Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Cool Weekend Again
Looks like we are going to have two bad weekends in a row. Salmon fishing is the big thing as most are heading out for the big fish as most inland lakes have been slow with the walleye bite. As we approach the end of August, we begin to move into the fall fishing patterns. Cooler temperatures by the weekend could give the salmon a push. The catfish bite has been very good and this is a good time of year to catch those big bluegills.
Sturgeon Joe at Otsego Lake is saying fishing is good on Otsego Lake Has been producing a lot of walleye along with some nice perch. Most of the walleye were sub-legal. Also pike are being caught on sucker minnows. Also surronding lakes have a good bite. The pan fish action is decent on Bradford and Big lakes jigging with worms. A sad note in the Gaylord area Don’s Sport Shop is closing this month and have been in business since the 50’s. How times are changing and your small businesses will no longer be serving the sportsman.
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. Very few people on the lake this week but still catching fish. More little walleye are being caught this week so not the limit catches like a couple of weeks ago but still a good bite. The bass are still biting great. 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 catches are holding up on the Callahan Reef in 4 to 10 feet of water. Troll crawler harnesses without weights in this shallow water to avoid fouling in the weeds. Fishing was slower in the Slot but a few walleye were found in 15 feet of water. Walleye were caught about one and a half miles northeast of Spoils Island while perch were caught east of the island and west of the Spark Plug.
Mullett Lake -Anglers are targeting perch, bass and pike, with a few rainbow trout being taken. Some walleye were caught near the Sunken Islands and neddle point in 50 to 75 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses.
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. Perch are biting great also on minnows. Anglers are also catching a few pike as well. Also the gills have started to bite on waxworms and worms.
Higgins Lake -Very Slow on perch with a few Lake trout hitting on cowbells and body baits. Those jigging Swedish Pimples or Castmasters have caught whitefish. Rainbow trout were found suspended about 60 feet down in waters 90 feet deep. Find the thermocline.
Houghton Lake - Walleye action was still good for those using crawlers, leeches or crank baits. Some big bluegills have been caught shallow but the fish are scattered. Crappie were hitting on minnows in 8 to 10 feet of water.
Lake Charlevoix -Good pike fishing was reported at the north end of lake when using live minnows.
Lake Bellaire -urface temperatures were in the mid 60’s throughout the entire lake. Walleye are still being targeted near the Fisherman’s Paradise access site as well as the Narrows and the northwest arm. Anglers are trolling spoons, stick baits and crawler harnesses or floating jigs with crawlers or leeches in 10 to 40 feet of water. For bass, try artificial worms, spinners or stick baits near the mouth of the rivers or the northwest and south arms. Small perch were caught near the Intermediate River when still-fishing with crawlers.
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. A few fish in the river
Lake Leelanau - Perch fishing has been good this week when they can get out with minnows working best. Some walleye are being caught on crawlers
Long Lake by Traverse City has been slow and many are fishing hard but little success
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught with bass and walleye biting on leeches.
Portage Lake -Bass fishing on the east end of the lake has been good in the early morning. Bluegills have been caught but the fish were still out in 20 feet of water. Try wax worms or crickets.
Manistee -Boat anglers are taking salmon 70 to 120 feet down in waters 125 to 200 feet deep when running glow plugs or green and white spinnies with green flies
Ludington -Boat anglers are catching salmon in 125 to 225 feet of water. Most fish were caught deeper in the water column with spinnies and flies. Good colors were green and blue. Pier 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-Good walleye catches reported out in the southern sections when trolling crank baits in 15 to 20 feet of water out by the “Fingers” and the Minneapolis Shoals which is about 10 miles south of Peninsula Point. Several limits were reported. On the north end, walleye were caught in the “Narrows” when jigging crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water. Perch fishing was fair near the docks in Escanaba. Try crawlers in 30 feet of water. Good bass fishing for those casting tube baits or crank baits long the weedbeds in 10 to 17 feet of water. Salmon action was fair northwest of the Ford River Buoy when trolling spoons or flies 60 to 80 feet down in 80 to 110 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc-Fair walleye catches north of Round Island for those trolling stick baits in 20 to 30 feet of water. Perch were caught in Snail Shell Harbor. Try minnows or worms in 25 feet of water. Excellent bass fishing near Ogontz when drifting or casting crawlers, jigs or tube baits in 10 to 16 feet of water. Garden Bay also had good bass action for those casting tube baits in 12 to 25 feet of water. Fairport had fair to good salmon action 60 to 90 feet down in 120 to 160 feet of water.
Grand Marais -A few limits of lake trout were still coming in. Boat anglers have also caught salmon and steelhead. Slow action off the piers and docks.
Perch Lake - Which is 25 miles north of Newberry in Luce County will temporarily close the Boating Access Site beginning August 31st through September 17th due to reconstruction of the boat ramp and parking lot. The site will be open for public use during the Labor Day weekend.
Cedarville and Hessel -Anglers fishing off the marina pier at Hessel are bringing in perch and northern pike while still fishing with a chub and bobber. Some are trolling spinner baits in 6 to 10 feet of water in the bay and the west end of Snows Channel for bass and pike. Salmon anglers are heading out towards Goose Island and fishing 25 to 40 feet down. Catch rates were fair with more lake trout than salmon caught. In Cedarville Bay, pike are hitting in 6 to 8 feet of water. The better perch fishing was in the Moscoe Channel. Catch rates were weather dependent. Try minnows or worms. For salmon, try 50 to 60 feet of water on the south end of Boot Island.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Laughing Whitefish Falls
Here a photo from last year shooting waterfalls with Rick Baetsen near Munising and is called Laughing Whitefish Falls. Here is the fishing report also.
We had a nice weekend last week, but the Tip of Michigan got 5 inches of rain and washout roads saturday. The fish are still biting on the inland lakes with salmon fishing getting hot with cut bait working best. Light numbers of salmon have started to move into some rivers however the big spawning run is still a few weeks away. Warmer weather improved walleye fishing.
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. A sad note in the Gaylord area Don’s Sport Shop is closing this month and have been in business since the 50’s. How times are changing and your small businesses will no longer be serving the sportsman.
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. More little walleye are being caught this week so not the limit catches like a couple of weeks ago but still a good bite. The bass are still biting great. 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 fishing is still good around the end of the shipping channel, the dumping grounds west of the shipping channel, the Callahan Reef, and the Slot. If fishing around weedbeds, try trolling crawler harnesses without bottom bouncers in order to keep the bait above the weeds. This works best in 8 to 10 feet of water where the weedbeds are thickest. All ports are still producing fish, but early morning is the most productive. A few perch are starting to show up about a mile west of the Spark Plug in 20 feet of water. Perch were running 7 to 9 inches for the most part, with a few up to 13 inches. Those trolling for walleye were picking up the occasional large perch on crawler harnesses.
Mullett Lake -Anglers are targeting perch, bass and pike, with a few rainbow trout being taken. Some walleye were caught near the Sunken Islands and neddle point in 50 to 75 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses.
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. Perch are biting great also on minnows. Anglers are also catching a few pike as well. Also the gills have started to bite on waxworms and worms.
Higgins Lake -Rock bass have been caught everywhere. Warm weather had the perch hitting out around Treasure Island and the area called the “Table Top”. Lake trout have been caught when trolling cowbells with body baits.
Houghton Lake - Walleye were being caught but catch rates for pike slowed. Smaller bluegills are shallow while the bigger fish were suspended in deeper water.
Lake Charlevoix -Fishing for salmon is still hit and miss. Warm water has most anglers running spoons and dipsy divers down to 100 feet and deeper. An occasional steelhead has also been taken running high lines. Lake trout fishing has been good with many 6 to 8 pound fish. A few nice smallmouth bass have been taken in the Pine River Channel on worms and lures.
Lake Bellaire -Walleye anglers are trolling near the access sites and the narrows with crawler harnesses, spoons, or stick baits. Some caught fish when jigging leeches or crawlers. Small to medium bass were caught near the mouth of the river and along the west side of the lake. Anglers are casting tube baits, crank baits or plastics. Pike are hitting on spinners or stick baits in 15 feet of water. Yellow perch were caught but most were small.
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 - Perch fishing has been good this week when they can get out with minnows working best. Some walleye are being caught on crawlers
Long Lake by Traverse City has been slow and many are fishing hard but little success
Lake Missaukee - Pan fishing improved and lots of pike have been caught with bass and walleye biting on leeches.
Portage Lake -Panfish action was a little better however the bluegills and sunfish were still deep. Try crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water near the center of the lake. Anglers trolling at night caught a few walleye on crawler harnesses and those trolling during the day caught pike. Bass fishing has been very good in the morning with good numbers of smallmouth caught on crank baits near the piers and the shipwreck. Largemouth bass were caught on plastics in 7 feet of water along the weed beds.
Manistee -Salmon fishing has been good, when anglers can get out. Both the fish and the thermocline are more than 100 feet down. J-Plugs and meat rigs were good in the early morning and late evening. Pier fishing was poor due to warm water however night casting with glow spoons did mange to catch a few chinook.
Ludington -Anglers are catching salmon but the fish are deep. Look for the thermocline. Try spoons, meat rigs or J-Plugs. Pier fishing was slow due to all the warm water. First and last light are the best times for pier anglers to catch chinook. Night anglers casting glow spoons have caught a few 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-Walleye catches were up for anglers trolling or drifting crank baits or crawlers in 20 to 35 feet of water along the southern sections. Good bass fishing in 14 to 25 feet of water off Stonington and in 10 to 20 feet of water off the mouth of the Ford River. Salmon action was fair in the Aronson Island channel and out by the Ford River Buoy with glow spoons 60 to 70 feet down in 80 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc-Lots of walleye were marked north of Round Island but few fish were caught. Those able to catch fish were trolling crank baits in 25 to 30 feet of water. Excellent bass fishing in Ogontz, Ansell’s Point and Garden Bluff when drifting or casting tube baits or crank baits in 18 to 33 feet of water. Small perch were caught in Ogontz and Garden Bay. Off Fairport, salmon have been caught out in the “Gap” when trolling glow spoons and flies 60 to 80 feet down in 80 to 90 feet of water.
Grand Marais - Anglers are catching lake trout and salmon.
Perch Lake - Which is 25 miles north of Newberry in Luce County will temporarily close the Boating Access Site beginning August 31st through September 17th due to reconstruction of the boat ramp and parking lot. The site will be open for public use during the Labor Day weekend.
Cedarville and Hessel -Pier anglers at Hessel are still taking some nice pike while those trolling or casting have caught pike, smallmouth bass and perch. Snows Channel and Musky Bay are still good for pike. Warmer water in Cedarville Bay caused an increase in catch rates for perch, but the pike fishing slowed. Those trolling for trout and salmon are still heading out towards Goose Island.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Our First Summer Like Weekend
Last weekend was a washout as it rained all weekend, but this weekend we are supposed to get out first summer like weekend. Trout and salmon fishing has picked up now that boats are able to get out on the Great Lakes. River fishing is good with the low water levels. Look for panfish activity to improve now that we have some warmer temperatures. Heavy winds and storms have kept many anglers off the water. Pier fishing action has been slow. Fishing will improve with better weather conditions. Salmon fishing is good but the fish are deep and meat is the hot ticket right now.
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. A sad note in the Gaylord area Don’s Sport Shop is closing this month and have been in business since the 50’s. How times are changing and your small businesses will no longer be serving the sportsman.
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. More little walleye are being caught this week so not the limit catches like a couple of weeks ago but still a good bite. The bass are still biting great. 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 - Best reports came from out around buoys 1 through 4, which is at the end of the marked shipping channel in around 24 feet of water. Boats were converging on this area from all the various launch sites around the bay. Crawler harnesses continue to be the most consistent bait, but crank baits were also taking fish. They were also doing well on the Callahan Reef and in the Slot 5 miles north of Quanicassee.
Mullett Lake -Anglers are targeting perch, bass and pike, with a few rainbow trout being taken. Some walleye were caught near the Sunken Islands and neddle point in 50 to 75 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses.
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. Also the gills have started to bite on waxworms
Higgins Lake -was producing good numbers of perch using perch minnows and wax worms. Those trolling for lake trout were using body baits or rapalas. Some small mouth bass were caught on leeches and crawlers. Night anglers were catching smelt using wax worms.
Houghton Lake - Anglers were still catching walleye, bass and pike along the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet of water. Bluegill action was found near the Middle Grounds.
Lake Charlevoix -Fishing for salmon is still hit and miss. Warm water has most anglers running spoons and dipsy divers down to 100 feet and deeper. An occasional steelhead has also been taken running high lines. Lake trout fishing has been good with many 6 to 8 pound fish. A few nice smallmouth bass have been taken in the Pine River Channel on worms and lures.
Lake Bellaire -Walleye anglers have been trolling near the Fisherman’s Paradise Public Access and in the northwest arm and narrows with crawler harnesses, spoons and stick baits, as well as jigging leaded and floating jig heads with leeches and crawlers in 10 to 80 feet of water. Those targeting bass have been casting with spinners and crank baits in 7 to 20 feet of water in the northwest arm and near the Intermediate River mouth. Effort for northern pike increased with anglers drifting and trolling crawler harnesses and artificial crayfish near the Intermediate River Mouth in 15 to 20 feet of water. A few small perch have been taken.
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 when they can get outwith 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 -Trolling for walleye at night was slow but is picking up. Bluegill fishing was fair in waters up to 25 feet deep. Bass fishing is good along the weed beds when casting deep diving crank baits or artificial worms. Some salmon moving though.
Manistee -Anglers are catching salmon in 80 to150 feet of water early in the morning on glow plugs or spinnies and flies in either green or white. Pier action continues to be slow.
Ludington -Boats anglers were taking salmon in 80 to 160 feet of water using meat rigs or spinnies and flies. Pier action continues to be 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-Fair catches of walleye reported in Gladstone off the beach area jigging or drifting crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water and south of the Escanaba River by the docks trolling crank baits in 30 feet of water. The best catches were south out by the Fingers trolling crawlers or crank baits in 16 to 30 feet of water with some limits reported. Several nice perch catches reported off Butler Island jigging minnows in 19 feet of water, in the Narrows jigging worms in and around 30 feet of water and off the beach area in Gladstone jigging worms or minnows in 18 to 30 feet of water. Bass anglers reported fair catches off Farmers Dock area in 14 to 25 feet of water or off the mouth of the Escanaba River in 16 to 25 feet of water. Most anglers used goby tubes. Salmon catches were down this week with best reports coming from the channel out from Aronson Island.
Big Bay De Noc-Anglers reported good bass catches from Kates Bay south to the mouth of Garden Bay casting tubes in 14 to 30 feet of water. Perch catches were up in Garden Bay just off the public launch site jigging worms in 8 to 12 feet but lots of small fish were reported. Off Fairport, salmon fishing has slowed. Anglers were trolling the Gap in 50 to 110 feet of water fishing 30 to 80 feet down using glow spoons and fishing well into the evening. Several large fish were reported.
Grand Marais - Anglers are catching lake trout and salmon.
Cedarville and Hessel -Anglers still-fishing with minnows off the Hessel pier were doing excellent on pike, while anglers trolling or casting from within the bay were catching perch, smallmouth bass and pike. Anglers fishing Snows Channel were bringing in pike and bass while casting spinner baits. Musky Bay and Middle Entrance are producing pike while casting or trolling along the south shoreline in 6 to 12 feet of water. Salmon fishermen were heading out towards Goose Island fishing in 60 to 90 feet of water fishing 35 to 50 feet down. Catch rates were fair with the majority of the harvest being lake trout. Cedarville Bay has been excellent for pike and fair for perch with anglers fishing in 5 to 8 feet of water casting with minnows. Moscoe Channel was also producing some perch in 4 to 6 feet of water.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Fishing is Still Good
Weather has been better after the weekend, and fish have been biting with salmon fishing picking up. Were suppose to get hotter weather this weekend and we are looking forward to it. Trout and salmon fishing has picked up now that boats are able to get out on the Great Lakes. River fishing is good with the low water levels. Look for panfish activity to improve now that we have some warmer temperatures.
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. More little walleye are being caught this week so not the limit catches like a couple of weeks ago but still a good bite. The bass are still biting great. 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 were caught off Linwood in 15 to 20 feet of water and a couple miles northeast of the Callahan Reef when using crawler harnesses. Quanicassee had limit catches in 5 to 8 feet of water straight out from the mouth of the river. Good fishing was noted in 14 feet of water in the Slot. Sebewaing was good between Fish Point and The Slot in 16 feet of water. Shore anglers managed to catch some bluegills and a few pike in the marina. Bay Port had good walleye action around North Island. At Caseville, a few walleye were caught near Oak Point.
Mullett Lake -Anglers are still catching perch, bass and pike. A few walleye were caught on the north end when trolling a crawler harness or spoons.
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 -Boat anglers caught lake trout just off the bottom in 100 to 120 feet of water. Most are jigging Swedish Pimples or Cast Masters with or without bait. Try wax worms, or pieces of minnow. Perch were caught in 40 to 60 feet of water when using minnows, crawlers or wax worms.
Houghton Lake - Walleye, pike and bass are hitting along the weed beds in 6 to 10 feet of water. Anglers are trolling or drifting worms, leeches and crawlers. Bluegills are there however the fish were scattered.
Lake Charlevoix -Perch were hitting on minnows in 20 feet of water. Walleye and smallmouth bass are deeper now so look for them along the drop-offs during the day. Shore anglers are catching fish in the Pine River Channel.
Lake Bellaire -Anglers are still catching walleye 14 to 22 inches. Troll early or late near Fisherman’s Paradise, the south bay or the northwest arm. Try spoons, rapalas, crawler harnesses, or jigs with leeches and crawlers. Small perch were caught near the Intermediate River in 3 to 15 feet of water. Anglers are still-fishing with crawlers.
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 -Trolling for walleye at night was slow but is picking up. Bluegill fishing was fair in waters up to 25 feet deep. Bass fishing is good along the weed beds when casting deep diving crank baits or artificial worms.
Manistee -Salmon are being caught in waters 120 to 180 feet deep. Try 80 to 120 feet down with spinnies and flies. Best colors continue to be green or blue. Pier anglers are catching freshwater drum when casting spoons.
Ludington -Salmon were caught 80 to 130 feet down in waters 100 to 180 feet deep. White spinnies with green or mirage flies have produced 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. 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- Walleye anglers are trolling or drifting crawlers in 16 to 25 feet of water between the Escanaba River and the Black Bottom. More fish were caught by those trolling stick baits between Garth Point and the Day’s River however most were small. Smallmouth bass were caught off the Ford and the Escanaba Rivers when casting tube baits, crank baits or jigs in 8 to 16 feet of water. Pike were hitting on spoons or crank baits near the yacht club at Escanaba.
Big Bay De Noc-Had no walleye reports. Good smallmouth action near Ogontz, Nahma and Garden Bay. Try casting jigs or tube baits in 10 to 15 feet of water. Lots of small perch were caught in Garden Bay and those fishing up near Nahma have caught some very large rock bass off the mouth of the Sturgeon River. Off Fairport, salmon anglers were trolling artificial cut bait or spoons 40 to 80 feet down in waters 80 to 110 feet deep around the Gap. The fish are much larger this year. Red and orange were best but red, blue and black glow were also taking fish.
Grand Marais - Anglers are catching salmon and lake trout.
Cedarville and Hessel -Pier anglers at Hessel are catching pike and smallmouth bass. Perch were hitting on minnows in 10 to 14 feet of water. Snows Channel was good for pike and bass while Musky Bay and Middle Entrance were excellent for pike when casting or trolling along the south shoreline in 6 to 12 feet of water. Salmon anglers are heading out towards Goose Island and fishing halfway down in waters 60 to 90 feet deep. Cedarville Bay has been excellent for pike and fair for perch and the Moscoe Channel is also producing some perch in 4 to 6 feet of water. Catch rates for lake herring were very good in McKay Bay, Prentice Bay and the Moscoe Channel.