Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Kirtland Warbler
Went out this morning and shot a few photos of Kirtland Warblers
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thanks for a Great Memorial Weekend
Thanks everybody for coming north we really appreciate it. We had a great holiday thanks to you. The bass opener was good with some nice fish caught. Anglers will still find them in the shallows. Bluegills should be on their beds soon in the southern sections of the Lower Peninsula but up north we are still a week or so away. Panfish are becoming more active as the weather warms and the walleye are starting to hit.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the perch and walleye fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is super with limit catches over the weekend.
Mushrooms are popping in Northern Michigan with blacks being the main fungi.
Higgins Lake - Boat anglers were taking a mix of big and small perch.
Houghton Lake - Is producing some bass, pike, walleye and crappie.
Lake Charlevoix - Had good smallmouth bass action in the shallows. Try 6 to 12 feet of water with crank baits or minnow type plugs. Northern pike were also caught.
Long Lake - Walleye were caught at night when trolling a crawler harness or rapala.
South Lake Leelanau - Is producing some nice walleye. Try fishing shallow waters after dark. Look for smallmouth bass along the south end of the lake in the weed beds.
Traverse City - Things have been slow as high winds have kept most of the bays.
Saginaw Bay -Is producing some very good walleye fishing northeast of the Spark Plug and off Linwood in 20 feet of water, off the Callahan Reef in 8 to 14 feet of water, the Slot in 15 feet of water and between Sand Point and the North Island. Planer boards and crawler harnesses were good but some did just as well on Hot-n-Tots or crank baits. Limits were the norm with many limiting out in two hours or so.
Saginaw River - Good catches of walleye were reported between the Independence Bridge and the mouth. Jigs tipped with minnows are getting a lot of fish, but boats trolling crank baits also got fish. At Essexville, channel cats are hitting on worms and minnows.
Tittabawassee River - The spring walleye bite is just about done. A few fish were still being caught in the lower river near the Center Road launch ramp. Anglers are also getting a mixed bag of white bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and pike. Bass fishing was real good up near the Dow Dam.
Portage Lake- Bass and pike anglers are doing very well casting spinner baits and rapalas along the weed beds and drop-offs. Good catches were reported by the Inn and behind the Marina. Those targeting pike have done well when trolling along the drop-offs. Slow panfish activity. A few rock bass and some bluegills were found in 32 feet of water.
Manistee -The better fishing continues to be near the Ledge when using blue or green spoons 50 to 100 feet down.
Ludington - Boat anglers are catching fish in 80 to 160 feet of water between the Bath House and Big Sable Point.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing has improved but lots of small ones were caught. Good reports came from 20 to 40 feet of water on the Second Reef and 20 feet of water along the southern edge of the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers. The best catches came from Breezy Point when trolling stick baits and crawlers in 14 to 20 feet of water just off the break. Good perch fishing off the southern side of Saunders Point when jigging crawlers in 25 to 35 feet of water. The bass opener was also good with fish caught off Garth Point, Hunters Point and the Terrace Inn.
Big Bay De Noc - Had a great bass opener with many getting their limit between the Little Fish Dam River and Valentine Creek or west to Porcupine Point when trolling crank baits or crawlers in 8 to 14 feet of water. Good fishing in Ogontz when trolling in 6 to 10 feet of water. South River Bay produced fish for those casting spinners and crawlers in 6 to 18 feet of water. Walleye fishing was fair when drifting crawlers between Valentine Creek and Garden Bluff or off Ogontz in waters 6 to 16 feet deep.
Drummond Island - The walleye and pike opener was slow with only a few pike taken in Paradise Point Bay when drifting frozen smelt in 4 to 8 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were caught near the mouth of the harbor when fishing in 6 feet of water around the rock piles. Though water levels are higher this year, caution still needs to be used around the rock piles and reefs.
De Tour - A few boats are beginning to head out from the city launch. They were marking fish but catch rates were slow. A couple steelhead can still be found in Albany Creek.
Cedarville and Hessel - Those casting off the pier or trolling in the bay with minnows and smelt are targeting splake but also bringing in the occasional atlantic salmon and yellow perch. The northern pike opener was fantastic for those fishing off the piers, the bays and the channels.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing has been slow as high winds have hammpered fishing.
White Lake - Catch rates for panfish were very good especially for bluegill and crappie. Anglers did well in front of the City Park and Armstrong’s Bait and Tackle.
Upper Peninsula:
Lake Gogebic near the Bergland area is giving up good numbers of walleye on night crawlers in 4-8 feet of water. Bass are biting great close to shore on the east side with a variety of baits working well.
Little Bay De Noc and Big Bay De Noc near the upper end near Gladstone are producing fair amounts of walleye. Good bass action on a variety of baits for anglers fishing the Ford and Escanaba rivers.
Marquette anglers are doing ok on smaller lakes in the area where the water is a bit warmer and the bit overall is fair. Slow activity for salmon on Lake Superior due to adverse weather and cold water.
Indian Lake in the Manistique area is giving up good action for walleye on minnows this week.
Anglers around Sault Ste. Marie are finding good walleye fishing on Brimley Bay when using minnows. Atlantic salmon are hitting in good numbers around the De Tour passage area.
Overall fishing is good around the Munuscong Bay area. Munuscong Lake is rated fair for walleye action when using crawler Harnesses and jig heads.
Angling action around Drummond Island is ranging from fair to good for pike and walleye on Scott and Maxton Bays. Good bass fishing is available on Whitney Bay. Poor weather has limited fishing opportunities for anglers around the St. Ignace area this week. Brevort Lake is giving up fair amounts of walleye and the bass action is rated fair to good.
Northwest:
Windy conditions prevail around the Alanson area and fair catches of bass are hitting on sucker minnows on the north arm of Lake Charlevoix.
Boyne City anglers are finding good conditions on Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix for bass hitting on leeches. Lake Charlevoix is giving up good walleye numbers when anglers use ¾ ounce jig heads. The smaller rivers and streams are producing nice fair to good catches of Brook and Brown Trout on spinners and leaf worms.
Frankfort area anglers are finding that overall all lakes are producing bass in fair to good numbers with a variety of baits working well. Crystal Lake has good action for perch and whitefish on worms. Off of the piers and out on Lake Michigan spoons and spawn are working on fair amounts of salmon. Brook and Brown Trout are biting in decent quantities on spinners, worms and flies in most of the local rivers and streams.
All lakes in the Kalkaska area are giving up fait to good numbers of bass. Manistee and Guernsey lakes are producing good action for blue gill when worms are used. Elk Rapids Dam is still producing fair catches of steelhead on spinners and spawn.
Good action around Gaylord for bass, walleye and steelhead. Otsego Lake is giving up nice walleye and bass on crank and rubber baits and walleye are preferring minnows. Steelhead activity is good on both the Manistee and Au Sable rivers and anglers are getting results with flies.
Bass season is in full swing in the Cadillac area and hitting in good numbers. Mitchell and Cadillac lakes are producing good amounts of pike, Rock bass and blue gill, with crappie action rated fair.
West:
Good to excellent fishing taking place within the Ludington area. Lake Michigan is giving up nice King Salmon on Blue Dolphin Spoons in 100-feet of water and fishing between 50 and 60 feet down. Hamlin Lake has nice bass action going on and a variety of baits are working well. All inland lakes are giving up good amounts of pan fish and crappie on various baits.
Wolf Lake in Baldwin is very good for blue gill and bass on a variety of baits. Big Bass Lake is also producing nice numbers of blue gill and perch on worms and minnows. Trout action is good during the evening hours on Pine River and most small streams with just about any bait working. Overall anglers will find great fishing for bass walleye and pan fish on the majority of inland lakes.
Muskegon Lake has good fishing this week. Salmon action is good in the morning and evening hours in 90 to 140 feet of water and fishing 30 to 60 feet down. Blue gill can be found in three to seven feet of water and pike are hitting on bombers while trolling. Nice numbers of bass are also biting.
Great fishing is taking place on Chippewa Lake for bass, walleye and pan fish. Try using rubber or crank baits, minnows and worms.
Very good bass action available for anglers in Grand Rapids fishing the Grand and Thornapple rivers and Big Pine Island near Belding. The Grand River is also giving up nice numbers of walleye on leeches and minnows. Cranberry Lake is producing good counts of pan fish on wax worms and headed over to Lake Michigan perch activity is good in 60 to 70 feet of water.
Northeast:
Alpena anglers are finding good bass fishing on Squaw Bay and Long Lake using a variety of baits. Steelhead action is fair on Thunder Bay River near the Ninth Street Dam with anglers finding results using flies and spawn. Thunder Bay is producing fair catches of walleye with minnows.
Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds in Oscoda both have good fishing taking place for bass, pike and perch on a variety of baits. The Au Sable River is rated fair for steelhead on flies, fair for walleye on minnows and the action improves from fair to good for suckers on crawlers.
Good small mouth bass hitting on Lake Margrethe near the Grayling area. Live leeches and tube baits are working well. All inland lakes are doing well in the area for blue gill. Fish are on their beds and worms seem to do the trick. The Manistee, Au Sable and North Branch rivers are fair to good for trout this week thanks to a fly hatch. Spinners with a live worm work well.
Good fishing for anglers on Houghton Lake. Trolling and drifting and using bobbers with leeches are working well on nice numbers of walleye. Crappie activity is good in the canals and the pike are hitting in good numbers with lots of bass everywhere as well.
Good fishing for anglers in the Au Gres area. Out on Saginaw Bay the walleye action is good using minnows. Bass are active in the rivers and shallow waters of the Saginaw Bay. The east branch of the Au Gres River and around the Singing Bridge is terrific for trout fishing. Anglers are getting good results using spinners, small Cleo??s and crawlers.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Memorial Holiday Fishing Report
The weather is still a big issue as it continues to give us bad weekends of weather. Cool weather is once again hampering fishing conditions around the state, but the last two days eighties"AWESOME’‘. This coming Saturday May 23rd is the opening day of bass season on the Great Lakes and all the inland waters except Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River and the Detroit River which do not open until the 3rd Saturday in June. The early catch and release season has been very good so the opener this weekend should also be good. Muskie fishing has started to heat up and the warmer weather should produce some good bluegill action. We have had a warm up but high winds have kept people off the lake.
On the inland waters, bluegills are beginning to show up in the shallows, but it will probably be another week or so before spawning begins in the Lower Peninsula. Largemouth bass are active in the shallows. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth and smallmouth bass must be released immediately. Bluegill are still on the bite on most lakes and hearing good reports.
Mushrooms are popping in Northern Michigan with blacks being the main fungi.
Otsego Lake by Gaylord has had a great walleye and perch bite this week
Higgins Lake - Once boats are able to get out, look for the big perch because not many have been out fishing for them. Look for smallmouth bass activity.
Houghton Lake - A few walleye were still being caught when boats could get out. The bass opener should be good in the shallows along the weed beds. The crappie and bluegill bite should also pick up by the weekend.
Lake Charlevoix - Perch fishing was slow. Anglers jigging and using shiners did manage to catch a few nice fish but many were small.
Lake Bellaire - Water temperatures are in the 52 to 54 degree range. Walleye were caught at night when trolling near the mouth of the Intermediate River and the Grass River outlet. Try a crawler harness, jigs or rapalas in 5 to 20 feet of water. Those targeting bass have done well along the east side of the lake when casting spinners, tube baits, stick baits and grubs in 6 to 20 feet of water.
Traverse City - Whitefish have been caught in both bays when boats can get out. In the East Bay, whitefish and lake trout were caught when jigging in 100 to 160 feet of water with a pearl Swedish Pimples. In the West Bay, lake trout were caught when trolling or jigging in 70 to 150 feet of water between the Boardman River and Marion Island. Jigging was best in the early morning.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing was good in 20 feet of water around the Spark Plug. Finn Road, Jones Road and Knight Road were also good spots when using a crawler harness in 4 to 6 feet of water. Good walleye action off Quanicassee when using a crawler harness or Hot-n-Tots in 10 to 14 feet of water. Boat anglers off Sebewaing have caught some limits straight out, off Lone Tree Island or Thomas Reef. Anglers saw fish off Bayport however weeds and debris made fishing a challenge. Try trolling between North Island and Sand Point.
Saginaw River - Some walleye were caught near the Independence Bridge when using minnows or twisters. Channel catfish were caught off the stone docks near Essexville.
Tittabawassee River - Walleye were caught near Gordonville Road. Smallmouth bass were also caught and released.
Portage Lake- Those trolling or casting for pike have caught good numbers of fish along the weed beds and the drop-offs. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass along with a few rock bass have been caught in the shallows. Bluegills and crappie were still deep but should start to move into the shallows as it warms up.
Manistee - Boat anglers are catching brown trout and the occasional steelhead on body baits. Green and orange were good colors. Perch were caught off the pier however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Ludington - The docks have been pulled at the Loomis Street boat launch due to dredging. Anglers are catching brown trout while trolling along the shoreline. Most fish were caught between the Lincoln River and the Point.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - The walleye opener was slower than usual because of the weather. Fish were caught along the entire stretch between the Escanaba River and Whitefish Point however the best reports came from the First and Second Reefs. Most are trolling stick baits in 20 to 40 feet of water or jigging crawlers in 16 to 23 feet of water along the edge of the reef. Perch and many sub-legal walleye were caught in the Narrows.
Drummond Island - The walleye and pike opener was slow with only a few pike taken in Paradise Point Bay when drifting frozen smelt in 4 to 8 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were caught near the mouth of the harbor when fishing in 6 feet of water around the rock piles. Though water levels are higher this year, caution still needs to be used around the rock piles and reefs.
De Tour - A few boats are beginning to head out from the city launch. They were marking fish but catch rates were slow. A couple steelhead can still be found in Albany Creek.
Cedarville and Hessel - Those casting off the pier or trolling in the bay with minnows and smelt are targeting splake but also bringing in the occasional atlantic salmon and yellow perch. The northern pike opener was fantastic for those fishing off the piers, the bays and the channels.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing has been slow as high winds have hammpered fishing.
White Lake - Perch fishing was slow but the bluegill action was excellent. Some crappie were caught in front of Armstrong’s.
Upper Peninsula:
Bergland anglers are getting out and fishing for walleye despite windy conditions this week. Minnows seem to be working fairly well on Lake Gogebic.
Wind and rain has limited some of the fishing around Escanaba but when anglers are getting out the walleye action is good on Little Bay De Noc, Big Bay De Noc and the mouth of the Ford River. Crawler harnesses and trolling with crank bait seems to do the trick. Silver bass are in good numbers and crank bait and tube baits are working well.
Weather has been an issue for anglers in Manistique. A few walleye and pike have been caught near the mouth of the Manistique River. Weekend weather and fishing are both expected to improve.
Sault St. Marie anglers have headed to Brimley for walleye since adverse weather in their own area has created minimal opportunities and the water has cooled 10-degrees.
Munuscong Bay area anglers are getting good numbers of pike and large sized splake on Cedarville. Brimley Bay is giving up excellent catches of walleye. Caribou Lake is a great location for walleye fishing and good results can be found using crawler harnesses.
Weather hasn??t been so great around Drummond Island but a good forecast is in the works for the holiday weekend. Wind and rain has limited activity, but anglers that are getting out are finding a few walleye, perch and pike on Maxton and Scott bays.
Good walleye action taking place out on Brevort Lake despite the weather this week in the St. Ignace area.
Northwest:
Burt Lake in Alanson is giving up very nice numbers of walleye near the north arm on minnows. The weather has improved and activity is on the rise.
Anglers fishing around the Boyne City area are doing well for walleye and pike on Lake Charlevoix near the south arm in 10-20 feet of water using crawler harnesses and body baits. Walloon Lake has decent fishing taking place for walleye, pike and perch. Trout can also be caught in 10-15 feet of water using red, orange and yellow spoons while trolling. The Boyne and Jordan rivers are decent for trout and plenty of suckers still in good numbers. Fly fishing is popular on the Jordan River for Brook and Brown trout using small spinners. Bass are heading towards the beds.
Windy conditions this week in Frankfort created for some spotty fishing, but nice weather is in the forecast for the weekend. Perch action is spotty on Arcadia and Portage lakes. Most rivers the trout fishing seems to have ended. Lake Michigan is good for salmon and browns when trolling. Crystal Lake is giving up fair counts of white fish on worms.
Otsego Lake near Gaylord is great for walleye fishing and anglers are using Rapalas and crawler harnesses with good results. The Manistee and Au Sable rivers are producing nice numbers of trout on flies and spinners.
Cadillac anglers are finding very good pike action on both Cadillac and Mitchell lakes. Crappie action is good as well as blue gill and bass.
West:
Around the Baldwin area bass season opens on Saturday and anglers are anxious. Idlewild Lake is a hot spot for blue gill on leaf worms and some spiders. Big Bass Lake is giving up really nice perch catches on wigglers, wax worms, and small perch minnows, while House Lake has some nice sunfish action. The majority of rivers in the area are doing very well for trout since a fly hatch is on. The water is low and small leaf worms are working well. Anglers are pre-fishing bass on Wolf Lake and the fish are biting on a variety of baits.
Salmon fishing is excellent out of the Muskegon area. It has been windy but anglers are getting out in waters up to 100 feet and fishing from the surface to 80 feet with good results. Fish are hitting on flashers but green and blue spoons are very productive. Walleye activity has been spotty with only one to two fish being caught. Bass season opens Saturday, fish are not bedding just yet. Marinas will be a good place to fish for large and small mouth bass over the weekend which is expected to be an outstanding opener. However, it is suggested to catch and release since the fish have not spawned yet. Muskegon Lake has some good walleye action when using Smithwick??s Rattlin?? Rogue and Rapalas.
Chippewa Lake is producing decent walleye counts and pan fish action is ok. Fish seem to bite best on wax worms and minnows.
Around the Grand Rapids area bass season opens Saturday. Morrison and Reed lakes are giving up good crappie fishing. Blue gill are starting to bed in some of the smaller ponds in the area. The Grand River has high water and anglers are pre-fishing for bass.
Northeast:
Lake Huron off of the Alpena area is giving up nice numbers of walleye on body baits and Rapalas. The Thunder Bay River near the Ninth Street Dam is producing decent catches of steelhead on flies and spawn.
Oscoda anglers are doing well with live baits fishing for pike and blue gill on Foote Dam Pond. The Au Sable River is producing good quantities of steelhead on spawn and flies and a few anglers are pre-fishing for bass.
Lake Margrethe near Grayling is fair for perch action in 14-20 feet of water when using minnows. Walleye activity has been slow but when anglers are catching them they are hitting on minnows and leeches. Many small lakes in the area are rated fair to good for blue gill and bass on live baits.
Houghton Lake is giving up nice numbers of crappie and blue gill in the canals on minnows and worms. Walleye activity is good when trolling or drifting and bobber fishing.
The perch action is rated fair on Higgins Lake this week with perch minnows working well in 30 to 40 feet of water. Trout activity is also rated fair.
The Au Gres River is producing fair amounts of steelhead on spawn. A few anglers are catching and releasing bass. The official bass season opens on Saturday.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Upper Pike and Walleye May 15
The weather is still a big issue as it continues to give us bad weekends of weathers. Cool weather is once again hampering fishing conditions around the state. May 15th marks the opening day for walleye, northern pike and muskellunge fishing on the Upper Peninsula inland waters not otherwise closed to fishing, the waters of the Great Lakes and the St. Mary’s River. Fisherman are gearing up big time at Gladstone getting ready for the walleye opener.
Crappie have slowed on Lake Missaukee this week but with warm weatyher the lagoon will be the hot spot and minnows the hot ticket.
Also a super walleye bite on Lake Bellaire with huge fish being caught for Northern Michigan. Most are running 25 to 28 inches with a few up to 31 inches. The bad thing is they are catching them on stick baits with clown pattern working best and after dark. I wish I could tell you they were biting on crawlers or leeches. Call Jacks Sport @231-258-8892 for the latest report.
On the inland waters, bluegills are beginning to show up in the shallows, but it will probably be another week or so before spawning begins in the Lower Peninsula. Largemouth bass are active in the shallows. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth and smallmouth bass must be released immediately. Bluegill are still on the bite on most lakes and hearing good reports.
Mushrooms are popping in Northern Michigan with blacks being the main fungi.
Higgins Lake - Is real slow with very little pressure, see nobody on the lake.
Houghton Lake - A few bluegill, walleye and crappie were caught but overall fishing has been slow because of weather a little break and they catch fish.
Steelhead fishing is good at the Two Heart River this week with no pressure..
Lake Charlevoix - Perch fishing was slow. Anglers jigging and using shiners did manage to catch a few nice fish but many were small.
Lake Bellaire - Those targeting walleye were trolling crawler harnesses and jigs from the steep drop-offs in the northern section of the lake, west of the Intermediate River and from the Fisherman’s Paradise access site down to the southern section of the lake in 10 to 30 feet of water.
Traverse City - Strong winds have kept anglers off the East Bay. For the West Bay, lake trout have been caught along the east shoreline from the Maritime Dock down to Bowers Harbor when trolling or jigging near the drop-off. White jigging spoons caught fish. A few perch were caught on wigglers near Suttons Bay.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses in 14 to 22 feet of water at the Spark Plug (Buoys 11 & 12), in 4 feet of water off Finn Road, off the beach at Linwood and the mouth of the Saginaw River. Excellent walleye action was noted straight off the mouth of the Quanicassee River in 10 to 14 feet of water. A few pike were also caught. Good channel cat action off the mouth of the Sebewaing River while walleye were taken in the Slot. Those fishing Sunset Bay Marina and Fish Point caught walleye in 11 feet of water. Up at Bay Port, walleye fishing was very good off the tip of Sand Point and out in the Slot. Some are jigging around the weed beds while others are trolling planer boards with crawler harnesses.
Saginaw River - Walleye are back in with good reports the last two days and the river is down.
Tittabawassee River - Still has good walleye fishing especially in the lower river near the Center Street Launch in Saginaw Township. Walleye can be found from the mouth up to the Dow Dam. The white bass runs are just getting started and smallmouth bass are being caught and released.
Portage Lake -Perch fishing was slow but those trolling for walleye and pike were taking fair numbers of fish. Those trolling or casting were catching pike and those trolling at night found walleye. A few bass were caught on the west side.
Manistee - Boat anglers are catching brown trout and the occasional steelhead on body baits. Green and orange were good colors. Perch were caught off the pier however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Ludington - The docks have been pulled at the Loomis Street boat launch due to dredging. Anglers are catching brown trout while trolling along the shoreline. Most fish were caught between the Lincoln River and the Point.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - Had lots of anglers out looking for perch however catch rates were slow. Those fishing the Narrows did best catching jumbo perch when jigging minnows or crawlers in 25 to 33 feet of water. Smaller fish were caught in and around Butler Island. The walleye opener this Friday looks good. Hot spots should be the “Narrows”, the Second and Third Reefs, and the mouth of the Escanaba River as anglers have marked good numbers of fish in these areas. All the boat launches are open but the buoys have not been installed in the Escanaba River. Water temperatures vary from the low 40’s to near 50.
Drummond Island - Yellow perch are still being caught however catch rates have slowed at the Bayside Dock. Most are using minnow spreaders. If it is windy, try attaching a quarter ounce or heavier sinker to help keep your minnows in the strike zone. Even though water levels are up anglers are reminded to be very careful of the rocks and reefs around the islands and in Raber Bay.
De Tour - A few boats are beginning to head out from the city launch. They were marking fish but catch rates were slow. A couple steelhead can still be found in Albany Creek.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers fishing from the Hessel Marina pier are casting minnows, smelt, stick baits and Cleo’s for splake. The pike and walleye opener on May 15th looks to be good.
Big Bay De Noc - A couple perch anglers were catching smallmouth bass off Garden Bluff however the catch and immediate release season does not open until May 15th. The walleye opener looks good especially at the head of the Bay. Work the shallows 6 to 10 feet deep between the launch at Fish Dam and Kates Bay. At Fairport, the salmon fishery generally starts in June and peaks mid-summer.
White Lake - Perch fishing was slow but the bluegill action was excellent. Some crappie were caught in front of Armstrong’s.
Upper Peninsula:
Marquette anglers are geared up and ready for the walleye opener on Friday buying equal amounts of night crawlers, minnows and leeches. Anglers tell AAA that the water is the coldest it has been in years for a walleye season start.
Bergland anglers are anxious and ready for May 15th. The weather has been in the sixties, all of the boat launches are open and plenty of anglers are expected to hit the waters for walleye.
In the Escanaba area, Little Bay De Noc and Ford River will be the hot spots on Friday for anglers geared up for walleye fishing. The water temperature is in the fifties and crawlers, leeches, crawler harnesses, and crank baits have been flying off the shelves of bait shops. South of Gladstone some nice perch are being caught.
Around Manistique the perch fishing has died off and pretty much anglers are anxious to get walleye fishing on Friday. Crawler harnesses and stick baits seem to be the popular purchase. Saturday and Sunday the ??Manistique Walleye Derby? will take place. Call 906-341-5241 for details.
Near the Sault Ste. Marie area perch are being caught on the upper portion of the St. Mary??s River. But overall activity has been slow with anglers just waiting for walleye season.
Around Drummond Island some perch activity is still taking place. Walleye and pike season opens Friday and plenty of activity is expected throughout the area.
Near St. Ignace, Brevort Lake will be the hot spot for walleye anglers on the 15th. Spawn sacks are still working well in most of the rivers for steelhead activity.
Northwest:
Despite the cold weather around Alanson good walleye fishing is taking place on Crooked River using minnows and crawlers.
Boyne City anglers are doing well for walleye on Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix using crawler harnesses, Rapalas, bombers, jigs with crawlers or golden shiners. Good numbers are found on the south arm with fish ranging 18-24 inches. Large walleye are in the channels of Lake Charlevoix at night particularly 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. The rivers are full of suckers and the trout is pretty good as well. White Culprit spinner baits and one ounce glow and white jig heads seem to be working well. Since the current is so strong try using something other than monofilament line. Many anglers are catching and releasing bass on Deer, Susan and Thumb lakes. Crappie activity is picking up. The Boyne and Jordan rivers are giving up nice numbers of trout and the river is full of suckers.
The water is still very cold around Traverse City but anglers are getting some lake trout in the Bays and a few steelhead. Long Lake is doing well for walleye in the shallow waters and in the evening hours. Lead head Lures, worms, leeches, Rapalas and jerk baits all seem to do the job.
Around Frankfort the Betsie and some small creeks are producing fair quantities of Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout on flies and Panther Martin Spinners. A few steelhead remain in the river systems. Big Platte is producing some blue gill, pan fish and hit-or-miss walleye. Crawler harnesses, Rapalas, body baits and Cotton Cordell Wally Divers seem to work well.
Fishing is good in the Gaylord area on most of the surrounding rivers for trout. The best fishing is taking place on the Manistee and Au Sable due to warm water and several fly hatches. Otsego Lake continues to give up nice numbers of walleye. Elk River is giving some steelhead on spawn and a few trout.
In the Cadillac area plenty of anglers are getting out on Cadillac Lake and Mitchell Lake and fishing for blue gill, crappie and pike. Rapalas, spinner baits and wax worms are popular. A little incentive for pike anglers, a 41-inch pike was caught last weekend.
West:
Blue gill rule in Baldwin on just about every inland lake in the area and anglers are catching most of them in shallow waters using leaf worms.
Off of Muskegon salmon action is heating up on Lake Michigan. Anglers are doing well fishing in waters 80 to 100 feet and down 30-60. A variety of spoons are working well including Lemon Ice, Carmel and Blue Dolphins. Blue gill action is good in the shallow waters near the state park. Catfish are in the channels and Countdown Rapalas, Husky Jerks and crawlers are working well. Heritage Landing is a good spot for pike fishing using Rapalas, Husky Jerks in gold and black and Fire Tiger. Muskegon Lake and White Lake near Montague are both giving up nice numbers of walleye trolling and casting Rapalas.
On Chippewa Lake the cold and wind earlier in the week created choppy conditions for anglers, but weather is improving and anglers are getting out and catching some walleye, blue gill, a few specks and a few catch and release bass. Minnows and crawlers seem to be working. Mark your calendars, starting May 28th and every Thursday through August a fishing tournament will take place. For complete details call 231-867-5619.
Grand Haven anglers are pulling in abundant amounts of perch on Lake Michigan using minnows. The Grand River in Grand Rapids is full of carp and the fish are biting on just about everything. Most inland lakes throughout the Grand Rapids area are good for crappie and blue gill with minnows and wax worms working well. Jordan Lake is great for pan fish.
Northeast:
Anglers fishing the Au Sable River in the Oscoda area are coming up with plenty of action for steelhead on wax worms and spawn, while walleye are biting on Rapalas and suckers are hitting on just about anything. Cooke Dam Pond is giving up blue gill and crappie on leaf and wax worms. Foote Dam Pond is producing big size pike on pike minnows and perch on wax worms and perch minnows.
Grayling anglers are finding good results vertical jigging with a live leech in 15 to 20 feet of water for walleye. Angling activity is slow to fair on the Manistee, Au Sable and North Branch Rivers due to cold water, the temperatures are dipping each night. Smaller inland lakes are decent for blue gill in the shallows, but the fish are not bedding yet.
Good fishing for anglers on Houghton Lake. Blue gill action is good overall on crawler harnesses. Walleye are biting on Rapalas and Hot-n-Tots in four to six feet of water when trolling. Pike fishing is decent and fish are average size. Crappie action is rated fair to good out on the lake.
Higgins Lake has had a lot of rain lately causing for slower angling activity this week. Perch action is fair on minnows and some anglers are catching and releasing small mouth bass. Branch and Manistee Rivers are running high right now.
Au Gres anglers are doing well out on Saginaw Bay trolling for walleye in 25-30 feet of water. Deep Down Husky Jerks and stick baits are working well. River fishing has been minimal.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother’s Day
Hope all the Mother’s are having a rich and happy Mother’s Day
There are times when only a Mother’s love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappoints
And calm all of our fears.
There are times when only a Mother’s love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we’ve dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real.
There are times when only a Mother’s faith
Can help us on life’s way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day.
For a Mother’s heart and a Mother’s faith
And a Mother’s steadfast love
Were fashioned by the Angels
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Mother’s Day Fishing Report
The weather is still a big issue as it continues to give us bad weekends of weathers. We hope for better as it is mothers day sunday.
Crappie are on a big bite on Lake Missaukee this week with the lagoon being the hot spot and minnows the hot ticket.
Also a super walleye bite on Lake Bellaire with huge fish being caught for Northern Michigan. Most are running 25 to 28 inches with a few up to 31 inches. The bad thing is they are catching them on stick baits with clown pattern working best and after dark. I wish I could tell you they were biting on crawlers or leeches. Call Jacks Sport @231-258-8892 for the latest report.
Otsego Lake has started to produce a few walleye the last few days.
On the inland waters, bluegills are beginning to show up in the shallows, but it will probably be another week or so before spawning begins in the Lower Peninsula. Largemouth bass are active in the shallows. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth and smallmouth bass must be released immediately. Bluegill are still on the bite on most lakes and hearing good reports.
Mushrooms are popping in Northern Michigan with blacks being the main fungi.
Higgins Lake - Is real slow with very little pressure, but it seems like after mother’s day the perch bite starts on the lake according to the Redman’s
Houghton Lake - A few bluegill, walleye and crappie were caught but overall fishing has been slow.
Steelhead fishing is good at the Two Heart River this week with no pressure..
Lake Charlevoix - Perch fishing was slow. Anglers jigging and using shiners did manage to catch a few nice fish but many were small.
Lake Bellaire - Those targeting walleye were trolling crawler harnesses and jigs from the steep drop-offs in the northern section of the lake, west of the Intermediate River and from the Fisherman’s Paradise access site down to the southern section of the lake in 10 to 30 feet of water.
Traverse City - Strong winds have kept anglers off the East Bay. For the West Bay, lake trout have been caught along the east shoreline from the Maritime Dock down to Bowers Harbor when trolling or jigging near the drop-off. White jigging spoons caught fish. A few perch were caught on wigglers near Suttons Bay.
Saginaw Bay - There’s still a lot of muddy water to contend with in the inner bay after all the rain. Angler activity has picked up off Linwood and Parish Road. Those trolling and drifting east of Spoils Island caught fish when using crawler harnesses and jigs with crawlers. Quanicassee had fair to good walleye action near the mouth of the river. At Bay Port, boat anglers are catching walleye in the channel off the tip of Sand Point, around North Island and out in the Slot. At Caseville, walleye were caught off the breakwall at night.
Saginaw River - Walleye are back in with good reports the last two days and the river is down.
Tittabawassee River - Walleye fishing is good at the Dow Dam
Portage Lake -Has slowed down this week but I think the perch will start again friday as the weather warms up.
Manistee - Boat anglers are catching brown trout and the occasional steelhead on body baits. Green and orange were good colors. Perch were caught off the pier however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Ludington - The docks have been pulled at the Loomis Street boat launch due to dredging. Anglers are catching brown trout while trolling along the shoreline. Most fish were caught between the Lincoln River and the Point.
Lake Cadillac - Panfish were caught near the M-115 causeway and the City Dock.
Little Bay De Noc - Perch anglers fished the Narrows near Butler Island but few fish were caught in the deeper waters. Those fishing in shallows waters 4 to 8 feet deep caught fish but they were small. Water temperatures were edging up near 50 degrees but no reports of smelt.
Ford River - Steelhead have been caught 4 to 8 miles upstream.
Day’s River - Most anglers are fishing between old US-2 and the Golf Course.
Big Bay De Noc - The docks are in Fayette, Garden and Ogontz. People are getting ready for the opener next week
AAA FIshing Report
Upper Peninsula:
In the Marquette area anglers are anxiously awaiting the walleye and pike season opener on May 15. A few anglers are out catching and releasing bass. Overall the fishing activity is bleak and so far no hatches have taken place. A few anglers are out trolling in 50-75 feet of water on Lake Superior for trout using Moonshine Spoons and getting fair results. A Trout/Salmon Tournament takes place this Saturday on the lower Harbor, for details call 906-226-8300.
In Escanaba the perch fishing is heating up and anglers are doing well in waters 25 to 45 feet deep out in the Bay using perch rigs. The local rivers continue to give up decent counts of steelhead. Anglers are getting prepared for walleye season next May 15.
Fishing is rated average for anglers on Indian Lake where perch are hitting on perch minnows. The Manistique River is still producing some steelhead, but the suckers have really moved in.
Around Sault Ste. Marie the perch have really started to pick up in the upper St. Mary??s River this week. Minnows seem to be working well. Whitefish can be found by the power house using wax worms and Rainbow Trout are running in just about all the streams with spawn and wax worms doing the trick.
Off of Hessel and Cedarville anglers are doing well for splake casting spoons and spawn. All of the trout streams throughout Munuscong are doing well. Anglers will find nice numbers of steelhead near the mouth of the rivers leading from both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Pike, walleye and musky season opens May 15.
Walleye season opens May 15th for Drummond Island anglers but in the meantime anglers are getting decent perch catches off the docks around Maxton Bay. Overall perch is slowing down and the majority of the perch are now male.
St. Ignace activity is very minimal this week and for the most part, most anglers from the area are heading to Drummond Island for perch.
Northwest:
Alanson anglers finally got a break and the weather has improved creating good pike action on most creeks and rivers with minnows working well. Suckers are also strong in the rivers and creeks. Crooked Lake is giving up some walleye near the marina where the waters have warmed up.
Around Boyne City the Jordan and Boyne rivers are full of suckers, steelhead are minimal at this point. Lake Charlevoix the perch activity is off and on and when they are biting the fish are hitting on minnows and wigglers. Walloon Lake is good for walleye on minnows and body baits and anglers are targeting bass, some catching and releasing.
Traverse City and Kalkaska anglers are finding some nice angling activity this week. Manistee Lake and Guernsey Lake are exceptional for blue gill with jigs and wax worms working very well. Lake Bellaire and Manistee Lake are both producing nice quantities of walleye on jigs and minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has a fresh steelhead run and spawn bags and jigs with wax worms seem to be working well. Skegemog Lake has hundreds of bass cruising but it is only catch and release right now. Off of Leelanau walleye are being found in the north and south narrows.
Good fishing in Gaylord where walleye are hitting on crank baits on Otsego Lake. Steelhead action continues to be good on the Boyne, Sturgeon and Jordan rivers and anglers are having success with egg and nymph patterns.
Both Mitchell and Cadillac lakes are producing nice size pike on Rapalas. Crappie action is also good but it depends on the time of day whether the fish are suspended or deep. A few blue gill are hitting on wax and leaf worms.
West:
Baldwin anglers are finding decent blue gill fishing on the majority of inland lakes in the area. The shallow water seems to be the hot spot with tied flies, particularly black gnats and ants seem to be popular. Other baits that are working include worms, night crawlers and crickets.
Fishing is ok around the Muskegon area where anglers are fishing Lake Michigan for salmon in 40 to 60 feet of water and getting results in 32 to 55 feet down. Fish are ranging towards the smaller end of the scale, averaging 5-11 pounds. Perch action in the area is slowing down and walleye action is decent off the break wall when using Countdown Rapalas in the very early morning or late evening hours. Trout action is good on the north branch of the White River with worms, crawlers and spawn doing the job.
Northeast:
Good fishing for Alpena anglers on Thunder Bay for walleye. Rapalas and body baits are working well. The steelhead action remains good around the Ninth Street Dam on spawn and flies. Crappie fishing is just starting and so far is fair to good with minnows doing the trick.
It??s all good around Oscoda where perch, blue gill and crappie action is great on live baits on Cooke and Foote Dam ponds. Pike is good on Foote Dam Pond. Walleye, steelhead and sucker action is good on the Au Sable River when using minnows, spawn and crawlers.
Walleye are biting on Lake Margrethe around the Grayling area. Good results can be found near the east shoreline and the north side using minnows. The pressure is light to good for a few blue gill in the shallows from about 8-feet in.
The bite is good on Houghton Lake for walleye on minnows and blue gill and crappie on leaf worms. Blue gill are a good size averaging 11-13 inches. Crawler harnesses and teardrops are working on pike near the Reedsburg Dam.
Higgins Lake is producing fair amounts of perch on minnows but so far no trout action.
Around Au Gres walleye are biting on size seven Husky Jerks up river in the shallows of the Aus Gres. Again this week on the east branch of the Au Gres steelhead continue to run. Additional baits that are also popular include crawler harnesses, Rapalas and bombers.
East:
Off of Standish the perch seem to have shut down, but outstanding walleye fishing is taking place. The walleye are really turned-on in 13-18 feet of water and limits are being taken in short order on crawler harnesses. A few hot spots include near the Rifle Bar, black hole and catfish hole.
Walleye are everywhere around the Bay City area and anglers are giving a thumbs-up for good action. Saginaw Bay is producing good quantities in 10-feet of water on crawlers. Anglers are also doing well fishing from shore along the Saginaw River jigging with minnows.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Honor’s Finest
Saw this place east of Honor today during the rains.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Frankfort’s Pounding Surf
