Sunday, July 26, 2020

7/23/20 Southeast Lower Peninsula Michigan Fishing Report



Southeast Lower Peninsula


To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here!

Lake Erie: Anglers had to search for walleye, and the numbers were down. Most did best near Fermi, Turtle Island, the Dumping Grounds and Luna Pier right off the bottom in 24 to 28 feet. Some did better when they increased their trolling speed. Hot colors were purple, green and gold. The perch bite picked up, with fish caught around Pointe Mouillee and Luna Pier when drifting minnows. Lots of catfish are being caught in the Hot Pond. Some anglers did great with a piece of hot dog. 

  • 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.

Huron River: Fair numbers of bass have been caught at various locations by fly anglers or by those using bait and tackle. 

Lake St. Clair: Walleye were caught when trolling along the shipping channel between the South Channel and the light with crawler harnesses and crankbaits. Musky were caught when casting in Goose Bay and in front of the Spillway. The smallmouth bite remained tough as water temperatures are warm and the fish are schooled up. Those topwater fishing caught a few near Huron Point and outside Goose Bay in the morning.  The mayfly hatch is winding down, so the bite should improve. A few yellow perch were caught near the mouth of the channels. Bluegills were found along the weeds. 

  • 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)
  • Macomb County Bait Shops: Click Here!

St. Clair River: Walleye were caught at night.    

Saginaw Bay: Walleye were caught off Pinconning in 30 feet and off Linwood in 18 to 24 feet with crawlers and crankbaits. Fish also were found near the old Dumping Grounds in 22 feet and off Finn Road in 20 feet when using crawlers. Windy conditions slowed the walleye action, with only a few found in 16 feet along the Slot. Due to the high number of freshwater drum and catfish being caught, anglers now are switching to Hot-n-Tots, spoons, flicker shad or artificial baits instead of a crawler harness. Walleye were caught off Caseville when trolling a harness or body bait out near the Charity Islands. 

  • 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: Shore anglers at Smith Park caught smallmouth bass on spinners.    

Port Austin: Walleye are showing up in front of the harbor and around the lighthouse in 15 to 25 feet, including some limit catches. A crawler harness is working best. Pier anglers had no luck. 

Grindstone City: A couple walleye were caught straight out of the harbor and northwest in 20 to 30 feet when trolling both crawlers and crankbaits. 

Harbor Beach: Walleye fishing started to pick up again south of the harbor and north toward Port Hope in 25 to 35 feet when trolling body baits. 

Port Sanilac and Lexington: Anglers are fishing for perch out of both harbors. Fish were found at various weed beds in 18 to 22 feet. 

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.

Clinton County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Genessee County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Hillsdale County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Jackson County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Lapeer County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Lenawee County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Livingston County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Oakland County Public Lakes Page 1: Click Here! 
Oakland County Public Lakes Page 2: Click Here!
Washtenaw County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Wayne County Public Lakes: Click Here!

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Sunday, July 19, 2020

7/15/20 Northwest Lower Peninsula Michigan Fishing Report

Northwest Lower Peninsula

To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here!

Harbor Springs: Boats heading north up to Five Mile and Seven Mile Point did well for lake trout and the odd Chinook salmon taken 80 to 85 feet down in over 100 feet. The temperature break was about 60 feet down. 
Charlevoix: Had a large mayfly hatch, and you could see them coming down the channel. Those targeting lake trout found a few fish from North Point to Fisherman’s Island. A couple Chinook salmon also were caught. Those fishing the channel were targeting smallmouth bass; however, a couple random cisco were caught on spoons. There were a lot of undersize smallmouth in the rocks near the lighthouse. Rock bass also were caught. You may find a couple pike in the channel as well. Most anglers fish the bottom with crawlers and leeches; however, some also had luck using crankbaits and twisty tails.
  • For more places to fish in Charlevoix County: Click Here!
  • For a more accurate report on Lake Charlevoix I suggest reaching out to the people at Tom's Bait & Tackle. Phone: (231-536-3521)
Torch Lake: Was producing smallmouth bass.
Lake Bellaire: Anglers caught a couple walleye here and on the Clam River. 
Traverse City: A couple cisco were caught in the East Bay. A lot of bass anglers were out.    
Grand Traverse County: Anglers reported good panfish activity on Arbutus Lake and good bass fishing on Spider Lake. 
Lake Skegemog: Those drifting worms in the late evening caught crappie. Anglers had limited success with topwater crankbaits for bass in the early morning.

Leland: Lake trout and salmon moved out deeper off Leland and Sleeping Bear Point.  Limit catches were reported. 
Lake Leelanau: Walleye were caught south of the “Narrows.”    
Frankfort: With the warm water, the temperature break was 60 to 70 feet down. Chinook salmon were hitting meat rigs in the early morning and at sunset. Lake trout still were hitting throughout the area.
  • For a list of bait and tackle shops in the Frankfort area: Click Here!
Portage Lake: Surface water temperatures were warm, but bass anglers caught some very nice largemouth. Catch rates did not come easy, as most were working very hard for them. Perch and panfish catches were slow in 18 to 22 feet. 
Manistee: Fishing was hit or miss, but a few Chinook were caught south of town toward Big Sable Point and along the “Shelf.” Most were using spoons, meat rigs and a flasher/fly combo 35 to 90 feet down in 120 to 200 feet. Lake trout were caught in 80 to 140 feet north and south of the port. Steelhead were caught in the top 50 feet in 100 to 200 feet along the “Shelf.” 
Manistee Lake: Was producing bluegill, pike, bass and perch. 
Manistee River: The Hex hatch is over, but a lot of other bugs were giving the fish plenty to eat. Those drifting are seeing trout, but they did not want to bite.    
  • For more public lakes in Manistee County: Click Here!

Ludington: A couple salmon were caught at Big Sable Point in 150 feet or out from the projects in 140 feet. Spoons and meat rigs worked, but fishing was slow at times. Lake trout were caught straight out in 80 feet as well as north of the point in 70 to 100 feet.  Steelhead were hitting spoons to the south in 140 feet or to the north in 300 to 350 feet.  Pier anglers targeting perch had no luck; however, those fishing off the stub pier caught rock bass on worms. 
Pentwater: Lake trout were caught in 200 to 250 feet between here and Little Sable Point. 

Pentwater Lake: Was producing some perch.


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.
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7/15/20 Northeast Lower Peninsula, Michigan Fishing Report

Northeast Lower Peninsula

To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here!

Cheboygan: Had no reports; however, those looking for salmon and trout will want to target Lafayette Point off Bois Blanc Island when trolling spoons, spin-glo’s and meat rigs as shallow as 60 to 90 feet or as deep as 100 to 140 feet. 
Cheboygan River: Had little fishing pressure. Anglers did catch smallmouth bass and a couple walleye when drifting worms. Boat anglers trolling a crawler harness caught smallmouth bass. 
Rogers City: Colder water will be much deeper now. Hopefully, the winds will switch again to a more southerly or easterly direction and bring the thermocline back up. For now, go deep and find structure. Those using spoons did well on lake trout, steelhead, pink salmon and the occasional Chinook in 80 to 150 feet. Use downriggers deep or copper and lead core covering the mid and upper sections. Hot colors were green, black and white, orange and green, orange and silver, green/blue combination, and glow early and late. Anglers caught a couple walleye as well.   
Presque Isle: Anglers trolling spoons caught trout and salmon. Try 80 to 150 feet and run lines throughout the water column for best results.   
  • For more public lakes in Presque Isle county: Click Here!
Alpena: Those trolling spoons and spin-glo’s in 60 to 140 feet found lake trout, coho, pink salmon, steelhead and walleye. Most were found in the upper 60 feet with a few near the bottom. Those trolling a crawler harness in 15 to 40 feet caught walleye, pike and freshwater drum. The walleye bite was best after dark.

Thunder Bay River: Those floating or drifting crawlers caught smallmouth bass, rock bass, freshwater drum and the occasional walleye or channel cat. Small perch were caught in Alcona Pond. 
Hubbard Lake: Walleye fishing was slow, but anglers were getting panfish. 
Oscoda: Trout, salmon and walleye were caught by those trolling spoons or flies and dodgers with spin-glo’s between Au Sable Point and 3 Mile Park in 70 to 140 feet. Fish were suspended in the top 60 feet or near the bottom. Purple, red, white, orange and blue were good colors. A couple walleye were suspended in 50 to 70 feet. Pier anglers caught smallmouth, freshwater drum, channel cats and the occasional walleye. 
Au Sable River: Anglers floating crawlers at the mouth caught freshwater drum, channel cats, smallmouth bass and rock bass. A couple smallmouth and pike were caught by those casting crankbaits. The occasional walleye was caught, but most of the fish were undersize. 

680 River Rd.
Oscoda Twp. Mi 48750

Higgins Lake: Trolling for lake trout has been good in 100 feet using cowbells and body baits. Rock bass fishing has been good along the drop-offs.
Houghton Lake: Walleye fishing was hit or miss when trolling crankbaits or a crawler harness. Panfish were caught on slip bobbers and leeches.
Lake St. Helen: Panfish and bass were caught along the weed beds.
Tawas: A good number of walleyes, including some limits, were caught straight off the point with crawlers, spoons and crank baits in 50 to 70 feet. Brown trout and steelhead were caught a bit deeper in 80 feet or more with spoons. 
Tawas River: Those fishing at Gateway Park caught a few catfish, freshwater drum and rock bass on crawlers and various lures.


Au Gres: Continues to have good walleye fishing in 30 to 40 feet with crawlers, spoons and crankbaits. Fish have been found north of the Charity Islands and as far south as the Pinconning area.

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.
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Friday, July 17, 2020

7/15/20 Southwest Lower Peninsula, Michigan DNR Fishing Report



Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph: Had very good perch fishing both north and south of the piers in 15 to 22 feet. With the good perch fishing, few boats were salmon fishing. Charter boats caught lake trout and the occasional salmon or steelhead in 80 to 120 feet. Other than all the freshwater drum being caught, pier fishing was slow.

Nearby Bait Shops Include: 
Fishin Hole (269) 982-3474
Tackle Haven (269) 925-0341
Great Lakes Tackle  (269) 208-6178
Fishing Hole 2 (269) 468-7522

South Haven: Perch fishing was decent, with most caught south of the piers. The fish were scattered in 20 to 50 feet. Salmon fishing was slow, but a few lake trout and smaller Chinook were caught in 100 feet or so. Pier fishing was slow for all species. 
  • For more places to fish in Van Buren County: Click Here!
Holland: Salmon and trout action was slow. 
Lake Macatawa: Catfish and freshwater drum are being caught. Walleye and perch were caught on a harness with crawlers and leeches.    
Port Sheldon: Salmon and trout were caught 30 to 80 feet down in 90 to 140 feet when trolling green and blue meat rigs. 
Grand Haven: The Harbor Island boat launch is still closed. Pier anglers caught a couple steelhead on shrimp. 
Grand River near Grand Rapids: Fishing was slow, with mainly small catfish and the occasional keeper walleye.

  • 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)
Ottawa County: Anglers trolling for crappie in the Bass River area caught some good-size fish. 
Ionia County: Panfish are being caught on inland lakes. Some with limits and some with none. Bass and catfish on the rivers. 
Lake Ovid: Was producing some bass for those using crawlers or casting.
Muskegon: Salmon and trout action was slow, with only a few caught 20 to 80 feet down in 90 to 160 feet. Try spoons or meat rigs. 
Muskegon Lake: Was producing some walleye.
  • 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)
Muskegon River: Trout are difficult to find due to warm water temperatures. Walleye were caught on Hardy Pond. Smallmouth and suckers still were biting near Hersey. 
White Lake: Was producing walleye, bass and bluegills.
For more bait shops in the southwest lower peninsula follow the links below:
Berrien County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Allegan County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Ingham County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Branch County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Barry County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Kalamazoo County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Kent County Bait Shops: Click Here!

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.

Allegan County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Barry County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Calhoun County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Cass County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Clinton County Public Lakes: Click Here! 
Jackson County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Kalamazoo Public Lakes: Click Here! 
St. Joseph County Public Lakes: Click Here! 
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7/15/20 Southeast Lower Peninsula Michigan Fishing Report


Southeast Lower Peninsula

To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here!

Lake Erie: Anglers had to search for walleye, and the numbers were down. Most did best near Fermi, Turtle Island, the Dumping Grounds and Luna Pier right off the bottom in 24 to 28 feet. Some did better when they increased their trolling speed. Hot colors were purple, green and gold. The perch bite picked up, with fish caught around Pointe Mouillee and Luna Pier when drifting minnows. Lots of catfish are being caught in the Hot Pond. Some anglers did great with a piece of hot dog.

 From our friend Rich over at Andy's Tackle: Some anglers have been venturing out to the  sister islands for perch, however keep in mind that west sister island is in Ohio waters and east sister island is Ontario waters. So if you decide to make that trip make sure you have appropriate licenses.  Walleye anglers have mostly been targeting Lake Erie rather than the river, with Harnesses and  small spoons being the lures of choice. 

  • 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.

Huron River: Fair numbers of bass have been caught at various locations by fly anglers or by those
using bait and tackle. 
Lake St. Clair: Walleye were caught when trolling along the shipping channel between the South Channel and the light with crawler harnesses and crankbaits. Musky were caught when casting in Goose Bay and in front of the Spillway. The smallmouth bite remained tough as water temperatures are warm and the fish are schooled up. Those topwater fishing caught a few near Huron Point and outside Goose Bay in the morning.  The mayfly hatch is winding down, so the bite should improve. A few yellow perch were caught near the mouth of the channels. Bluegills were found along the weeds.
  • 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)
  • Macomb County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Detroit River:  In the mornings and evenings a few large channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers at the foot of Southfield Road and Jefferson in Ecorse. Pike are also being caught on large chubs live lined along the shore walls.  With plenty of freshwater drum and rockbass coming up as bycatch. 

St. Clair River: Walleye were caught at night.    
Saginaw Bay: Walleye were caught off Pinconning in 30 feet and off Linwood in 18 to 24 feet with crawlers and crankbaits. Fish also were found near the old Dumping Grounds in 22 feet and off Finn Road in 20 feet when using crawlers. Windy conditions slowed the walleye action, with only a few found in 16 feet along the Slot. Due to the high number of freshwater drum and catfish being caught, anglers now are switching to Hot-n-Tots, spoons, flicker shad or artificial baits instead of a crawler harness. Walleye were caught off Caseville when trolling a harness or body bait out near the Charity Islands.
  • 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: Shore anglers at Smith Park caught smallmouth bass on spinners.    
Port Austin: Walleye are showing up in front of the harbor and around the lighthouse in 15 to 25 feet, including some limit catches. A crawler harness is working best. Pier anglers had no luck. 
Grindstone City: A couple walleye were caught straight out of the harbor and northwest in 20 to 30 feet when trolling both crawlers and crankbaits. 
Harbor Beach: Walleye fishing started to pick up again south of the harbor and north toward Port Hope in 25 to 35 feet when trolling body baits.

Port Sanilac and Lexington: Anglers are fishing for perch out of both harbors. Fish were found at various weed beds in 18 to 22 feet.

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.

Clinton County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Genessee County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Hillsdale County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Jackson County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Lapeer County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Lenawee County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Livingston County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Oakland County Public Lakes Page 1: Click Here! 
Oakland County Public Lakes Page 2: Click Here!
Washtenaw County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Wayne County Public Lakes: Click Here!

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Sunday, July 12, 2020

7/9/20 Northeast Lower Peninsula, Michigan DNR Fishing Report


Northeast Lower Peninsula


To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here!

Mackinaw: Boats trolling around Mackinaw Island and Round Island caught lake trout and steelhead on spoons and meat rigs. Those trolling the straits caught lake trout, steelhead and Atlantic salmon. 
Cheboygan: Anglers were getting limits of lake trout, along with a few steelhead and pink salmon, out near Bois Blanc Island when trolling spoons and meat rigs off Lafayette Point. Those trolling spoons caught lake trout in 60 to 110 feet at Reynolds Reef and Spectacle Reef. 

Cheboygan River: Shore anglers caught smallmouth bass, walleye and freshwater drum when bottom bouncing worms. Boat anglers caught 15- to 20-inch walleye when trolling or drifting a crawler harness between the walk bridge and the DNR office.   
Rogers City: The mixed-bag fishery is in full swing. Anglers are catching lake trout, steelhead, pink and the occasional Chinook, coho or Atlantic salmon in 60 to 130 feet.  The fish were scattered, so anglers were moving around and fishing throughout the water column. Spoons worked best, and the hot colors were white, green, blue, orange and green, blue and silver, or glow early and late. Chinook catches were still spotty, with most caught in the evening or an hour before sunrise. Those fishing the top 50 feet found steelhead and salmon. Lake trout were on the small side, but bigger fish were found near the bottom in 70 to 90 feet. Watch for bugs on the surface.       
Presque Isle: Anglers did very well catching lake trout, steelhead and pink salmon along with the occasional Chinook, coho or Atlantic salmon or walleye throughout the water column. Run lines in the top 20 feet for steelhead and pink salmon or deeper for lake trout. Green, orange, white, blue, black and white, or glow spoons worked best in 180 to 220 feet. The fish are feeding, so look for bug slicks on the water when heading out. 


  • For more public lakes in Presque Isle county: Click Here!
Alpena: Anglers caught lake trout, steelhead, pink salmon and walleye when trolling spoons, spin-glo’s and flies in 70 to 140 feet off the Nordmeer Wreck, Thunder Bay Island and the Humps. Fish were found throughout the water column, with silver fish coming up higher. Walleye, smallmouth bass and freshwater drum were caught on a crawler harness or body bait in 15 to 40 feet off North Point, in front of the harbor and toward the Black River. Early morning and evening were best. 

Thunder Bay River: Is producing smallmouth bass, rock bass, freshwater drum and a few channel
cats when drifting or floating crawlers. A few walleye and pike were caught early or late when trolling or casting crawlers and crankbaits. Smallmouth bass and pike were caught in Lake Besser when trolling or casting crankbaits. 
Oscoda: Had good fishing for lake trout, pink salmon, steelhead and the odd Atlantic or coho salmon. The steelhead bite was consistent, with a few up to 30 inches taken in 80 to 130 feet or as deep as 180 feet. The fish are scattered throughout and were hitting spoons, spin-glo’s and flies. Green, orange, pink and blue were good colors. A couple walleye were taken on spoons up higher in 50 to 120 feet. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass, freshwater drum and channel cats on crawlers or crankbaits. 
Au Sable River: Water temperatures between Parmalee Bridge, Mio Dam and Alcona Dam are in the 70s, so trout are becoming sluggish. A couple walleye were found between Foote Dam and the mouth when trolling or drifting crawlers and crankbaits. Those casting crankbaits and jigs caught pike and smallmouth. Largemouth were found in the marinas and weed beds. Good catfish action at the mouth in the evening. Smallmouth, rock bass and freshwater drum were hitting crawlers. In Foote Pond, pike and smallmouth were caught trolling or casting crankbaits and floating sucker minnows.    

680 River Rd.
Oscoda Twp. Mi 48750
(989) 739-5332

Higgins Lake: Boat anglers continue to find lake trout near the bottom in 100 to 120 feet when trolling or jigging. The perch bite slowed, but fish were still caught in 40 feet or so. Smallmouth bass and rock bass continue to bite. 

Houghton Lake: Those targeting walleye along the drop-offs in 14 feet or so have taken a few on a harness tipped with crawlers or leeches. Good blade colors were copper, orange, green or chartreuse. Smallmouth bass were caught along the north shore and near the Cut River. Crappie, bluegills and sunfish were hitting live leeches and leaf worms, but the bite was slow, so target different depths.   
 

Tawas: Had good fishing, even with a mayfly hatch. Lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, Atlantic salmon and a good number of walleye were caught in 50 to 80 feet on spoons, flicker shad or crawlers.
Tawas River: Large and smallmouth bass, along with a few rock bass, were caught on various lures or when using crawlers just off the bottom at Gateway Park. 

Au Gres: A few limit catches of walleye were taken in 35 to 60 feet north of Point Lookout, east toward the shipping channel and south of Pt. Au Gres. A few perch were caught by those trolling for walleye.

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.

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