Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Big Eight Point
Mecosta County- Saw this big boy right at dark tonight on a bean farm.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Warm Weather Continues to Dominate
Traverse City- Warm weather continues to dominate as hunting is at a standstill as deer are moving late. Fishing is good with salmon fishing at peak and perch fishing good with many lakes producing.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
Wow, lately its summer in October!
Most fishing crappie has been successful. No change, the east side of Cadillac is still the place to find them. Nice catches from those using small minnows or jigs. Lately they’ve been about a foot off bottom.
Bluegills are getting harder to find. A few have been reported from the High School area on Cadillac, or west of Kenwood Park.
Pike have been aggressive. Fish the edges of the weed beds with spinner baits. Both lakes are good. Go for the numbers on Mitchell and usually larger ones on Cadillac.
Large and small mouth bass-either lake. Mostly large mouths lately. The water temperatures still in the low sixty’s. Follow the summer patterns.
Perch-water’s warm, they must be deep but no reports of any of any size.
Walleye-if anyone’s catching them, we haven’t heard.
Manistee River-Fill your freezer. The river at or near peak. Still some fresh ones coming up. Flies wobble glos, spawn, spoons or plugs, there’s enough salmon that all methods are working.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Great Color
High Rollaway- The color is great and should be peak this week in Northern Michigan. The closer to Lake Michigan the slower the color change, middle of the state is great.
Fishing was great this weekend as many opted for fishing instead of hunting.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Warm Weather Triggers Fishing
Houghton Lake- Today going though Houghton Lake gas was down to 2.66 a gallon and the West Access Site is open after major renovations and it looks great. Also the fish are biting and the deer are hiding with the warm weather.
Wixom Lake was full of fisherman as they tried their luck for panfish and bass with a few walleyes sprinkled in.
But the down side of the warm weather is hunting season has started and most animals are moving at night when it cools down.
Perch are still on the bite on most lakes.
Above is another buck I photographed last week in the Houghton Lake area.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Perch Bite
Grand Traverse Bay- I’m hearing good reports on perch on many inland lakes with East Grand Traverse Bay has both a whitefish and perch bite with wigglers working best. Lake Margrethe, Higgins, Lake Leelanau, Fife Lake, Big Glen Lake, Long Lake, Manistee Lake and Portage Lake are reporting good perch bite. This is going to be a great weekend to fish as the deer will not move till late with these warm temps.
Betsie River - Has slowed some, but fish are still being caught all the way up to the Homestead Dam.
Manistee River - It’s about peak time for salmon. Despite the warm temperatures, many salmon are now hitting the gravel.
The perch are starting to show up on a few lakes and some are catching bigger perch on East Grand Traverse Bay off of Samulson’s
Cedarville and Hessel - Salmon activity is beginning to pick up but the perch fishing has slowed. Northern pike have been caught off the pier at Hessel and smallmouth bass were caught by those fishing off the rocky points.
By Escanaba, the bass and pike fishing is fair on Little Bay de Noc. The walleye action is slow on the bay. Some salmon are starting to move into the Escanaba and Ford rivers.
Saginaw Bay - Windy conditions made for spotty perch fishing. The better spots to fish were Buoys 11 & 12 at the Spark Plug and Buoys 9, 15 and 16. A few perch were also taken around the commercial nets off Linwood, the Black Hole and off Oak Point which is near Caseville. Bluegills and crappie were caught in the marina at Sebewaing.
Lake Leelanau - Reported good walleye fishing and a great perch bite on the south -end.
Lake Margrethe reports a fair walleye bite with minnows working best and perch are biting also.
Portage Lake - Good numbers of perch are being caught but the fish are small. The big bluegills, sunfish and rock bass are hitting on minnows or wigglers in 25 to 30 feet of water. Anglers trolling along the drop offs are catching good numbers of pike along with a few smallmouth bass.
Wixom Lake the gills and crappie are on the bite right on the drop-off.
Out of the Kalkaska area, the smallmouth bass fishing is very good on Lake Skegemog. Try using a tube or spinner baits. Fife Lake is producing good perch fishing. Minnows are working well as bait in water ten to 12 feet deep.
Higgins Lake - Some boats are still out trolling for lake trout, but angler numbers have dropped with the onset of hunting season. Perch fishing has been good with wigglers working best.
Houghton Lake - This should be a good weekend to target pike and walleye. Look for the panfish such as bluegills, crappie, and rock bass in waters 8 to 12 feet deep.
And at Cadillac, the pike fishing is very good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The best spots to fish are near the weed beds.
FISHING REPORT
Upper Peninsula:
Lake Gogebic is producing some very good walleye fishing. The marble eyes have moved into water eight to 12 feet deep on the north and south ends of the lake, near the weed beds. Anglers on the lake are catching good numbers of smallmouth bass, near the drop-offs.
Out of the Marquette area, the salmon and brown trout fishing on the Carp and Dead rivers and on the Upper Marquette and Lower Marquette harbors is fair. Anglers on Lake Superior are catching a few lake trout. Some of the lakers have moved into water as shallow as 20 feet. Anglers on Lake Independence are catching a few walleye, using jigs.
By Escanaba, the bass and pike fishing is fair on Little Bay de Noc. The walleye action is slow on the bay. Some salmon are starting to move into the Escanaba and Ford rivers.
Along the Manistique River in Manistique the salmon and steelhead fishing is very good. Anglers on the river are also reeling in good numbers of walleye.
In the Sault Ste. Marie area, the walleye fishing is fair on the St. Marys River. Anglers on the upper end of the river are catching a few perch. On Munuscong Bay, the walleye fishing is good. The perch fishing is very good around Neebish Island.
Around Drummond Island, the perch and pike fishing is fair on Maxton Bay. The perch are hitting on minnows, in water 12 to 20 feet deep. And at Cedarville, the salmon fishing is fair in the Carp River.
Northwest:
In the Alanson area, the perch fishing is good on Crooked Lake. The best fishing is found near the weed beds, with minnows working well as bait. The bass, perch and walleye action is improving on the Crooked River.
Around Boyne City, the salmon action is good on the Boyne and Jordan rivers and at the mouth of the Boyne River on Lake Charlevoix. Some steelhead are starting to follow the salmon into the rivers. Lake Charlevoix is producing some very good perch fishing.
By Frankfort, the salmon fishing is good on both the Betsie and Platte rivers. The windy weather has been preventing anglers from getting out on Lake Michigan.
The salmon fishing is good on the Big Manistee River and Manistee Lake by Manistee. Anglers on the lake are trolling for the salmon.
Out of the Kalkaska area, the smallmouth bass fishing is very good on Lake Skegemog. Try using a tube or spinner baits. Fife Lake is producing good perch fishing. Minnows are working well as bait in water ten to 12 feet deep.
Anglers along the Bear and Jordan rivers near Gaylord are catching a few salmon. The walleye action is fair on Otsego and Bradford lakes.
And at Cadillac, the pike fishing is very good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The best spots to fish are near the weed beds.
West:
Out of the Ludington area, the salmon fishing is good on the Big Sable and Pere Marquette rivers. When the weather allows anglers to get out on Lake Michigan, the salmon fishing is fair. Anglers on Pere Marquette Lake are reeling in a few pike.
The Pentwater River is producing some excellent king salmon fishing. Anglers are using thundersticks with spawn as bait.
In the Muskegon area, the salmon fishing ranges from good to very good on the Grand, Muskegon and White rivers. On Lake Michigan, the salmon fishing is fair. The fish are found 50 to 80 feet below the surface in water up to 140 feet deep. During the evening hours, anglers are catching a few walleye on Muskegon Lake.
Fishing activity this week is slow on Chippewa Lake.
And at Baldwin, the salmon fishing is good on the Pere Marquette River.
Northeast:
By Alpena, the salmon, steelhead and walleye fishing is fair on Thunder Bay near Alpena. The best fishing occurs during the early morning or late afternoon hours in water 30 to 40 feet deep. Anglers are catching a few salmon on the Thunder Bay River near the Ninth Street Dam. The perch action on Hubbard Lake is spotty.
Lake Margrethe by Grayling is producing fair to good perch fishing. The bluegill action on the lake is fair.
Around Oscoda, the perch fishing is good on Van Etten Lake. Anglers along the Au Sable River are starting to catch a few salmon.
Out on Higgins Lake, the perch and rock bass fishing is fair. The perch are hitting on minnows, the bass on anything cast their way. Anglers on Houghton Lake are catching a few bass, pike and walleye. The best areas to fish are in water up to ten feet deep, along the weed beds in the lake.
And at Au Gres, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay. The best area to drop a line in the water is straight out from the Au Gres River, in water about 40 feet deep. Some salmon are starting to move into the Au Gres River. The salmon are hitting on spoons, with blue and silver being the hot color combination.
East:
Anglers on Saginaw Bay near Linwood are reeling in a few perch. Try dropping a line in the water along the shipping channel, in water up to 25 feet deep.
Around Bay City, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay. Minnows are working well as bait. Two of the best areas to cast a line in the water are by buoy 14 and in front of the Quanicassee River.
Along the Saginaw River, anglers are catching a few catfish.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Finally a Couple Big Bucks
Midland County- Finally last night a couple of big bucks came out early enough on a farm in Southern Midland County so I could shoot photos. The farmer wanted photos of these nice deer and I finally was able to connect to pay my fee to be on his great farm.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Fishing Report For Bow Opener
Interlochen- Warm weather continues and the fishing is getting better with smallmouth bass, walleye and perch biting in the inland lakes. The rivers have many salmon, and the fishing seems to be getting better with some rain today. Baldwin is reporting many salmon are in the river and spawn is working best.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
It’s a great time to fish our lakes. Weeds are dying, little boat traffic; the shore line has its autumn color - no excuses.
Pike are hitting spinner baits aggressively; fish the edges of the healthiest weed lines. Jerry Pratt from Lapeer shows off a healthy 30 incher. Lots of numbers; lots of action.
See photograph of 6 year old Dylan Brocht. He caught his first walleye, a 16 incher, while fishing on nearby Rose Lake.
Even though John Culp is recovering from a recent operation, he has to fish. He caught his limit of salmon at Grand Traverse Bay.
Salmon are stacking up on the Manistee River. Glow flies and glow wobble glos have been very effective. Most of the fish are in good shape. Fresh, chrome ones are still coming up. Hearing of lots of limits.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Couple Bucks For Bow Opener
Went out last night down to a farm in Clare County and shot these bucks, not any monster but nice eight points.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Solitary Fishing Report
Shot this Solitary Sandpiper near Traverse City this week before he migrated south.
Traverse City - In the East Bay, salmon fishing has been very good from the Bluffs to the south end of the Bay when trolling spoons, J-plugs, Hootchie Mama’s and flies. Limit catches were reported. Pier anglers have done well when casting spoons or bodybaits. Whitefish action was slow but those willing to put in the time have caught fish. Chinook and steelhead have been caught off the mouth of Mitchell Creek. In the West Bay, good salmon fishing off the mouth of the Boardman River. Steelhead are also starting to show up. Lake trout were caught near the gravel pit.
Long Lake - Fishing slowed as the lake has turned over. Walleye were caught on leeches in 10 to 20 feet of water around the islands and off the points. Many were undersize, but some keepers were reported. Perch are hitting on minnows and wigglers in 30 feet of water. Excellent smallmouth bass fishing was reported around the islands. Some trophy largemouth were caught in the shallows.
Frankfort - The better fishing has been off the Elberta Wall or when anchoring in front of the marina. Boats trolling in front of the piers or in 60 to 80 feet of water from the harbor up to Point Betsie have caught a mixed bag of dark and chrome colored fish. Try J-plugs and flies in white, blue, green, pink or glow.
Betsie River - Though catch rates have stared to slow, fish are still being caught from River Road up to the Homestead Dam. The fish here are fairly dark.
Onekama - Trout and salmon catches are starting to slow but a few chrome fish have still been caught on the north end of the Barrel and along the Shelf. Pier anglers have caught a few salmon and pike when casting spoons.
Portage Lake - A few chinook, coho, and the occasional steelhead were caught when trolling near the Inn. The salmon caught were dark in color. Catch rates for panfish have started to pick up with some big bluegills and sunfish caught in 30 feet of water. Pike and walleye were caught when trolling crawler harnesses along the weedbeds. Perch were caught in front of the channel.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair to good walleye fishing around the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers right on the bottom in 14 to 20 feet of water. Walleye measuring 24 to 28 inches were caught off Portage Point when using crawlers or crankbaits 15 to 25 feet down. Small perch were caught east of Butler Island.
Ford River - Shore anglers near the mouth have caught a few salmon when casting spoons or crankbaits.
Big Bay de Noc - Pretty much everyone here is fishing for smallmouth bass. Most are drifting from Snake Island down to Fayette Harbor.
Cedarville and Hessel - Perch have been caught in 10 to 15 feet of water in Government Bay. Smaller fish were caught in the east end of Hessel Bay and in Musky Bay. Most are trolling or casting with minnows along the weedbeds. Splake and smallmouth bass were caught near the rocky points. Salmon activity has picked up in Hessel Bay. No activity in the rivers yet.
Upper Peninsula:
Anglers on Copper Harbor are catching a few splake.
The walleye fishing is improving on Lake Gogebic. The best fishing is found on the north and south ends of the lake, in water ten to 15 feet deep. The perch and smallmouth bass fishing on the lake is fair.
Around Marquette, the salmon fishing is fair to good on the Carp and Dead rivers. The best fishing is found at the mouths of the rivers. Anglers on the Upper Marquette and Lower Marquette harbors are catching a few salmon and lake trout, when the weather allows boaters to get out. The perch and walleye fishing ranges from fair to good on both Little and Independence lakes.
Out of the Escanaba area, the smallmouth bass and pike fishing is fair on Little Bay de Noc. The walleye action has been slow for the most part this past week, the exception being near the mouth of the Cedar River. Anglers trolling at night are reeling in good numbers of marble eyes. The salmon fishing is fair near the mouth of the Ford River.
By Manistique, the salmon and steelhead fishing is good on the Manistique River. The perch fishing ranges from fair to good on Indian Lake. In the Sault Ste. Marie area, the perch fishing is improving on the St. Marys River. The walleye fishing is fair to good and the perch action is fair.
On Munuscong and Raber bays, the walleye fishing is very good. The pike and musky action is improving.
By Drummond Island, the perch fishing is good on Maxton, Scott, and Whitney bays, in water 17 to 22 feet deep. The bass fishing is fair on the bays and anglers are also reeling in an occasional pike.
And at St. Ignace, fishing activity this week is slow.
Northwest:
Out on Little Traverse Bay near by Harbor Springs the salmon fishing is fair.
By Boyne City, the perch fishing is good on Lake Charlevoix. Both minnows and wigglers are being used as bait. The salmon action is good on both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. The salmon fishing in the Boyne River is fair.
East Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City is producing some very good whitefish fishing. Anglers are using jigs. The salmon fishing is fair on both the east and west arms of Grand Traverse Bay. Anglers along the Boardman River are catching a few salmon. The bass fishing is good on Lake Ann and Cedar Lake.
The Betsie and Platte rivers near Frankfort are producing some very good salmon fishing. The salmon fishing on Lake Michigan is fair, when the weather allows anglers to get out.
Anglers on Manistee Lake by Manistee are catching good numbers of salmon. The salmon fishing is fair along the Big Manistee River. The salmon action on Lake Michigan is slow, mainly because strong winds have been keeping anglers off the lake.
In the Kalkaska area, the smallmouth bass fishing is good on Lake Skegemog. The bass are mainly hitting on spinner baits. Anglers on Lake Bellaire are catching good numbers of perch and walleye.
Around Gaylord, the trout fishing is very good on sections of the Au Sable, Black, Manistee, Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers. On Otsego and Bradford lakes, anglers are reeling in a few bass and walleye.
And at Cadillac, the pike fishing is good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The northerns are mainly hitting on spinner baits. The smallmouth bass fishing is improving on both lakes. Anglers on Lake Cadillac are catching a few smallmouth bass. The bluegill fishing is fair on both lakes.
West:
Lake Michigan near Ludington is producing excellent salmon fishing. The best fishing is found in water about 60 feet deep. The salmon fishing is very good on the Pere Marquette River.
Out of the Pentwater area, the salmon and steelhead fishing is fair on Lake Michigan, when the weather allows anglers to get out. A few salmon have moved into the Pentwater River.
Around Muskegon, the salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. The fish are found 60 to 80 feet below the surface in water up to 140 feet deep. The salmon fishing ranges from fair to good on the Muskegon and White rivers. The bluegill fishing is fair on Muskegon Lake, with the best fishing found along the edges of the weed beds in the lake.
And at Baldwin, the bluegill fishing is spotty on the inland lakes. Anglers along the Pere Marquette River are catching a few salmon. The water levels in the river are low, and that is limiting the fishing action.
Northeast:
By Alpena, the salmon fishing is fair along the Thunder Bay River, with the best fishing found near the Ninth Street Dam. During the morning hours, anglers on Hubbard Lake are catching a few perch, with minnows being the preferred bait.
Out of the Grayling area, the walleye fishing is fair on Lake Margrethe. Try targeting water 14 to 18 feet deep, and both crawlers and minnows are being use as bait. The bluegill and perch fishing is improving. Anglers on Frog Lake are catching a few bass and perch. The panfish and bass fishing on Section One Lake ranges from fair to good.
Van Etten Lake near Oscoda is producing some very good perch fishing. The bluegill, catfish, pike and smallmouth bass fishing is good on both Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds. Anglers along the Au Sable River are stating to catch a few salmon.
On Higgins Lake, the perch fishing is improving. Minnows are working well as bait in water 14 to 20 feet deep. The lake trout fishing is good on the lake.
Houghton Lake is producing fair to good bass, pike and walleye fishing. The best fishing is found along the weed beds in water 14 to 20 feet deep.
And at Au Gres, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay in water 35 to 40 feet deep. The best spot to cast a line in the water is straight out from the Au Gres River.
East:
Around Linwood, the perch fishing is improving on Saginaw Bay. The walleye action ranges from slow to fair.
By Bay City, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay near buoys one and two. Anglers along the Quanicassee River are catching a few crappie. In the Saginaw area, the catfish and bass fishing is very good on sections of the Cass, Saginaw and Tittabawassee rivers.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Cooler Weather Helping
Reports around the circuit today is the fish have got back on the bite the last few days with perch being the big biters. Lake Margrethe is reporting a good perch and walleye bite. Otsego Lake by Gaylord has a good walleye bite and the perch fishing is picking up also.
Big Glenn and Lake Leelanau the perch bite is on with wigglers the preferred bait.
Wixom Lake has a great gill bite this week with crappie fishing picking up.
Salmon are running the rivers, but rain and cool weather would hep a bunch. Release those foul hooked fish and save money as the boys are out in force.
Below is a Egret running with sandpipers and mimicing them to a tea in downtown Escanaba
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Fall Fishing Coming Soon to a Area Lake
Traverse City- Fall fishing should start soon as the warm front moves out as fall starts creeping in. Salmon are moving up the rivers slowly, but with rain and cold weather things should get hot. Tippy Dam was ticket fest as the DNR was out in force with rumors saying over 1100 tickets were issued last week. Do Not foul hook fish and if you do release or get a ticket.
Perch bite is starting in many lake with a good bite on Lake Leelanau and Big Glenn. Bluegill are biting on Wixom Lake. Smallmouth Bass are getting on the bite with golden’s working best.
Archery starts Monday and above is a nice deer.
Below in a Canadian Warbler I shot in the UP this weekend.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Warm Weather Helps Fishing
Manistique- Many were out fishing this weekend as the warm weather fueled the urge to get back ou one more time to ry there luck. Many had good fishing but te wind was a little strong this weekend.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The water temperature is finally cooling down and fishing is really picking up. Few boats on our lakes as many have started hunting or river fishing.
The City Dock area is the place to be if you want crappies. Lately, small jigs have been out fishing live bait.
The number of bass boats on both lakes tell the story if bass are you preference. Several Classic Tournaments have chosen our lakes mainly for small mouths, but never turn away the green ones.
Large pike are cruising the weed beds. See a picture of Kyle Stumbo from Gras Lake. A nice 28 incher for the young angler.
Those seeking walleye on our lakes have been disappointed. However see picture of Mike Townsend of Cadillac. His limit came from the Manistee River. Rapala Count Downs have been effective.
This time of year everyone is salmon crazy. The Manistee River has everyone’s attention. . Lots of fish there and more silver ones coming.
The early deer youth hunt has been a success for many. Aaron Northrup of Cadillac harvested his first buck early Saturday, a nice---8 point. Lynnette Bassford from Boon was also successful early; see her with her first deer, a 7 point. Notice the smiles on their faces. They’ll be hunters for life. Talk from those in the field this weekend is that they’ve seen many bucks especially around the oaks that are dropping acorns.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Fishing Report For Northern Michigan
The big news is Salmon Fever still which slows pressure on inland lakes. Warm water is holing the fish back and they have still been catching some in the lake.
Manistee River - Salmon have been caught in the river but warmer temperatures will slow the action. Look for fish in the deeper holes. Steelhead were caught on spawn.
Betsie River - Anglers are catching fish from the Homestead Dam down to the M-22 Bridge when using spawn, spinners and flies. Those wading near the old Elberta Marina have caught fish.
The perch are starting to show up on a few lakes and some are catching bigger perch on East Grand Traverse Bay off of Samulson’s
Cedarville and Hessel - Perch fishing picked up for the east end of Hessel Bay and the west end of the Snows Channel when using minnows or crawlers. Government Bay has perch in 10 to 20 feet of water. Pike are still hitting and smallmouth bass are starting to do well. As for salmon, only a few have been caught in Hessel Bay.
Crooked Lake - Some nice perch have been caught on minnows when fishing along the weedbeds. A few walleye were also caught on minnows.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were down, but the fish caught were taken around the Black Bottom and the Fingers when trolling or drifting crawlers in 15 to 20 feet of water. Good smallmouth bass fishing when drifting or jigging crawlers off Hunters Point or fishing along the weedbeds near Brock’s Cabins.
Ford River -The salmon runs have started. Anglers casting Cleo’s or crankbaits have caught some nice silver fish down near the mouth.
Big Bay de Noc - Good bass fishing was reported across the mouth of Garden Bay when drifting minnows in 15 to 20 feet of water. Snail Shell Harbor and south to Snake Island also had fair to good catches when jigging or drifting minnows in 10 to 35 feet of water. Perch have been caught in Fayette Harbor when jigging crawlers.
Long Lake - Walleye fishing has slowed, but anglers were still taking some fish when using a slip bobber and leech while anchored in 20 to 25 feet of water. A few fish were taken when trolling a crawler harness. Try both the east and west sides of South Island. The perch harvest has slowed as anglers were only catching little ones east of Long Island, in the North Bay and the South Bay. Some big bluegills were caught in and around the weedbeds
Muskegon - Most boats are trolling in the channel as windy conditions have shut down fishing on the big lake. Those fishing early and late have managed to catch salmon when trolling spoons, plugs, flashers and flies. Pier anglers have also caught fish on the channel side.
Whitehall - Pier fishing has been very good. The early bite was only lasting until about an hour after daylight. The afternoons were slow with the action picking back up from 5pm until dark when casting Cleo’s or mega baits.
White River - Is just starting to get some salmon action.
Lake Leelanau - Reported good walleye fishing and a great perch bite on the sout -end.
Lake Margrethe reports a fair walleye bite with minnows working best
Portage Lake - Some big panfish are still being caught when drifting wax worms or red worms in 15 to 30 feet of water. A few nice walleye and pike were caught in the early afternoon when bottom bouncing.
Wixom Lake the gills and crappie have moved to deep water and the bite is picking up..
Fletchers Pond - Is producing some nice northern pike and bass. Anglers can take limits of panfish on a daily basis.
Anglers by Alpena are reeling in a few bass and perch on both Grand and Long lakes. The best fishing is found near the weed beds in the lakes. The salmon and lake trout fishing is fair on Thunder Bay and Lake Huron out from Presque Isle. The fish are found in the bottom half of water that is up to 100 feet deep.
Saginaw Bay - Light numbers of perch are being caught at the Spark Plug and four miles east around Buoys 15, 17, and 22. Most of the fish are running 8 to 12 inches. A few walleye were caught off Quanicassee when using crawlers in 5 to 7 feet of water. Some perch were caught near the mouth of the Sebewaing River. Shore anglers in the marina at Sebewaing were catching crappie. Perch fishing is not good but look for things to get better when water starts cooling down.
In the Kalkaska area, the bass fishing is good on Elk, Skegemog and Torch lakes. Anglers are catching a few bluegill on many of the other local lakes, in water up to 25 feet deep.
Tittabawassee River - Is providing some good bass and catfish action.
Big Lake - In Otsego County, is producing some nice walleye that average 18 to 23 inches. Perch minnows work best. Also Otsego Lake has kicked in this week with some good catches of walleye
Dixon Lake - In Otsego County, is also producing some walleye when fishing with crawler harnesses at dusk.
FISHING REPORT
Upper Peninsula:
Copper Harbor is producing fair splake fishing.
Anglers on Lake Gogebic are reeling in a few bass, perch and walleye. The walleye are hitting on minnows, the bass and perch on crawlers.
Out of the Marquette area, the lake trout and salmon fishing is good on the Lower Marquette and Upper Marquette harbors, when the weather allows anglers to get out. Some salmon are starting to move into the Carp and Dead rivers. However, the low water levels are limiting the number of salmon, so far. The perch fishing on Little Lake is fair. The perch and walleye action on Lake Independence is spotty.
In the Escanaba area, some salmon are showing up in the Ford River. The walleye fishing ranges from slow to fair on Little Bay de Noc. Strong winds this past week have been keeping many anglers off the bay.
Out of the Manistique area, the steelhead fishing is fair on the Manistique River. Both spawn and yarn are being used as bait.
By Sault Ste. Marie, the walleye fishing is good on the St. Marys River. The salmon action is fair and the perch fishing is improving on the upper end of the river.
The walleye fishing is good on the St. Marys River between Munuscong and Raber bays. Try using a crawler harness with a bottom bouncer.
Around Drummond Island, the bass and pike fishing is fair on Maxton, Scott and Whitney bays. Anglers on Maxton and Scott bays are reeling in a few pike. An occasional salmon is being caught on the St. Marys River, near the lighthouse.
And at St. Ignace, the pike and walleye fishing is slow on Brevort Lake. Some salmon are starting to show up in the Carp River.
Northwest:
By Alanson on Crooked Lake, the perch fishing is good, with minnows being the preferred bait. The bass fishing on the lake is fair. Anglers in Petoskey on the pier to Little Traverse Bay are catching a few salmon.
Around Boyne City, the salmon action is good on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Some salmon are stating to move into the Boyne River. Anglers using minnows as bait are catching good numbers of perch on Lake Charlevoix.
In the Traverse City area, the salmon fishing is fair along the Boardman River.
Out of the Frankfort area, the salmon action is good on both the Betsie and Platte rivers. The fish are hitting on a variety of baits and lures.
Manistee Lake by Manistee is producing good salmon and steelhead fishing. When the weather allows anglers to get out, the salmon fishing is good on Lake Michigan and the Manistee River. Anglers are Crystal Lake are reeling in a few perch.
The walleye fishing is fair on Manistee Lake near Kalkaska.
On Otsego Lake near Gaylord, the smallmouth bass and walleye fishing is good. The trout fishing is fair for fly-fishermen along sections of the Au Sable, Black, Manistee, Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers.
And at Cadillac, the bass and pike fishing is very good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. Anglers on the canal between the two lakes are catching good numbers of bluegill and sunfish.
West:
Anglers on the breakwater on Lake Michigan in Ludington are finding some very good salmon fishing. Anglers are casting spoons, with green being the hot color. Outside of the harbor, in water up to 50 feet deep, the salmon fishing is good. The Pere Marquette River is producing excellent salmon fishing. The salmon fishing is fair on the Big Sable River.
Out of the Pentwater area, the coho, king salmon and steelhead fishing is very good on Lake Michigan, when the weather allows anglers to get out. The fish are found in the top 60 feet of water that is up to 95 feet deep. The salmon action is improving on the Pentwater River.
In the Muskegon area, the salmon fishing is good on Lake Michigan, weather permitting. The salmon action on the Muskegon Channel, Muskegon Lake and the Muskegon River ranges from fair to good. Anglers on Muskegon Lake are reeling in a few bluegill, with the best fishing found near the weed beds.
Fishing activity this week is slow on Chippewa Lake.
And at Baldwin, the salmon fishing is good on the Pere Marquette River. Anglers are using thundersticks and spawn as bait.
Northeast:
Around Alpena, the salmon fishing is fair on the Thunder Bay River, with the best area to cast a line in the water being by the Ninth Street Dam. The bass and perch fishing is spotty on Hubbard Lake.
In the Grayling area, the walleye fishing on Lake Margrethe ranges from fair to good. The best fishing occurs from the midday period into the early evening hours. The bluegill fishing on the lake is fair and the perch action is spotty.
By Oscoda, the perch fishing is good on Van Etten Lake. Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds are producing fair to good bluegill and perch fishing. Along the Au Sable River, some salmon are starting to move into the river. The catfish and walleye fishing on the river is fair.
Anglers on Higgins Lake are catching good numbers of lake trout. Mornings are the best time to be out. Try trolling with Rapalas in water at least 100 feet deep.
Houghton Lake is producing good bass, perch, pike and walleye fishing. Try fishing near the weed beds in water up to ten feet deep.
And at Au Gres, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay. The best areas to cast a line in the water are by Point Lookout and by the “channel” in water about 35 feet deep.
East:
Saginaw Bay near Linwood is producing some steady walleye action. The perch fishing on the bay is improving.
Around Bay City, the perch and walleye fishing is fair, when the weather allows anglers to get out.
In the Saginaw area, the smallmouth bass fishing is good on the Tittabawassee River. Anglers on the Cass River are catching good numbers of crappies, rock bass and smallmouth bass. The catfish fishing on the Saginaw River is good.
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Monday, September 17, 2007
Fishing Should Start Picking Up
The cooler weather should get fish back on the bite, and a little rain should help. Most are reporting that the fish are not up the river yet in numbers but this cool weather over the weekend will help. The mouth of the Platte River mouth is hot with lots of fish being caught on spawn surf fishing.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The lakes are cooling down and bass and pike fishing is getting stronger.
BBT’S Bass R Us Classic was held Saturday after a cold front, rain and wind storm passed through Friday.
A Classic is a test of the best and all 26 boats passed. Rich and Aaron Mast out fished the rest with a winning 15.19 pound, 5 fish limit. Eight other teams were in the over 12 and 13 pound range. Eighty-six fish were weighed for a total of 199 pounds. All fish were returned to the lake they were caught--ALIVE.
The pike on Mitchell and Cadillac harassed the tournament fishermen. Many of BBT’s finest said no other lake they fish have so many big pike. See picture of Chris Palmbos from Allendale. His 40 inch, 12 ½ pound pike is on the way to the taxidermist.
We’ve reported before that spinner baits are deadly on pike. Chris caught his on a white/chartreuse searching for small mouths.
Panfish, currently good gills and sunfish have been caught at both entrances and in the canal connecting Cadillac and Mitchell. Have no explanation why they are there. Boat traffic makes no difference. Leafworms or wax worms are their favorite. Few are fishing crappie lately. Those that are report dong best outside the weed line across from the High School on Cadillac.
It’s September but no serious perch are showing up. Lake temperatures are still warm. This will improve.
Manistee River--Many have caught salmon fever. They’re there and the parking lots are filling up. Freshest fish are from High Bridge down river, especially the Bear Creek area. The river is down and clear. At Tippy Dam there is some coho mixed with the kings. All kinds of tackle are working. Some fish flies, others Thudersticks, Rapalas, Cleo’s or spawn. Take your choice.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Perch Bite
There has been a good perch bite reported on the south-end of Lake Leelauna with wigglers and minnows working best. Look for Big Glen in Leelauna County to get hot also.
They have also been limits of perch in Fremont Lake, by Fremont, some off Grand Haven and crappie limits at Cranberry lake in 20 ft of water. minnows seem to work best.
Many perch fisherman are going to be unhappy as they will not be any shiner( blue) perch minnows for sale in sport-shops as they are not certified to sell. You can catch your own minnows and use in that lake, but you cannot transport them anywhere.