Fishwhisper

There are a few guys fishing steelhead with great results and perch fishing but the weather is turning bad along with fisherman’s attention turning towards Mr. Whitetail. Be safe everybody and hope you have a great hunt this week.

It is that time of year when fishing reports are harder to come by as most anglers turn their attention to deer hunting. Those heading out for the opening day of gun season are reminded to take along a fishing pole! There is no better time of year to enjoy the opportunities of “blast and cast”. Hunt during the day then target steelhead and whitefish in the evening. Already got your deer, remember late fall and early winter can offer some prime fishing on the inland lakes. You will find big perch, bluegill and crappie as well as walleye, bass and pike.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Thunder Bay River: The opening day of deer season marks what is usually the best week of whitefish action for both pier or river anglers and the whitefish are in. Target the lower river below the 9th Street Dam with ice jigs or other small tackle and wax worms. Anglers can hunt during the day and target whitefish in the evening.

Otsego Lake: Shore anglers caught a few walleye.

Oscoda: Pier anglers have caught the most steelhead. Walleye have also been caught late at night or early in the morning. Try spoons or body baits.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are moving in and out between the pier and Foote Dam. Fish are being caught all hours of the day or night. The fish are healthy and putting up a good fight. Spawn has been the most productive, but small spoons, body baits and plugs are also taking fish. The better fishing was off the pier but those moving up into the river should start to see more fish holding in the deeper holes.

Tawas: Starting with the deer opener on Friday, anglers should be able to find some good catches of whitefish. Pier anglers will want to try ice jigs with a wax worm. A good number of walleye anglers were reported.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Boardman River: Is producing steelhead between the mouth and Sabin Dam.

Betsie River: Those braving the cold have caught a good number of steelhead.

Manistee: Those steelhead fishing off the piers or while surfcasting have done well depending on the day.

Manistee River: It’s all about steelhead fishing right now. Catch rates were very good on both the Big and the Little Manistee River.

Ludington: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead. Try floating spawn or casting small spoons and spinners.

Pere Marquette River: Has fresh fish and good catch rates for steelhead.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Menominee River: With one gate open at the Hattie Street Dam, anglers were catching walleye and whitefish when using jigs with crawlers or minnows in the current. There are plenty of whitefish in the river. Those night fishing off the Cat Walk caught walleye on large rapalas and thundersticks fished in the current.

Little Bay De Noc: Water temperatures are averaging the mid to low 40’s. Most anglers are fishing north of the “Narrows”, the Kipling Flats or the Second and Third Reefs. The better walleye fishing was at night. Anglers are trolling stick baits in waters 8 to 23 feet deep. Some are still getting a few perch along the north end of Butler Island. Try still-fishing with minnows in 10 to 20 feet.

Manistique River: Does not have much in the way of salmon however steelhead are in the river.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Strong winds and gale warnings have limited the opportunities for boat anglers. Pier anglers caught a few walleye when using minnows or bombers off Luna Pier. Perch were caught by boat anglers.

Huron River: Those steelhead fishing had limited success. Quite a few gizzard shad were reported up near Huroc Park.

Detroit River: Anglers are still picking up a few walleye in the Trenton Channel. They are hand-lining or jigging. No report this week however those fishing off Horse Island last week caught a few perch.

Lake St. Clair: Windy conditions have made fishing a challenge however muskie anglers are still heading out and have caught some big fish.

St. Clair River: Walleye fishing has been very good if anglers can get out. The number of days with decent weather has been limited. Steelhead were caught by those fishing off the wall at Port Huron.

Saginaw River: Usually offers some good walleye fishing this time of year. Fish move up as far as the Tittabawassee River and beyond. Try jigs with minnows and wax worms. Boat anglers will want to try bouncing spawn off the bottom.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Pier anglers are catching steelhead and a few whitefish when the weather permits.

St. Joseph River: Flows are about normal for this time of year. Water temperatures have declined rapidly with the onset of cold weather. At Niles, the water temperature was 43 degrees. The cold weather has slowed the upstream movement of steelhead however anglers are catching some nice walleye.

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead action has slowed. Anglers will want to target the deeper holes during the cold spells.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has good steelhead fishing. Anglers are floating a jig and wax worm, bouncing spawn on the bottom, floating white flies or casting chartreuse and hot pink spinners. Walleye have been caught by those casting floating rapalas or trolling. Some caught walleye on twister tails. White and chartreuse were good colors.

Grand River at Lansing: No report on steelhead yet. Walleye were caught over by the Moore’s Park Dam. Those fishing below the dams might hook a large catfish or pike.

Muskegon River: Is producing steelhead all the way up to Newaygo and Croton Dam. With the cold weather, check the deeper holes.

Deer Hunting Checklist will serve as a tool to help you remember important items and improve your deer hunts. Be safe, have fun, and shoot straight!

Deer Hunting Pre-Hunt to do’s

Buy License
Continue learning-articles, books, videos
Repair/Replace/Fix/Clean equipment
Sight in archery equipment or firearm
Practice shooting
Practice calling
Get permission or scout public land
Scout treestand locations
Treestands put up
Clear shooting lanes
Pre Plan-choose effective path to stand
Wash clothes
Store clothes
Organize gear
Deer Hunting Gear:

Bow/Crossbow/Firearm
Arrows
Broadheads (sharp)
Ammunition
Flashlight
Climbing Treestand
Treestand Harness
Tree steps/Ladders
Bungee cord
Ratchet strap
Weapon hoist
Bow/Equipment Hanger
Backpack
Water
Snacks
First aid kit
Cell phone (Charged)
Whistle/Signal mirror
Map
Compass/GPS (good batteries)
Knife
Flashlight/Headlamp
Folding saw
Scent masking spray
Optics
Lens Cloth
Range Finder
Wind direction finder (dental floss or powder)
Deer calls
Deer Scents
Deer decoy
Hand warmers
Deer Hunting Clothing:

Shirts
Pants
Thermal underwear
Belt
Socks
Boots
Hat (Blaze Orange or Camouflage)
Gloves
Jacket (Blaze Orange or Camouflage)
Rain Gear
Winter gear

After the Deer Harvest:

Trail tape
Pen/Pencil
String for license
Tag deer
Camera
Disposable gloves
Knife sharpener
Pelvic saw
Baby wipes
Small bag for liver and heart
Small bag for tarsal glands
Game bags
Deer drag
Deer cart

Thanks To All The Veteran’s it is really appreciated by Buc’s Fishing Report and hope your fishing will be awesome in the following year

“Those Honored Dead”
“Why do you fly the flag today?”
My Grandson wants to know.
I fly it for the graveyards
Where the countless crosses grow.

I fly the flag for children
Whose fathers are a name.
A half-remembered memory
of a face within a frame.

I fly it for the families
of sons and daughters lost.
They know the price of liberty
How terrible the cost!

I fly the flag for veterans
who lost their youth in blood.
And saw their comrades slaughtered
in the carnage and the mud.

I fly it for the ones who marched
In cadence off to war
To close their eyes forever
Upon some foreign shore.

I fly the flag for grief poured out
Upon a granite wall.
The laying-on of hands that heals
The scars within us all.

I fly it for the sound of Taps—
That melancholy tune
That lays to rest those honored dead
Who always die too soon.

Copyright 1994 Marion G. Mahoney

Action has been good on many lakes but no fisherman as most are in the woods or somewhere warm. Cooler temperatures and rain should push steelhead up into the rivers. Those fishing the inland lakes are finding pike, walleye, bluegills and bass. Catch rates increase during the month of November because fish go on a feeding frenzy before winter comes.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Bear River: Should have more steelhead moving up towards the dam. Try spawn, yarn, crawlers or a jig and wax worm.

Elk River: Is producing the occasional coho and some steelhead. Anglers are floating spawn or casting spoons and spinners.

Boardman River: Is producing steelhead between the mouth and Sabin Dam. Recent rain helped to bring more fish into the river system.

Frankfort: The steelhead action has been very good. Boat anglers are trolling the shoreline with orange spoons and pier anglers are using spawn.

Betsie River: Is producing a good number of steelhead.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are taking steelhead when the winds allow. Most are floating spawn or casting small spoons and spinners.

Manistee River: Rain helped to bring the water levels back up. Anglers will find a good number of steelhead in the river. Some are drifting spawn while others are casting small spoons or flies.

Ludington: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead.

Pere Marquette River: Rain has brought some fresh steelhead into the river.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Fall’s River: Is producing some steelhead. Try drifting crawlers and spawn or casting small spoons and spinners.

Cedar River: Is producing smallmouth bass for those fishing in the deep hole under the Interstate Bridge. Casting crank baits and drifting crawlers were the ticket. Those trying for trout and salmon near the first rapids had little success.

Menominee River: Those trying for trout and salmon near the rocks on the Michigan side said the bite was slow. Walleye have finally made it up into the river. Anglers were casting rapalas off the Cat Walk. Yellow perch fishing was good for shore anglers behind the City Campground and near the Mystery Ship boat launch.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye fishing picked up especially for those fishing at night. Most are trolling stick baits in 10 to 23 feet along the reefs near Kipling. Daytime anglers fished the reefs in the early morning then moved out to deeper waters while trolling stick baits or crawler harnesses in 19 to 30 feet. Perch fishing was fair for those using minnows or crawlers in 10 to 25 feet around Butler Island. The Escanaba Yacht Harbor opened up again but watch for more dredging in the future.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: Still has some fish to catch. Anglers are reporting chinook between 3 and 5 pounds and also some lake trout that must be released immediately. Fish were caught off the point south of the port in 85 to 100 feet. Anglers will also want to try north off the State Park when the weather permits. The key is to find the baitfish.

Thunder Bay River: Should have more steelhead moving into the river by the weekend.

Harrisville: Salmon were caught by those floating spawn or casting body baits. Look for steelhead to start making their way into the harbor. Try spawn, small spoons or body baits.

Oscoda: Pier anglers have caught steelhead. Walleye were caught late at night.

Au Sable River: As the salmon wind down, steelhead are hanging out around the mouth and making their way up into the river. Anglers have caught fish from the pier all the way up to the dam. Those scouting the holes can them flashing on the beds. Spawn, flies and small spinners are producing fish. There have been reports of walleye being caught late at night between the pier and the bridge. Small glow spoons or body baits worked best.

Au Gres River: Watch for steelhead to be moving up into the river. Those fishing the East Branch will want to try casting near the Singing Bridge.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Perch have been caught off Stony Point, the Fermi Plant and Rat Island, which is the smallest island off the mouth of the Huron River.

Huron River: Is producing some steelhead in the lower river.

Detroit River: Continues to produce a fair number of walleye in the lower Trenton Channel. Perch have been caught on minnows and crawlers around Sugar Island.

Lake St. Clair: Boat anglers are catching muskie when they can get out on the lake. Perch anglers were targeting the waters near the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.

Port Sanilac: Pier anglers caught a few brown trout and steelhead when casting spoons and spinners in the harbor.

Saginaw Bay: Trolling for large walleye off the mouth of the Saginaw River could be productive when the weather allows. For those looking for perch, start hitting the river mouths around the opener of deer season and keep at it until ice forms. The better fishing is usually between dawn and 11 AM.

Kawkawlin River: Anglers are just starting to target perch. Some were fishing off the bridge on State Park Drive.

Saginaw River: Had anglers fishing for perch or walleye near Veterans Park.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Pier anglers are catching some steelhead and a few whitefish.

St. Joseph River: Steelhead fishing should be good by the end of the week as rain will help bring water levels up.

Kalamazoo River: Has a fair to good number of steelhead all the way up to the Allegan Dam. Those casting spinners or flatfish have done well.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is producing a few walleye for those fishing off the wall and off the bridges. Steelhead are in the river and hitting on spawn, Hot-n-Tots or a jig and wax worm. Boat anglers were back bouncing with spawn.

Looking Glass River: Those using minnows or small bluegills caught the occasional pike off Babcock’s Landing.

Muskegon River: Water levels were up and steelhead are being caught. Try spawn, flies or flatfish.

Good perch bite on Little Glen, Lake Leelanau, Grand Traverse Bay, Long Lake Margrethe, Burt and Mullet Lake but wind and cold weather is sending most to the woods to hunt.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: The adult salmon run is pretty much done however those still heading out have done well for younger salmon and steelhead when trolling small spoons halfway down in 50 to 90 feet. Lead core of 3, 5, and 7 colors worked well. Good colors are green, blue, orange, black or white with silver, red and white or anything that glows early or late. The bite was best the last couple hours of daylight or just as the sun comes up in Swan Bay or between US-23 and Forty Mile Point.

Presque Isle: Boat anglers will want to try straight out of the harbor and north between the two lighthouses. Try halfway down in 50 to 90 feet the last couple hours before dark or as the sun comes up.

Thunder Bay River: A large number of salmon are very dark and spawning. Fish are still being caught by those drifting flies or spawn along the bottom.

Harrisville: Salmon are working their way into the harbor slowly but consistently. Some are still fairly fresh, but most are starting to turn. Early morning and evening was the best time to fish with spawn, spoons or body baits. Walleye are coming into the harbor in the late evening. Fish were caught on body baits.

Oscoda: Fish caught from the pier are still in good shape and hitting on spoons or body baits. The occasional walleye has been picked up by anglers targeting salmon or steelhead.

Au Sable River: More anglers are heading upriver now that the Foote Dam area is open. Fish up near the dam are starting to turn dark but were still in good shape. Try floating spawn. Steelhead are making their way into the river and the number of fish will only increase as we move towards November.

Tawas: Had very little boat activity. Fishing in the harbor and off the piers was slow.

Tawas River: Is still producing salmon in the lower river at night.

Au Gres: Perch fishing picked up with anglers taking up to 25 fish ranging 7 to 11 inches. Most were caught out near the shipping channel in 35 to 45 feet.

Au Gres River: Is producing salmon and steelhead down at the Singing Bridge and for those surfcasting. For the steelhead, try drifting spawn.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Petoskey: Had very few anglers. The marina is still being dredged and the dock has been pulled. A couple steelhead were caught on spawn near the mouth of the river.

Bear River: Catch rates for chinook have dropped. The leftover fish are in pretty rough shape. A limited number of coho and steelhead were caught on fresh spawn.

Charlevoix: Smallmouth bass fishing is still good in the channel. Try crawlers, leeches, or scented rubber baits. Perch anglers were straight out from the pier in 80 feet but all they caught was gobies. The few fish in Medusa Creek are in bad shape.

Traverse City: The East Bay has steady smallmouth bass fishing. Try plastics such as darters or tube baits in 20 to 40 feet. A few perch and cisco were caught. Perch fishing was slow in the West Bay but smallmouth bass were caught in 25 to 35 feet.

Elk River: The chinook salmon run is past its peak. Steelhead and the occasional coho and lake trout were caught on spawn bags near the power dam. Salmon have also hit on deep diving crank baits.

Boardman River: The salmon run is winding down. Anglers are now catching the occasional steelhead or lake trout when drifting spawn.

Frankfort: Water temperatures are starting to drop. Steelhead were caught on fresh spawn. Try to keep the weeds off your line.

Betsie River: Is still producing chinook and coho however catch rates have slowed.

Onekama: Dredging in the channel is done. Anglers are now targeting coho and steelhead in front of the piers.

Portage Lake: Bass anglers are still picking up large and smallmouth along the south wall and the drop-offs. Strong winds made it hard for those pan fishing.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting are starting to catch steelhead on spawn. Boat anglers are catching salmon and steelhead 80 to 140 feet down in 300 to 500 feet of water when using green or blue spoons. A couple steelhead were caught on orange spoons in the top 40 feet.

Manistee River: More steelhead are starting to show up.

Ludington: Pier anglers are starting to catch steelhead on spawn. Those heading out to waters 200 to 400 feet deep found fish 80 to 130 feet down when using green flies or spoons.

Pere Marquette River: Is still producing some big chinook though many have turned dark. More steelhead are starting to show up.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Marquette: Boat anglers caught chinook, coho, steelhead and lake trout just outside the lower harbor breakwall in 40 to 50 feet or up near the mouth of the rivers with spoons, stick baits or crank baits. Pier anglers caught coho and lake trout.

Dead River: Fishing pressure decreased as catch rates slowed.

Carp River: Shore anglers reported fair catches of coho. A couple steelhead were caught. Most are casting spoons and crank baits or floating spawn.

Chocolay River: Is still producing some coho in certain sections of the river. Anglers are using spinners or stick baits. Those using spawn bags had no luck.

Menominee: Walleye were caught off the Cedar River when trolling crawler harnesses or rapalas. Channel cats, pike and smallmouth bass were caught. A few were salmon fishing near the rapids in the river but none were caught.

Menominee River: Those targeting trout and salmon are fishing off Stephenson Island and up near the Hattie Street Dam. Some are drifting spawn and yarn while others are casting spoons. Shore anglers downstream of Stephenson Island caught channel cats, smallmouth bass and yellow perch when drifting crawlers. Those trolling after dark caught some walleye on crawler harnesses or stick baits.

Little Bay De Noc: Those pre-fishing for the walleye tournament caught fish but they would not say where. Perch fishing was fair near Kipling in 10 to 23 feet, and off Brach’s Cabins in 14 to 17 feet. Try crawlers and minnows. Good smallmouth action off the Farmer’s Dock in 18 to 35 feet with minnows, tube baits, or spinners.

Escanaba River: Shore anglers caught salmon near the 1st Dam. A good number of fish are making their way up into the river. Most are casting spoons, spinners or crank baits. Rock bass were also caught.

Big Bay De Noc: No walleye to report but smallmouth bass fishing was fair to good off Garden Bluff. Anglers are drifting minnows 15 to 30 feet down along the drop-off.

Munising: Boat anglers targeting coho reported fair catch rates. Some were able to get one or two fish but some returned empty-handed. Pier anglers caught coho, splake and the occasional steelhead. Splake were hitting primarily on spawn.

Grand Marais: Pier fishing was light and unproductive. Those trolling near the mouth of the Sucker River caught the occasional coho or steelhead. Shore anglers fishing the mouth of the Sucker River report low catch rates.

St. Mary’s River: Had fair perch fishing. Extra water being released from the power plant in Sault Ste. Marie is forcing perch away from the main channel and into the bays off the shipping channel.

DeTour: Boat anglers are targeting walleye along the reefs and Moon Island. A few limit catches of yellow perch were reported.

Drummond Island: Anglers are catching yellow perch in 12 to 14 feet of water around Ashman Island, Grape Island and Peck Island. Most are using shiners.

Cedarville and Hessel: Yellow perch are biting on the east end of Hessel Bay, Snows Channel, Middle Entrance and Musky Bay. Try crawlers or minnows in 6 to 11 feet of water. Pike fishing has been very good for those casting chubs in shallow water. Bass fishing continues to be good.

Carp River: Anglers are fishing from the mouth upstream to the McDonald Rapids. They are catching chinook and steelhead though the chinook are starting to deteriorate.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2013

Its cold, windy and rainy. As the temperatures fall there’s even a touch of snow flurries. A few, not hunting, still fish Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The walleye bite is best the first few hours of dark. The regulars wader fish the mouth of the canal on the Mitchell side casting Rapalas.

Bass and pike are active most of the day. Pan fishermen have put their equipment away even though there’s a perch and rock bass bite on the East side of Cadillac.

MANISTEE RIVER- The River Rats are finding numbers of steelhead. Those fishing Tippy Damn brag about having numbers in the teens on. Those on and those to the bank are two different things. The limits are there in the 6 to 12 pound range.

There’s still numbers of salmon at the Damn. The Kings are pretty dark but there have been fresh Coho runs with the rain and cold temperatures.

Jigs tipped with wax worms is currently one of the better steelhead baits. Even an occassional Coho can be caught on them.

Its sad, but the season must come to an end. Tackle and bait sales are down to a trickle. Many are already inquiring about ice tackle. Orders have been placed and we’re just waiting for delivery. If all goes as planned the store will be set by Deer rifle season. Lots of new exciting items this year.

This is the last report until there’s ice. We’ll keep you informed when the ice is safe. Watch you’re bobber! See you on the ice!!

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
OCTOBER 6, 2013

Another dark, rainy weekend has passed. It must mean there was a Bass Tournament on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. Do they pick this weather for their tournaments or does the weather change because there is a Tournament?

Thirteen Teams qualified to fish BBT’s Bass R Us Division Championship. The heavy rain did not bother them, although the early lighting caused a delay at the start.

First Place was the Team of Rob and Robert Miller with 5 fish total of #15.59. Second was Randy Bleeker and Marvin Bowman weighing in #14.92. Big Bass was 4.06 pounds.

All but one Team weighed in their 5 fish limit – Total fish caught – 62. Total weight – 160.89 pounds. Very few of the bass caught were smallmouths. The bite was green. The average weight per fish was 2.60.

What was not counted were the other species accidentally caught. Most caught at least some northern pike, often over the 30 inch mark. The toothy critters like the expensive bass lures. A few walleye, one exceptional were also caught.

The walleye bite has finally started on Cadillac and Mitchell. The hour before dark seems to be the magic time. Rapala Husky Jerks, expeciallly silver/blue are Cadillac’s Bait of choice.

The Salmon run on the rivers is stronger then ever. After the rain and cooler temperatures fresh fish are still moving up the Big Manistee. Watch from High Bridge and you’ll see schools of Coho and Chinook on their way to Tippy Dam – Their last stop.

Had your fill of salmon? Multiple catches of steelhead have also started. Most have been caught of spawn bags or egg and wigglers pattern flies.

Archery and smallgame seasons are in full swing. The crowds at Tippy Dam are thinning oout. Now’s the time to fight some of Michigans largest fish.

Hunting season has started but the nice weather has many still fishing and the bite has been great. Perch are biting on Big and little Glen, Lake Margrethe, Skegemog, Mullet Lake, Burt Lake Lake Charlevoix by Ironton, Higgins Lake off of Treasure Island, Crystal Lake and Grand Traverse Bays.

Smallmouth Bass are biting great and Walloon Lake has been great with med. suckers working best, also Skegemog would be a great place.

It is raining today so the salmon should hit peak at Tippy Dam with spawn and salmon grabber Jigs working best. Salmon runs are nearing their peak in some locations. Once again anglers need to be reminded that snagging is illegal. It is unlawful to snag or retain a fish not legally hooked in the mouth. Anglers are reminded that all Type 1 and Type 2 rivers and streams as well as all Type A and Type D inland lakes closed to fishing on September 30th. Lake trout season on the waters of Lake Huron and northern Lake Michigan also closed on September 30th. The waters of Lake Michigan between Arcadia and New Buffalo remain open for lake trout until October 31st.

Pike fishing has picked up on most lakes with suckers working best. Houghton Lake has been good for pike and nice gills

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Petoskey: Salmon fishing was slow for pier anglers casting spoons or crank baits but those surfcasting near the breakwall caught the occasional fish on spoons. Salmon can be seen near the mouth of the river but they are not interested in anything being thrown at them. Boat anglers reported slow fishing.

Bear River: Had a large run of fish. Anglers have caught chinook and coho at the dam. Most were using flies but yarn, artificial eggs and spawn have also caught fish.

Charlevoix: The few boats heading out did catch fish around the Can and in the slip at the cement plant. They did best between 2am and 7am when casting spoons or crank baits. Smallmouth bass were caught on crawlers and leeches in the channel. Angling pressure was still high near the Medusa Weir. Catch rates were still a bit slow but should improve with rain and cooler temperatures. Anglers are wading and casting spoons, crank baits or spawn. Best time to fish is early morning or at night.

Traverse City: Lake trout season is now closed in both bays. Coho and cicso have been caught in the East Bay. Anglers are trolling spoons about 80 feet down. A few perch were caught by those still-fishing with minnows and wigglers. In the West Bay, cisco were caught by those trolling. A small number of boats were perch fishing along the weed beds in 20 to 30 feet. Salmon were caught after dark by those casting glow spoons near the mouth of the Boardman. Both bays had good smallmouth bass fishing.

Elk River: Fishing has been hit-or-miss but chinook and coho have been caught near the dam. Young steelhead were also caught.

Boardman River: Has a decent number of salmon however the run is likely past the peak. The bite was slow but a few were taken by those drifting skein under a bobber.

Glen Arbor: Fishing has pretty much stopped as the kings are heading up into the Crystal River and Shalda Creek.

Platte Bay: Fishing at Platte Point is slow but a few were taken by those surfcasting with glow spoons before sunrise. There are chinook and coho at the mouth but they do not want to bite.

Betsie River: Is full of chinook salmon and plenty of anglers are taking advantage of the opportunities at hand. Anglers are reminded that snagging is illegal.

Onekama: Had no fishing activity because of dredging in the channel.

Portage Lake: Those trolling J-plugs caught a few chinook and coho along the west side of the lake. Bass anglers are working hard but some good size fish have been caught along the breakwalls and drop-offs.

Manistee: Pier anglers and those surfcasting have caught the occasional steelhead. Boat anglers caught young salmon and steelhead in the top 60 feet of waters 300 to 600 feet deep. Orange spoons were the ticket.

Manistee River: The salmon run is near its peak. Anglers are reminded that snagging is illegal. Foul hooked fish must be released.

Ludington: Some boats have found salmon and steelhead. They are using short coppers and lead core with orange and green spoons. No steelhead to report.

Pere Marquette River: Is producing some big chinook right along with a few brown trout and steelhead.

Pentwater: The salmon are pretty much done though a couple fish were caught by pier anglers casting orange and red body baits. A few were trolling along the shoreline but no fish were caught.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: Adult salmon are still in and around the bay. Those going out at 3am and fishing until sun up have caught fish. Once the sun comes up, the bite quits. Most are using bombers off boards. Those fishing off the breakwall caught a few when casting spoons and body baits or floating spawn. Young salmon were caught between Swan Bay and Adams Point. Try halfway down in 40 to 80 feet with smaller spoons. Hot colors were green, blue, orange and silver, black and silver, or purple and white. They are running sliders off the main lines and getting two fish on one rod. Lake trout season closed on September 30th.

Presque Isle: Anglers are doing well for young chinook along with a limited number of steelhead and walleye straight out or north between the lighthouses, off Black Point and north of North Bay. Try halfway down in 40 to 90 feet with smaller spoons.

Thunder Bay River: Has chinook salmon but some have already turned. Try casting spoons and crank baits or floating spawn. Use glow spoons after dark.

Harrisville: Fish are making their way in and out of the harbor but catch rates were slow with the warm water temperatures. When the fish are there, they seem to be in good numbers but would not bite. Try floating spawn or casting spoons and body baits late at night. Spawn is working during the day if the fish are there.

Oscoda: Pier fishing was hit-or-miss because of the warm water. Try spoons or body baits at night.

Au Sable River: Very few fish have made their way up into the river. Watch for cooler temperatures and winds from the north or east which will bring the fish in.

Lake Margrethe: Fishing was good for perch and panfish during the warm spell.

Lake St. Helen: Is producing bluegill and sunfish in 3 to 5 feet of water. Pike are active and can be found around the weed beds. Some are still catching bass.

Tawas: Pier anglers managed to catch one salmon, some bullhead, the odd walleye or a few small perch.

Tawas River: Those fishing at night caught a couple salmon.

Au Gres: Fishing was slow. Those trying for perch had limited success. They were fishing straight out from the mouth of the river in 20 to 25 feet. Catch rates were better further down the bay.

Au Gres River: Down at Singing Bridge, a light number of salmon have been caught in the surf. Fish can be seen offshore. A brown trout was caught.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Marquette: Anglers report good coho action with a couple limit catches reported. A few chinook and lake trout were mixed in. Anglers are trolling in waters less than 40 feet deep outside the Lower Harbor breakwall and the Carp and Chocolay Rivers.

Dead River: Is producing pink salmon between the mouth and the 550 Bridge.

Carp River: Catch rates were fair with a few coho caught on crawlers or stick baits in the early morning. No chinook salmon to report.

Chocolay River: Is producing a fair to good number of coho for those using spoons, stick baits or spawn sacks between M-28 and the mouth.

Menominee: Bay anglers were trolling for trout, salmon, and walleye in 25 to 35 feet. For trout and salmon try spoons and for walleye try rapalas or crawler harnesses. Catch rates for walleye were slow but a few trout and salmon were caught near the Menominee Marina.

Menominee River: Most anglers targeting trout and salmon are upstream between Stephenson Island and the Hattie Street Dam. They are drifting spawn and yarn or casting small spoons. Some walleye were caught in the early morning or evening when trolling rapalas, crawler harnesses or jigs with crawlers. Shore anglers drifting crawlers or minnows continue to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel cats, suckers, bluegill and perch. Sturgeon season closed on September 30th.

Little Bay De Noc: Windy conditions have kept many boats at bay. A few walleye were caught along the Black Bottom and the East Bank in Gladstone when trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 27 feet. Perch anglers did well in Kipling and near the mouth of the Day’s River with crawlers in 13 to 16 feet of water.

Escanaba River: Is producing good numbers of chinook salmon. Most are wading out near the 1st Dam and casting spoons, spinners or crank baits along the rapids.

Big Bay De Noc: Continues to see plenty of smallmouth bass anglers fishing between Snake Island and Snail Shell Harbor. Most are drifting minnows in 15 to 30 feet. No walleye to report. A few perch were caught off the mouth of Garden Bay in 18 to 25 feet. Crawlers worked best.

Au Train: The few boats heading out did catch coho and lake trout. Salmon were caught in less than 30 feet of water near the Rock River and lake trout were taken along the drop-off east of Au Train Island.

Two Hearted River: Has a fair to good number of salmon. Those surfcasting at the mouth caught chinook and coho. The occasional steelhead has been caught.

St. Mary’s River: Most of the walleye anglers are now targeting perch however a few walleye were still being caught on the east side of Lime Island where the channel narrows down between Hart Island and Lime Island. They are using bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses in 12 to 18 feet. Muskie were caught by those trolling large black and yellow bucktail spinners in 8 to 10 feet along the rock ledges on the east side of Lime Island. In Sault St. Marie, anglers trolling bottom bouncers with purple beads and smiley blades caught fish off 6-Mile Road.

Drummond Island: Perch are schooling in and around most of the Islands in Scott Bay. Fish were caught on the south end of Ashman Island, just out from the yellow house in 12 to 14 feet. Minnows and popcorn shrimp worked best. Those drifting minnows along the south end of Grape Island caught a few walleye in 12 feet of water off the red buoy. Smallmouth bass were suspended in 12 to 14 feet on the northwest side of Burnt Island. Anglers are jigging green and brown tube baits just off the rock ledges.

Cedarville and Hessel: Few anglers were in Hessel Bay but the perch fishing was good along the east end and in Government Bay. At Cedarville, perch fishing was excellent in Musky Bay and Snows Channel for those using minnows and worms in 6 to 10 feet of water. Pike fishing remains very good for those casting along the weed beds or fishing with chubs. Bass fishing has been excellent. Lake trout and splake season closed on September 30th.

Carp River: Has a lot of anglers and they are harvesting a good number of fish. Chinook and pink salmon are hitting on small Cleo’s or spawn bags. Some of the fish were 20 pounds or more.

Fishing has been good in Northern Michigan with perch, gills, and smallmouth are on the bite. Salmon are up the rivers on the West side and they a big, just not the numbers of last year.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Harbor Springs: Smallmouth bass anglers were fishing around Harbor Point and in front of Wequetonsing. A few lake trout were picked up on this side of the bay.

Petoskey: Salmon fishing was slow off the piers, but anglers are still casting crank baits and spoons. Boats trolling 70 to 90 feet down in 90 to 100 feet of water caught lake trout on green meat rigs.

Bear River: Still has salmon but not the numbers that we saw last year. Most are using flies, artificial eggs or spawn. There is the usual backup of fish at the dam and in the pools between the two bridges downstream.

Charlevoix: The few boats still heading out were trolling around the Can and into the slip at the cement plant. Catch rates were slow. Those casting near the breakwall and the creek can see fish but none were caught. Pier anglers are still taking smallmouth bass on crawlers and leeches. Those targeting salmon at night are using glow spoons. Angling pressure is still high near the Medusa Weir. Catch rates are unusually low. Spawn worked best followed by small crank baits, rattles or spoons.

Boyne River: Has reports of good fishing near the mouth and Dam Road for those casting from boats.

Traverse City: The East Bay is producing coho, lake trout and the occasional cisco.Anglers are trolling 80 feet down. Bass fishing remains good. In the West Bay, a couple salmon were caught near the mouth of the Boardman. Anglers are casting glow spoons after dark. A decent number of lake trout were caught by those jigging near Power Island.

Elk River: Salmon and small steelhead were caught near the power dam. Try pink or chartreuse spawn bags and light leaders.

Boardman River: Has a decent number of salmon. Chinook were caught by those drifting skein under a bobber.

Glen Arbor: Fishing has pretty much stopped. A few anglers are surfcasting near Shalda Creek. Chinook are running up the Crystal River. Little Glen has a good perch bite with some on Big Glen also.

Platte Bay: Fishing was slow off Platte Point. Those trolling in 12 to 18 feet of water east of the river picked up a couple chinook and coho on small green J-plugs with a ladder back. Those surfcasting seen a lot of fish at the mouth however they would not bite.

Platte River: Fish are still being harvested at the weir. Dredging at the mouth is ongoing.

Frankfort: Had a good number of chinook in Betsie Bay. Fish are moving into the bay and heading straight up the river. Anglers are using spawn. Those trolling have caught some big chinook.

Betsie River: Is producing salmon. Anglers are reminded that the mouth of the river is still closed to fishing because of the shallow water.

Portage Lake: Cooler temperatures pushed the bluegill and perch out to waters 18 to 22 feet deep. Bass anglers working the walls have found some good size large and smallmouth.

Manistee: Boats heading out to deeper waters caught salmon and steelhead in the top 60 feet. Salmon fishing was slow around the piers.

Manistee River: Is producing a good number of salmon.

Ludington: Salmon and trout fishing were slow. Try the top 50 feet in 60 to 150 feet with orange spoons. Pier fishing was slow but those surfcasting at the State Park caught a few fish.

Pere Marquette River: Is producing a fair to good number of salmon.

Pentwater: Boat anglers are marking large numbers of fish in 40 feet but they will not bite. Pier anglers caught salmon and brown trout however they are putting in their time to get them. Most are using orange body baits.

Crystal Lake has been good for perch this week.
Manistee and Skegemog have been producing perch this week in Kalkaska

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: Chinook are in and around Swan Bay. Most of the fish are in shallow waters 5 to 30 feet deep. Anglers are high lining with bombers or plugs off planer boards. Some are still catching younger salmon, steelhead and lake trout out deeper. Try halfway down in 45 to 80 feet with spoons. Good colors were green, blue, white, purple, orange and silver, black and white or anything that glows. Most are fishing between the harbor and Forty Mile Point.

Presque Isle: Has lots of baitfish right along with younger salmon, steelhead and lake trout. Spoons are the ticket, halfway down in 45 to 80 feet.

Thunder Bay River: Salmon fishing has picked up. Catch rates were better on overcast days. Chinook were caught on spoons, crank baits, flies or spawn. Use anything that glows at night.

Harrisville: Salmon are coming into the harbor but catch rates were slow. Try spawn, spoons or body baits in the early morning or late evening. Walleye have started to show up but no big numbers yet.

Au Sable River: Salmon are moving in and out of the river however they do not seem to be running all the way up to the dam. Most of the fish caught were taken by pier anglers casting spoons or body baits. Walleye are moving into the river at night.

Tawas: Pier anglers caught a few walleye, pike and small perch. Salmon are in the harbor however they will not bite.

Tawas River: Continues to produce the occasional salmon. Try small spoons, body baits, spawn or flies.

Au Gres: Catch rates were slow. Boats anglers are marking lots of fish but the bite was not there. Perch fishing was hit-or-miss.

Au Gres River: Anglers are catching a few salmon at the mouth and the Singing Bridge. Traffic can be a problem especially with construction on the Singing Bridge.

Lake Margrethe has been great for perch and gills this week.

Higgins Lake the perch bite is on on the south end and table top.

Houghton Lake has been fair for gills, bass and walleye. Reedsburg dam has been good for pike.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Keweenaw Bay: The bite improved for those trolling for salmon, steelhead and lake trout. Most were going from the head of the bay north to Old Mission and fishing 15 to 40 feet down in 20 to 60 feet of water with spoons. Near the South Portage entry, coho and lake trout were caught by those trolling near the lighthouse, the Mud Banks, Farmers Reef and Newton’s Reef. Try 20 to 40 feet down in 30 to 60 feet. Traverse Bay was good for coho and lake trout. Try 20 to 40 feet down in 30 to 50 feet between Gay Point and Big Louie’s Point.

Marquette: A few trout and salmon were caught from the Lower Harbor breakwall. They are using assorted spoons and stick baits. Boat anglers did well for coho as some reported limit catches. They are trolling in waters less than 50 feet deep between the Lower Harbor breakwall and the Chocolay River. A few lake trout were also caught.

Dead River: Pink salmon have moved in for spawning so there was an increase in angler activity below the generating plant at the 550 Bridge. Most were catch and release fishing with spinners and flies. A couple salmon were hooked but not landed.

Carp River: Had a lot of anglers targeting coho. They are spawn, crawlers or casting spoons.

Chocolay River: Had more anglers between M-28 and the mouth. Early morning was best though catch rates were still low.

Menominee River: Chinook, brown trout and steelhead can be seen up near the Hattie Street Dam. More anglers are showing up but catch rates were low. Sturgeon are still being caught and released near the rock pile. Those drifting crawlers caught smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bluegills, suckers and freshwater drum.

Little Bay De Noc: Was producing fair walleye catches with the better fishing along the Black Bottom. Anglers are trolling or drifting crawler harnesses in 12 to 23 feet. Perch fishing improved at Kipling in 10 to 23 feet, along the “Narrows” and off Gladstone Beach in 14 to 25 feet. Crawlers and minnows worked best. Salmon are in the Ford River and the Escanaba River. Anglers are casting spoons, spinners and crank baits.

Big Bay De Noc: Has lots of smallmouth anglers. They are trolling or drifting minnows in 15 to 35 feet along the break between Garden Bluff and Snake Island. The fish are a bit smaller this year but several large fish were still caught.

Au Train: Fishing activity was light. Anglers did catch a few coho near the mouth of the Rock River. There were no fish below the spillway. No activity at the mouth of the Au Train River.

Munising: Boat anglers are trolling in the early morning and evening. Catch rates for coho were fair to good with a couple limit catches reported. Pier fishing was fair to good for mainly coho followed by splake.

Grand Marais: Boat anglers trolling around the bay caught coho ranging 2 and 3 pounds. Shore anglers targeting coho near the mouth of the Sucker River had mixed results. Those casting caught more fish.

Two Hearted River: Has a fair to good number of salmon. Higher water levels made fishing a bit more difficult but fish are being caught.

St. Mary’s River: Is still producing a few walleye in 12 to 14 feet near Carlton Creek. Try bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses, fire-tiger spinners and beads. Musky fishing will pick up as water temperatures cool.

Detour: Still has some very good opportunities for chinook, coho and pink salmon. Anglers are fishing from the city launch to Frying Pan Island, over to the #3 green can and near the lighthouse. Spoons were the ticket. Colors were pink and purple, green and gold, green and white or black and orange.

Drummond Island: Has excellent smallmouth bass fishing on the northwest side of Burnt Island. Try green and brown tube jigs along the rocky shelf in 16 to 18 feet of water. Good northern pike action off the southeast side of Grape Island. Anglers are trolling chrome spoons with a red eye in 6 to 10 feet. A few walleye were caught around Peck Island by those using bottom bouncers with gold and purple beads and spinners in 12 to 14 feet. Perch were caught just south of Harbor Island. Anglers used minnows or popcorn shrimp.

Cedarville and Hessel: Has fair to good perch fishing off the Hessel pier, Snows Channel, Musky Bay and Middle Entrance. Fish were caught by those trolling a crawler harness around Musky Bay and the east end of Cedarville Bay. Pike fishing was very good for those still-fishing with chubs or casting in the weed beds. Catch rates for bass were excellent. Splake were caught on spawn in the Hessel Marina. Salmon are starting to run in Bush Creek, Beavertail Creek and McKay Creek.

Carp River: Anglers are catching chinook and pink salmon from the mouth to the rapids. They are using spawn, small spoons or spinners.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP

The cool temperatures and rain bring some of the best fishing of the year. The fish are active and enjoy the dropping water temperature.
For the second year, Bass Anglers of Michigan (B.A.M.) enjoyed their two day classic tournament on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. Thirty boats completed on a dark, windy, rainy weekend. It was a test and they passed as they are some of the best.
Saturday September 21, 123 both large and small mouths were caught totaling 312.49 pounds. Big fish was 4.59 lbs. and 5 fish total of 15.92. There were several close in the 14 pound range seperated by 100’s of a pound. For Sunday’s (9/22) results and classic rankings go to FISHBAM.ORG.
It’s was a great end to the Season for B.A.M. with one complaint—too many big pike caught on Mitchell and Cadillac. Several reported catches of Northerns in and over the 30 inch range. Other accidental catches were legal walleyes which we have not seen lately. The Fall is great.

MANISTEE RIVER: Salmon
Don’t wait. The salmon runs on Fisherman line the banks at Tippy Dam but there’s enough fish for everyone. Shore Anglers and those in boats often limit out.
Flies, Thundersticks, spawn and especially curred skein are the favorite baits.
They do hit lures and are caught in the mouth. Forget the other methods.
The opportunity is there catch both Coho and King Salmon. A few 8 to 10 pound Browns have been reported and an occasional steelhead has already moved in. This years run is about Big Fish.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Reporting a good perch bite on Drummond Island

Keweenaw Bay: Windy conditions made fishing difficult in all parts of the bay. The bite was slow with very few coho and lake trout taken.

Marquette: Boat anglers are trolling in shallow waters 60 to 100 feet deep. Catch rates for trout and salmon were slow. Surface water temperatures are in the mid 50’s but warmer near the mouth of the rivers.

Dead River: Anglers were fishing between the 550 Bridge and the mouth or below the generating plant but catch rates were very slow.

Carp River: A couple coho were taken on small spoons, spinners or crawlers.

Chocolay River: Catch rates were slow with only a few coho and brown trout taken on crawlers or spinners. Water levels are still low for boat launching.

Menominee: Bay fishing was slow because of the high winds. Those able to get out were trolling for trout and salmon but none were caught.

Menominee River: Chinook salmon are moving up into the river but trying to get them to bite has not been easy. Most anglers were drifting spawn bags or casting small spoons. Shore anglers drifting crawlers caught smallmouth bass, rock bass, walleye, catfish and bluegill. Those targeting lake sturgeon caught fish near the Hattie Street Dam when using crawlers on the Michigan side and near the rock pile in the middle of the river. The area between the Hattie Street Dam and the mouth is catch and immediate release only.

Au Train: Had few anglers because of windy conditions. Surface water temperatures were in the mid 50’s.

Au Train River: Had higher water levels.

Munising: Had fair catch rates for those trolling in Trout Bay and Munising Bay. Pier fishing has increased with anglers taking a fair to good number of splake and coho. Splake were hitting on spawn while coho were caught by those casting or floating spawn bags.

Grand Marais: Had few anglers. Some are still targeting lake trout in the shipping channel while others are trolling for coho. Catch rates were slow. Shore anglers targeting coho near the mouth of the Sucker River came up empty handed.

St. Mary’s River: A few walleye were caught in Raber Bay by those trolling just north of the Lime Island dock in 14 feet. Purple Hot-n-Tots caught fish in the early morning. Off Barbeau, perch were caught on minnows and leaf worms in 8 to 12 feet near the green buoy and rock cut or upstream of Neebish Island in 12 to 16 feet.

Detour: Catch rates were slow for chinook however coho and pink salmon were caught around the #3 green can.

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch fishing in Hessel continues to improve. Anglers are fishing off the pier, the east end of Hessel Bay, Snows Channel, Musky Bay, Middle Entrance, and Cedarville Bay. Most are drifting crawler harnesses. Anglers report great pike action for those still-fishing with chubs or casting in the weed beds. A good number of large and smallmouth bass have been caught and splake are moving into the Hessel Marina. Salmon are moving into Bush and Beavertail Creek.

Carp River: Chinook salmon are in. Harvest is taking place at the mouth and upstream at the McDonald Rapids. The fish are 15 to 18 pounds and were in good shape. Most are using spawn.

St. Ignace: Anglers are catching chinook between the Coast Guard Station and the flats. Orange and green lures were the ticket.