are being taken on color lines in 60 to 140 feet of water. Walleye fishing is picking up, try off the North wall early morning and late evening casting small body baits and spoons in green, purple, silver and blue. Try trolling north of the harbor in 40 to 60 feet of water with a crawler harness, small spoons or small body baits. Perch fishing was slow however bass and pike were still hitting inside the harbor and close to shore.
Grindstone City - A few walleye along with good numbers of whitefish have been caught by those trolling crawler harnesses or small spoons straight out in 30 to 40 feet of water. Fish were caught but no limits to report. A few walleye were caught by those trolling in shallow waters 12 to 14 feet deep. Bass anglers were picking up a few fish close to shore however most of the smallmouth seem to be moving out to deeper waters.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye are being taken off Knight Road in 5 feet of water. Between Parish Road and the State Park, walleye were caught on crawlers and rapalas in 8 to 10 feet of water. Catch rates were fair at the mouth of the Saginaw River. Good fishing in the early morning off Quanicassee, Fish Point, Bay Park and Thomas Road in 14 to 18 feet of water with crawler harnesses. Good colors were purple, red, silver, blue and copper. Freshwater drum along with smaller catfish have also been caught. Off Sebewaing, walleye fishing was a bit spotty with a few fish caught in the Slot in 14 to 16 feet of water. Better walleye fishing came north of Sebewaing in 18 to 30 feet of water outside Heisterman Island and 12 feet of water outside North Island. Bay Port was hit-or-miss. Pier anglers at Caseville caught light numbers of walleye and smallmouth bass. Carp and catfish were slower.
Saginaw River - Catfish action has been good in Essexville.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Boats trolling in 150 to 200 feet of water have caught trout and salmon. Steelhead were hitting on shrimp. No perch report.
St. Joe River - Is still high and muddy. Catch rates for catfish were good before the storms when using cut bait. Some walleye were also caught when drifting crawlers.
South Haven - Boat anglers were catching trout and salmon in 80 to 120 feet of water. Pier and perch fishing were slow.
Grand Haven - Was producing some nice chinook salmon in the bottom 40 feet of waters 110 to 150 feet deep. Try blue and green magnum spoons with a silver or green flasher/fly combination. Pier anglers caught the occasional steelhead on alewife or shrimp under a bobber. The alewife were hard to catch on certain days. No perch to report.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Some nice flathead catfish have been caught on live suckers and small bluegills along the east wall between the dam and Wealthy Street. Channel cats are hitting on cut bait, leeches or crawlers. A few nice bluegill were caught up near the dam. Northern pike have been caught up and down the river. Walleye action slowed with only a few fish caught in the lower river when bouncing crawlers with a small red jig. Millennium Park had bass hitting top water lures, bluegills hitting leaf worms and crappie hitting on minnows.
Grand River at Lansing - Moore’s Park was still unfishable due to high, muddy water. The North Lansing Dam was producing some big bass and decent size catfish. Bluegills were in 5 to 7 feet of water.
Lake Interstate - Is producing bluegills in the morning.
Lake Ovid - Had good bass fishing and catfish have also been caught on crawlers, bluegills or shrimp. Bluegills were small.
Dean Lake - In Grand Rapids was producing some nice perch. Bass and bluegills were also caught.
Reeds Lake - Bass were hitting on blue and chrome rattle traps fished along the weeds and the drop offs. Fair to good pike and bluegill action.
Muskegon - Is producing some nice chinook salmon for those trolling in 110 to 150 feet of water. Most fish were caught between the bottom and 40 feet. Try blue or green spoons along with silver and green flasher/fly combos. No pier or perch fishing to report.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Panfishing on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell has been fun. This is that wonderful time of the year when one can be selective and cull the size, species and number of fish needed for a meal. Most catches have been mixed with mostly gills/sunfish, crappie and perch. Some may include rock bass and bullheads.
When it comes to panfish there’s too many areas to recommend. General starting points on Lake Cadillac are the High School shore line on the northeast side for gills, crappie and bass. The deeper east side for crappie especially around the slab piles.
The west side of Cadillac in front of the Mitchell State Park is another area to consider. Good weed patches with drop offs nearby make cover for panfish and pike looking for their dinner.
The two coves on the west side are the best places to start on Lake Mitchell. Weed beds, some cabbage patches always have gills, crappie and bass. Mitchell has a different personality than Cadillac. It’s shallower, weedier and made for bobber fishing. However, there are several deep holes where many of the predator fish live. chances for catching walleyes are good off the State Park Beach area. Drift or troll crawler harnesses along the east sides deeper depths. No monsters, those caught have been in the 15-16 inch range stocked by the DNR. Finally seeing some numbers caught and also several undersized.
Asian Carp’s Spread Spurs New Calls to Close Locks
CHICAGO—Lawmakers and environmentalists said they would ratchet up pressure on Illinois to block commercial waterways that feed into Lake Michigan after the first discovery of an Asian carp beyond existing barriers.
Fishermen this week discovered an Asian carp beyond an electrical barrier 25 miles south of Lake Michigan that was designed to keep the invasive species from entering the Great Lakes. The nearly three-foot-long, 19.6-pound carp was caught in Lake Calumet in Illinois, about six miles south of Lake Michigan.
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REUTERS
An Illinois state fisheries biologist holds up a bighead carp caught in Lake Calumet this week
Previously, the DNA of Asian carp had been found beyond the electrical blockade, but no actual fish. Biologists, environmentalists and Michigan state officials fear the torpedo-shaped fish, which can grow as big as 100 pounds, will starve out local species and decimate the Great Lakes’ $7 billion sport fishing industry.
The discovery of the fish meant “my worst nightmare had come true,” said Michigan Rep. Dave Camp, a Republican who introduced federal legislation in January to close two locks in the Chicago waterway that feeds into Lake Michigan. “We need to act as soon as possible.”
Mr. Camp’s measure has been stalled in subcommittee, but he said Thursday he will introduce a new measure next week calling for the creation of a new barrier. He declined to elaborate on the proposal.
The shipping industry says closing locks that grant access from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River would deal a blow to the local economy. Flood control in Chicago would also have to be re-engineered.
Illinois officials said it was too early to conclude that Asian carp had penetrated the existing barrier in numbers, because only one fish has been found.
“People can draw whatever conclusions they want. We have to do what we do based on science,” said Chris McCloud, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “What we have to do is figure out how that fish got into Lake Calumet.”
Mike White, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said that while it’s possible the fish slipped past the electrical barrier by itself, the carp may have been released intentionally by a local person as part of an ethnic celebration—a “cultural release,” as he described it.
On Thursday, anglers hired by the Illinois natural-resources department continued to fish Lake Calumet and officials discussed the possibility of placing a giant net in a river connecting Lake Calumet to Lake Michigan. On Wednesday, two commercial fishing boats took in more than 300 fish, and none were Asian carp, Mr. McCloud said.
Mississippi fish farmers imported the species during the 1970s to clean up waste at the bottom of catfish and retention ponds. When flooding hit the region in the 1990s, the fish escaped and began a 20-year voyage up the Mississippi River. Asian carp now make up more than 90% of the biomass in some Midwest rivers.
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox said this week that he would again take Illinois to court over the matter. The state twice tried to get the U.S. Supreme Court to order Illinois to close the Chicago locks after scientists found carp DNA beyond the barriers. The court declined both times, most recently in March.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Warm Weather coming to get Fish Bite Back on
We have had lots of rain this week with wind and cool temps. The weekend will be warm and will get fish back on the bite. Otsego Lake has a great walleye bite with some perch being caught.
Saginaw Bay -Fishing has been up and down with the weather. Popular sites with boat anglers were 20 to 25 feet of water near the Spark Plug, 12 feet of water near the Callahan Reef, 14 to 18 feet of water near the Slot off Quanicassee and northeast to the outside of the islands. Crawler harnesses worked best in shallow waters while both harnesses and Hot-n-Tots were used in deep water. Good colors were pink, purple, blue, silver, red and copper. Walleye anglers have also caught freshwater drum, catfish, white perch, white bass and yellow perch. Catfish were caught near the cuts and the mouth of the Quanicassee River and the Sebewaing River.
Tittabawasse River -High water has the water flow heavy so look for a few days before the bite is back on
Saginaw River- Good numbers of walleye are still being caught on jigs with crawlers from the mouth upstream to the Independence Bridge. This is a good fall-back option if the bay is too rough for comfort.
Wixom Lake has a great crappie and gill bite. A few pike and walleye also.
Whitehall - Boats reported slow fishing. A couple steelhead were caught off the pier. Water around the pier was a bit cooler and there were a lot of alewife in close. Fish were caught on Cleo’s or alewife.
Houghton Lake -Walleye, bluegills and sunfish have been caught on leeches when fishing along the edge of the weedbeds.
Tawas - Walleye anglers did well when trolling crawler harnesses in 20 to 40 feet of water off Tawas Point and around Buoy #2. Bass anglers did well for smallmouth when sight fishing. Pier fishing was slow with only a few bass and panfish caught.
Oscoda- Great fishing off the mouth of the Ausable River with catfish and walleye the main entree.
Charlevoix - Anglers caught a good number of chinook between the Red Can, Fisherman’s Island and Nine Mile Point when using spoons. Even with all the salmon reported, more lake trout were still being caught. A few bass were taken in the shallows near the cement plant and the Pine River channel when using live or artificial crawlers. Walleye anglers are trying but no fish to report yet.
Traverse City - Heavy rains have depleted fishing success in both the East Bay and the West Bay. Anglers were still fishing however fewer fish were caught.
Portage Lake - The mayfly hatch has peaked so anglers were having a hard time. Largemouth bass are hitting along the weedbeds and around the docks.
Lake Missaukee - Was producing some nice bluegill along the west side of the lake.
Lake Cadillac - The bigger bluegills have moved out to deeper waters. Crappie were scattered but found near the city dock in the early morning or evening. Lots of small pike were caught but those fishing deeper found bigger fish.
Little Bay De Noc - Night anglers were taking the better catches of walleye. Most are trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses along the weeds in 8 to 15 feet of water from the Center Reef and north. Off the Ford River, some large walleye were caught out in the “Fingers” in 10 to 14 feet of water. Fair to good perch fishing north of Butler Island when still-fishing with minnows in 6 to 13 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Had fair to good walleye fishing. Those trolling in the evening caught fish from Kates Bay south to Garden Bluff when trolling crawlers or crank baits in 16 to 22 feet of water. The bay had several large mayfly hatches so many were trolling along the so called “bug lines”. The purple lightening harness was the hot bait. Smallmouth bass action was still good. Try off Ogontz in 8 to 12 feet of water or Porcupine Point and Kates Bay in 12 to 16 feet of water with tube baits, crank baits, crawlers or leeches. Off Fairport, anglers marked good numbers of baitfish and catch rates were picking up. Try 40 to 80 feet down in waters 50 to 120 feet deep.
Indian Lake - Has been experiencing a mayfly hatch. Smaller walleye were caught on harnesses with crawlers and leeches along the west shore and the north end of the lake. Some were fishing the rock pike in the middle of the lake but smaller walleye were caught. Anglers were trolling small rapalas a little faster than usual. Lots of small perch along with a few keepers were caught in front of the State Park. Try different colored jigs with minnows or crawlers. Pike and herring were caught by those trolling however most were small.
Cedarville and Hessel - Northern pike are fair off the Hessel Marina pier and in the bay. Anglers are trolling, casting or still-fishing with minnows. With the early mayfly hatches this year, lake herring are present. Those trolling in 6 to 8 feet of water in Cedarville Bay and Musky Bay have caught some nice perch.
Northwest:
Bear River - Had lots of angler activity with rock bass and smallmouth bass being caught on crawlers. Most of the smallmouth bass were undersize.
Petoskey - Lake trout have been caught in Little Traverse Bay when trolling spoons. A couple whitefish along with a steelhead have also been caught. Bass fishing has picked up with some nice fish caught on tube baits.
Charlevoix - Anglers caught a good number of chinook between the Red Can, Fisherman’s Island and Nine Mile Point when using spoons. Even with all the salmon reported, more lake trout were still being caught. A few bass were taken in the shallows near the cement plant and the Pine River channel when using live or artificial crawlers. Walleye anglers are trying but no fish to report yet.
Torch Lake - Is producing some nice trout.
Lake Skegemog - Muskie fishing is picking up.
Traverse City - Heavy rains have depleted fishing success in both the East Bay and the West Bay. Anglers were still fishing however fewer fish were caught.
Frankfort - Reported good catches both north to the point and south to the Herring Hole. Boats are trolling 45 to 65 feet down in waters 80 to 150 feet deep with orange spoons. For lake trout, fish closer to the bottom. With the mayfly hatch in full swing, steelhead were caught higher in the water column.
Onekama - Anglers are fishing straight out from the lighthouse in 150 to 180 feet of water with lures 10 feet above or below the temperature break. Spoons worked best. Dredging operations are still underway so anglers need to use caution in the channel and watch for workers in the area.
Portage Lake - The mayfly hatch has peaked so anglers were having a hard time. Largemouth bass are hitting along the weedbeds and around the docks.
Lake Missaukee - Was producing some nice bluegill along the west side of the lake.
Lake Cadillac - The bigger bluegills have moved out to deeper waters. Crappie were scattered but found near the city dock in the early morning or evening. Lots of small pike were caught but those fishing deeper found bigger fish.
Manistee - Boat anglers are catching salmon in and around the harbor in the early morning when using glow spoons. Once the sun comes up, boats are heading out to waters 100 to 200 feet deep. Pier anglers have caught trout and salmon when casting spoons or using live bait.
Ludington - Anglers have started catching bigger salmon when trolling in 100 to 200 feet of water off Big Sable Point. Try green spoons or flies 50 to 100 feet down. Pier anglers have also caught fish in the early morning.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - Better areas to drop a line were Forty Mile Point, Seagull Point, Adams Point and the State Park. Be sure to watch for commercial fishing nets placed between the State Park and Forty Mile Point. Most of the nets were deeper than 55 feet of water and most boats were fishing the top 45 feet of waters 50 to 80 feet deep. Use downriggers set 25 to 45 feet along with 1-5 colors of lead core off planer boards. A bug hatch was underway which provided good fishing for steelhead. Try orange, green, blue, chartreuse and silver spoons.
Presque Isle - A good mix of fish have been caught around the areas of structure straight out from the port, near Stoneport and between the two lights.
Rockport - Lake trout were right on the bottom in waters 100 to 125 feet deep. Spoons worked well. No Atlantic salmon to report this week.
Alpena - Boaters are fishing out from the launch, around Grass Island, and Sulfur Island. Night anglers were bringing in fish however the bite did slow. Try 15 feet of water with crawler harnesses or perch style body baits. Bass and pike were caught south of the port in Squaw Bay.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye anglers were successful when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses. Some nice bass have been caught off the Ninth Street Bridge.
Hubbard Lake - Walleye fishing was fair but bass fishing was very good.
Harrisville - Lake trout have moved into deeper water 80 to 100 feet deep. Spoons and body baits have worked well in silver, orange and silver or blue and silver. Walleye are being caught just outside the harbor and north to Sturgeon Point in 20 to 40 feet of water. Body baits were the most productive.
Oscoda - Lake trout will be found in 80 to 100 feet of water while steelhead were near the surface in 60 feet of water. Lake trout are suspended 10 to 20 feet off the bottom and hitting on spoons.
Au Sable River - Bass are biting well in Iosco County and trout fishing was good near Mio. Walleye fishing has picked up for those using crawlers or leeches.
Higgins Lake - Rain and strong winds have limited fishing opportunities. Anglers are going out when the weather breaks and fishing for smallmouth bass with crawlers or leeches. Rock bass were also caught on crawlers.
Houghton Lake - Walleye, bluegills and sunfish have been caught on leeches when fishing along the edge of the weedbeds.
Tawas - Walleye anglers did well when trolling crawler harnesses in 20 to 40 feet of water off Tawas Point and around Buoy #2. Bass anglers did well for smallmouth when sight fishing. Pier fishing was slow with only a few bass and panfish caught.
Au Gres - Those trolling caught limits of walleye when the weather cooperated otherwise it was hit-or-miss. The best fishing was down toward Pointe Au Gres in 30 to 40 feet of water. Good numbers of freshwater drum and catfish along with the occasional walleye have been caught.
Au Gres River - Catfish were caught down at the mouth.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Chinook and coho have been caught close to shore. Try 12 to 20 feet down in waters 35 to 55 feet deep. No lake trout report this week.
Ontonagon - Wind, rain, and fog has made fishing difficult. Those able to get out did catch coho and lake trout. Coho were taken a few feet off the bottom in 45 to 65 feet of water and the lake trout were 2 to 4 feet off the bottom in 100 feet of water. There is a well defined mud line in the lake right now so working the edge should produce some fish. Walleye fishing slowed with the onset of muddy water.
Lake Gogebic - Does have walleye and catch rates should only improve.
Keweenaw Bay - Anglers jigging for lake trout found fish in 220 to 270 feet of water out from Big Louie’s Point and near the 7 Mile Reef. Off Gay Point and Hermits Cove, lake trout were found in 135 to 165 feet of water. At the South Portage Entry, good catches of lake trout were reported in 30 to 70 feet of water along Farmers Reef, Big Reef, Newton’s Reef and the Mud Banks. Spoons worked best.
Marquette - Bad weather made for slow fishing. A few lake trout along with occasional coho were caught in the lower harbor near the Carp River. Water temperatures were in the mid to upper 40’s.
Little Bay De Noc - Night anglers were taking the better catches of walleye. Most are trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses along the weeds in 8 to 15 feet of water from the Center Reef and north. Off the Ford River, some large walleye were caught out in the “Fingers” in 10 to 14 feet of water. Fair to good perch fishing north of Butler Island when still-fishing with minnows in 6 to 13 feet of water.
Escanaba River - Had fair to good walleye catches for those jigging or drifting crawlers in 10 to 20 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Had fair to good walleye fishing. Those trolling in the evening caught fish from Kates Bay south to Garden Bluff when trolling crawlers or crank baits in 16 to 22 feet of water. The bay had several large mayfly hatches so many were trolling along the so called “bug lines”. The purple lightening harness was the hot bait. Smallmouth bass action was still good. Try off Ogontz in 8 to 12 feet of water or Porcupine Point and Kates Bay in 12 to 16 feet of water with tube baits, crank baits, crawlers or leeches. Off Fairport, anglers marked good numbers of baitfish and catch rates were picking up. Try 40 to 80 feet down in waters 50 to 120 feet deep.
Indian Lake - Has been experiencing a mayfly hatch. Smaller walleye were caught on harnesses with crawlers and leeches along the west shore and the north end of the lake. Some were fishing the rock pike in the middle of the lake but smaller walleye were caught. Anglers were trolling small rapalas a little faster than usual. Lots of small perch along with a few keepers were caught in front of the State Park. Try different colored jigs with minnows or crawlers. Pike and herring were caught by those trolling however most were small.
Manistique River - Was producing some walleye.
Au Train - Anglers reported good catches of lake trout averaging 3 to 10 pounds. Try north of Au Train Island in 140 to 180 feet of water.
Munising - Few boats have been out. Shore anglers have seen a marginal increase in activity with a few perch caught however catch rates for splake were not good.
Grand Marais - Pier anglers reported slower catch rates for whitefish, might be due to the weather. They are using a single egg. Some have caught coho.
St. Mary’s River - Northern pike and walleye action were good in Brimley Bay when trolling crank baits in 6 to 9 feet of water. Whitefish were caught near Sault Ste. Marie at the Cloverland Electric Plant. Try wax worms just off the bottom.
De Tour - Boats were still trolling both sides of the shipping channel to the #3 can and three miles south of the lighthouse to the area known as ?The Humps’ for lake trout and salmon. Fish were hitting high on orange or green and silver spoons. At Drummond Island, anglers were fishing near the Yacht Club for herring. Try red, pink, or green teardrops with a wax worm.
Cedarville and Hessel - Northern pike are fair off the Hessel Marina pier and in the bay. Anglers are trolling, casting or still-fishing with minnows. With the early mayfly hatches this year, lake herring are present. Those trolling in 6 to 8 feet of water in Cedarville Bay and Musky Bay have caught some nice perch.
St. Ignace - Boats trolling 50 feet down in waters 80 to 100 feet deep have caught chinook and Atlantic salmon on spoons.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Fishing remains hit-or-miss. Walleye were found in 25 feet of water near the Fermi Power Plant. Try crawlers or spoons. Those trolling have also caught white bass, freshwater drum, and catfish. Fishing near Bolles Harbor has slowed in recent days however good reports were coming further south near Turtle Island.
River Raisin - Those shore fishing caught catfish and white bass.
Huron River - Still has fair to good numbers of smallmouth bass being caught.
Lake St. Clair - Is producing some large muskie. Boat anglers were trolling plugs just behind the boat in the prop wash. The bass opener looks to be a good one.
St. Clair River - Walleye were moving up towards Port Huron.
Lexington - Lake trout and salmon are coming from 60 to 70 feet of water. Nice perch were caught in the weed beds about six miles south of town. There will be some sorting to do however the average catch was 20 to 25 nice fish per boat.
Port Sanilac - Few anglers were out however some lake trout were caught.
Harbor Beach - Lake trout fishing is good straight out, north or south of the harbor for those using dodgers or spin glows right on the bottom. Try medium or large spoons off downriggers in 80 to 130 feet of water. Steelhead were caught on offshore boards with 5 and 10 color lead lines and bright colored spoons. Lake trout and pink salmon are making up most of the catch in 70 to 100 feet of water. For walleye, try the north wall in the early morning or late evening. Boats are trolling crawler harnesses. Perch fishing was still slow. Bass and pike were caught inside the harbor and close to shore when casting small body baits or spoons.
Grindstone City - Those trolling are getting walleye in 40 feet of water and lake trout out deeper. Shore anglers are catching smallmouth bass in the harbor.
Port Austin - The boat launch is closed for renovations.
Saginaw Bay - Fishing has been up and down with the weather. Popular sites with boat anglers were 20 to 25 feet of water near the Spark Plug, 12 feet of water near the Callahan Reef, 14 to 18 feet of water near the Slot off Quanicassee and northeast to the outside of the islands. Crawler harnesses worked best in shallow waters while both harnesses and Hot-n-Tots were used in deep water. Good colors were pink, purple, blue, silver, red and copper. Walleye anglers have also caught freshwater drum, catfish, white perch, white bass and yellow perch. Catfish were caught near the cuts and the mouth of the Quanicassee River and the Sebewaing River.
Saginaw River - Good numbers of walleye are still being caught on jigs with crawlers from the mouth upstream to the Independence Bridge. This is a good fall-back option if the bay is too rough for comfort.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Boat anglers trolling in 150 to 200 feet of water have caught trout and salmon. Pier fishing was slow and not much happening in regards to perch.
St. Joe River - With high water levels and low visibility, fishing was slow. Shore anglers caught smallmouth on crank baits. Panfish were caught on live baits.
Big Paw Paw Lake - Was producing some pike.
South Haven - Trout and salmon have been caught in 80 to 120 feet of water when trolling. Perch and pier fishing were slow.
Kalamazoo River - Is producing some walleye and bass.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Water levels are high and muddy. Not many were fishing however those chasing catfish have done well with cut bait, crawlers and large minnows. Some large flatheads have been caught. Those fishing Millennium Park were still taking a fair to good number of bluegills, bass and crappie.
Grand River at Lansing - Moore’s Park Dam was to high and muddy to fish as of this report. The North Lansing Dam was good for smallmouth bass and big carp. Riverfront Park was good for catfish and carp. The Smithville Dam in Eaton Rapids was good for smallmouth bass. Pike and catfish were caught near Lyons.
Lake Lansing - Is producing some bluegill. Those trolling along the weedbeds have caught a few pike on large minnows or body baits.
Lake Ovid - Those trolling have caught some nice muskie on large crank baits or large minnows. The lake also holds some big catfish. Try crawlers or large minnows.
Morrison Lake - Bluegill and crappie have been caught in deeper waters. Try 6 to 10 feet with red worms, wax worms or small twister tail grubs on a jig.
Whitehall - Boats reported slow fishing. A couple steelhead were caught off the pier. Water around the pier was a bit cooler and there were a lot of alewife in close. Fish were caught on Cleo’s or alewife.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The DNR’s Free Fishing Weekend was hardly noticed this year. A few new to the sport but mostly regular fishermen took advantage of Cadillac’s resources.
Bluegill fishing is still good but it appears we’re on the downside of the spawn. Many are still finding beds with fish while some of the regular spots have faded. Lots of small gills are living in the shallows. Try fishing deeper and weedy areas near where the gills have spawned. Stories of good catches of large ones are coming from 8 to 10 foot depths. The baits are still the same - Leafworms, waxworms, crickets or pieces of crawler. Gills are a favorite because they are easy to catch and taste good.
Many are complaining about catching so many small pike. It’s summer and hammer handles are all over the shallows. Bigger pike, the 30 inch range and above are coming from deeper areas. Deep meaning 10 foot or more. They hit about anything but the local favorite for large pike is spinner baits. Most colors work but white should be the first choice.
This is that wonderful time of the year when limits are expected. Fish dinners become a regular part of the diet.
Occasionally during the day, but for sure at night, bullheads are on the prowl, good numbers can be caught in the canal separating the two lakes. Blacks, browns and yellow belly bullheads, many Master Angler size are caught. Some relax in their lawn chairs and fish the bottom with crawlers or leeches.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan
This coming weekend, Saturday June 12th and Sunday June 13th will be Michigan’s annual Free Fishing Weekend. Both resident and non-residents can fish without a license on these two days however all regulations still apply. For a list of statewide fishing events on this special weekend, click on free fishing events Fish have been biting but rain and wind have kept most off the lakes.
Please mentor a kid this weekend fishing
Saginaw Bay -Anglers have done well when they can get out. Area rivers are swollen and muddy from all the rain so anglers on the bay should move around and find clear water for the best results. Walleye anglers were concentrated around the Spark Plug, Callahan Reef and the Slot. Crawler harnesses continue to catch most of the fish which also included a mix of freshwater drum, channel cats or yellow and white perch. Purple, blue, gold and silver were good colors for crank baits and harness spinners. Pier anglers at Caseville caught a few walleye at night and bass during the day.
Tittabawasse River -Was providing good catch and release smallmouth bass fishing up near the Dow Dam. White bass have also started to show up. Good flow in the river has a few fish biting this week
Saginaw River- Good catfish bite
Wixom Lake has a great crappie and gill bite. A few pike and walleye also.
Portage Lake -This is a good time to catch bass near the docks and around the weed beds. Bluegills were not so active but pike are starting to feed on the surface.
Houghton Lake -The fly hatches are done so the bite has improved. Those trolling crank baits along the weed beds caught walleye. Pike and bass were also along the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet of water. Good live baits were leeches, crawlers and minnows. The crappie are done spawning and have moved to deeper water.
Lake Cadillac Anglers are catching a good mix of panfish including bluegill, rock bass, crappie and perch. Bass anglers are also doing very well. Night anglers have caught some bullhead when fishing crawlers or leeches on the bottom.
Lake Mitchell - Had good fishing for bass and panfish. Pike were hitting from the weed beds.
Big Bay De Noc Anglers fishing in the evening caught walleye off Ansell’s Point in 15 to 20 feet of water and the “Boot” in 12 to 15 feet of water. Most were trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses. Bass anglers found fish in 6 to 14 feet of water as the fish were leaving the beds. Off Fairport, anglers reported several good catches of salmon 45 to 80 feet down in 80 to 120 feet of water.
Little Bay De Noc -The best walleye fishing was in 15 to 20 feet of water north of the Second Reef during the day and in waters less than 15 feet at night. Most fish were sub-legal however 15 to 18 inch fish were caught. Those fishing the southern water reported bigger fish but fewer fish were caught. Most are trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses in 10 to 25 feet of water. Perch fishing was fair in the north end of the bay when drifting or still-fishing crawlers in 15 to 25 feet of water. Good smallmouth action throughout the bay when jigging or casting tube baits or crawlers in 6 to 12 feet of water.
Indian Lake - Had good walleye fishing when drifting along the west shoreline with crawlers or leeches on a harness. Many were small but some nice fish were taken as well. Northern pike were caught on the north end of the lake and yellow perch were caught in front of the State Park when using crawlers. Those trolling for walleye also picked up the occasional lake herring.
Traverse City - Bass anglers did well in the East Bay when using artificial soft plastics along the south end, the drop offs and the sand flats. Lake whitefish are still being caught on the east side and north of Dock Road. Boat anglers were taking a good number of cicso just north of Elk Rapids. Those fishing the bypass caught perch and smallmouth bass when using crawlers and leeches. Good lake trout action in the West Bay when trolling spoons in water less than 50 feet deep along the east side. A few chinook salmon were also caught.
Northwest:
Bear River - Anglers have caught rock bass and smallmouth bass when using crawlers or wax worms.
Petoskey - Anglers fishing Little Traverse Bay have caught lake trout measuring up to 24 inches. A few small chinook salmon were also caught on spoons.
Charlevoix - Small chinook were caught off the Red Can near Medusa when using spoons. Bass were caught in the shallows near Medusa and the Pine River Channel when using live or artificial crawlers.
Traverse City - Bass anglers did well in the East Bay when using artificial soft plastics along the south end, the drop offs and the sand flats. Lake whitefish are still being caught on the east side and north of Dock Road. Boat anglers were taking a good number of cicso just north of Elk Rapids. Those fishing the bypass caught perch and smallmouth bass when using crawlers and leeches. Good lake trout action in the West Bay when trolling spoons in water less than 50 feet deep along the east side. A few chinook salmon were also caught.
Boardman River - Lots of smallmouth bass are being caught near the dam on Union Street when using live crayfish or leeches. Northern pike are hitting on minnows.
Frankfort - Anglers had good luck trolling the Herring Hole and straight out from the lighthouse. Try spoons or meat rigs 60 to 100 feet down in waters 120 to 180 feet deep. May flies are hatching so feeding may be good this weekend. For steelhead, the sum line is out a little ways but those catching fish said the bellies were full of black flies. Baitfish moved into the area and pier anglers were catching brown trout.
Onekama - Dredging has begun at the outlet just west of the lighthouse. Anglers need to use caution and beware of additional markers and workers in the area.
Portage Lake - This is a good time to catch bass near the docks and around the weed beds. Bluegills were not so active but pike are starting to feed on the surface.
Lake Cadillac - Anglers are catching a good mix of panfish including bluegill, rock bass, crappie and perch. Bass anglers are also doing very well. Night anglers have caught some bullhead when fishing crawlers or leeches on the bottom.
Lake Mitchell - Had good fishing for bass and panfish. Pike were hitting from the weed beds.
Manistee - Salmon and trout were caught in the top 60 feet of waters 100 to 200 feet deep. Pier anglers caught brown trout and freshwater drum when using alewife.
Ludington - Salmon and trout have been caught in 50 to 150 feet of water when trolling orange and green spoons. Small salmon and brown trout were caught in front of the harbor.
Pentwater - Salmon fishing slowed this week but a good number of freshwater drum have been caught. Pier anglers caught a few perch.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Smallmouth bass have been caught in 3 to 8 feet of water. Anglers were trolling for pike in the Pigeon Bay area. A few yellow perch were caught by those drifting with a crawler.
Rogers City - Lake trout fishing is starting to wind down as the fish begin to spread out in the water column and move out deeper. Try spoons in green and blue with silver, chartreuse, and orange from the State Park to Forty Mile Point. A few salmon have also been caught. Those fishing Adams Point caught a few lake trout near the bottom in 50 to 60 feet of water. Try cowbells or dodgers with spin glows.
Presque Isle - Lake trout are scattered. Fish the bottom 15 to 20 feet in waters 30 to 70 feet deep. A lot of small lake trout were caught. Atlantic salmon were still being caught in the top 8 feet when trolling small body baits that look like rainbow trout.
Rockport - Anglers are still catching Atlantic salmon from the pier, about four feet below the surface. Lake trout were caught in the bottom 25 feet of waters 60 feet deep or more. Try chartreuse, fluorescent green and yellow spoons. Those trolling around Middle Island caught fish on dodgers with spin glows.
Alpena - Walleye fishing picked up with many anglers getting their limit. Perch style lures, crawler harnesses, stick baits and bombers all caught fish in 10 to 15 feet of water however the fish were scattered. Try the reef near the cement plant and down to the launch as well as between Grass Island and the pier at Blair Street. Grass Island is three to four miles south of the launch and Blair Street is along US-23 north of the island. Lake trout were caught off the north shore near the “Humps” in 70 feet of water. Chartreuse was the hot color.
Thunder Bay River - Shore anglers are beginning to catch panfish and bass. Hot spots are the bridge on Ninth Street, the shoreline off Rotary Island Park and near the foot bridge. The panfish are small but will keep the young ones busy. The bass are good size this year. Catfish are stacked up at the mouth of the river and are being caught on worms.
Harrisville - Those able to get out have caught lake trout to the north in 50 to 80 feet of water. Most of the lake trout were full of smelt, so use anything that resembles them. A couple steelhead along with chinook and Atlantic salmon were caught in 30 to 40 feet of water with orange and silver spoons or body baits.
Oscoda - Lake trout and a few salmon have been caught in 50 to 65 feet of water. The fish look good and no one color combination was more successful than another.
Au Sable River - Walleye action has picked back up with anglers averaging a couple fish per outing. Crawler harnesses and leeches are working best. The fish look good and catch rates should only get better.
Higgins Lake - When boats can get out, they are trolling just off the bottom for lake trout and whitefish in 100 feet of water. Anglers are catching smallmouth bass in the shallows with crawlers or leeches. Perch anglers are getting fish in 20 to 40 feet of water. Some nice rock bass have also been caught.
Houghton Lake - The fly hatches are done so the bite has improved. Those trolling crank baits along the weed beds caught walleye. Pike and bass were also along the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet of water. Good live baits were leeches, crawlers and minnows. The crappie are done spawning and have moved to deeper water.
Tawas - Walleye anglers trolling in 30 to 40 feet of water off Tawas Point caught fish on crawler harnesses. Bass anglers did well when sight fishing for smallmouth. Pier fishing was slow with a few panfish taken during the day and walleye at night.
Au Gres - Those trolling for walleye have done well in 30 to 40 feet of water between Point Au Gres and Point Lookout. Some limit catches were reported. Bass anglers are doing well around the points and the Charity Islands.
Au Gres River - Was high and muddy.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Fishing is slow close to shore as most fish are being caught in 200 to 300 feet of water. The river might be good in the early morning as fish can be seen feeding on minnows.
Ontonagon - Lake trout fishing was still good with most fish caught on the bottom in 100 feet of water. Walleye fishing is good for those trolling up the river.
Lake Gogebic - Walleye fishing continues to get better. During the day, anglers are trolling the middle of the lake with stick baits. Morning and evening anglers are fishing near the weed beds with jigs and minnows or crawlers.
Keweenaw Bay - Those jigging for lake trout had fair action in 240 to 260 feet of water straight out from Big Louie’s Point. The bite was slower for those trolling. Coho and a few brown trout were also caught near Gay Point. Those fishing near the South Portage Entry did well when trolling in 30 to 70 feet of water.
Marquette - Had fair action for lake trout and a few coho taken by those trolling in the Lower Harbor. Stannard Rock had fair lake trout action.
Little Bay De Noc - The best walleye fishing was in 15 to 20 feet of water north of the Second Reef during the day and in waters less than 15 feet at night. Most fish were sub-legal however 15 to 18 inch fish were caught. Those fishing the southern water reported bigger fish but fewer fish were caught. Most are trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses in 10 to 25 feet of water. Perch fishing was fair in the north end of the bay when drifting or still-fishing crawlers in 15 to 25 feet of water. Good smallmouth action throughout the bay when jigging or casting tube baits or crawlers in 6 to 12 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Anglers fishing in the evening caught walleye off Ansell’s Point in 15 to 20 feet of water and the “Boot” in 12 to 15 feet of water. Most were trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses. Bass anglers found fish in 6 to 14 feet of water as the fish were leaving the beds. Off Fairport, anglers reported several good catches of salmon 45 to 80 feet down in 80 to 120 feet of water.
Indian Lake - Had good walleye fishing when drifting along the west shoreline with crawlers or leeches on a harness. Many were small but some nice fish were taken as well. Northern pike were caught on the north end of the lake and yellow perch were caught in front of the State Park when using crawlers. Those trolling for walleye also picked up the occasional lake herring.
Au Train - Lake trout were caught north of the island and near the shipping channel.
Munising - Not many anglers but those going out have caught the occasional chinook and lake trout when trolling around Grand Island and Wood Island. Pier and dock fishing was slow with only a couple splake caught when still-fishing with natural baits or casting spoons and spinners.
Little Beaver Lake - In Alger County was producing walleye and northern pike.
Grand Marais - Had fair catches of small lake trout in the area near the shipping channel. Some whitefish were caught in the early morning hours however the bigger fish were caught at night on a single egg.
St. Mary’s River - Some nice walleye were caught in Little Lake George when trolling bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses. Those fishing the weed beds in Raber Bay also caught walleye. The fly hatches are coming early to the Eastern Upper Peninsula, so the herring may be showing up soon.
De Tour - Boats are trolling both side of the shipping channel, out to the #3 can and three miles out to the “Humps”. Fish were hitting 45 to 55 feet down on green and silver or green and gold spoons.
Cedarville and Hessel - Those fishing Cedarville Bay and Musky Bay are trolling for yellow perch in 10 to 12 feet of water with minnows and worms. Fly hatches are taking place in the Moscoe Channel, so the herring will be there soon. Pike were caught off the pier at Hessel in the early morning when using large minnows. A few perch were also caught. Good smallmouth bass action for those casting.
St. Ignace - The two fish cleaning stations are now open. Chinook have been caught about a mile out from the new lighthouse. Try 50 feet down in 90 feet of water with green spoons. Those wading at the primitive launch west of the bridge have caught northern pike on orange and silver spinners or green and orange stick baits.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Boat anglers need to be careful near the shoreline due to floating and submerged debris from the recent storms. Anglers found walleye in 20 to 25 feet of water near the Fermi Power Plant, 22 feet of water near Bolles Harbor, and out deeper near the Ohio line. Spoons and crawler harnesses were producing fish. The May flies are hatching and a good number of fish were feeding off them near the surface. Largemouth bass were caught in the channels near Bolles Harbor.
Huron River - Water levels were high however anglers were still fishing. Fair to good numbers of smallmouth have been caught but the run of white bass is just about done. Bluegills were caught up near the dam at Flat Rock. Those fishing the backwaters caught crappie and muskie.
Port Sanilac - Those out trolling caught lake trout, pink salmon, and occasional steelheads in 80 to 110 feet of water when using spoons, dodgers and squid.
Harbor Beach - Lake trout anglers have also caught a mix of chinook, coho and pink salmon when using medium and large spoons off the boards and downriggers 30 to 70 feet down in waters 70 to 130 feet deep. Limits of lake trout were caught right on the bottom when using dodgers and spin glows. Hot colors were yellow, green, black, pink with white dots, or anything that glows. Steelhead were taken with offshore boards, 5 and 10 color lines with bright colored spoons in 90 to 120 feet of water. Perch fishing was slow but should pick up soon. Try near the lighthouse and along the channel with minnows or crawlers. Near the Cemetery, try 20 to 40 feet of water. Walleye fishing was slow, try off the north wall in the early morning or late evening when casting small body baits and spoons or trolling in 18 to 40 feet of water with crawler harnesses, small spoons or body baits. Bass and pike were caught inside the harbor and close to shore when casting small body baits or spoons.
Saginaw Bay - Anglers have done well when they can get out. Area rivers are swollen and muddy from all the rain so anglers on the bay should move around and find clear water for the best results. Walleye anglers were concentrated around the Spark Plug, Callahan Reef and the Slot. Crawler harnesses continue to catch most of the fish which also included a mix of freshwater drum, channel cats or yellow and white perch. Purple, blue, gold and silver were good colors for crank baits and harness spinners. Pier anglers at Caseville caught a few walleye at night and bass during the day.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Salmon and trout have been caught in 70 to 160 feet of water when trolling.Perch fishing is just getting started with a few fish caught in 35 to 40 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow.
St. Joe River - Fishing pressure was low because water levels are high and muddy.
South Haven - Salmon and trout have been caught in 90 to 120 feet of water when trolling. Perch were caught in 60 to 70 feet of water.
Grand Haven - Pier anglers are catching very few perch and steelhead. Alewives are being used for bait. Boat anglers are catching only light numbers of salmon and trout in the bottom 40 feet of waters 120 to 170 feet deep. Lake trout were on the bottom. Spoons are being used in the higher depths or flasher/fly combos in the lower depths. Good colors for spoons were green, blue and orange or green and white for flashers and flies. Most boats were fishing north of the port.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Water levels were up after all the rain but anglers are still catching fish. Walleye have been caught on crawler harnesses or twister tails. Catfish are active and hitting on soft shell crabs, crawlers or cut bait. Millennium Park is a good place to catch nice bluegills, crappie and bass.
Grand River at Lansing - Moore’s Park continues to produce some nice catfish and a few walleye. Cats are hitting on chicken liver and crawlers. Some nice catfish have been caught below the North Lansing Dam and over near Portland. Try large minnows, crawlers, crayfish or cut bait. Bluegills and rock bass were in the shallows and hitting on red worms or wax worms.
Lake Ovid - Bluegills were in the shallows. Anglers were catching crappie, catfish and the occasional muskie. Look for bass along the weed beds.
Morrison Lake - Bluegills were still hitting on red worms. Crappie should be done spawning and moving out to deeper waters.
Sessions Lake - Bluegills were in the shallows.
Muskegon - Boat anglers are catching a few salmon and trout in the bottom 40 feet of waters 120 to 170 feet deep. Lake trout were on the bottom. Try spoons high in the water column or flasher/fly combos in the lower. No pier or perch fishing.
Whitehall - Salmon fishing slowed this week with fewer and smaller fish caught. Some perch were caught off the piers but no limit catches reported. Lots of freshwater drum have been caught.
White Lake - Those fishing the west side of the lake and into the channel have caught a fair to good number of bass.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
A week ago sales in sun screen flourished. This weekend raincoats were the hot item. Regardless, the fish are cooperating.
Those fishing panfish are very happy. Bluegills, sunfish, crappie, rock bass and perch have all been hungry. Most live nets we’ve seen have been mixed with several species.
This is that wonderful time of the year when limits are expected. Fish dinners become a regular part of the diet.
Occasionally during the day, but for sure at night, bullheads are on the prowl, good numbers can be caught in the canal separating the two lakes. Blacks, browns and yellow belly bullheads, many Master Angler size are caught. Some relax in their lawn chairs and fish the bottom with crawlers or leeches.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Holiday Fishing Report for Michigan
The holiday weekend should be filled with good fishing. The bite has been good for crappie and bass and bluegills are on the beds. This coming Saturday May 29th is the opening day of bass season on the Great Lakes and all the inland waters except Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River and the Detroit River which do not open until the 3rd Saturday in June. The early catch and release season has been very good so the opener should be strong.
Great weather this weekend and the fishing is awesome on most lakes as the bass and gills are on the beds
New Walleye Regulations for Mullett Lake and Associated Rivers
The new regulations take effect for the 2010 fishing season on April 1. The regulations were developed in collaboration with many of the recreational fishing groups in the area, as well as the Indian River Chamber of Commerce. Changes to the regulations include a change in bag limit and season length for walleye for state-licensed recreational anglers. The regulations cover Mullett Lake proper, the Cheboygan River from Mullett Lake downstream to the Cheboygan Dam, and the Black River from Alverno Dam downstream to its confluence with the Cheboygan River.
In those areas, the bag limit for the harvest of walleye by state-licensed recreational anglers will be three walleye per day. The walleye season for state-licensed recreational anglers on Mullett Lake will be May 15 to March 15.
The State and Tribes have agreed to work together to develop a multi-faceted approach to monitoring and enhancing the walleye population over next five years, through the 2014 fishing season.
The plan includes a collaborative assessment and monitoring program by both the state and the Tribes that encompasses continued creel surveys for the 2010 fishing season, a joint assessment of the entire chain of lakes, and longer term the potential to develop a joint fish stocking effort.
“These changes will protect the adult walleye population in the lake, while offering state-licensed recreational anglers the opportunity to continue harvesting walleye,” said DNR Fisheries Chief Kelley Smith. “Both the State and the Tribes are concerned with the walleye population in the lake, and our plan is to address it together.”
Saginaw Bay -Those trolling for walleye have done well. Most of the boating activity has been out near the Spark Plug in 20 to 22 feet of water or the Slot in 13 to 15 feet of water. Off Finn Road, anglers are fishing in 3 to 8 feet of water or deeper when the sun comes out. Most are relying on crawler harnesses off planer boards, but some did well with crank baits in deeper waters.
Tittabawasse River -Was providing good catch and release smallmouth bass fishing up near the Dow Dam. White bass have also started to show up.
Saginaw River- Good catfish bite
Wixom Lake has a great crappie and gill bite. A few pike and walleye also.
Portage Lake -Walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses instead of the usual body baits. Early morning was best. Bluegill action slowed however a few fish could still be found along the eastern shore and in the cove. The bass opener looks good.
Houghton Lake -Fair to good numbers of walleye have been caught on leeches in 6 to 8 feet of water. Those trolling crawler harnesses or Hot-n-Tots along the weed beds have also caught fish. Crappie were hitting on a jig and minnow in 8 to 10 feet of water. Bluegills should be on the beds anytime now and the bass opener this weekend looks to be good.
Lake Cadillac ry the north east side, from the Old Armory to the boat launch. The sandy area across from the High School is perfect for shore, wading or boat fishing.
Lake Mitchell - concentrate on the Coves on the west side. Leafworms, waxworms and crickets all are working.
Big Bay De Noc -Walleye anglers were struggling. The areas that usually produce well every year were not. The better catches were coming from out near the Boot, the Sand Pit or just off the Nahma Golf Course when trolling crank baits in 15 to 25 feet of water. The walleye appear to be moving out earlier this year so look for Ansell’s Point to produce earlier. The bass opener should be very good with lots of fish reported in South River Bay, Ogontz Bay and around Porcupine Point.
Little Bay De Noc -Catch rates were good for the walleye opener however most fish were just legal or too small to keep. Most were fishing deeper waters from the head of the bay and north to Saunders Point. Day anglers used harnesses with crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water and night anglers used crank baits. The bigger fish were caught as far south as Round Island when trolling crank baits in 4 to 14 feet of water. The night fishery has started with boats going out an hour or two before dark and trolling crank baits in 20 to 35 feet of water out from the Second Reef or straight out of Kipling. A few perch were caught off the mouth of the Day’s River. The bass opener this weekend should be good as smallmouth are staging for the spawn.
Indian Lake - Anglers were mainly trolling crawler harnesses for walleye along the north end of the lake. Catches were slow but some did well when fishing late afternoon with a harness and leech. Some nice brown trout and lake herring were caught on the south end near the mouth of the Indian River when trolling tiger or perch colored rapalas. Pike were caught but most were small. A few nice perch were caught at the north end of the lake when still-fishing with a worm.
Spring fishing is just getting started. Anglers 17 years of age and older are required to have the new 2010 Michigan Fishing License by April 1st. Strong storms this week have raised water levels in the rivers and that should help those seeking steelhead and suckers. Colder weather by the end of the week will most likely slow the bite for panfish however it should rebound with the next warm up. As we move into spring fishing, anglers are reminded that bass season is closed.The 2010 regulations also go into effect on April 1st. Fishing Guides should be available from all license vendors.
Northwest:
Bear River - Steelhead can still be caught in the early morning just below the dam when using spawn. The mouth of the river remains abundant with smallmouth bass, rock bass, and carp. Worms are working best.
Charlevoix - Lake trout are starting to show up in 70 to 100 feet of water, though the bite has been slow. Smallmouth bass are starting to show up close to shore and also in the channel of the Pine River.
Traverse City - A nice school of perch were marked off the East Arm access site in the East Bay. Those fishing the West Bay did very well for lake trout in 20 feet of water along the east side of the bay. Spoons worked best. Some whitefish were caught north of the Yuba Creek launch. Lots of smallmouth bass were caught along the south end of the bay in 10 feet of water.
Elk River - Smallmouth bass and perch can be found near the dam in Elk Rapids.
Boardman River - There are good numbers of perch and smallmouth bass up near the Union Street Dam. Try minnows or wigglers. Anglers are starting to catch lake trout and walleye at the mouth.
Frankfort - Those heading out to the Herring Hole caught chinook in 65 to 90 feet of water. Several fish in the 9 to 13 pound range were reported. Lake trout were hitting just off the bottom.
Onekama - Chinook were caught about three miles out in 60 to 75 feet of water when trolling spoons and flies.
Portage Lake - Walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses instead of the usual body baits. Early morning was best. Bluegill action slowed however a few fish could still be found along the eastern shore and in the cove. The bass opener looks good.
Manistee - The First Street fish cleaning station is now open. Boats are catching salmon 40 to 80 feet down in 150 to 200 feet of water. Try using green flies or spoons. A few brown trout were caught in the harbor.
Ludington - Trout and salmon are being caught in 100 to 200 feet of water. Spinnies and flies have been productive.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Surface water temperatures have been in the low 60’s. Pike anglers are fishing in 10 to 12 feet of water in Pigeon Bay with minnows or rapalas. Those targeting trout were fishing south of the Sunken Island and from Round Point to Red Pine Point with spoons and body baits in 25 to 45 feet of water. Perch fishing was slow with a few fish taken on minnows in Pigeon Bay and near the north Sunken Island. For bass, try around Needle Point, Dodge Point, Red Pine Point, Round Point and just north of Aloha State Park. Try 2 to 10 feet of water with tube baits, spinners, crank baits and rubber crawlers.
Rogers City - Is producing lots of lake trout along with brown trout, steelhead, chinook and Atlantic salmon. The better fishing was in 40 to 60 feet of water with cowbells or dodgers with spin-glows. Good colors were orange and gold, blue and silver, green and blue, orange and copper or green. Body baits resembling smelt and goby have also been good. The fish are eating very well with smelt, alewife, sticklebacks and goby found in their bellies.
Presque Isle - Has very good lake trout fishing 5 to 8 feet off the bottom in 45 to 80 feet of water. Dodgers and spin glows or cowbells with spin-glows have been the ticket. Atlantic salmon were caught in the top 25 to 30 feet of waters 40 to 60 feet deep. Try anything with bright colors such as orange and green or body baits resembling smelt or goby between the two lighthouses.
Rockport - Pier anglers caught a few Atlantic salmon when still-fishing with large minnows and casting body baits. Many caught their limit but the fish spooked easily. Some report the best action at first and last light however others caught fish during the day. A few brown trout were caught off the pier.
Thunder Bay River - Those trying for steelhead caught bass instead. Boaters caught some walleye when jigging with worms and leeches between the foot bridge near Ninth Street and the mouth.
Harrisville - Some nice lake trout were caught in 45 to 65 feet of water. Try spoons, flies and meat rigs.
Oscoda - Catch rates are heating up with good numbers of walleye and lake trout caught. The lake trout are in 40 to 60 feet of water and hitting on most anything.
Au Sable River - Is producing limit catches of walleye for those casting or drifting. Crawlers and leeches were the bait of choice. Walleye were caught on body baits.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout and whitefish are still hitting on bombers in 80 to 100 feet of water. A few perch were caught on wigglers. Try around the Sunken Island in the morning or along the drop-off in the evening.
Houghton Lake - Fair to good numbers of walleye have been caught on leeches in 6 to 8 feet of water. Those trolling crawler harnesses or Hot-n-Tots along the weed beds have also caught fish. Crappie were hitting on a jig and minnow in 8 to 10 feet of water. Bluegills should be on the beds anytime now and the bass opener this weekend looks to be good.
Tawas - Those trolling for walleye are heading out near Tawas Point and the Charity Islands and fishing in 25 to 40 feet of water. Pier anglers casting rapalas at night caught walleye. Rock bass were caught around the docks inside the State Harbor. A good number of smallmouth bass were caught and released in Tawas Bay. Many are sight fishing but some were fly fishing or using plastics.
Au Gres - Boats out trolling were scattered around several locations. Most are using crawler harnesses in 25 to 35 feet of water.
Upper Peninsula
Ontonagon - Lake trout fishing has been exceptional. Most fish were caught 10 to 20 feet off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet of water. A few smaller chinook were caught in deeper water. Walleye fishing has started to pick up.
Keweenaw Bay - The bite has been good with those trolling picking up a mix of coho, chinook and lake trout. Most were fishing 35 to 65 feet down in waters 40 to 70 feet deep from the head of the bay to Sand Point and up around Old Mission. Whitefish were caught east of Baraga in 80 to 105 feet of water. In Traverse Bay, the bite was hit-or-miss but those jigging in 150 to 185 feet of water did catch fish from Gay Point to Hermits Cove.
Marquette - Lake trout were caught near the white rocks and the Sand Hole in 150 to 180 feet of water. Stannard Rock had excellent catch rates but the fish were running smaller this week, averaging 5 to 10 pounds.
Little Bay De Noc - Catch rates were good for the walleye opener however most fish were just legal or too small to keep. Most were fishing deeper waters from the head of the bay and north to Saunders Point. Day anglers used harnesses with crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water and night anglers used crank baits. The bigger fish were caught as far south as Round Island when trolling crank baits in 4 to 14 feet of water. The night fishery has started with boats going out an hour or two before dark and trolling crank baits in 20 to 35 feet of water out from the Second Reef or straight out of Kipling. A few perch were caught off the mouth of the Day’s River. The bass opener this weekend should be good as smallmouth are staging for the spawn.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye anglers were struggling. The areas that usually produce well every year were not. The better catches were coming from out near the Boot, the Sand Pit or just off the Nahma Golf Course when trolling crank baits in 15 to 25 feet of water. The walleye appear to be moving out earlier this year so look for Ansell’s Point to produce earlier. The bass opener should be very good with lots of fish reported in South River Bay, Ogontz Bay and around Porcupine Point.
Indian Lake - Anglers were mainly trolling crawler harnesses for walleye along the north end of the lake. Catches were slow but some did well when fishing late afternoon with a harness and leech. Some nice brown trout and lake herring were caught on the south end near the mouth of the Indian River when trolling tiger or perch colored rapalas. Pike were caught but most were small. A few nice perch were caught at the north end of the lake when still-fishing with a worm.
Au Train - Surface water temperatures were in the low 40’s. Lake trout fishing was fair with some limits of 2 to 3 pound fish reported. A few fish over 10 pounds were caught in the shipping lanes. Anglers are trolling in 150 to 200 feet of water however the fish appear to be scattered.
Munising - Trout and salmon fishing slowed as water temperatures moved up into the low to mid 50’s. Lake trout fishing was slow but most anglers were focusing on chinook. Pier and shore anglers caught the occasional splake when casting lures or still-fishing with natural baits.
Grand Marais - Catch rates for whitefish were slow with the onset of warm weather. Those fishing at night caught smaller fish on a single egg. A few lake trout were caught by boat anglers in the shipping channel.
Munuscong Bay - Walleye are now hitting on crank baits trolled in 4 feet of water between the Waters Edge Resort and the mouth of the Gogomain River. Those drifting are using leeches. A couple walleye were caught in 5 to 6 feet of water on the east side of Lime Island.
De Tour - Lake trout anglers are trolling around the green can out to the Drummond Island side. Atlantic salmon, chinook and steelhead were also caught high in the water column anywhere from just below the surface to 40 feet down. Try spoons in orange, watermelon, green or gold.
Cedarville and Hessel - Northern pike can be found throughout the Les Cheneaux Islands. Catch rates picked up for those casting or still-fishing from the Hessel pier or trolling with stick baits. Splake are still there however they are moving out to deeper waters in Hessel Bay, Wilderness Bay and Marquette Bay. A few are targeting perch in shallow waters off the Hessel pier and in Mackinaw Bay.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
ake Erie - Fishing continues to improve as the waters clear up. Walleye were caught off Stony Point by those trolling bottom bouncers or using mini disks with spoons in 18 to 23 feet of water. Purple was the hot color. The Banana Dike and Fermi Plant were also good areas for walleye in 14 to 16 feet of water.
Detroit River - Walleye are hitting on bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses or Hot-n-Tots. White bass slowed in the lower river but was good up near Wyandotte. Try shiners or jigs with twister tails. Shore anglers caught a few yellow perch but catch rates overall were spotty. Catfish are hitting on green crawlers or shrimp and carp have been caught on worms and corn.
Lexington - Success for lake trout, pink salmon, and the occasional steelhead has picked up for those trolling in 50 to 100 feet of water. Good numbers of smallmouth bass were caught in the harbor.
Harbor Beach - Fishing continues to be very good with limits of lake trout taken when using dodgers and spin glows right on the bottom. Downriggers with spoons also caught fish. Best results came from 80 to 105 feet of water. Hot colors continue to be glow in the dark, pink with white dots, silver, green, and black. Chinook, coho and pink salmon are also being caught. For steelhead try color lines with dodgers and spin glows, flies or spoons in bright colors. Walleye are still being caught off the north wall in the early morning or late evening when casting small spoons or body baits. Try perch, silver or green.
Port Austin - Boat anglers are catching trout and salmon in 50 to 100 feet of water. Some boats are heading west toward Caseville for walleye.
Saginaw Bay - Those trolling for walleye have done well. Most of the boating activity has been out near the Spark Plug in 20 to 22 feet of water or the Slot in 13 to 15 feet of water. Off Finn Road, anglers are fishing in 3 to 8 feet of water or deeper when the sun comes out. Most are relying on crawler harnesses off planer boards, but some did well with crank baits in deeper waters.
Tittabawasse River - Was providing good catch and release smallmouth bass fishing up near the Dow Dam. White bass have also started to show up.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
Bass are still on their beds throughout the region. Pumpkinseed sunfish and bluegills are starting, so it is a great time to fish inland lakes. Yellow perch and salmon fishing has been good when anglers can get out.
St. Joe - Boat anglers are catching mostly chinook and coho when trolling 30 to 40 feet down in 90 to 120 feet of water.
South Haven - Is producing mostly chinook however a few coho were also caught. Anglers were starting to catch perch in 50 to 60 feet of water.
Kalamazoo River - Is producing some nice brown trout.
Grand Haven - Boat anglers were catching salmon in 110 to 130 feet of water when using spoons and flasher/fly combos. Green, blue and white were good colors. Some boats caught fish in 300 feet of water. No perch and pier fishing was slow.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Continues to provide some very good catches of catfish. Try crawlers, stink baits or shrimp. Walleye are also being caught. Millennium Park would be a good spot to take the kids fishing for bluegills, crappie and bass.
Grand River at Lansing - Those fishing below the North Lansing Dam and near Riverfront Park are catching good numbers of catfish and carp. Some are using crawlers but corn was catching more carp.
Maple River - Still has good catfish action in town. Look for crappie starting to bed down along the shoreline.
Duck Lake - In Calhoun County is producing some nice bluegill. Walleye were caught in deeper waters.
Lake Ovid - Anglers are catching bluegills in the shallows. The bass opener should also be good.
Morrison Lake - Is producing limit catches of bluegill along with some crappie.
Sessions Lake - Look for bluegill and crappie in the shallows if the weather stays warm. Those targeting largemouth bass should do well.
Muskegon - Boats heading out to 60 to 160 feet of water caught salmon however the better bite seems to be in 110 to 130 feet of water. Spoons along with flasher/fly combos worked best. Hot colors were green, blue and white.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The catch and release season for bass ends Saturday the 29th. From then on the season is for real. We should have a strong opener based on the numbers already caught. Those using live bait for crappie and gills are inadvertently catching bass. You can’t help it! They’re bedding in the shallows and attack almost any bait. Fish for pike and you’ll also catch bass. The same holds true when fishing walleye. The serious tournaments are scheduled and counting down the days.
Everyone enjoys catching bluegills. They’re fun, expensive equipment isn’t necessary and they taste great. We’ve been waiting for the spawn to start. The wait is over! Both lakes, Mitchell or Cadillac are equally good. The warm weather has jump started the gills and sunfish.
On Lake Mitchell, concentrate on the Coves on the west side. Leafworms, waxworms and crickets all are working.
Fishing Lake Cadillac, try the north east side, from the Old Armory to the boat launch. The sandy area across from the High School is perfect for shore, wading or boat fishing.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Fishing Report 5/20/10
The walleye opener in the Upper Peninsula was off to a slow start. Catch rates should improve as the weather warms. Anglers are reminded to use caution when heading out to fish. Water temperatures are still cold and hypothermia will set in fast.
Warm weather has set in and the bite will start so lets go fishing. Walleye and pike fishing was fair to good and should only get better. Crappie fishing slowed however the bluegill bite has started to pick up and the catfish are active.The “Catch & Immediate Release” bass season for the Lower Peninsula is open. Fishing on the big lakes has been a challenge due to strong winds. Large and smallmouth bass fishing has been good however anglers are reminded these fish must be released immediately. White bass have started to bite in southeast Michigan.
Rain and wind have made things tough this week.
New Walleye Regulations for Mullett Lake and Associated Rivers
The new regulations take effect for the 2010 fishing season on April 1. The regulations were developed in collaboration with many of the recreational fishing groups in the area, as well as the Indian River Chamber of Commerce. Changes to the regulations include a change in bag limit and season length for walleye for state-licensed recreational anglers. The regulations cover Mullett Lake proper, the Cheboygan River from Mullett Lake downstream to the Cheboygan Dam, and the Black River from Alverno Dam downstream to its confluence with the Cheboygan River.
In those areas, the bag limit for the harvest of walleye by state-licensed recreational anglers will be three walleye per day. The walleye season for state-licensed recreational anglers on Mullett Lake will be May 15 to March 15.
The State and Tribes have agreed to work together to develop a multi-faceted approach to monitoring and enhancing the walleye population over next five years, through the 2014 fishing season.
The plan includes a collaborative assessment and monitoring program by both the state and the Tribes that encompasses continued creel surveys for the 2010 fishing season, a joint assessment of the entire chain of lakes, and longer term the potential to develop a joint fish stocking effort.
“These changes will protect the adult walleye population in the lake, while offering state-licensed recreational anglers the opportunity to continue harvesting walleye,” said DNR Fisheries Chief Kelley Smith. “Both the State and the Tribes are concerned with the walleye population in the lake, and our plan is to address it together.”
Saginaw Bay - Windy conditions are not helping boat anglers. Those fishing off the piers at night did catch walleye when casting crank baits such as rapalas. Water temperatures are still very cold and dangerous should anyone fall in.
Tittabawasse River -Was high and muddy and not really fishable.
Saginaw River- Is also high and muddy but look for improved fishing as water levels recede.
Wixom Lake has a good crappie and gill bite. A few pike and walleye also.
Portage Lake -Walleye anglers making it out between 10pm and 3am did mange to find about one hour of good fishing. Most are trolling stick baits or body baits along the weed beds near the point.
Houghton Lake -Anglers are still getting walleye, crappie and bluegills. Some of the walleye are running small. Those doing the catch and immediate release bass fishing have caught some nice largemouth.
Lake Cadillac -Walleye anglers have started to catch a few fish when jigging minnows or casting rapalas. Pike anglers are doing well however many were on the smaller side. Crappie fishing was fair to good in 8 to 12 feet of water. Bluegills have started to bite.
Lake Mitchell - Also has walleye action for those fishing at night. Pike fishing is always good and panfish are being caught during the day.
Big Bay De Noc - Had low angler participation and no fishing reports. Those anticipating the walleye opener might want to fish from the head of the bay south to the “Boot”.
Little Bay De Noc -Walleye fishing should start to pick up with warmer temperatures in the forecast. Perch anglers were still fishing near the Day’s River and Sanders Point.
Spring fishing is just getting started. Anglers 17 years of age and older are required to have the new 2010 Michigan Fishing License by April 1st. Strong storms this week have raised water levels in the rivers and that should help those seeking steelhead and suckers. Colder weather by the end of the week will most likely slow the bite for panfish however it should rebound with the next warm up. As we move into spring fishing, anglers are reminded that bass season is closed.The 2010 regulations also go into effect on April 1st. Fishing Guides should be available from all license vendors.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Lake trout can be found along the shoreline between the breakwall and Bay Harbor.
Bear River - Lower water levels have slowed the steelhead bite, but anglers will still find other species down near the mouth.
Charlevoix - Anglers are going after lake trout but the bite was slow.
Traverse City - Lake trout have been caught in the West Bay near the mouth of the Boardman River.
Elk River - Anglers may still be able to find an occasional steelhead. The smallmouth bass are usually pretty aggressive this time of year.
Boardman River - Anglers will find good numbers of smallmouth bass. Try using live minnows or shallow diving shads. A few walleye were seen in the weeds near the dam. Try drifting crawlers at night.
Frankfort - Some very nice chinook were caught by those trolling from shore to 70 to 100 feet of water with orange spoons. A few brown trout are still in the area.
Onekama - Chinook salmon were found by those trolling straight out from the breakwalls and fishing near the Shelf.
Portage Lake - Walleye anglers making it out between 10pm and 3am did mange to find about one hour of good fishing. Most are trolling stick baits or body baits along the weed beds near the point.
Manistee - Trout and salmon have been caught by those trolling blue or green spoons in 100 to 200 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow.
Ludington - Salmon and trout have been scattered with fish caught in waters 50 to 250 feet deep. Try running blue spoons or flies.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - The walleye opener was a bit difficult due to strong winds. Pike fishing was slow and not many perch anglers. One angler was casting crank baits and tube baits between Needle Point and Dodge Point however no pike were reported.
Rogers City - Lake trout fishing has really taken off with most boats fishing the bottom 5 to 8 feet in waters 25 to 55 feet deep. Try high-lining with cowbells and a little weight to get close to the bottom. Cowbells with spin-glows or dodgers with spin-glows have been the ticket. Atlantic salmon, chinook, steelhead and brown trout were also caught. Spoons and body baits work best. Good colors were blue and silver, green and silver, fire-tiger, orange and green, pink or copper.
Presque Isle - Had good catches of Atlantic salmon between Stoneport and Rockport. Anglers are high-lining with leadcore off planer boards with the same gear and same colors as Rogers City in 40 to 60 feet of water. Try north of the lighthouse.
Rockport - Boat anglers caught lake trout and Atlantic salmon in 25 to 30 feet of water straight out from the launch or north in shallow waters. Green was the hot color. Those fishing Middle Island came back with empty coolers.
Alpena - Anglers on the bay are targeting walleye along the north shore. These fish are still in shallow waters approximately 15 to 25 feet. Anglers in Squaw Bay caught bass in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye fishing is picking up. Anglers are using anything chartreuse or perch style body baits. A couple steelhead were caught near the dam. Pink jigs were hot but fish were also hitting on wax worms, beads and spawn. Brown trout were caught at the dam.
Harrisville - Lake trout were caught in 60 to 70 feet of water by those using cowbells or a variety of spoons. A few walleye were caught off the northeast wall.
Oscoda - Walleye are being caught just off the mouth of the river when trolling crawler harnesses with leeches, body baits or spoons. The fish are decent size and healthy. No steelhead to report.
Au Sable River - Walleye were caught between the boat launch and the mouth.
Higgins Lake - Those trolling have caught lake trout and whitefish when trolling bombers in 85 feet of water on the north end.
Houghton Lake - Anglers are still getting walleye, crappie and bluegills. Some of the walleye are running small. Those doing the catch and immediate release bass fishing have caught some nice largemouth.
Tawas - Pier anglers fishing at night have caught walleye when casting crank baits.
Au Gres - Few boats were out however pier anglers were catching walleye.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Fishing was slow with a few small rainbow and browns caught.
Ontonagon - Lake trout fishing was good in 80 to 100 feet of water. Most fish were caught 20 feet off the bottom when trolling orange and green spoons. The morning bite was slow but picked up in the afternoon.
Marquette - Had very good lake trout fishing. Chinook, steelhead and brown trout were also caught by those trolling towards Shot Point and the Sand Hole with cut bait. Limit catches of fish up to 25 pounds were caught around Stannard Rock.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing should start to pick up with warmer temperatures in the forecast. Perch anglers were still fishing near the Day’s River and Sanders Point.
Indian Lake - In Schoolcraft County is producing walleye however many were small. Anglers were trolling crawler harnesses or rapalas. A few brown trout in the 18 to 20 inch range were also caught on rapalas. Yellow perch fishing was slow however one 14 inch fish was taken. A few pike were caught but most were small. One nice lake herring was also recorded.
Au Train - Coho and lake trout fishing was spotty. Those that caught fish did so when trolling towards the red rock area and past Au Train Island.
De Tour - Anglers trolling the #3 green can for lake trout, chinook and Atlantic salmon did best with stick baits or spoons. Some nice fish were caught. Good colors were fire-tiger or green with white dots.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are splake fishing off the pier in Hessel. Water temperatures are still averaging 53 degrees which will keep the splake close to shore. Catch rates for pike were fair with lots of smaller fish caught. Anglers are trolling planer boards or casting stick baits.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Recent storms have caused muddy water conditions. Boats are still heading out for walleye. Some have only caught a couple fish while others managed to take limit catches out near the Dumping Grounds.
Kent Lake - Is producing panfish.
Detroit River - Also has muddy water conditions. Walleye anglers are fishing in the lower end of the Trenton Channel.
Union Lake - Is producing some catfish.
Lexington - Water in the harbors between here and Port Sanilac were muddy from wind and waves. Head out far enough to find clear water.
Harbor Beach - Pier anglers caught walleye at night.
Port Austin - Only the pier anglers were out catching walleye after dark. Boats caught lake trout, chinook, coho, pink salmon and steelhead in 20 to 40 feet of water.
Saginaw Bay - Windy conditions are not helping boat anglers. Those fishing off the piers at night did catch walleye when casting crank baits such as rapalas. Water temperatures are still very cold and dangerous should anyone fall in.
Tittabawasse River - Was high and muddy and not really fishable.
Saginaw River - Is also high and muddy but look for improved fishing as water levels recede.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Boats were heading out to 120 to 150 feet of water or deeper for trout and salmon. Pier fishing was slow but should pick up.
St. Joe River - Not many were fishing due to the high water levels.
Grand Haven - Pier anglers were catching walleye on crank baits at night. The better catches came between midnight and 3:00am. Salmon anglers are fishing 40 to 60 feet down in 70 to 110 feet of water with green and white spoons.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - High water levels have made fishing difficult. The walleye bite should pick back up when the waters recede. Catfish action remains good for those using crawlers, cut bait or chicken liver. Millennium Park is a good place for bluegills, crappie and bass.
Grand River at Lansing - The North Lansing Dam is still producing some catfish for those using chicken liver, crawlers or cut bait. Those fishing at Moore’s Park have caught catfish and some nice bluegills.
Maple River - Water levels are extremely high. Catfish activity was good for those using stink baits.
Lake Lansing - Bass are hitting on spinners in the shallows.
Jackson - Inland lakes in the area are providing panfish.
Lake Ovid - Catfish are still hitting on small bluegills, crawlers and cut bait. Bluegill and crappie were also starting to bite.
Morrison Lake - Bluegill and crappie were caught in 8 to 12 feet of water. A few fish were starting to move into the shallows. Fish could be on the beds by next week.
Sessions Lake - Also has bluegill and crappie.
Reeds Lake - Is still producing pike, crappie and bluegills.
Muskegon - Pier and boat anglers were taking walleye at night. The better fishing came between midnight and 3:00am when casting or trolling crank baits.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
No excuses this past weekend. No rain, snow or 30 MPH WINDS. Perfect late spring weather. The fish Gods are smiling on us!
Most species are co-operating. Best catches of crappie are coming from Lake Cadillac. Schools of keeper size specks can usually be found in 8 to 10’ depths outside of Mitchell State Park. Clusters of boats in the area give their location away. Easy bobber fishing with small minnows.
Some have been catching perch on the east side of Cadillac. Not the normal 5 inchers we’re use to, but meaty 8 to 10 inch. They’re hugging the bottom with some crappie suspended above. Again, minnows are the bait in 15 to 20 foot.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
It is Opening Weekend in the Upper Peninsula
It has been a disappointing week for boat and shore anglers as rain and strong winds have made fishing almost impossible. May 15th marks the opening day for walleye, pike and muskie on the Upper Peninsula inland lakes, Great Lakes and the St. Mary’s River.
Walleye and pike fishing was fair to good and should only get better. Crappie fishing slowed however the bluegill bite has started to pick up and the catfish are active.The “Catch & Immediate Release” bass season for the Lower Peninsula is open. Fishing on the big lakes has been a challenge due to strong winds. Large and smallmouth bass fishing has been good however anglers are reminded these fish must be released immediately. White bass have started to bite in southeast Michigan.
Rain and wind have made things tough this week.
New Walleye Regulations for Mullett Lake and Associated Rivers
The new regulations take effect for the 2010 fishing season on April 1. The regulations were developed in collaboration with many of the recreational fishing groups in the area, as well as the Indian River Chamber of Commerce. Changes to the regulations include a change in bag limit and season length for walleye for state-licensed recreational anglers. The regulations cover Mullett Lake proper, the Cheboygan River from Mullett Lake downstream to the Cheboygan Dam, and the Black River from Alverno Dam downstream to its confluence with the Cheboygan River.
In those areas, the bag limit for the harvest of walleye by state-licensed recreational anglers will be three walleye per day. The walleye season for state-licensed recreational anglers on Mullett Lake will be May 15 to March 15.
The State and Tribes have agreed to work together to develop a multi-faceted approach to monitoring and enhancing the walleye population over next five years, through the 2014 fishing season.
The plan includes a collaborative assessment and monitoring program by both the state and the Tribes that encompasses continued creel surveys for the 2010 fishing season, a joint assessment of the entire chain of lakes, and longer term the potential to develop a joint fish stocking effort.
“These changes will protect the adult walleye population in the lake, while offering state-licensed recreational anglers the opportunity to continue harvesting walleye,” said DNR Fisheries Chief Kelley Smith. “Both the State and the Tribes are concerned with the walleye population in the lake, and our plan is to address it together.”
Saginaw Bay - Boat anglers have not done well because of all the bad weather. The Callahan Reef gave up a few limit catches of walleye before the bad weather moved in. Anglers were fishing in 5 to 12 feet of water. Those fishing the Slot caught a few walleye and catfish. At Caseville, pier anglers caught walleye at night. Smallmouth bass were caught and released.
Tittabawasse River -Good catfish have been caught. Anglers are catching and releasing a lot of smallmouth bass, and the white bass runs are starting.
Saginaw RiverJigs and crawlers caught a few walleye, bass and freshwater drum.
Wixom Lake has a good crappie and gill bite. A few pike and walleye also.
Portage Lake - Perch anglers were out however only small fish in the 5 to 7 inch range were caught. Try wigglers in 15 to 20 feet of water near the mouth. The northern pike opener was good with some nice fish caught in shallow waters when using spoons, body baits or spinners.
Houghton Lake -The latest cold front and windy conditions scattered the fish and shut the bite down.
Lake Cadillac -Walleye anglers have started to catch a few fish when jigging minnows or casting rapalas. Pike anglers are doing well however many were on the smaller side. Crappie fishing was fair to good in 8 to 12 feet of water. Bluegills have started to bite.
Lake Mitchell - Also has walleye action for those fishing at night. Pike fishing is always good and panfish are being caught during the day.
Big Bay De Noc - Had low angler participation and no fishing reports. Those anticipating the walleye opener might want to fish from the head of the bay south to the “Boot”.
Little Bay De Noc -Some perch were still being caught off the sandbar near the Day’s River. Use worms or wigglers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Off Sanders Point, fish were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water. Anglers anticipating the walleye opener are reporting the fish are scattered and might be harder to locate this year.
Spring fishing is just getting started. Anglers 17 years of age and older are required to have the new 2010 Michigan Fishing License by April 1st. Strong storms this week have raised water levels in the rivers and that should help those seeking steelhead and suckers. Colder weather by the end of the week will most likely slow the bite for panfish however it should rebound with the next warm up. As we move into spring fishing, anglers are reminded that bass season is closed.The 2010 regulations also go into effect on April 1st. Fishing Guides should be available from all license vendors.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Strong winds have kept boats off the bay.
Bear River - Anglers can still find fresh steelhead showing up with most fish caught in the morning. Try fresh spawn or any type of egg pattern to entice these fish to bite.
Traverse City - Long Lake and Lake Leelanau have been fair for walleye
Boardman River - Some walleye have been caught.
Frankfort - Chinook salmon have arrived and those fishing straight out from the lighthouse have caught several when trolling in 50 to 75 feet of water with spoons, flies or plugs. Orange was the hot color. Lake trout were also caught.
Portage Lake - Bluegills were caught on the east side by those using wax worms along the weeds. Some of the fish were good size and a few limit catches were reported. Pike fishing was slow with few keepers taken. Walleye action was slow during the day but was starting to pick up in the evening and after dark.
Manistee - Boat and pier fishing has been slow. A few chinook and lake trout were caught in the top 50 feet of waters 100 to 200 feet deep. Orange spoons worked best. Brown trout action has slowed for those trolling the shoreline.
Ludington - Boat anglers found a few salmon and trout when trolling in 50 to 100 feet of water off Big Sable Point. Brown trout action was slow. The Loomis Street fish cleaning station is now open.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Walleye season opens on May 15th. Pike anglers were trolling stick baits near Topinabee Village or north of Long Point in 24 to 30 feet of water but no fish were caught.
Rogers City - Lake trout have been caught in waters 10 to 50 feet deep from Calcite to Adams Point. Those fishing shallow are trolling cowbells with spin-glows and high-lining with a small amount of weight. Out deeper, they are trolling the same baits about 5 feet off the bottom. Some are using planer boards with 1 or 2 colors of leadcore and high-lines with small spoons or body baits. Good colors were orange and gold, chartreuse and silver, blue and silver, orange and copper or green. Atlantic salmon, steelhead and brown trout were also caught. Look for good lake trout fishing when surface water temperatures reach 45 to 50 degrees. Boat anglers heading west of the harbor need to use caution and be on the lookout for commercial fishing nets in the area.
Presque Isle - A few lake trout were caught in shallow waters less than 25 feet deep when high-lining with cowbells and spin-glows off the big lighthouse.
Rockport - Boat anglers caught lake trout and Atlantic salmon in 10 to 15 feet of water. Boats were trolling straight out, to the north and around Middle Island. Chartreuse was a good color.
Thunder Bay River - Steelhead action was good for shore anglers fishing by the Ninth Street Dam. They are catching fresh fish on spawn, wax worms, beads or pink jigs. Word has it walleye were hitting on black and red flies fished off the Ninth Street Bridge at night.
Harrisville - Mostly shore anglers this week due to the weather. Walleye fishing was steady but most fish were caught in the evening or at night. Body baits and spoons are working well. Good colors were orange and gold, fire-tiger and clown.
Oscoda - Is still producing steelhead and Atlantic salmon off the end of the pier. Steelhead are hitting on the body baits used for walleye.
Au Sable River - Walleye are in the river and catch rates were up. Limits were caught between the boat launch and the mouth when using crawlers or body baits.
Higgins Lake - Once the weather breaks, look for lake trout along the drop-offs while trolling cowbells, body baits or live bait. For perch, try fishing around the Sunken Island.
Houghton Lake - The latest cold front and windy conditions scattered the fish and shut the bite down.
Tawas - A few walleye were caught off the pier at night. For the most part, boats have not been able to get out due to windy conditions. When they could, a couple walleye were caught down near Alabaster.
Au Gres - Walleye are scattered in 20 to 30 feet of water between Point Au Gres and Whitestone Point. Those slow trolling with crawler harnesses took fish.
Au Gres River - Had slow fishing except for a few bass and catfish caught.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Windy conditions were not good for anglers however much needed rain should improve fishing in the area.
Ontonagon - Boat anglers able to get out had trouble locating fish. The mud line should be a good place to fish in the week ahead.
Keweenaw Bay - The bite was hit-or-miss. Those trolling in the morning caught salmon 35 to 60 feet down in waters 40 to 80 feet deep between the head of bay and Old Mission. Most are trolling spoons or body baits off downriggers and dipsy divers. Those fishing near the South Portage Entry caught a mix of chinook, coho and lake trout when trolling near the lighthouse in 40 to 60 feet of water with spoons and body baits. A few lake trout were caught in 155 to 220 feet of water. Try jigs with cut bait.
Marquette - A few chinook, lake trout and brown trout were caught when trolling. Splake were caught on a single egg by those fishing off the lower harbor breakwall.
Little Bay De Noc - Some perch were still being caught off the sandbar near the Day’s River. Use worms or wigglers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Off Sanders Point, fish were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water. Anglers anticipating the walleye opener are reporting the fish are scattered and might be harder to locate this year.
Big Bay De Noc - Had low angler participation and no fishing reports. Those anticipating the walleye opener might want to fish from the head of the bay south to the “Boot”.
Au Train - Those able to get out were trolling for coho and lake trout however few fish have been caught.
Munising - Boat anglers have started catching more chinook along with a few coho. Shore anglers caught a few splake and menominee.
Grand Marais - Boat anglers have caught a mix of salmon and trout when they can get out. Lake whitefish were hitting on a single egg. For menominee, try natural baits on sunny days.
De Tour - Anglers are still trolling the #3 green can for lake trout, chinook salmon and Atlantic salmon. Some nice fish were caught using stick baits or spoons. Good colors were green, silver, purple or fire-tiger.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers in Hessel are fishing the bay and the pier for Atlantic salmon and splake. Catch rates were good for anglers casting minnows or small spoons. Water temperature in the bay is still 53 degrees which helps to keep the splake in close to shore.
Carp River - A couple steelhead were still caught on spawn bags between the mouth and the McDonald Rapids.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Those able to get out did catch walleye in 18 feet of water near Bolles Harbor when trolling or drifting bottom bouncers. Orange and purple were good colors.
Detroit River - Walleye continue to head back down to Lake Erie. The better fishing has been in the lower river near the mouth. Most are hand-lining at night. Fair to good numbers of white bass have been caught.
Lexington - Salmon and lake trout are there for the taking when boats can get out. Try waters 20 to 40 feet deep and be willing to move around as the fish are scattered.
Port Austin - When boats can get out, they were getting fair numbers of lake trout along with the occasional coho, chinook, and pink salmon in 20 to 40 feet of water.
Saginaw Bay - Boat anglers have not done well because of all the bad weather. The Callahan Reef gave up a few limit catches of walleye before the bad weather moved in. Anglers were fishing in 5 to 12 feet of water. Those fishing the Slot caught a few walleye and catfish. At Caseville, pier anglers caught walleye at night. Smallmouth bass were caught and released.
Tittabawasse River - Was high and muddy after recent rains.
Saginaw River - Jigs and crawlers caught a few walleye, bass and freshwater drum.
Quanicassee River - A few catfish were caught during the day and at night.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Boats out fishing 55 feet down in 120 feet of water were catching brown trout. Yellow and green were good colors.
St. Joe River - Anglers are fishing but no reports have come in.
Hall Lake - In the Yankee Springs Recreation Area was producing some panfish.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Is still producing some big channel catfish. Try chicken liver, crawlers or cut bait. Crappie have been caught on minnows, wax worms, twister tails, and beetle spinners. Good numbers of smallmouth bass have been caught and released. For pike, try floating suckers or casting large spoons and body baits. For walleye, anglers are trolling small rapalas or body baits up the river and drifting crawler harnesses back down.
Grand River at Lansing - The North Lansing Dam was good for smallmouth bass. Moore’s Park is still producing a good number of channel catfish in the 2 to 5 pound range. Pike were caught near the point where the Grand meets the Red Cedar. Once it warms back up, look for panfish in the backwaters.
Maple River - Is still producing good catches of channel and flathead catfish. Those fishing off the bridge in Maple Rapids have also caught crappie.
Lake Ovid - The catfish are feeding which is good news for anglers targeting them. Try crawlers, cut baits, chicken liver or small bluegills. Crappie and bluegill were also caught before the cold spell.
Reeds Lake - Is still producing crappie, pike and bluegills.
Muskegon River - Still has some walleye hitting up near Hardy Dam. Boat anglers are trolling or drifting.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Can’t give you an honest fish report this week. Wind gusts over 30 MPH, frost, rain and snow have kept even the most serious from fishing. A few have spent time in protected shore areas, but the boat launches are empty. If we must stay close to home, Mother’s Day is the time to do it.
No activity on the lakes and few are taking advantage of the trout streams. You don’t have to sneak to your favorite holes.
Early mornings in the woods have been good for those who have the last, (guaranteed hunt period) Spring Turkey Season. Hunt 234 is not a limited-quota hunt and last through May 31st.
Get out and enjoy this spring weather - - - Go Fish!
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Mother’s Day Fishing Report
Walleye and pike fishing was fair to good and should only get better. Crappie fishing slowed however the bluegill bite has started to pick up and the catfish are active.The “Catch & Immediate Release” bass season for the Lower Peninsula is open. Fishing on the big lakes has been a challenge due to strong winds. Large and smallmouth bass fishing has been good however anglers are reminded these fish must be released immediately. White bass have started to bite in southeast Michigan.
Cold weather and wind have made things tough this week.
New Walleye Regulations for Mullett Lake and Associated Rivers
The new regulations take effect for the 2010 fishing season on April 1. The regulations were developed in collaboration with many of the recreational fishing groups in the area, as well as the Indian River Chamber of Commerce. Changes to the regulations include a change in bag limit and season length for walleye for state-licensed recreational anglers. The regulations cover Mullett Lake proper, the Cheboygan River from Mullett Lake downstream to the Cheboygan Dam, and the Black River from Alverno Dam downstream to its confluence with the Cheboygan River.
In those areas, the bag limit for the harvest of walleye by state-licensed recreational anglers will be three walleye per day. The walleye season for state-licensed recreational anglers on Mullett Lake will be May 15 to March 15.
The State and Tribes have agreed to work together to develop a multi-faceted approach to monitoring and enhancing the walleye population over next five years, through the 2014 fishing season.
The plan includes a collaborative assessment and monitoring program by both the state and the Tribes that encompasses continued creel surveys for the 2010 fishing season, a joint assessment of the entire chain of lakes, and longer term the potential to develop a joint fish stocking effort.
“These changes will protect the adult walleye population in the lake, while offering state-licensed recreational anglers the opportunity to continue harvesting walleye,” said DNR Fisheries Chief Kelley Smith. “Both the State and the Tribes are concerned with the walleye population in the lake, and our plan is to address it together.”
Saginaw Bay - Had good catches of walleye on the calmer days in 16 feet of water off Linwood, 8 to 20 feet of water off the Bay City State Park, around Spoils Island, and on the Callahan Reef. Crawler harnesses are the popular bait. Walleye fishing near Quanicassee was hit-or-miss. Not much activity at Sebewaing however the channel buoys are now in place. Those heading out from Bay Port caught a few walleye out in the Slot. Boat anglers from Caseville are heading south to the Slot or fishing around the buoy off the end of Sand Point.
Tittabawasse River -Walleye fishing here is just about done. A few fish still remain, but most have headed back out to the bay. Anglers are catching and releasing a lot of smallmouth bass, and the white bass runs are starting.
Saginaw River Some walleye are still being caught in the lower river near the Karn-Weadok Power Plant. Fish were caught on jigs with crawlers. This location is a good alternative to fighting the wind out on the bay.
Wixom Lake has a good crappie and gill bite. A few pike and walleye also.
Portage Lake - Perch anglers were out however only small fish in the 5 to 7 inch range were caught. Try wigglers in 15 to 20 feet of water near the mouth. The northern pike opener was good with some nice fish caught in shallow waters when using spoons, body baits or spinners.
Houghton Lake - Walleye are being caught when drifting crawlers and leeches in 4 to 5 feet of water. Minnows work best at night, even in the canals. Bluegill fishing has slowed once again but a few big ones were still caught. Look for crappie in the canals.
Lake Cadillac -Walleye anglers have started to catch a few fish when jigging minnows or casting rapalas. Pike anglers are doing well however many were on the smaller side. Crappie fishing was fair to good in 8 to 12 feet of water. Bluegills have started to bite.
Lake Mitchell - Also has walleye action for those fishing at night. Pike fishing is always good and panfish are being caught during the day.
Big Bay De Noc - Perch fishing was fair in the shallows however the fish have now moved out deeper. South River Bay should be a good area for the bass opener.
Little Bay De Noc - Perch anglers reported fair to good fishing off the sandbar near the Day’s River when still-fishing worms or wigglers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Those looking for panfish have caught smallmouth bass however anglers are reminded that the catch and immediate release bass season does not open until May 15th.
Spring fishing is just getting started. Anglers 17 years of age and older are required to have the new 2010 Michigan Fishing License by April 1st. Strong storms this week have raised water levels in the rivers and that should help those seeking steelhead and suckers. Colder weather by the end of the week will most likely slow the bite for panfish however it should rebound with the next warm up. As we move into spring fishing, anglers are reminded that bass season is closed.The 2010 regulations also go into effect on April 1st. Fishing Guides should be available from all license vendors.
Northwest:
Traverse City - Lake trout fishing has picked up when boats can get out in the West Bay. Those not able to connect with fish in deep water were using spoons in 20 feet of water on the east side of the bay. Perch were hit-or-miss in Suttons Bay. In the East Bay, anglers were starting to mark good numbers of lake trout in 100 feet of water off the public access site.
Elk River - Is producing some steelhead. Perch have moved in by the dam at the bypass and were caught in good numbers by those using a teardrop with a piece of worm or shrimp.
Boardman River - Walleye were seen near the dam but the bite was slow. Anglers might want to try a crawler harness with a blade west of Union Street.
Frankfort - Brown trout have been caught when boats can get out. Most are still trolling body baits.
Lake Cadillac - Walleye anglers have started to catch a few fish when jigging minnows or casting rapalas. Pike anglers are doing well however many were on the smaller side. Crappie fishing was fair to good in 8 to 12 feet of water. Bluegills have started to bite.
Lake Mitchell - Also has walleye action for those fishing at night. Pike fishing is always good and panfish are being caught during the day.
Manistee - Brown trout along with a few salmon have been caught when trolling the shoreline with small spoons or body baits. Pier anglers reported slow catch rates for perch and brown trout.
Ludington - Those able to get out have caught salmon and trout in waters 10 to 30 feet deep. Small green and orange spoons worked best.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Walleye fishing remains closed until May 15th. Surface water temperatures range from the low to mid 50’s. Pike anglers are trolling or casting stick baits, crank baits or spoons in Pigeon Bay. Some are still-fishing with minnows. Fish waters 8 to 24 feet deep.
Burt Lake - Is producing some decent catches of walleye.
Rogers City - A few lake trout were caught north and south of the port when fishing in waters less than 30 feet deep. No limit catches to report.
Alpena - Boat anglers fishing Thunder Bay have caught some walleye when fishing the shoreline between the boat launch and the cement plant. Try reef runners 3 to 4 feet down in 12 to 14 feet of water. Walleye were caught along the north shore when trolling in 15 feet of water. Chartreuse was a good color. Most walleye were caught at night when trolling green crawler harnesses or glow-in-the-dark body baits. A few pike were caught and those pre-season bass fishing did well in 10 feet of water with tube baits or minnows.
Thunder Bay River - Steelhead fishing is pretty much done. Most of the fish have turned dark however there was still quite a bit of fishing pressure. Some were drifting yellow beads and wax worms. No walleye were caught but smallmouth bass were.
Otsego Lake - Had fair to good walleye fishing.
Harrisville - Walleye fishing was steady on the wall and for boats fishing close to shore. Body baits and crawler harnesses are working well, fire-tiger or anything with a splash of red caught fish. Steelhead and lake trout are still in close, between 25 to 65 feet of water, straight out and north of the harbor. Salmon were also caught. The fish were good size and healthy.
Oscoda - Morning walleye catches have increased with most anglers catching their limits. Crawlers worked best. Those fishing off the end of the pier caught walleye and steelhead when casting body baits.
Au Sable River - Steelhead anglers are using spawn, flies and wax worms. A few walleye were caught when trolling body baits and crawler harnesses, especially near the mouth. A few suckers can still be found near Foote Dam.
Higgins Lake - Strong winds have limited fishing opportunities however those going out have caught lake trout along the drop-off.
Houghton Lake - Walleye are being caught when drifting crawlers and leeches in 4 to 5 feet of water. Minnows work best at night, even in the canals. Bluegill fishing has slowed once again but a few big ones were still caught. Look for crappie in the canals.
Tawas - Walleye anglers did best down by Whitestone Point in 15 to 30 feet of water or when jigging near the reef. Boat anglers inside the bay caught a few pike and smallmouth bass. Pier anglers were catching and sorting small perch.
Au Gres - A few walleye were caught between Point Au Gres and Point Lookout. Some did well near the Gravelly Shoals. A few were running as far north as Whitestone Point. Try crank baits or meat rigs in 30 feet of water.
Au Gres River - Anglers are starting to pick up some channel catfish. Those fishing the surf at night near the Singing Bridge have caught walleye.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Early morning salmon fishing was good in waters 15 to 25 feet deep. Windy conditions have limited fishing opportunities.
Ontonagon - Lake trout fishing was good along the mud line and for those going out to waters 60 feet deep. Salmon are still showing up but most of the fish caught have been lake trout.
Keweenaw Bay - Catch rates were slow but those willing to put in the time did catch some coho when trolling spoons or body baits 35 to 60 feet down in 40 to 70 feet of water. In Traverse Bay, those jigging for lake trout did well off the stacks in 150 to 170 feet of water.
Marquette - The marinas are now open in both the upper and lower harbors. Those out salmon fishing said the coho action was slow however some nice chinook in the 5 to 7 pound range were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water when trolling from the lower harbor to the Chocolay River. There has been an increase in lake trout, steelhead and chinook over the last week. Limits of lake trout were caught out near Stannard Rock.
Little Bay De Noc - Perch anglers reported fair to good fishing off the sandbar near the Day’s River when still-fishing worms or wigglers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Those looking for panfish have caught smallmouth bass however anglers are reminded that the catch and immediate release bass season does not open until May 15th.
Whitefish River - Steelhead action was slow however a few fish were caught up past the first bridge.
Big Bay De Noc - Perch fishing was fair in the shallows however the fish have now moved out deeper. South River Bay should be a good area for the bass opener.
Au Train -Catch rates for coho continue to be good and lake trout action was fair for those trolling rapalas and assorted spoons from the red rock area to the mouth of the Au Train River. Some nice brown trout along with a few chinook were also caught.
Munising - Coho fishing slowed however windy conditions have impacted angler efforts. Lake trout fishing has started with fair results. Shore and pier anglers have caught the occasional splake or whitefish when using spawn bags or natural baits.
Grand Marais - Pier anglers caught good numbers of whitefish when the weather was good. Boat anglers caught the occasional coho or steelhead.
Manistique Lakes - Perch anglers on both lakes have had some success.
Tahquamenon River - Anglers should be able to catch some steelhead.
St. Mary’s River - Bay De Wausi, of Lake Nicolet is producing some yellow perch in 4 to 6 feet of water when using worms or minnows. A few whitefish were caught by those drifting spawn bags with 4 to 6 ounce sinkers and three way swivels off the Portage Street Bridge.
De Tour - Lake trout anglers were trolling around the #3 Green Can. No Atlantic salmon were seen or recorded. Angler pressure was low even as smaller spawners were entering Albany Creek.
Cedarville and Hessel - Boat anglers are fishing Hessel Bay for splake and Atlantic salmon. Pier anglers and those still-fishing were using spoons and minnows while those trolling were using spoons and rapalas. The splake regulations have changed this year so be sure to review page 11 in your 2010 Fishing Guide. Numerous small perch along with the occasional keeper were caught.
Carp River - Steelhead action did slow however some fish were still being caught at the mouth and up near the McDonald Rapids. Spawn bags or small spinners in silver or gold caught fish.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Boat anglers are catching a few walleye when trolling harnesses near the Fermi Power Plant and the Banana Dike. Good largemouth bass fishing near Pte. Mouillee.
Huron River - Has good large and smallmouth bass fishing for those looking to participate in the catch and immediate release fishing. Most are floating minnows under a bobber. No word on walleye however muskie and pike can be found in the backwaters. Crappie anglers will also want to check the backwaters.
Detroit River - Walleye are heading for the lake so the better fishing has been in the lower river around Humbug Island, Grosse Ile, Calf Island and Celeron Island. Most are trolling harnesses with minnows and crawlers or jigging minnows in 13 to 16 feet of water. Good colors were brown, green, purple and black. White bass are in and have been caught in the Trenton Channel near the Edison discharge. Good largemouth bass action around Celeron Island and Gibraltar.
Lake St. Clair - Anglers have done well when vertical jigging or trolling planer boards. Look for panfish in and around the marinas.
St. Clair River - Catch rates for walleye were fair when vertical jigging or trolling.
Lexington - Those out trolling in 20 to 40 feet of water with spoons or body baits have caught a mix of lake trout, chinook, coho, steelhead, pink salmon and the occasional brown trout.
Port Sanilac - Had the same report as Lexington with boats taking fish in 20 to 40 feet of water.
Harbor Beach - Lake trout fishing continues to be good straight out, north and south of the port. Use medium spoons or body baits off downriggers and offshore boards in 30 to 60 feet of water. Best colors have been blue, silver, purple, and yellow. A few salmon were caught. For steelhead, try bright colors off the boards. Brown trout were caught in shallow waters on small spoons or body baits.
Port Austin - Shore and pier anglers are catching and releasing smallmouth bass.
Saginaw Bay - Had good catches of walleye on the calmer days in 16 feet of water off Linwood, 8 to 20 feet of water off the Bay City State Park, around Spoils Island, and on the Callahan Reef. Crawler harnesses are the popular bait. Walleye fishing near Quanicassee was hit-or-miss. Not much activity at Sebewaing however the channel buoys are now in place. Those heading out from Bay Port caught a few walleye out in the Slot. Boat anglers from Caseville are heading south to the Slot or fishing around the buoy off the end of Sand Point.
Tittabawasse River - Walleye fishing here is just about done. A few fish still remain, but most have headed back out to the bay. Anglers are catching and releasing a lot of smallmouth bass, and the white bass runs are starting.
Saginaw River - Some walleye are still being caught in the lower river near the Karn-Weadok Power Plant. Fish were caught on jigs with crawlers. This location is a good alternative to fighting the wind out on the bay.
Quanicassee River - A few channel catfish were caught by shore anglers.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
Brook trout fishing has been very good on the smaller streams in the region. Fish averaged 10 to 13 inches. Bluegill fishing on the inland lakes is starting to heat up.
St. Joe River - Some steelhead are still being caught up near the Berrien Springs Dam. Look for crappie in the backwaters.
Kalamazoo River - Is producing a few brown trout. Anglers are reminded that a one-mile stretch of the river between the City of Plainwell and the Penn Central Railroad crossing is again closed to the public for final cleanup efforts. The DNRE will utilize buoys and signs to alert the public of the restricted access to the affected part of the river. The closure starts near the northern road ending of 16th Street and Baseline Road and continues northwest toward the city of Plainwell. Access downstream of D Avenue is not recommended as there is no take out point before you reach the closed section.
Grand Haven - Perch fishing has been a challenge as the fish are in small schools which makes locating them and trying to stay in the area difficult, especially during windy conditions. Limit catches were few and far between. Those lucky enough to find some reported fish in the 7 to 12 inch range. Try wigglers south of the pier in 60 to 75 feet of water.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Anglers are still catching the occasional steelhead. Crappie fishing was good for boat and shore anglers near the Post Office, Amway Grand, and the Museum. Bluegills, rock bass and pike were caught at Riverside Park but the action was a little slower this year. Smallmouth bass were caught below the dam when using crawlers and leeches. At Millennium Park, pike were hitting on spinners and body baits, bluegills on leaf worms and wax worms and crappie on wax worms and minnows. Channel catfish were caught on cut bait and chicken liver.
Grand River at Lansing - The North Lansing Dam has been a good spot for walleye, bass and pike. Moore’s Park is producing good numbers of channel catfish and the point where the Grand meets the Red Cedar is producing pike and catfish. Good numbers of carp have been caught between the North Lansing and the Moore’s Park Dam. Look for bluegill and crappie in the backwaters.
Maple River - Those seeking catfish have caught both channel and flathead near the State Game Area on US-127 and in the town of Maple Rapids. Some big fish have been caught. Crappie fishing has also been good.
Lake Ovid - Continues to produce some nice catfish. A few muskie were caught on small bluegills.
Morrison Lake - Still has good crappie fishing in 8 to 12 feet of water. Minnows work best. Bluegills have started to stage in shallow waters 4 to 6 feet deep.
Wamplers Lake - A few crappie were caught on minnows. Bluegills are starting to move into warm shallow waters during the day. Many are using black spiders tipped with a spike.
Crystal Lake - In Montcalm County is also producing some big crappie. The fish are suspended in roughly 8 to 12 feet of water. The bluegills are starting to move in shallow.
Duck Lake - Anglers are catching more bluegills. Black spiders tipped with a spike were the ticket. No word on walleye activity.
Reeds Lake - Bluegills and crappie were in shallow waters on sunny days. Perch were caught in 15 to 40 feet of water. For pike, anglers were drifting suckers behind the boat.
Thornapple River - Has very good pike fishing near Ada and Cascade. Anglers are using a variety of spinners including large bucktail spinners. Some are drifting suckers behind the boat.
Muskegon - Walleye have been caught up near Hardy Dam.
White River - Had good trout fishing with brown trout ranging from 16 to 18 inches caught up near the Hesperia Dam.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Something’s missing. The last couple of mornings the winds have been calm, we haven’t had frost and the rain stops at daybreak. Good for us fishermen and mushroom hunters, both.
This spring trout fishing has been good, even with low water. Live bait and spinners are all effective. Catching mostly browns with a mix of rainbows and brook trout.
Steve Dumont shows off a 21” rainbow he caught on a local stream. There’s more where this one came from.
Both Mitchell and Cadillac are famous for Master Angler size bowfin. Spring’s the time to catch one and hang on.
Chris Somes caught and released a big dog - 30 inches, 8 ½ pounder on Cadillac. Another Master Angler to be caught another day.
Fishing on Saginaw Bay, Ken Kanouse and his boys also caught a Master
Angler. This one an exceptional 30”, 12 `½ pound channel catfish. Everyone will remember this trip.
Our lakes haven’t had much pressure because of the earlier heavy winds. However most of those who went out have done well.
Crappies have and are cooperating. Best chances are on the Cadillac Side. Schools should be found in the 8 to 10’ depths, two to three football fields from the canal. Drift till you find them then anchor. Some bragging size and mixed in the catches.
The first sign of bluegills and sunfish started this weekend.
These and more were caught in the shallows during the warmest part of the day. They gave their location away because they were seen sunning themselves in about a foot of water. No evidence of them being on beds yet. It will happen earlier then normal.
Pike fishing seems to be good anytime on our lakes. The numbers are there but large pike have been hard to find. The largest we’ve seen since the opener was 38 inches. The majority of the catches have been in the 22 to 27 inch range. Big ones are there to be found.
Every ones favorite, walleye are starting to be caught. No pattern, just one or two here or there. Catches we’re aware of have been just before dark. Those catching them don’t give us a lot of detailed information. Some boated jig fishing with minnows or casting Husky Jerk Rapalas.
The 2010 Spring DNR Walleye Survey on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell took place Thursday night April 29th. Electro Fishing boats were used on both lakes. On Lake Cadillac most walleyes were in the 8 to 9 inch range with some up to 16 inches. Better numbers were caught on Lake Mitchell. Similar size ranges were caught but also numbers in the 11 to 12 inch. “The good news is that we appear to have at least three year classes that are either sub-legal or just reaching legal size.” According to Mark Tenello Fisheries Management Biologist. Walleye fishing has a bright future on our lakes.
Get out and enjoy this spring weather - - - Go Fish!