Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Barred Owl
While shooting whitetail photos on the way out saw this guy and got a couple of nice photos. It was weird as I was taking another photographer out and we talked about owls and how I hear them every night but have yet to get a photo. Two bends later the guy says there’s your owl. Just good Karma that day
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Buck’s are Rutting
I saw quite a few bucks this weekend and they have started the rut big time with ant doe is in danger as they are on the muscle. The bucks below said lets not fight but party.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Full Moon Slows Deer Movement During Shooting Hours
Midland County- I was just getting ready to call it a night as the deer activity was really slow with high winds and a harvest moon. I snapped a shot of the moon and my eye caught some movement of huge antlers above the grass-line. I waited until the huge rutting buck stood motionless and squeezed the shutter and got the photo as it was dark.
The photo of the moon was shot before the buck photo. A big help from lightroom to process raw images and it came out fair shooting over 300 yards almost dark .
Thursday, October 25, 2007
HIgh Winds and Cold Slow Fishing
I’m hearing of a real good perch bite on Glen Lake and Crooked with nice perch being taken. Lake Charlevoix is also reporting a perch bite at Ironton Most lake are reporting a good perch bite this fall which is great for us perch lovers. Fishing pressure is slow with fishing being about the same as last week. Muskegon Lake - Anglers are catching perch but the fish are running small.
White Lake - Perch are being caught here as well but the fish are small.
Betsie River - Fishing has slowed, though there are a few salmon being caught in the lower stretches of the river.
Manistee River - Anglers are still taking salmon up near Tippy Dam.
Traverse City - Whitefish action has been very good in 70 feet of water off the Center Road launch site. Jigging Swedish Pimples tipped with a minnow or perch rig on the bottom worked best. In the West Bay, steelhead were caught off the mouth of the Boardman River. Perch fishing is slow to fair on Lake Leelanau and Big Glen. Both minnows and wigglers are being used as bait.
Bradford and Otsego lakes near Gaylord are producing good bass and walleye fishing. The salmon action is good on the Boyne and Jordan rivers, and some steelhead are moving into the rivers.
Elk River - Coho salmon are still being caught regularly at the dam when drifting spawn or casting hardware.
Boardman River - Salmon fishing continues to be very good from Union Street to the Trap and Transfer Facility. Spawn bags and casting spoons worked best.
Little Bay De Noc - Water temperatures are still 52 to 55 degrees. Good numbers of fish have been marked but catch rates were slow. Anglers were fishing from the Narrows north to the Third Reef and off the East Bank when trolling crawlers or crankbaits in 20 to 28 feet of water. Night anglers reported several nice catches in the north end of the Bay near the Vagabond when trolling crankbaits in 14 to 20 feet of water. A few perch were caught just south of the Narrows in 25 to 30 feet of water.
Escanaba River - Salmon and brown trout are still being caught up near the dam. Shore anglers are casting spoons and crankbaits.
Big Bay De Noc - Still primarily smallmouth bass anglers here although catch rates have tapered off. Most are jigging or drifting minnows in 20 feet of water around Snail Shell Harbor. Walleye anglers were trolling crankbaits southeast of St. Vitals Island in 10 to 25 feet of water. Most fish were caught right off the bottom. Cooler temperatures this week should give those walleye a push.
In the Manistique area, anglers on Indian Lake are catching good numbers of perch, using minnows as bait. The steelhead and salmon fishing is good along on the Manistique River.
Saginaw Bay - When conditions allowed, a few fish were caught from the Black Hole. Cooler temperatures will improve catch rates. Near Quanicassee, the perch fishing was slow as it appears the fish are just starting to show up. Sebewaing, Bay Port and Caseville have been slow with the exception of some nice perch taken near 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 big perch are biting also.
Portage Lake - Those trolling along the north shoreline are catching pike. A few nice perch are starting to be caught in waters 16 to 20 feet deep near the Inn and out in the channel. Bluegills, rock bass, and sunfish have been caught.
Wixom Lake the gills and crappie are on the bite right on the drop-off.
By Kalkaska, the perch fishing is very good on both Skegemog and Manistee lakes. Both minnows and wigglers are working well as bait. Anglers on Skegemog are catching good numbers of smallmouth bass. The salmon action is good near the Elk River Dam. 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.
Cadillac, the bass and pike fishing is very good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The crappie fishing is fair on Lake Cadillac. The crappies are found on the bottom of the lake, with minnows working well as bait.
Cedarville and Hessel - Yellow perch activity gets better every week. Fish the Middle Entrance, Musky Bay, and Government Bay. The Middle Entrance has been producing the best results when using minnows in 8 to 12 feet of water. Smallmouth bass have dispersed, but should still be present in Musky Bay, around Connors Point and Pleasant Point. Those targeting pike are casting minnows off the pier at Hessel. The waters are still a bit murky, but should clear up now that the dredging is done. Salmon are slowly migrating into Bush and Beaver Tail Creeks..
Around Sault Ste. Marie, the perch fishing is fair on the upper end of the St. Marys River. The fishing pressure has tailed off this week on Munuscong Bay, but for those anglers who are heading out the musky and perch fishing is fair with minnows working best..
Upper Peninsula:
The walleye fishing is good on Lake Gogebic (go-GEE-bic). The marble eyes have moved into water four to ten feet deep. The north and south ends of the lake are producing the best fishing. The smallmouth bass fishing ranges from fair to good on the lake. Around Marquette, the king salmon and brown trout fishing is fair along the Carp and Dead rivers. Anglers on the breakwall on Lake Superior are reeling in a few lake trout, brown trout, steelhead and Menominee whitefish. In the Escanaba area, the smallmouth bass fishing is fair on Little Bay de Noc. Anglers are catching a few walleye and perch on the north end of the bay. An occasional salmon is being reeled in on the Escanaba River.
Fishing activity this week is slow by Manistique.
Out of the Sault Ste. Marie area, the perch fishing is good on the upper end of the St. Marys River. Minnows are working well as bait.
The musky, pike and walleye fishing is good on Munuscong (muh-nuss-CONG) and Raber (RAY-ber) bays. The walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers. Anglers are trolling for the northerns and musky.
And anglers by Drummond Island are catching a few perch on Maxton and Scott bays.
Northwest:
In the Alanson area, the steelhead are starting to move into the Bear River. Anglers on Burt Lake are reeling in a few perch. Minnows are working well as bait.
By Boyne City, the perch fishing is good on Walloon Lake.
Anglers along the Boardman River near Traverse City are catching a few salmon, however the salmon in the river are turning color. The perch action on the local lakes and on the east and west arms of Grand Traverse Bay is spotty.
Around Frankfort, the steelhead fishing is fair off on the pier on Lake Michigan. Anglers on the Betsie River are reeling in a few salmon. The perch fishing is fair on Crystal Lake, with minnows being the preferred bait.
Out of the Manistee area, the steelhead action is spotty on the Big Manistee River. The salmon fishing is slow on the river. Anglers trolling on Manistee Lake are reeling in a few steelhead.
The walleye fishing is improving on Manistee and Bellaire lakes near Kalkaska. Lake Skegemog is producing fair smallmouth bass fishing.
Otsego and Bradford lakes near Gaylord are producing good bass and walleye fishing. Anglers are starting to see a couple of steelhead move into the Boyne and Jordan rivers.
And at Cadillac, the bass and pike fishing is good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The crappie fishing is fair on the east end of Lake Cadillac, during the morning hours.
West:
By Ludington, anglers along the breakwall on Lake Michigan are starting to catch a few steelhead. The steelhead action on the lower end of the Per Marquette River is fair. Anglers are using spawn bags as bait. On White Lake near Whitehall the bluegill and rock bass fishing is good. Anglers along the White River are reeling in a few salmon.
Around Muskegon, the steelhead fishing is fair off the pierheads on Lake Michigan and on the Muskegon River. A few salmon, which are changing color, are being caught along the river. Muskegon Lake is producing fair perch, bluegill and rock bass fishing. Anglers will have to sort through the perch that are caught to find any keepers.
Anglers on Chippewa Lake are reeling in a few panfish.
And at Baldwin, the salmon fishing is slowing down on the Pere Marquette River.
Northeast:
Around Alpena, the perch fishing ranges from fair to good on the Thunder Bay River. Anglers along the river by the Ninth Street Dam are catching a few salmon. On the lakes in the area, such as Grand, Hubbard and Long, the perch fishing is fair, with minnows working well as bait.
Lake Margrethe near Grayling is producing good perch fishing. The best time to be out fishing is from the mid-morning to mid-afternoon period. Anglers trolling on the lake are catching a few walleye.
Out of the Oscoda area, Van Etten Lake is producing good perch fishing. The perch, pike, smallmouth bass and walleye fishing is good on Foote Dam Pond. On the Au Sable River, the salmon fishing is slowing and some steelhead are starting to move into the river.
With most people focused on hunting, fishing activity this week on Higgins Lake is slow. The pike and walleye fishing on Houghton Lake is fair. The fish can be found moving into the shallows in the mornings and evenings.
The winds and rough water have been keeping anglers off Lake Huron by Au Gres. The salmon fishing is slow on the Au Gres River. Many of the fish that are being caught are hitting on blue and silver cleos.
East:
Strong winds have been keeping anglers of Saginaw Bay in the Linwood and Bay City areas. By Bay City, the perch fishing is fair along the cuts off the bay.
On the Saginaw and Tittabawassee rivers near Saginaw anglers are catching a few catfish. By Harbor Beach, the salmon and walleye fishing is fair within the harbor. The steelhead and brown trout fishing should pick up now that the salmon have moved into the harbor.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Finally
Clare County- Been trying to get this three beamer photo for three years and finally Friday night he came out in a a ugly rainy night to make my season.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
George Franklin Milliron (Sept. 29, 1956-Oct. 17, 2007)
Maple City- George Milliron first work he ever did under Roger Griner with Refrigeration Engineering, Inc was to put a unit at our crawler cooler and have been a close friend since then. He kept that unit running but every spring always said we would have to replace it but it kept running and he shook his head every fall wondering how it made it another year.. You will be missed by all George as they will never replace you. George you put service in customer service and we all will remember your dedication for you hard work.
Laura and family, George was the greatest, and my deepest condolences, as he will be missed by everybody he touched. He was the hardest working man and would give the shirt off his back to help anybody in need. George you will be missed
Dennis Buchner & Crew (Buc’s Bait)
I Hunt
I hunt to watch the sunrise;
to feel the solace of the hills.
I hunt to awaken,
to see the world anew,
to wear the eyes of wolves,
and journey to a hill.
I slip silent through the stillness
to the real world pure and true.
Cleansed of complication,
I return to, and renew
my bond with God’s creation -
the world my father’s knew.
George Franklin Milliron
MAPLE CITY ?? George Franklin Milliron, 51, of Maple City, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was born Sept. 29, 1956, in Traverse City, the son of Charles and Laura (Egan) Milliron.
George was currently employed by Refrigeration Engineering, Inc., of Grand Rapids, where he had been working for over 23 years. He was a hardworking man who was devoted to his wife and family. George was proud to be a great role model for his children and known for being a selfless, compassionate man who never passed up a chance to help someone in need.
In his spare time, George loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He also loved watching sporting events, especially when his children were involved. In addition to watching sports, George enjoyed the competitiveness of playing softball and various other sports.
On Oct. 7, 1978, George married Lynn M. Callahan, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, Erik Milliron of Columbus, Ohio, Christopher (Marissa) Milliron of Sault Ste. Marie, Andrew Milliron of Maple City, and Katie Milliron of Maple City; parents, Charles and Laura Milliron of Thompsonville; brothers and sisters, Calvin Milliron of Copemish, Steve (Sue) Milliron of Thompsonville, Joe (Yvonne) Milliron of Thompsonville, Gary (Cindy) Milliron of Buckley, Ken Milliron of Kaleva, Janet (Dale) Humphrey of Bear Lake, Sharon (Dennis) Humphrey of Bear Lake, Chris (Ralph) Hogarth of New York, and Laurie (Mark) Draeger of Thompsonville; mother-in-law and father-in-law, George and Sandra Callahan of Cedar; two brothers-in-law, Tim (Cindy) Callahan of Kalamazoo, and Pat (Julie) Callahan of Evergreen, Colo.; two sisters-in-law, Mary (Mark) Youngdahl of Bear Lake, and Amy (Mike Herczak) Lone of Beulah; two dear friends, Bob and Terri Schmidt of Bear Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the George F. Milliron Memorial Fund, c/o Honor State Bank, 2254 Henry Street, Honor, Michigan, 49640.
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Thursday, October 18, 2007
Michigan Fishing Report for 10/18/07
I’m hearing of a real good perch bite on Lake Margrethe with nice perch being taken. Most lake are reporting a good perch bite this fall which is great for us perch lovers.
Bucks are starting to make scrapes and rubbing trees to Mark their territory. Small bucks are starting to spar as the photo I shot last night of them fighting
Betsie River - Fishing has slowed, though there are a few salmon being caught in the lower stretches of the river.
Manistee River - Anglers are still taking salmon up near Tippy Dam.
Traverse City - Whitefish action has been very good in 70 feet of water off the Center Road launch site. Jigging Swedish Pimples tipped with a minnow or perch rig on the bottom worked best. In the West Bay, steelhead were caught off the mouth of the Boardman River. Perch fishing is slow to fair on Lake Leelanau and Big Glen. Both minnows and wigglers are being used as bait.
Bradford and Otsego lakes near Gaylord are producing good bass and walleye fishing. The salmon action is good on the Boyne and Jordan rivers, and some steelhead are moving into the rivers.
Elk River - Coho salmon are still being caught regularly at the dam when drifting spawn or casting hardware.
Boardman River - Salmon fishing continues to be very good from Union Street to the Trap and Transfer Facility. Spawn bags and casting spoons worked best.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing slowed as water temperatures varied between 56 and 62 degrees. Good numbers of fish have been marked but few catches were reported. Off Kipling, anglers concentrating between the Narrows and the Second Reef caught a few fish when trolling crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water. Those fishing off the Black Bottom, Portage Point and the Fingers were marking fish but no bites. Good catches of perch were reported by those jigging minnows in 25 feet of water off the docks in Escanaba. Good smallmouth bass action just south of the Day’s River.
Escanaba River - The salmon runs are pretty much done in this area with the exception of those fishing up near the dam where a few fish are still being caught when casting spoons or crankbaits. Most of the fish are now dark.
Big Bay De Noc - Good to excellent smallmouth bass action around Snail Shell Harbor when jigging minnows along the drop off. Limit catches were reported.
In the Manistique area, anglers on Indian Lake are catching good numbers of perch, using minnows as bait. The steelhead and salmon fishing is good along on the Manistique River.
Saginaw Bay - When conditions allowed, a few fish were caught from the Black Hole. Cooler temperatures will improve catch rates. Near Quanicassee, the perch fishing was slow as it appears the fish are just starting to show up. Sebewaing, Bay Port and Caseville have been slow with the exception of some nice perch taken near 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 big perch are biting also.
Portage Lake - Those trolling along the north shoreline are catching pike. A few nice perch are starting to be caught in waters 16 to 20 feet deep near the Inn and out in the channel. Bluegills, rock bass, and sunfish have been caught.
Wixom Lake the gills and crappie are on the bite right on the drop-off.
By Kalkaska, the perch fishing is very good on both Skegemog and Manistee lakes. Both minnows and wigglers are working well as bait. Anglers on Skegemog are catching good numbers of smallmouth bass. The salmon action is good near the Elk River Dam. 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.
Cadillac, the bass and pike fishing is very good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The crappie fishing is fair on Lake Cadillac. The crappies are found on the bottom of the lake, with minnows working well as bait.
Cedarville and Hessel - Yellow perch activity has picked up slightly. Anglers are fishing Government Bay, Musky Bay, Hessel Bay, Middle Entrance, Snows Channel and around Little Joe Island. Use minnows, crawlers or wigglers. Smallmouth bass and northern pike were caught in Snows Channel and the Middle Entrance when still-fishing with minnows or casting spinner baits.
Around Sault Ste. Marie, the perch fishing is fair on the upper end of the St. Marys River. The fishing pressure has tailed off this week on Munuscong Bay, but for those anglers who are heading out the musky and perch fishing is fair with minnows working best..
FISHING REPORT
Upper Peninsula:
The lake trout and splake fishing is fair on Copper Harbor in Copper Harbor.
Anglers on Lake Gogebic (go-GEE-bic) are reeling in a few walleye and perch. The perch are found on the south end of the lake near the weed beds, in water eight to 12 feet deep.
In the Marquette area, the lake trout fishing is good along the breakwall on Lake Superior. A few salmon are being caught on the Chocolay (chalk-oh-lay) and Dead rivers. Anglers on Little Lake are catching a few perch and walleye.
By Escanaba, the walleye fishing is improving on Little Bay de Noc. The best fishing is found north of Gladstone. At the mouth of the Cedar River, anglers are catching a few walleye trolling after dark. An occasional salmon is being reeled in by anglers on the Escanaba River.
Out of the Manistique area, the salmon fishing is fair, a lot of the fish in the river are turning color.
Around Sault Ste. Marie, the perch fishing is fair on the upper end of the St. Marys River. The fishing pressure has tailed off this week on Munuscong (muh-nuss-CONG) Bay, but for those anglers who are heading out the musky and perch fishing is fair.
Out by Drummond Island, the perch fishing is good on Maxton and Scott bays.
And fishing activity this week is slow in the St. Ignace area.
Northwest:
By Alanson, the perch fishing is good on Burt and Crooked lakes. Minnows are being used as bait. Anglers on the lakes are also reeling in a few walleye.
Out of the Boyne City area, the steelhead fishing ranges from fair to good at the mouth of the Boyne River. The salmon fishing is slowing down in the river. Anglers on Lake Charlevoix are catching good numbers of perch. The bass fishing on the lake is fair.
Around Traverse City, the perch fishing is slow to fair on Lake Leelanau. Both minnows and wigglers are being used as bait.
In the Frankfort area, anglers on Crystal Lake are reeling in a few perch. The salmon fishing is fair along the Betsie River.
Anglers on the Big Manistee River by Manistee are starting to see more steelhead move into the river. The salmon fishing is slowing, but there are still a few fresh salmon in the river.
The smallmouth bass fishing is good on Lake Skegemog by Kalkaska. The walleye fishing is fair on Lake Bellaire.
Bradford and Otsego lakes near Gaylord are producing good bass and walleye fishing. The salmon action is good on the Boyne and Jordan rivers, and some steelhead are moving into the rivers.
And at Cadillac, the bass and pike fishing is very good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The crappie fishing is fair on Lake Cadillac. The crappies are found on the bottom of the lake, with minnows working well as bait.
West:
Out of the Ludington area, the bluegill fishing is good on the upper end of Hamlin Lake. Both waxworms and leaf worms are being used as bait.
Anglers on the breakwall on Lake Michigan are reeling in a few steelhead. The salmon fishing is good along the Sable (SAY-bull) River in the Ludington State Park.
In the Whitehall area, the salmon fishing is slowing down on the White River. The bluegill action is picking up on White Lake.
By Muskegon, the salmon fishing ranges from slow to fair on the Muskegon River. Anglers on Lake Michigan are catching a few salmon and steelhead, when the weather allows boats to get out on the lake. The fish are found 40 to 60 feet below the surface, in water that is up to 140 feet deep. The bluegill fishing is improving on Muskegon and Wolf lakes.
And at Baldwin, the salmon fishing ranges from fair to good on the Pere Marquette River. Most of the small inland lakes are producing good bluegill fishing. Both crickets and leaf worms are being used as bait in water about seven feet deep.
And fishing activity this week is slow on Chippewa Lake.
Northeast:
In the Alpena area, the salmon fishing is fair on the Thunder Bay River, near the Ninth Street Dam. Anglers on Hubbard Lake and the ??small boat harbor? are catching a few perch, using minnows as bait.
Around Grayling, the perch action ranges from fair to good on Lake Margrethe. The walleye fishing on the lake is fair.
By Oscoda, the perch action is good on Van Etten Lake. The bass and pike fishing ranges from fair to good on both Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds. Along the Au Sable River the salmon fishing is fair. Anglers are starting to see a few steelhead move into the river.
With a lot of people focused on hunting activities, the fishing action on Higgins Lake this week is slow.
Houghton Lake is producing fair walleye fishing. Early mornings or evenings are the best times to be out.
And at Au Gres, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay when the weather allows anglers to get out. On the Au Gres River, the salmon fishing is slow. Anglers are casting cleos at the salmon.
East:
On Saginaw Bay near Linwood, the perch action is steady. One of the best spots to drop a line in the water is along the ??shipping channel.?
The perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay near Bay City. Some of the best spots to drop a line in the water are between buoys nine and ten, by the ??blackhole,? and by the Quanicassee cuts.
Along the Saginaw and Tittabawassee rivers by Saginaw the walleye fishing is fair. Mornings and evenings are the best times to be out. The catfish and smallmouth bass fishing ranges from fair to good on the rivers.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Bucks From This Week
Went downstate for a couple of days and shot these two nice photos a nice bucks
Monday, October 15, 2007
Wooly Worm
Wooly Worm was on the move and I took a few macro photos of him.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Bucks are hard to Find
The bucks are in there lull as the get ready for pre rut in a few days.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Fall Weather Finally Here
Today we had a big blow out of the north with a high in the 50’s so fish should get on the fall feeding program.
I’m still hearing good fishing 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.
Betsie River - Fishing was slow with only a few fish caught just below the dam.
Manistee River - Anglers fishing up near Tippy Dam are still taking some Chinook. Look for more fish with the cooler temperatures.
Traverse City - Salmon fishing slowed but a few fish were caught around the bay and off the mouth of Mitchell Creek. Near Elk Rapids, steelhead were caught off the breakwall in the early morning. Whitefish action has been very good in 70 feet of water off the Center Road launch site. Jigging Swedish Pimples on the bottom worked best. In the West Bay, steelhead were caught off the mouth of the Boardman River. Yellow perch have started to show up, but no big numbers or size at this time.
Elk River - Coho salmon are still being caught regularly at the dam when drifting spawn or casting hardware.
Boardman River - Salmon fishing continues to be very good from Union Street to the Trap and Transfer Facility. Spawn bags and casting spoons worked best.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing has improved with anglers marking and catching good numbers of fish. The Black Bottom and Portage Point areas were best when trolling or drifting crawlers in 12 to 22 feet of water. Walleye were caught off the Third Reef and north to the mouth of the Whitefish River. Some nice perch were caught off Butler Island when jigging minnows. Smallmouth bass have also been caught.
Ford River - Shore anglers have caught salmon when casting spoons or crankbaits.
Big Bay De Noc - Usually has low angler participation for this time of the year. There were rumors of walleye being caught just south of Big Bay Shoals, but no details were given. Good smallmouth bass action continues just outside Snail Shell Harbor when drifting and casting tube baits and minnows along the shoreline. Northern pike were caught off Ansel’s Point when trolling crankbaits.
In the Manistique area, anglers on Indian Lake are catching good numbers of perch, using minnows as bait. The steelhead and salmon fishing is good along on the Manistique River.
Saginaw Bay - Perch fishing has been good around the commercial nets that are set from Killarney Beach all the way north to the Black Hole. Buoys 9 and 15 were also productive. Anglers were consistently catching 10 to 12 inch fish, but some were taking the occasional 14 inch perch. The successful ones were using pieces of store-bought shrimp instead of minnows. Near Quanicassee, perch were caught off the channel in 6 to 12 feet of water. Sebewaing, Bay Port, and Caseville were slow.
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 - Catch rates for panfish are starting to improve. Bluegills, sunfish, and perch have been caught in 17 to 25 feet of water near the marina and the green buoy. Large rock bass and pike have been caught when trolling in front of the Inn, and along the north shore near the city launch.
Wixom Lake the gills and crappie are on the bite right on the drop-off.
By Kalkaska, the perch fishing is very good on both Skegemog and Manistee lakes. Both minnows and wigglers are working well as bait. Anglers on Skegemog are catching good numbers of smallmouth bass. The salmon action is good near the Elk River Dam. 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.
Cedarville and Hessel - Yellow perch activity has picked up slightly. Anglers are fishing Government Bay, Musky Bay, Hessel Bay, Middle Entrance, Snows Channel and around Little Joe Island. Use minnows, crawlers or wigglers. Smallmouth bass and northern pike were caught in Snows Channel and the Middle Entrance when still-fishing with minnows or casting spinner baits.
FISHING REPORT
Upper Peninsula:
The lake trout and splake fishing is fair on Copper Harbor.
Anglers on Lake Gogebic (go-GEE-bic) are catching a few walleye during the early evening hours, before it turns dark. The best fishing is found in water about 10 feet deep, with minnows being the preferred bait.
Around Marquette, the lake trout fishing is good on Lake Superior, including the lower and upper Marquette harbors. The salmon action on the big lake is fair. The brown trout fishing is good on the Dead and Chocolay (chalk-oh-lay) rivers.
Anglers on Little Lake are catching a few perch and walleye.
By Escanaba, the pike and walleye fishing is fair on Little Bay de Noc. The salmon fishing ranges from slow to fair on the Ford and Escanaba rivers.
In the Manistique area, anglers on Indian Lake are catching good numbers of perch, using minnows as bait. The steelhead and salmon fishing is good along on the Manistique River.
The upper end of the St. Marys River near Sault Ste Marie is producing some good perch fishing. The walleye action on the river is fair.
On Munuscong (muh-nuss-cong) and Raber bays the walleye fishing is good. The perch action is fair and the musky fishing is starting to improve. In the Drummond Island area, the perch fishing is fair on both Maxton and Scott bays. Minnows are working well as bait.
And at St. Ignace, the salmon fishing is good off the docks along the Straits of Mackinac. Evenings are the best time to cast a line in the water.
Northwest:
Crooked Lake near Alanson is producing good perch and walleye fishing.
Around Boyne City, the perch fishing is good on both Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake. Minnows, crawlers and wigglers are all being used as bait. The salmon and steelhead fishing is fair on both the Boyne and Jordan rivers.
The walleye fishing is good on both Leelanau and Long lakes near Traverse City. The fish being caught on Long Lake are on the small side.
Evenings are the best time to drop a line in the water. Anglers along the Boardman River are reeling in a few salmon.
In the Frankfort area, the salmon fishing is fair on the Betsie River. Strong winds have been keeping people off Lake Michigan.
On the Big Manistee River near Manistee, the salmon fishing is good.
By Kalkaska, the perch fishing is very good on both Skegemog and Manistee lakes. Both minnows and wigglers are working well as bait. Anglers on Skegemog are catching good numbers of smallmouth bass. The salmon action is good near the Elk River Dam.
Out of the Gaylord area, the salmon fishing is very good on the Boyne and Jordan rivers. Bradford and Otsego lakes are producing good bass and walleye fishing.
And at Cadillac, the crappie fishing is good on the east end of Lake Cadillac. The bass and pike fishing is good all around Lake Cadillac.
West:
Around Ludington, the salmon fishing is good on both the Sable and Pere Marquette rivers. Anglers on the upper end of Hamlin Lake are reeling in good numbers of bluegill.
In the Pentwater area, the salmon and steelhead fishing is good on Lake Michigan, when the weather allows anglers to get out. The fish are found in the top 50 feet of water that is up to 200 feet deep. The king salmon fishing is good in the Pentwater River.
Out of the Muskegon area, the salmon fishing is fair on the Muskegon River and Lake Michigan. On the lake, the fish are found 90 to 140 feet below the surface in water up to 160 feet deep. The white perch fishing ranges from good to very good on Muskegon Lake. Anglers on the west end of the lake are reeling in a few walleye at night.
Chippewa Lake is producing good bluegill fishing, fair bass and pike action.
And at Baldwin, the bluegill fishing is good on most of the local lakes. Both crickets and waxworms are being used as bait.
Southwest:
In the Holland area, the bluegill fishing is good on Lake Macatawa. Anglers on the pier on Lake Michigan are reeling in a few perch during the morning hours.
Northeast:
Anglers along the Thunder Bay River by Alpena are catching a few salmon and steelhead by the Ninth Street Bridge.
On Lake Margrethe near Grayling, anglers are catching a few perch. Afternoons are the best time to be out, with minnows working well as bait. The walleye action on the lake ranges from fair to good. Try using either a minnow or crawler as bait, in water 15 to 20 feet deep.
In the Oscoda area, the perch fishing is good on Van Etten Lake. Anglers on both Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds are catching good numbers of perch, pike and salmon.
Higgins Lake is producing good perch fishing, in water about 20 feet deep.
Out on Houghton Lake, the bluegill action is good in water four to six feet deep. Anglers drifting or trolling during the evening hours, are reeling in a few walleye.
And Au Gres, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay. The best fishing is found in water about 40 feet deep, from the Au Gres River—south.
East:
By Linwood, the perch action is steady on Saginaw Bay.
Anglers on Saginaw Bay by Bay City are reeling in good numbers of perch, using minnows as bait.
In the Saginaw area, the catfish fishing is fair on the Saginaw, Cass and Tittabawassee rivers. Anglers along the Tittabawassee are also reeling in a few smallmouth bass.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
More Deer Photos
Here are couple more deer photos from last night
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.