Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
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.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Salmon and a Sandpiper
Sunday, September 09, 2007
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The weekend was perfect for fishing, cool mornings and warm Sunny afternoons with light breezes.
Fishing on lakes Cadillac and Mitchell have been steady - not overwhelming.
The east end of Cadillac seems to be the place for panfish. Those working the outside weed beds from the High School to the boat launch have caught mixed catches of gills, perch, crappie and rock bass. Crappie purest are slip bobber fishing from the City Dock to the Condo??s. Slip bobbers are a must for these suspenders. Lately they??re running up to 11 inches.
Lake Mitchell has been producing good numbers of bass and pike. Mitchell??s been quiet and few are fishing it because of its shallow reputation. There are deep holes on Mitchell and the fish are concentrated! Learn the lake before you go full throttle. There??s been little pressure since the draught began.
The PNA Fishing Club had a good weekend fishing both lakes. Top fish were:
Large Mouth Bass - 19?
Small Mouth Bass - 19?
Northern Pike - 33?
Crappie - 11?
Bluegill - 8 ½ ??
Perch - 9?
Salmon - The Manistee River, at Tippy Dam salmon have been fair to slow since the first wave of fish hit the dam. This will improve with as the river cools down and we get more rain.
Pier fishing at Manistee and Frankfort is good if the wind is right. A west or northwest wind brings them in.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Green Heron Close Up
Friday, September 07, 2007
Hummingbird Resting
Thursday, September 06, 2007
FIshing Report for Northern Michigan 9/6/07
The big news is Salmon Fever is now in the rivers and piers has started which slows pressure on inland lakes. Now after Labor day jetskis should be on the way down. I say that and it will be ninety degrees like Wednesday. The salmon are having a had time getting up some sreams as the water is so low.
The number of people fishing has trailed off this week, which is common following the Labor Day holiday. For anglers that are heading out, fishing activity is pretty good on many lakes and rivers.
Houghton Lake - Fishing remains steady for a variety of fish. Avoid getting hung up on the weeds in 8 to 10 feet of water and fish will be caught. Pike are getting back on the bite.
Little Bay de Noc - Walleye fishing has been spotty throughout the Bay. The better fishing was reported near the Black Bottom when trolling crawlers in 10 to 25 feet of water. Good smallmouth bass fishing in 15 to 20 feet of water off Hunters Point. Northern pike were caught when trolling crankbaits in 10 to 20 feet of water off the mouth of the Escanaba River. Fair perch fishing was reported around Butler Island and off Gladstone when jigging worms in 14 to 25 feet of water. Good numbers of salmon have been marked out by the Ford River Can, but catch rates were slow.
Big Bay de Noc - Good numbers of walleye were marked off Garden Bluff, but the bite was slow. Walleye were caught just south of St. Vitals Island when drifting crawlers in 14 to 19 feet of water. Several nice smallmouth bass were caught off Ansel’s Point when casting crankbaits and spinners in 10 to 20 feet of water. A few perch were caught near Garden Bay. Boat anglers trolling spoons 30 to 50 feet down in waters 80 to 130 feet deep have caught some salmon off Fairport.
Traverse City - Those fishing the East Bay have caught chinook in the early morning off Deepwater Pont and the Bluffs. Spoons and Hootchie Mama’s and flies have worked best. Near Elk Rapids, chinook were caught south of the harbor near the Humps when trolling plugs and spin doctors. Lake trout fishing has been very good from the launch at Center Road to the Bluffs, off Dock Road and Yuba Creek. Whitefish action was slow with only a few fish taken when jigging spoons in 80 to 100 feet of water in the south end of the Bay. In the West Bay, chinook salmon were caught between Lookout Point and Elmwood and up to the White Wall. Early morning is producing some kings off the mouth of the Boardman River when trolling spoons and plugs. Lake trout fishing has been good near the Gravel Pit. Limit catches of lake trout and near limits of chinook have been caught in Bowers Harbor, where the boat launch is very shallow so bigger boats will not be able to launch at this location.
Muskegon - A few salmon were caught in the channel and off the piers. Rain in the forecast will most likely push more fish into the river system.
Whitehall - Salmon are being caught off the piers. Most are using Cleo’s. Boat anglers are catching mature fish close to shore. Younger salmon along with steelhead have been caught in 160 to 200 feet of water.
White River - Is just starting to get some salmon action.
Lake Leelanau - Reported good walleye fishing.
Lake Margrethe reports a fair walleye bite with most being caught in the middle of the day drifting with crawlers.
Long Lake - Has good walleye fishing but the fish are biting from 10am to 2pm. Anglers are jigging leeches at different depths or using a single hook with a leech or minnow under a slip bobber. Smallmouth bass fishing has been very good.
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.
Portage Lake - The panfish bite is starting to pick up. Decent numbers of large rock bass, sunfish and bluegills have been caught on crawlers, wax worms, or red worms either alone or on a jig. Largemouth were caught around the piers and docks.
Saginaw Bay - Fishing has been slow from all ports. A few walleye were taken west of the Spark Plug near Buoys 11 & 12 and in 7 to 8 feet of water in the Slot off the islands. Some nice perch were taken near the Spark Plug and around Buoy 15. The Hot Pond is still producing some channel cats.
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.
Dixon Lake - In Otsego County, is also producing some walleye when fishing with crawler harnesses at dusk.
Cedarville and Hessel - Salmon pressure is low with only a few anglers targeting them. The best locations to fish are the west side of Goose Island, off Point Brule, the east end of Yacht Entrance, the south end of Boot Island and east of Gravely Island when fishing 35 feet down in 50 to 70 feet of water. Perch are hitting in the Middle Entrance and Government Bay. Use minnows or worms and fish deep. Northern pike fishing has been excellent in the bays.
FISHING REPORT
Upper Peninsula:
The bass fishing is fair on lakes Fanny Hooe and Medora near Copper Harbor.
Out on Lake Gogebic, the bass and perch fishing is good. Anglers are reeling in a few small walleye.
Around Escanaba, the walleye fishing ranges from fair to good on Little Bay de Noc. The bluegill action is fair in the Escanaba Harbor. Anglers on Big Bay de Noc near Fairport are catching a few salmon.
By Manistique, the perch fishing is good on Indian Lake, the salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan.
In the Sault Ste. Marie area, the walleye fishing is good on the St. Marys River. Anglers on the river behind the ??powerhouse? are catching a few salmon.
On Munuscong and Raber bays the walleye fishing is good. Anglers are using crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers.
Anglers are finding some pretty good perch fishing on the bays near Cedarville. Anglers on Maxton and Scott bays near Drummond Island are reeling in a few perch. The pike fishing is fair on Maxton and Whitney bays. A few walleye are being reeled in by anglers on Maxton, Scott and Whitney bays.
At St. Ignace, the walleye fishing ranges from fair to good on Brevort Lake. The salmon fishing is spotty through the Straits of Mackinac.
Northwest:
By Harbor Springs on Little Traverse Bay the salmon fishing is good. The best times to be fishing are during the early morning or evening hours. Burt Lake is producing some very good bass fishing. The perch action is also good on the lake.
In the Boyne City area, the bass and walleye fishing is very good on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix. Leeches are working well as bait for the bass, the walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses and body baits. Anglers on the lake are reeling in a few perch, using minnows as bait.
Around Frankfort, the salmon fishing is good on Lake Michigan and along the Betsie River. In the big lake, the silver fish are found 50 to 70 feet below the surface. Mornings and evenings are the best times to have a line in the water.
Anglers are finding some very good salmon fishing on Lake Michigan near Manistee. The salmon in the Big Manistee River are still line shy.
The smallmouth bass and walleye fishing is improving on Lake Bellaire north of Kalkaska. Fly-fishermen by Gaylord are finding fair to good trout fishing on rivers like the Au Sable, Manistee, Pigeon and Sturgeon.
At Cadillac, the bass and pike action is good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. Anglers on Lake Cadillac are reeling in good numbers of bluegill and crappie.
West:
In the Ludington area, the salmon fishing is good on Lake Michigan. Mornings are the best time to have a line in the water. Anglers are using dipsey divers off downriggers or J-plugs tipped with a fly. Anglers on Hamlin Lake are catching a few bass and bluegill. The salmon action is slow on the Pere Marquette River.
Out of the Pentwater area, the salmon, lake trout and steelhead fishing is very good on Lake Michigan. The fish are found in the top 50 feet of water that is up to 120 feet deep.
By Muskegon, the salmon and steelhead fishing is good on Lake Michigan and the Muskegon Channel. Anglers on Muskegon Lake who are willing to put in a little time are catching fair numbers of bass, pike and walleye. The best areas to cast a line in the water are near the weed beds.
Anglers on Chippewa Lake are catching an occasional bluegill or pike. Mornings or evenings are the best times to be out.
At Baldwin, the bluegill fishing is good on most of the local inland lakes. Crickets are working well as bait.
Southwest:
Out of the Holland area, the salmon fishing is very good on Lake Michigan. The perch action is good on the lake, with minnows being the preferred bait. Lake Macatawa is producing good bluegill and walleye action.
In the Benton Harbor area, the salmon fishing is very good on Lake Michigan in water 80 to 100 feet deep. Anglers on the lake are catching good numbers of perch in water 30 to 35 feet deep.
Around New Buffalo, the perch and salmon fishing ranges from fair to good on Lake Michigan. The perch are hitting on minnows, and early mornings are the best time to drop a line in the water. Anglers along the Galien River are reeling in a few catfish.
By Kalamazoo, Austin and Gun lakes are producing fair to good largemouth bass fishing. Anglers on North Lake are reeling in good numbers of bluegill, using waxworms or red worms as bait. The catfish fishing is pretty good on the St. Joseph River.
At Three Rivers, the bluegill, crappie and perch fishing is good on the local lakes. The catfish fishing is good along the St. Joseph River.
Northeast:
Around Alpena, the salmon and lake trout fishing is slowing down on Lake Huron.
By Grayling, the walleye fishing is fair on Lake Margrethe. Anglers are using both crawlers and minnows as bait. Anglers on Manistee Lake are reeling in a few bluegill.
In the Oscoda area, the perch fishing is very good on Van Etten Lake. Anglers on Foote Dam Pond are catching fair numbers of bluegill, smallmouth bass and walleye. On Lake Huron, the salmon fishing is fair, out from the mouth of the Au Sable River.
Higgins Lake is producing some good lake trout and perch fishing. The perch are hitting on minnows in water about 30 feet deep.
Anglers on Houghton Lake are catching a few bass, panfish, pike and walleye. Mornings and evenings are the best times to be out.
At Au Gres, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay in water about 40 feet deep. Shiner minnows are working well as bait.
East:
On Saginaw Bay near Linwood, the perch fishing is good. Minnows are working well as bait, and the early morning hours are the best time to be out.
In the Bay City area, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay. The walleye fishing is slow.
Anglers on the Tittabawassee River by Saginaw are catching a few smallmouth bass, using crawlers as bait. The catfish fishing is fair on the Saginaw River. Anglers are reeling in a few rock bass and smallmouth bass on the Cass River.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Thanks for a Great Holiday
We had a record holiday for Labor Day Weekend. Many businesses had there best weekend of the summer. It was great to see and go out with a bang. Northern Michigan thanks all the people who came north to enjoy a super weekend of weather and fishing.
Most lakes are reporting the fish are starting to bite again with walleye being caught out of Lake Margrethe again with constancy. Leland reports lots of fish out at the i North Manitou Island with limit catches and most cannot get down more than two downriggers.
Monday, September 03, 2007
New Worm Picker
I found a new worm picker, but he eats 50% of what he picks. I must turn him into a vegetarian so I get full production from his crawler hunting.