Click in the map above to find your weekly fishing report by region.
Anglers are reminded that on Sunday April 1st, all anglers 17 years of age and older will be required to have a new 2018 Michigan fishing license. Be sure to look at a copy of the 2018 Michigan Fishing Guide for new regulations that go into effect on April 1st.
Huron River Report From our friends at Bottom Line Bait & Tackle: Steelhead ranging from 4lbs to 7lbs are being caught at the dam in Huroc park and along the river south of Huroc Park. Steelhead are being taken on spawn baggs below bobbers, Hot-N-Tots through holes, jigs tipped with wax worms and even a few are biting little cleos and inline spinners.
Not only are steelhead biting throughout the river but a few smallmouth are being taken in the deeper holes and during the warmer hours of the day, but the bite window is small. As well the suckers are pushing into the Huron river in good numbers with anglers taken suckers on crawlers and sponge baits.
Lake Erie: Was producing limit catches of walleye in Brest Bay, off Luna Pier and near the Banana Dike.
Not only are steelhead biting throughout the river but a few smallmouth are being taken in the deeper holes and during the warmer hours of the day, but the bite window is small. As well the suckers are pushing into the Huron river in good numbers with anglers taken suckers on crawlers and sponge baits.
Lake Erie: Was producing limit catches of walleye in Brest Bay, off Luna Pier and near the Banana Dike.
Report From our friends at Jeffs Bait & Tackle: Most are trolling the coast line of the fermi power plant in 15 to 20 fow about 1 to 1.5mph. Looking for the mudlines and trolling just inside the mudd. They are also just outside of the sterling state park in 15 to 20 feet of water. The colors in the muddy
waters are black and dark purple bandits. About 30 to 60 ft back. Bright colors in the cleaner water. White, orange and perch color bandits. Jigging hair jigs and blade baits are producing walleye as well, just stick to the mudlines for success until the waters clear up.
Jeff's Bait & Tackle
1756 N. Dixie Hwy
Monroe, Mi. 48162
(734) 289-4901
Lake Erie Report From our friends at Bottom Line Bait & Tackle: The boat docs in Lake Erie MetroPark is producing good numbers of perch, crappie, and bluegill right now. With perch and crappie being taken on minnows and bluegill being taken on wax worms and crawlers. The same being true for the canals in Gibraltar as well, perch are being caught on minnows. Pretty much in any of the canals that flow off of Lake Erie are producing perch at the moment, just load up on small to medium sized minnows and go.
Lake Erie Report From our friends at Bottom Line Bait & Tackle: The boat docs in Lake Erie MetroPark is producing good numbers of perch, crappie, and bluegill right now. With perch and crappie being taken on minnows and bluegill being taken on wax worms and crawlers. The same being true for the canals in Gibraltar as well, perch are being caught on minnows. Pretty much in any of the canals that flow off of Lake Erie are producing perch at the moment, just load up on small to medium sized minnows and go.
- 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: A few walleye were caught in the Trenton Channel and near Wyandotte. Jigs and minnows were the ticket. Anglers were picking up some decent catches of perch in the canals in Gibraltar, the Ford Yacht Club, on Grosse Ile and other protected waters in the lower river.
Detroit River Report from Rich at Andy's Tackle Box: With the east wind that has been blowing the bite has slowed quite a bit as the east wind has muddied the river a bit. A few walleye are still being caught however with water temps around 35 and 36 degrees fish are being caught caught in 15 to 20 feet of water. Anglers are catching fish using deep diving minnow baits like Reef Runners and Smithwicks that dive between 10ft and 20ft.
Detroit River Report from Rich at Andy's Tackle Box: With the east wind that has been blowing the bite has slowed quite a bit as the east wind has muddied the river a bit. A few walleye are still being caught however with water temps around 35 and 36 degrees fish are being caught caught in 15 to 20 feet of water. Anglers are catching fish using deep diving minnow baits like Reef Runners and Smithwicks that dive between 10ft and 20ft.
17485 Dix-Toledo Rd.
Melvindale, Mi. 48122
Phone: 313-388-3474
Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sat. 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sun. Closed
Detroit River Report from our friends at Bottom Line Bait & Tackle: The lower end of the Trenton Channel is picking up for walleye. Anglers are catching walleye mostly by jigging either by jig and minnow or jig and soft plastic. Jigs tipped with fin-s fish and wyandotte worms are performing the best right now. In fact a 9 lb walleye was brought in through the humbug marsh launch earlier this week with reports of much larger fish being caught.
Bottom Line Bait & Tackle
32660 W. Jefferson Ave
Rockwood, Mi. 48173
Detroit River Report from our friends at Bottom Line Bait & Tackle: The lower end of the Trenton Channel is picking up for walleye. Anglers are catching walleye mostly by jigging either by jig and minnow or jig and soft plastic. Jigs tipped with fin-s fish and wyandotte worms are performing the best right now. In fact a 9 lb walleye was brought in through the humbug marsh launch earlier this week with reports of much larger fish being caught.Bottom Line Bait & Tackle
32660 W. Jefferson Ave
Rockwood, Mi. 48173
Phone: 734-379-9762
Lake St. Clair: Wind and rain kept boat anglers off the lake early this week but a few decent reports of panfish and perch have come from shore anglers. Those fishing the canals were using minnows or a tear drop with a wax worms under a bobber for panfish. More suckers were starting to be caught further up the Clinton River.
- For a more accurate report on Lake St. Clair I suggest reaching out to the people at Sportsmen's Direct as their weekly LSC fishing report is usually far more in depth. Phone: (586-741-6052)
St. Clair River: Before the ice came down, some anglers were able to find walleye as well as the occasional steelhead and salmon. The remaining ice from southern Lake Huron broke free on Monday and is now making its way down stream. This is making it difficult for anglers to access the river. Ice conditions can change dramatically throughout the day depending on wind direction.
Saginaw Bay: Perch were still not in the cuts and river mouths yet. Boat fishing for walleye has been difficult because of windy conditions. There has been very little fishing activity from Pinconning to the mouth of the Saginaw River. A couple walleye were caught out near Spoils Island but nothing much over 15 inches. Moving east, a few nice perch were caught on a tiny tube jig in the open water at Finn Road. Not much to report on the Quanicassee River or at the Thomas Cut and Allen Cut except for a few small perch taken. Bluegills, crappie and small perch were caught in Sunset Bay Marina. The Sebewaing River and marina along with Mud Creek were slow as those trying for perch did not have much luck. The Caseville Marina was slow but pier anglers were taking a few lake trout on minnows or when casting hardware. Rain this week should help bring water levels and water temperatures up in the rivers and that should get the perch and sucker fishing going.
- 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
- Nearby Bait Shops Include:Franks Great Outdoors (989) 697-5341GW's Fishing Lures (989) 684-6431The Party Dock (989) 684-2150West Marine (898) 667-2100Michigan Sportsman Bait & Tackle (989) 893-6550Live Bait (989) 992-7770
Saginaw River: Perch fishing in the lower river was pretty good with most boats in 30 feet along the shipping channel from the mouth upstream to the Bay Aggregate cut and also in front of Bay Harbor Marina. Crappie were caught in the tributaries.
Saginaw River Report From our friends at Live Bait, Bait & Tackle Shop: People are getting plenty of perch on the river with anglers catching fish on live minnows. As well anglers are catching crappie in the tributaries with decent quantities coming out of Indian Town on jigs and minnows.
With the warming trend I'd suggest reaching out to the local bait shops in southeast Michigan to verify what your best options are. Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:
With the warming trend I'd suggest reaching out to the local bait shops in southeast Michigan to verify what your best options are. Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:
- Wayne County Click Here!
- Washtenaw County Click Here!
- Bay County Click Here!
- Monroe County Click Here!
- Livingston County Click Here!
- Ingham County Click Here!
- Genesee County Click Here!
Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
New Buffalo: Coho fishing was good for those trolling along the beach.
Dowagiac River: Anglers are catching steelhead at the Pucker Street Dam.
St. Joseph: Coho, brown trout and the occasional steelhead were caught by pier anglers and by those trolling along the beach.
St. Joseph River: Has a good number of steelhead and fish are moving onto the gravel for spawning. Spawn bags, skein and plugs have all worked especially up near the Berrien Springs Dam. Some limit catches were reported.
South Haven: Boat anglers were taking limit catches of coho. Pier anglers caught coho and steelhead.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers were still getting a few perch south of the piers. Steelhead were caught by pier anglers.
Grand River at Grand Rapids Report from our friends at Al & Bobs Bait Shop: Lots steelhead being caught downtown at the 6th st. Dam. Some walleye are still being caught but the season is closed, catch and release only! Some suckers have started to move into the river as well. Steelhead have been hitting on multiple color beads or spawn bags. Bottom bouncing or float fishing have both been effective methods.
- For a more accurate report on the Grand River at Grand Rapids I suggest reaching out to the people at Al & Bob's Sports. Phone: (616-281-0777)
Grand River at Lansing Report From our friends at Grand River Bait & Tackle: A few steelhead are being caught here and there however nothing really to write home about. Smallmouth on the other hand are being caught on twister tails and small carnkbaits. The smallmouth bait usually takes place during the warmer hours of the day and only for a short window.
Muskegon: Pier anglers targeting steelhead are getting some fish.
Muskegon Lake: Perch fishing was good with boat anglers taking fish in front of the Sand Docks in 40 to 50 feet or in deeper water out from the Milwaukee Clipper.
Muskegon River: Boat and shore anglers are getting some steelhead but the action was still on the slow side with water temperatures in the mid 30's. A couple anglers tried fishing at the Reedsburg Dam but no fish were caught.
- 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: Steelhead fishing picked up with fresh fish moving in.
Steelhead fishing was slow on some of the local rivers. Anglers were still ice fishing on some lakes, but extreme caution needs to used, as ice conditions are questionable.
Cheboygan River: Those using spawn at the dam were taking steelhead.
Pigeon River: Anglers were starting to fish for steelhead but most caught brown trout that had to be released.
Black Lake: There is still ice on the lake however how much and what conditions are is unknown. There is open water near the mouth of the Black River.
Alpena: Thunder Bay has open water.
Thunder Bay River: Is open water and conditions are right for steelhead fishing. The marina is still frozen but the Fletcher Street ramp is open. Not a lot of runoff yet so the river is still pretty fishable. The dam will likely be opened with the first real warm weather we get and that could make fishing more difficult. Up until freeze up last fall, Atlantic salmon were being caught regularly in the old 'turning basin' in the river and it is likely they are still there. Try casting from the walkway along LaMarre Park in Alpena.
Higgins Lake: Still had some ice but getting on the lake has been a problem that continues to get worse with open water along the west shore, off Big Creek and near the natural springs on the north end. Fishing here is pretty much done for now.
Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops:
Higgins Lake Sport & Tackle: (989) 821-9517
Sports Barn: (989) 821-9511
Houghton Lake: Pretty much all the ice is gone now but no boats have been out. Anglers are now waiting for spring fishing to get started.
Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops:
Rifle River: The suckers are coming in very good at this point with decent numbers being taken on crawlers and sponge baits.
Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops:
Lymans On the Lake Resort: (989) 422-3231
H&H Fireworks, Guns & Sporting Goods: (989) 366-0126
Rifle River: The suckers are coming in very good at this point with decent numbers being taken on crawlers and sponge baits.
Tawas: On the pier at the state harbor, those fishing outside the pier caught some Atlantic salmon, lake trout and a couple brown trout or walleye when still-fishing with minnows or casting crank baits. The marina basin is full of minnows so perch fishing was hit-or-miss. Boats launching at the mouth of the Tawas River and fishing down near Alabaster were taking some nice lake trout when trolling or jigging. The sucker run in the Rifle River at Omer was stalled but the warm rain this week should help.
Tawas River: Those drifting crawlers and spawn sacks were getting some steelhead.
Au Sable Report From our friends at the Au Sable River Store: There are few steelhead moving into to the lower Au Sable river despite the windy conditions hurting things. Fishing has been spotty with steelhead being caught in the deeper holes and at Foote Dam. For steelhead we recommend fishing with spawn or waxworms.
680 River Rd.
Oscoda Twp. Mi 48750
Au Gres River: Steelhead anglers fishing at the Singing Bridge did well when drifting spawn sacks in the lower river. Surf fishing was nearly impossible due to the strong east winds.
Steelhead fishing was slow on some of the local rivers as water levels were still low and cold. Anglers were still ice fishing on some lakes, but extreme caution needs to used, as ice conditions are questionable.
Lake Charlevoix: Still had ice. Perch fishing was just okay in the South Arm during the morning hours.
Betsie River: Angling activity continues to increase with steelhead being caught. Some brown trout were also caught and released as the season is closed.
Manistee: Pier and boat anglers have caught coho and brown trout. Steelhead were caught by pier anglers.
Big Manistee River: Fishing picked up over the last week as a good number of fresh fish were moving in Up near Tippy Dan, anglers reported a decent bite that was best in the morning. Those on the north bank did well floating spawn while those on the south bank had luck with beads and flies.
Ludington: Pier and boat anglers have been picking up a few brown trout.
Pere Marquette Lake: Was producing a good number of yellow perch for boat anglers.
Pere Marquette River: Steelhead fishing is picking up with fresh fish moving in.
Pentwater River: Has steelhead.
Don's Sporting Goods: (231) 723-5028
Tangled Tackle Co.: (231) 887-4242
Pappy's Bait & Tackle: (231) 848-4142
Andy's Tackle Box: (231) 477-5737
Lake Gogebic: Perch fishing started to pick up on the north end.
Keweenaw Bay: Fishing continues to be slow for lake trout, splake, and salmon. Smelt are still biting all day and night off Sand Point and out from the Baraga Marina. Splake and coho were seen off the Falls River but they did not want to bite.
Menominee County: Perch fishing was good on Hayward Lake. Lake Mary and Lake Ann have been slow; with little to no luck on bluegills. Shakey Lake was slow.
Little Bay De Noc: The cold nights have helped the ice some but the edges are getting rough in areas. The only anglers south of Gladstone were a few whitefish anglers off Sand Point that reported fair catches when jigging minnows or spawn along the drop-off. Angler participation has dropped and those out were primarily perch fishing off Kipling in 24 to 40 feet along the Second and Third Reefs with minnows or wigglers. Some were still getting the occasional jumbo perch. Those that still have ice shanties out are reminded that they need to be off the ice by midnight of March 31st.
- A good source of up to date Little Bay De Noc Fishing reports is to follow the this page on facebook: Little Bay De Noc Fishing Reports
Marquette: Coho fishing was slow at the bubblers with most anglers only getting one or two fish per trip. Those dragging boats across the ice need to use extreme caution. Water levels were still extremely low in both the Carp and Chocolay Rivers. Very few fish other than a couple brown trout have been caught.
Au Train: Coho fishing through the ice was hit-or-miss at the Au Train River mouth. On the good days, anglers were getting limit catches but on the slow days they were lucky to get a couple fish. A few coho and whitefish were caught through the ice at the mouth of the Rock River.
Munising: Still had ice and it should hang around for a few more weeks. Anglers continue to report good catches of smelt especially in the afternoon when the schools of fish were more active. Night anglers for burbot have done very well throughout however the best areas were off Trout Bay and Sand Point. Coho fishing was slightly better with one or two fish caught in the morning. Weekend fishing pressure was very high with nearly 100 anglers and the increased noise factor with sleds coming and going may have slowed the bite. In general, there is a lot of food in the bay with an abundance of smelt. The splake and whitefish action was poor with only a few fish caught.
Two Hearted River: Access to the river would be by snowmobile only as there are no open roads in that area right now. Anglers interested in steelhead fishing would need to access by snowmobile as heavy snowpack still exists in the area.
Cedarville and Hessel: Perch fishing slowed around the Les Cheneaux Islands. Many of those caught were undersize but some did manage to catch the occasional 8 to 14 inch fish with minnows, wigglers, spikes, and small lures. Some have caught splake up to 8 pounds with minnows. The ice was holding but some bays now have open water. Anglers still need to use caution especially near the points and areas with a strong current.
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