Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report
Some good catches of bluegill and sunfish have come from inland lakes in the area. Bass and pike catches were decent.
Harbor Springs: Is producing lake trout 100 to 110 feet down around Harbor Point. The occasional salmon was caught up near Five Mile Point. Try blue and chartreuse spoons and blue meat rigs. Those targeting smallmouth bass caught a mix of legal and sub-legal fish when using crawlers, crank baits or tube baits.
Petoskey: Lake trout were the most abundant fish caught however a couple large salmon were also taken. The salmon were 80 to 100 feet down in 120 to 130 feet of water and hitting on spoons in fire-tiger or glow. Baitfish were marked in 70 to 130 feet. Lake trout were caught on spoons 95 to 110 feet down between Bay Harbor and the pier. Those fishing off the pier caught rock bass, a couple bluegill and sub-legal smallmouth bass.
Bear River: It is true; there are some salmon and steelhead jumping at the dam. Fish have been caught by those drifting flies or spawn bags. A couple brown trout were caught but the fish were small. Those fishing down near the mouth caught steelhead on spawn.
Charlevoix: Pier anglers are still catching bass but many are sub-legal. They are fishing near the bottom with crawlers, leeches and minnows. A couple rock bass were also caught. Salmon were caught on spoons 70 feet down near the Cement Plant and North Point. Some heading down to Cathead Bay caught a few fish. Lake trout were caught 100 to 110 feet down in 120 to 140 feet or suspended about 60 feet down in 125 feet of water.
Traverse City: Lake trout were caught in the East Bay by those trolling in 90 to 130 feet of water. Salmon anglers were not taking a lot of fish however the chinook were over 20 pounds. Try spoons, plugs or flies 70 to 90 feet down in 150 feet of water. Those trolling in the West Bay caught lake trout and the occasional chinook salmon in 100 to 130 feet. Depths were variable but most were fishing 50 to 90 feet down. Smallmouth bass were caught near the drop-offs.
Elk River: Anglers have caught some nice smallmouth bass and rock bass on plastics, crawlers, or leeches.
Boardman River: Had a few reports of smallmouth bass and rock bass hitting on crawlers.
Lake Cadillac: Anglers are catching bass, pike and even the occasional walleye. Try spinners, plastics or live bait along the weed beds. Those seeking panfish caught crappie, bluegill, rock bass and a few perch.
Lake Mitchell: Has been good for pike as they are in the beginning of the cold weather feeding frenzy. Those fishing the coves caught pike and bass along the weed beds. Panfish numbers were fair to good.
Manistee: Catch rates for salmon were slow but still improving. Try 25 to 60 feet down in 50 to 120 feet with glow spoons and plugs or green and orange spoons.
Manistee River: Even though it is a bit early, a light number of salmon have started to move up into the river. The Little Manistee is getting an early run of salmon.
Ludington: Catch rates were hit-or-miss. Salmon were found 20 to 70 feet down in 50 to 120 feet. Try running glow plugs and spoons in the early morning. As the sun comes up, switch to orange or green spoons with green flies. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum.
Pere Marquette River: Is getting an early run of salmon. Brown trout are still being caught. Most are fly fishing but a few were casting small spoons.
Pentwater: Had good fishing but the fish have been scattered. Trout and salmon moved closer to shore because of the cooler weather. Some are fishing in 60 to 80 feet while others are heading out to waters 200 feet or deeper. Sliders, copper and dipseys worked well. Hot colors were orange and red.
