5/31/2018 Northeast Lower Peninsula Michigan Fishing Report

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA FISHING REPORT

Cheboygan: Anglers were getting limits of lake trout off Cordwood Point when trolling spoons and spin-glo's in 45 to 80 feet. The fish averaged 5 to 9 pounds and were full of gobies.

Cheboygan River: Anglers were getting limits of walleye when drifting worms and leeches between the walkover bridge and the drawbridge. Anglers were also casting crank baits at the dam. Smallmouth bass and pike were caught on worms and crank baits. Largemouth bass, rock bass, catfish, bowfin and suckers were caught when drifting worms. Some were still targeting steelhead with spawn, beads and spinners up near the dam.

Ocqueoc River: A few suckers along with large and smallmouth bass were caught on worms. Some steelhead were seen but none were caught.

Rogers City: A large midge hatch was underway with swarms on the lake and on shore. Fishing picked up with lake trout suspended or on the bottom in 45 to 70 feet and hitting dodgers and cowbells with spin-glo's or spoons fished around structure with rocks. The fish are eating gobies and the gobies like the rocks. Hot colors were green, blue, orange and chartreuse. Chinook salmon have been caught. Try the top half of waters 60 to 90 feet deep with bright colored spoons. Atlantic salmon should start showing up soon.

Alpena: Those trolling are taking lake trout along with the occasional Chinook, Atlantic and

steelhead throughout the water column in 50 to 80 feet. The lake trout are hitting on flashers with flies or spin-glo's and dodgers with spin-glo's. The salmon and steelhead were hitting on spoons up high in the top 40 feet. Hot colors were green, orange, blue, chartreuse and other bright colors. Try straight out of the harbor or around Thunder Bay Island and the Nine Mile Can. Walleye anglers are trolling straight out from the city beach and marina to Grass Island inside 30 feet with body baits in the early morning or at night.

• For more Alpena County Lakes: Click Here!
• For a list of Alpena County bait and tackle shops: Click Here!

Thunder Bay River: The steelhead run is over but a few were still in the river. Anglers are casting body baits or drifting flies and beads. Atlantic salmon were feeding on eggs and minnows. Rock bass along with large and smallmouth bass were caught on both live and artificial baits. There is still a few walleye in the river. Boat anglers were trolling body baits in the lower river from the turn basin to the mouth or jigging with leeches and minnows. Early morning was best.

Harrisville: Those trolling between Harrisville and Sturgeon Point picked up good numbers of lake trout along with a couple steelhead, pink salmon, and Chinook salmon. Fish were feeding on smelt and gobies and were caught anywhere from 5 feet off the bottom to 10 feet from the surface in 60 to 80 feet with spoons and flies with dodgers.

Oscoda: Anglers trolling between Oscoda and Greenbush have found lake trout, pink salmon and even a couple Chinook when trolling spoons in 60 to 85 feet. Some lake trout were as shallow as 30 feet. Most fish were found throughout the water column and were full of smelt so if you find the smelt, you have a good chance of catching fish. Orange, chartreuse, blue and chrome spoons were effective. Pier anglers found walleye when casting jigs and body baits or floating crawlers. A few Atlantics were caught around the piers when casting a small twister tail jig or still-fishing with inflated crawlers. Channel cats and carp were caught when still-fishing with leeches and crawlers after dark. Freshwater drum and a couple smallmouth bass were caught on jigs, body baits and crawlers.

Au Sable River: Water temperatures were in the mid to upper 60's. Steelhead catches are winding down but anglers are still getting a few when drifting flies, mostly between Foote Dam and the High Banks Overlook. Walleye were caught when drifting crawlers and leeches or when floating them from shore. Most walleye were caught in the deeper holes down near the mouth. Carp, suckers, rock bass, and freshwater drum were caught when floating crawlers.

Higgins Lake: Lake trout have been caught in 80 to 100 feet when trolling or when jigging cast masters or Swedish pimples just off the bottom in the early morning. The smallmouth bass action was good in 10 to 20 feet and rock bass are being caught everywhere. Perch anglers are trying but catch rates were spotty.

Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops: 

Higgins Lake Sport & Tackle: (989) 821-9517 

Sports Barn: (989) 821-9511

Houghton Lake: Walleye were still being caught early morning and late evening. Try crawlers or leeches on a harness or spinners. The bluegill bite picked up with the warmer weather. Some nice sunfish have also been caught. Crappie slowed so anglers will have to fish deep as they do not like the hot weather.

Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops:

Lymans On the Lake Resort: (989) 422-3231

H&H Fireworks, Guns & Sporting Goods: (989) 366-0126

Tawas: Boats are fishing in Tawas Bay near Buoys 4-6 or going to Alabaster and fishing 20 to 30 feet for walleye. There were rumors of Chinooks salmon caught in 30 to 40 feet off the point. Pier fishing was slow with a few smallmouth bass, pike or walleye taken at night.

Au Gres: Limits of walleye were taken straight out in 25 to 35 feet, towards the Steeples, Charity Islands and the humps south of Point Au Gres. Smallmouth bass were caught on tube baits in the shallows.

5/31/2018 Southeast Michigan Fishing Report

The extremely warm weather helped improve fishing conditions especially on the inland lakes. More anglers were out however catch rates were best in the early morning or evening when the heavy boat traffic slowed. Bluegills are on or just moving off the beds. The crappie action slowed as hot weather pushed the fish to deeper water. Bass were caught along the shoreline and around structure. Pike and carp could be seen in the shallows.

Lake Erie: A lot of boats were bringing in limits of walleye. Out of Bolles Harbor, walleye were caught while trolling chartreuse, copper, and fire-tiger crawler harnesses in 22 to 24 feet at 50 feet back, silver and blue Bandits 40 feet back and between Bolles and the River Raisin with a redhead reef runner 12 feet down in 20 to 22 feet. Around Buoys 1 and 2 off the River Raisin, walleye were caught in 23 feet with a red and purple crawler harness and bottom bouncers 30 feet back, around the Dumping Grounds with a purple and chartreuse harness in 22 feet and around the E-Buoy when drifting red and while Erie Dearies in 22 feet. In Brest Bay, fish were caught on a crawler harness and bottom bouncer in 20 to 25 feet and 70 feet back or with planer boards 18 to 25 feet back. Fish were also taken on fire-tiger crank baits higher in the water column. Yellow perch were caught in 25 feet near Fermi when jigging minnows. Crappie were caught around Toledo Beach in 5 to 11 feet when casting jigs. Largemouth bass were caught around the Lost Peninsula Marina in 3 to 5 feet when casting. Carp are spawning up in the shallows so those bowfishing did well around the launch at Sterling and in Maumee Bay. Largemouth were also caught while casting black and white tube baits around Bolles Harbor in waters up to 10 feet deep.

• f you're planning on fishing out of Sterling State Park or the Brest Bay area you can pick up fishing license, large and small minnows or just about any other fishing needs at Jeff's Bait & Tackle.

• If you're planning on fishing any of the canals near Lake Erie Metro Park or Point Mouillee State Game Area or if you're going to be fishing the southern half of the Detroit River you can get all of your bait & tackle needs met at  Bottom Line Bait & Tackle.

Detroit River: Had a few anglers jigging for walleye at the mouth as most of the fish have dropped down into the lake. Some white bass were still being caught.

• For a list of more public lakes in Wayne county please click here!
  

Nearby Bait Shops Include: 

Andy's Tacle Box (313) 388-3474

Big Moes Bait Shop  (313) 259-1176

Dip Net Live Bait & Tackle (313) 388-5811

Moe's Bait Shop  (313) 824-5222

Motor City Bait & Tackle (313) 551-0201

Lake St. Clair: Had decent smallmouth bass fishing but anglers had to search for them as the fish seemed to be schooled together in dense areas. Muscamoot Bay and off the Mile Roads were the better spots. Walleye anglers had luck in 6 to 8 feet in the early morning when trolling a crawler harness or casting crank baits in Anchor Bay and off Metro Beach. Those fishing in the afternoon did best near the St. Clair Light. Anglers caught good numbers of white bass and rock bass and there are plenty of pike especially around the weed beds and marsh areas off Fairhaven.

• 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)

Harbor Beach: Some nice lake trout were still being caught straight out and north of the harbor. Fish were caught in the bottom 50 of 80 to 100 feet with dodgers and spin-glo's or

10 colors of lead line and offshore boards with spoons. Best colors were silver with colored dots or a yellow, green and white combo with a red head. A couple salmon and steelhead were caught north of the harbor in 50 to 90 feet with spoons off downriggers. Use bright colored spoons such as silver, blue and green. A few walleye were taken on small spoons closer to shore. Bass were caught when casting or trolling close to shore with spoons and body baits.

Saginaw Bay: Walleye were still being caught including limit catches straight out from Eagle Bay Marina in 8 to 15 feet, off the Pinconning and Saganning Bars. Lots of limit catches from the B Buoy, Spark Plug, off Kawkawlin in 7 to 9 feet, Quanicassee and the Dumping Grounds. Try crawlers and crank baits. Purple, pink, and chartreuse were hot colors. Bass are hitting on spinners and topwater plugs.

• 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) 697-5341

GW's Fishing Lures (989) 684-6431

The Party Dock (989) 684-2150

West Marine (898) 667-2100

Michigan Sportsman Bait & Tackle (989) 893-6550

Live Bait (989) 992-7770

Tittabawassee River: Had good smallmouth action but the rain caused the water to rise and turn muddy.

With warm weather beginning to be come normal across the state there are ample opportunities to get out and fish.  With that in mind I 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 orgnized 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!

Product Review: Okuma Voyager Spinning Travel Kit

Company Description:  The Okuma Voyager Spinning Travel Kit is the perfect companion when traveling to new fishing destinations. This combo easily fits behind the seat of a car or truck and will also fit in the overhead compartments on airplanes. The Okuma Voyager Spinning Travel Kit, model VS-605-20, features a 5-piece, 6' 0" medium-light rod and matching reel size 20 spinning reel rated for 4 to 8 pound test line. The graphite rod breaks down into 16" sections and features a quality cork handle for comfort and aluminum oxide guides. The lure weight recommendations are 1/16-3/8 oz. The reel features aluminum and graphite construction, a front disc drag and a single ball bearing drive. Also included is a soft-sided padded travel case which features interior compartments for the rod, reel and included tackle box and includes a handle and adjustable shoulder strap. This combo is great for panfish, bass and trout.

• Convenient nylon travel bag
• Shock-resistant foam insert
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Stainless steel hooded reel seat
• Machined aluminum, anodized spinning spool

Specs: Fishing Rod
Length: 6.0'
Weight: 5.0 oz.
Pieces: 5 16inch pieces
Power: Medium / Light
Action: Moderate Action

Specs: Fishing Reel
Size: 20
Weight: 8.9 oz.
Line Capacity: LBS/YDS 4/155, 6/110, 8/80
Ball bearings: 1 BB
Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
Max Drag:
Lure Weight: 1/16 to 3/8 oz.

Review:  First, let me say what led me to purchase the Okuma travel rod and reel kit is the fact that the majority of the comments on Amazon were extremely positive.  However when I purchased the Voyager Spinning Travel Kit I didn't have very high expectations based on what I've seen in the past with other travel rods. However the Voyager travel kit turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The rod which is a medium to medium/light power moderate action rod has performed amazingly over the last couple of months. It has held up against everything from tiny creek chubs to big spotted gar that don't like to give up without a fight.  In fact I'm sure it can hold up to fish that are much larger than the ones I've caught with it thus far.

It's moderate action helps in making the voyager rod a good choice for throwing crankbaits, bucktail jigs or jigs with twister tail grubs. It is also a great rod for bottom fishing with live bait. Overall the rod is very versatile and can be used in multiple ways.

I'm very pleased with the fact that it breaks down to only 18 inches, which makes it a perfect stowaway when I'm at work or traveling. The case it comes in is convenient and the foam cutouts will definitely keep the rod and reel safe under most circumstances.  However the foam is soft and will not protect the rod very will from anything heavy that has been placed or dropped on top of it.  So beware of this fact.  I personally plan on cutting some more dense inserts to replace the one that came with the kit in order to add to the cases protective ability.

The reel that comes with the kit is a size 20 reel made more for an light power fishing rod rather than this medium power rod. As a result it's not capable of holding a sufficient amount of heavier line in case you're planning on using lines ranging from 8 lbs to 12 lbs.

Despite the fact that the reel a size smaller than the rod can actually handle, it is a very smooth reel with a smooth drag that is not choppy.  Despite this being an inexpensive reel designed for use with low pound test line it is very stout and well made.  However if you're gonna be using the voyager rod and reel for multi-species fishing or largemouth bass make sure you have the drag set to compensate for the smaller reel and lower pound test lines.

In all honesty I have every intention of replacing the voyager reel with that has a larger spool and using braided line paired with a flourocarbon leader in the near future.  However I want to see how much this reel can take for a more accurate review in the near future.

Overall the Okuma Voyager spinning travel kit is a great choice for anyone looking to have a rod and reel combo that is always ready to go.  It breaks down small enough to stow practically anywhere, is of high quality and even comes with a small tackle box to hold the bare necessities for a lunchtime fishing trip.

Pros: Inexpensive, good overall quality, compact, the rod is pretty strong

Cons: eyelets are cheaply made, the reel has a small spool made more for a light action fishing rod, plastic anti-reverse

Price: $39.99

Quick Tip: If you're gonna purchase the Voyager travel kit, spool the reel with braided line with a flourocarbon leader to get more line and casting distance.

5/31/2018 Upper Peninsula Michigan Fishing Report

UPPER PENINSULA FISHING REPORT

Lac Vieux Desert: Panfish anglers continue to see a good number of crappie, bluegills and sunfish in the shallows. The action was fast and furious using artificial or natural baits but be prepared to do some sorting. Perch anglers did decent but the fish are moving around the lake and were difficult to find at times. A few walleye were caught but success was limited when jigging soft plastics and minnows in deeper water. The largemouth bass were starting to move onto the beds and were caught when targeting panfish. Muskie fishing pressure was low and not many fish were caught.

Little Bay De Noc: Still had fair to good walleye catches. Best areas were the mouth of the Whitefish River when trolling a crawler harness or stick baits in 12 to 32 feet, and the mouth of the Escanaba River using the same along the weed lines. Fish were caught throughout the bay as well. The smallmouth opener was off to a good start. Most were fishing in and around the Ford River. Most were casting spinners, crank baits or plastics along the shoreline and rocky areas. Good catches were reported in Gladstone Bay in the shallows, along Garth Point and into the Whitefish River. Several nice catches of perch were taken off Gladstone Beach when using minnows or crawlers in 33 feet. Lots of pike were reported throughout the bay.

• 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

Big Bay De Noc: Walleye catches were down some but still good overall out from the Fish Dam

River and between Kates Bay and the "Boot" when trolling a crawler harness in 18 to 26 feet or off Indian Point in 16 to 25 feet. Some limits were reported. Good smallmouth catches near Ogontz, St. Martins Island, Nahma, Garden Bay and the South River area in 4 to 12 feet with spinners, crank baits and plastics. Pike were abundant throughout all areas.

Munising: Boat anglers targeting lake trout reported slow action with only a few caught which could be because of the large number of smelt in the area. Those targeting salmon and steelhead reported slow catches with only a few coho taken along with the occasional brown trout. A few younger Chinook salmon were caught. Shore and pier anglers report spotty catch rates for splake and most were undersize. Those trolling need to watch for the marked buoys which indicate commercial nets in the area.

Grand Marais: Boat anglers targeting coho and steelhead reported slow catch rates east of the breakwall in 20 feet or less. A few brown trout were caught. Good lake trout action along the "Banks" and towards Au Sable Point. Water temperatures were in the low 40's. Those trolling need to watch for commercial nets in the area. Pier anglers did well for whitefish with a single egg. Most were getting limit catches but the average fish was only 12 to 14 inches. Suckers are slowly staging as they prepare to spawn.

Detour: Limits of lake trout along with Atlantic salmon have been caught. A few Chinook were taken at the Detour Reef. All salmon and trout were hitting up high in the water column. For the Atlantics, anglers were using watermelon and chrome colored spoons when long-lining or planer boards in 60 feet with baits set 12 to 20 feet down. Dodgers are also working well at 8 to 12 feet down in 50 to 60 feet between Fry Pan Island and the green buoy just west of the lighthouse. Salmon and trout were taken upstream of the Detour Lighthouse.

Cedarville and Hessel: Smallmouth bass fishing was excellent at the mouth and along the shoreline in Duck Bay when casting or jigging amber colored crayfish in 4 to 6 feet. Panfish anglers did well in Flower Bay with wigglers and small worms in 4 to 6 feet just off the cattails. Good catches of pike in the Moscow Channel. Fish 25 to 29 inches were hitting on red and white spoons in 6 to 8 feet. At Hessel, a few yellow perch were still being caught with small worms and minnows off the finger docks. Schools of perch were still moving in and out of the marina, you just have to be there when the fish are. Splake fishing slowed but pike were caught along the outside of the pier when still-fishing with creek chubs or when casting spoons at the end of the pier.

5/31/2018 Northwest Lower Peninsula Michigan Fishing Report

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA FISHING REPORT

The extremely warm weather helped improve fishing conditions especially on the inland lakes. More anglers were out however catch rates were best in the early morning or evening when the heavy boat traffic slowed. Bluegills are on or just moving off the beds. The crappie action slowed as hot weather pushed the fish to deeper water. Bass were caught along the shoreline and around structure. Pike and carp could be seen in the shallows.

No word on stream trout fishing but the hot weather should have brought some nice fly hatches and if so, anglers should do well.

Charlevoix: Some boats were getting limit catches of lake trout while others were not doing as well. Most of the fish were caught toward North Point and were hitting on spoons or spin-glo's with flashers halfway down in 50 to 60 feet. A few lake herring started to show up in the channel so anglers were jigging or casting anything flashy. Smallmouth bass, suckers and a few perch were also caught in the channel. There is a large midge hatch going on near the waterfront.

• For a more accurate report on Lake Charlevoix I suggest reaching out to the people at Tom's Bait & Tackle. Phone: (231-536-3521)

Traverse City: In the East Bay, lake herring were caught in 50 to 60 feet off Elk Rapids. Lake trout were caught from the marina when jigging or trolling. Lake herring were caught at various depths around Deepwater Point and north to the M-37 launch which was hit-or-miss. Lake trout fishing was good south of the launch off the point in 100 feet. Those trolling north of the launch also caught fish. Bass were caught south of Elk Rapids towards Yuba Creek and in the shallows at the south end from Acme to the State Park. Good bass fishing in the Elk River near the dam and the mouth. Leeches, crawlers and tube jigs worked best. A couple lake trout were caught in the early morning. Walleye and rock bass were also in the mix. In the West Bay, some perch were found in 30 to 40 feet in Bowers Harbor and north of Clinch Park or in deep water off Sutton's Bay. Good lake trout fishing south of Power Island towards the buoy, south of the M-22 launch and at the south end of Bryant Park. Bass were caught in Bowers Harbor.

• For a list of bait and tackle shops in the Traverse City area: Click Here!

Arcadia: Had few anglers out on Lake Michigan. Those that did go out caught a couple lake trout in front of the golf course.

Arcadia Lake: Anglers are doing very well on pike and bass. Good numbers of bass were caught between the pier heads going out to Lake Michigan. Anglers also caught a few perch and bluegill but the numbers were low.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Inland lake fishing was very good. The bass and bluegills are both spawning now as the hot weather really got things going.

Manistee: Surface temperature readings were about 52 degrees. Pier fishing is slow. The Chinook salmon are finally here and some good size fish have been caught to the south in 120 to 200 feet with spoons. Coho, lake trout, brown trout and steelhead were also caught.

Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops:

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

Ludington: Surface temperature readings were 50 degrees. Warm temperatures have brought the Chinook salmon in. Anglers were taking limit catches of big healthy fish to the south in 120 to 200 feet or when heading north to Big Sable Point. A small number of lake trout and steelhead were also taken. Most are trolling spoons. Pier fishing was slow.

Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops:

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

Pentwater: Salmon fishing from the dunes down to Little Sable Point was excellent. Boats trolling 30 to 70 feet down in 110 to 180 feet caught Chinook, coho and steelhead on spoons, flies and meat rigs. Spoon colors were orange, pink or the blue dolphin and fly colors were blue, green or white.

Pentwater Lake: Panfish anglers caught bluegills and pumpkinseed when floating red worms in 3 to 8 feet. Bass anglers caught both large and smallmouth on jigs tipped with soft plastics or body baits in 3 to 10 feet.

5/24/2018, Weekly Southeast Michigan Fishing Report

This coming Saturday is the large and smallmouth bass opener on the inland waters and the Great Lakes. The season opener on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River is not until the 3rd Saturday in June. Catch and release anglers have caught a fair to good number of bass. The late spring weather has put spawning about a week later than normal.

---

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA FISHING REPORT

Lake Erie: Walleye fishing slowed after the storms came through and stirred up the lake, which was fairly muddy. Fish were caught on a gold crawler harness in 17 feet out of Bolles Harbor, a purple crawler harness and bottom bouncer in 18 to 20 feet near the Edison plant, a blue crawler harness and bottom bouncer in 20 feet off Stony Point, fire-tiger, red and chartreuse harness in 16 to 20 feet in Brest Bay, or a green and purple harness with inline weights and bottom bouncers in 18 feet off Sterling State Park. Fish were also caught in 20 to 24 feet off Fermi when drifting red and white Erie Dearies or trolling UV colored spoons and green and purple crank baits 10 to 15 feet down. Perch were caught in Brest Bay in 15 feet on perch rigs with minnows. Channel cats were caught in 24 feet in the Hot Ponds with chicken liver or in Bolles Harbor with shrimp.

• If you're planning on fishing out of Sterling State Park or the Brest Bay area you can pick up fishing license, large and small minnows or just about any other fishing needs at Jeff's Bait & Tackle.

• If you're planning on fishing any of the canals near Lake Erie Metro Park or Point Mouillee State Game Area or if you're going to be fishing the southern half of the Detroit River you can get all of your bait & tackle needs met at  Bottom Line Bait & Tackle.

Detroit River: Had limit catches of white bass. Many were fishing in the Trenton Channel and between Wyandotte and the mouth. Walleye were caught in the shipping channel east of Grosse Isle. Most were jigging dark plastics with minnows.

• For a list of more public lakes in Wayne county please click here!
  

Nearby Bait Shops Include: 

Andy's Tacle Box (313) 388-3474

Big Moes Bait Shop  (313) 259-1176

Dip Net Live Bait & Tackle (313) 388-5811

Moe's Bait Shop  (313) 824-5222

Motor City Bait & Tackle (313) 551-0201

Lake St. Clair: Walleye anglers did very well when trolling a crawler harness or crank bait along the shoreline in 6 to 8 feet. It appears the bass have moved up into the bays or inlets between the islands where the water was warmer. There, both large and smallmouth and some pike were caught. Perch were slow but sunfish, rock bass and white bass were hitting crawlers.

• 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)

Lexington and Port Sanilac: Lake trout fishing has been phenomenal at both ports with limit catches common. The fish are in 30 to 40 feet and were hitting on spoons fished off downriggers. Pier anglers caught walleye when casting crank baits at night.

Harbor Beach: A few coho were caught straight out and north of the harbor in 30 to 40 foot with 2, 3, and 5 color lines with offshore boards or spoons 15 to 20 feet down off downriggers. The hot color was silver with multi colored dots. Lake trout were taken from top to bottom on spoons or dodgers with spin-glo's. Steelhead were caught on small bright colored spoons fished near the surface. Walleye were caught on small spoons close to shore.

Port Austin and Grindstone City: Fishing pressure was lighter at both ports but lake trout were caught in 70 to 90 feet. Surface water temperature on the outside of the Thumb was still pretty cold at 48 to 50 degrees. Pier anglers at Port Austin caught walleye when casting crank baits at night. Smallmouth bass were starting to show up in the harbors, Bird Creek and the lower Willow River.

Saginaw Bay: Had excellent walleye fishing on crawler harnesses and body baits in 4 to 7 feet off Gambil's Marina near Pinconning. Off Linwood, those trolling did well around sailboat buoys A and B. The lower part of the bay, from the Bay City State Park south to the Kawkawlin River mouth in 10 to 11 feet as well as the Saginaw River mouth and the old Dumping Grounds were all producing walleye. At Quanicassee, walleye fishing was very good in 6 to 15 feet on body baits, crawler harnesses or spoons. Some were taking limit catches. Hot colors were pink, purple, chartreuse and brass. Those launching at Sebewaing were heading south to fish the lower end of the Slot straight out of Quanicassee. The carp are just starting to spawn so bow anglers should do well this coming weekend.

• 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) 697-5341

GW's Fishing Lures (989) 684-6431

The Party Dock (989) 684-2150

West Marine (898) 667-2100

Michigan Sportsman Bait & Tackle (989) 893-6550

Live Bait (989) 992-7770

Saginaw River: Boats fishing the lower river in front of the Karn power plant and the Weadok power plant were getting walleye when vertical jigging with jig heads tipped with minnows, worms or scented plastics.

Tittabawassee River: Walleye fishing has tapered off for the spring. The white bass run has peaked and was starting to taper off but anglers were still getting some from Center Road up to M-46. Smallmouth bass fishing is just getting underway.

Flint River: Anglers were taking some limit catches of walleye from the Holloway Reservoir. Fish were caught near the tubes at Stanley Road. Walleye, catfish and smallmouth bass were caught at Zemmer Park and near the bridges in Columbiaville.

• For a list of more public lakes in Wayne county please click here!

Nearby Bait Shops Include: 

Bait Masters (989) 697-5341

Bob's Bait Shop & Taxidermy (989) 684-6431

Cobb Bait, Tackle & Pet Supply (989) 684-2150

M-15 Bait & Tackle (898) 667-2100

The Fishing Tackle Grab Bag (989) 893-6550

With all of this rising water across the state there are ample opportunities to get out and fish.  With that in mnd I 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 orgnized 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!

---