Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Fourth of July Fishing Report
Fourth of July in Northern Michigan is living the dream. We will have fireworks and the fishing will be explosive also
Weather has been terible this week with cold weather and rain, but friday were back to summer. Houghton Lake has been hot for walleye with leeches working best. Also Saginaw Bay has been hot also for walleye.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the perch and walleye fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake with bass fishing great.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still super and the weather will be perfect for the holiday.
Saginaw Bay - Has very good walleye fishing in many areas including 28 feet of water near Buoys 1 and 2 and the Spark Plug, 6 to 8 feet off the Kawkawlin River, 8 to 10 feet off Finn Road, 7 to 14 feet on the Callahan Reef, 15 feet in the Slot between Quanicassee and Sand Point, and 8 feet of water along the edge of the weeds in Wildfowl Bay. You can catch walleye about anywhere you want to go. Not much at Caseville except for a couple pier anglers.
Mullett Lake -Walleye were hitting during the warmer weather and catch rates were good for those trolling jigs, crank baits, crawler harnesses or Hot-n-Tots. Northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass and even some trout were also caught.
Burt Lake - Walleye have been caught on stick baits and bottom bouncers. Some fish were taken high in the water column and others at 25 feet.
Lake Margrethe near the Grayling area is giving up fair to good catches of walleye in 15-18 feet of water. Live leeches and drift fishing seems to work well. Pan fish and blue gill are hitting in good numbers on wax worms, Chubby Jigs and live bait. Small mouth bass are biting in shallow waters on most inland lakes in Crawford County.
Higgins Lake -Some nice perch were caught on the west side of the lake near the Veterans Lodge when using minnows just past the drop-off. Smallmouth bass were caught between the table top and the north end of Treasure Island. Some nice rock bass have been also been caught. Lake trout were caught in 80 to 100 feet of water when trolling rapalas and body baits.
Houghton Lake - Bluegills are finally on the beds. Anglers are catching walleye, pike and bass in 4 to 8 feet of water near the weed beds and along the drop-offs.
Lake Charlevoix - Perch and rock bass have been seen near the docks in the main lake so now is a good time to take the kids fishing. Some pike and bass are there as well. Walleye fishing should still be good trolling alewife sized minnow plugs at night.
Lake Bellaire - Walleye pressure has remained steady. Evening and early morning were the best times to catch fish between 13 and 20 inches. Anglers are trolling a crawler harness and spoons or jigging with leeches in 10 to 50 feet of water in the northwest arm or near the Grass River. Bass anglers are casting top water lures, spinners, tube baits, stick baits or crawlers in 4 to 15 feet of water. Target the flats or the drop-offs. Some perch were found in 4 to 15 feet of water. Try minnows, leaf worms or a piece of crawler.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing bass and pan fish on wax worms, night crawlers, sucker and perch minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has some nice blue gill fishing available. Guernsey Lake has decent trout activity.
Elk River - Smallmouth, freshwater drum, carp and suckers can be found between the dam and the mouth.
Boardman River - Carp, suckers, and rock bass are abundant just below the Union Street Dam. For the best smallmouth action, try crawlers or leeches near the mouth in the early morning.
Lake Leelanau - Bluegills are finally on their beds and bass fishing has picked up. Look for pike along the weed beds in shallow waters. Anglers are catching walleye and this is a good time of year to catch rock bass. Perch are biting on the south end
Long Lake by Traverse City has been super for walleye this week with leeches working best.
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught with bass and walleye biting on leeches.
Portage Lake -The panfish action was a little slow however some nice bluegills and sunfish were found in about 15 feet of water. It looks like smallmouth bass are off the beds however some largemouth were starting to bed on the north and east side of the lake. Those trolling at night for walleye were taking a few fish on small rapalas and spoons. Northern pike have been caught on a crawler harness during the day.
Manistee -Catch rates were hit-or-miss. A few salmon were caught when trolling along the Shelf. Steelhead were caught on orange spoons near the surface.
Ludington - Boats fishing between the Bathhouse and Sable Point have found trout and salmon in 100 to 180 feet of water. Try green or blue spoons with green flies. A few fish were still hanging around the harbor.
Brevort Lake near Allenville and north of St. Ignace is producing walleye and anglers are doing well when they can get out. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures limited angling activity this week but the weekend is looking up.
Manistique anglers are dealing with chilly temperatures and rain this week, but when anglers can get out the fishing is good on Indian Lake for decent counts of walleye.
Little Bay De Noc -Even with the Mayfly hatch, walleye were caught and the better action was from Portage Point south to the Ford River. Anglers are trolling crank baits along the break in 17 to 25 feet of water. Fair to good action reported in 25 feet of water out from the Terrace Bay Inn when trolling crank baits or crawlers. Several nice perch were taken off the mouth if the Whitefish River in 8 to 13 feet of water. Good smallmouth action especially near the mouth of the Ford River in 4 to 12 feet of water. Chinook and steelhead were caught out by the Ford River buoy by those trolling spoons or fly’s about 20 feet off the bottom in waters 80 to 100 feet deep.
Big Bay De Noc -Walleye anglers are trolling crank baits or crawlers in 25 feet of water off Ansels Point. Anglers reported good smallmouth action along the head of the Bay and near Ogontz when casting crank baits, crawlers or tube baits in 4 to 12 feet of water. Lots of small perch were caught in Garden Bay. At Fairport, more anglers are showing up for salmon. Chinook and steelhead have been caught but the fish were scattered in waters up to 130 feet deep. Most are trolling spoons or artificial bait. Good smallmouth bass fishing around the Summer Islands.
Grand Marais - Whitefish action was hit-or-miss but catch rates for lake trout were good with limit catches taken in the early morning or late at night in waters 90 to 290 feet deep.
Cedarville and Hessel -Fishing for northern pike continues to be excellent for those casting in 4 to 12 feet of water or those still-fishing with chubs. Yellow perch are starting to hit on crab tails or minnows in Cedarville Bay. For herring, some limit catches were taken in McKay Bay when using wax worm in 7 to 12 feet of water. As the fish continue to come in, try the east end of the Moscoe Channel.
Northwest:
Near the Alanson area Burt and Crooked lakes are producing some fish after dark and in the early morning hours with pike hitting in good numbers. Minnows seem to be working on pike for anglers fishing on Douglas Lake.
Long Lake in the Traverse City area continues to be a good source for walleye.
Anglers fishing in Frankfort are doing well with the river bustling. Crystal, Duck and Loon lakes are giving up plenty of pan fish and bass. Drake and Hex hatch is taking place. Salmon seemed to have moved in from 20 miles out to about five miles. The Alewives have also moved in.
Skegemog Lake near Kalkaska is giving up good numbers of small mouth bass and trout activity is decent. Blue gill are starting to move on to their beds. Popular baits include flies, flatfish for trout and small mouth bass.
Fishing continues to be very good around the Gaylord area. The Black, Manistee and Sturgeon rivers are giving up nice numbers of Brook trout as well as the upper Pigeon near the impoundment area. The Hex hatch is moving north. During the day anglers will find Sulfur, Drake and Caddis hatches while the evening Hexogenia hatches.
In the Cadillac area anglers are doing well despite rain and cooler temperatures this week. Pike and bass are consistent on both Mitchell and Cadillac lakes. On the west side of Lake Mitchell the walleye are hitting in good numbers on leeches and crawlers. Also crappie action is good on the south side in 12-15 feet of water using little minnows and beetle spinners. On both lakes sunfish and blue gill are starting to bed.
Upper Peninsula:
Lake Gogebic has a Mayfly hatch taking place and fish are suspended off the bottom. Try using slip bobbers with Rapalas. Perch seem to be active in the weed beds.
As the weather improves so does the fishing in the L’Anse area and anglers can expect good fishing opportunities for the holiday weekend. Crappie and blue gill are just starting to bed and anglers are working hard for salmon. Lake trout activity is good and pan fish is also decent. Worms and wax worms are working well on the majority of inland lakes.
Escanaba fishing has been quiet this week, however by the weekend the action will start booming as better weather moves in. Pike activity is on the rise, particularly in the weeds and when anglers use spinner and crank baits.
Rain and wind has plagued the area all week so anglers are really looking forward to nice weather over the weekend. A few bass and walleye are hitting in the Manistique River on stick baits and crawler harnesses. Lake Michigan is giving up a few salmon and activity is on the rise, most salmon have been caught closer to Fairport. Indian Lake has been slow overall.
Fishing activity has improved around the Sault Ste. Marie area. Whitefish and Atlantic salmon can be caught behind the Power House and near the ferry docks. Spoons, flies and Rapalas seem to work well. Walleye is rated fair and often times hit or miss, the fish seem to be going deeper. Try crawler harnesses and crawlers.
Near the Munuscong Bay area Raber Bay and the St. Mary’s River is giving up walleye and pike on hard baits and crawler harnesses. Bass are biting on everything. Off of Cedarville herring activity is good when using tear drops and wax worms. Pike are also biting in good numbers. Lake trout, Atlantic salmon and a few King salmon are hitting off of Detour.
Drummond Island anglers dealt with rain and cool temperatures this week and overall slow fishing. The weekend forecast is expected to bring warmer temperatures and much better angling activity.
St. Ignace anglers fishing Brevort Lake are finding a few walleye and the pan fish are moving on to their beds.
Northeast:
Angling activity has been busy in the Oscoda area, thanks to good weather and an influx of out-of-state visitors. Steelhead and sucker runs are pretty much done for the season, with some catfish and walleyes to appear in the Au Sable River. Cooke and Foote Dam ponds continue to see blue gills on their beds this week. Minnows, crawlers, leeches and wax worms are the baits of choice. Van Etten Lake once again has some decent pike and perch fishing. Local waterways overall have produced a small salmon run but better numbers of lake trout.
The Hex Flies are in full swing in Grayling, and that’s great news along the Manistee and Au Sable rivers. Brook and brown trout fishing is rated good to great this week. Walleye activity has picked up on Lake Margrethe, while the crappie run is holding its own on Manistee Lake. Anglers in the market for bass are finding varying numbers on Brighton, Glory, Section 1 and Bear lakes. Scattered trout fishing is reported in Bear Lake while the shallow ends of all inland waters are giving up good numbers of blue gills.
Spawning is behind schedule on Higgins Lake where male perch are more abundant in 10 feet of water. A variety of bass have a taste for crawlers and leeches at North and South Sunken islands. Rock bass and small mouth bass are popular there as we head into the weekend.
On Higgins Lake the lake trout are active in 90 to 130 feet of water. Anglers are getting good results using jigs and Swedish Pimples.
Fishing activity has been slow the last few days in Au Gres due to cloudy, cool and windy conditions, but better weather is in the forecast for the weekend. Heading out along the Rifle River and into Saginaw Bay, decent amounts of walleye are being reeled in. Anglers are using crawler harnesses, inline sinkers, weighted lures, as well as bottom bouncers with body baits.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Barred Owl
Shot this guy around my minnow tanks today. Been feeding him a pike sucker every morning and he was waiting for me.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Summer is Here
Finally summer is here and we have temps in the 90’s. Gills are on the beds and it will be short lived as they will spawn in a hurry and move out as water temps are rising fast. Fish are biting with the warmer weather.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the perch and walleye fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake with bass fishing great.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still super and the weather has been perfect the last few days with leeches working best.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye were caught in 5 to 7 feet of water on the Callahan Reef, 4 feet off Linwood, 10 feet off the Kawkawlin River and 7 to 17 feet in the Slot off Sebewaing and Bay Port. Try the weed beds south of the tower on Sand Point. Good catches of channel cats in 3 to 4 feet of water off Sebewaing. Caseville anglers are taking their boats to Sebewaing or Bay Port.
Mullett Lake - The weather and the fishing have improved. Anglers trolling for walleye have been using a crawler harness with leeches or crawlers, crank baits or Hot-n-Tots. Anglers are taking good catches of perch, pike, bass and even some rainbow trout.
Burt Lake - Walleye have been caught on stick baits and bottom bouncers. Some fish were taken high in the water column and others at 25 feet.
Lake Margrethe near the Grayling area is giving up fair to good catches of walleye in 15-18 feet of water. Live leeches and drift fishing seems to work well. Pan fish and blue gill are hitting in good numbers on wax worms, Chubby Jigs and live bait. Small mouth bass are biting in shallow waters on most inland lakes in Crawford County.
Higgins Lake - Perch have been caught in 40 feet of water and rock bass can be found in 25 to 40 feet of water.
Houghton Lake - Bluegills are finally on the beds. Anglers are catching walleye, pike and bass in 4 to 8 feet of water near the weed beds and along the drop-offs.
Lake Charlevoix - Perch have been showing up in shallow waters. Walleye anglers did well on cloudy days or at night when trolling minnow baits.
Lake Bellaire - Walleye pressure remains steady with anglers catching fish ranging from 14 to 18 inches. Early morning and evening were best when trolling near the Grass River, drop-offs on the north end of the lake or between the Narrows and Eckertly Road. Try a crawler harness, jig and leech, or rapalas in 10 to 50 feet of water. For bass, try casting spinners, tube baits, stick baits or crawlers in 3 to 31 feet of water along the west side of the lake. Perch were caught in 4 to 15 feet of water in the northwest arm and near the Intermediate River. Rock bass are hitting on crawlers in 3 to 5 feet of water.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing bass and pan fish on wax worms, night crawlers, sucker and perch minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has some nice blue gill fishing available. Guernsey Lake has decent trout activity.
Elk River - Smallmouth bass and freshwater drum are hitting on crawlers or leeches.
Boardman River - Bass fishing is starting to heat up with good action in the morning near the mouth and steady action throughout the day just below the Union Street Dam when using leeches, crawlers or plastic baits.
Lake Leelanau - Bluegills are finally on their beds and bass fishing has picked up. Look for pike along the weed beds in shallow waters. Anglers are catching walleye and this is a good time of year to catch rock bass.
Long Lake by Traverse City has been super for walleye this week with leeches working best.
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught with bass and walleye biting on leeches.
Portage Lake -Has good bass fishing near the sailboats and the channel. Those trolling are picking up a mix of small walleye and pike. Lots of small perch, rock bass and some crappie have been caught in 15 to 22 feet of water. The panfish bite is still slow, but the Mayfly hatch is done so look for catch rates to improve.
Manistee -Boat anglers fishing off the Shelf are still taking trout and salmon. Anglers are fishing the top 60 feet at various depths. A few scum lines were found by those venturing out towards deeper waters. Green and orange spoons were still the top producers. Pier anglers were still picking up the occasional chinook or brown trout when casting spoons.
Ludington - Boats fishing between the Bathhouse and Sable Point have found trout and salmon in 100 to 180 feet of water. Try green or blue spoons with green flies. A few fish were still hanging around the harbor.
Brevort Lake near Allenville and north of St. Ignace is producing walleye and anglers are doing well when they can get out. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures limited angling activity this week but the weekend is looking up.
Manistique anglers are dealing with chilly temperatures and rain this week, but when anglers can get out the fishing is good on Indian Lake for decent counts of walleye.
Little Bay De Noc -Walleye catches were still down in the upper parts of the Bay but getting better south of the Ford River. Those trolling at night near the Second Reef caught fish, but the better fishing was the area around the “Fingers” when trolling crank baits and crawler harnesses in 14 to 38 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were caught near the Ford River, Garth Point and the Terrace Inn. Most were casting crank baits or tube baits in 4 to 8 feet of water..
Big Bay De Noc - Fish are starting to become more active and walleye anglers are catching them from the “Boot” south to Ansell’s Point. They are trolling or drifting crawlers in 14 to 30 feet of water. Good smallmouth action around the Bay when casting crank baits and jigs along the weeds. At Fairport, the better fishing has been in the evening when trolling artificial cut bait about 85 feet down in waters 125 feet deep. They have caught chinook and steelhead..
Grand Marais - Catch rates for whitefish were sporadic with a few caught in the early morning and at night. Lake trout action was good with limit catches reported.
Cedarville and Hessel -Has excellent pike fishing. The water has begun to warm and the pike are hitting on stick baits in 5 to 12 feet of water. Perch and smallmouth bass are hitting in limited numbers. The fish are scattered throughout Cedarville Bay, Moscoe Channel and the east end of Hessel Bay. Herring are in McKay Bay in 10 to 15 feet of water. Anglers are using flies or wax worms.
Good angling taking place all around the Baldwin area. Howes and Big Bass lakes are producing good blue gill numbers on wax worms, wigglers, crickets and Hula Poppers. Big Bass Lake is also giving up good counts of perch on minnows. Anglers are pulling in good numbers of small mouth bass in the 5-6 pound range consistently and Jitterbugs and Hula Poppers are popular. The Pere Marquette, Manistee and Muskegon rivers are providing nice trout action for fly fishing in the early morning and late evening hours.
Near Grayling Big Bear Lake is great for lake trout and thanks to the Hex hatch should be good for the next week or so. The Au Sable and Manistee rivers are both producing nice numbers of trout and the Hex hatch is helping anglers there as well. Frog, Section 1, Bradford and Blue gill lakes are all producing fair amounts of blue gill within the shallow waters. Manistee Lake has some nice crappie fishing taking place and Bear Lake is fair for bass and trout. Anglers on Lake Margrethe are pulling in some nice numbers of blue gill while the walleye activity has slowed because of the Hex hatch.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Summer is Here
Mayfly hatch has started today on Margrethe and Houghton Lake with bluegills showing up on the beds in most lakes in Northern Michigan. This coming Saturday, June 20th is the opening day of bass season on the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River. Panfish activity has started to pick up along with walleye, pike, bass and catfish. Mayfly hatches have just started in certain areas around the state.
Finally warm weather is here and the fish are biting.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the perch and walleye fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still good when they can get out.
Saginaw Bay - Hot spots for walleye over the last week have been the Spark Plug, Callahan Reef, 10 feet of water off Kitchen Road and the mouth of the Kawkawlin River, the Slot from Quanicassee northeast to Sand Point and the Bar on the west side of the Slot. Pretty much wherever anglers went they caught walleye as long as they were in 10 feet of water or deeper, and most were getting their limits. The action near Sand Point and Wildfowl Bay slowed maybe because the fish moved out to deeper water. Channel cats were hitting in the Hot Ponds. Slow fishing at Caseville except for a few bass taken off the pier.
Mullett Lake - Anglers have been targeting smallmouth bass along the drop-offs with tube baits, jerk baits, and spinners. Walleye anglers are trolling on the north end with crank baits, spinners or crawler harnesses. A few pike and perch were caught.
Burt Lake - Walleye have been caught on stick baits and bottom bouncers. Some fish were taken high in the water column and others at 25 feet.
Lake Margrethe near the Grayling area is giving up fair to good catches of walleye in 15-18 feet of water. Live leeches and drift fishing seems to work well. Pan fish and blue gill are hitting in good numbers on wax worms, Chubby Jigs and live bait. Small mouth bass are biting in shallow waters on most inland lakes in Crawford County.
Higgins Lake - Perch are being caught but it will be short lived because the Brown Drake hatch is underway. Lake trout are deep and hitting on body baits or live bait.
Houghton Lake - Walleye have been caught when trolling crawler harnesses or leech rigs in 6 to 8 feet of water. Some big bluegills and sunfish are hitting on wax worms or leaf worms in 3 to 6 feet of water. The Mayfly hatch is currently underway.
Lake Charlevoix - A fair number of walleye and smallmouth bass have been caught.
Lake Bellaire - Construction at the Fisherman’s Paradise access site has been completed. The access site is now deeper and the dock extends further out, so it should be much easier to launch a boat. Walleye anglers are taking fish in the early morning and late evening when trolling near the Grass River outlet, the northern drop-offs, and the northwest arm from the Narrows to the Eckertly Road access site. Try crawler harnesses, jigs with leeches or rapalas. Fair to good smallmouth bass action along the west side of the lake, the flats on the north shore, and near the Grass River. Perch were caught in the northwest arm in 4 to 15 feet of water. Try leaf worms or crawlers. Rock bass are hitting in 7 to 10 feet.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing bass and pan fish on wax worms, night crawlers, sucker and perch minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has some nice blue gill fishing available. Guernsey Lake has decent trout activity.
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught.
Portage Lake - Fishing was slow due to the recent Mayfly hatch. Bass anglers are still taking fish in 8 to 10 feet of water. Boat anglers trolling in the afternoon caught some nice pike along with the occasional large bluegill or perch. For walleye, anglers trolling near the channel at night have caught fish on small body baits.
Manistee -Boat anglers fishing off the Shelf are still taking trout and salmon. Anglers are fishing the top 60 feet at various depths. A few scum lines were found by those venturing out towards deeper waters. Green and orange spoons were still the top producers. Pier anglers were still picking up the occasional chinook or brown trout when casting spoons.
Ludington - Salmon and trout have been caught in 70 to 140 feet of water between the Bath House and Betsie Point. Good colors were green, blue and orange. Pier fishing was slow.
Brevort Lake near Allenville and north of St. Ignace is producing walleye and anglers are doing well when they can get out. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures limited angling activity this week but the weekend is looking up.
Manistique anglers are dealing with chilly temperatures and rain this week, but when anglers can get out the fishing is good on Indian Lake for decent counts of walleye.
Little Bay De Noc -Water temperature have made it up to 60 degrees but the walleye bite was still slow and many fish were sub-legal. The better catches were coming around Strawberry Island and south to the Center Reef when trolling or drifting crawlers in 4 to 32 feet of water. Fish shallow up near the island. Walleye were also caught between No-See-Um Creek and the “Fingers.” Good smallmouth action around the Bay including Garth Point and Hunter’s Point. Perch fishing was fair for those jigging or drifting worms in 8 to 18 feet of water around Butler Island.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye were caught especially in the north end of the bay when trolling or drifting crawlers in 8 to 20 feet of water. Bass were caught near Ogontz when trolling or drifting crawlers in 6 to 10 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were on the beds in South River Bay and some perch were caught in 8 to 12 feet of water in Garden Bay.
Grand Marais - The better whitefish action was in the early morning and at night. Limits of lake trout were caught in 120 to 270 feet of water.
Cedarville and Hessel -Even with cooler temperatures, anglers were catching good numbers of northern pike and fair numbers of smallmouth bass. Northern pike are biting in the Moscoe Channel, Cedarville Bay and Mackinac Bay. Most were casting spinner baits or stick baits.
AAA Fishing Report
Upper Peninsula:
Anglers in and around the Bergland area are finding plenty of walleye trolling with planer boards and Reef Runners. Fish are suspended in the Mud Flats.
Life is good in the L’Anse area where fishing is good for lake trout and jigging with cut bait. Anglers are most successful when fishing in the early morning or evening hours and in waters 150-170 feet on both Huron Bay and Keweenaw Bay. King salmon seems to be hit-or-miss with anglers fishing in 30-40 feet during the early morning or late evening hours using downriggers, dodgers and spoons. During the day anglers are finding better results fishing in 100 feet of water. Crappie are on beds now.
Marquette anglers are finding that the walleye are just starting on many inland lakes. It appears that the cold water has slowed the trout and salmon fishing a bit off of the area.
Escanaba anglers are finding that the walleye fishing is either hot or cold but when the fish are biting they are hitting on crawlers and crank baits in good numbers. The fish are pretty spread out with the north end and center reef the best locations. Ford and Escanaba rivers are giving up decent counts of bass and a few perch can be had off of the campground area near Gladstone.
A Mayfly hatch in the Manistique area has slowed angling activity. Warmer weather has finally arrived in the area and anglers with plenty of patience are getting a walleye here and there on Indian Lake.
It’s a slow go this week for Sault Ste. Marie anglers, very limited angling activity to speak of.
Excellent walleye fishing taking place on Munuscong Bay with anglers getting great results with crawler harnesses with a bottom bouncer, Wally Divers and jigging. Excellent walleye action is also taking place at the mouth of the Gogomain River with anglers drifting or trolling.
Good fishing for anglers headed to Scott and Maxton bays around Drummond Island for walleye. Anglers are using crawlers, crawler harnesses and stick baits with good results. Pike, small mouth bass and an occasional sunfish are also biting on both bays. Walleye are active at the mouth of the river to the Potanissing Bay.
St. Ignace anglers are either getting limits on walleye or getting nothing at all out on Brevort Lake. Warmer weather has finally arrived in the area and the fishing should really start to pick up.
Northwest:
Crooked and Pickerel lakes near the Alanson area are producing plentiful walleye, pike and bass on crawlers. Lake trout are biting on Lake Michigan. A Mayfly hatch just happened.
Boyne City anglers are finding good luck fishing on Walloon Lake for bass, walleye and northern. Splake, blue gill, crappie and bass are hitting in good quantities on Deer, Susan and Thumb lakes. Body baits and crawler harnesses seem to do the trick. Off of the Lake Charlevoix channel in the late evening hours anglers are getting nice numbers of bass, walleye and northern. Walleye are biting around 4 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Torch and Skegemog lakes in the Kalkaska area are both abundant with pike, lake trout and bass. Most inland lakes have a variety of fish bedding such as blue gill, pan fish and sunfish. Overall most rivers and streams in the area are producing good action for trout fishing with spinners.
Killer angling action taking place in the Gaylord area, the streams and rivers are alive with activity. The Black, Sturgeon and Pigeon rivers are producing very good counts of steelhead, and Rainbow trout. Several hatches have occurred including Brown Drake, Sulfur, Caddis and Mahogany Dun. Fishing is best mid to late afternoon. Bradford Lake is doing well for walleye on crank baits and Otsego Lake is a bit slow but some small and large mouth bass are biting.
Great fishing for anglers headed for the Cadillac area. Sunfish, blue gill, Rock bass, crappie and perch are plentiful on both Mitchell and Cadillac lakes. A variety of baits and techniques are working. Blue gill still have not bedded and anglers are typically not getting limits, but fishing is steady. Lake Michigan is giving up good numbers of bass and pike.
West:
Good action off of the Ludington area on Lake Michigan where anglers are fishing in 120 feet of water for steelhead, Brown trout and salmon. Fish are god size and a variety of spoons are working well including Mixed Veggie, Blue/Green Dolphins, Wonder Bread, Kevorkian and Lemon Ice. On Hamlin Lake blue gill, bass and Northern pike are in good numbers. Pike are coming off their beds on the upper portion of the lake and around the bayous. Worms, minnows and jigs seem to be working well.
Warmer weather in Baldwin has greatly improved the fishing activity. Trout action is good on the Pere Marquette, Little and Big Manistee rivers. Several streamer patterns are working. Bass Lake some large size bass are being caught, five to six pounds seem to be the norm. Large mouth bass are hitting on crank baits, while rubber worms with a spinner in front is working well on Rock bass.
Muskegon area anglers are finding mid-June doldrums with angling activity on the slow side. Some anglers are pulling in a few blue gill on Muskegon Lake using bobbers, wax worms and spikes. Salmon activity is taking place on Lake Michigan in 300-350 feet of water. Anglers fishing the Muskegon River are doing well on trout with flies.
Chippewa Lake is really good for pan fish with many anglers obtaining limits easily. A few bass are hitting on crawlers and the fish are good size. Minnows seem to be the bait of choice.
Around the Grand Rapids area the Grand River is producing nice numbers of catfish and crawlers are working well.
Northeast:
Around Grayling trout are starting on the Manistee and Au Sable rivers and a Brown Drake hatch has occurred. Lonesome Lake in Crawford County and Guthrie Lake are both producing fair blue gill numbers and some bass can be found in shallow waters. Lake Margrethe is producing nice blue gill in the shallows and near the south end.
Oscoda anglers finally have some nice weather and improved fishing conditions. Cooke Dam Pond is producing good blue gill and bass, Foote Dam Pond is giving up pike, perch, lots of bass and a few crappie. Van Etten Lake anglers are reeling in nice numbers of pike, perch and walleye. The Au Sable River has decent walleye and sucker activity and an occasional steelhead in the mix. Overall good fishing in the area and the following baits are popular, minnows, leeches, night crawlers, wax worms and leaf worms.
Houghton Lake anglers continue to find good walleye action while drifting and trolling along with a few blue gill, Northern Pike and crappie. Anglers fishing from shore are getting carp with bows.
Higgins Lake anglers are finding Rock bass everywhere on the lake using crawlers. Perch fishing is good in 30 to 40 feet of water. Lake trout fishing is good using Swedish Pimples.
Good fishing in the Au Gres area for walleye. Anglers are going straight out from the boat launch in 30-40 feet of water and using crawler harnesses with good results. The Au Gres River is giving up some pike, bass and an occasional walleye.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Free Fishing Weekend
This coming weekend, Saturday June 13th and Sunday June 14th will be Michigan’s annual Free Fishing Weekend. Both resident and non-residents can fish without a license on these two days however all the regulations that govern fishing in Michigan will still apply. For a list of statewide fishing events on this special weekend, go to http://www.michigan.gov/dnr. Warmer weather and less wind will greatly improve fishing success around the state.
Cold temperatures and strong winds continue to hamper fishing efforts. Bass and bluegill are on the beds mainly in the southern sections of the state as the northern sections are still too cold. Anglers are catching walleye and northern pike. Warm weather is on it’s way.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the perch and walleye fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still good when they can get out.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye continue to hit near the Spark Plug, off the mouth of the Saginaw River, off Jones Road, and near the Callahan Reef. Down near Quanicassee, it appears the fish are moving up towards Sebewaing and Bay Port where anglers have caught good numbers in about 15 feet of water in the Slot and outside the islands. Closer to Caseville, anglers are heading south to the Slot off Sand Point or the weeds in Wildfowl Bay for excellent catches of walleye.
Mullett Lake - Smallmouth bass were caught near the drop-offs when using spinners, tube baits or jerk baits. Walleye, northern pike and rainbow trout have also been caught.
Bluegills are still a week away from being on the beds in Northern Michigan
Lake Margrethe near the Grayling area is giving up fair to good catches of walleye in 15-18 feet of water. Live leeches and drift fishing seems to work well. Pan fish and blue gill are hitting in good numbers on wax worms, Chubby Jigs and live bait. Small mouth bass are biting in shallow waters on most inland lakes in Crawford County.
Higgins Lake - Anglers are going out for perch but no reports had come in. Try the usual spots such as up near the North State Park, and around the Sunken Island.
Houghton Lake - Walleye anglers are doing well when trolling or drifting in 6 to 8 feet of water with crawler harnesses and leeches or crawlers. Those using Hot-n-Tots have also taken a few fish. Northern pike were caught but the fish are small. Crappie were hitting on minnows along the west side of the lake in Muddy Bay.
Lake Charlevoix - Anglers were catching perch and bass. Try trolling along the weeds for bass. Shore anglers caught perch off the docks. The water is warming up so it should be a good time for the kids to target rock bass near shore.
Burt Lake near Alanson is producing good amounts of crappie near the north arm despite the chilly temperatures. Crawlers and floating jig heads seem to be working well. Pike and musky are active near the mouth of Crooked Lake. The Michigan Walleye Tour takes place on Burt and Mullet lakes this Saturday and Sunday. For details call 231-929-5590.
Lake Bellaire - Water temperatures were in the low 60’s. Walleye fishing was slow but fish were caught in the evening when trolling near the Grass River outlet, the Intermediate River inlet and between the Narrows and the access site at Eckertly Road. Most are trolling crawler harnesses, jigs, leeches or rapalas in 10 to 30 feet of water. For smallmouth bass, anglers are casting spinners, tube baits, stick baits and grubs in 3 to 12 feet of water along the west side of the lake, near the flats, and along the drop-offs on the north side of the lake. Northern pike were caught near the Intermediate River in 8 to 10 feet of water. Rock bass have also been caught.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing bass and pan fish on wax worms, night crawlers, sucker and perch minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has some nice blue gill fishing available. Guernsey Lake has decent trout activity.
Portage Lake - Bass fishing continues to be good throughout the lake, though the recent cold temperatures pushed the fish back out into deeper waters. Largemouth bass were caught around the channel rocks. The panfish are also out deep, try 25 to 35 feet of water. Walleye have been caught at night and lots of northern pike have been caught along the weeds during the day. Try trolling small spoons and crawler harnesses along the drop-offs and near the channel.
Manistee -The better fishing continues to be near the Ledge when using blue or green spoons 50 to 100 feet down.
Ludington - Ludington anglers will find that the blue gill are bedding on Hamlin Lake as well as most inland lakes in the area. Crawlers and worms seem to work well. Off of Ludington, Lake Michigan is producing Kings in 100 feet of water and anglers fishing 50-60 feet down are finding decent results with Blue Dolphin and Wonder Bread spoons. Bass are in good numbers when using spinners or tubes. The Pere Marquette River is producing nice counts of Brown, Brook and Rainbow trout east of Custer.
Brevort Lake near Allenville and north of St. Ignace is producing walleye and anglers are doing well when they can get out. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures limited angling activity this week but the weekend is looking up.
Manistique anglers are dealing with chilly temperatures and rain this week, but when anglers can get out the fishing is good on Indian Lake for decent counts of walleye.
Little Bay De Noc - Water temperatures are still in the mid 50’s, which makes for slower catch rates. A few walleye were taken north of the Narrows but more fish were found near the Second Reef in 20 to 35 feet of water. Those trolling at night with crank baits or crawlers found fish in the shallows between Garth Point and the Center Reef. Perch anglers have been struggling. A few jumbos were caught off Saunders Point when jigging crawlers in 30 feet of water. Sub-legal walleye were also caught. Good smallmouth bass action especially near the mouth of the Ford River and along the shoreline off Gladstone, Garth Point and Strawberry Island. Anglers are casting crank baits, crawlers and tube baits.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye were caught especially in the north end of the bay when trolling or drifting crawlers in 8 to 20 feet of water. Bass were caught near Ogontz when trolling or drifting crawlers in 6 to 10 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were on the beds in South River Bay and some perch were caught in 8 to 12 feet of water in Garden Bay.
Grand Marais - Whitefish action remains fair. A northwest wind still produces the best results. The better fishing has been in the early morning or just before dark.
Cedarville and Hessel - Northern pike action has been good in shallow waters when casting stick baits along the weed beds. The Moscoe Channel was the hot spot and smaller fish were caught in Cedarville Bay. Pier anglers at Hessel have caught smallmouth bass and northern pike. Look for splake in the deeper waters.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
We Need A Warm Up Fishing Report
Cold temperatures and strong winds continue to hamper fishing efforts. Bass and bluegill are on the beds mainly in the southern sections of the state as the northern sections are still too cold. Anglers are catching walleye and northern pike. We need a warm-up but it sure looks like this weekend is not looking great for sumer weather
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the perch and walleye fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still good when they can get out.
Mullett Lake - Anglers are still heading out and looking for walleye, smallmouth bass and rainbow trout. Harvest rates were good for smallmouth bass where the average size was 14 to 20 inches. For walleye, anglers were heading over to Burt Lake where more fish were caught.
Lake Bellaire - The Fisherman’s Paradise Public Access site will be closed June 1st through June 4th and again June 8th through June 11th for construction. Walleye 16 to 20 inches were caught when trolling near the Grass River outlet, the Intermediate River or in the northwest arm from the Narrows to the Eckertly Road access site. Try 5 to 30 feet of water with crawler harnesses, jigs, leeches or rapalas. For bass, anglers are casting spinners, tube baits or grubs into waters up to 10 feet deep along the west side of the lake, the flats near the Grass River and the flats along the north shoreline. Pike were caught near the Intermediate River in 8 to 12 feet of water and in the northwest arm in 14 to 25 feet of water. Try spoons or live minnows. A few perch were found in the northwest arm.
Bluegills are still a week away from being on the beds.
Higgins Lake -Some perch have been caught around the Sunken Island and between the North State Park and the Conference Center. A few lake trout were caught but the fish were smaller. The brown drake fly hatch is underway.
Houghton Lake - Is producing some bass, pike, walleye and crappie.
Lake Charlevoix - Had good smallmouth bass action in the shallows. Try 6 to 12 feet of water with crank baits or minnow type plugs. Northern pike were also caught.
Long Lake - Walleye were caught at night when trolling a crawler harness or rapala.
South Lake Leelanau - Is producing some nice walleye. Try fishing shallow waters after dark. Look for smallmouth bass along the south end of the lake in the weed beds.
Traverse City - Things have been slow as high winds have kept most of the bays.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye fishing has been excellent when anglers can get out. Hot spots include the Spark Plug, Black Hole, sailing buoys G & H, off Jones and Finn Roads, the Callahan Reef and the mouth of the Saginaw River. Excellent walleye fishing off Quanicassee in 6 to 8 feet of water straight out from the river or in 9 to 14 feet if water on the Callahan Reef. Good walleye action in the slot off Sebewaing in 14 feet of water. Those fishing off Bay Port found walleye in 20 feet of water off the tip of Sand Point.
Tittabawassee River - The walleye run is pretty much over except for a few odd fish caught below the Dow Dam. Anglers are now catching good numbers of smallmouth bass, white bass and channel cats.
Portage Lake- Walleye have started hitting again in the evening. Fish were caught when trolling along the edge of the weed beds and out near the channel. Pike were caught during the day when casting on the east side or trolling spoons and body baits along the drop-offs. Bass have been caught in the shallows when casting crank baits. A few nice rock bass and bluegills were caught.
Manistee -The better fishing continues to be near the Ledge when using blue or green spoons 50 to 100 feet down.
Ludington - Boat anglers are catching fish in 80 to 160 feet of water between the Bath House and Big Sable Point.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were fair with only one or two fish per boat. Strong south winds produced fair to good catches from Portage Point south to Breezy Point when trolling crank baits just off the break in 10 to 30 feet of water. Fair catches reported in the deep water off the Second Reef when trolling crank baits in 30 to 40 feet of water. Night anglers fishing shallow waters on the Second Reef caught walleye when drifting crawlers in 10 to 20 feet of water. Several nice fish were caught in 2 to 8 feet of water south of Garth Point. Lots of smallmouth bass were caught in 6 to 10 feet of water south of the Ford River and near Garth Point. Some jumbo perch were caught in 6 to 10 feet of water around Strawberry Island.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing was fair as not many boats have been able to get out. Most are fishing the head of the Bay but catch rates were only fair when trolling or drifting crawlers in 6 to 12 feet of water. Anglers reported excellent smallmouth action throughout the Bay. Ogontz was a hot spot for those trolling or drifting along the weeds in 6 to 8 feet of water with crank baits, spinners or crawlers. Fish Dam, Porcupine Point, Garden Bay and South River Bay were also good spots to target smallmouth bass. Small perch were caught in Garden Bay when jigging in 8 to 12 feet of water. Bass fishing around Summer Island was good.
Drummond Island - The walleye and pike opener was slow with only a few pike taken in Paradise Point Bay when drifting frozen smelt in 4 to 8 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were caught near the mouth of the harbor when fishing in 6 feet of water around the rock piles. Though water levels are higher this year, caution still needs to be used around the rock piles and reefs.
De Tour - A few boats are beginning to head out from the city launch. They were marking fish but catch rates were slow. A couple steelhead can still be found in Albany Creek.
Cedarville and Hessel - The northern pike action was good for those trolling or casting stick baits in waters up to 10 feet deep. Try the Moscoe Channel, Hessel Bay, Cedarville Bay or Musky Bay. Those fishing off the pier at Hessel were targeting yellow perch. No anglers were targeting splake however they are present in the deeper waters on the west end of Hessel Bay.
White Lake - Catch rates for panfish were very good especially for bluegill and crappie. Anglers did well in front of the City Park and Armstrong’s Bait and Tackle.
AAA Fishing Report
Upper Peninsula:
Warmer weather last week made a huge difference on Lake Gogebic. The walleye bite has been very consistent during the early mornings and evenings. Anglers are using a jig with minnows or leeches in 10 to 12 feet of water. In water 20 to 25 feet, crank baits are working well fishing 15 to 18 feet down from the surface. Smallmouth bass fishing has been excellent using sucker minnows in five to six feet of water.
Anglers have had to use the wind to find the best fishing areas near Escanaba. Walleye numbers remain good when trolling crank baits near the steep drop-offs. The Ford and Escanaba rivers are giving up good numbers of Smallmouth bass. The perch bite is fair to good south of Gladstone on Little Bay De Noc when there is a south wind.
Fishing activity around Marquette and Munising has been slow due to weather conditions. However, for diehard anglers, a fair amount of walleyes is being caught using a windy rig.
Cold weather has slowed the walleye fishing for anglers on Indian Lake near Manistique.
The best fishing around Sault Ste. Marie is for whitefish in the upper end of the St. Mary’s River.
Fair amounts of walleye are being caught in the Munuscong Bay area, when using a jig head with night crawlers and leeches.
Choppy water around Maxton and Scott bays has limited fishing activity. Anglers are still able to produce some fair numbers of bass, pike and walleye using a crawler harness or stick baits. The same can be said near St. Ignace where persistent anglers are catching a few walleye and bass.
Northwest:
Even though the weather has not cooperated, Lake Charlevoix near Boyne City is giving up good numbers of walleye and bass along the south arm. Another great place to cast a line is near the mouth of the Boyne River on the north arm of Lake Charlevoix. Stream and river fishing across the region has slowed significantly in the area.
Pre-spawn bass fishing is great in the Traverse City area. Long Lake is producing good amounts of walleye using minnows and Suttons Bay anglers are catching a few Lake Trout.
In the Frankfort area, the up and down weather has slowed fishing activity. Smaller lakes across the region are producing fair amounts of large and smallmouth bass, rock bass and pan fish. Anglers on Crystal Lake are taking good numbers of whitefish with wigglers being the preferred bait. The lake is also producing fair numbers of perch using minnows.
Area lakes around Kalkaska are giving up fair to good numbers of bass and walleye. A great place to through a line is East Lake where anglers are catching a good amount of bass on a variety of baits. Lake Bellaire has the best walleye action using minnows. Fly fishing has slowed but a few fish are still being caught around the Elk Rapids Dam.
River fishing has slowed a bit, in the Gaylord area, with a fair to good amount of steelhead being caught on the Jordan, Pigeon, Manistee, Sturgeon and Black rivers. Baits of choice are Sulphurs, Grey Drakes, Iso’s and Mottled Caddis flies.
The pike action in the Cadillac area is excellent. Varieties of baits are working well including spinners, sucker minnows and Rapalas. Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac are producing good amounts of large mouth bass on Yamamoto Senko baits. The lakes are also producing fair to good amounts of pan fish using live baits.
West:
In the Baldwin area, bass fishing is slow this week due to the weather. Perch fishing on Big Bass Lake is producing nice numbers of perch using minnows as bait. For the best blue gill and sunfish action Howes Lake is providing very good numbers of fish. Anglers are also catching a few pike using sucker minnows on area lakes. The weather has even slowed river and stream fishing. Fair to good amounts of trout are being taken using a variety of baits.
Fishing on Muskegon Lake is good with the limited amount of anglers on the lake. Blue gills are roaming the shallows in search of bedding areas. The bite has been very good using worms. In Lake Michigan, salmon and steelhead fishing has been good. During the day, try fishing in 100 to 140 feet of water about 30 to 60 feet down from the surface using blue or green Dolphins. At night, fishing in 250 feet of water, steelhead are staying near the surface, while the King Salmon are located about 90 to 100 feet down. Fishing around Spring Lake is producing good numbers of Crappie around the bridge in Ferrysburg.
Chippewa Lake is seeing fair to good numbers of blue gills for anglers who battle the cold and windy conditions.
Bass fishing is very good in the Grand Rapids area. For the best action try Englewright and Hess lakes. Good salmon and perch fishing on Lake Michigan for those able to handle the choppy water. Perch are being caught in 60 to 80 feet of water using soft-shelled crayfish or minnows. Trolling spoons in 100 to 150 feet of water is working well for salmon.
Northeast:
The cold, wind and rain are slowing anglers from getting out on the water around Alpena. Anglers are catching a few walleye on Thunder Bay River. Perch fishing on Grand Lake is fair to good using minnows.
Bass season is in full swing near Oscoda. Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds are seeing the best bass action using leeches, minnows and the occasional Hula Popper. The ponds are also giving up good amounts of perch and pike with minnows as the bait of choice. Anglers can still catch a few steelhead, walleye and suckers using a variety of baits. In Lake Michigan, a few King Salmon can be found.
In the Grayling area, spawning bass are being caught on all area lakes with live leeches working best as bait. For the person seeking blue gill, try using a popper for the best results. Lake Margrethe is the best place to cast a line when looking for walleye. Leeches work best in about 18 feet of water. The Manistee and Au Sable rivers are producing a few Brook, Brown and Rainbow trout using a Sulphur Dun or Hendrickson flies.
Crappie have moved out of the canals around Houghton Lake and into water about six to eight feet deep. Trolling, drifting and using bobbers with leeches are working well for those in search of walleye.
Higgins Lake has been choppy over the past few days but for anglers trolling Rapalas, fair to good numbers of trout are being taken. Rain and wind is not hampering the Rock bass fishing with night crawlers working well as bait.
Fishing activity in the Au Gres area continues to produce fair to good numbers of fish. Out on Saginaw Bay the walleye action is good using minnows. Trout fishing in the east branch of the Au Gres River and around the Singing Bridge are getting good results using spinners, small Cleo’s and crawlers.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Kirtland Warbler
Went out this morning and shot a few photos of Kirtland Warblers
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thanks for a Great Memorial Weekend
Thanks everybody for coming north we really appreciate it. We had a great holiday thanks to you. The bass opener was good with some nice fish caught. Anglers will still find them in the shallows. Bluegills should be on their beds soon in the southern sections of the Lower Peninsula but up north we are still a week or so away. Panfish are becoming more active as the weather warms and the walleye are starting to hit.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the perch and walleye fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is super with limit catches over the weekend.
Mushrooms are popping in Northern Michigan with blacks being the main fungi.
Higgins Lake - Boat anglers were taking a mix of big and small perch.
Houghton Lake - Is producing some bass, pike, walleye and crappie.
Lake Charlevoix - Had good smallmouth bass action in the shallows. Try 6 to 12 feet of water with crank baits or minnow type plugs. Northern pike were also caught.
Long Lake - Walleye were caught at night when trolling a crawler harness or rapala.
South Lake Leelanau - Is producing some nice walleye. Try fishing shallow waters after dark. Look for smallmouth bass along the south end of the lake in the weed beds.
Traverse City - Things have been slow as high winds have kept most of the bays.
Saginaw Bay -Is producing some very good walleye fishing northeast of the Spark Plug and off Linwood in 20 feet of water, off the Callahan Reef in 8 to 14 feet of water, the Slot in 15 feet of water and between Sand Point and the North Island. Planer boards and crawler harnesses were good but some did just as well on Hot-n-Tots or crank baits. Limits were the norm with many limiting out in two hours or so.
Saginaw River - Good catches of walleye were reported between the Independence Bridge and the mouth. Jigs tipped with minnows are getting a lot of fish, but boats trolling crank baits also got fish. At Essexville, channel cats are hitting on worms and minnows.
Tittabawassee River - The spring walleye bite is just about done. A few fish were still being caught in the lower river near the Center Road launch ramp. Anglers are also getting a mixed bag of white bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and pike. Bass fishing was real good up near the Dow Dam.
Portage Lake- Bass and pike anglers are doing very well casting spinner baits and rapalas along the weed beds and drop-offs. Good catches were reported by the Inn and behind the Marina. Those targeting pike have done well when trolling along the drop-offs. Slow panfish activity. A few rock bass and some bluegills were found in 32 feet of water.
Manistee -The better fishing continues to be near the Ledge when using blue or green spoons 50 to 100 feet down.
Ludington - Boat anglers are catching fish in 80 to 160 feet of water between the Bath House and Big Sable Point.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing has improved but lots of small ones were caught. Good reports came from 20 to 40 feet of water on the Second Reef and 20 feet of water along the southern edge of the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers. The best catches came from Breezy Point when trolling stick baits and crawlers in 14 to 20 feet of water just off the break. Good perch fishing off the southern side of Saunders Point when jigging crawlers in 25 to 35 feet of water. The bass opener was also good with fish caught off Garth Point, Hunters Point and the Terrace Inn.
Big Bay De Noc - Had a great bass opener with many getting their limit between the Little Fish Dam River and Valentine Creek or west to Porcupine Point when trolling crank baits or crawlers in 8 to 14 feet of water. Good fishing in Ogontz when trolling in 6 to 10 feet of water. South River Bay produced fish for those casting spinners and crawlers in 6 to 18 feet of water. Walleye fishing was fair when drifting crawlers between Valentine Creek and Garden Bluff or off Ogontz in waters 6 to 16 feet deep.
Drummond Island - The walleye and pike opener was slow with only a few pike taken in Paradise Point Bay when drifting frozen smelt in 4 to 8 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were caught near the mouth of the harbor when fishing in 6 feet of water around the rock piles. Though water levels are higher this year, caution still needs to be used around the rock piles and reefs.
De Tour - A few boats are beginning to head out from the city launch. They were marking fish but catch rates were slow. A couple steelhead can still be found in Albany Creek.
Cedarville and Hessel - Those casting off the pier or trolling in the bay with minnows and smelt are targeting splake but also bringing in the occasional atlantic salmon and yellow perch. The northern pike opener was fantastic for those fishing off the piers, the bays and the channels.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing has been slow as high winds have hammpered fishing.
White Lake - Catch rates for panfish were very good especially for bluegill and crappie. Anglers did well in front of the City Park and Armstrong’s Bait and Tackle.
Upper Peninsula:
Lake Gogebic near the Bergland area is giving up good numbers of walleye on night crawlers in 4-8 feet of water. Bass are biting great close to shore on the east side with a variety of baits working well.
Little Bay De Noc and Big Bay De Noc near the upper end near Gladstone are producing fair amounts of walleye. Good bass action on a variety of baits for anglers fishing the Ford and Escanaba rivers.
Marquette anglers are doing ok on smaller lakes in the area where the water is a bit warmer and the bit overall is fair. Slow activity for salmon on Lake Superior due to adverse weather and cold water.
Indian Lake in the Manistique area is giving up good action for walleye on minnows this week.
Anglers around Sault Ste. Marie are finding good walleye fishing on Brimley Bay when using minnows. Atlantic salmon are hitting in good numbers around the De Tour passage area.
Overall fishing is good around the Munuscong Bay area. Munuscong Lake is rated fair for walleye action when using crawler Harnesses and jig heads.
Angling action around Drummond Island is ranging from fair to good for pike and walleye on Scott and Maxton Bays. Good bass fishing is available on Whitney Bay. Poor weather has limited fishing opportunities for anglers around the St. Ignace area this week. Brevort Lake is giving up fair amounts of walleye and the bass action is rated fair to good.
Northwest:
Windy conditions prevail around the Alanson area and fair catches of bass are hitting on sucker minnows on the north arm of Lake Charlevoix.
Boyne City anglers are finding good conditions on Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix for bass hitting on leeches. Lake Charlevoix is giving up good walleye numbers when anglers use ¾ ounce jig heads. The smaller rivers and streams are producing nice fair to good catches of Brook and Brown Trout on spinners and leaf worms.
Frankfort area anglers are finding that overall all lakes are producing bass in fair to good numbers with a variety of baits working well. Crystal Lake has good action for perch and whitefish on worms. Off of the piers and out on Lake Michigan spoons and spawn are working on fair amounts of salmon. Brook and Brown Trout are biting in decent quantities on spinners, worms and flies in most of the local rivers and streams.
All lakes in the Kalkaska area are giving up fait to good numbers of bass. Manistee and Guernsey lakes are producing good action for blue gill when worms are used. Elk Rapids Dam is still producing fair catches of steelhead on spinners and spawn.
Good action around Gaylord for bass, walleye and steelhead. Otsego Lake is giving up nice walleye and bass on crank and rubber baits and walleye are preferring minnows. Steelhead activity is good on both the Manistee and Au Sable rivers and anglers are getting results with flies.
Bass season is in full swing in the Cadillac area and hitting in good numbers. Mitchell and Cadillac lakes are producing good amounts of pike, Rock bass and blue gill, with crappie action rated fair.
West:
Good to excellent fishing taking place within the Ludington area. Lake Michigan is giving up nice King Salmon on Blue Dolphin Spoons in 100-feet of water and fishing between 50 and 60 feet down. Hamlin Lake has nice bass action going on and a variety of baits are working well. All inland lakes are giving up good amounts of pan fish and crappie on various baits.
Wolf Lake in Baldwin is very good for blue gill and bass on a variety of baits. Big Bass Lake is also producing nice numbers of blue gill and perch on worms and minnows. Trout action is good during the evening hours on Pine River and most small streams with just about any bait working. Overall anglers will find great fishing for bass walleye and pan fish on the majority of inland lakes.
Muskegon Lake has good fishing this week. Salmon action is good in the morning and evening hours in 90 to 140 feet of water and fishing 30 to 60 feet down. Blue gill can be found in three to seven feet of water and pike are hitting on bombers while trolling. Nice numbers of bass are also biting.
Great fishing is taking place on Chippewa Lake for bass, walleye and pan fish. Try using rubber or crank baits, minnows and worms.
Very good bass action available for anglers in Grand Rapids fishing the Grand and Thornapple rivers and Big Pine Island near Belding. The Grand River is also giving up nice numbers of walleye on leeches and minnows. Cranberry Lake is producing good counts of pan fish on wax worms and headed over to Lake Michigan perch activity is good in 60 to 70 feet of water.
Northeast:
Alpena anglers are finding good bass fishing on Squaw Bay and Long Lake using a variety of baits. Steelhead action is fair on Thunder Bay River near the Ninth Street Dam with anglers finding results using flies and spawn. Thunder Bay is producing fair catches of walleye with minnows.
Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds in Oscoda both have good fishing taking place for bass, pike and perch on a variety of baits. The Au Sable River is rated fair for steelhead on flies, fair for walleye on minnows and the action improves from fair to good for suckers on crawlers.
Good small mouth bass hitting on Lake Margrethe near the Grayling area. Live leeches and tube baits are working well. All inland lakes are doing well in the area for blue gill. Fish are on their beds and worms seem to do the trick. The Manistee, Au Sable and North Branch rivers are fair to good for trout this week thanks to a fly hatch. Spinners with a live worm work well.
Good fishing for anglers on Houghton Lake. Trolling and drifting and using bobbers with leeches are working well on nice numbers of walleye. Crappie activity is good in the canals and the pike are hitting in good numbers with lots of bass everywhere as well.
Good fishing for anglers in the Au Gres area. Out on Saginaw Bay the walleye action is good using minnows. Bass are active in the rivers and shallow waters of the Saginaw Bay. The east branch of the Au Gres River and around the Singing Bridge is terrific for trout fishing. Anglers are getting good results using spinners, small Cleo’s and crawlers.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Memorial Holiday Fishing Report
The weather is still a big issue as it continues to give us bad weekends of weather. Cool weather is once again hampering fishing conditions around the state, but the last two days eighties"AWESOME’’. This coming Saturday May 23rd is the opening day of bass season on the Great Lakes and all the inland waters except Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River and the Detroit River which do not open until the 3rd Saturday in June. The early catch and release season has been very good so the opener this weekend should also be good. Muskie fishing has started to heat up and the warmer weather should produce some good bluegill action. We have had a warm up but high winds have kept people off the lake.
On the inland waters, bluegills are beginning to show up in the shallows, but it will probably be another week or so before spawning begins in the Lower Peninsula. Largemouth bass are active in the shallows. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth and smallmouth bass must be released immediately. Bluegill are still on the bite on most lakes and hearing good reports.
Mushrooms are popping in Northern Michigan with blacks being the main fungi.
Otsego Lake by Gaylord has had a great walleye and perch bite this week
Higgins Lake - Once boats are able to get out, look for the big perch because not many have been out fishing for them. Look for smallmouth bass activity.
Houghton Lake - A few walleye were still being caught when boats could get out. The bass opener should be good in the shallows along the weed beds. The crappie and bluegill bite should also pick up by the weekend.
Lake Charlevoix - Perch fishing was slow. Anglers jigging and using shiners did manage to catch a few nice fish but many were small.
Lake Bellaire - Water temperatures are in the 52 to 54 degree range. Walleye were caught at night when trolling near the mouth of the Intermediate River and the Grass River outlet. Try a crawler harness, jigs or rapalas in 5 to 20 feet of water. Those targeting bass have done well along the east side of the lake when casting spinners, tube baits, stick baits and grubs in 6 to 20 feet of water.
Traverse City - Whitefish have been caught in both bays when boats can get out. In the East Bay, whitefish and lake trout were caught when jigging in 100 to 160 feet of water with a pearl Swedish Pimples. In the West Bay, lake trout were caught when trolling or jigging in 70 to 150 feet of water between the Boardman River and Marion Island. Jigging was best in the early morning.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing was good in 20 feet of water around the Spark Plug. Finn Road, Jones Road and Knight Road were also good spots when using a crawler harness in 4 to 6 feet of water. Good walleye action off Quanicassee when using a crawler harness or Hot-n-Tots in 10 to 14 feet of water. Boat anglers off Sebewaing have caught some limits straight out, off Lone Tree Island or Thomas Reef. Anglers saw fish off Bayport however weeds and debris made fishing a challenge. Try trolling between North Island and Sand Point.
Saginaw River - Some walleye were caught near the Independence Bridge when using minnows or twisters. Channel catfish were caught off the stone docks near Essexville.
Tittabawassee River - Walleye were caught near Gordonville Road. Smallmouth bass were also caught and released.
Portage Lake- Those trolling or casting for pike have caught good numbers of fish along the weed beds and the drop-offs. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass along with a few rock bass have been caught in the shallows. Bluegills and crappie were still deep but should start to move into the shallows as it warms up.
Manistee - Boat anglers are catching brown trout and the occasional steelhead on body baits. Green and orange were good colors. Perch were caught off the pier however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Ludington - The docks have been pulled at the Loomis Street boat launch due to dredging. Anglers are catching brown trout while trolling along the shoreline. Most fish were caught between the Lincoln River and the Point.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - The walleye opener was slower than usual because of the weather. Fish were caught along the entire stretch between the Escanaba River and Whitefish Point however the best reports came from the First and Second Reefs. Most are trolling stick baits in 20 to 40 feet of water or jigging crawlers in 16 to 23 feet of water along the edge of the reef. Perch and many sub-legal walleye were caught in the Narrows.
Drummond Island - The walleye and pike opener was slow with only a few pike taken in Paradise Point Bay when drifting frozen smelt in 4 to 8 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were caught near the mouth of the harbor when fishing in 6 feet of water around the rock piles. Though water levels are higher this year, caution still needs to be used around the rock piles and reefs.
De Tour - A few boats are beginning to head out from the city launch. They were marking fish but catch rates were slow. A couple steelhead can still be found in Albany Creek.
Cedarville and Hessel - Those casting off the pier or trolling in the bay with minnows and smelt are targeting splake but also bringing in the occasional atlantic salmon and yellow perch. The northern pike opener was fantastic for those fishing off the piers, the bays and the channels.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing has been slow as high winds have hammpered fishing.
White Lake - Perch fishing was slow but the bluegill action was excellent. Some crappie were caught in front of Armstrong’s.
Upper Peninsula:
Bergland anglers are getting out and fishing for walleye despite windy conditions this week. Minnows seem to be working fairly well on Lake Gogebic.
Wind and rain has limited some of the fishing around Escanaba but when anglers are getting out the walleye action is good on Little Bay De Noc, Big Bay De Noc and the mouth of the Ford River. Crawler harnesses and trolling with crank bait seems to do the trick. Silver bass are in good numbers and crank bait and tube baits are working well.
Weather has been an issue for anglers in Manistique. A few walleye and pike have been caught near the mouth of the Manistique River. Weekend weather and fishing are both expected to improve.
Sault St. Marie anglers have headed to Brimley for walleye since adverse weather in their own area has created minimal opportunities and the water has cooled 10-degrees.
Munuscong Bay area anglers are getting good numbers of pike and large sized splake on Cedarville. Brimley Bay is giving up excellent catches of walleye. Caribou Lake is a great location for walleye fishing and good results can be found using crawler harnesses.
Weather hasn’t been so great around Drummond Island but a good forecast is in the works for the holiday weekend. Wind and rain has limited activity, but anglers that are getting out are finding a few walleye, perch and pike on Maxton and Scott bays.
Good walleye action taking place out on Brevort Lake despite the weather this week in the St. Ignace area.
Northwest:
Burt Lake in Alanson is giving up very nice numbers of walleye near the north arm on minnows. The weather has improved and activity is on the rise.
Anglers fishing around the Boyne City area are doing well for walleye and pike on Lake Charlevoix near the south arm in 10-20 feet of water using crawler harnesses and body baits. Walloon Lake has decent fishing taking place for walleye, pike and perch. Trout can also be caught in 10-15 feet of water using red, orange and yellow spoons while trolling. The Boyne and Jordan rivers are decent for trout and plenty of suckers still in good numbers. Fly fishing is popular on the Jordan River for Brook and Brown trout using small spinners. Bass are heading towards the beds.
Windy conditions this week in Frankfort created for some spotty fishing, but nice weather is in the forecast for the weekend. Perch action is spotty on Arcadia and Portage lakes. Most rivers the trout fishing seems to have ended. Lake Michigan is good for salmon and browns when trolling. Crystal Lake is giving up fair counts of white fish on worms.
Otsego Lake near Gaylord is great for walleye fishing and anglers are using Rapalas and crawler harnesses with good results. The Manistee and Au Sable rivers are producing nice numbers of trout on flies and spinners.
Cadillac anglers are finding very good pike action on both Cadillac and Mitchell lakes. Crappie action is good as well as blue gill and bass.
West:
Around the Baldwin area bass season opens on Saturday and anglers are anxious. Idlewild Lake is a hot spot for blue gill on leaf worms and some spiders. Big Bass Lake is giving up really nice perch catches on wigglers, wax worms, and small perch minnows, while House Lake has some nice sunfish action. The majority of rivers in the area are doing very well for trout since a fly hatch is on. The water is low and small leaf worms are working well. Anglers are pre-fishing bass on Wolf Lake and the fish are biting on a variety of baits.
Salmon fishing is excellent out of the Muskegon area. It has been windy but anglers are getting out in waters up to 100 feet and fishing from the surface to 80 feet with good results. Fish are hitting on flashers but green and blue spoons are very productive. Walleye activity has been spotty with only one to two fish being caught. Bass season opens Saturday, fish are not bedding just yet. Marinas will be a good place to fish for large and small mouth bass over the weekend which is expected to be an outstanding opener. However, it is suggested to catch and release since the fish have not spawned yet. Muskegon Lake has some good walleye action when using Smithwick’s Rattlin’ Rogue and Rapalas.
Chippewa Lake is producing decent walleye counts and pan fish action is ok. Fish seem to bite best on wax worms and minnows.
Around the Grand Rapids area bass season opens Saturday. Morrison and Reed lakes are giving up good crappie fishing. Blue gill are starting to bed in some of the smaller ponds in the area. The Grand River has high water and anglers are pre-fishing for bass.
Northeast:
Lake Huron off of the Alpena area is giving up nice numbers of walleye on body baits and Rapalas. The Thunder Bay River near the Ninth Street Dam is producing decent catches of steelhead on flies and spawn.
Oscoda anglers are doing well with live baits fishing for pike and blue gill on Foote Dam Pond. The Au Sable River is producing good quantities of steelhead on spawn and flies and a few anglers are pre-fishing for bass.
Lake Margrethe near Grayling is fair for perch action in 14-20 feet of water when using minnows. Walleye activity has been slow but when anglers are catching them they are hitting on minnows and leeches. Many small lakes in the area are rated fair to good for blue gill and bass on live baits.
Houghton Lake is giving up nice numbers of crappie and blue gill in the canals on minnows and worms. Walleye activity is good when trolling or drifting and bobber fishing.
The perch action is rated fair on Higgins Lake this week with perch minnows working well in 30 to 40 feet of water. Trout activity is also rated fair.
The Au Gres River is producing fair amounts of steelhead on spawn. A few anglers are catching and releasing bass. The official bass season opens on Saturday.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Upper Pike and Walleye May 15
The weather is still a big issue as it continues to give us bad weekends of weathers. Cool weather is once again hampering fishing conditions around the state. May 15th marks the opening day for walleye, northern pike and muskellunge fishing on the Upper Peninsula inland waters not otherwise closed to fishing, the waters of the Great Lakes and the St. Mary’s River. Fisherman are gearing up big time at Gladstone getting ready for the walleye opener.
Crappie have slowed on Lake Missaukee this week but with warm weatyher the lagoon will be the hot spot and minnows the hot ticket.
Also a super walleye bite on Lake Bellaire with huge fish being caught for Northern Michigan. Most are running 25 to 28 inches with a few up to 31 inches. The bad thing is they are catching them on stick baits with clown pattern working best and after dark. I wish I could tell you they were biting on crawlers or leeches. Call Jacks Sport @231-258-8892 for the latest report.
On the inland waters, bluegills are beginning to show up in the shallows, but it will probably be another week or so before spawning begins in the Lower Peninsula. Largemouth bass are active in the shallows. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth and smallmouth bass must be released immediately. Bluegill are still on the bite on most lakes and hearing good reports.
Mushrooms are popping in Northern Michigan with blacks being the main fungi.
Higgins Lake - Is real slow with very little pressure, see nobody on the lake.
Houghton Lake - A few bluegill, walleye and crappie were caught but overall fishing has been slow because of weather a little break and they catch fish.
Steelhead fishing is good at the Two Heart River this week with no pressure..
Lake Charlevoix - Perch fishing was slow. Anglers jigging and using shiners did manage to catch a few nice fish but many were small.
Lake Bellaire - Those targeting walleye were trolling crawler harnesses and jigs from the steep drop-offs in the northern section of the lake, west of the Intermediate River and from the Fisherman’s Paradise access site down to the southern section of the lake in 10 to 30 feet of water.
Traverse City - Strong winds have kept anglers off the East Bay. For the West Bay, lake trout have been caught along the east shoreline from the Maritime Dock down to Bowers Harbor when trolling or jigging near the drop-off. White jigging spoons caught fish. A few perch were caught on wigglers near Suttons Bay.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses in 14 to 22 feet of water at the Spark Plug (Buoys 11 & 12), in 4 feet of water off Finn Road, off the beach at Linwood and the mouth of the Saginaw River. Excellent walleye action was noted straight off the mouth of the Quanicassee River in 10 to 14 feet of water. A few pike were also caught. Good channel cat action off the mouth of the Sebewaing River while walleye were taken in the Slot. Those fishing Sunset Bay Marina and Fish Point caught walleye in 11 feet of water. Up at Bay Port, walleye fishing was very good off the tip of Sand Point and out in the Slot. Some are jigging around the weed beds while others are trolling planer boards with crawler harnesses.
Saginaw River - Walleye are back in with good reports the last two days and the river is down.
Tittabawassee River - Still has good walleye fishing especially in the lower river near the Center Street Launch in Saginaw Township. Walleye can be found from the mouth up to the Dow Dam. The white bass runs are just getting started and smallmouth bass are being caught and released.
Portage Lake -Perch fishing was slow but those trolling for walleye and pike were taking fair numbers of fish. Those trolling or casting were catching pike and those trolling at night found walleye. A few bass were caught on the west side.
Manistee - Boat anglers are catching brown trout and the occasional steelhead on body baits. Green and orange were good colors. Perch were caught off the pier however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Ludington - The docks have been pulled at the Loomis Street boat launch due to dredging. Anglers are catching brown trout while trolling along the shoreline. Most fish were caught between the Lincoln River and the Point.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - Had lots of anglers out looking for perch however catch rates were slow. Those fishing the Narrows did best catching jumbo perch when jigging minnows or crawlers in 25 to 33 feet of water. Smaller fish were caught in and around Butler Island. The walleye opener this Friday looks good. Hot spots should be the “Narrows”, the Second and Third Reefs, and the mouth of the Escanaba River as anglers have marked good numbers of fish in these areas. All the boat launches are open but the buoys have not been installed in the Escanaba River. Water temperatures vary from the low 40’s to near 50.
Drummond Island - Yellow perch are still being caught however catch rates have slowed at the Bayside Dock. Most are using minnow spreaders. If it is windy, try attaching a quarter ounce or heavier sinker to help keep your minnows in the strike zone. Even though water levels are up anglers are reminded to be very careful of the rocks and reefs around the islands and in Raber Bay.
De Tour - A few boats are beginning to head out from the city launch. They were marking fish but catch rates were slow. A couple steelhead can still be found in Albany Creek.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers fishing from the Hessel Marina pier are casting minnows, smelt, stick baits and Cleo’s for splake. The pike and walleye opener on May 15th looks to be good.
Big Bay De Noc - A couple perch anglers were catching smallmouth bass off Garden Bluff however the catch and immediate release season does not open until May 15th. The walleye opener looks good especially at the head of the Bay. Work the shallows 6 to 10 feet deep between the launch at Fish Dam and Kates Bay. At Fairport, the salmon fishery generally starts in June and peaks mid-summer.
White Lake - Perch fishing was slow but the bluegill action was excellent. Some crappie were caught in front of Armstrong’s.
Upper Peninsula:
Marquette anglers are geared up and ready for the walleye opener on Friday buying equal amounts of night crawlers, minnows and leeches. Anglers tell AAA that the water is the coldest it has been in years for a walleye season start.
Bergland anglers are anxious and ready for May 15th. The weather has been in the sixties, all of the boat launches are open and plenty of anglers are expected to hit the waters for walleye.
In the Escanaba area, Little Bay De Noc and Ford River will be the hot spots on Friday for anglers geared up for walleye fishing. The water temperature is in the fifties and crawlers, leeches, crawler harnesses, and crank baits have been flying off the shelves of bait shops. South of Gladstone some nice perch are being caught.
Around Manistique the perch fishing has died off and pretty much anglers are anxious to get walleye fishing on Friday. Crawler harnesses and stick baits seem to be the popular purchase. Saturday and Sunday the “Manistique Walleye Derby” will take place. Call 906-341-5241 for details.
Near the Sault Ste. Marie area perch are being caught on the upper portion of the St. Mary’s River. But overall activity has been slow with anglers just waiting for walleye season.
Around Drummond Island some perch activity is still taking place. Walleye and pike season opens Friday and plenty of activity is expected throughout the area.
Near St. Ignace, Brevort Lake will be the hot spot for walleye anglers on the 15th. Spawn sacks are still working well in most of the rivers for steelhead activity.
Northwest:
Despite the cold weather around Alanson good walleye fishing is taking place on Crooked River using minnows and crawlers.
Boyne City anglers are doing well for walleye on Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix using crawler harnesses, Rapalas, bombers, jigs with crawlers or golden shiners. Good numbers are found on the south arm with fish ranging 18-24 inches. Large walleye are in the channels of Lake Charlevoix at night particularly 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. The rivers are full of suckers and the trout is pretty good as well. White Culprit spinner baits and one ounce glow and white jig heads seem to be working well. Since the current is so strong try using something other than monofilament line. Many anglers are catching and releasing bass on Deer, Susan and Thumb lakes. Crappie activity is picking up. The Boyne and Jordan rivers are giving up nice numbers of trout and the river is full of suckers.
The water is still very cold around Traverse City but anglers are getting some lake trout in the Bays and a few steelhead. Long Lake is doing well for walleye in the shallow waters and in the evening hours. Lead head Lures, worms, leeches, Rapalas and jerk baits all seem to do the job.
Around Frankfort the Betsie and some small creeks are producing fair quantities of Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout on flies and Panther Martin Spinners. A few steelhead remain in the river systems. Big Platte is producing some blue gill, pan fish and hit-or-miss walleye. Crawler harnesses, Rapalas, body baits and Cotton Cordell Wally Divers seem to work well.
Fishing is good in the Gaylord area on most of the surrounding rivers for trout. The best fishing is taking place on the Manistee and Au Sable due to warm water and several fly hatches. Otsego Lake continues to give up nice numbers of walleye. Elk River is giving some steelhead on spawn and a few trout.
In the Cadillac area plenty of anglers are getting out on Cadillac Lake and Mitchell Lake and fishing for blue gill, crappie and pike. Rapalas, spinner baits and wax worms are popular. A little incentive for pike anglers, a 41-inch pike was caught last weekend.
West:
Blue gill rule in Baldwin on just about every inland lake in the area and anglers are catching most of them in shallow waters using leaf worms.
Off of Muskegon salmon action is heating up on Lake Michigan. Anglers are doing well fishing in waters 80 to 100 feet and down 30-60. A variety of spoons are working well including Lemon Ice, Carmel and Blue Dolphins. Blue gill action is good in the shallow waters near the state park. Catfish are in the channels and Countdown Rapalas, Husky Jerks and crawlers are working well. Heritage Landing is a good spot for pike fishing using Rapalas, Husky Jerks in gold and black and Fire Tiger. Muskegon Lake and White Lake near Montague are both giving up nice numbers of walleye trolling and casting Rapalas.
On Chippewa Lake the cold and wind earlier in the week created choppy conditions for anglers, but weather is improving and anglers are getting out and catching some walleye, blue gill, a few specks and a few catch and release bass. Minnows and crawlers seem to be working. Mark your calendars, starting May 28th and every Thursday through August a fishing tournament will take place. For complete details call 231-867-5619.
Grand Haven anglers are pulling in abundant amounts of perch on Lake Michigan using minnows. The Grand River in Grand Rapids is full of carp and the fish are biting on just about everything. Most inland lakes throughout the Grand Rapids area are good for crappie and blue gill with minnows and wax worms working well. Jordan Lake is great for pan fish.
Northeast:
Anglers fishing the Au Sable River in the Oscoda area are coming up with plenty of action for steelhead on wax worms and spawn, while walleye are biting on Rapalas and suckers are hitting on just about anything. Cooke Dam Pond is giving up blue gill and crappie on leaf and wax worms. Foote Dam Pond is producing big size pike on pike minnows and perch on wax worms and perch minnows.
Grayling anglers are finding good results vertical jigging with a live leech in 15 to 20 feet of water for walleye. Angling activity is slow to fair on the Manistee, Au Sable and North Branch Rivers due to cold water, the temperatures are dipping each night. Smaller inland lakes are decent for blue gill in the shallows, but the fish are not bedding yet.
Good fishing for anglers on Houghton Lake. Blue gill action is good overall on crawler harnesses. Walleye are biting on Rapalas and Hot-n-Tots in four to six feet of water when trolling. Pike fishing is decent and fish are average size. Crappie action is rated fair to good out on the lake.
Higgins Lake has had a lot of rain lately causing for slower angling activity this week. Perch action is fair on minnows and some anglers are catching and releasing small mouth bass. Branch and Manistee Rivers are running high right now.
Au Gres anglers are doing well out on Saginaw Bay trolling for walleye in 25-30 feet of water. Deep Down Husky Jerks and stick baits are working well. River fishing has been minimal.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother’s Day
Hope all the Mother’s are having a rich and happy Mother’s Day
There are times when only a Mother’s love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappoints
And calm all of our fears.
There are times when only a Mother’s love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we’ve dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real.
There are times when only a Mother’s faith
Can help us on life’s way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day.
For a Mother’s heart and a Mother’s faith
And a Mother’s steadfast love
Were fashioned by the Angels
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Mother’s Day Fishing Report
The weather is still a big issue as it continues to give us bad weekends of weathers. We hope for better as it is mothers day sunday.
Crappie are on a big bite on Lake Missaukee this week with the lagoon being the hot spot and minnows the hot ticket.
Also a super walleye bite on Lake Bellaire with huge fish being caught for Northern Michigan. Most are running 25 to 28 inches with a few up to 31 inches. The bad thing is they are catching them on stick baits with clown pattern working best and after dark. I wish I could tell you they were biting on crawlers or leeches. Call Jacks Sport @231-258-8892 for the latest report.
Otsego Lake has started to produce a few walleye the last few days.
On the inland waters, bluegills are beginning to show up in the shallows, but it will probably be another week or so before spawning begins in the Lower Peninsula. Largemouth bass are active in the shallows. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth and smallmouth bass must be released immediately. Bluegill are still on the bite on most lakes and hearing good reports.
Mushrooms are popping in Northern Michigan with blacks being the main fungi.
Higgins Lake - Is real slow with very little pressure, but it seems like after mother’s day the perch bite starts on the lake according to the Redman’s
Houghton Lake - A few bluegill, walleye and crappie were caught but overall fishing has been slow.
Steelhead fishing is good at the Two Heart River this week with no pressure..
Lake Charlevoix - Perch fishing was slow. Anglers jigging and using shiners did manage to catch a few nice fish but many were small.
Lake Bellaire - Those targeting walleye were trolling crawler harnesses and jigs from the steep drop-offs in the northern section of the lake, west of the Intermediate River and from the Fisherman’s Paradise access site down to the southern section of the lake in 10 to 30 feet of water.
Traverse City - Strong winds have kept anglers off the East Bay. For the West Bay, lake trout have been caught along the east shoreline from the Maritime Dock down to Bowers Harbor when trolling or jigging near the drop-off. White jigging spoons caught fish. A few perch were caught on wigglers near Suttons Bay.
Saginaw Bay - There’s still a lot of muddy water to contend with in the inner bay after all the rain. Angler activity has picked up off Linwood and Parish Road. Those trolling and drifting east of Spoils Island caught fish when using crawler harnesses and jigs with crawlers. Quanicassee had fair to good walleye action near the mouth of the river. At Bay Port, boat anglers are catching walleye in the channel off the tip of Sand Point, around North Island and out in the Slot. At Caseville, walleye were caught off the breakwall at night.
Saginaw River - Walleye are back in with good reports the last two days and the river is down.
Tittabawassee River - Walleye fishing is good at the Dow Dam
Portage Lake -Has slowed down this week but I think the perch will start again friday as the weather warms up.
Manistee - Boat anglers are catching brown trout and the occasional steelhead on body baits. Green and orange were good colors. Perch were caught off the pier however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Ludington - The docks have been pulled at the Loomis Street boat launch due to dredging. Anglers are catching brown trout while trolling along the shoreline. Most fish were caught between the Lincoln River and the Point.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - Perch anglers fished the Narrows near Butler Island but few fish were caught in the deeper waters. Those fishing in shallows waters 4 to 8 feet deep caught fish but they were small. Water temperatures were edging up near 50 degrees but no reports of smelt.
Ford River - Steelhead have been caught 4 to 8 miles upstream.
Day’s River - Most anglers are fishing between old US-2 and the Golf Course.
Big Bay De Noc - The docks are in Fayette, Garden and Ogontz. People are getting ready for the opener next week
AAA FIshing Report
Upper Peninsula:
In the Marquette area anglers are anxiously awaiting the walleye and pike season opener on May 15. A few anglers are out catching and releasing bass. Overall the fishing activity is bleak and so far no hatches have taken place. A few anglers are out trolling in 50-75 feet of water on Lake Superior for trout using Moonshine Spoons and getting fair results. A Trout/Salmon Tournament takes place this Saturday on the lower Harbor, for details call 906-226-8300.
In Escanaba the perch fishing is heating up and anglers are doing well in waters 25 to 45 feet deep out in the Bay using perch rigs. The local rivers continue to give up decent counts of steelhead. Anglers are getting prepared for walleye season next May 15.
Fishing is rated average for anglers on Indian Lake where perch are hitting on perch minnows. The Manistique River is still producing some steelhead, but the suckers have really moved in.
Around Sault Ste. Marie the perch have really started to pick up in the upper St. Mary’s River this week. Minnows seem to be working well. Whitefish can be found by the power house using wax worms and Rainbow Trout are running in just about all the streams with spawn and wax worms doing the trick.
Off of Hessel and Cedarville anglers are doing well for splake casting spoons and spawn. All of the trout streams throughout Munuscong are doing well. Anglers will find nice numbers of steelhead near the mouth of the rivers leading from both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Pike, walleye and musky season opens May 15.
Walleye season opens May 15th for Drummond Island anglers but in the meantime anglers are getting decent perch catches off the docks around Maxton Bay. Overall perch is slowing down and the majority of the perch are now male.
St. Ignace activity is very minimal this week and for the most part, most anglers from the area are heading to Drummond Island for perch.
Northwest:
Alanson anglers finally got a break and the weather has improved creating good pike action on most creeks and rivers with minnows working well. Suckers are also strong in the rivers and creeks. Crooked Lake is giving up some walleye near the marina where the waters have warmed up.
Around Boyne City the Jordan and Boyne rivers are full of suckers, steelhead are minimal at this point. Lake Charlevoix the perch activity is off and on and when they are biting the fish are hitting on minnows and wigglers. Walloon Lake is good for walleye on minnows and body baits and anglers are targeting bass, some catching and releasing.
Traverse City and Kalkaska anglers are finding some nice angling activity this week. Manistee Lake and Guernsey Lake are exceptional for blue gill with jigs and wax worms working very well. Lake Bellaire and Manistee Lake are both producing nice quantities of walleye on jigs and minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has a fresh steelhead run and spawn bags and jigs with wax worms seem to be working well. Skegemog Lake has hundreds of bass cruising but it is only catch and release right now. Off of Leelanau walleye are being found in the north and south narrows.
Good fishing in Gaylord where walleye are hitting on crank baits on Otsego Lake. Steelhead action continues to be good on the Boyne, Sturgeon and Jordan rivers and anglers are having success with egg and nymph patterns.
Both Mitchell and Cadillac lakes are producing nice size pike on Rapalas. Crappie action is also good but it depends on the time of day whether the fish are suspended or deep. A few blue gill are hitting on wax and leaf worms.
West:
Baldwin anglers are finding decent blue gill fishing on the majority of inland lakes in the area. The shallow water seems to be the hot spot with tied flies, particularly black gnats and ants seem to be popular. Other baits that are working include worms, night crawlers and crickets.
Fishing is ok around the Muskegon area where anglers are fishing Lake Michigan for salmon in 40 to 60 feet of water and getting results in 32 to 55 feet down. Fish are ranging towards the smaller end of the scale, averaging 5-11 pounds. Perch action in the area is slowing down and walleye action is decent off the break wall when using Countdown Rapalas in the very early morning or late evening hours. Trout action is good on the north branch of the White River with worms, crawlers and spawn doing the job.
Northeast:
Good fishing for Alpena anglers on Thunder Bay for walleye. Rapalas and body baits are working well. The steelhead action remains good around the Ninth Street Dam on spawn and flies. Crappie fishing is just starting and so far is fair to good with minnows doing the trick.
It’s all good around Oscoda where perch, blue gill and crappie action is great on live baits on Cooke and Foote Dam ponds. Pike is good on Foote Dam Pond. Walleye, steelhead and sucker action is good on the Au Sable River when using minnows, spawn and crawlers.
Walleye are biting on Lake Margrethe around the Grayling area. Good results can be found near the east shoreline and the north side using minnows. The pressure is light to good for a few blue gill in the shallows from about 8-feet in.
The bite is good on Houghton Lake for walleye on minnows and blue gill and crappie on leaf worms. Blue gill are a good size averaging 11-13 inches. Crawler harnesses and teardrops are working on pike near the Reedsburg Dam.
Higgins Lake is producing fair amounts of perch on minnows but so far no trout action.
Around Au Gres walleye are biting on size seven Husky Jerks up river in the shallows of the Aus Gres. Again this week on the east branch of the Au Gres steelhead continue to run. Additional baits that are also popular include crawler harnesses, Rapalas and bombers.
East:
Off of Standish the perch seem to have shut down, but outstanding walleye fishing is taking place. The walleye are really turned-on in 13-18 feet of water and limits are being taken in short order on crawler harnesses. A few hot spots include near the Rifle Bar, black hole and catfish hole.
Walleye are everywhere around the Bay City area and anglers are giving a thumbs-up for good action. Saginaw Bay is producing good quantities in 10-feet of water on crawlers. Anglers are also doing well fishing from shore along the Saginaw River jigging with minnows.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Honor’s Finest
Saw this place east of Honor today during the rains.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Frankfort’s Pounding Surf
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Fishing Report 5/1/09
The weather put a big kabosh on fishing last weekend with rivers still high and business owners low as it was a catastropic weekend costing Northern Michigan dearly. Not much to report this week as most are just getting back out fishing with the winds going down today. It has been real slow this week.
Opening weekend followed tradition as it was wet in most areas. Extensive rainfall has many rivers flooded. It could take a minimum of seven to ten days for the watersheds to return to near normal conditions. Avoid standing near the edge of riverbanks because the ground is saturated and could pull away at anytime. Anglers hard-bitten by the fishing bug are encouraged to try inland lakes that are not connected to any river systems, because they were least affected by recent rains.
Mushrooms will be popping soon in Northern Michigan
Higgins Lake - Perch have been caught on minnows and wigglers. Boats trolling cowbells just off the bottom in 80 feet of water have caught some lake trout.
Houghton Lake - Opening weekend was wet however anglers did manage to catch fish. Boats trolling in shallow waters 6 to 8 feet deep found walleye and northern pike. Bluegills and crappie can still be found in the canals.
Steelhead fishing is good at the Two Heart River this week with no pressure..
Traverse City - A few boats are making it out on the West Bay and searching for steelhead and perch. The East Bay is ice free so boat anglers are out looking for steelhead, whitefish, and brown trout. Also reports Suttons Bay is open and has a good perch bite with wigglers and minnows working best. Perch fishing has been great on both bays this week with wigglers working best.
Saginaw Bay - Anglers will want to seek out areas of clear water far away from river mouths, or fish along the line where clear and muddy waters converge. Walleye were hitting good on crawler harnesses fished off planer boards.
Saginaw River - Had a good walleye opener but the river is now flooded. It will take a week or more for the Saginaw River watershed to recede enough for anglers to start fishing again.
Tittabawassee River - The walleye opener was absolutely incredible, by all reports....for Saturday only. Central Michigan received a lot of rain and the river is not fishable at this time.
Portage Lake - Good numbers of perch are still being caught in front of the channel, though a few smaller fish are now mixed in. Try in front of the channel and fish with minnows, wigglers, or wax worms. Pike were caught along the south shoreline.
Manistee - Pier anglers targeting brown trout picked up a few fish when there was a nice chop on the water. Boats trolling in the harbor and along the shoreline have caught brown trout on body baits. Perch fishing off the pier has slowed.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - The docks are in at Kipling and Ford River. The Rapid River Launch is the only one not installed. The rivers are high and fast. Shore anglers caught brown trout off Sand Point in Escanaba when casting crank baits or spoons in the harbor. Perch anglers are still anticipating the seasonal catches off Saunders Point, but no good reports as of yet.
Ford River - Steelhead have been caught 4 to 8 miles upstream.
Day’s River - Most anglers are fishing between old US-2 and the Golf Course.
Big Bay De Noc - The docks are in Fayette, Garden and Ogontz. Several anglers headed out to Kate’s Bay where the late ice season was good, but few catches were reported. No smelt to report.
Upper Peninsula:
Bergland anglers seem to be in a transition period now that the ice is gone. Very minimal activity on perch and most anglers are just waiting for walleye season to open on May 15.
Marquette received 18-inches of snow last week and it has rained ever since so the rivers are crested and very muddy, most look like chocolate. Activity is slow overall slow with the exception of a few Coho on Lake Superior.
Escanaba anglers dealt with rain and wind this week that created high water levels in the rivers. All of the boat landings are open as well as trout season. Trout activity got off to a slow start in the streams. North of Gladstone some perch are being taken in the narrows. Walleye season opens May 15.
Indian Lake is producing nice numbers of perch and anglers are doing well on the majority of inland lakes. The Manistique River continues to remain strong for steelhead on spawn. So far no activity on Lake Michigan, just off of the Lake near Thompson Creek the brown trout are starting to hit.
Off of the Sault Ste. Marie area perch are biting on minnows near Sugar Island. Rain has curtailed much of the angling activity this week overall.
Around Munuscong the St. Mary’s River is producing steelhead on spawn and spoons. Pike, walleye and musky season opens May 15.
Around Drummond Island some smelt can still be found in the Lake Huron tributaries and anglers are getting some perch on minnows and perch rigs.
St. Ignace received plenty of wind and rain this week idling fishing activity, but a warm-up helped a few anglers pull in some trout. Smelt has slowed down but persistent anglers heading to the north side of the Carp River are filling their two-gallon bucket.
Northwest:
Rain and adverse weather has limited fishing activity in Alanson so far this week.
Traverse City anglers are doing well on the Boardman River for steelhead. Suttons Bay is producing some perch on wigglers and perch minnows. Walleye is slow so far.
Anglers getting out around the Frankfort area are doing well on most inland lakes for blue gill and crappie. Steelhead and suckers are still running at a good pace on the Betsie and Platte rivers. Spawn and flies are working well, spin fishing, bobbers and longer leaders are also in the bag of tricks for anglers. Walleye and trout season opens in the area on Saturday.
Around Kalkaska some nice size trout have been caught despite the rain. The rain should actually bring in more steelhead into the Boardman River for the weekend.
Gaylord anglers are finding very good steelhead numbers in the Boyne, Sturgeon and Jordan rivers. Spawn, egg flies and nymph patterns are working well. Good action for walleye on Otsego Lake and Big Lake with crawler harnesses and crank bait working well. Trout streams are slow but improving.
In the Cadillac area fishing this week has been quiet with some blue gill and crappie being taking from Mitchell and Cadillac lakes. Trout fishing is good in the streams.
West:
Excellent trout action is taking place around the Baldwin area on the Little Manistee and Pere Marquette rivers and streams throughout the area that include rainbow, brown and brook trout. Steelhead activity is also rated good to excellent when using spawn. Inland lakes are good for pike on sucker minnows and the pan fish are biting in nice numbers too.
Good fishing for anglers in the Muskegon area for perch, trout and walleye. Muskegon Lake is producing nice numbers of perch in 42-29 feet of water on minnows and wigglers. Perch action is good on Lake Michigan in 60-70 feet of water. The White and Muskegon rivers are both giving up tremendous trout catches. Off of the Muskegon piers the walleye fishing is good using crank baits and husky jerks.
In the Chippewa Lake area the channels are providing good counts of specks and Chippewa Lake is producing a few walleye on minnows.
Rain, rain and more rain is the word in Grand Rapids and with all that rain flooding is the rule for just about every river in the area idling fishing at this point. Inland lakes all have high water levels as well but are fishable.
Northeast:
Alpena anglers continue to hit on good numbers of walleye near the shoreline of Lake Huron. Fishing in the evening hours with Rapalas seems to be getting good results. Fish are ranging from three to seven pounds. Steelhead and sucker activity is good near the Ninth Street Dam when anglers use spawn and flies.
Fishing is good in Oscoda for steelhead, suckers and walleye. Below the Foote Dam Pond steelhead and sucker activity is really starting to pick up. Walleye are hitting near the mouth of the Au Sable River.
Grayling anglers are doing fair for trout on the Au Sable and Manistee rivers. Best fishing seems to be mid-day. Lake Margrethe is slow to fair for pan fish. Anglers are getting best results in shallow water since fish are starting to bed up a bit. The walleye bite is slow so far. Crappie and blue gill are showing up in the canals. Live baits are working well on pan fish, wax worms on blue gill and jig heads with leeches while drifting for walleye.
Fishing is on the rise for Houghton Lake anglers. Today the weather finally broke and the walleye and pike are biting when trolling and using stick baits or Rapalas. The canals are producing decent counts of blue gill and crappie.
The sun finally popped out today on Higgins Lake after days of rain and wind. Walleye, trout and pike season are open, but so far no activity is taking place.
In the Au Gres area steelhead activity is still good on the east branch of the Au Gres. Sucker opportunities have dwindled. Good action for walleye at the mouth of the River.
Standish anglers are finding a slow and tough go for fishing due to northeast winds and rain causing dirty water and rough conditions. Some walleye are being caught near the mouth of the river and perch fishing seems to be over.