Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
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.