Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Did a Photo of Curly’s Bait Shop
Weather has been better after the weekend, and fish have been biting with salmon fishing picking up.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying fishing is good on Otsego Lake with some perch being caught. Also surronding lakes have a good bite. The pan fish action is decent on Bradford and Big lakes jigging with worms.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still good with leeches and crawlers working best with a bobber. He has four special crawlers harness that he ties that are working great.There is a landing across the street( 16 foot fishing boats or smaller as the lake has dropped a foot)from him but no parking, but if you buy your supplies from him he will let you park in his vacent lot across from the landing and put you on the fish.
Call him at 989-422-5230 his address is 9613 E Houghton Lake Dr, Houghton Lake, MI 48629.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye have been caught in 20 to 25 feet of water around the Spark Plug and near Buoys 1 and 2. Anglers from Quanicassee and Sebewaing were heading out to the shipping channel and the Spark Plug while trolling crawler harnesses. Fish were caught in the Slot off Sunset Bay in 14 feet of water and outside the islands north of Sebewaing.
Mullett Lake -Those trolling Hot-n-Tots, spoons or crawler harnesses have caught some walleye. Perch, bass and pike were caught on both live and artificial baits.
Burt Lake - Burt Lake in Alanson has anglers trolling during the evening hours with great success, mostly using crawlers. Inland lakes are giving up plenty of blue gill.
Lake Margrethe a decent number of walleye are being taken in about 18 feet of water using leeches or crawlers on a jig head. Anglers are also catching a few pike as well.
Higgins Lake -When boats can get out, perch are still being caught along the north end of Treasure Island in 20 to 40 feet of water. Those jigging for lake trout and whitefish are using Swedish Pimples. Those trolling for lake trout are using body baits or rapalas.
Houghton Lake - Anglers are catching walleye, bluegill, bass, and pike in East Bay, North Bay and Long Point on crawlers and leeches. Fishing is great when the wind lays down. Stay on the north end of the lake this weekend as the south end has Bud Bash and is a place to stay away from unless you want to party.
Lake Charlevoix -Great fishing continues to take place near Boyne City on Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix. Fishing the south arm of Lake Charlevoix, walleye can be found in 18-22 feet of water using a variety of baits. Salmon activity on Lake Michigan is also picking up out of the Charlevoix area. Salmon are moving into water 50-110 feet deep with blues and greens being the colors of choice.
Lake Bellaire - Walleye anglers are out in full force. Early morning and late evening were best when trolling near the Fisherman’s Paradise Public Access, the South Bay and along the narrows in the Northwest Arm. Most are trolling crawler harnesses, spoons and rapalas while others are jigging spoons or a jig with leeches or crawlers. Bass anglers are casting spinners or crank baits in 4 to 20 feet of water. Fish ranging from 10 to 20 inches were caught. For pike, try casting crank baits in 3 to 5 feet of water near the mouth of the Intermediate River. Small perch were caught when still-fishing in the Northwest Arm or near the Intermediate River.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing bass and pan fish on wax worms, night crawlers, sucker and perch minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has some nice blue gill fishing available. Guernsey Lake has decent trout activity.
Elk River - The action has slowed with only a few smallmouth bass caught.
Boardman River - Had slow fishing except for some rock bass, carp and smallmouth bass found just below the Union Street Dam.
Lake Leelanau - Walleye fishing has been good this week with leeches and crawlers working best.
Long Lake by Traverse City has slow a little for walleye this week but still good numbers with leeches working best.
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught with bass and walleye biting on leeches.
Portage Lake -Bass fishing was good for those using plastics or crank baits in 6 to 8 feet of water. Good spots were near the sailboats and along the south shoreline. Bluegill fishing was slow, try 15 to 20 feet of water toward the middle of the lake. Decent numbers of pike are being caught throughout the day.
Manistee -Catch rates were spotty however fish were caught off the Shelf when trolling spin/fly combinations. Hot colors were blue on blue or white on green.
Ludington -Trout and salmon have been caught in 80 to 160 feet of water between Sable Point and the Bathhouse. The best baits have been glow plugs early in the morning or spin/fly combinations in green or blue. Perch fishing was slow.
Brevort Lake near Allenville and north of St. Ignace is producing walleye and anglers are doing well when they can get out. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures limited angling activity this week but the weekend is looking up.
Manistique anglers are dealing with chilly temperatures and rain this week, but when anglers can get out the fishing is good on Indian Lake for decent counts of walleye. Good fishing off of the Manistique area on Lake Michigan where the salmon and trout are active. Spoons are working in just about every color. Good luck to all anglers fishing in the 24th Annual Manistique Area Salmon and Trout Derby this weekend. Call 1-800-342-4282 or 906-341-5241 for information.
Little Bay De Noc- Lots of walleye were marked in the lower bay however catch rates were slow. Most fish were caught around the mouth of the Escanaba River when trolling or drifting crawlers in 15 to 25 feet of water. Salmon were caught about halfway down in waters 80 feet deep in the channel or waters 100 to 120 feet deep out near the Ford River Buoy. Good smallmouth action around Butler Island, Hunters Point and just south of the Ford River when casting or trolling crank baits or tube baits in 12 to 16 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc- Walleye anglers were marking good numbers of fish south and east of Round Island in 25 to 30 feet of water however few fish were caught. Good smallmouth catches in Ogontz and Garden Bay when casting along the weeds in 5 to 20 feet of water. Good catches of chinook salmon were taken off Fairport when trolling out in the Gap. Most were trolling anywhere from 30 to 80 feet down in waters 80 to 120 feet deep with artificial cut bait. Good colors were red and silver or blue.
Grand Marais - It seems the whitefish season has come to an end however catch rates for lake trout were still good. Try waters 70 to 290 feet deep for limit catches of lake trout along with the occasional salmon or steelhead.
Cedarville and Hessel -Had very good lake herring fishing with limits taken in McKay Bay and the east end of the Moscoe Channel when using red teardrops with wax worms. Perch have been caught in 8 to 10 feet of water. In Cedarville Bay and Musky Bay, catch rates for perch were improving in 10 to 15 feet of water. Pike were caught by those casting off the Hessel Pier. Those targeting salmon were catching lake trout. Bass are hitting on spinner baits in Snows Channel.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Where the Hell is Summer
Weather has been cold and rainy with thunder storms and wind. , the weekend does not sound much better, but the fish are biting and few jet ski’s on the lake so not all lost. Houghton Lake has been hot for walleye with leeches working best. Also Saginaw Bay has been hot also for walleye. The Michigan motor carrier division are trying to close down the bait dealers and will raise prices on bait with their harrasment. When you see one thank them for raising the minnow prices.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the bass fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake with some perch being caught. The pan fish action is decent on Bradford and Big lakes jigging with worms.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still super with leeches and crawlers working best with a bobber. He has four special crawlers harness that he ties that are working great.There is a landing across the street( 16 foot fishing boats or smaller as the lake has dropped a foot)from him but no parking, but if you buy your supplies from him he will let you park in his vacent lot across from the landing and put you on the fish.
Call him at 989-422-5230 his address is 9613 E Houghton Lake Dr, Houghton Lake, MI 48629.
Saginaw Bay -Catch rate were spotty but anglers are catching fish out near the Black Hole, the Shipping Channel, Callahan Reef, the Slot and the sailing buoys. Average catches were 2 to 3 fish per boat. On the windy days, those that stayed close to shore caught walleye in the lower Saginaw River from the mouth to the Coast Guard station. Crawler harnesses fished off bottom bouncers seem to catch more fish because they were staying on the bottom and not feeding actively. The Hot Ponds are producing lots of catfish.
Mullett Lake -Anglers have been targeting walleye, rainbow trout, muskie, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and panfish. Catch rates were slow but those trolling for walleye did catch fish on deep diving rapalas.
Burt Lake - Burt Lake in Alanson has anglers trolling during the evening hours with great success, mostly using crawlers. Inland lakes are giving up plenty of blue gill.
Lake Margrethe has fair angling action and the pressure is light. Anglers are fishing in 18-feet of water for walleye with leeches and Lindy Rigs and drifting .5 mph. Small Mouth bass are being caught in 15-feet of water and pike in 50-feet between Big Bear and Little Bear.
Higgins Lake -When boats can get out, perch are still being caught along the north end of Treasure Island in 20 to 40 feet of water. Those jigging for lake trout and whitefish are using Swedish Pimples. Those trolling for lake trout are using body baits or rapalas.
Houghton Lake - Anglers are catching walleye, bluegill, bass, and pike in East Bay, North Bay and Long Point on crawlers and leeches. Fishing is great when the wind lays down.
Lake Charlevoix - Lake Charlevoix - Smallmouth bass have been caught in 20 feet of water along the rocks and drop-offs. Perch were deeper and caught in 15 to 30 feet of water. Boyne City has some good angling action on Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix for walleye, bass and pike using mostly live baits, leeches, Golden Shiners, suckers, crawler harnesses and body baits. The Boyne River and surrounding streams are doing well for Brook and Brown trout. Salmon activity on Grand Traverse Bay is decent in 126 feet of water and fishing about 112 feet down.
Lake Bellaire - Walleye anglers are out in full force. Early morning and late evening were best when trolling near the Fisherman’s Paradise Public Access, the South Bay and along the narrows in the Northwest Arm. Most are trolling crawler harnesses, spoons and rapalas while others are jigging spoons or a jig with leeches or crawlers. Bass anglers are casting spinners or crank baits in 4 to 20 feet of water. Fish ranging from 10 to 20 inches were caught. For pike, try casting crank baits in 3 to 5 feet of water near the mouth of the Intermediate River. Small perch were caught when still-fishing in the Northwest Arm or near the Intermediate River.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing bass and pan fish on wax worms, night crawlers, sucker and perch minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has some nice blue gill fishing available. Guernsey Lake has decent trout activity.
Elk River - The action has slowed with only a few smallmouth bass caught.
Boardman River - Had slow fishing except for some rock bass, carp and smallmouth bass found just below the Union Street Dam.
Lake Leelanau - Walleye fishing has been good this week with leeches and crawlers working best.
Long Lake by Traverse City has slow a little for walleye this week but still good numbers with leeches working best.
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught with bass and walleye biting on leeches.
Portage Lake -Bluegill fishing picked up but now the Mayfly hatch has started. Some bluegills were in the shallows on the north end of the lake but most were in 17 to 22 feet of water in the middle. Lots of largemouth bass have been caught but many were sub-legal. Walleye and pike anglers are struggling with only a few pike caught by those casting on the east end of the lake up near the docks.
Manistee -Fishing has been a challenge as the fish are scattered. Most are trolling deeper in the water column along the Shelf. Try the spin/fly combinations or green and blue spoons. A few lake trout were also caught on orange or red spoons trolled in the top 40 feet of water.
Ludington -Boats were picking up a few trout and salmon in waters up to 160 feet deep between the Bathhouse and Sable Point. Green and blue spoons or green spin/fly combinations were taking fish.
Brevort Lake near Allenville and north of St. Ignace is producing walleye and anglers are doing well when they can get out. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures limited angling activity this week but the weekend is looking up.
Manistique anglers are dealing with chilly temperatures and rain this week, but when anglers can get out the fishing is good on Indian Lake for decent counts of walleye. Good fishing off of the Manistique area on Lake Michigan where the salmon and trout are active. Spoons are working in just about every color. Good luck to all anglers fishing in the 24th Annual Manistique Area Salmon and Trout Derby this weekend. Call 1-800-342-4282 or 906-341-5241 for information.
Little Bay De Noc- Has been quiet overall due to the alewife and Mayflies. The better walleye fishing was near the mouth of the Escanaba River, but many were sub-legal. Most were trolling or drifting crank baits or crawlers in 12 to 25 feet of water along the weeds. Perch were caught along the southeast side of Butler Island in 20 feet of water. Good smallmouth action off the mouth of the Day’s River, Escanaba River, Ford River and around Butler Island. Try 8 to 20 feet of water with crank baits or tube baits. A few salmon were caught out by the Ford River Buoy when fishing 60 feet down in 80 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc-Fair walleye catches off Ogontz when trolling crawlers in 14 to 18 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were hitting crank baits or tube baits in 10 to 14 feet of water but many were small. Good numbers of freshwater drum were caught off the mouth of the Sturgeon River. Salmon fishing has really heated up off Fairport. Limit catches were taken 60 to 80 feet down in waters 80 to 100 feet deep. Try red and silver or green and white spoons. Artificial cut bait also worked well.
Grand Marais - It seems the whitefish season has come to an end however catch rates for lake trout were still good. Try waters 70 to 290 feet deep for limit catches of lake trout along with the occasional salmon or steelhead.
Cedarville and Hessel -Had very good lake herring fishing with limits taken in McKay Bay and the east end of the Moscoe Channel when using red teardrops with wax worms. Perch have been caught in 8 to 10 feet of water. In Cedarville Bay and Musky Bay, catch rates for perch were improving in 10 to 15 feet of water. Pike were caught by those casting off the Hessel Pier. Those targeting salmon were catching lake trout. Bass are hitting on spinner baits in Snows Channel.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
We Need Warm Weather
The weather has been chilly and we are wondering where the hell is summer, it should be warmer than 60. The fishing has been good.
Weather has been ok , but tomorrow a cold front moves in and will slow fishing friday. Houghton Lake has been hot for walleye with leeches working best. Also Saginaw Bay has been hot also for walleye.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the bass fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake with bass fishing great. The Michigan motor carrier division are trying to close down the bait dealers.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still super with leeches and crawlers working best with a bobber. He has four special cralwers harness that he ties that are working great.There is a landing across the street from him but no parking, but if you buy your supplies from him he will let you park in his vacent lot across from the landing and put you on the fish.
Call him at 989-422-5230 his address is 9613 E Houghton Lake Dr, Houghton Lake, MI 48629. I was a Sportsman Resort (989-366-5471)today on Houghton Lake and the lake was really rough today and few out but the ones that braved the wind caught fish.
Saginaw Bay -Had excellent largemouth bass fishing off the mouth of the Pine River in shallow waters. Walleye are still hitting however the weather did mange to slow the bite. All the common spots continue to produce; the Black Hole, Buoys 1 & 2, the Spark Plug, and between Fish Point and the Slot. The Callahan Reef was producing but it seems the fish have moved out deeper. Slow fishing at Caseville but warmer weather should get the walleye moving off Oak Point.
Mullett Lake -Those braving the windy conditions have caught walleye in the north end around the red buoy and the south end from Red Pine Point to the mouth of the Indian River. Try deep diving rapalas 120 feet back in waters 12 to 25 feet deep. Good colors were silver, red or green. Anglers have also caught smallmouth bass, northern pike, and perch.
Burt Lake - Burt Lake in Alanson has anglers trolling during the evening hours with great success, mostly using crawlers. Inland lakes are giving up plenty of blue gill.
Lake Margrethe producing nice quantities of walleye in 18-feet of water with crawler harnesses with a crawler or leech. Anglers are getting best results trolling approximately .7 mph. Manistee Lake continues to be good for crappie fishing, Section 1 Lake for bass and perch can be caught scattered all over Bradford Lake.
Higgins Lake -When boats can get out, perch are still being caught along the north end of Treasure Island in 20 to 40 feet of water. Those jigging for lake trout and whitefish are using Swedish Pimples. Those trolling for lake trout are using body baits or rapalas.
Houghton Lake - Anglers are catching walleye, bluegill, bass, and pike in East Bay, North Bay and Long Point on crawlers and leeches. Fishing is great when the wind lays down.
Lake Charlevoix - The Mayfly hatch is in full swing. Walleye are biting at night on trolled minnow type plugs and bass can be found deeper along the drop-offs. Some perch were caught in the weedy areas close to shore.
Lake Bellaire - Walleye anglers are out in full force. Early morning and late evening were best when trolling near the Fisherman’s Paradise Public Access, the South Bay and along the narrows in the Northwest Arm. Most are trolling crawler harnesses, spoons and rapalas while others are jigging spoons or a jig with leeches or crawlers. Bass anglers are casting spinners or crank baits in 4 to 20 feet of water. Fish ranging from 10 to 20 inches were caught. For pike, try casting crank baits in 3 to 5 feet of water near the mouth of the Intermediate River. Small perch were caught when still-fishing in the Northwest Arm or near the Intermediate River.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing bass and pan fish on wax worms, night crawlers, sucker and perch minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has some nice blue gill fishing available. Guernsey Lake has decent trout activity.
Elk River - The action has slowed with only a few smallmouth bass caught.
Boardman River - Had slow fishing except for some rock bass, carp and smallmouth bass found just below the Union Street Dam.
Lake Leelanau - Walleye fishing has been good this week with leeches and crawlers working best.
Long Lake by Traverse City has slow a little for walleye this week but still good numbers with leeches working best.
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught with bass and walleye biting on leeches.
Portage Lake -Bluegill fishing picked up but now the Mayfly hatch has started. Some bluegills were in the shallows on the north end of the lake but most were in 17 to 22 feet of water in the middle. Lots of largemouth bass have been caught but many were sub-legal. Walleye and pike anglers are struggling with only a few pike caught by those casting on the east end of the lake up near the docks.
Manistee -Boat anglers are catching a couple salmon in the early morning when fishing in front of the piers and off the Shelf. Those venturing out further have caught steelhead and lake trout when targeting the top 30 feet of water with orange spoons.
Ludington - Salmon have been caught in the early morning when trolling in front of the piers with spoons or plugs. Those fishing between the Bathhouse and Sable Point found fish in waters 80 to 160 feet deep. Hot spoons were Mixed Veggies, Double Orange Crush or blue and green Dolphins.
Brevort Lake near Allenville and north of St. Ignace is producing walleye and anglers are doing well when they can get out. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures limited angling activity this week but the weekend is looking up.
Manistique anglers are dealing with chilly temperatures and rain this week, but when anglers can get out the fishing is good on Indian Lake for decent counts of walleye.
Little Bay De Noc- Most walleye anglers are still trolling crawlers or crank baits in 20 to 30 feet of water between the “Fingers” and Portage Point. Good northern pike action out from the Power Plant in Kipling when trolling spoons in 10 to 20 feet of water. Bass anglers did well when casting tube baits or crank baits in 10 to 15 feet of water around Hunters Point and Butler Island. Shore anglers at the Ford River also doing well casting crank baits or crawlers along the banks. A few perch were taken in waters up to 25 feet deep off Butler Island. Rumor has it a couple nice salmon were caught 60 feet down in 80 to 90 feet of water out near the Ford River Buoy.
Big Bay De Noc No walleye reports this week but the smallmouth bass fishing was good off Ogontz and Valentine Creek. Most are casting tube baits or crank baits in 10 to 15 feet of water. Lots of sunfish were caught along the weeds. At Fairport, water temperatures are still on the cold side. Salmon fishing has been fair to good 65 to 80 feet down in waters 100 feet deep. Red and silver were hot colors. The fish are bigger with many in the 20 pound range.
Grand Marais - It seems the whitefish season has come to an end however catch rates for lake trout were still good. Try waters 70 to 290 feet deep for limit catches of lake trout along with the occasional salmon or steelhead.
Cedarville and Hessel -Had very good lake herring fishing with limits taken in McKay Bay and the east end of the Moscoe Channel when using red teardrops with wax worms. Perch have been caught in 8 to 10 feet of water. In Cedarville Bay and Musky Bay, catch rates for perch were improving in 10 to 15 feet of water. Pike were caught by those casting off the Hessel Pier. Those targeting salmon were catching lake trout. Bass are hitting on spinner baits in Snows Channel.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Houghton Lake is Hot for Walleye
Weather has been cold , but today were back to summer. Houghton Lake has been hot for walleye with leeches working best. Also Saginaw Bay has been hot also for walleye.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the perch and walleye fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake with bass fishing great.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still super with leeches and crawlers working best with a bobber. There is a landing across the street from him but no parking, but if you buy your supplies from him he will let you park in his vacent lot across from the landing and put you on the fish.
Call him at 989-422-5230 his address is 9613 E Houghton Lake Dr, Houghton Lake, MI 48629. I was a Sportsman Resort (989-366-5471)today on Houghton Lake and could not believe the stringers of walleye coming off the lake today.
Saginaw Bay -All of the usual spots continue to produce fish, but since the cooler weather set in the walleye have moved further offshore. Good catches were consistently taken out near Buoys 1 & 2 at the end of the shipping channel but catches on the Callahan Reef, in the slot, and out on the Bar were hit and miss. Consistently windy weather for the past several days has made fishing difficult. Nearshore areas are reported to be somewhat murky due to all the wind and waves. Warmer, more stable weather should cause fishing to improve.
Mullett Lake -Catch rates were low due to the change in weather. Most action centered around perch, with limited action on walleye and smallmouth bass. Most boats are fishing the south end of the lake.
Burt Lake - Burt Lake in Alanson has anglers trolling during the evening hours with great success, mostly using crawlers. Inland lakes are giving up plenty of blue gill.
Lake Margrethe producing nice quantities of walleye in 18-feet of water with crawler harnesses with a crawler or leech. Anglers are getting best results trolling approximately .7 mph. Manistee Lake continues to be good for crappie fishing, Section 1 Lake for bass and perch can be caught scattered all over Bradford Lake.
Higgins Lake -Perch and rock bass are being taken between the table top and the north end of Treasure Island. Smallmouth bass can be found along the drop off. Lake trout were caught trolling in 85 to 100 feet of water. Fishing is picking up.
Houghton Lake - Anglers are catching walleye, bluegill, bass, and pike in East Bay, North Bay and Long Point on crawlers and leeches.
Lake Charlevoix - Perch and rock bass have been seen near the docks in the main lake so now is a good time to take the kids fishing. Some pike and bass are there as well. Walleye fishing should still be good trolling alewife sized minnow plugs at night.
Lake Bellaire - Walleye fishing in the evening and early morning is producing 13 to 24 inch fish. Anglers have been trolling with crawler harnesses, spoons and rapalas or jigging leaded and floating jigheads with leeches in 10 to 60 feet of water near the Grass River outlet and in the northwest arm narrows. Those targeting bass have been still fishing with artificial grubs and casting spinners and tubes in 4 to 15 feet of water along the southwestern margin of the lake and the flats near the Grass River outlet.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing bass and pan fish on wax worms, night crawlers, sucker and perch minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has some nice blue gill fishing available. Guernsey Lake has decent trout activity.
Elk River - Smallmouth bass and freshwater drum are being caught between the dam and the mouth using leeches or crawlers.
Boardman River - Carp and smallmouth bass can be found below Union Street Dam to the mouth of the river.
Lake Leelanau - Bluegills are finally on their beds and bass fishing has picked up. Look for pike along the weed beds in shallow waters. Anglers are catching walleye and this is a good time of year to catch rock bass. Perch are biting on the south end
Long Lake by Traverse City has slow a little for walleye this week but still good numbers with leeches working best.
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught with bass and walleye biting on leeches.
Portage Lake -Bass and pike fishing is steady although not many large fish are being caught. Panfish action is still slow.
Manistee -Boat anglers are catching trout and salmon off the Shelf fishing 60 to 80 feet down. Try blue dolphins and blue whales. Steelhead were caught on orange spoons near the surface.
Ludington - Anglers targeting salmon and trout have found the best action between the Bathhouse and Sable Point in 75 to150 feet of water. Spoons in green or orange have been producing the most fish.
Brevort Lake near Allenville and north of St. Ignace is producing walleye and anglers are doing well when they can get out. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures limited angling activity this week but the weekend is looking up.
Manistique anglers are dealing with chilly temperatures and rain this week, but when anglers can get out the fishing is good on Indian Lake for decent counts of walleye.
Little Bay De Noc Few catches of walleye were reported. The southern portion of the bay held most of the larger fish. Best reports were out from the Terrace Inn trolling crank baits in 25 feet of water right on the break. Good smallmouth bass catches in the Ford River casting crank baits from shore. Also good bass catches in the Gladstone area off the west bank casting crank baits and tubes along the weed line. Perch catches were down with most reporting small fish jigging and drifting worms all around the Butler Island area in 10 to 25 feet of water. Salmon anglers reported fair catches trolling spoons out by the Ford River buoy in 80 to 90 feet of water and 65 feet down.
Big Bay De Noc -Walleye anglers have been fishing out from Ansels Point and marking fish in 20 to 30 feet of water. There is still good smallmouth bass fishing in Ogontz, the Fish Dam River area and Garden Bay, casting crank baits or plastic baits along the weed lines and shores in 6 to 12 feet of water. Several nice northern pike catches in Kate’s Bay trolling crank baits and spoons in 12 to 20 feet of water. The best time to fish is mid-morning. At Fairport, fishing action is picking up. Anglers reported fair to good catches of salmon trolling spoons and artificial cut bait in 90 to 110 feet of water fishing 65 to 80 feet deep.
Grand Marais - Some lake trout are still being taken when anglers can get out.
Cedarville and Hessel -Fishing for northern pike continues to be excellent in Hessel Bay and from Hessel Marina Pier while still fishing with minnows or trolling or casting in boats in 5 to12 feet of water. Good catches are also being reported from Cedarville Bay and along the shoreline of Musky Bay. Those targeting salmon are bringing in a few chinook from Goose Island fishing 15 to 35 feet down.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Happy Fourth of July
Happy Fourth of July and the fish are biting so lets go fishing. Have a safe fourth of July
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Fourth of July Fishing Report
Fourth of July in Northern Michigan is living the dream. We will have fireworks and the fishing will be explosive also
Weather has been terible this week with cold weather and rain, but friday were back to summer. Houghton Lake has been hot for walleye with leeches working best. Also Saginaw Bay has been hot also for walleye.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying the perch and walleye fishing has been fair on Otsego Lake with bass fishing great.
Dave at Four Season Party Store in Houghton Lake says off of Long Point the walleye bite is still super and the weather will be perfect for the holiday.
Saginaw Bay - Has very good walleye fishing in many areas including 28 feet of water near Buoys 1 and 2 and the Spark Plug, 6 to 8 feet off the Kawkawlin River, 8 to 10 feet off Finn Road, 7 to 14 feet on the Callahan Reef, 15 feet in the Slot between Quanicassee and Sand Point, and 8 feet of water along the edge of the weeds in Wildfowl Bay. You can catch walleye about anywhere you want to go. Not much at Caseville except for a couple pier anglers.
Mullett Lake -Walleye were hitting during the warmer weather and catch rates were good for those trolling jigs, crank baits, crawler harnesses or Hot-n-Tots. Northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass and even some trout were also caught.
Burt Lake - Walleye have been caught on stick baits and bottom bouncers. Some fish were taken high in the water column and others at 25 feet.
Lake Margrethe near the Grayling area is giving up fair to good catches of walleye in 15-18 feet of water. Live leeches and drift fishing seems to work well. Pan fish and blue gill are hitting in good numbers on wax worms, Chubby Jigs and live bait. Small mouth bass are biting in shallow waters on most inland lakes in Crawford County.
Higgins Lake -Some nice perch were caught on the west side of the lake near the Veterans Lodge when using minnows just past the drop-off. Smallmouth bass were caught between the table top and the north end of Treasure Island. Some nice rock bass have been also been caught. Lake trout were caught in 80 to 100 feet of water when trolling rapalas and body baits.
Houghton Lake - Bluegills are finally on the beds. Anglers are catching walleye, pike and bass in 4 to 8 feet of water near the weed beds and along the drop-offs.
Lake Charlevoix - Perch and rock bass have been seen near the docks in the main lake so now is a good time to take the kids fishing. Some pike and bass are there as well. Walleye fishing should still be good trolling alewife sized minnow plugs at night.
Lake Bellaire - Walleye pressure has remained steady. Evening and early morning were the best times to catch fish between 13 and 20 inches. Anglers are trolling a crawler harness and spoons or jigging with leeches in 10 to 50 feet of water in the northwest arm or near the Grass River. Bass anglers are casting top water lures, spinners, tube baits, stick baits or crawlers in 4 to 15 feet of water. Target the flats or the drop-offs. Some perch were found in 4 to 15 feet of water. Try minnows, leaf worms or a piece of crawler.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing bass and pan fish on wax worms, night crawlers, sucker and perch minnows. Elk Rapids Dam has some nice blue gill fishing available. Guernsey Lake has decent trout activity.
Elk River - Smallmouth, freshwater drum, carp and suckers can be found between the dam and the mouth.
Boardman River - Carp, suckers, and rock bass are abundant just below the Union Street Dam. For the best smallmouth action, try crawlers or leeches near the mouth in the early morning.
Lake Leelanau - Bluegills are finally on their beds and bass fishing has picked up. Look for pike along the weed beds in shallow waters. Anglers are catching walleye and this is a good time of year to catch rock bass. Perch are biting on the south end
Long Lake by Traverse City has been super for walleye this week with leeches working best.
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught with bass and walleye biting on leeches.
Portage Lake -The panfish action was a little slow however some nice bluegills and sunfish were found in about 15 feet of water. It looks like smallmouth bass are off the beds however some largemouth were starting to bed on the north and east side of the lake. Those trolling at night for walleye were taking a few fish on small rapalas and spoons. Northern pike have been caught on a crawler harness during the day.
Manistee -Catch rates were hit-or-miss. A few salmon were caught when trolling along the Shelf. Steelhead were caught on orange spoons near the surface.
Ludington - Boats fishing between the Bathhouse and Sable Point have found trout and salmon in 100 to 180 feet of water. Try green or blue spoons with green flies. A few fish were still hanging around the harbor.
Brevort Lake near Allenville and north of St. Ignace is producing walleye and anglers are doing well when they can get out. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures limited angling activity this week but the weekend is looking up.
Manistique anglers are dealing with chilly temperatures and rain this week, but when anglers can get out the fishing is good on Indian Lake for decent counts of walleye.
Little Bay De Noc -Even with the Mayfly hatch, walleye were caught and the better action was from Portage Point south to the Ford River. Anglers are trolling crank baits along the break in 17 to 25 feet of water. Fair to good action reported in 25 feet of water out from the Terrace Bay Inn when trolling crank baits or crawlers. Several nice perch were taken off the mouth if the Whitefish River in 8 to 13 feet of water. Good smallmouth action especially near the mouth of the Ford River in 4 to 12 feet of water. Chinook and steelhead were caught out by the Ford River buoy by those trolling spoons or fly’s about 20 feet off the bottom in waters 80 to 100 feet deep.
Big Bay De Noc -Walleye anglers are trolling crank baits or crawlers in 25 feet of water off Ansels Point. Anglers reported good smallmouth action along the head of the Bay and near Ogontz when casting crank baits, crawlers or tube baits in 4 to 12 feet of water. Lots of small perch were caught in Garden Bay. At Fairport, more anglers are showing up for salmon. Chinook and steelhead have been caught but the fish were scattered in waters up to 130 feet deep. Most are trolling spoons or artificial bait. Good smallmouth bass fishing around the Summer Islands.
Grand Marais - Whitefish action was hit-or-miss but catch rates for lake trout were good with limit catches taken in the early morning or late at night in waters 90 to 290 feet deep.
Cedarville and Hessel -Fishing for northern pike continues to be excellent for those casting in 4 to 12 feet of water or those still-fishing with chubs. Yellow perch are starting to hit on crab tails or minnows in Cedarville Bay. For herring, some limit catches were taken in McKay Bay when using wax worm in 7 to 12 feet of water. As the fish continue to come in, try the east end of the Moscoe Channel.
Northwest:
Near the Alanson area Burt and Crooked lakes are producing some fish after dark and in the early morning hours with pike hitting in good numbers. Minnows seem to be working on pike for anglers fishing on Douglas Lake.
Long Lake in the Traverse City area continues to be a good source for walleye.
Anglers fishing in Frankfort are doing well with the river bustling. Crystal, Duck and Loon lakes are giving up plenty of pan fish and bass. Drake and Hex hatch is taking place. Salmon seemed to have moved in from 20 miles out to about five miles. The Alewives have also moved in.
Skegemog Lake near Kalkaska is giving up good numbers of small mouth bass and trout activity is decent. Blue gill are starting to move on to their beds. Popular baits include flies, flatfish for trout and small mouth bass.
Fishing continues to be very good around the Gaylord area. The Black, Manistee and Sturgeon rivers are giving up nice numbers of Brook trout as well as the upper Pigeon near the impoundment area. The Hex hatch is moving north. During the day anglers will find Sulfur, Drake and Caddis hatches while the evening Hexogenia hatches.
In the Cadillac area anglers are doing well despite rain and cooler temperatures this week. Pike and bass are consistent on both Mitchell and Cadillac lakes. On the west side of Lake Mitchell the walleye are hitting in good numbers on leeches and crawlers. Also crappie action is good on the south side in 12-15 feet of water using little minnows and beetle spinners. On both lakes sunfish and blue gill are starting to bed.
Upper Peninsula:
Lake Gogebic has a Mayfly hatch taking place and fish are suspended off the bottom. Try using slip bobbers with Rapalas. Perch seem to be active in the weed beds.
As the weather improves so does the fishing in the Lâ??Anse area and anglers can expect good fishing opportunities for the holiday weekend. Crappie and blue gill are just starting to bed and anglers are working hard for salmon. Lake trout activity is good and pan fish is also decent. Worms and wax worms are working well on the majority of inland lakes.
Escanaba fishing has been quiet this week, however by the weekend the action will start booming as better weather moves in. Pike activity is on the rise, particularly in the weeds and when anglers use spinner and crank baits.
Rain and wind has plagued the area all week so anglers are really looking forward to nice weather over the weekend. A few bass and walleye are hitting in the Manistique River on stick baits and crawler harnesses. Lake Michigan is giving up a few salmon and activity is on the rise, most salmon have been caught closer to Fairport. Indian Lake has been slow overall.
Fishing activity has improved around the Sault Ste. Marie area. Whitefish and Atlantic salmon can be caught behind the Power House and near the ferry docks. Spoons, flies and Rapalas seem to work well. Walleye is rated fair and often times hit or miss, the fish seem to be going deeper. Try crawler harnesses and crawlers.
Near the Munuscong Bay area Raber Bay and the St. Maryâ??s River is giving up walleye and pike on hard baits and crawler harnesses. Bass are biting on everything. Off of Cedarville herring activity is good when using tear drops and wax worms. Pike are also biting in good numbers. Lake trout, Atlantic salmon and a few King salmon are hitting off of Detour.
Drummond Island anglers dealt with rain and cool temperatures this week and overall slow fishing. The weekend forecast is expected to bring warmer temperatures and much better angling activity.
St. Ignace anglers fishing Brevort Lake are finding a few walleye and the pan fish are moving on to their beds.
Northeast:
Angling activity has been busy in the Oscoda area, thanks to good weather and an influx of out-of-state visitors. Steelhead and sucker runs are pretty much done for the season, with some catfish and walleyes to appear in the Au Sable River. Cooke and Foote Dam ponds continue to see blue gills on their beds this week. Minnows, crawlers, leeches and wax worms are the baits of choice. Van Etten Lake once again has some decent pike and perch fishing. Local waterways overall have produced a small salmon run but better numbers of lake trout.
The Hex Flies are in full swing in Grayling, and thatâ??s great news along the Manistee and Au Sable rivers. Brook and brown trout fishing is rated good to great this week. Walleye activity has picked up on Lake Margrethe, while the crappie run is holding its own on Manistee Lake. Anglers in the market for bass are finding varying numbers on Brighton, Glory, Section 1 and Bear lakes. Scattered trout fishing is reported in Bear Lake while the shallow ends of all inland waters are giving up good numbers of blue gills.
Spawning is behind schedule on Higgins Lake where male perch are more abundant in 10 feet of water. A variety of bass have a taste for crawlers and leeches at North and South Sunken islands. Rock bass and small mouth bass are popular there as we head into the weekend.
On Higgins Lake the lake trout are active in 90 to 130 feet of water. Anglers are getting good results using jigs and Swedish Pimples.
Fishing activity has been slow the last few days in Au Gres due to cloudy, cool and windy conditions, but better weather is in the forecast for the weekend. Heading out along the Rifle River and into Saginaw Bay, decent amounts of walleye are being reeled in. Anglers are using crawler harnesses, inline sinkers, weighted lures, as well as bottom bouncers with body baits.