RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT - Michigan

April 6, 2017

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT Another round of snow and colder temperatures will once again put a damper on fishing conditions but a warm up by the weekend should help. Windy conditions have kept anglers off the Great Lakes. Many rivers are running high and fast. Anglers will want to exercise caution on the rivers and when walking along the river banks.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie: Boat anglers were getting some bigger walleye in Brest Bay. Most were using large crank baits, reef runners and husky jerks in 14 to 20 feet. Huron River: Steelhead anglers have taken fish on spawn, wax worms or flies. Detroit River: Had good walleye fishing in the lower river for those jigging and drifting plastics and shiners. The fish averaged 15 to 19 inches and a few limit catches were reported. Perch were caught in shallow waters. Try the canals and marinas with small shiners under a slip bobber. Lake St. Clair: Conditions have not been ideal so not many anglers were out. The wind and rain have muddied the water in the canals, marinas and near shore. Perch and panfish had been caught before the weather changed. St. Clair River: There is no more ice coming down the river. Anglers were trying for walleye but the action was very slow. Shore anglers at Port Huron were getting salmon, walleye and even a few smelt off the wall. Port Austin: The marina is ice free but the docks at the boat launch were not in yet. Saginaw Bay: Perch anglers inside Eagle Bay Marina and also at the end of Palmer Road were still catching fish, but sorting through a lot of small ones for every keeper. The rain and snow will not help the perch fishing. Those trolling were trying to find walleye between Linwood and the mouth of the Saginaw River but were not having much luck. A few perch were caught inside the Linwood Beach Marina but rain shut the

bite down again. A few small perch were found in the lower Kawkawlin River, the drain at the end of Finn Road, and the Quanicassee River but no big numbers by any means. Some bigger perch were caught in the marina at Sebewaing and in Mud Creek mainly early and late in the day. Keepers were seven to nine inches. Perch fishing at Caseville was slow. Saginaw River: Had excellent perch fishing down near the mouth before the heavy rain and snow.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joseph: Pier fishing is very slow for salmon and steelhead. Those targeting salmon did catch a couple catfish. When they can get out, boat anglers found salmon and lake trout when trolling small crank baits along the shoreline in 40 feet or less. St. Joseph River: Still has a good number of steelhead throughout the system including Berrien Springs, Buchanan and Niles. South Haven: Had no report as strong winds have kept boats off the big lake. The boat launch is open however there is a lot of construction in the area. Kalamazoo River: Continues to produce some nice steelhead even with the higher water levels. Grand Haven: The South Pier is still closed and will be until late summer because of construction. A “No-Trespassing” sign has been posted so anglers need to stay off the pier because of safety concerns. The launch on Harbor Island has two docks in. Those trolling the shoreline reported slow catch rates for brown trout. Grand River at Grand Rapids: Had very high water levels and was under a flood warning. Steelhead can still be found but fishing conditions will be difficult until the water levels come back down. Muskegon: The South Pier is still closed to the public due to construction in the area. There is a “No-Trespassing” sign and anglers need to stay off the pier because of safety concerns. Pier fishing is slow for steelhead and brown trout. When they can get out, boat anglers caught a few lake trout and brown trout on body baits. Muskegon River: Has had good steelhead fishing all the way up to Croton Dam. Some have caught the occasional brown trout. Water levels were up and stained. Whitehall: When they can get out, pier anglers have caught steelhead, brown trout and the occasional whitefish with spawn near the bottom.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Ocqueoc River: Anglers continue to target steelhead. Try drifting spawn and beads in the deeper holes. Rogers City: The marina and launch ramp were still ice covered. Rockport: Was ice free and boat anglers were trolling for Atlantic salmon and lake trout in shallow waters. Shore anglers were targeting fish off the wall. Oscoda: Pier anglers have caught a few Atlantic salmon and some lake trout. Au Sable River: Water levels were up and running fast which will make fishing more difficult. The steelhead bite should pick back up by the weekend. Houghton Lake: Is ice free and the dock is in at the launch on the south end. Anglers are starting to get crappie in and near the canals with fathead minnows. Bluegills are also starting to bite and were hitting on leaf worms. Try pink and purple jigs. Tawas: A few perch were caught near the floating docks inside the harbor but anglers were sorting to get some keepers. Outside the wall, anglers caught lake trout, brown trout, a couple pike and the odd walleye on live minnows or when casting spoons and body baits. Those trolling inside Tawas Bay were also taking fish with body baits. Tawas River: A lot of suckers were caught on worms in the lower river. Au Gres: When they can get out, boat anglers were fishing around the various points in 10 to 25 feet. Those trolling body baits were catching more lake trout than walleye. Those surf-casting with body baits were targeting walleye at night. Au Gres River: Shore anglers fishing the cuts and marina basins along the river were getting a mix of perch, crappies and bluegills. On the East Branch, shore and surf anglers were getting some steelhead when drifting spawn bags or wax worms down at the Singing Bridge. Rifle River: The sucker runs continue at Omer but water levels were high and fast.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Harbor Springs: The harbor was still iced in so no docks are in yet. Petoskey: Little Traverse Bay still had some ice. The boat launch at the marina does not have the docks in yet. Use caution if fishing the breakwall as the walkway was still snow and ice covered. Overall, steelhead fishing has been slow. Anglers should find coho, brown trout and steelhead as the waters warm up.

Bear River: Water levels were fairly high. A couple fish were seen jumping at the dam. Anglers were drifting spawn bags or flies. Boardman River: Should have good steelhead fishing by the weekend. Frankfort: Had little activity. Betsie Bay is clear of ice and the boat ramp is open. Betsie River: Look for good steelhead action into next week. Manistee: Had few anglers. Surface water temperatures were about 40 degrees. Docks are in at the boat launch but the restrooms and the fishing cleaning station are still closed. Manistee River: Steelhead fishing is in full swing and the run should peak sometime in the next week. The warm up this weekend should be prime time. Ludington: Surface water temperatures were near 41 degrees. The docks are in at the city marina but the restrooms and the fish cleaning station are still closed. Angler activity was low but those trolling along the shoreline caught a few brown trout. Pere Marquette River: Should have good steelhead fishing by the weekend and into next week as run peaks. Pentwater River: Should have good steelhead fishing by the weekend.

UPPER PENINSULA Keweenaw Bay: The bay still has ice floating around but hopefully some wind will open it up to boating. A few coho were caught by those casting spoons from shore. The Falls River has been slow but a couple steelhead were caught. Water temperatures were about 36 degrees. We need some warm days to get the temperatures up and get a smelt run started. Marquette: Coho fishing slowed some but a few anglers were still getting the occasional limit catch when jigging at the “Bubblers”. A couple splake were caught off the breakwall in the Lower Harbor when the ice was not there. Those targeting steelhead in the Carp and Chocolay Rivers reported slower catch rates. A few small brown trout were caught in the Chocolay River with spawn, leaf worms and wax worms. Menominee River: Anglers have caught walleye and brown trout when casting jigs and stick baits below the dam at Hattie Street. The walleye bite remains slow but should pick up soon.

Little Bay De Noc: The ice is breaking up fast and most of the Bay is now open water. Anglers are still not able to launch boats but hopefully soon. Shore fishing is available in many areas. The rivers are pretty much open and flowing fast. Steelhead anglers are just getting started on the Day’s River. Manistique River: Is open but no launches were up and running yet. Water levels are up and the flow is fast. A good number of shore anglers were fishing near the dam. A couple steelhead were caught but it is still early. Suckers have started running. Au Train: Still had ice in the bay and the boat launch was not accessible. There were no reports from either the Rock or the Au Train River. Munising: Ice has started to leave the shoreline and the following areas were open a few hundred yards from shore with some floating ice: Bay Furnace, Christmas along M-28, the Grand Island Ferry access, and Sand Point. Anglers are pushing boats over the ice to open water near the Anna River and Sand Point. Anglers have caught coho and splake when jigging spoons and Swedish pimples or using cut bait. Steelhead reports were slow. Anglers can try off the Anna River dock as there is open water. Grand Marais: Had few anglers. Water levels were low in Carpenter Creek and the Sucker River. There was quite a bit of shore ice on the Sucker River and substantial amounts of snow in the woods in this area. As far as pier activity it will be at least two weeks maybe longer before anglers will be able to fish the pier as there are large ice caps covering most of the pier at this time. There was no ice in the harbor though and the boat launch was ice free. Two Hearted River: Has had no reports as of yet. Anglers should keep in mind that access may be challenging due to snow pack on area roads. Ice is still on the shoreline of Lake Superior so that may keep some fish out of the river for a while yet. Tahquamenon River: Had reports of a few smelt taken over the last couple days. Munuscong: Ice conditions are getting very dangerous. Most areas were slushy with not much hard ice underneath. Cedarville and Hessel: There is a lot of open water and any remaining ice is dangerous. Carp River: In Mackinac County had some angling activity and a couple steelhead were caught.

April 13, 2017


Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT Those looking to fish the rivers need to be extremely careful especially where the water levels are high. Boat anglers and those wading will need to watch for swift currents and floating debris. Boat anglers are targeting trout and salmon on the Great Lakes. The bite is starting to pick up on the inland lakes.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie: Walleye fishing in Brest Bay slowed but should pick back up. Anglers were trolling crank baits, reef runners and husky jerks. Huron River: Was still producing some steelhead for those using spawn, wax worms or flies. Wamplers Lake: In Lenawee County had anglers taking panfish near the drop-offs with limited success. Anglers were marking a number of fish that were suspended in 24 to 25 feet on the west end but could not get them to bite. They were using worms, minnows and artificial baits. Water temperatures were in the mid to high 40’s. Sand Lake which is next to Wamplers was also producing a few panfish. Detroit River: The walleye bite is improving. Anglers are using ¾ to 1 ounce jigs with minnows anywhere from 12 to 18 inches off the bottom. The cuts and canals are producing panfish. Lake St. Clair: Water temperatures have remained in the mid 40's, but were starting to increase. Clarity still remains below average due to excessive runoff. Most species are still lethargic, but some anglers were able to catch smallmouth bass and perch. Those targeting bass did well in three to five feet when casting crank baits. Perch were caught in the canals and were hitting on minnows but worms were also working at times. Crappie and bluegills were caught in the canals and marinas when using wax worms and crawlers just off the bottom. The Clinton River was turbid and muddy and perch fishing slowed in the spillway.

St. Clair River: Anglers are catching salmon off the wall at Port Huron. Smelt numbers are sparse but a couple anglers were taking a few. Anglers were beginning to catch limits of walleye in the North Channel however many fish were undersize. Lexington to Port Sanilac: Those out trolling were marking fish in 18 to 40 feet but were not catching any. Those fishing inside the harbor at Lexington managed to catch a couple coho, steelhead and perch with a crawler or minnow under a bobber. Saginaw Bay: Walleye anglers off Linwood were marking fish but had no success catching them. A few walleye were caught off the north end of Spoils Island when jigging minnows in eight to 10 feet. Water levels near the river and the inner bay were high and muddy. A few catfish were caught at the Hot Ponds. Quanicassee to Sebewaing had poor fishing with only small fish taken. Those fishing the day use area on the Pinnebog River were taking suckers but heavy sinkers were needed due to the increased flow. Saginaw River: Water levels were high and muddy.


St. Joseph: Fishing pressure was low. The few boats that have made it out struggled to find fish because the lake was churned up after the storms and strong winds. Most were slow trolling just outside the piers and along the shoreline. Pier anglers struggled as well but some did manage to catch a few whitefish and the occasional brown trout when using spawn. South Haven: Fishing pressure was low as few boats were able to get out. Those that did get out reported slow coho and brown trout fishing. Kalamazoo River: Has high water levels which is limiting fishing. The river still has a good number of steelhead. The closed tributaries also have more fish than usual because of the high water levels. Rabbit River: Has a good number of steelhead. Grand Haven: After all the rain, the water along the shoreline was muddy. Pier anglers caught a few brown trout on live minnows but the action was slow. A couple menominee whitefish were caught on wax worms or skein. Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead are still being caught here and in the Rogue River however high water levels have made fishing a challenge. Use caution. Jackson County: Panfish including perch are being caught in various lakes.

Muskegon: Pier and shore anglers reported slower catch rates for steelhead and brown trout. When the weather allows, boat anglers caught a few brown trout when trolling orange or green body baits along the shoreline. Muskegon River: Continues to have a good number of steelhead and some walleye but that season does not open until the last Saturday in April. In Mecosta County, there was good panfish action near Rogers Heights. Whitehall: Pier anglers caught brown trout and steelhead when still-fishing with spawn. Whitefish were also caught using wax worms or a single egg. White Lake: Anglers caught perch in 20 to 30 feet using perch rigs with wax worms. White River: Had fresh fish coming from the lake.


Cheboygan: The city launch and marina at the mouth of the river have the docks in. Cheboygan River: Shore anglers had some luck with steelhead at the dam and downstream when using spawn. Those that tried crank baits and spinners had no luck. Rogers City: The ice is gone and there is one dock in at the launch. When boats can get out, Atlantic salmon and lake trout should be available. Try trolling in stained waters less than 40 feet deep. In Swan Bay, bright spoons or body baits should produce some fish. Boat anglers were targeting lake trout near the bottom inside 50 feet. Try big flashers with flies or spin-glo’s. A few anglers were casting for Atlantic salmon off the wall. Try orange or chartreuse. Rockport: Anglers were casting for Atlantic salmon from the wall. The fish should show up any day now. A few boats were getting lake trout just off the bottom in 60 feet. Try big flashers with flies or spin-glo’s. Alpena: A few boat anglers were out in Thunder Bay. Those trolling for walleye have caught and released a few smallmouth bass. Thunder Bay River: Waters levels were elevated but anglers still caught a couple steelhead when drifting spawn near the 9th Street Dam or Hot-n-Tots from the bridges. Oscoda: Pier anglers caught lake trout when drifting or still-fishing with spawn and minnows or when casting spoons. Au Sable River: Water levels were high and turbid. Those fishing the lower river in Oscoda caught a couple steelhead on spawn but more fish were caught up near Foote Dam. Carp and freshwater drum were caught on worms.

Houghton Lake: Crappie anglers are fishing the canals. Sucker fishing is starting to pick up on the Cut River near the mouth of Houghton Lake. Tawas: Pier anglers are catching brown trout, steelhead and smallmouth bass when still-fishing with minnows or casting lures. A few smaller perch were caught inside the pier. Those trolling were starting to catch walleye off Tawas Point, Alabaster and Whitestone Point. The fish were caught on body baits in 10 to 25 feet. Lake trout were caught near the reef. Tawas River: Was still producing suckers. Au Gres: Anglers caught several lake trout while fishing for walleye. Rifle River: At Greenwood Road was producing suckers.


Harbor Springs: This side of the Bay was mainly ice free but the dock at the launch was not in yet. The other side of the Bay still had a lot of loose ice, so depending on wind direction it could blow back over. Petoskey: Little Traverse Bay still had quite a bit of loose ice which makes boat fishing a slim possibility. The launch at the marina does not have the dock in yet. The breakwall ice and snow is melting and anglers were fishing inside the breakwall when there was no floating ice. Catch rates were hit-or-miss but a couple steelhead and coho were caught. Bear River: Water levels were still moderately high. A fair number of steelhead were hooked between the dam and the mouth when drifting spawn bags and flies. Anglers are reminded that brown trout season is closed until the last Saturday in April. Traverse City: Most of the boating action was on the West Bay where anglers were catching plenty of perch northeast of Clinch Park when using minnows and wigglers. Though many were small, some did manage to catch fish eight inches or larger. Lake herring were caught north of Bryant Park and off the M-22 launch when jigging. A couple nice trout were caught at the south end of the East Bay near Acme. Those targeting steelhead in Elk Rapids caught some fish below the dam on spawn and wax worms. Boardman River: Was slow but a couple steelhead and the occasional brown trout were still caught. Leland: A few were fishing in the harbor and the river for steelhead but only a couple were landed. Dredging at the harbor mouth was to start this week. It would be challenging to try and get a larger boat out at this point.

Platte Bay: Had mainly shore anglers that were surfcasting but few fish were caught. Springtime water levels at the mouth of the Platte River are currently low, so it would be difficult for anglers to get out into Platte Bay with boats larger than 16 feet. The lower river has some steelhead. Frankfort: Pier anglers were getting the occasional steelhead or brown trout on spawn, spoons or body baits. Most of the steelhead are chrome colored. Those trolling the harbor caught brown trout when casting body baits. Betsie River: Had a lot of anglers as steelhead fishing continues. Portage Lake: Perch anglers were fishing several locations but catch rates were hit-or-miss. Minnows, worms and wrigglers were used. Manistee: Surface temperatures were about 41 degrees. All the docks are in at the launches however the restrooms and fish cleaning station were still closed. Perch were caught off the north pier when using minnows and a couple steelhead were taken when using spawn bags. Those trolling along the shoreline were getting some brown trout. Ludington: Surface temperatures made it up to 42 degrees. The restrooms and the fish cleaning station were still closed. A small number of brown trout were caught by pier anglers using spawn bags or those trolling the shoreline. Some perch were caught in Pere Marquette Lake. Pentwater: Adverse weather limited boat anglers. The water around the piers was cloudy and those fishing reported slow catch rates. Pentwater Lake: Those trolling caught the occasional steelhead or brown trout. Perch fishing was good in 10 to 30 feet using perch rigs tipped with white spikes and wax worms. Those fishing Longbridge Road caught suckers and bullhead on crawlers.

UPPER PENINSULA Marquette: Both the Upper and Lower Harbors are producing coho along with a few brown trout and splake. Those jigging at the “bubblers” did best with pink or white jig heads with a white twisty tail. Those trolling also caught fish with Hot-n-Tots, shad raps and small spoons for coho. Steelhead are being caught on the Carp and Chocolay Rivers. Menominee River: Anglers fishing the Turn Basin and were jigging plastics, live baits and zip lures. Brown trout were caught north and south of the mouth when trolling spoons and stick baits. Fishing pressure has been extremely heavy below the Hattie Street Dam.

Little Bay De Noc: All rivers are open and flowing with water levels down some. The Bay is open but still had pack ice stacked on various shorelines. The launches that are ready for use are Rapid River, Gladstone and North Shore. The dock on the Ford River should be in this week. This should be a good week for perch anglers to try their luck. Several anglers have started steelhead fishing in the Day’s, Escanaba and Ford Rivers. Best catches were reported were in the Day’s River across US-2 and when fly fishing the Escanaba River up near the 1st Dam. Most used spawn, beads or yarn. Manistique River: The public launch is open and several boat and shore anglers have started fishing the mouth for steelhead. Fair to good catches were reported from the dam to “big bass hole” which is just south of the Cedar Street Bridge. Anglers are fly fishing with beads and yarn or casting spawn and yarn. Water temperatures were between 38 and 44 degrees. Au Train: The brownstone launch was currently not usable. A piece of cement slab at the launch pad was moved by the ice and is blocking access. Only a couple steelhead were caught in the Rock River. Munising: The ice is gone and the docks are in at the public launch. Anglers reported good catches of coho when casting or trolling with spoons. Shore and boat anglers were taking a few splake. Steelhead fishing was slow off the Anna River. Grand Marais: Good catches of coho and some nice steelhead 25 to 30 inches were reported by boat angles. Most of the steelhead were dark, about 50 percent spent and appeared to be fish coming down the river. Shore anglers did poorly with very few hits off the Sucker River and Carpenter Creek area. River levels are high due to recent rains so if you are planning on fishing the mouth of the Sucker River you will want to bring waders. Two Hearted River: Had high water levels. Steelhead were spotty at best. Most roads in the area are now open. Detour: To the north, the ice is gone from the Raber Bay boat launch and the Lime Island Dock but the docks are not in yet. Look for spawning perch in four to six feet in and around old cattails and weeds with small minnows or wigglers. At Detour Village, the ice is gone at both boat launches. This is the time to start fishing for Atlantic salmon which are close to shore and chasing smelt. Try long-lining with hard crank baits that simulate smelt in six to 10 feet. A few anglers were targeting steelhead in Albany Creek which is about ten miles west of Detour Village under M-134 but no catches were reported. Cedarville and Hessel: The public launch at Lake Side Road has open water. Launching here allows anglers to fish for perch at the mouth of McKay Creek, and McKay Bay. The Cedarville launch off Meridian Street in town has open water. A few reports of perch have come from Cedarville Bay, south of the boat launch and around the cattails in six to eight feet. Anglers were using small minnows. East winds blew the

ice out of the Hessel Marina and finger docks. Splake fishing was good with small minnows and frozen smelt 20 inches off the bottom in six to eight feet outside the steel breakwall. St. Ignace: Had no angler activity. There is one dock in at the public launch. The Pine River is slow and the docks are not in yet. Anglers are targeting steelhead on the Carp River using spawn but no smelt run as of yet. Black River: In Mackinac County has steelhead running and catch rates were moderate.

April 20, 2017


Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT When the weather allows, boat anglers are getting out and trolling for trout and salmon. Various rivers are still running high, fast and muddy so be extremely careful. Boat anglers have been fishing the smaller inland lakes because windy conditions have made it difficult to fish the larger ones. Catch and immediate release bass fishing has started to pick up.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie: Anglers are still trolling and jigging for walleye in Brest Bay. Most are trolling stick baits or jigging bucktail jigs with minnows and twister tails. Huron River: Is starting to produce some white bass at the dam. Wamplers Lake: Anglers were catching and releasing largemouth bass on the east end in less than eight feet, on the south end in one to five feet and near the boat launch when casting jerk baits, chatter baits, swim jigs or top water lures. Water temperatures have warmed to 54 degrees. Those next door on Sand Lake have caught bluegills and crappie in the canals on the west end in four feet with a white curly tail jig and black fly. Largemouth bass were caught and released on the west end in six to eight feet. Detroit River: Anglers are taking walleye including some limit catches. Most are using a jig and minnow or twister tail. Dark colors like black and purple seemed to work best. Perch fishing has slowed. Panfish anglers have taken a few crappie in the canals. Lake St. Clair: Water temperatures are beginning to warm and clarity was improving. Crappie, bluegill and pumpkinseed are in the canals and marinas. Smallmouth bass have been caught in deeper water off from spring time spawning areas when using blade baits and soft plastics. Shore anglers have caught largemouth bass. The boat launch at the Clinton River Cut-Off has been cleared out allowing vessels to launch. St. Clair River: Walleye anglers were jigging and whipping mid-river and in the North Channel. The action was not fast, but there were some walleye to be caught.

Lexington to Port Sanilac: Boat anglers trolling in 15 to 20 feet have caught steelhead and coho. Lake trout were found just off the bottom in 40 feet. Pier anglers casting outside the walls caught a few coho on worms, minnows and Little Cleo’s. Harbor Beach: Boats are starting to head out and have caught coho and steelhead in 15 to 18 feet or lake trout in 40 feet. Night anglers fishing the north gap caught walleye. Saginaw Bay: It appears that the spring perch runs are just about over for this year. Rivers in the area are coming down and clearing up. Much of the bay remains turbid due to runoff and high winds. Boat anglers are getting walleye off Spoils Island and off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River when vertical jigging, which still seems to be more effective than trolling. A “blue-ice” plastic minnow on a jig head seems to be the best color right now. Up the east side, trollers out of Sunset Bay Marina trying for walleye had limited success. Shore anglers fishing the Quanicassee and Sebewaing Rivers were catching carp, suckers, white bass, bowfin, and anything else that will hit a worm. Perch anglers at Bay Port and Mud Creek were getting a few but had to sort through a lot of small ones to get a couple keepers. A few sunfish were caught from the Thomas Cut when using worms and a couple crappie were caught on minnows. Saginaw River: Catfish anglers were getting a few when using shrimp in the lower river at Smith Park.


Inland lakes in the region are producing crappie and bluegills in shallow waters. Crappies are hitting on minnows and the bluegills are hitting on red worms and wax worms. The perch bite is just about done. St. Joseph: Fishing pressure has been low. Most boat anglers reported inconsistent catch rates but a few managed to find a decent number of coho. The fish were very deep, well past 150 feet and were hitting on small spoons. Pier fishing was slow for coho and brown trout with only a few taken on spawn. A good number were caught. St. Joseph River: Had some fresh steelhead using the Berrien Springs ladder. Water levels were high but were coming back down and clearing up. South Haven: Boat anglers caught a few trout and salmon in 50 feet when trolling spoons. Anglers will have to deal with some construction in South Haven and should follow the detour signs. The road to the north pier is under construction however the boat launch is open. Kalamazoo River: Water levels are coming down but water temperatures are on the rise. Cooler water up near the Allegan Dam is producing steelhead but as the water temperatures rise, that fishery will not last much longer.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers caught a few brown trout when still-fishing with minnows or casting spoons. Those trolling the shoreline reported slow catch rates. Those targeting perch reported catch rates that were hit-or-miss. Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are still high which makes fishing difficult. Steelhead are still being caught in the Rogue River. Grand River at Lansing: Has had very few anglers due to the high and muddy water. Muskegon: Pier and shore anglers reported slow catch rates for brown trout but a few were taken by those trolling bright colored spoons and body baits along the shoreline. Muskegon River: Fishing was a bit harder but anglers have managed to catch some nice steelhead when drifting spawn, casting small spoons or fly fishing. Whitehall: Pier anglers caught brown trout and steelhead on spawn near the bottom. White Lake: Perch were caught in 15 to 30 feet on dropper rigs tipped with spikes or wax worms. White River: Steelhead fishing is still going on and could last through next weekend.


Cheboygan: All the docks are in at the marinas. The water levels were high and the current was strong at the Lock and dam. Steelhead were caught on spawn and wax worms at the Lock. Suckers were caught on crawlers. Cheboygan River: Shore anglers at the dam caught steelhead on spawn. Rogers City: Water temperatures were about 38 degrees. All the docks are in but nothing is open in the marina. When boats can get out, try trolling the shoreline for lake trout and Atlantic salmon. For trout, try near the bottom in 30 to 50 feet with big flashers and cowbells with spin-glo’s and flies. For salmon try bright colored body baits. Rockport: Lake trout are being caught near the bottom in 30 to 60 feet near Middle Island on flashers with flies or cowbells and spin-glo’s. Water temperatures were still cold. Those trying for Atlantic salmon had no luck. Alpena: A few walleye and smallmouth bass were caught in Thunder Bay when trolling crank baits near the mouth of the river. Walleye were caught by pier anglers casting crank baits in the waters of Lake Huron after dark. Thunder Bay River: Those drifting or floating spawn and beads caught a couple steelhead and some white suckers up near the 9th Street Dam.

Oscoda: Those fishing from the pier at Au Sable River Park have caught Atlantic salmon, lake trout, and a couple steelhead when casting spoons or drifting spawn and minnows. Au Sable River: Atlantic salmon were caught by those drifting spawn or casting spoons as far upstream as the US-23 Bridge. Those targeting steelhead did best when drifting spawn, nymph eggs or black stonefly patterns between the whirlpool access and Foote Dam. White suckers were caught on spawn and worms. Those casting spoons have caught and released a few smallmouth bass near the mouth. Houghton Lake: Continues to produce crappie and bluegills in the canals. Anglers are using minnows about a foot under a bobber. There has not been anyone fishing the rest of the lake. Tawas: Those trolling in the bay were getting a few Atlantic salmon, brown trout and walleye with body baits off planer boards in 10 to 25 feet. Those heading south to Whitestone Point were getting a few more walleye. Pier anglers fishing outside the wall at the state dock caught a couple of Atlantic salmon and walleye while those fishing inside the floating docks took a couple small perch. Tawas River: Shore anglers in the lower river caught and released a few bass. A couple Atlantic salmon, several suckers, catfish and carp were also caught. Au Gres: Those trolling caught walleye off Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres when trolling boy baits. Those surfcasting at night were targeting walleye with crank baits. Au Gres River: Did not have much activity near the Singing Bridge.


Harbor Springs: The ice is gone however the dock was not in at the public launch. Petoskey: The ice is gone but the marina did not have the docks in yet. The breakwall has seen a good number of anglers but catch rates were hit-or-miss for steelhead and coho. Rumor has it a couple brown trout caught on spawn bags. Bear River: Had higher water levels and quite a few steelhead and some suckers below the dam. Anglers are drifting spawn bags, a single egg and flies. Anglers have reported suckers up at the dam as well. Lake Charlevoix: The Ferry Beach launch was open and had a couple docks in. Traverse City: In the East Bay, lake trout were caught in deep water south of Yuba Creek. Steelhead were caught on spawn, wigglers and wax worms in the Elk River. In

the West Bay, lake trout were caught when trolling and those jigging found lake herring. The perch bite was slow. Boardman River: Anglers have caught steelhead below the dam and down from Union Street Bridge. There are lots of suckers at the dam. Leland: Dredging at the harbor mouth continues and the dock is still not in at the ramp. No boats have been out but a few anglers were steelhead fishing in the harbor and in the river. Catch rates were slow but a few fish were taken on spawn.

Platte Bay: Had light fishing pressure. A few anglers were fishing near the mouth of the river but had little success. There are steelhead in the lower Platte River and anglers are picking up a few. Water levels at the mouth are currently shallow and boats over 16 feet will most likely not be able to get in and out.

Frankfort: Those trolling along the piers and shoreline caught brown trout on black and silver body baits. Pier anglers caught steelhead and browns on spawn or body baits.

Onekama: Casting off the north breakwall was slow but will improve with the warmer temperatures. Surface water temperature was 46 degrees.

Portage Lake: Bass anglers casting in the shallows and around docks caught fish in the afternoon. Perch are still hitting but anglers are searching for them and sifting through the small ones. Manistee: Surface temperatures reached 44 degrees. The restrooms will open the first week in May. A good number of perch were caught from the north pier when using minnows in the morning hours. A couple steelhead and brown trout were taken on spawn. Those trolling the shoreline caught steelhead, brown trout and lake trout. Manistee River: Continues to have good steelhead fishing although by next weekend, it should start winding down. Ludington: Surface water temperatures were about 44 degrees. The restrooms are still closed. Those trolling the shoreline continue to catch coho, lake trout and brown trout. Pier anglers caught very few steelhead and brown trout. Pere Marquette River: Still had good steelhead fishing. Anglers have about a week or so before the fishery slows down. Pentwater: Boats trolling in five to 20 feet caught brown trout, the occasional chinook or lake trout. Pier anglers caught brown with spawn near the bottom. Pentwater Lake: Those fishing on Longbridge Road caught bullhead, suckers, and the occasional channel cat on crawlers or spawn near the bottom. Boats fishing in 15 to 25 feet caught perch using perch rigs tipped with wax worms.

Pentwater River: Had good steelhead fishing that should continue through next weekend.

UPPER PENINSULA Marquette: Coho fishing slowed in the harbors. Those doing best were fishing the “bubblers” and taking three or four fish per trip. A couple coho and brown trout were caught when trolling near the mouth of the Chocolay River and the Carp River. Steelhead fishing in the rivers was slow. Menominee River: Anglers had to deal with some very high and fast water which kept catch rates low. Boat anglers fishing just off the mouth in the big lake caught some nice brown trout, a few walleye and a couple pike. Little Bay De Noc: All the launches are open. Perch anglers reported catches near Kipling with minnows and crawlers in 30 to 35 feet or near Hunters Point in 22 to 30 feet. The rivers are high and flowing fast. Steelhead were caught in the Day’s River from Kipling Road, north across US-2 and to the golf course. Fish were caught near the 1st Dam in the Escanaba River when fly fishing with beads or casting yarn and spawn. Manistique River: Steelhead anglers were few but catch rates were good especially in “big bass hole” which is south of the Cedar Street Bridge when fly fishing with beads, yarn and spawn. The water was high and fast so bring waders and use caution. White suckers were running and catch rates were good. Smelt anglers have just started reporting runs in the area including Black Creek and Southtown Creek. Au Train: The Brownstone launch is still unusable and the Hiawatha Forest Service has put up a fence to prevent the public from using it. Munising: Water temperatures remain cold in the mid 30’s but boat anglers have taken good catches of coho and even a few limit catches when combined with splake and brown trout when trolling spoons and stick baits. The coho averaged 16 inches. Few rainbows have been caught and no kings were observed. Pier and shore anglers report both good and bad days with a mix of coho and splake caught on spawn bags or when casting spoons or jigs. Grand Marais: Boat anglers report good action for coho with a few limit catches taken. Belly contents show they are eating smelt. A few brown trout were also caught. A chinook just over six pounds was caught. Pier anglers caught a few coho and the occasional steelhead ranging 18 to 25 inches. They have also reported good catches of lake whitefish on certain days with fish running 12 to 20 inches. Menominee were running seven to 12 inches. Try spawn sacs or a single egg. The ice cap is still present on the west end of the pier but the east side of the pier is ice free all the way to the end and is fishable. The water was turbid because of gusty winds. The Sucker River is quite high due to recent rains. Shore anglers still report slow action on the Sucker River

and Carpenter Creek with only a couple steelhead caught. The fish caught were not spawned out so it is possible a small run may be coming in from the lake. A few coho and lake trout were caught on spawn sacs. Two Hearted River: Has steelhead. Try spawn or wax worms. Tahquamenon River: Had a fair to good smelt run but was beginning to slow down. Anglers may still find a few fish. Other streams off Whitefish Bay have been productive as well but in much smaller numbers. Detour: All the ice is gone at Detour Passage and the docks are in. For Atlantic salmon, try trolling or long-lining with chrome crank baits along the shorelines. Small smelt runs were reported in Albany Creek off M-134 but the action will not last long. At Drummond Island, the docks are in at the DNR launch. In Maxton Bay, the Monahan Dock which is at the end of Tourist Road is open for perch fishing. Cedarville and Hessel: Some good perch catches were reported in Cedarville Bay just south of the boat launch off Meridian Street. Some eight to 11 inch fish were caught on small minnows in four to six feet off the weed beds and around the docks. Splake were caught off the pier at the Hessel Marina. Try frozen smelt just off the bottom in six to eight feet. St. Ignace: There is one dock in at the public marina however the dock is not in at the Pine River. Water levels on the Carp and Pine Rivers were high and fast. No word on smelt in the Carp River.

April 27, 2017


Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT The walleye, pike and muskellunge opener on the Lower Peninsula inland waters is this coming Saturday, April 29. The statewide trout opener on all Type 1 and 2 streams as well as all Type A and D designated inland trout lakes is also this coming Saturday. Most of the smaller trout streams should be fishable but may still be cold. Many of the large rivers are coming down and clearing up and should be in good shape unless we get a lot of rain. Rivers in the Upper Peninsula may still be high. The inland lakes should be in good shape though water levels may be a little high. Don’t forget to check out the 2017 Michigan Fishing Forecast video!

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie: Walleye were caught in Brest Bay and around Turtle Island. Wamplers Lake: Bass anglers did best along the flats on the northwest end in 12 feet with spinners and soft plastics. Bluegills were caught on worms around the boat launch but many were small. Crappies were caught on the west end with slip bobbers and minnows. Surface water temperatures were between 57 and 60 degrees. On Sand Lake, largemouth bass were caught in the bay by the canal on the west end in five feet. Bluegills were caught around the drop-offs near the orange buoy in six to 12 feet when floating crawlers and wax worms. Detroit River: Anglers caught walleye in the lower river. Most were jigging with up to a ¾ ounce jig and a wide variety of artificial tails. Fish averaged 15 to 20 inches. Lake St. Clair: The bluegill and crappie bite was starting to improve. The Selfridge access site was producing some good size panfish. The walleye bite is improving as the water clears up. Anglers are jigging just off the bottom with a ¾ to 1 ounce jig and dark colored plastics. Bass anglers are starting to release fair catches of smallmouth along the Mile Roads. Ford Cove was a hot spot in six feet with tube baits, crank baits and blade baits.

St. Clair River: Walleye fishing picked up in the lower end as some limit catches were reported. Most are jigging minnows and soft plastics. A few walleye were taken off the wall at Port Huron. Lexington to Port Sanilac: Those trolling from just south of Lexington to just north of Harbor Beach were taking a nice mix of coho, lake trout, the odd steelhead, Atlantics, walleye and chinook on body baits with planer boards and dipsey divers in 18 to 30 feet. Pier anglers casting Little Cleo’s caught the odd steelhead, Atlantic or coho. Harbor Beach: Boat anglers caught walleye and lake trout in 20 feet. Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing remains slow, possibly due to cold water temperatures and the stained water. Boat anglers fishing 16 to 18 feet off Linwood managed to catch a couple fish but still had trouble finding clear water. Stained water was still an issue off Spoils Island but anglers were still doing better here when fishing close to the rocks. Vertical jigging was better than trolling. Most are using a “blue ice” jig tipped with a minnow and fishing within three feet of the rocks. The Finn Road launch ramp was plugged with phragmites (wetland grass) and only useable by airboat at the moment. Boat anglers were practicing catch and release bass fishing off Sebewaing and Caseville. Walleye catches were slim to none. Shore anglers at Bay Port caught bullhead, small perch and small bass. Boats have just started launching from Port Austin, and have taken a couple of lake trout and walleye. Saginaw River: Catfish, freshwater drum and white bass were caught on minnows and shrimp at Smith Park in Essexville. Chippewa River: Anglers picked up a few suckers at the access points.


Overall: Inland lakes in the region are producing some panfish. Catch and immediate release bass season should start to heat up soon. Catch rates will improve as the waters warm. Until then, target the shallow waters. St. Joseph: Boat anglers caught good numbers of coho well beyond 150 feet with small spoons. Pier fishing was very slow for trout and salmon but good numbers of catfish were taken using crawlers on the bottom. Perch fishing was very slow. South Haven: Construction continues all around the area. The boat launch is open. Accessing the north pier is very difficult due to the construction. Boat anglers caught coho on small spoons in 120 to 150 feet and deeper. Perch and pier fishing were slow. Kalamazoo River: Look for steelhead up near the Allegan Dam. Walleye anglers should find a few fish here as well with the opener on Saturday.

Grand Haven: Coho were caught 25 to 150 feet down in 170 to 260 feet with orange and green spoons or body baits. Catch rates were hit-or-miss for boat anglers targeting perch. Try minnows, wigglers or waxworms. Pier fishing for brown trout was slow with only a couple taken on live minnows. Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels were slowly coming down and clarity was starting to improve. With the opener this weekend, look for walleye off the wall, near the bridges and up near the dam. Grand River near Lansing: Water levels were still a bit high. Those fishing in Grand Ledge caught some perch and sunfish. Maple River: Water levels were still high. Those using dip nets have taken some suckers. Those bow fishing have taken carp and suckers. Crappie and bullhead were caught near the Elsie Dam. Lake Ovid: Was producing a few small panfish. Muskegon: Those trolling the shoreline and pier anglers reported slow catch rates. Muskegon River: Steelhead fishing is still going and should continue for a bit longer. Whitehall: Very few boats have been out trolling. Scattered reports had brown trout in five to 15 feet and lake trout in 30 to 50 feet. Pier anglers caught walleye and brown trout in the evening when casting deep-diving rapalas. White Lake: Shore anglers caught bluegill and sunfish in three to 10 feet when floating red worms and wax worms. Boat anglers caught perch in 10 to 25 feet on perch rigs with wax worms. Those still-fishing in the channel with crawlers or spawn caught redhorse and white suckers.


Mackinaw City: The docks at the marinas were not accessible for boaters. Cheboygan: Shore anglers fishing the Lock and Dam with crank baits, jigs, spawn and worms have caught steelhead, Atlantic salmon, lake trout and suckers. Rogers City: Anglers were targeting either lake trout or Atlantic salmon. Both species can be found inside 50 feet of water. For lake trout, try near the bottom with cowbells or silver dodger with spin-glo’s. For Atlantics, try 30 feet near Calcite, the breakwall or Swan Bay. Look for the color line in the water and use bright colored spoons or body baits in orange, green, chartreuse or silver. The water is still very cold at 36 to 38 degrees so start up near the shoreline. Those casting from the breakwall had no luck.

Rockport: Boat anglers were targeting lake trout and Atlantic salmon in 30 to 60 feet around Middle Island. Fish from top to bottom. Lake trout were hitting on spoons or big flashers with flies and spin-glo’s. Try white and green. Good spoon colors were blue, green, silver, orange and chartreuse. Shore anglers from the wall had no luck. Alpena: Those fishing near the Thunder Bay River caught walleye when vertical jigging twister tail jigs. Smallmouth bass and pike were picked up by those casting crank baits or jigging. Shore and pier anglers casting body baits caught walleye and brown trout. Atlantic salmon and brown trout were caught in and around 10 feet off Whitefish Point when casting crank baits. Thunder Bay River: Those fishing at the 9th Street Dam caught good numbers of white and longnose suckers when drifting worms, eggs, and beads. A couple steelhead were caught drifting or floating beads. Oscoda: Pier anglers caught lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and walleye when casting spoons and crank baits. Walleye were also caught by those jigging from the pier. Boats trolling spoons and body baits off the mouth of the river and Au Sable Point caught walleye, lake trout, Atlantic salmon and the odd chinook in 10 to 20 feet. Au Sable River: Those fishing below the US-23 Bridge caught smallmouth bass when jigging twister tails and casting crank baits. Steelhead and white suckers were caught by those drifting spawn, beads and egg flies between the Whirlpool Access site and Foote Dam. Higgins Lake: Water temperatures were still cold and few anglers have been out. A couple boats trolling the drop-off in 15 to 30 feet managed to catch a couple rainbows. The docks are in at the launch ramps at both the North and the South State Parks. Houghton Lake: Had good bluegill and crappie fishing in the canals. The bite was starting to pick up out in the lake as water temperatures were up near 50 degrees. Try a pink or purple jig with a minnow for crappie or a wax worm, leaf worm or crawler for bluegills. Fish were caught 12 to 18 inches below the bobber. Tawas: Boats trolling for walleye were heading south off Alabaster, off the mouth of Whitney Drain, and down as far as Whitestone Point. They have caught walleye and a few lake trout on body baits in 10 to 20 feet. Pier anglers caught carp, a few walleye, pike, a couple of Atlantics and brown trout as well as smallmouth bass. Au Gres: Had lots of fishing activity. Most boats were fishing around Whitestone Point, Point Lookout, and Pointe Au Gres but most only landed the average of one or two walleye. Those trolling right off the mouth of the Au Gres River caught a few walleyes and at least one steelhead.

Au Gres River: At the Singing Bridge, those surfcasting off the mouth of Whitney Drain were getting a few walleye when casting body baits at night. Fishing in Whitney Drain itself is kind of slow due to the high muddy water.


Harbor Springs: The dock at the public boat launch was still not in. Petoskey: The docks at the boat launch are in. Very few boats have been out but one that was running planer boards in the sheltered area near the marina picked up a small brown trout. The weather buoy is not in yet. A few smaller brown trout and a couple steelhead were caught out from the mouth of the Bear River in less than 20 feet. Some caught suckers off the D Pier. Bear River: Water levels were dropping. With rain in the forecast, look for more steelhead up at the dam. The run typically lasts well into May. Try drifting spawn bags and flies. Brown trout season in the river does not open until April 29. Traverse City: In the East Bay, few boats had been out. With rain and warmer temperatures in the forecast, look for steelhead in the Elk River. A few fish were caught below the dam and at the kids pond when using spawn and wax worms. On the West Bay, those trolling or jigging for lake trout did well near the mouth of the Boardman River and north towards Power Island in deep water. Lake herring were caught north of Bryant Park when jigging. Boardman River: Fishing slowed but should pick back up. Anglers found a good number of suckers at the dam. Leland: Dredging at harbor mouth is almost complete so the area is passable now especially for larger vessels however the dock at the launch was still not in. Steelhead are still being caught in the harbor and the river when using spawn or wax worms.

Platte Bay: A few smaller boats were able to get out from the Platte River launch. Those trolling or jigging caught some lake trout. Steelhead are still being caught in the lower Platte River.

Frankfort: Those trolling around the piers have caught a couple brown trout but catch rates were hit-or-miss. Most were black and silver body baits. Onekama: Those trolling to the north caught brown trout in 10 to 15 feet with black and gold body baits. Some whitefish were also caught. Portage Lake: Perch anglers are trying minnows and wigglers but most of the fish caught were small. Bass anglers have seen largemouth in the shallows but water temperatures were still cold.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Water levels were a bit high but were coming back down. Crappie, bluegill and bass anglers may find some fish but water is still cold and the bite will be slow. Lake Missaukee: Anglers were starting to catch crappie and bluegills in the shallows. Manistee: Surface water temperatures were up near 50 degrees. The fish cleaning station and the restrooms were still closed. Perch fishing off the pier was slow but a couple steelhead and brown trout were caught. Lake trout are also showing up. Those trolling have caught a couple chinook, coho, and brown trout. Manistee River: Steelhead fishing is still going and should continue for a bit longer. Float fishing has been good with streamers. Ludington: Surface water was 50 degrees. The fish cleaning station and the restrooms were still closed. Those trolling between Ludington and just north of Big Sable Point will need to be very careful and watch for floating debris after a large boat ran aground and completely broke apart. Lake trout are starting to heat up off the projects. Brown trout, coho and a few chinook have been caught. Pier fishing was slow. Pere Marquette River: Should have good trout fishing for the opener. Pentwater: Those trolling need to be careful and watch for floating debris from a large boat that ran aground just north of Ludington. Those trolling caught brown trout in five to 15 feet and lake trout in 25 to 60 feet. Some caught the occasional chinook. Pier anglers caught brown trout while still-fishing with spawn near the bottom. Pentwater Lake: Shore and boat anglers caught perch in 10 to 25 feet on perch rigs with white spikes or cut bait.

UPPER PENINSULA Overall: Western Upper Peninsula streams and rivers will have high water levels for the Saturday trout opener. The Type-A inland trout lakes will open on Saturday and should provide good fishing opportunities. Look for light smelt runs in the western rivers that access Lake Superior, with the best netting opportunities in the small rivers surrounding Keweenaw Bay. Steelhead are in most of the streams that access Lake Superior. In the Eastern Upper Peninsula, anglers can expect higher than average water levels in many streams due to heavy rainfall the last couple of weeks. Cooler temperatures by the weekend will slow the bite. Keweenaw Bay: Fishing was on the slow side with only a few coho and splake caught in the head of the bay. With the smelt running, trolling in front of the river mouths should put fish in the box. In Traverse Bay, a few lake trout were taken by those trolling spoons about 10 feet off the bottom in 120 feet.

Marquette: The second dock has been installed at the launch in the Upper Harbor. Coho are still being caught in both the Upper and Lower Harbors but the action has slowed. Anglers were trolling jointed body baits and small spoons in perch colors on short leadcore or downriggers. A few brown trout were also caught. Those jigging were using a pink jig with a white twisty tail grub tipped with cut meat and a few did very well even taking limit catches of lake trout. Menominee River: Fishing has been difficult due to the high volume of water being released at the Hattie Street Dam. Little Bay De Noc: Perch anglers reported good catches near Gladstone Beach, the Third Reef and the up near the Day’s River with wigglers in 30 to 35 feet. A few were taken in the shallows with worms. Anglers have stopped fishing up near the dam on the Escanaba River because of bridge repair work on US-2. A few fish were caught in the Day’s River north of US-2. Catch and release bass fishing was good in the Ford River with plastics, spinners or crank baits from shore. The rivers were running high and fast. Manistique River: The gates at the dam have been closed so the lamprey traps can be installed. The high water part of the dam is still flowing fast. Steelhead anglers were still taking good catches from the bridge south to the high water rapids when fly fishing with beads or when casting spawn. Many reported seeing good numbers of steelhead so there is still some good fishing to be had. Au Train: The Brownstone launch is still closed. The gate for the Au Train River beach is now open. Munising: Boat anglers putting in long hours had mixed results for coho, brown trout and splake with some catching a few fish while others caught none. Those targeting lake trout caught a few. Shore and pier anglers had slow catch rates. A few smelt were taken in the area. Grand Marais: Some boat anglers were taking up to 5 coho per trip while others caught none. Pier anglers however reported good catches of Lake Whitefish. Pier anglers caught a few coho and smaller steelhead on a single egg or spawn sac. Water levels on the rivers were high and fast. Two Hearted River: Steelhead are here and in the Sucker River. Coho have been caught just off the mouth of both rivers. Smelt runs here are starting to dwindle. Detour: Those trolling for Atlantic salmon marked a lot of fish 60 to 80 feet down in 110 feet between the lighthouse and the green buoy. Most were using spoons but anglers may want to try small chrome crank baits which resemble smelt. Over on Drummond Island, perch were caught just off Hunting Club Point in Maxton Bay in four to eight feet with minnows and wigglers. A few perch were caught off the Monahan Dock.

Cedarville and Hessel: Schools of yellow perch seem to have moved from the south end of Cedarville Bay back to the north. Catch rates were fair straight east from the Cedarville launch with a medium size shiner or small worms. Those targeting splake off the Hessel Pier had good catch rates with frozen smelt or shiners eight to 12 inches off the bottom or when casting small slender chrome crank baits that look like smelt. Anglers might find some perch around St. Ledger Island or Echo Island which are one mile east of the boat launch at Hessel. St. Ignace: Had no boat reports. A couple steelhead along with a few suckers were caught on spawn and worms in the Carp River. There are no reports for Pine River.

May 4, 2017


Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT The walleye and trout opener was off to a slow start because of recent rains and continued cold weather. Rivers are running high and currents are fast. On the inland lakes, panfish were holding in deep water but were moving up into the shallows midday when the sun is out.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie: Fishing activity was much slower. Walleye were caught when trolling crawler harnesses in 12 to 16 feet in Brest Bay and off Stony Point. A large number of white bass have also been caught in these areas. Yellow perch were few and far between with total catches less than five fish. Wamplers Lake: Had very little activity due to the weather. On Sand Lake, largemouth bass were caught around the orange buoy and along the east side of the lake in waters up to 8 feet deep when casting chatter baits, jerk baits and swim jigs. Detroit River: Fishing pressure was high but catch rates for walleye were variable. Lake St. Clair: Preseason bass anglers found fish along the Mile Roads with crank baits, jerk baits and tube baits in six to 10 feet. Smallmouth bass were caught with jigs and swim grubs in four feet in Muscamoot Bay. Perch and other panfish were slow. St. Clair River: Walleye fishing continues to improve throughout the entire river. Good catches are being reported by those jigging during the day or whipping at night. Lexington to Port Sanilac: Those trolling were taking mostly lake trout with a mix of the occasional Chinook, coho, steelhead, Atlantic salmon and walleye. They are trolling planer boards, dipsey divers and downriggers with body baits in 20 to 30 feet. Pier fishing was slow due to muddy water.

Harbor Beach: Boat anglers were getting a fair to good number of lake trout along with the odd Chinook and coho. Pier fishing was poor as the waters near shore were still very muddy after all the rain. Saginaw Bay: Fishing on the inner bay was slow as the water is still muddy. When they could get out, boat anglers found a few walleye around Spoils Island when vertical jigging or trolling northeast of the island. Bass anglers were fishing around Bay Port and in the Pigeon River but catch rates were very slow. Walleye fishing in the Quanicassee River was slow. Saginaw River: Boat anglers out of Smith Park caught and released a good number of freshwater drum, catfish, white bass and carp but very few walleye. Tittabawassee River: Walleye fishing was harder this year as it appears heavy rain in April flushed a lot of walleyes down the river and back into the bay before the season opened. Just about everyone caught fish but limit catches were rare. Fishing was poor up near Dow Dam, but better from Immerman Park down to M-46 and beyond when targeting the deeper holes near the bridges. Anglers were trolling purple, fire-tiger and chartreuse shad raps or vertical jigging with jigs tipped with crawlers, minnows or plastic bodies in orange, fire-tiger and chartreuse. Water temperatures were a bit over 60 degrees and the white bass run is underway which is about two weeks early. A good number of walleye got over the Dow Dam during the high water levels and provided good fishing between Emerson Park and the Sanford Dam. With the water levels rising and muddy, the river will be hard to fish for the rest of this week.


St. Joseph: Those targeting salmon reported slow fishing. The few caught seemed to have moved and were found inside 100 feet. Perch and pier fishing were slow. South Haven: Boat anglers caught a decent number of lake trout in 50 to 90 feet with cowbells and spin-glo’s. A couple Chinook salmon were taken on small spoons. Pier fishing for salmon was very slow but a few freshwater drum were taken. Perch fishing was also slow. Road construction continues in the area but the boat launch is open. Grand Haven: Those targeting coho did well in 170 to 260 feet with orange or green spoons in the top 80 feet. A few brown trout were caught when trolling along the shoreline. Perch fishing was still hit-or-miss. Try minnows and wigglers. Grand River near Lansing: Had good smallmouth action. Anglers have done well near the North Lansing Dam, the Portland Dam as well as Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. The fish are hitting on a variety of lures. With the strong current, use bright colors and heavy weight. Muskegon: Boats targeting coho found a few in 180 to 240 feet with orange, green or blue spoons in the top 75 feet. Pier fishing for brown trout was slow.

Muskegon River: Still had a decent number of steelhead however the quality of the fish is deteriorating. Anglers were starting to catch a few bass and pike. Whitehall: Anglers trolling in 20 to 50 feet caught lake trout and Chinook salmon. Brown trout were caught along the shoreline in eight to 20 feet. Pier fishing for brown trout and steelhead was slow. Pier anglers targeting walleye caught a few on deep-diving body baits and plastic swimbaits. White Lake: Those trolling crawler harnesses caught walleye in 20 to 30 feet. Northern pike fishing was good in eight to 15 feet while trolling or casting body baits. Yellow perch and crappie were caught on dropper rigs or slip bobbers and jigs tipped with minnows and wax worms.


Cheboygan River: Boat anglers did struggle against a strong current as several gates at the dam remained open. Walleye catch rates were variable for boat anglers with some taking a decent number of 15 to 20 inch fish while others were lucky to get one or two. Most were casting or jigging weighted baits tipped with minnows. Shore anglers concentrated at the “bowl” just below the dam and lock had a difficult time. Those targeting steelhead had no luck but white suckers were taken on crawlers. Rogers City: When the weather improves, try trolling in waters 60 feet and deeper for lake trout with cowbells and spin-glo’s. For Atlantic salmon, try bright colored spoons up high. Shore anglers can try casting spoons and body baits off the breakwall. Good colors would be orange, silver or chartreuse. Rockport: Those able to get out caught lake trout between the shallows and 60 feet with cowbells, spin-glo’s and spoons. Most were fishing around Middle Island and running their lines from top to bottom. Atlantic salmon were taken off the breakwall. Alpena: Those fishing in the bay near the mouth of the river caught walleye and smallmouth bass with jigs tipped with twister tails or minnows. Those casting crank baits caught walleye and pike. Thunder Bay River: Steelhead and suckers where caught when drifting spawn and orange beads. Steelhead fishing actually picked up some. Those fishing further downstream caught walleye when jigging or casting crank baits. A couple carp were taken in the harbor at night when still-fishing with crawlers. Oscoda: Those casting spoons and body baits from the pier caught Atlantic salmon and lake trout. Walleye were taken on jigs tipped with flukes and twister tails. Pike were hitting on jigs and crank baits. Those out trolling caught a couple walleye on crank baits in 10 to 20 feet.

Au Sable River: Walleye were caught by those trolling crawler harnesses below the US-23 Bridge. Shore anglers in Oscoda caught smallmouth bass and carp on crawlers. The majority of steelhead were found upstream by anglers fishing egg flies, beads, and spawn sacs near Foote Dam, Rea Road, the Au Sable Overlook, and Whirlpool Access Site. White suckers are also being caught by anglers targeting steelhead. The North Branch had a Hendrickson fly hatch and some brook trout hitting the surface. The warmest part of the day was best. Tawas: Boat anglers heading down near Alabaster, the Singing Bridge and Whitestone Point and trolling body baits in 15 to 20 feet caught a few walleye. Atlantic salmon were following minnows in and out of the harbor. Pier anglers caught walleye and pike. Tawas River: The lower river provided a mix of large and smallmouth bass for catch and release along with the odd walleye, pike, carp, suckers, and steelhead. Those casting lures caught the bass, pike, and walleye while those using worms caught carp and suckers. Those drifting spawn found a couple steelhead. Au Gres: Those trolling caught walleye on body baits and crawler harnesses in 15 to 20 feet off Whitestone Point, Point Lookout, Pointe Au Gres and off the river mouth. Au Gres River: Shore anglers fishing the lower river caught freshwater drum, bullhead and a few pike.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA Harbor Springs: The dock at the public launch is not in yet and no anglers were out. Petoskey: Had light boat activity but those that have been out picked up a few lake trout on spoons. A couple brown trout were also taken close to shore. The mouth of the river and the D Pier were slow. A few pike were caught inside the breakwall. Bear River: Water levels were high. A good number of steelhead were at the dam but anglers had a hard time catching them when drifting spawn bags, wax worms and flies. There are quite a few suckers between the mouth and the dam. Charlevoix: Had few anglers and no boats were out. A couple anglers were fishing the channel but had no luck. There is a small launch near Medusa Weir that had new pads installed last fall. The launch is only sufficient for small boats. The township has put in a small dock. Traverse City: Those trolling in deep water off Elk Rapids caught lake trout and some good size lake herring. Plenty of lake herring along with a few lake trout were taken north of the M-37 launch. The Elk River was slow with only a couple steelhead caught in the early morning. A couple boats braving the cold and rain were fishing along the east side of the West Bay but no fish were recorded.

Boardman River: Fishing was very slow. A few were lucky to get a couple small rainbows or brown trout. Leland: Dredging at the harbor mouth is done and the ramp is in so anglers can now launch their boats. Most of the steelhead have left the river and the harbor. Pike and smallmouth bass are in the harbor at this time.

Platte Bay: Smaller boats should have no problem launching from the mouth of the Platte River. Most of the steelhead in the river are done spawning and heading back out into Lake Michigan. Anglers may still find steelhead or a resident brown trout.

Frankfort: Brown trout were caught by those trolling body baits around the break wall and in 15 to 20 feet along the shoreline. Early morning was best. Pier anglers caught brown trout off the south pier. Use fresh spawn in the early morning. Portage Lake: Perch fishing slowed however some bluegills were starting to hit in shallow waters. Cool water temperatures have slowed the bite. Bass anglers have seen very few fish. Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Both lakes had good catch and release bass fishing. A fair number of pike were also caught. Walleye anglers were trolling in 10 to 15 feet during the day and fishing from shore at night. The panfish bite was still slow. Manistee: Surface temperatures were up near 52 degrees. The restrooms and the fish cleaning station are now open. Lake trout fishing continues to heat up. Those trolling caught a couple Chinook or brown trout. Pier fishing was slow. Ludington: The fish cleaning station and the restrooms were still closed. Many were still working hard to clean up all the debris around Big Sable Point. Boat anglers will still need to use caution when trolling in this area. Lake trout were still hitting off the projects. A few Chinook were starting to trickle in and a couple brown trout were caught by those trolling along the shoreline. Pier fishing was slow. Pentwater: Lake trout and the odd Chinook were caught by those trolling in 30 to 60 feet. Brown trout fishing was good in eight to 20 feet with orange or gold body baits. Pentwater Lake: Yellow perch were caught on dropper rigs tipped with wax worms or cut bait in 10 to 25 feet.

UPPER PENINSULA Marquette: Coho are still being caught in both harbors especially in the morning but catch rates did slow. The few heading out for lake trout were getting limit catches almost every time. Some coho and brown trout were also caught.

Menominee River: The dam at Hattie Street had four gates wide open making it very difficult to fish. Little Bay De Noc: Perch anglers reported fair catches between the Day’s River and the Third Reef with crawlers and wigglers in 26 to 35 feet. The “Narrows” also produced fair catches using the same in 30 to 38 feet. Angler participation for pre-season smallmouth bass in the Ford River picked up and many reported good catches mainly around the mouth when casting spinners or plastics from the shore. Boat anglers also did well. This is a great time to catch and immediately release some big bass. Manistique River: Had a few boat anglers targeting steelhead but most were shore anglers fishing the fast water below the dam. They reported good catches even though the peak of the run is pretty much over. Fly anglers used beads while others used spawn and yarn. The sucker run was starting to taper off. Au Train: The Brownstone launch was still closed. A few anglers fishing off the rocks around the launch caught a couple coho and splake. Those launching small boats from shore have also caught a good number of coho. Munising: Had good catches of coho with some reporting limit catches. Most were trolling spoons and stick baits in less than 50 feet. Hot colors were orange and gold. Catch rates for splake slowed. Shore and pier anglers had mixed results with good catches one day and slow the next. Water temperatures remain in the 30’s. Grand Marais: When they could get out, boat anglers were taking a good number of coho. Pier anglers reported slow whitefish action. Of the fish caught, most were small about 12 inches and were hitting on a single egg. The odd coho was also caught. Two Hearted River: Water levels were high and steelhead fishing was slow. Detour: Windy conditions have kept anglers off the water. Cedarville and Hessel: The perch bite slowed but a few were taken straight out from the launch behind Cedarville Marine were all the flags are. Those fishing around the docks did manage to catch a few eight to 11 inch perch on minnows and leeches. At Hessel, splake continued to bite both inside and outside the marina pier. Those casting crank baits or fishing smelt on the bottom in eight feet caught Atlantic salmon, splake and the odd lake trout. Splake anglers were using a three way swivel with a 5/8 ounce sinker while jigging or still-fishing smelt under a bobber. St. Ignace: Fishing was slow and the weather has kept boats off the Great Lakes. The ramp on the Pine River was not in yet. The Carp River had a few anglers taking white suckers but no steelhead.

May 11, 2017


Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT Walleye, northern pike and muskellunge season on the Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters and St. Marys River will open on Monday, May 15. Warmer weather should help the bite. Michigan’s current Fishing Guide is always available online! View or download it at Michigan.gov/dnrdigests.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Lake Erie: Muddy water has slowed fishing however boat anglers fishing in 12 to 20 feet in Brest Bay and off Stony Point have caught some walleye when trolling or drifting a crawler harness or crank baits. Huron River: Is producing a few walleye and white bass. Wamplers Lake: Anglers caught largemouth and a few smallmouth bass on the north end while casting jerk baits and soft plastics in six to eight feet. Panfish action slowed when water temperatures dropped to 53 degrees. Sand Lake: In Lenawee County was producing largemouth bass on the northeast end. The fish were hitting on spinners in four feet. Bluegills were caught in five feet along the southeast end with worms under a slip bobber. Detroit River: Had good walleye fishing including some limit catches for those jigging with a black Wyandotte worm or jigs tipped with a minnow. Fish were caught throughout the river including the Trenton Channel, near Wyandotte and the mouth. White bass are moving in. Perch were caught along the shoreline and near the docks. Lake St. Clair: Large and smallmouth bass anglers reported better catch rates. Most fish were hitting on spinners and crank baits on the south end near the Mile Roads. Water clarity is improving but was still spotty in most areas. Lighter lures in flashy

colors worked best. Panfish continue to be sluggish but yellow perch became more active and were caught with minnows on the bottom off the Selfridge Launch. St. Clair River: Water conditions were a little turbid on the north end near the smaller tributaries. The lower river was clearing up. Walleye fishing has been excellent throughout the entire river. Harbor Beach: A fair to good number of walleye were caught off the wall. Boat anglers were taking a mix of coho, lake trout and a few Chinook. Saginaw Bay: Windy conditions have kept anglers off greater Saginaw Bay for much of the last week so few reports have come in. When the boat anglers can get out, most were trolling or vertical jigging for walleye. Saginaw River: A couple decent catches of walleye were taken between the Independence Bridge and the mouth when fishing along the edge of the current. Tittabawassee River: Water levels went down and cleared up and walleye anglers did reasonably well both upstream and downstream of the Center Road launch. Some reported limit catches for a half-day’s fishing when trolling up and down with shad-raps. Good colors were white, green, chartreuse, fire-tiger or black and silver. A number of white bass were caught with crawlers on the bottom or when trolling. Smallmouth bass were caught on tube jigs up at the Dow Dam. Chippewa River: In Isabella County was producing some walleye upstream of Majeske Landing. Panfish were caught near Deerfield Park.


St. Joseph: When they could get out, boat anglers reported slow trout and salmon fishing. Pier anglers are still catching very good numbers of catfish with crawlers and stink baits on the bottom. South Haven: Boat anglers reported slower catch rates for trout and salmon however the bite should pick up now that the rain has stopped and the winds are calm. Try trolling in 50 to 90 feet. Pier anglers are catching the occasional walleye with crawlers on the bottom or when casting crank baits. Road construction continues. The north pier is difficult to access. The boat launch is open but the detours force boat anglers to use Blue Star Highway to access it. The bridge over the Black River remains closed. Crooked Lake: In Barry County was producing crappie. Lake Macatawa: Had pretty good walleye fishing.

Grand Haven: Boat anglers trolling just outside the piers were doing well for Chinook in 30 to 70 feet with bright colored spoons and small glow plugs. Coho were caught in the top 100 feet of waters 170 to 240 feet deep. Yellow perch were caught on minnows and wigglers. Pier fishing was slow. Grand River near Grand Rapids: Anglers fishing off the wall, near the bridges and the 6th Street Dam started catching a few walleye and pike. Good walleye action was reported in the lower river. Grand River near Lansing: Still has good smallmouth fishing especially up near the dams. Most were caught on artificial baits and minnows. A few pike were caught but the fish are small. Look for bluegills and crappie in the backwaters. Lake Lansing: Anglers caught and released a couple largemouth bass. Muskrat Lake: Was producing a few bluegills. Try red worms and wax worms. Maple River: Pike were caught off US-127 in the Maple River Game Area. Muskegon: The south breakwall is closed during construction. Decent numbers of Chinook salmon were caught in 25 to 70 feet with orange, pink or green spoons. Muskegon River: The steelhead run is winding down but anglers were still getting a few up near Croton Dam. Whitehall: Baitfish were near the pier heads and in the channel. Brown trout fishing was good for those casting spoons and body baits. Boat anglers trolling in 20 to 50 feet caught Chinook salmon and lake trout while those trolling the shoreline in five to 20 feet caught brown trout. Walleye were caught in the early morning or evening when casting body baits and jigs tipped with soft plastics. White Lake: Anglers caught northern pike in five to 15 feet when casting body baits. Walleye were caught in 20 to 30 feet when trolling a crawler harness or jigging. Those targeting bluegills and sunfish did well in three to 12 feet with red worms or wax worms. White River: Anglers were still catching some steelhead.


Cheboygan River: The walleye bite slowed. Those jigging minnows near the lock and dam did best while those using crank baits or floating worms had little success. A good number of suckers have been caught. Burt Lake: Produced some walleye near the mouth of the Sturgeon River.

Black Lake: Was producing walleye near the mouth of the Black River. Rogers City: Lake trout are beginning to show up. Try 65 feet and run lines up high with spoons and body baits or near the bottom with cowbells, dodgers and spin-glo’s. Use bright colors like orange, yellow, green, silver and chartreuse. Rockport: Anglers trolling in 20 to 65 feet caught lake trout throughout the water column. For Atlantic salmon, try casting off the wall or still-fishing with a minnow. Alpena: Those trolling crank baits or jigging soft plastics in Thunder Bay caught a decent number of walleye, pike and smallmouth bass in 15 feet. Those casting crank baits from the pier and the rocks in the evening caught walleye. Pier anglers caught a couple brown trout. Thunder Bay River: Anglers trolling and casting crank baits or jigs tipped with a minnow or leech caught walleye and smallmouth bass in the lower river. Steelhead action at the Ninth Street Dam was slow but a few fish were taken when drifting beads or casting crank baits and spoons. The occasional brown trout, white sucker and bowfin were also caught. Oscoda: The walleye action was heating up and those casting deep diving crank baits and jigging twister tails or fluke tails from the pier at Au Sable River Park reported good catches early and late. Anglers casting spoons and crank baits from the end of the pier caught a couple Atlantic salmon. Boat anglers caught walleye when trolling crank baits in 10 to 20 feet. Au Sable River: Those trolling crank baits or a crawler harness and bottom bouncer caught a good number of walleye below the Mill Street Bridge. Shore anglers caught walleye, freshwater drum, large and smallmouth bass when drifting crawlers under a slip bobber, jigging soft plastics or casting crank baits. Further upstream towards Foote Dam, a couple steelhead were caught on beads, egg flies and spawn. Water levels were high but are dropping so steelhead fishing should get easier. Water temperatures were around 55 degrees. Houghton Lake: The bite was moderate as the waters continue to warm. Walleye were caught by those jigging leeches in nine to 12 feet along the drop-offs or in 6 feet along the weed beds. Shore anglers fishing near the inlets after dark caught walleye on orange crank baits. Crappies were still hitting on minnows in the canals. Bass were hitting on a variety of baits and lures. Tawas: Boat anglers were trolling down near Alabaster and the Singing Bridge because of windy conditions. They caught a few walleye on body baits in 10 to 20 feet. Au Gres: Anglers were trolling close to shore between Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres when launching at the mouth of the Au Gres River.


Harbor Springs: The dock at the public boat launch is in. Bear River: Had steelhead at the dam and below. Most of the fish caught were ripe males. Those fish presumably done spawning are dropping back down the falls. One small brown trout and some suckers have been caught. Charlevoix: Those getting out have caught some lake trout. There were not many anglers in the channel during the day but those fishing early or late might hook a lake trout. Those targeting walleye after dark have taken a few. Traverse City: Those fishing the East Bay have caught some good size lake herring near Wilson Road and north of Deepwater Point when jigging. The Elk River was slow with only a couple steelhead and lake trout caught below the dam. Smallmouth bass are now in the river and were caught right along with a few suckers. In the West Bay, lake herring and lake trout were caught north of Bryant Park when trolling or jigging. A few small perch were caught in Bowers Harbor. The Boardman River was slow. Leland: Boat anglers caught a good number of lake trout when trolling along the “First Bank”. Spin-glo’s behind cowbells or dodgers worked best. A few smallmouth bass were caught in the harbor and the river.

Platte Bay: Those trolling in shallow waters caught lake trout and brown trout with body baits on boards or when flat-lining straight back.

Frankfort: Those trolling north to Platte Bay have taken lake trout off the bottom with spin-glo’s. Brown trout were caught around the piers with body baits. Portage Lake: Was producing good catches of walleye at night when trolling the shoreline. Perch anglers reported moderate catches at the mouth but many were small.

Manistee: Surface water temperatures were about 46 degrees. Lake trout were caught in 40 to 60 feet. Chinook are starting to show up and a few more than 20 pounds were caught in 40 to 100 feet. Walleye were caught at night off the south pier and in the channel. Manistee River: Had a daily caddis hatch in the late afternoon on the warm days which helped anglers catch brown trout when fly fishing. Ludington: The restrooms and the fish cleaning station are open. Surface water was up near 48 degrees. Good numbers of lake trout are still being caught off the projects. A good number of Chinook salmon were caught in 40 to 100 feet.

Pentwater: Boats trolling in 10 to 20 feet caught brown trout on orange or gold body baits. Lake trout and the occasional Chinook were caught on spoons in 30 to 70 feet. Pentwater Lake: Walleye were caught early and late when casting body baits in the channel. Those targeting yellow perch caught fish in 20 to 30 feet using a perch rig tipped with wax worms.

UPPER PENINSULA Overall: Rivers and streams are slowly dropping and becoming fishable. Water temperatures were still cool. Crappie moved into shallow waters but they did not want to bite. For the opener on Monday, look for walleye and pike near the spawning areas though most are done. Muskie were not spawning but should be moving into the shallows. Keweenaw Bay: Boats caught a few coho and splake when trolling shallow water body baits. In the South Entry, a few lake trout were caught in 200 feet. The channel leaving Big Traverse Bay is only two and a half feet deep in a few spots so anglers will need to be careful and make sure they know how much water their boats draft before using this launch. Marquette: Boat anglers reported slow catch rates for coho. Those trolling stick baits between the Carp and the Chocolay Rivers caught a few trout and salmon in eight to 20 feet. Good colors were purple and white, blue and white or fire-tiger. Menominee River: Was still running high and dirty making it difficult to fish. Little Bay De Noc: Perch anglers reported fewer catches. Those fishing the “Narrows” did best with crawlers and wigglers in 23 to 38 feet. Fair to good smallmouth fishing in the Ford River when casting crank baits, spinners or plastics between M-35 and the mouth. Look for a moderate start to the walleye opener. Water temperatures remain on the cool side and the rivers were still high. Try the mouth of the Whitefish River, the Third Reef, the “Narrows” and south around the Ford River. Manistique River: Steelhead fishing is winding down but a few were caught below the High Dam when casting yarn, beads or spawn in the rapids. Walleye anglers here are expecting a good opener near the mouth and up near “Big Bass Hole”. The Marina was not open but should be soon. The Municipal boat launch and cleaning station are up and running. Au Train: The Brownstone Launch was still closed because of damage from ice pushing up one of the cement slabs. Officials are hoping to have it fixed by the end of the month. Anglers fishing on the rocks at the launch caught a couple coho. Munising: A few boats trolling in the bay did catch a few coho. Pier and shore anglers managed to catch a few splake on spawn.

Grand Marais: Boat anglers caught several coho. Pier anglers had slow fishing and spent several hours to catch a limit of whitefish averaging 12 inches. Pier anglers need to be very careful as waves washing over the pier could easily sweep them right off and into the strong current. Two Hearted River: Had good steelhead fishing. Cedarville and Hessel: Anglers were not able to locate yellow perch in Cedarville Bay or around Government Island but a few nice smallmouth bass were caught and released. Splake fishing out of the Hessel Marina was still good for those using a 5/8 ounce sinker tied below a three way swivel and a 15 inch leader tipped with a minnow or smelt. Dragging the sinker along the bottom in eight feet was producing the best. Splake were caught by those long-lining or trolling crank baits about 80 feet behind the boat in 15 feet. Yellow perch finally showed up at the Hessel Marina. Anglers caught a fair number of eight to 12 inch fish with worms and minnows off the finger docks at the Hessel Marina. St. Ignace: All the docks are now in at the marinas and along the rivers. There has been little fishing pressure at the Carp River. Suckers were caught when drifting worms. A few were trying for perch but had no luck.

May 18, 2017

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT Water temperatures on some of the inland lakes as well as the Great Lakes were still on the cool side which had made fishing a little more difficult. The bite should improve with the warmer weather. Michigan’s current Fishing Guide is always available online! View or download it at Michigan.gov/dnrdigests.


Lake Erie: Walleye were caught in Brest Bay when slow trolling crank baits in 20 to 25

feet. A good number of fish were small however the bigger ones are beginning to show up. Some reported limit catches. Walleye were caught out of Bolles Harbor, near the E-Buoy and Toledo Beach. The Hot Ponds were good for largemouth and smallmouth bass or channel cats. Small perch were caught near Bartnik Park.

Huron River: Has smallmouth bass and a good number of white bass.

Wamplers Lake: Both large and smallmouth bass were hitting jerk baits and spinners in four to seven feet. Crappie were caught by those trolling wax worms in eight to 15 feet along the west side or when jigging tube baits on the north end. Panfish including bluegills, redear sunfish, and pumpkinseed were caught when floating worms, wax worms or crickets near the flats in five to eight feet. Water temperatures were up near 63 degrees but the bluegills were not on the beds yet. Sand Lake: In Lenawee County had bass hitting on spinners in four to six feet around the entire lake or on jerk baits and drop-shots in five to 15 feet along the southwest end. Bluegills and sunfish were caught on worms and wax worms in five to eight feet.

Detroit River: Still had good walleye action though anglers were getting a lot fish that

were undersize. Many are using the Wyandotte worm tipped with a minnow. Perch were still being caught off the docks.

Lake St. Clair: Preseason bass fishing continues to be spotty. Anglers did best

around Muskamoot Bay in four to six feet with a variety of lures. Bass fishing along the Mile Roads was fair and those targeting white bass did well with tube baits. Pike anglers have done well but most of the fish caught were too small. Those looking for panfish did not have much luck. Lexington to Port Sanilac: Had good catches of lake trout along with the occasional salmon, steelhead and walleye in 20 to 40 feet. Most are using spoons and downriggers but some others were using planer boards. Saginaw Bay: At Linwood, catch and release bass fishing picked up near shore. Walleye anglers were trolling crank baits around Spoils Island in nine to 10 feet or a crawler harness in front of the Bay City State Recreation Area or from Gambil’s to Pinconning in eight to 10 feet. At Quanicassee, a few limit catches of walleye were taken in eight to 10 feet when trolling a crawler harness. From Sebewaing to Caseville, bass were caught in Wildfowl Bay. Fair to good walleye action was noted out in the Slot in 15 to 18 feet but many were small. Those bowfishing for carp did well near the shoreline. Saginaw River: Some walleye were caught from the lower river near Bay City and from the Coast Guard station to the mouth when jigging. A good number of freshwater drum and catfish were also caught. Tittabawassee River: The walleye are moving back down and out but some were still caught near the Dow Dam at Midland and near Freeland. Shore anglers at Imerman Park were taking the occasional walleye, bass or pike on crawlers. The Center Road boat ramp had the most fishing pressure. A good number of white bass but few walleye were caught from there up to the Railroad Bridge and M-46. Use jigs with twisters, crawlers and body baits.


Overall: Bluegills on the inland lakes in this area of the state were getting ready to bed as fish had been seen up in the shallows. Bluegills are being caught on rubber spiders, small dry flies, red worms and wax worms. Crappie were in shallow waters and hitting on minnows and wax worms. St. Joseph: Good numbers of lake trout and coho along with a decent number of Chinook were caught on spin doctors and flies. Most of the Chinook were on the small side. The fish are scattered and could be found anywhere from shallow water to over 200 feet. Pier anglers continue to catch a good number of channel catfish and

freshwater drum with crawlers. Overall fishing for trout and salmon was slow but a few Chinook were caught off the piers. South Haven: Boat anglers have caught lake trout in 60 to 90 feet. Coho were caught on small spoons and crank baits in 100 feet but the fish were scattered. Chinook were caught as well but many were on the small side. Pier fishing was slow. Grand Haven: Had good salmon fishing with several limit catches of coho along with some good size Chinook mixed in. Coho were in the top 80 feet in 150 to 220 feet while the Chinook were 25 to 70 feet down in 70 to 120 feet. Most are using orange and green spoons along with a white flasher fly combo. Grand River near Grand Rapids: Anglers are getting some catfish and a few walleye on minnows. Those fishing the 6th Street Dam have caught a mix including white bass and freshwater drum. Grand River near Lansing: Anglers are catching lots of smallmouth bass throughout the river including near the dams and even near the Saginaw Street Bridge. Some nice catfish have been caught. Lake Interstate: Shore anglers were taking a fair to good number of bluegills and pumpkinseed sunfish on small flies. Muskegon: Boat anglers have done well on coho salmon when targeting the top 80 feet in 150 to 200 feet. Chinook were taken 30 to 70 feet down in 60 to 120 feet. Hot baits were orange and green spoons and orange body baits. Whitehall: Salmon fishing was good. Those trolling in 30 to 70 feet caught Chinook throughout the water column and lake trout near the bottom. Those trolling in 150 to 200 feet caught coho in the top 50 feet and Chinook throughout. Pier anglers caught brown trout along with the odd Chinook or coho when casting spoons. Night anglers caught walleye when casting deep-diving body baits in the channel. White Lake: Panfish anglers caught perch, bluegill, and sunfish in four to 12 feet when floating red worms or perch rigs tipped with a wax worm or minnow. Pike were hitting on body baits in eight to 20 feet.


Cheboygan: Boat anglers trolling spoons near Cordwood Point caught lake trout averaging six pounds. Cheboygan River: Bass anglers have done well with crank baits and soft plastics near the Coast Guard Station. The walleye harvest was slow. Anglers were jigging worms and minnows near the lock and dam, behind the paper mill and near the city boat

launch. Small perch averaging five inches were caught at the city launch. Small pike were hitting on crank baits near the marina. Suckers were caught on crawlers. Rogers City: Surface water temperatures are still cold at 42 to 44 degrees. Lake trout are starting to be caught over areas with a rocky bottom as they are feeding on gobies and gobies love the rocks. The fish were scattered. Try smaller walleye spoons or regular spoons in bright colors like orange and yellow with silver. There may be a stray Chinook but very few Atlantics are showing up. Those casting spoons and body baits from the wall caught a couple Atlantic salmon and pike. Rockport: Lake trout fishing is improving especially around Middle Island or straight out of the harbor in 35 to 60 feet. Run lines throughout the water column and near the bottom with spoons, dodgers or cowbells and spin-glo’s in bright colors. Alpena: Those trolling between South Nine Mile Point and North Point reported good catches of lake trout in 40 to 70 feet. Walleye were caught when trolling crank baits or jigging leeches and soft plastics near the mouth of the Thunder Bay River. Those casting spoons and crank baits in the harbor and from the rocks at Bay View Park caught a couple walleye and pike. Thunder Bay River: Steelhead were caught near the Ninth Street Dam when casting spoons, rapalas, and flatfish. Those swinging flashy streamer flies during high stained water or drifting wax worms under a float during low water and cooler temperatures have caught steelhead. Brown trout, smallmouth bass and white suckers were caught. Oscoda: Boat and pier anglers drifting crawlers or jigging minnows and soft plastics caught a few walleye. Lake trout were caught in 20 to 40 feet when trolling spoons. Au Sable River: Walleye were caught in the lower river when drifting crawlers or trolling crawler harnesses. Steelhead fishing was slow but anglers were still finding a few on the gravel or in the deeper holes. Most of the fish are slowly heading back towards the lake. Smallmouth bass and white suckers have been caught. Houghton Lake: Walleye have been caught in eight to 12 feet near the weed beds when drifting leeches. Those floating minnows under a bobber caught crappie near the weed beds. The bluegill bite continues to get better. Tawas: Those trolling down near Alabaster caught a few when trolling a crawler harness or body bait in 15 to 25 feet. Tawas River: Night anglers caught a few walleye on body baits or live bait. Large and smallmouth bass were caught and released. Au Gres: Walleye anglers trolling a crawler harness or body bait caught a few in 20 to 30 feet. Anglers were catching and releasing smallmouth bass out near Charity Island.

Au Gres River: Night anglers surfcasting near the Singing Bridge caught a couple walleye. Shore anglers caught bullhead.


Harbor Springs: Had no angler reports. The weather buoy was installed recently and showed water temperatures at 40 degrees. Petoskey: Has had nice weather but not many boats were going out. The area did have a midge hatch over the last week. A couple steelhead and brown trout were caught on spoons, worms and spawn bags near the mouth of the river and off the docks. Those fishing the “Bobber Hole” caught suckers and carp. Bear River: The water was still pretty fast at the dam so angler pressure was low. Steelhead can still be found but in fewer numbers. A few small brown trout were caught when drifting spawn bags or flies. A good number of suckers were up near the dam. Charlevoix: A few more boats were heading out and did well on lake trout. The fish can be found in shallow waters 10 to 35 feet and were hitting on spoons and spin-glo’s. North Point was a hot spot but a midge hatch made fishing difficult. A good number of anglers were targeting lake trout and lake herring in the channel during the day while the walleye anglers came out after dark but few fish were caught. Large schools of carp and smallmouth bass could be seen swimming in the channel. Traverse City: The East Bay had a good lake trout and lake herring bite in the morning north of Deepwater Point and near Wilson and Montague Roads on the east side when trolling or jigging. Smallmouth bass were caught at the south end of the bay. The Elk River was slow but a couple steelhead, the odd brown trout, some perch and suckers were caught. On the West Bay, a couple lake trout were caught around Marion Island. Perch were caught off Clinch Park but they were scattered. The Boardman River has some steelhead but none were caught. Suckers, rock bass and a few small perch were caught below the dam. Leland: Boat anglers targeting lake trout reported some good catches on the “First Bank” and Harbor Bay with spoons, cowbells, spin-glo’s and shallow running plugs as the fish were scattered. A couple brown trout were caught in shallow waters. A good number of smallmouth bass and a few pike were reported in the harbor. A large number of alewife are also moving into the harbor.

Platte Bay: Smaller boats are still able to get out from the Platte River launch. Good numbers of lake trout were caught on spoons, spin-glo’s and body baits along the reefs in front of the river. A few brown trout were caught in shallow waters.

Frankfort: Alewives are beginning to gather in abundance around the piers and anglers are taking advantage of the early morning bite to land Chinook, lake trout,

brown trout and steelhead on silver spoons and body baits. Lake trout are also hitting on spin-glo’s.

Onekama: Those trolling the shoreline in 25 to 40 feet while heading north caught a few lake trout and brown trout on body baits or spin-glo’s. A couple good size smallmouth bass were caught around the breakwalls.

Portage Lake: As water temperatures rise, bass anglers have done well for largemouth. Water levels are a little higher this year exposing more fishable marsh land. Perch anglers are reporting good numbers of very small fish along with the occasional keeper. Walleye anglers trolling off the south stub pier caught a good number of fish in the evening.

Manistee: Surface temperature readings were 44 degrees. A few perch were caught on minnows off the piers. Chinook were caught on artificial baits in 150 to 200 feet. Large numbers of lake trout are still being caught off the projects. Ludington: Surface water here was about 42 degrees. Chinook and lake trout were caught straight out from the piers in 40 to 80 feet. Chinook were also caught in 200 to 250 feet. Pier fishing was slow. Pentwater: Those trolling in 40 to 80 feet caught Chinook and the occasional lake trout. Those trolling in 150 to 200 feet caught coho in the top 50 feet and Chinook throughout the water column. Green or blue spoons worked best.

Pentwater Lake: Perch were caught on perch rigs tipped with a minnow in 10 to 20 feet. Those targeting crappie did well with a jig and minnow in 10 to 20 feet. For pike and bass, anglers were trolling or casting body baits in eight to 15 feet.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay: The bite was slow and was most likely because there was no shortage of baitfish as large schools of smelt were in the bay. The fish were actively feeding but anglers did manage to catch a couple coho and splake in 150 to 200 feet. A few 15 inch Chinook and a couple small brown trout were caught at the South Entry and Big Traverse Bay. Marquette: Brown trout and coho fishing were good near Shot Point and the Sand River. Lake trout fishing was very good near the “White Rocks” and Granite Island in 130 to 200 feet. Coho fishing was slow. Lake Gogebic: Had good walleye fishing including a few limit catches. Fish were found throughout the lake and were hitting on minnows, leeches and crawlers. A few yellow perch were caught but the majority of anglers were catching smallmouth bass and pike.

Menominee River: A strong current and closure of the Hattie Street Bridge has resulted in fewer anglers. Little Bay De Noc: Water levels are high and water temperatures range from the high 40’s to the mid 50’s. Walleye that have left the rivers were dispersed widely across the Bay though there should still be some fish in the rivers. Most were fishing the head of the Bay and the southernmost end. The better catches were around the Day’s River when trolling a crawler harness or stick bait in 20 to 30 feet. Those fishing the mouth of the Escanaba River marked a lot of fish but only a few were caught. A good number of smallmouth bass were caught near the mouth of the Ford River. Several large pike were caught on stick baits near the Day’s River and the Second Reef. Perch were caught on crawlers in 30 to 40 feet at the “Narrows”. Manistique River: Those targeting smallmouth bass reported slow catch rates near “Big Bass Hole”. Steelhead fishing was fair to good between the Upper Dam and the Lower Dam with stone fly jigs or beads. Munising: Boat anglers were still catching coho and a few Chinook however they were fishing longer hours and not getting as many fish. Most are trolling close to Trout Bay but a few were heading to Five Mile Point. A few brown trout were also caught. For lake trout, anglers are trolling near Wood Island and Au Train Island. Fish up to four pounds were caught near the bottom in 150 feet. Pier anglers caught a few splake when casting orange or chartreuse spoons. Grand Marais: Boat anglers targeting lake trout reported some limit catches about five miles out when fishing near the bottom in 200 feet. Fish were also caught closer to shore in 150 feet. Those targeting coho and steelhead have caught a few fish. Pier fishing was slow with only a couple coho caught. Tahquamenon River: Fishing was slow for bluegills and perch at the Dollarville Flooding. The bite should improve this week with the warm up. Detour: Anglers caught a couple Atlantic salmon and lake trout about eight feet down in over 60 feet of water when trolling grey hammered spoons between Fry Pan Island and the green buoy west of the Detour Lighthouse. Surface water temperatures were still on the cool side at 48 degrees so look for warmer water. Cedarville and Hessel: Cedarville Bay had no fishing effort as most anglers were targeting splake and yellow perch in Hessel. The splake bite was fair for those casting orange and white spoons outside the pier at Hessel. Those trolling Wilderness Bay, one mile south of the marina and the along the west side of Marquette Island caught splake halfway down in 12 feet. Perch were caught off the finger docks at the Marina.

St. Ignace: There were no reports for the Great Lakes. Anglers fishing the Carp River were using spawn bags and flies for steelhead but had no luck. Suckers were hitting on crawlers.

May 25, 2017

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT Salmon activity on Lake Michigan has been very active over the past few weeks with quite a few catches of Chinook and coho. Activity elsewhere is starting to pick up and consistently warmer temperatures should help. Don’t forget the catch-and-keep season for bass on most waters opens this Saturday, May 27 (season on Lake St. Clair and St. Clair and Detroit rivers doesn’t open until June 17). Michigan’s current Fishing Guide is always available online! View or download it at Michigan.gov/dnrdigests.


Lake Erie: Windy conditions out of the east have caused high water at ramps and

choppy waters. Anglers are still reporting large numbers of undersize walleye. Keepers were found in 20 to 24 feet in clear water so watch for the mud line out of Bolles Harbor, near the E-Buoy and straight out from Bartnik Park in Brest Bay. Anglers are also catching freshwater drum and a small but steady number of yellow perch. Wamplers Lake: Anglers caught largemouth, smallmouth bass and rock bass in three to eight feet when casting tube and crank baits along the north shore and along the flat on the northwest end of the lake. Panfish were caught when floating worms in five to eight feet along the east end and near Jerry’s Pub. Sand Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while casting crankbaits in four to eight feet on the north end. Bluegills were taken in five to eight feet around the orange buoy and along the south end of the lake with worms, spikes and wax worms. A couple crappie were caught in eight to 10 feet on the west end.

Detroit River: White bass activity was picking up.

Lake St. Clair: Walleye fishing was sporadic with some catching their limits while near

Metrobeach while others came up empty handed. Tube jigs and red crawler harnesses in nine feet seemed to work best. The story was similar for bass anglers with the best success coming around Muskamoot Bay. Good numbers of rock bass were caught in the canals on crawlers and artificials. The Crocker Road launch is closed until further notice.

Lexington to Port Sanilac: Trolling was limited but those able to get out caught mostly lake trout with the occasional chinook or steelhead when trolling lead-core with spoons in 30 to 50 feet. Harbor Beach: Lake trout, steelhead and the odd chinook were caught in 50 to 60 feet when trolling spoons. Pier fishing was very slow. Saginaw Bay: Walleye anglers have switched from body baits to crawler harnesses and were fishing near the mouth of the Saginaw River when trolling in eight to 10 feet off Bay City State Park, 10 feet off the Kawkawlin River and five feet off the trailer park. Further out, fish were caught in 17 feet northeast of Spoils Island. Decent catches were taken in 15 feet along the Slot and the Callahan Reef northwest of Quanicassee. All fish were caught on a crawler harness when trolling very slow. Not many walleye were caught on the east side past Fish Point. Bass anglers did well in Wildfowl Bay. Saginaw River: Bass anglers did well on catch-and-release bass fishing in the lower river. A few walleye were taken in the lower river between the Coast Guard Station and the mouth. Those shore fishing upstream caught catfish and freshwater drum on crawlers near Smith Park. Those bowfishing have taken carp. Tittabawassee River: A few walleye were caught near the confluence of the Tittabawassee and the Shiawassee rivers near Green Point when trolling a crawler harness and a fire-tiger spinner. While the majority of walleye have moved back out into the bay, a few were spotted in the deeper holes. The white bass run is just about over. Water levels dropped to the point that larger boats were having trouble getting around in the shallower reaches but boats with a shallow draft should be alright. Catch-and-release bass fishing was good up near the Dow Dam.


St. Joseph: Boat anglers continued to make good catches of trout and salmon. Fish were caught well past 200 feet. There were also nice catches of fish from 80 to 100 feet, with most caught on spoons and spin doctors and flies. Pier anglers were still catching lots of channel catfish. Most were caught on night crawlers and stinkbait. The occasional steelhead was also caught on shrimp.

St. Joseph River: Anglers drifting night crawlers and trolling small crank baits were catching lots of walleye – most in the lower river. South Haven: Boat anglers were catching good numbers of lake trout and salmon in 70 to 90 feet. Blue and green spoons seemed to work best. Pier fishing was very slow. Kalamazoo River: Nice walleye catches were reported around Saugatuck. Grand Haven: Salmon fishing continued to be good. Boats were finding Chinook, along with some coho, near the pier heads in 30 to 60 feet of water. Offshore they were catching fish 30 to 100 feet down in 120 to 180 feet of water. Orange, green or pink spoons were working well, along with white flasher flies. Some anglers on the pier were catching Chinook on alewives. Grand River near Grand Rapids: Walleye and bass were caught in good numbers near 6th Street Dam. Grand River near Lansing: Those catch-and-release fishing for bass were seeing quite a few fish near Grand River Park. Muskegon: Offshore boats were doing well on Chinook and coho 25 to 100 feet down in 140 to 200 feet of water. Green, orange or pink spoons were doing well. As were white flashers with green or white flies. Whitehall: Anglers trolling in 150 to 200 feet were catching Chinook and coho on spoons. Most fish were caught in the top 50 feet. Pier anglers casting spoons caught them as well, along with the occasional steelhead.


Cheboygan River: Many anglers were fishing for walleye while drifting minnows by the DNR Field Office. Some were also drifting worms, jigging minnows, and casting fire-tiger, silver, purple or blue colored crank baits. Fish ranged in size from 14 to 18 inches. The current at the lock and dam was still very strong, but some anglers were drifting worms and casting crank baits for suckers, walleye and smallmouth bass. Those targeting steelhead with spoons had no success. Rogers City: The lake was very rough and windy and those fishing had to do some searching to find fish. Some did catch lake trout on rocky bottoms as fish were looking for gobies. Best depths were around 50 feet. Try structured points like Adams or 40 Mile with spoons in greens, yellows or blues with silver, cowbells or dodgers. Some anglers have been fishing the breakwall for Atlantic salmon, lake trout and pike while casting spoons and body baits.

Rockport: Anglers were fishing for lake trout around Middle Island. Best depths were 30 to 60 feet with spoons, dodgers or cowbells with spin glos. Anglers at the breakwall weren’t having much success. Alpena: Anglers were trolling cranks in Thunder Bay and catching walleye in 10 to 20 feet. Meanwhile at North and Whitefish points they were seeing lake trout in 40 to 70 feet. Those on shore or the pier were catching walleye, freshwater drum and pike when casting jerk or crank baits. Glow clown and bloody nose were popular colors. Thunder Bay River: Anglers caught a mix of walleye, pike and smallmouth bass when casting cranks from the shoreline below the 9th Street Bridge. Bullhead and a couple panfish were caught while still fishing night crawlers and leeches. A few steelhead were found by the 9th Street Dam. Oscoda: Very few anglers were able to get out due to high winds; however those who did were able to catch a couple walleye at the mouth of the Au Sable River. Pier anglers caught a few walleye and channel catfish when still fishing night crawlers or drifting them under a slip bobber. Au Sable River: Anglers fishing night crawlers on the bottom or drifting them under a slip bobber were catching walleye, channel catfish and white suckers. Steelhead continued to be caught at the Foote Dam when using beads, spawn and flies. A few small rainbows were also caught below the dam when casting spinners. Houghton Lake: Walleye fishing continued to be good for those jigging with leeches and crawlers. Bluegill activity was picking up. Tawas: Boat anglers caught walleye past Tawas Point and down near Alabaster in 30 feet. Pier fishing was slow. Tawas River: Shore anglers in the lower river caught walleye, bass, pike, catfish and freshwater drum. Au Gres: Boat anglers did best trolling south past Point Au Gres in 20 to 30 feet. Those heading as far south as the Saganing and Pinconning bars found walleye in eight to 12 feet. Au Gres River: Shore anglers in the lower river caught bass and pike on body baits or catfish and bullhead on crawlers.


Overall: Lake trout and salmon were caught on Lake Michigan when boats could get out. Stream trout fishing has been on hold as bug hatches are delayed by cold weather. Water temperatures have dropped again so no bluegills were on their beds yet.

Harbor Springs: Had few anglers. Those targeting smallmouth bass along the shoreline caught fish but water temperatures dropped about 10 degrees and fishing slowed. Pier anglers also caught a few bass so the fish are coming into the shallows. Petoskey: Had few anglers and those out only caught the occasional lake trout in 60 feet east of the marina. Pier anglers managed to catch a couple lake trout and steelhead or the odd pike, smallmouth or rock bass. Most were using worms, spoons, spinners and stick baits. Carp, freshwater drum and suckers were also spotted. Bear River: Water levels were quite a bit lower. The steelhead run is about done but a few were still caught at the dam. Anglers might still find some suckers. Charlevoix: Had few anglers. A couple smallmouth bass were caught in the channel so this might be a good place to fish on the opener this weekend. Anglers were still coming out after dark for walleye, but activity was slow. Not many carp were seen moving through the channel, but they were seen in the shallows. Traverse City: Bass anglers on East Bay caught fish along the south end near the State Park and Acme. Lake herring were caught just north of Yuba Creek in 20 feet. The Elk River was slow for trout but the smallmouth bite was good when using artificial lures. Lake trout were caught in the West Bay when trolling in the shallows. Lake herring were taken in various depths south of Lee Point and from Marion Island south. The Boardman River was slow but anglers did find a few bass and some suckers. Leland: Boat anglers reported a good number of lake trout in Harbor Bay. They were hitting on spin-glo’s, spoons and other lures. Fishing the harbor was difficult because of all the alewife. Pike and smallmouth bass were feeding on them.

Platte Bay: A good number of lake trout and a few brown trout should still be in shallower waters as surface water temperatures have not warmed up.

Frankfort: Chinook were caught on spoons in the top 20 feet of waters 40 to 60 feet deep in the early morning and evening. Those fishing the breakwall reported a large number of alewife moving in.

Onekama: Smallmouth bass and walleye were caught off the south breakwall when casting spinners and body baits.

Portage Lake: Windy conditions slowed the perch and bass fishing on the south end of the lake. Walleye were caught by those trolling the west end and in the channel in the evening hours.

Manistee: Surface temperatures were about 52 degrees. Boat anglers caught lake trout, brown trout, steelhead and a few Chinook. Lake and brown trout were outside the piers. Chinook were taken in 140 to 220 feet. Baitfish were in the harbor. Walleye were caught at night off the south pier. Perch fishing off the pier was slow.

Ludington: Surface temperatures here were a bit cooler at 48 degrees. Lake trout fishing was still good off the projects. Chinook were caught outside the pier heads and in 140 to 220 feet. Pier fishing was slow but a few walleye were caught at night. Pentwater: Anglers trolling in 35 to 80 feet caught lake trout near the bottom. Boats trolling in 160 to 220 feet caught Chinook and coho, along with the occasional steelhead. Spoons in blue and orange were popular.

Pentwater Lake: Bass fishing was good in the channel and near Longbridge Road. Anglers were jigging soft plastics or nightcrawlers. Panfish were caught in seven to 15 feet with jigs tipped with minnows.

UPPER PENINSULA

Marquette: Lake trout were caught near White Rocks and Granite Island. A few coho were caught at Shot Point but activity for them in the harbors was slow with only one or two fish per angler. Anglers targeting coho, browns and steelhead by trolling stickbaits saw success between the Carp and Chocolay rivers. Good colors included purple and white, blue and white and fire-tiger. Lake Gogebic: Storms kept anglers at bay, but those who could get out were catching walleye sporadically on both natural and artificial lures while trolling, jigging or drifting. Sublegal pike were also caught. Menominee River: Had three gates wide open and two gates half open so there is a tremendous amount of water and debris coming down which makes fishing more difficult. Muskie anglers did manage to catch a few fish. Little Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers had a few catches near the mouth of the Whitefish River when trolling or drifting a crawler harness in 12 to 20 feet. Many were undersize and the keepers were 15 to 18 inches. The “Narrows” and the reefs in the northern bay produced fish though the numbers were limited. The smallmouth opener should be good. Try fishing Garth Point, Hunters Point, Gladstone, and the area near the Ford River while casting artificial baits. Pike were active and caught by walleye anglers when trolling stick baits near the reefs. The better perch fishing was in 20 to 35 feet around the “Narrows” and a just south of there when using crawlers. Drummond Island: Fishing activity has picked up with anglers bringing in good catches of pike. Walleye action was slow but improved slightly as waters started to warm. All activity was in Maxton and Scott bays with the most success near McCormick Marsh and the interior part of Maxton Bay near the DNR boat launch. Pike and walleye were taken casting and trolling spoons, stick baits and crank baits in six to 12 feet. Hot colors were red and white, fluorescent green, orange and fire-tiger.

Manistique River: Steelhead anglers caught fish in the flows off the high dam. A few smallmouth bass have moved into the area just before the opener. Boats are starting to head out onto the big lake but water temperatures are still quite cold. The municipal boat launch is under construction but will remain open until crews lay new asphalt. Munising: In general both boat and shore/pier anglers have been doing well, despite poor weather conditions. Those in boats have been catching coho while trolling within the bay, along Trout Bay and beyond towards Twelve Mile Beach. Fish were under 60 feet. Others are reporting catches of Chinook, brown trout, splake and an occasional rainbow. Those on the pier have been catching splake using spawn and a few lake whitefish using worms. Grand Marais: Few boat anglers were out as conditions weren’t great. There were a few coho and rainbows caught. On the pier anglers were doing well on lake whitefish in the morning or during the day. They were using single eggs. Tahquamenon River: Boat anglers caught a couple muskie at the Dollarville Flooding. Some were targeting the dam but had no luck. Pier and boat anglers caught undersize pike. Those putting in the time managed to catch a couple rock bass and small perch up near the dam. St. Marys River: The upper river had good perch fishing in 50 feet on Lake George. Anglers had a tough time finding walleye and not many were caught. Pike fishing was good in the bays mid-morning and early afternoon. Whitefish were caught bottom bouncing spawn near the power house. In the lower river, walleye and pike were caught when trolling stick baits and crawler harnesses in bright colors like green and orange in Munuscong Bay but a good number of those fish were undersize. Water temperatures have still been cold. Detour: Water temperature at the Detour Lighthouse and the mouth of the St. Marys River was only 45 degrees. Few anglers were out, however a couple Atlantic salmon and lake trout were caught when trolling from Fry Pan Island just south of the ferry boat lane that goes to Drummond Island and out to the green buoy. Anglers were long-lining lead core with chartreuse and white spoons 15 to 20 feet down in 60 to 80 feet. Cedarville and Hessel: Pike were caught near the boat launch in Cedarville Bay when casting crank baits near the cattails and weed beds in the early morning and a couple hours before dark. Bigger fish were taken by those trolling in Snows Channel in four to six feet. Many were small but most anglers were getting their limit. At Hessel, small perch were caught from the marina pier and finger docks. Those casting red and white spoons outside the pier caught 26 to 28 inch pike. For smallmouth bass, anglers were using worms four to six feet down outside the Hessel fishing pier. St. Ignace: Had no reports. Water levels in the Carp and Pine rivers were high.

June 8, 2017


Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT Activity – especially for bass, walleye and panfish – is really starting to pick up! Consistently warmer weather should only help things.


Lake Erie: Walleye anglers at Bolles Harbor have done well around the E-Buoy when

trolling crawlers and bottom bouncers. Out of Sterling State Park, anglers caught fish in 21 to 25 feet. White bass tapered off but lots of freshwater drum were reported. Yellow perch also started to come in.

Wamplers Lake: Bass were caught on plastics in four to eight feet or chatter baits and jerk baits in six to 17 feet along the drop-offs and weed beds in the middle of the lake. For panfish, anglers used a yellow tube jig on the north end of the sandy flats in the middle of the lake or a worm and slip bobber on the west end in three feet. Water temperatures ranged between 70 and 72 degrees. Sand Lake: In Lenawee County produced largemouth bass in six to 10 feet when casting wacky worms and spinners. Panfish were found along the drop-offs when floating a worm.

Detroit River: White bass continue to show up on stringers and in live wells. The

upper stretches of the river were producing fairly well while catch rates in the lower river were tapering off. Minnows work best. Those using minnows or casting twister tails caught fish in the Trenton Channel. Lake St. Clair: Anglers took some limit catches of walleye. The nighttime bite is good using whipping techniques. The catch and immediate release bass fishing was good. A few nice perch were caught in the shipping channel. The catfish and carp bite is getting stronger at the Clinton River spillway. Anglers are using bread balls and cut bait with heavy weights to keep the bait on the bottom. White bass were caught near Metro Beach and the Harley Ensign launch. Those bow fishing for carp are hitting the lake and surrounding canals. Panfish and pike anglers were fishing shallow waters on the north end.

St. Clair River: Had good walleye fishing with most vertical jigging dark colored soft plastics or trolling with bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses. Those fishing at night are whipping. Lexington to Port Austin: Those trolling at Harbor Beach caught a good number of lake trout along with the occasional Atlantic, Chinook, coho and steelhead in 90 to 150 feet. Lots of lake trout were caught with dodgers and flies in 85 feet off Grindstone City. Bass anglers did well close to shore. Saginaw Bay: Walleye were caught in 17 to 23 feet off Pinconning, 13 to 18 feet off Linwood, and 17 feet near the Old Dumping Ground which is about a mile past Spoils Island. Anglers did well along the south end of the Slot from Quanicassee to the tip of Fish Point in 14 to 17 feet. Virtually all walleye anglers are running crawler harnesses and trolling between 1 and 1.3 mph with bottom bouncers off planer boards. Hot spinner colors continue to be green, chartreuse, anti-freeze, fire-tiger, brass, purple and pink. Saginaw River: Shore anglers fishing the lower river caught freshwater drum, catfish and bass. Tittabawassee River: Bass were caught near the Center Road launch. Bad River: In St. Charles was producing a good number of pike. Pine River: Those fishing near the dam in St. Louis caught large and smallmouth bass on worms.


Overall: Bluegills are on their beds in most lakes in southwest Michigan. Deeper and colder lakes will see more spawning activity in the next week or so. Anglers are catching limits using flies or leaf worms. Bass and walleye fishing were good. Pike are hitting in the rivers and the inland lakes. St. Joseph: Boat anglers targeting salmon and trout are still catching a few but the fish moved out deeper to 120 feet or so. No perch to report. Pier anglers caught steelhead on shrimp. As long as the water stays cold close to shore the fishing should be good. Catfish and freshwater drum have also been caught. St. Joseph River: Walleye fishing continues to be very good in the lower river for those drifting crawlers. South Haven: Boat anglers targeting salmon and trout reported slower fishing. The fish have moved out to 120 feet and deeper. No perch to report. Pier anglers caught a couple steelhead on shrimp.

Grand Haven: Boat anglers reported fair salmon action with fish caught 30 to 120 feet down in 100 to 200 feet with bright colored spoons and a white flasher/fly combo. Pier anglers caught the odd steelhead with shrimp. Grand River near Grand Rapids: Catch rates continue to heat up for smallmouth bass, pike and catfish. Walleye were caught off the wall and near the bridges. Grand River near Lansing: Continues to produce a fair to good number of smallmouth bass especially near the dams. A few catfish were caught on crawlers or cut bait. Check out the shallow backwaters for bluegill and crappie. Crystal Lake: In Montcalm County had good bluegill and bass fishing. Muskegon: Fair catches of Chinook and coho were taken 25 to 100 feet down in 75 to 160 feet with green, orange and blue spoons. Whitehall: Boats trolling 40 to 90 feet down in 110 to 160 feet caught Chinook, coho and steelhead on green and orange spoons. Most of the fish were caught in the bottom half of the water column. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum while casting spoons and the occasional walleye on body baits in the late evening. White Lake: Those targeting panfish caught bluegills, sunfish, and yellow perch in 3 to 10 feet when floating red worms or using perch rigs tipped with red worms and wax worms. Largemouth bass were caught in six to 12 feet with an unweighted soft-plastic worm retrieved slowly or when floating crawlers.


Overall: Trout fishing has been good on local rivers and creeks in Alpena, Presque Isle and Montmorency counties. Many local fly hatches are occurring throughout the area. Local lakes are producing good numbers of bass and panfish. Weeds in area lakes have not yet emerged making for good pike trolling. Cheboygan: Anglers are getting limits of lake trout around Poe Reef and Cordwood Point when trolling deeper in 50 to 60 feet. Atlantic salmon and the occasional Chinook were also caught. Cheboygan River: Anglers did well on rock bass and smallmouth bass when drifting worms or using artificial baits. They have caught walleye ranging 16 to 19 inches on a crawler harness or when drifting a worm. Suckers, freshwater drum and catfish were also caught. Mullett Lake: The boating access site on Jewell Road is closed due to construction. Improvements to the ramp should be completed by June 16. Boaters are encouraged

to use one of three alternate access sites, which include Aloha State Park, Mullett Village and the Forks access site. Rogers City: Had excellent lake trout fishing and it should continue for a few more weeks. Limit catches were reported in 35 to 60 feet when fishing the entire water column. Use spoons up high or dodgers and cowbells with spin-glo’s deeper. Some caught the odd Atlantic salmon in 25 to 60 feet or the odd Chinook or steelhead on spoons up high. Bright colors were good so try silver, orange and green. Those casting minnows off the wall caught the odd Atlantic salmon or pike. Rockport: Had very good lake trout fishing with limit catches reported in 35 to 60 feet with the same lures. Hot colors were green, yellow, silver or blue. Target the areas with a rocky bottom and make a few passes over the same area when you find fish. Try straight out, False Presque Isle or around Middle Island. Pier anglers caught a couple Atlantic salmon when floating a minnow. Alpena: Walleye anglers caught fish when trolling crank baits or a crawler harness in 20 feet in Thunder Bay. Limit catches of lake trout were reported by those trolling spoons in 40 to 90 feet off Thunder Bay Island and North Point. Stomach contents show most of these fish are feeding on gobies and crayfish near the bottom. Smallmouth bass anglers caught fish when casting crank baits in Squaw Bay Thunder Bay River: A couple steelhead were caught by those casting crank baits near the 9th Street Dam. Those casting or trolling crank baits caught pike, smallmouth bass, walleye and freshwater drum. Those still-fishing or floating crawlers and leeches caught a good number of rock bass in the harbor. Oscoda: Anglers trolling spoons caught trout and salmon including the odd steelhead in 40 to 90 feet. Those trolling crank baits or a crawler harnesses caught walleye in 10 to 20 feet near the mouth of the river and near Au Sable Point. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass when casting crank baits. Au Sable River: Walleye were caught between the Mill Street Bridge and the Whirlpool Access. Most boat anglers were trolling crank baits or a crawler harness upstream and drifting a crawler harness downstream. Shore anglers at Au Sable River Park caught smallmouth bass, freshwater drum and rock bass on crank baits and crawlers. Houghton Lake: Walleye anglers were jigging with crawlers and leeches. Panfish were caught when floating crawlers along the weed beds. Crappie were caught on minnows under a slip bobber. Tawas: Boat fishing slowed but a few anglers trolling in five to 20 feet around Big Charity Island were still getting a few walleye. A couple Chinook were caught off Tawas Point in 60 feet with downriggers. Pier fishing was slow. A couple good size pike were taken on large minnows under a bobber. Smallmouth bass and rock bass were also caught.

Tawas River: Most were fishing for bass and carp. Au Gres: Several limit catches of walleye were taken in 30 to 42 feet between Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres. Some were still heading south and fishing in shallow waters off the Saganing and Pinconning Bars.


Overall: Inland lakes in this region were producing some nice panfish. Bass were on the beds and were hitting plastics, stick baits and crawlers. Harbor Springs: Smallmouth bass anglers are out. Good spots to try are usually from the State Park, along the shoreline, near docks and along the piers. Petoskey: Lake trout were caught about halfway down in 40 to 100 feet near Bay Harbor. There are a lot of fun fish to catch at the “Bobber Hole” which is the area at the mouth of the Bear River. Large carp were caught on corn and worms. Those using worms also caught smallmouth bass, pike, rock bass, bullhead and freshwater drum Not many anglers were fishing in the Bear River but a couple rock bass and undersize brown trout were caught up near the dam. Charlevoix: Lake trout were caught 40 to 50 feet down in 45 to 100 feet around North Point. Boat anglers jigging for lake herring outside the channel found some fish in 50 to 70 feet. Those targeting fish inside the channel also caught fish on spoons and blade baits. Smallmouth bass are there but not many were caught. Suckers, carp and freshwater drum could also be seen. Traverse City: Those launching from Old Mission in the East Bay reported good lake trout fishing. Lake herring were caught in shallow waters near Old Mission. Lake trout and lake herring were caught off Elk Rapids. A few salmon were caught when trolling. Bass anglers caught fish from M-37 south to the State Park and south of Deepwater Point near Acme. Bass fishing in Elk Rapids was good from the dam out to the end of the rocks with crawlers, leeches, jigs, spoons and crank baits. Smaller perch and rock bass were caught at the dam. In the West Bay, a few salmon were caught along the southeast end. The Boardman River was somewhat slow but a couple small brown trout and some good size bass were caught. Anglers also found small perch, rock bass and carp. Water temperatures were 54 to 56 degrees. Green Lake: Was yielding some nice catches of smallmouth bass. Leland: Continues to produce a good number of lake trout along the First Bank and the Second Bank. Spin-glo’s behind cowbells or a dodger worked best but spoons were also taking fish. The harbor still had a lot of baitfish. More smallmouth bass and carp were starting to show up.

Big Platte Lake: Had good walleye fishing. Platte Bay: Had fewer anglers but a good number of lake trout were reported in the bay and were hitting on spin-glo’s. With the water warming up, the brown trout may start to move out deeper.

Frankfort: Those trolling early morning and late evening have done well 60 to 110 feet down in 120 to 180 feet straight out and north of the port. Chinook were hitting on mostly spoons but a few were taken on green flies and meat rigs. Pier anglers reported lots of alewife in the area. Brown trout and Chinook were caught in the early morning.

Onekama: A couple Chinook were caught by those fishing the “Barrel” in the early morning. The fish were hitting on spoons in the top 80 feet. Lake trout were hitting on cowbells and spin-glo’s near the bottom.

Portage Lake: Water temperatures are on the rise so the bass and panfish are becoming more active. A large number of perch were reported but many were small. Catch rates for walleye have slowed with the warmer temperatures.

Lake Missaukee: Crappie were hitting on minnows. Manistee: Surface water temperatures were about 58 degrees. Steelhead and lake trout were caught on spoons and cut bait in 120 to 240 feet. Pier fishing was slow due to baitfish in the harbor. Ludington: Surface temperatures were up near 63 degrees. A good number of Chinook along with a few lake trout and steelhead were caught in 130 to 250 feet with spoons and cut bait. With baitfish in the harbor, pier fishing was slow. Pentwater: Boats trolling spoons 40 to 70 feet down in 80 to 160 feet caught Chinook, coho and the odd steelhead. Orange and red were good colors. Pentwater Lake: Anglers fishing off Longbridge Road caught bluegills, yellow perch, sunfish, and smallmouth bass with red worms. Boat anglers caught smallmouth bass in five to 12 feet while casting crank baits. Those fishing the channel caught freshwater drum on spoons or body baits and smallmouth bass on jigs tipped with soft-plastics.

UPPER PENINSULA

Ontonagon: Fishing picked up for lake trout in 5 to 25 feet. Anglers also caught salmon, brown trout and steelhead. Lake Gogebic: Anglers caught walleye by casting, trolling, jigging and drifting natural or artificial lures. Live bait included minnows, leeches and crawlers. Good numbers of smallmouth bass and some panfish were caught.

Keweenaw Bay: The smelt are starting to move out which has improved fishing. Those trolling near the shoreline caught a couple coho and brown trout. Near the South Entry, a couple coho and brown trout were caught when trolling along the shoreline and near the lighthouse. Those heading out to Stannard Rock reported very good lake trout fishing. Marquette: Fishing pressure was light but limits of lake trout were caught near the white rocks and Granite Island when fishing near the bottom at 200 feet or deeper. Menominee River: Was still running high and muddy because of three to four gates open. Anglers need to use caution as the strong current is causing problems for boat anglers. Muskie were caught near the Interstate Bridge and Boom Island with large crank baits and spinners. Backwater areas were producing some nice smallmouth bass. Little Bay De Noc: Walleye action picked up with many fishing the head of the bay and into the Whitefish River when trolling or drifting a crawler harness in 12 to 28 feet. The “Narrows” and the mouth of the Escanaba River had anglers fishing in 14 to 30 feet. Perch anglers had fair catches near the Day’s River with wigglers or crawlers in 20 to 28 feet. Smallmouth bass were caught throughout the bay including off Garth Point, Hunters Point, the Gladstone area near US-2, the Escanaba River and the Ford River. Manistique River: Good numbers of walleye were reported in and around the mouth but only a couple salmon were seen. Au Train: Few anglers were out because of the weather. Munising: Boat anglers had mixed results as most targeted Chinook or coho. Small lake trout and splake were caught near Sand Point when trolling shallow crank baits. Pier anglers caught a couple splake on spawn. Grand Marais: Boat anglers reported limit catches of lake trout with some over 10 pounds caught close to the bottom in 160 to 200 feet. Pier anglers caught whitefish that averaged 12 to 16 inches. Try a single egg. Tahquamenon River: Anglers caught rock bass and perch on worms and pike on red and white lures. There were no muskie reports. St. Marys River: Walleye activity was slow around Sault Ste. Marie and Sugar Island but picked up in Munuscong Bay. Anglers were using a crawler harness in three to five feet in the upper river or trolling crank baits, stick baits and a crawler harness in the lower river. Detour: Anglers reported good catches of trout and salmon while trolling dipsy divers and sliders 10 to 40 feet down in 80 feet. Atlantic salmon were hitting on orange and

gold spoons 10 to 20 feet down in 40 to 60 feet on the south side of Fry Pan Island and out to the green buoy. Chinook were hitting on watermelon spoons near the red buoy. Drummond Island: Walleye were taken while drifting crawler harnesses close to the bottom or small crank baits and stick baits in six to 10 feet. Hot colors were fire-tiger, chartreuse and silver. Smallmouth bass were found in four to eight feet with top-water lures, spinners and soft swimbaits. Hot colors were pearl white and chartreuse. Most were fishing in Scott Bay between Rutland Island and Paw Point or Maxton Bay near the Sportsmen’s Club. Cedarville and Hessel: Activity picked up off Hessel where walleye were caught when drifting minnows and crawlers from the red and green buoys at the west end of Snows Channel out to the east edge of Mackinac Bay in eight to 14 feet. Smallmouth bass were caught while casting and jigging purple and gray tube baits at the entrance to Duck Bay in three to six feet. Pike were caught on chubs and frozen smelt at the east end of Snows Channel.

June 15, 2017


Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT The large and smallmouth bass opener on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River is this coming Saturday, June 17. The catch-and-immediate release season has been good so anglers should do well on the opener.


Lake Erie: Those targeting walleye have done well in 26 feet or deeper off Fermi and

the River Raisin when trolling crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers. Yellow perch are in and those trolling for walleye are catching them. Those targeting the perch have done well with minnows and have caught some nice fish. Wamplers Lake: Largemouth bass were caught while casting a wacky worm, plastics and jerk baits in six to 10 feet or while drop-shotting in 18 to 20 feet. Panfish were on the beds near Jerrys, the condos and in the West Bay in six feet. Try crickets and worms under a bobber. Crappie were caught along the drop-off at the sand flats when casting a beetle spin. Sand Lake: Largemouth and a few smallmouth bass were caught while casting a wacky worm or jerk bait in six feet. Panfish including bluegill and redear sunfish were caught around the orange buoy and on the west end near the beds in six to 10 feet with worms. Panfish were also caught while casting a fly over the beds. A few walleye were caught when casting crank baits.

Detroit River: A few walleye were caught in the lower river when jigging worms. White

bass are still being caught but the numbers are dropping. Those looking for yellow perch might want to try up around Sugar Island. Lake St. Clair: Was still producing some walleye with the better fishing at night. Anglers continue to take carp and catfish at the Clinton River spillway. Bass are being caught so the opener this weekend should be good. St. Clair River: Those vertical jigging or trolling crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers caught walleye. The bass opener is this coming Saturday.

Lexington to Port Austin: Pier fishing at Lexington was producing rock bass and smallmouth bass. Boat anglers caught lake trout and steelhead when trolling spoons in 60 to 80 feet. Harbor Beach had a few nice perch caught off the breakwall but the bite has now slowed. Those out trolling caught steelhead and lake trout in 30 to 180 feet and walleye in 35 to 40 feet when heading north towards Port Hope. Those trolling out of Port Austin were taking walleye on harnesses and body baits in 40 feet. A few good size whitefish were taken off all ports. Pier and shore anglers caught smallmouth bass. Saginaw Bay: Walleye were hitting in many places including 17 to 20 feet off Pinconning, 18 feet off Linwood, and five to eight feet off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River however the best reports came from the south end of the Slot from Quanicassee to Sebewaing and up onto the Bar (Coryeon Reef) in 12 to 13 feet. Fish were also caught outside the islands off Bay Port and along the weed beds in Wildfowl Bay. Some of the east side anglers were going out as far as the shipping channel and getting fish in 25 feet and deeper. From Caseville, a couple fish were caught in 15 feet off Oak Point in the early morning. Hot spinner colors were chartreuse, anti-freeze, fire-tiger and purple.


St. Joseph: Boat anglers targeting trout and salmon reported slower catch rates and the weather has not helped. The boats that have made it out caught a few fish in 120 feet. Pier anglers are taking the occasional steelhead on shrimp or alewife. St. Joseph River: Had good walleye fishing in the lower river. Some good size fish were caught by those trolling crank baits. South Haven: Boat anglers reported slower catch rates. Fish were found out in 150 or so but few boats were out that deep because of the rough lake conditions. No perch to report. Pier anglers are still taking the occasional steelhead but the waters are warming and catch rates are slowing down. Grand Haven: Boat anglers reported slow catch rates for trout and salmon with only a couple fish taken 50 to 150 feet down in 90 to 180 feet on white flashers with green or white flies and orange or green spoons. Pier anglers caught a couple steelhead on shrimp. Freshwater drum were taken on alewife or spoons. Grand River near Grand Rapids: Catfish anglers were using small bluegills however catch rates have slowed. Walleye anglers are taking a few fish here and there as catch rates were sporadic. Smallmouth bass were found around structure. Bluegills were caught in the backwaters. Grand River near Lansing: Had good carp fishing below the North Lansing Dam in Old Town. Anglers were using sweet corn.

Morrison Lake: Was producing bluegills and crappie. Anglers were using top-water flies and small poppers. Muskegon: Had slow trout and salmon action. A couple salmon were caught 40 to 120 feet down in 100 to 200 feet with orange, green or blue spoons. Muskegon River: A few walleye were caught from Hardy Dam Pond. Smallmouth bass have been caught but some were undersize. Bluegills were also caught. Whitehall: Chinook, steelhead and lake trout were caught in 80 to 120 feet with spoons and flies. Those trolling 100 to 120 feet down in 180 to 200 feet caught Chinook and coho on spoons, flies and meat rigs. Pier anglers casting spoons and crankbaits caught freshwater drum.


Cheboygan: Lake trout fishing was good with anglers taking near limit catches when trolling spoons in 45 to 60 feet near Poe Reef. Cheboygan River: Boat anglers drifting worms and leeches caught 14 to 20 inch walleye. A few were also caught on a crawler harness. Shore anglers drifting worms and leeches caught freshwater drum, suckers, rock bass, pike, and smallmouth bass. Rogers City: Lake trout are everywhere and limit catches were taken throughout the water column in 40 to 60 feet with spoons, cowbells or dodgers with spin-glo’s and spin doctors with peanuts and spin-glo’s. Green was the hot color. Anglers caught Atlantic and the odd Chinook or steelhead in the top half of 70 to 120 feet with green, blue, orange, purple and glow spoons. Look for the scum line or baitfish. Rockport: Had good lake trout fishing along with a mix of Atlantic, Chinook, coho and steelhead. Atlantics were in the top 20 in 70 feet and the Chinook were in the top half of waters 60 to 120 feet deep. Spoons were the bait of choice although some flasher/fly combos and squid were taking fish. Alpena: Boat anglers caught lake trout when trolling spoons or spin-glo’s with dodgers near the bottom in 80 to 100 feet around Thunder Bay Island and the Nordmeer Wreck. Fish were also found as shallow as 50 feet. Atlantic salmon were caught near the surface. Walleye were hitting on crank baits and crawler harnesses in 10 to 20 feet off the north shore, Thunder Bay Island, Grass Island and around Squaw Bay. A few pike were caught when casting spoons and crank baits. Thunder Bay River: Anglers continue to find a few walleye in the early morning or evening when casting crank baits, still-fishing, and drifting leeches and crawlers up near the 9th Street Dam. Smallmouth bass were hitting on crank baits. Rock bass, carp, bullhead and freshwater drum were caught on crawlers.

Oscoda: Anglers are finding lake trout when trolling spoons in 70 to 100 feet. Pier anglers caught a couple smallmouth bass when casting crank baits. Carp were caught on crawlers near the bottom. Au Sable River: Walleye fishing has been slow near the mouth; however, anglers continue to catch fish in the evening and overnight when drifting crawlers or trolling harnesses and cranks upstream of the Mill Street Bridge. Rock bass, freshwater drum, and smallmouth bass were caught when casting crank baits or still-fishing with crawlers near the bottom. Higgins Lake: Lake trout anglers fishing at first light have taken fish just off the bottom in 80 to 130 feet. Those trolling are using rapalas and spoons and those jigging are using cast masters, cleo’s and Swedish pimples. Anglers are just starting to get some keeper perch. Some good size rock bass have been caught. Houghton Lake: Walleye fishing slowed but those trolling were still taking the occasional fish. Bluegills were hitting in five to nine feet. For those looking to do some bowfishing, carp are spawning in the shallows. Tawas: Boat anglers report slow fishing. Pier anglers caught a mix of rock bass, smallmouth bass and carp. Tawas River: Shore anglers caught catfish, bass, pike and freshwater drum. Au Gres: Was on fire with limit catches of walleye reported in 30 to 45 feet between Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres as well as south off the Saganing and Pinconning Bars. Some were fishing in 30 to 35 feet in the middle of the bay near the “Humps”. Most are using a crawler harness but a few were using small spoons.


Harbor Springs: Boat anglers did well for smallmouth bass near Harbor Point and along the shoreline all the way to Petoskey State Park. Look for structure. Anglers marked fish which could be lake trout or lake herring 50 to 80 feet down around Harbor Point. Surface water temperatures in Little Traverse Bay were 57 degrees. Petoskey: Anglers had trouble finding lake trout so try fishing deeper. The odd steelhead was caught near the surface in Bay Harbor. The “Bobber Hole” near the mouth of the Bear River had good shore fishing with smallmouth bass, rock bass, carp, freshwater drum and bullhead taken on worms. Charlevoix: Boats can still catch the occasional lake herring outside of the channel and over to North Point when trolling or jigging spoons and blade baits. Lake Trout have moved out and were caught 50 feet down in 250 to 300 feet. Smallmouth bass were caught in the channel but most were sub-legal.

Traverse City: Lake trout regulations for both the East and West Bay have changed. It is now two fish and a 15 inch minimum. Lake trout and some big lake herring were caught

in the East Bay off Elk Rapids. The Elk River is producing smallmouth bass in all sizes. Anglers were using minnows, leeches and tube baits. Bass were caught in the shallows along the south end of the bay. In the West Bay, lake trout anglers were trolling north of Bryant Park and south of Marion Island. A couple small Chinook were caught. Smallmouth fishing slowed in Suttons Bay and south of Lee Point. A few lake herring were caught south of Bowers Harbor. Most of the bass were found in the Boardman River with crawlers and leeches near the dam and along the breakwall. Leland: Good numbers of lake trout were caught by those fishing in 25 to 70 feet from the First Bank to the Second Bank with cowbells or dodgers with a spin-glo. Good smallmouth action in the harbor and the river when using both live bait and artificial lures. A good number of carp are in the harbor. Platte Bay: Should still have a decent number of lake trout. Smallmouth bass were caught near the rocky areas by shore anglers using live bait and artificial lures. Lots of carp are swimming in the shallows.

Frankfort: Alewife were starting to move out of the area. Brown trout were hitting on jointed body baits on both sides of the piers.

Portage Lake: Between the mayflies starting to hatch and windy conditions, catch rates were down for bass, perch and other panfish. Walleye were still caught at night when fishing near the mouth of the channel with body baits.

Manistee: Chinook and lake trout were found in 100 to 140 feet while others reported fish in 300 feet and deeper. Steelhead were caught off the north pier. Ludington: Surface temperature readings were about 60 degrees. Fishing has slowed. A small number of Chinook were caught out deep in 200 feet or more. A few lake trout were taken in 100 to 150 feet off the projects. Pentwater: Anglers trolling 50 to 100 feet down in 80 to 160 feet caught Chinook, coho salmon and the odd lake trout on spoons and flies. Spoons with a combination of green and orange or blue and green worked well. Pentwater Lake: Those casting spoons and crank baits in the channel caught freshwater drum and smallmouth bass. Those fishing Longbridge Road caught perch, bluegill, and brown bullhead on crawlers or red worms under a bobber of when still-fishing on the bottom.

UPPER PENINSULA

Lake Gogebic: The walleye bite has slowed a bit however those trolling were still getting a few fish on crawler harnesses and crank baits. The smallmouth action picked up for those using stick baits and jigging around structure. A few smaller pike were caught. Those using worms caught bluegills, pumpkinseed, rock bass and the occasional perch. Keweenaw Bay: Those trolling caught coho, steelhead, brown trout and splake along the shoreline or from the top 50 feet in 100 to 200 feet with spoons and stick baits. A few coho and brown trout were caught in Huron Bay or the South Entry in 20 to 30 feet. Marquette: Fishing was slow with only a couple lake trout taken in 200 feet or more between the white rocks and Granite Island. A steelhead was caught on high lines in the same area. A couple coho and steelhead were taken off Shot Point. Menominee River: Anglers report small walleye being caught between the Railroad Bridge and the mouth when slow trolling a jig tipped with a crawler. Muskie fishing was slow but a couple fish were taken on large spinners or crank baits. Little Bay De Noc: Almost all walleye action was up near the Whitefish River. Anglers used stick baits and drifted or trolled crawler harnesses in 10 to 28 feet. A few used a jig tipped with a crawler in 12 to 28 feet. Fair to good smallmouth bass catches were reported throughout the Bay. Hot spots were near the Ford River, Escanaba River, Gladstone Bay near the highway, Hunters Point and Garth Point when casting plastics and spinners in five to 16 feet. Good pike fishing off the mouth of the Day’s River with crank baits in 12 to 22 feet. Smaller fish were caught near the coal piles in Kipling in 12 to 20 feet. Perch were caught on minnows and crawlers in 24 to 30 feet near the green buoy at Kipling. Manistique River: Had good walleye fishing throughout the river. Most were floating a jig and leech downriver with the current but some did well with silver stick baits. Pike fishing was good and some were over 30 inches. Smallmouth bass were caught on plastics, spinners and crank baits near the banks. No salmon here yet but the action should start to pick up around the end of June.

Au Train: A couple limit catches of lake trout were taken off the flats near Shelter Bay. Salmon fishing was slow.

Munising: Water temperatures in the bay were in the low 40’s. Boat anglers targeting Chinook caught very few fish. Limits of lake trout were taken near Chapel Falls and the Twelve Mile beach but anglers put in their time to get them. Boat anglers need to watch for large floating logs and debris in the bay. Pier anglers reported slow fishing with only a couple splake taken on spawn and Menominee taken on worms. Carp appear to be spawning near the Anna River dock.

Grand Marais: Nearshore water temperatures within the harbor warmed into the mid to upper 40’s with offshore temperatures in the low 40’s. The few boat anglers that were out for coho and steelhead did poorly. Lake trout anglers managed a few limit catches. Pier anglers targeting Lake Whitefish had mixed results as some did well getting fish up to 20 inches and other days the average was about 12 inches. The better days had a north/northwest wind. A fair number of Menominee were taken off the Sable River when using worms. Tahquamenon River: Had decent fishing with lots of pike and rock bass caught. A few perch and pumpkinseed were taken off the Dollarville Dam. A few muskie were also caught but anglers were putting in their time to catch them. St. Marys River: Walleye fishing continues to improve with fish caught on small crank baits and a crawler harness in Lake George. Smallmouth bass are hitting on spinners of soft plastics. Pike slowed but a few were caught on minnows and spoons. In the Lower River, the walleye bite slowed in Munuscong Bay. Most of the fish caught were sub-legal. Small muskie were caught near Grassy Island and the mouth of the Munuscong River. Pike, walleye and muskie were caught when trolling a small crank bait and a crawler harness. Hot colors were orange, fire-tiger, perch and chartreuse. Detour: A few Chinook salmon were caught 40 to 55 feet down in 70 feet when trolling black and purple spoons. A mix of Atlantic salmon, lake trout and steelhead were taken 15 to 20 feet down in over 60 feet when trolling spin-glo’s out from the Detour Passage Boat launch. Drummond Island: A few walleye were caught when drifting a crawler harness near the bottom or trolling small crank baits in eight to 12 feet. Hot colors were fire-tiger, chartreuse, and orange. Smallmouth bass fishing slowed as the fish have moved to slightly deeper water and were caught by walleye anglers. Try casting body baits, spinners and top water lures in the early morning or evening in Scott Bay, inside Paw Point and between Rutland and Peck Islands. Cedarville and Hessel: Had no good perch reports and the few caught were mainly 6 to seven inches. Smallmouth bass were caught by those casting spinners with double leaf blades at the mouth of Duck Bay and the Middle Entrance. A couple splake were caught near Little LaSalle Island when casting or jigging small orange and chrome spoons in six to eight feet. St. Ignace: Had no reports. Shore anglers on the Carp River caught a couple walleye when drifting a slip bobber or crawler harness with worms but most of the fish were small. Pike and suckers were also caught. A couple walleye were taken in the Pine River when drifting worms or leeches with a slip bobber or a crawler harness near the mouth and up by the rapids but most were too small. A couple perch were caught near the mouth.

June 22, 2017


Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT Summer is officially here! Strong winds have limited fishing on the Great Lakes but those fishing the inland lakes have caught largemouth bass, panfish, pike, bullhead and some walleye. Cooler temperatures improved the bite. River anglers are catching trout, walleye, catfish and carp.


Lake Erie: A lot of undersize walleye have been caught. The bigger fish were found in

deeper water. Wamplers Lake: Largemouth bass were caught when casting soft plastics in five to seven feet or in 12 feet along the west end of the lake. Panfish were caught when drifting worms along the south shore and near Jerry’s. Some crappie were taken along the drop-offs in 14 to 20 feet with a lead head tube jig. Sand Lake: In Lenawee County was producing panfish in six feet along the west shore. Crappie were caught on minnows along the drop-offs. Ford Lake: In Washtenaw County had fair to good walleye fishing.

Detroit River: Walleye were caught in the channels where cooler water could be

found. Most were using jigs, minnow-type lures and crawler harnesses. Lake St. Clair: All fishing slowed somewhat due to the Mayfly hatch. Smallmouth bass were caught along the Mile Roads and near the St. Clair Light in 10 to 15 feet. Walleye were found off Metro Beach and near the Clinton River Cut-Off launch when trolling a crawler harness or swim baits. The Clinton River Cut-Off ramp is open for business. Muskie fishing was slow but some large fish were caught near the Harley Ensign launch when trolling. St. Clair River: Walleye anglers were still taking some limit catches when trolling a crawler harness and bottom bouncer or vertical jigging. Fish have been caught in both the North and the South Channels.

Lexington to Port Austin: Those trolling along the Thumb caught a few lake trout and steelhead 35 feet off the bottom in 90 feet. Walleye were found in 17 to 20 feet. Pike were caught on spinners and body baits in the harbors. Dark colors worked best. Pier anglers caught bluegills, smallmouth bass, rock bass and pike. Saginaw Bay: Walleye were caught near the B-Buoy, the Spark Plug, northwest of the Spark Plug in 17 feet, east of the shipping channel in 24 feet and along the Callahan Reef in 12 to 15 feet. Good catches were reported in 15 to 17 feet along the Slot. Purple and green were the hot colors. Wildfowl Bay had some decent catches for those using Hot-n-Tot’s, crawlers or flicker shads. Anglers also caught catfish, freshwater drum, a few perch and the odd pike. Saginaw River: A couple smallmouth bass and catfish were caught on spoons or a crawler harness.


St. Joseph: Salmon fishing for boat anglers slowed. A few coho and lake trout were caught in 120 feet. Anglers were starting to catch a decent number of perch in about 40 feet. Steelhead are being caught off the pier by those using shrimp. Freshwater drum and catfish were caught on crawlers. St. Joseph River: Though walleye fishing slowed, fish were still caught when trolling crank baits. South Haven: Boat anglers targeting trout and salmon caught a couple coho on spoons in 120 feet or deeper. Some have started to catch a few perch south of the piers. The fish were scattered in 30 to 60 feet. Pier fishing was slow. Grand Haven: A few salmon and steelhead were caught 35 to 90 feet down in 100 to 200 feet and lake trout were taken in the bottom 15 feet of waters 150 to 200 feet deep. Try dodgers with yellow or green spin-glo’s. Pier anglers using alewife or casting spoons caught freshwater drum. Grand River near Grand Rapids: Those targeting catfish especially at night have done well with small bluegills or cut bait. Those fishing off the wall and near the bridges have managed to take a few walleye. Bass fishing was good early or late. Grand River near Lansing: Those targeting panfish have done well with the cooler temperatures. Carp were still hitting on sweet corn and catfish were hitting on cut bait or crawlers. Muskegon: Boat anglers caught a few salmon and trout 40 to 100 feet down in 80 to 160 feet with green, orange or pink spoons. Pier anglers are catching freshwater drum while casting spoons. The south breakwall is now open.

Muskegon River: Fly hatches were underway and those fly fishing have caught some brown trout. Smallmouth anglers found fish near structure and rocky areas. A couple walleye anglers found fish in the Hardy Dam Pond. Whitehall: When they can get out, boat anglers caught Chinook and steelhead in 160 to 220 feet. Pier anglers casting spoons and crank baits caught freshwater drum and the occasional smallmouth bass. White Lake: Was producing a fair to good number of panfish and bass.


Cheboygan: Boat anglers were fishing near Poe Reef or heading out deeper. Cheboygan River: Anglers were taking limit catches of walleye near the city boat launch and the DNR Office when drifting a crawler harness or worms and leeches under a slip bobber. Those using a lindy rig, a fire-tiger crank bait or jigs also caught a few fish. Large freshwater drum, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, pike, rock bass, carp and bullhead were caught when drifting worms near the DNR Office. Rogers City: Lake trout limits are still easy to come by especially when fishing the entire water column in 30 to 60 feet with spin-glo’s behind dodgers or cowbells and spoons. Green was a good color. Chinook and coho were caught in the top half of waters 100 feet deep with spoons. Good colors were green, blue, orange or anything that glows early and late. Atlantics and steelhead were taken in the top 20 feet with bright colored spoons. Rockport: Was producing limit catches of lake trout in 35 to 90 feet around Middle Island with attractors and spin-glo’s, flies and squid. Green and blue were the hot colors. Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught in the top half of the water column when trolling green, blue, orange, purple, black and white or glow spoons. Alpena: Anglers caught walleye when trolling crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers or deep diving crank baits in 10 to 20 feet near Grass Island, Thunder Bay Island, along the north shore, and near the mouth of the Thunder Bay River. Many of these fish were feeding on recent mayfly hatches. Limits of lake trout were caught near the bottom in 70 to 100 feet but were also found shallower. Try trolling spin-glo’s or spoons near Thunder Bay Island or the Nordmeer Wreck. A couple Atlantic salmon were taken in the top 30 feet of waters 60 to 90 feet deep. Pike were hitting on crank baits. Thunder Bay River: Shore anglers casting crank baits or still-fishing with crawlers caught a few walleye, smallmouth bass and freshwater drum. A lot of the walleye were small. Anglers might want to try the 9th Street Dam and bridge or Lamarre Park in the early morning or evening. Bullhead and channel cats were hitting crawlers on the bottom. Carp and rock bass were caught on crawlers in the harbor.

Oscoda: Lake trout anglers had good catches when trolling spoons or spin-glo’s near the bottom in 60 to 90 feet. A couple steelhead were caught in the top half. Those fishing near the mouth of the river picked up a couple walleye when trolling or drifting a crawler harness. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, and a few channel cats with crawlers on the bottom. Au Sable River: Anglers are finding a few walleye in the early morning and evening when drifting crawlers or casting crank baits near Mill Street. Channel cats and freshwater drum were caught on crawlers. A few yellow perch and some bluegills were caught on crawlers in the marinas. Largemouth bass and pike were hitting on spinners and crank baits. Higgins Lake: When they can get out, lake trout anglers were still taking some fish in 80 to 130 feet. Some were trolling spoons and rapalas while others were jigging Cleo’s and Swedish pimples. Boat anglers targeting perch have not been able to get out because of rough water. Houghton Lake: When the weather permitted, anglers have caught the occasional walleye, pike and some panfish. Carp were still in the shallows for those looking to do some bowfishing. Tawas River: Smallmouth bass, rock bass, catfish, pike, freshwater drum and gar were still being caught. Au Gres: Anglers did best straight out from the river and off the points in 30 to 40 feet with some taking limit catches with crawlers. Au Gres River: Anglers caught pike, small perch, catfish and freshwater drum. Those fishing the near the Singing Bridge caught some bigger bass but undersize walleye.


Harbor Springs: Boat anglers continue to do well for smallmouth bass between Harbor Point and the Petoskey State Park. Look for structure such as docks and piers. Lake trout and lake herring were marked in 90 to 110 feet but anglers did not have much luck. Petoskey: Lake trout were caught out toward Bay Harbor. The “Bobber Hole” near the mouth of the Bear River was a good spot for smallmouth bass, pike, rock bass, carp, freshwater drum and bullhead. Try worms. A couple smallmouth bass were caught off the D-Pier with worms. Charlevoix: A couple boats caught lake herring when jigging or trolling in 20 to 70 feet. Lake trout were up high in 300 feet. Lake herring were still in the channel but few were caught. Those targeting smallmouth bass did not have much luck.

Traverse City: Lake trout fishing in the East Bay was fair when trolling the shallows south of the M-37 launch or jigging off Deepwater Point. Bass fishing around Yuba Creek was slow but the fish that were caught were good size. The shallows along the west side and the south end were good spots. Bass fishing slowed in the Elk River but a few nice ones were taken on plastics and crawlers. Pike and freshwater drum were also caught. Those fishing the dam caught perch and rock bass. Lake trout were caught in the West Bay when trolling the shallows south of Marion Island, along the southeast end of the bay and south of the M-22 launch. Smallmouth bass and rock bass were caught in the Boardman River on leeches and soft plastics. Leland: Good numbers of lake trout were caught in 70 to 80 feet from the First to the Second Bank with spin-glo’s behind dodgers or cowbells. A good number of smallmouth bass were caught on plastics, crawlers or leeches in the harbor and river.

Frankfort: Chinook were caught in the top 60 to 90 feet of waters 120 to 200 feet and deeper when trolling in the early morning with spoons, flies and meat rigs. Lake trout were hitting on spin-glo’s around the “Saddle”. Anglers were marking schools of alewife in some areas.

Portage Lake: Mayflies were in full hatch so anglers were not getting many bites.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: A few walleye were caught by those trolling a crawler harness. Panfish were caught in four to 12 feet. Try worms or crickets. Bass anglers have done well early morning or evening especially near structure.

Lake Missaukee: Anglers caught smallmouth bass, pike, crappie, bluegills and sunfish.

Manistee: Surface temperature readings were about 62 degrees and though fishing had slowed anglers did manage to catch a couple Chinook, coho and steelhead 50 to 80 feet down in 120 to 150 feet. Some boats have traveled out to waters 600 feet deep and caught a few fish. The north pier was starting to produce some steelhead. Manistee River: In Kalkaska County, the Hex hatch was underway and anglers were fishing for large brown trout after dark. Ludington: Surface water was up to 64 degrees. Best catches were coming 40 to 80 feet down in 120 to 180 feet. Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught as deep as 600 feet. Pier fishing was slow. Pentwater: Salmon and steelhead were caught in 150 to 220 feet and lake trout near the bottom in 120 to 160 feet near Little Sable Point. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass and freshwater drum on crank baits and jigs. Pentwater Lake: Smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing was good when casting body baits in four to 12 feet. Perch, bluegill and bullhead were caught from Longbridge Road when drifting red worms under a bobber.

UPPER PENINSULA

Ontonagon: Had good lake trout fishing when trolling spoons in 20 to 60 feet. Keweenaw Bay: Coho, steelhead, splake and browns were caught when trolling spoons and stick baits along the shoreline or in the top 50 in 100 to 200 feet. Those jigging for lake trout had fair catch rates. Huron Bay was also giving up a few coho and brown trout when trolling. A couple whitefish were taken by those jigging spoons in 50 to 100 feet. Coho and brown trout were caught in 20 to 30 feet at the South Entry. Spoons and stick baits were the ticket. Menominee River: Those trolling or casting caught walleye and smallmouth bass however the river was high with a strong current after the last storms. Little Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers fishing the southern Bay reported fair to good catches from Breezy Point south to Round Island. Some went out as far as the Minneapolis Shoals. The best catches were taken in 12 to 17 feet around Breezy Point or in 20 feet near the “Fingers” when trolling a crawler harness. Walleye were still caught at the head of the Bay but most were undersize. The best perch catches were taken around Butler Island with a minnow or crawler in the shallows. A couple bigger fish were caught in 30 to 34 feet near the ship docks in Escanaba. Good pike fishing with a few large fish taken off the Day’s River. Warmer water had channel cats and freshwater drum showing up. Fair walleye catches for those trolling up to the US-2 Bridge. Bass were caught in the Ford River when casting spinners or plastics. Manistique: Boat anglers took good catches of Chinook and steelhead out near the green buoy which is about six miles out from the river when trolling spoons 60 feet down in 80 to 90 feet. Manistique River: Walleye catches slowed. Smallmouth bass anglers reported fair to good catches just south of the high dam and up to the bridge with crank baits, plastics or crawlers in the fast water. Lots of baitfish were marked just off the mouth of the rivers. Boat anglers fishing just off the mouth caught a couple steelhead. Munising: Surface water temperatures are in the mid 40’s offshore and 45 to 47 degrees nearshore. There were a few reports of some legal size splake taken off the Anna River dock however most reported little action with several smaller fish released. Boat angler did get a mix of splake, coho and ever a few Chinook. Grand Marais: Boat anglers were few however they reported excellent catches of lake trout when jigging out near Big Reef. Fish over 10 pounds were caught. Cooler temperatures and winds turning from the north/northwest should bring some whitefish in. Surface water temperatures climbed to near 50 degrees and schools of perch in the marina were providing some good fishing for kids.

Tahquamenon River: A good number of muskie were caught up near the Dollarville Dam. Boat anglers had fish following their bait but did not have much luck landing them. Shore anglers caught rock bass and pumpkinseed on worms. St. Marys River: Fishing around Sault Ste. Marie and Sugar Island was inconsistent due to weather patterns. In Baie De Wasai and Lake George, walleye were caught on crawler harnesses and crank baits. Smallmouth were caught on spinners or soft plastics. Pike were caught on minnows, spoons and stick baits. A few Atlantic salmon and whitefish were caught on flies behind the Edison Power Plant. From Neebish Island to Sweets Point, the walleye bite was slow in Munuscong Bay so most were moving south to Raber Bay where they were taking a few more fish in seven to 12 feet when trolling small crank baits or a crawler harness. Fire-tiger, silver, chartreuse and orange were good colors. Small muskie and some catfish were also caught. Detour: A mix of Atlantic salmon, Chinook and steelhead were taken at the Detour Reef. The Chinook were caught off the rocky shelf that sits at 40 feet then drops to 80 feet just south of the freighter loading dock on the west side of the Drummond Island Stone Quarry. There is good structure there that seems to hold a few salmon. Anglers did best by trolling purple and black spoons. Fair numbers of small Atlantic salmon were taken on dodgers and lead core 12 to 35 feet down in 60 to 80 feet between Fry Pan Island and the green buoy west of the Detour Lighthouse. The fish seem to be scattered and were also hitting 15 to 25 feet down in 30 to 50 feet on orange, chrome or green and white lures. Drummond Island: Walleye fishing improved as the bays warmed and fish were coming into the shallows to feed in the evening. Those trolling or drifting a crawler harness found walleye suspended in six to 10 feet. Hard-bodied stick baits and small crank baits were also producing fish. Hot colors were fire-tiger, chartreuse and orange. Smallmouth bass fishing was good in four to eight feet over gravel. Pike fishing was fair along the weed beds when casting soft-bodied swim baits, shallow running crank baits, jerk baits and spinners. Most of the action was around the northeast portion of Scott Bay and Maxton Bay outside of Monaghan Pier and near Sportsmen's Point. Cedarville and Hessel: A few splake were caught along the south shore of Little La Salle Island when jigging or drifting an orange and chrome spoon just off the bottom in eight to 12 feet. Walleye were hitting early and late at the west end of Snows Channel from the golf course to the east end of Hessel Bay when trolling or drifting a crawler harness just off the weeds in eight to 14 feet. For young anglers targeting panfish, the small bay at Hill Island Road was producing some rock bass for those using red worms or casting a small white beetle spinner just outside the weeds in three to six feet. At Hessel, a few more yellow perch showed up in the Hessel Marina. Try small red worms about 12 inches off the bottom in six to eight feet. Smallmouth bass were caught on the north end of Marquette Island when drifting and casting tube jigs in five to seven feet. Some bigger pike were caught around Echo Island when trolling a yellow and black spinner.

St. Ignace: Had no reports. Catch rates on the Carp River slowed for those drifting leeches or minnows at the pier. A few walleye were caught in the Pine River. Boat anglers were trolling a chartreuse crawler harness between the boat launch and the rapids. Shore anglers drifting worms had little success. Water levels were elevated.

June 29, 2017


Fisheries Division

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT All the rivers in east-central Michigan were flooded, unfishable and dangerous for boat and shore anglers. Most rivers in the state experienced higher water levels, stronger currents and floating debris after all the rain over the last few weeks. Anglers should avoid the rivers until the water levels recede. Prolonged rainfall in the Upper Peninsula has left several rivers and creeks with higher water levels.


Lake Erie: After strong winds and a few slow days anglers were starting to find fish

outside Bartnik Park. Fish were caught near the mouth of the River Raisin and some limit catches were taken on crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers off Fermi. Anglers from Bolles Harbor continue to fish the waters along the Michigan-Ohio line and were taking some limit catches when slow trolling a crawler harness and bottom bouncer. Yellow perch numbers were increasing. Try perch rigs and minnows. Sand Lake: Largemouth and a couple smallmouth bass were caught while casting spinners in six to seven feet, rattle traps in eight feet or a 10 inch worm in 10 to 14 feet. Panfish were caught along the west end of the lake. Water temperature dropped to 69 degrees. St. Clair River: Was still producing some good walleye action. Most anglers were trolling or drifting a crawler harness and bottom bouncer or vertical jigging. Lexington to Port Austin: Lake trout, steelhead and a couple Atlantic salmon were caught out of Lexington, Port Sanilac and Harbor Beach when boats could get out. Lake trout were taken in 100 to 130 feet but those trolling found fish closer to shore in 50 to 60 feet. Steelhead, Atlantic and even a couple Chinook were also caught. Pier fishing was slow but a couple walleye were taken when casting at night. Saginaw Bay: Had excellent walleye fishing last week with limit catches reported from Au Gres through the entire inner bay, out the tip of the Thumb and all the way around to Port Hope and then the rain came. The rivers were flooded, unfishable and are not safe

for navigation and will likely remain that way until at least next weekend. All the muddy water is working its way down the Saginaw River and into the bay which will make fishing difficult for several days. The southern end of the bay will be the most affected right along with areas off the river mouths around the bay. Those looking for walleye should move around and find the clearest water they can which could be a long way offshore. Try the middle bay from the inner Spark Plug northeast towards the Charity Islands or 20 to 35 feet off Port Austin, Grindstone City and Port Hope where fish as large as 27 inches were taken. Saginaw River: Had extremely high water levels and a fast current.


St. Joseph: The few boats that could make it out did catch a few coho and lake trout. The fish were taken on spoons in 120 feet and deeper. Very few perch anglers have made it out on the lake. Pier anglers have caught a light number of steelhead when floating shrimp under a bobber. Lots of freshwater drum were caught on crawlers. St. Joseph River: Large numbers of Skamania were moving through the Berrien Springs Ladder. A good number of fish were moving through the Buchanan Ladder but only a few were spotted at Niles. The numbers at Buchanan and Niles should increase as fish continue to move through Berrien Springs. Fishing has slowed but a few walleye were still being caught by those trolling small crank baits especially between the I-94 Bridge and the big lake. South Haven: Few boats were out because of the strong winds. A few lake trout and steelhead were found in 100 feet. Perch fishing and pier fishing were slow. Grand Haven: Salmon and trout action continues to be slow. A few salmon and steelhead were caught 35 to 120 feet down in 100 to 200 feet. A couple lake trout were caught in the bottom 15 in 150 to 200 feet. Try dodgers with yellow or green spin-glo’s. Pier action for steelhead was slow but those targeting freshwater drum have done well with alewife or when casting spoons. Grand River near Grand Rapids: Had good catfish action below the 6th Street Dam. A couple limit catches of walleye were taken below Johnson Park. Look for panfish in the backwaters until it warms back up. Grand River near Lansing: Bass fishing continues to dominate. Both large and smallmouth were hitting on minnows, leeches, crawlers and all sorts of rubber baits. A couple channel cats were caught above the Moore’s Park Dam. Carp were hitting at the North Lansing Dam. Try corn, worms and leeches.

Muskegon: Boat anglers reported slow catch rates with only a couple salmon taken 40 to 120 feet down in 80 to 160 feet with green, orange or pink spoons. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum when casting spoons. Muskegon River: Fly hatches were still taking place but fishing was more difficult because of the high water. Anglers need to use caution. Those fishing up near Hardy Dam caught a couple walleye, a few pike and some nice bluegills. Whitehall: Strong winds have greatly limited Lake Michigan fishing activity. Boat anglers able to get out did catch salmon and lake trout in the bottom half of waters 90 to 120 feet deep. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum on spoons and body baits.


Cheboygan: Lake trout were caught on spoons off Nine Mile Point. Cheboygan River: Had lots of anglers catching rock bass, catfish and freshwater drum. Walleye anglers did well in the morning or at night when drifting worms on a hook or crawler harnesses from behind the paper mill to the draw bridge. Shore anglers drifting worms or casting jigs at the DNR Field Office and the public pier caught walleye, catfish, smallmouth bass and freshwater drum. Rogers City: Limit catches of lake trout were coming in. The fish were suspended as well as within 10 feet of the bottom in 50 to 65 feet and were hitting on dodgers and cowbells with spin-glo’s or attractors with peanuts and spin-glo’s. Chinook salmon are also starting to show up and were caught on spoons about halfway down in 65 to 120 feet. Hot colors were orange, green, blue and purple and the better fishing was early morning before sunrise and after sunset. The bug hatches are starting with June bugs and mayflies. If the temperatures ever warm up expect a large hatch that will draw steelhead, coho and Atlantic salmon. Anglers are getting a few now when running lines high in the water column with bright spoons in orange, green and silver. Rockport: Had great lake trout fishing with limits caught in the bottom half in 60 to 80 feet with dodgers or cowbells with spin-glo’s or spoons. A few Chinook, coho, Atlantics and steelhead were also caught throughout the water columns in 60 to 120 feet with spoons in green, blue, orange, silver or glow early and late. Steelhead were caught near the surface as they feed on bug slicks that were starting to form. Alpena: Anglers trolling crank baits and crawler harnesses in 10 to 20 feet in the evening caught walleye near Grass Island, the north shore, and straight out from the pier. A few pike and freshwater drum were picked up by those trolling. Anglers targeting trout and salmon caught lake trout near the bottom in 50 to 100 feet when trolling spoons and spin-glo’s. Steelhead and a couple Atlantic salmon were taken in the top 30 feet. Try near Thunder Bay Island or the Nordmeer Wreck. Rain and cooler temperatures have fish on the move.

Thunder Bay River: Walleye and smallmouth bass were caught by shore anglers using crawlers on the bottom or casting crank baits from the bridges and parks towards the 9th Street Dam in the evening. Those drifting a crawler harness have also done well. Channel cats were caught when drifting or still-fishing crawlers and cut bait near the bottom. Some good size fish were taken at both the North and South Riverfront Parks. A couple pike and some crappie were caught on small crank baits or spoons in the city harbor. Oscoda: Anglers reported decent catches of lake trout just off the bottom in 50 to 130 feet. Steelhead along with a couple Atlantic salmon and pink salmon were caught in the top 30 in 80 to 130 feet. Try trolling spoons or spin-glo’s with flashers. Anglers trolling and drifting crawler harnesses near the mouth caught walleye in the early morning and evening. Pier anglers using crawlers on the bottom caught channel cats, smallmouth bass, carp and freshwater drum. Au Sable River: Those drifting and trolling crawler harnesses or casting crank baits were taking walleye and smallmouth bass in the morning or evening. Channel cats, carp and freshwater drum were caught by those drifting or still-fishing with crawlers. The current was strong so try a pyramid weight 4 ounces or larger. Pike and largemouth bass were caught on spinners in the marinas. Higgins Lake: Anglers caught a good number of rock bass and smallmouth bass on crawlers. The smallmouth were taken in the shallows near structure. Some have started to catch a few perch with minnows and wax worms in 35 feet. Those trolling or jigging were still taking some lake trout. Houghton Lake: Continues to produce bluegills and rock bass but fewer crappie. A few walleye were still being caught here and there. The better technique was trolling a harness with crawlers or leeches in nine to 12 feet but those jigging or using crank baits were taking the occasional fish. Hot colors were orange, fire-tiger or black and gold. Tawas: Was slow for walleye however a couple boats that went outside Tawas Point caught lake trout, steelhead and Atlantic salmon in 60 to 80 feet. Au Gres: Walleye anglers will have to look for clean water as the river is pouring mud into the bay. Boat anglers will want to head out towards the Charity Islands. Au Gres River: Was producing some catfish but the river is not fishable at this time.


Harbor Springs: Boat anglers were targeting smallmouth bass. Some fish were moving off the beds and into deeper water.

Petoskey: Few boats have been out and those that did make it out did not catch anything. The “Bobber Hole” near the mouth of the Bear River was a good spot to get a variety of species but even the bite here slowed. Anglers may still find rock bass, perch, chubs, bullhead or the odd walleye. Try worms, spinners or crank baits. Water levels were up in the Bear River. Charlevoix: Boat anglers caught lake trout 40 to 50 feet down in 250 to 300 feet south of the channel. A couple fish were also reported about 85 feet down around North Point. Lake herring were caught when trolling in 15 to 25 feet. Smallmouth bass anglers are starting to fish the channel with crawlers or leeches. Traverse City: Lake trout fishing in the East Bay was good when trolling just south of the Elk Rapids Marina. At the south end of the bay, lake trout were caught when trolling near the M-37 launch and a nice steelhead was caught when jigging. Bass fishing was hit-or-miss but a couple nice fish were taken along the south end. Some good size bass were caught on leeches and dead gobies in the Elk River. Lots of rock bass were also caught. On the West Bay, lake trout were caught when jigging south of Lee Point and trolling north of Elm Wood Marina. Lake herring were taken north of Marion Island in shallow water. Smallmouth bass were caught near Marion Island and off the breakwall at Northport.

Leland: Good numbers of lake trout were still being taken even though the bite slowed. Good numbers of smallmouth bass were caught in the harbor and the river. Both artificial lures and live bait have taken fish with artificial lures taking the bigger fish.

Frankfort: Anglers caught a good number of lake trout in 65 to 80 feet in Platte Bay when trolling spin-glo’s near the bottom. Chinook were reported straight out in the top 50 to 70 feet of waters 90 to 120 feet deep and hitting on spoons and meat rigs.

Onekama: Those trolling in the “Barrel” caught good numbers of lake trout throughout the day and the odd Chinook in the early morning.

Portage Lake: The mayfly hatch has come to an end and catch rates have increased for bass, perch and other panfish along the shorelines. When the water warms, try deeper in 18 to 22 feet.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Were still producing panfish including some good size bluegills for those using worms. Bass along with a few pike and walleye were caught by those slow trolling or drifting.

Manistee: Boat anglers caught Chinook, lake trout and steelhead in 100 to 220 feet. Pier anglers were starting to get some steelhead off the north pier.

Ludington: Boat anglers caught Chinook, lake trout and steelhead in 130 to 250 feet. Some anglers did well way out in 500 feet and deeper. Pier fishing was slow.

Pentwater: Fishing participation has been limited due to weather conditions. Those trolling 50 to 100 feet down in 60 to 120 feet did catch coho, steelhead and the occasional lake trout on blue or green spoons. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum. Pentwater Lake: Those casting spoons or body baits in the channel caught freshwater drum and the occasional smallmouth bass. Sunfish, perch and rock bass were caught from Longbridge Road when floating red worms. Those casting crank baits or jigs tipped with soft plastics caught both large and smallmouth bass.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay: Fishing was a bit on the slow side but a few whitefish were taken in 60 to 90 feet when jigging spoons. Salmon anglers have not been able to get out because of the weather. At the South Entry, a couple brown trout and splake were taken on orange spoons or stick baits in 25 to 40 feet. Those trolling outside Huron Bay caught lake trout in 100 to 150 feet. Marquette: Limits of lake trout were caught between the white rocks and Granite Island in 190 to 220 feet. A few coho and brown trout were caught in the harbor and near Shot Point. Lake Gogebic: Walleye fishing was hit-or-miss. Trolling and using slip bobbers on the weed beds was producing some fish. Early morning and late evening were best but a few were taken during the day. Bluegill and pumpkinseed fishing continues to heat up despite the dip in temperatures. Smallmouth fishing was excellent with crank baits or a jig and slip bobber with live bait. A recent mayfly hatch did not seem to hamper fishing. Menominee River: Still had high water levels. Little Bay De Noc: The best walleye catches were in southern waters between Breezy Point and the Minneapolis Shoals. In the Breezy Point area, anglers trolled stick baits or a crawler harnesses along the break in and around 12 feet. Out near the “Fingers” anglers used the same in 18 to 25 feet. A few walleye are still being caught off the mouth of the Whitefish River but most are undersize. A few good catches of perch were reported around the Kipling area using wigglers, crawlers or minnows in five to 24 feet. A good number of pike and freshwater drum were caught throughout the bay. Salmon anglers reported catches out by the Ford River Buoy when trolling spoons 60 feet down in 85 feet. Manistique: Had pretty much all salmon anglers taking fair to good catches about six miles out near the buoy when trolling spoons 60 to 75 feet down in 80 to 90 feet. The Chinook were good size with some up near 30 pounds. Good numbers of large steelhead were also caught in the top 40 feet.

Au Train: A light number of lake trout were caught on the flats in front of Shelter Bay and around Au Train Island. A couple coho, lake trout and brown trout were taken in shallow water near the mouth of the Au Train River. Munising: Those trolling caught coho and splake within the bays. Lake trout averaging five to 10 pounds were caught along Big Reef. Try floating or jigging a jig on either Wood Island Reef or Big Reef. Pier anglers at the Anna River reported a slow bite but a couple splake were taken on spawn in 20 feet. Water temperatures nearshore were in the low to mid 50’s and upper 40’s offshore. Grand Marais: Whitefish action was hit-or-miss but anglers were still getting some limit catches when using a single egg. When they can get out, boat anglers were taking limit catches of lake trout out towards Au Sable Point in 160 feet or five to seven miles straight out from the port. A few coho were also caught. Tahquamenon River: Muskie averaging 35 to 42 inches and some smaller pike were caught after the rain. Anglers were using red and white lures as well as orange, green and chartreuse crank baits. Small perch and pumpkinseed sunfish were caught with worms off the Dollarville Pier St. Marys River: At Sault St. Marie, Atlantic salmon fishing was spotty for those fishing the discharge side of Cloverland Electric. Those fishing off the Federal Power House near the Canadian Rapids just below the Locks had good catches of steelhead when using a black and white crank bait with red spots. Walleye fishing was fair around Sugar Island and Lake George with crawler harnesses and crank baits off planer boards in four to eight feet off Hay Pointe in the early morning. Pike and smallmouth bass fishing was fair when trolling or casting small crank baits around Gem Island. Walleye fishing in the lower river improved in Raber Bay with fish 16 to 19 inches caught. Most were trolling or drifting a crawler harness with planer boards or bottom bouncers. The fish have moved south and were caught on both the north and the south side of Lime Island, Burnt Island and near the Raber Township pier. A few pike and yellow perch was also caught. Shore anglers have caught pike while casting spinners or crank baits off the pier. Good colors were fluorescent green, orange, and red. Drummond Island: Walleye fishing was hit-or-miss and success seems to change day to day. The fish have schooled up and were either tight to the bottom or suspended in the middle. Cold water has come downriver and surface temperatures dropped to 48 degrees. Most of the walleye action continues to be around the northeast portion of Scott Bay, with a few anglers trying Maxton Bay between the Monaghan Pier and James Island when trolling small crank baits and crawler harnesses. Orange, chartreuse, fire-tiger and pink were the hot colors. Bass and pike can be found around the inside of James Island, Grape Island, and the north end of Scott Bay. They were caught on spinners, crank baits or soft-body swim baits. Hot colors were silver, white and dark green. Several large mayfly hatches were reported so the lake herring should be present by the end of the week.

Cedarville and Hessel: Fly hatches have been ongoing the last couple weeks and lake herring were finally starting to show up with the first catch reported in Prentiss Bay when using a fly about three cranks off the bottom in eight to 12 feet. Snows Channel was producing some 28 to 30 inch pike. Smallmouth bass were caught at the mouth of Duck Bay and Musky Bay when casting or jigging a dark green spotted tube jig near the rocks in five to eight feet. Shore anglers targeting panfish have done well on both sides of the bridge on Hill Island Road when using worms or minnows in two to four feet. There were no reports of yellow perch from the finger docks or fishing pier in Hessel. St. Ignace: Had no reports. Those targeting walleye in the Carp River had no luck. A few suckers were taken on worms. Walleye catch rates on the Pine River were slow. Fish caught at the mouth were undersize. There were no reports of walleye caught at the rapids. Anglers were trolling leeches and worms on a crawler harness, drifting worms under a slip bobber or fishing the bottom with a plain hook.

RECREATIONAL FISHING REPORT - Michigan

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