Thunder Bay River: A couple Atlantic salmon were caught near the 9th Street Dam by those using orange and yellow beads.
Au Sable River: Anglers caught Atlantic salmon while swinging large streamers or floating and drifting beads and spawn. Most fish were in the holes and behind current breaks, but a few Atlantic and coho salmon were still found on the beds. Steelhead were caught from the holes when fishing with Spawn bags, beads, spinners, wax worms and egg flies. The steelhead action was slow. A few walleyes have been caught when casting crankbaits near the mouth.
Grayling Area:Anglers were waiting for safe ice to form on Lake Margrethe. Ice is covering Otsego Lake, but nothing safe for foot traffic yet. If the weather holds up anglers may be able to get out in a week or so.
Higgins Lake: Had some shoreline ice; however, most of the lake is still open water.
Houghton Lake: Ice is starting to form; however, anglers should wait a bit longer before heading out. A few spots had 1-5 inches, but most of the lake only had 1-2 inches, so the thickness is not consistent.
Oscoda Area: Lake trout and walleyes have been caught in Lake Huron by pier anglers casting spoons, crankbaits and jigs. Lake trout were also caught by anglers still-fishing with spawn.
Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Northeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.
Cass County: There has been no ice on the lakes in Cass County despite having about 2 inches of snow on the ground.
Kalamazoo River: Anglers were getting the occasional steelhead at the Allegan Dam.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Ice has not been forming on inland lakes around Grand Rapids. Steelhead and a couple walleye were caught up near the 6th Street Dam.
Spring Lake: Some perch were caught off the bridges.
Muskegon River: The water was slightly stained after the rain and snow melt. Those targeting steelhead continue to find the occasional fish, including some that are quite large. Try flashy patterns with the stained water.
For a more accurate report on the Muskegon Lake & the Muskegon River I suggest reaching out to the people at Snug Harbor Outfitters. Phone: (231-719-0759)
White River: Anglers still were getting some steelhead when casting or drifting.
For more bait shops in the southwest lower peninsula follow the links below:
Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southwest Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.
To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here!
Lake St. Clair: The docks at the boat launches have been removed. Fishing pressure has been light with high winds and rough water keeping anglers on shore. Those who could get out report catching a few walleyes. Musky anglers were still out and catching fish. Water temperatures were in the upper 30’s and will fall fast with the cold air temperatures. As a result skim ice was forming in the backwaters and canals in the mornings and anglers are punching holes and catching bluegills off the docks at Metro Beach. Oakland County: There was no safe ice anywhere in Oakland County. Skim ice is forming in the mornings, but melting as the temperatures rise.
Port Sanilac: Anglers were targeting Atlantic salmon in the harbor.
Monroe County: When they can get out, anglers are catching decent numbers of walleyes on LakeErie. The best reports were coming from anglers fishing east of Stony Point and out near the Michigan/Ohio boundary waters.
If you're planning on fishing any of the canals near Lake Erie Metro Park or Point Mouillee State Game Area you can get all of your bait & tackle needs met at Bottom Line Bait & Tackle.
If you're planning on fishing out of Sterling State Park or the Brest Bay area you can pick up tackle from the nice people at Jeff's Bait & Tackle.
Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing at the Spark Plug was very good if you get a day with no wind so you can get out there. Remember, it is a good 10 to 12 miles out, so be sure to monitor the weather. Lake trout and burbot were caught off Caseville. Some were trying for perch in the cuts; however, there was no word on success rates.
For a more accurate report on Saginaw Bay I suggest taking a look at the weekly Saginaw Bay Fishing Report given to you by Saginawbay.com
Saginaw River: Walleye fishing entails a lot of sorting to get a couple legal fish 13 inches or bigger. The river is loaded with juvenile fish to keep anglers busy.
Tittabawassee River: Walleye were caught in Midland County.
Wayne County: Perch anglers were still getting some fish in the cuts and canals on the Detroit River, as well as in the mouth of the river, just south of Gibraltar Bay.
For more public lakes to fish in Wayne County:Click Here!
Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.
In the last two years I've been trying to perfect walleye fishing from a kayak. A bit of a tough task since I haven't perfected walleye fishing from a boat or shore. However, since kayak fishing has become my primary way of fishing it's time I figure out the best ways to target walleye.
Initially I started kayak fishing for walleye by trolling with crawler harnesses and Lindy rigs. In the spring and early summer I had pretty good success catching walleye this way. However, once the summer came on in full I noticed that my catch rates slowed.
What were the walleye doing different that was causing me to miss out on fish? The walleye had changed their forage to one comprised mainly of baitfish. With that in mind I started paying closer attention to my fish finder. The fish finder showed me that the larger fish were suspended at intermediate depths between 8 and 20 feet of water. No wonder I wasn't catching any walleye. The fish were suspended above where my bait was. Not only that but they were also suspended just below schools of bait fish.
This walleye behavior made me change my tactics. I went from fishing crawlers harnesses in deep water to trolling crankbaits that matched the size of the bait fish. Having located the walleye I decided to long line troll with deep diving crankbaits behind the kayak. Below are some tips that helped me put my walleye in the kayak while trolling.
1. Use a crankbait that dives the depth you need
The first thing you want to do is pick a crankbait that dives specifically to the depth you desire. For me this crankbait was the Berkley Flicker Shad. Since I was trying to catch fish that were hanging in water between 8 and 20 feet deep the flicker shads diving depth of 8 to 14 feet of water is one of the main reasons I picked it. However there was another reason I picked the flicker shad as my crankbait of choice.
2. Match the hatch
The other reason I picked the Flicker Shad is because it matched the size of the baitfish the walleye were feeding on. At that time of year the bait fish I was marking were all in the one to two inch size range so matching that size was key to catching the walleye that were feeding on them from below.
3. Use the right line weight to maximize diving depth
When I initially switched to trolling flicker shad I trolled with two rods running parallel to each other. With this set up I noticed I was only catching walleye on one of my rods. While on the other I was catching white bass which were slightly above and mixed in with the walleye. That told me that my crankbait on the other rod was not getting deep enough to attract the attention of the walleye.
My problem was pretty simple and required a simple fix. The two rods I was trolling with had two different line weights, 10lb and 14lb. The rod with the 10lb test was running the crankbaits deeper than the rod with 14lb test line. So a quick line replacement before my time out fishing was all it took to fix the problem of the shallow running rod.
4. How much line you have out affects diving depth
Every company that makes crankbaits will have a corresponding dive chart on their website. This tool is something you cannot afford to overlook if you're gonna long line troll cranks from a kayak. So make sure you are checking the chart to know how far your crankbait needs to be behind you to achieve the depth you desire. It's a simple thing that will keep you putting fish in the yak when you'd otherwise be just getting exercise paddling over the fish.
5. Don't troll two floating crankbaits at the same time
Probably the most frustrating thing that happens when long line trolling crankbaits is you often get lines tangled when you stop to reel in a fish. For me there was absolutely nothing more frustrating then reeling in a fish only to have it spin my yak into my second line causing me to get the lines tangle up. As a result I have stopped trolling two deep cranks at once. Now I always run a deep crank on one rod with a live bait rig such as a bottom bouncer and harness or a three way rig with leech or minnow dropped directly below me in order to avoid line tangles due to excess line out.
6. Use lead tape to cause crankbaits to ascend slower or suspend
The last thing I found when trolling with deep cranks is that I stopped paddling the crankbaits floated to the surface eliminating the possibility of additional bites. To keep you crankbaits in the strike zone longer after you stop add a little lead tape to the bottom my cranks. The lead tape will get my cranks closer to neutral buoyancy so they won't float up so fast or just suspend when you stop paddling. At least on two occasions this helped me land a fish that probably wouldn't have been willing to bite otherwise.
Hopefully these simple kayak trolling tips will help you put more fish in the boat. While they may seem simple they are pivotal pieces of the puzzle that is fishing. Tight lines and make sure you take a kid fishing the next time you go.
To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here! Cheboygan River: Continues to produce steelhead on real or artificial spawn bags. Some were also casting small spoons or crank baits.
Alpena: Pier anglers casting body baits caught a couple walleye. A few whitefish were speared in the bay.
For a list of Alpena County bait and tackle shops: Click Here!
Thunder Bay River: Those targeting trout and salmon up near the 9th Street Dam had increasing catches of Atlantic salmon along with a couple Chinook. Coho, steelhead and lake-run brown trout. The Atlantic salmon are currently spawning. Fish were taken on spoons and crank baits as well as by those stripping streamers, bottom bouncing or floating spawn bags and flies. A couple walleye were taken by those casting crank baits. A few yellow perch were caught by those still-fishing with minnows and wax worms.
Oscoda:Pier anglers caught walleye when casting body baits and jigs.
Au Sable River: Good numbers of Atlantic salmon are being observed and the bite picked up a bit for those using streamer flies, egg patterns, casting spoons or spinners, and bottom bouncing or floating spawn bags and beads. Most of the Atlantics are actively spawning. These fish have been picky and change day to day, so anglers should be willing to change their rig or move to find fish willing to bite. A couple steelhead were taken on spawn bags and beads. Most were small, but a few larger fish were caught. Those casting spoons or spinners caught a couple pike or the odd Chinook that was extremely dark and decaying. Walleye were caught down near the mouth when casting jigs.
Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Northeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.
To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here! Traverse City: Those fishing in the West Bay were still getting some perch however catch rates were still hit-or-miss. Those lucky enough to find a school of fish caught some up to 14 inches or more with emerald shiners or wigglers.
For more public lakes to fish in Grand Traverse County:Click Here!
Platte River: Anglers were still getting a few coho when casting small spoons, spinners or crank baits.
Frankfort: Pier and shore anglers were getting some steelhead and the odd coho with spawn on the bottom or when casting small spoons.
Manistee:When they can get out, pier anglers caught steelhead and whitefish.
Manistee River: Boat anglers drifting along the lower river caught a few fish in the deeper holes. Those fishing up near Tippy Dam have caught steelhead on spawn, flies and beads.
Ludington: Pier and shore anglers continue to catch some steelhead along with the occasional coho on real and artificial spawn bags. Those surf-casting used spawn bags on the bottom or were casing small spoons and crank baits.
Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:
Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Northeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.
Overall: Steelhead are still moving into the rivers however the waters were running high and turbid because of the recent rains. Inland lakes are producing bluegills and perch.
St. Joseph River: Look for steelhead at the Berrien Springs Dam. Water temperature was near 48 degrees. Fish have been reported all the way up to Niles and Buchanan as well however upstream movement of fish will drop as the water cools.
Kalamazoo River: Had reports of steelhead up near the Allegan Dam.
Black River: Shore anglers drifting or using spawn on the bottom caught steelhead.
Grand Haven:Had no boat or pier anglers due to the windy and rough conditions.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: The water level was up but still fishable. Steelhead are being caught up near the dam. Anglers are using a variety including spawn, plugs, thunder sticks, spinners, small spoons or a jig and wax worm.
Murray Lake: In Kent County was producing bluegills in 20 to 24 feet. Anglers were using perch rigs with wigglers, red worms and wax worms.
Muskegon River: Is producing some nice steelhead especially in the lower river. Catch rates were still spotty but a few more fish were caught after the last rain. Anglers are casting flies, spoons, beads and crank baits. Look for walleye and perch on both Croton and Hardy Ponds.
For a more accurate report on the Muskegon Lake & the Muskegon River I suggest reaching out to the people at Snug Harbor Outfitters. Phone: (231-719-0759)
For more bait shops in the southwest lower peninsula follow the links below:
Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southwest Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.
To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here! Lake Erie: Boat anglers were getting some walleye in Brest Bay when they can get out. Fish were caught in shallower waters when jigging with minnows or plastics. A few shore anglers were targeting fish off the Metro Park. Yellow perch are moving up into the river.
If you're planning on fishing any of the canals near Lake Erie Metro Park or Point Mouillee State Game Area you can get all of your bait & tackle needs met at Bottom Line Bait & Tackle.
If you're planning on fishing out of Sterling State Park or the Brest Bay area you can pick up tackle from the nice people at Jeff's Bait & Tackle.
Detroit River: Walleye anglers were jigging minnows and plastics around the islands. Yellow perch are just starting to move into the cuts and canals
For more public lakes to fish in Wayne County:Click Here!
Lake St. Clair: The ramps are starting to come out however there was still at least one dock in at all the launches at this time. Water temperatures were in the upper 40’s. Muskie fishing will only get better as the water cools down. Target the areas where the rivers are flowing into the lake and where the gizzard shad concentrate. Anglers were trying to get out for yellow perch on the south end of the lake however rain and strong winds have made for tough conditions. Bluegill, pumpkinseed and crappie fishing in the canals and marinas was very good.
St. Clair River: Shore anglers casting off the wall in Port Huron caught walleye after dark. A few salmon were caught in the early morning or evening.
Saginaw Bay: Had no boat anglers due to the wind and rough conditions. No word on yellow perch in the cuts yet however anglers should start fishing for them as they will be in anytime now.
For a more accurate report on Saginaw Bay I suggest taking a look at the
weekly Saginaw Bay Fishing Report given to you by Saginawbay.com
Saginaw River: Is starting to see quite a bit of walleye activity on the lower river from the Veterans’ Bridge downstream to the mouth. A good number of boats were out along with a fair number of shore anglers. DNR staff have reported a fair number of tag returns which suggests the walleyes are there.
Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:
Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.
To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here!
Harbor Springs: Only one boat had been out recently, and they caught some perch at Harbor Point and on towards Wequetonsing. The dock was still in however not for much longer.
Petoskey: The dock at the marina has been pulled out. Boat fishing here appears to be done as no anglers were out.
Bear River:Water levels were normal. Angler pressure was low at the dam with the major salmon run tapering off. Anglers could still find a few lake trout or a couple coho. Most were drifting real or artificial spawn and flies up near the dam. The mouth had the most fishing pressure and anglers caught Chinook, coho, lake trout and one small steelhead on spawn, spinners, spoons and crank baits.
Traverse City: Cisco were caught along the peninsula and around Deepwater Point in the East Bay by those jigging and trolling. Anglers were looking for perch, but none were caught. Bass were caught along the peninsula and the southeast corner. IIn the Elk River, lake trout and a couple Chinook were caught at the dam on spawn bags. A couple small steelhead were also reported. Perch fishing in the West Bay was hit-or-miss in Bowers Harbor, north of Power Island near the buoys, in Suttons Bay and off Northport. The Boardman River has been slow with only a couple Chinook and steelhead reported at the dam. No sign of lake trout yet.
For more public lakes to fish in Grand Traverse County:Click Here!
Glen Arbor: The boat launch and docks were still in however there is a lot of debris in the way that would have to be removed before boats could launch.
Frankfort: The fish cleaning station has closed for the season. Pier and shore anglers caught steelhead with spawn on the bottom. A couple master angler steelhead have been verified so there are some good size fish moving in. Those casting spoons caught a couple late run coho.
Arcadia: The dock was still in and the launch was open but most likely not for long.
Portage Lake: Perch anglers are still reporting a fair bite. Some good size fish were caught on the west side of the lake near the buoy. Wax worms, wigglers and minnows worked best in 12 to 18 feet.
Manistee:Steelhead and whitefish are still being caught off the pier with spawn bags on the bottom.
Manistee River: Boat anglers on the lower river have caught a few fish. There is still a small number of salmon present however they are actively spawning and will be gone soon. Steelhead fishing was tough as the water is low and clear.
Ludington: Steelhead are still being caught off the pier with spawn bags on the bottom. Coho are still down at the park. Catch rates were low but anglers were getting a few with artificial lures.
Pere Marquette River: Was low and clear which made steelhead fishing more difficult.
Pentwater: Had slow fishing however pier anglers caught the occasional coho or steelhead on spawn in the early morning.
Pentwater Lake:Perch fishing was good in 20 to 35 feet with dropper-rigs tipped with minnows or small jigs tipped with wigglers and wax worms.
Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:
Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Northeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.
