Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Perch are Starting to Bite
Cooler weather has helped the fishing as perch are starting to show up with good catches in Lake Margreathe, East Grand Traverse Bay, North Lake Leelanau, Higgins Lake, Otsego Lake, Van Etten Lake and Long Lake by Traverse City. As we approach the so-called dog days of summer, walleye fishing in waters of the Great Lakes including Saginaw Bay has begun to taper off, as it usually does around Labor Day. A few salmon have been caught in some rivers but no big numbers yet.
Warm water seems to be slowing the bite in many shallow lakes. Fish the deeper holes to catch fish in this sunny summer weather
Crickets have been selling good this week so gills are in deep water and crickets are the ticket.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye action is almost non-existent as it usually tapers off near Labor Day, and this year everything is at least a week or two early. Forage fish born this spring are now large enough to be of interest to predator fish, and the forage base is at its annual maximum in terms of biomass. Couple this with warm water temperatures and you end up with predator fish that are not hungry. Perch were caught near Buoys 1, 2, 11, 12, and 18 and also a few miles east of Spoils Island.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam as water is flowing as they lower Sanford Lake 5 feet to repair the dam.
Saginaw River- Shore anglers in the lower river are catching some freshwater drum, catfish and the occasional bass.
Whitehall -Salmon fishing has been poor as the fish are scattered.
Wixom Lake has been good for crappie with gills being caught on waxworms
Mullett Lake -Walleye anglers are still heading out and taking a fair number of fish between Red Pine Point and Parrot Point, Dodge Point and Needle Point as well as near the southern Sunken Island and the Indian River. Target 10 to 30 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses, stick baits, crank baits or hot-n-tots. Trout anglers picked up a few fish when trolling spoons 20 to 50 feet down in 75 to 100 feet of water between Parrot Point and Round Point. Pike were caught in 10 to 20 feet of water on minnows, crawlers and crank baits. A few smallmouth bass were caught in Pigeon Bay and near the Indian River. Try crawlers or tube baits in 20 to 25 feet of water. Look for perch in the bays, off the points and near the sunken islands.
Oscoda - A few salmon and steelhead were caught closer to shore in 60 to 80 feet of water. Lake trout are 80 to 90 feet down in 120 to 150 feet of water. Silver and black were good colors for lake trout but the steelhead prefer orange. Van Etten Lake has been great for panfish and perch
Higgins Lake -Lake trout fishing is steady. Boats are trolling minnows and cowbells just off the bottom in 100 feet of water. Lots of rock bass in the 9 to 12 inch range have been caught on minnows and worms.
Houghton Lake - s producing panfish and bass. Early morning or late afternoon is best for bass up in the shallows.
Tawas -Pier fishing continues to be slow. Those trolling are picking up walleye in 35 to 70 feet of water outside Tawas Bay, near Buoys 4 & 6, and near the lighthouse when using crawler harnesses.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling has been real good for gills with crickets and waxworms working best. A perch bite is on with minnows in about 9 feet of water
Charlevoix -Anglers have found fish from North Point to Fishermen’s Island in 100 to 170 feet of water in the early morning or dusk. Fish 70 to 130 feet down with a flasher fly combo, green or moonshine spoons.
Traverse City -In the East Bay, good numbers of whitefish have been caught north of the Center Road launch in 60 to 90 feet of water. Try using natural colored sand kickers. Salmon anglers are catching few fish per trip south of Bluff Road when targeting waters 100 feet deep. Near Elk Rapids, smallmouth bass are hitting on minnows in the channel. In the West Bay, boats were not marking many fish. A few were caught north of Suttons Bay in 60 to 80 feet of water. Lake trout action was slow.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action. I have been fishing there but have not found the fish yet but many are in 50 feet of water.
Portage Lake -Bluegill anglers are still working the deeper waters and shaded areas. Bass anglers did manage to catch a few fish.
Lake Missaukee -Was good for panfish and bass.
Lake Cadillac -Has crappie hitting along the east side of the lake in deeper water. Try small jigs with minnows or leaf worms. Bass fishing was fair to good in the early morning or evening.
Lake Mitchell - Panfish numbers also thinned out with the heat. Those doing best fished the 10 - 12 foot range and deeper. Crappies account for the best numbers. They’re still suspending on the city side of Cadillac. Good size sunfish are coming from the southside of Mitchell in front of the Condos. Seeing catches of good meals but earlier easy limits are past.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair to good catches of walleye when weather permitted. The best fishing was off the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers in 10 to 38 feet of water however the bigger fish were caught between Round Island and the shoals when trolling stick baits or crawlers in 14 to 25 feet of water. Perch fishing was up a bit this week with several jumbo fish taken by the ship docks in Escanaba when jigging crawlers in 25 to 40 feet of water. Salmon anglers were trolling south of Escanaba in deep waters. Try 75 to 130 feet down in waters 100 to 160 feet deep.
Big Bay De Noc -Perch fishing tapered off. Anglers were catching mostly smallmouth bass when casting tube baits or crank baits in 15 to 35 feet of water between Ansell’s Point and Garden Bluff. At Fairport, salmon fishing was fair in 120 to 160 feet of water.
Indian Lake - Most fishing effort was on the north end of the lake. The wind has been high, which made still fishing difficult. Yellow perch were being taken on the north end and near the rock pile in the center of the lake on crawlers. Anglers drifted or trolled with crawler harnesses or drifted gulp minnows for walleye and a few smaller fish were caught. Smallmouth bass were also caught using the same method.
St. Mary’s River -Walleye fishing is still good by the powerhouse to Raber Bay using crawler harnesses and jigs.
Cedarville and Hessel - For perch, fish near the Hessel pier, the east end of Hessel Bay, the south shoreline, the north side of Haven Island and Snows Channel. Crawlers worked best in 8 to 12 feet of water however Snows Channel did better in 6 to 10 feet of water. Perch were caught in Musky Bay and the Middle Entrance but the Moscoe Channel was the hot spot when using crawlers in 4 to 6 feet of water. Pink salmon, Atlantic salmon, chinook, steelhead and lake trout were caught 30 feet down in 50 to 60 feet of water around Goose Island. Dredging continues at the Cedarville launch, resulting in only minor pressure around Little Joe Island. Anglers can launch off Four Mile Block on Musky Bay or the Tribal launch on McKay Bay.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Anglers are starting to pick up salmon from the Hospital to Bay Harbor in 110 to 150 feet of water. The bite was hit-or-miss as the fish are moving around daily and difficult to key in on. Try green, blue or white spoons.
Bear River - Has reported the first push of salmon after heavy rain last weekend. Fish were caught on spawn and yarn.
Charlevoix - Anglers have found fish from North Point to Fishermen’s Island in 100 to 170 feet of water in the early morning or dusk. Fish 70 to 130 feet down with a flasher fly combo, green or moonshine spoons.
Traverse City - In the East Bay, good numbers of whitefish have been caught north of the Center Road launch in 60 to 90 feet of water. Try using natural colored sand kickers. Salmon anglers are catching few fish per trip south of Bluff Road when targeting waters 100 feet deep. Near Elk Rapids, smallmouth bass are hitting on minnows in the channel. In the West Bay, boats were not marking many fish. A few were caught north of Suttons Bay in 60 to 80 feet of water. Lake trout action was slow.
Boardman River - Active fish could be found at the mouth of the river when using minnows or leeches. Bluegills and rock bass can be caught near the Union Street Dam any time of day.
Frankfort - Chinook and coho were starting to move into shallower waters. Boats were heading south and fishing 50 to 80 feet down in 80 to 120 feet of water. Early morning was best when using spoons or j-plugs that glow. After sunrise, try white paddles and green flies or meat rigs. Pier anglers caught a couple fish off the North Pier in the early morning when using glow spoons.
Betsie River - Those fishing near the mouth have caught a few chinook salmon on spawn sacks. Chinook were reported as far up as the Homestead Dam.
Onekama - Had good catch rates despite the wind. Anglers are fishing just north of the breakwall and fishing 50 to 100 feet down in 80 to 140 feet of water. Early morning was best however evening catches have produced fish over 20 pounds. Meat rigs were the ticket. Chinook like meat rigs and coho preferred j-plugs.
Portage Lake - Bluegill anglers are still working the deeper waters and shaded areas. Bass anglers did manage to catch a few fish.
Lake Missaukee - Reported good bass and bluegill fishing.
Lake Cadillac - Has crappie hitting along the east side of the lake in deeper water. Try small jigs with minnows or leaf worms. Bass fishing was fair to good in the early morning or evening.
Manistee - Salmon fishing has been good when the wind allows anglers to get out. Early morning was best with glow plugs in 60 to 120 feet of water. A few fish have been caught off the piers and in the harbor, but not many yet.
Manistee River - Salmon fishing is just starting with only a few fish caught so far.
Ludington - Boat anglers have caught mostly chinook along with a few coho when trolling in 50 to 150 feet of water between the Bath House and Big Sable Point. Use glow plugs in the early morning and switch to chrome as the sun comes up.
Pere Marquette Lake - Those trolling have caught a couple chinook salmon.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Walleye anglers are still heading out and taking a fair number of fish between Red Pine Point and Parrot Point, Dodge Point and Needle Point as well as near the southern Sunken Island and the Indian River. Target 10 to 30 feet of water when trolling crawler harnesses, stick baits, crank baits or hot-n-tots. Trout anglers picked up a few fish when trolling spoons 20 to 50 feet down in 75 to 100 feet of water between Parrot Point and Round Point. Pike were caught in 10 to 20 feet of water on minnows, crawlers and crank baits. A few smallmouth bass were caught in Pigeon Bay and near the Indian River. Try crawlers or tube baits in 20 to 25 feet of water. Look for perch in the bays, off the points and near the sunken islands.
Rogers City - Fishing this week has been really good for some but a struggle for others. Bigger salmon and a good number of steelhead are starting to show up in the creel. Try straight out from the harbor or south towards Swan Bay about 45 to 60 feet down in 45 to 90 feet of water with 3, 5, or 7 colors of lead core off boards. This week should be good as anglers have done well in the daytime during a full moon. Look for baitfish in 35 to 60 feet of water or structure that drops off rapidly.
Rockport - Chinook salmon were caught about 25 feet down in 60 feet of water. Steelhead and walleye could be found in 60 feet of water around Middle Island. Lake trout and pink salmon were caught in 120 to 130 feet of water near the wreck. Salmon are hitting anything dark. Walleye and steelhead preferred body baits.
Lake Avalon - In Montmorency County is producing splake in deep water.
Alpena - Sulfur Island continues to be the only place producing walleye in 30 feet of water. The fish were suspended 7 to 10 feet down.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye, smallmouth bass and rock bass have been caught on crawlers. Quite a few bass were running on the small side. Walleye activity was best late at night when using green jigs with crawlers.
Harrisville - Boat anglers reported good fishing for lake trout, walleye, steelhead and the occasional chinook. Lake trout were 75 to 85 feet down in 120 to 150 feet of water, steelhead were near the surface in 80 to 100 feet of water and walleye could be found in 40 to 150 feet of water.
Oscoda - A few salmon and steelhead were caught closer to shore in 60 to 80 feet of water. Lake trout are 80 to 90 feet down in 120 to 150 feet of water. Silver and black were good colors for lake trout but the steelhead prefer orange.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout fishing is steady. Boats are trolling minnows and cowbells just off the bottom in 100 feet of water. Lots of rock bass in the 9 to 12 inch range have been caught on minnows and worms.
Houghton Lake - Is producing panfish and bass. Early morning or late afternoon is best for bass up in the shallows.
Tawas - Pier fishing continues to be slow. Those trolling are picking up walleye in 35 to 70 feet of water outside Tawas Bay, near Buoys 4 & 6, and near the lighthouse when using crawler harnesses.
Au Gres - Local anglers are putting their boats on trailers and heading up to Tawas where the better walleye fishing is. Perch were found in 40 feet of water along the shipping channel however anglers will need to sort out the small ones.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Fishing has picked up with coho caught by those trolling flies with a flasher or dodger about halfway down in 75 to 100 feet of water. Lake trout were also caught on spoons.
Ontonagon - Had good lake trout fishing just off the bottom in 65 to 85 feet of water. Coho salmon were also active in the same area.
Keweenaw Bay - The bite was slow however anglers did manage to pick up a mix of coho and lake trout when trolling between Sand Point and Carla’s Restaurant in 60 to 100 feet of water. Along the South Portage Entry, a limited number of coho and lake trout were caught by those trolling along the Newton and Farmers Reef.
Marquette - Fishing slowed with the weather however lake trout were still being caught north of the White Rocks and in the Sand Hole when fishing between the bottom and 30 feet up. Spoons worked best and good colors were silver, gold, orange or melon. Surface waters here were averaging 68 degrees. Lake trout were also caught around Stannard Rock.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair to good catches of walleye when weather permitted. The best fishing was off the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers in 10 to 38 feet of water however the bigger fish were caught between Round Island and the shoals when trolling stick baits or crawlers in 14 to 25 feet of water. Perch fishing was up a bit this week with several jumbo fish taken by the ship docks in Escanaba when jigging crawlers in 25 to 40 feet of water. Salmon anglers were trolling south of Escanaba in deep waters. Try 75 to 130 feet down in waters 100 to 160 feet deep.
Big Bay De Noc - Perch fishing tapered off. Anglers were catching mostly smallmouth bass when casting tube baits or crank baits in 15 to 35 feet of water between Ansell’s Point and Garden Bluff. At Fairport, salmon fishing was fair in 120 to 160 feet of water.
Au Train - Lake trout action was slow except for a few fish taken north of Au Train Island and Wood Island Reef. Surface water temperatures have cooled this past week due to rain. The average surface water temperature was 68 degrees.
Munising - The Big Reef continues to produce good lake trout action with fish between 10 and 25 pounds being caught with spoons just off the bottom. Small perch were caught in Murray Bay and a few small splake were seen by those fishing around the Grand Island dock.
Grand Marais - Good numbers of smaller lake trout have been caught about five miles north of the bay when trolling spoons in 150 to 200 feet of water. Shore anglers were pike fishing however catch rates were poor.
Indian Lake - Small walleye have been caught by those trolling or drifting the north end of the lake and around the rock pile with crawler harnesses. Smallmouth bass, pike and perch were also caught but most fish were running on the small side.
De Tour - Anglers continue to harvest trout and salmon when trolling. Chinook were averaging 3 to 12 pounds. Good numbers of pink salmon along with a few Atlantics and steelhead were caught in 45 to 60 feet of water. Watermelon spoons, dipsey divers and glow orange flashers worked best. Near Raber Bay, walleye have been caught by those using crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers. Hot colors were lime, red, purple or blue with smiley blades.
Cedarville and Hessel - For perch, fish near the Hessel pier, the east end of Hessel Bay, the south shoreline, the north side of Haven Island and Snows Channel. Crawlers worked best in 8 to 12 feet of water however Snows Channel did better in 6 to 10 feet of water. Perch were caught in Musky Bay and the Middle Entrance but the Moscoe Channel was the hot spot when using crawlers in 4 to 6 feet of water. Pink salmon, Atlantic salmon, chinook, steelhead and lake trout were caught 30 feet down in 50 to 60 feet of water around Goose Island. Dredging continues at the Cedarville launch, resulting in only minor pressure around Little Joe Island. Anglers can launch off Four Mile Block on Musky Bay or the Tribal launch on McKay Bay.
St. Ignace - Fishing activity remains steady. Anglers are trolling the flats near the Coast Guard Station and the Edison Plant. Fish were 45 to 55 feet deep.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Anglers found perch near the River Raisin channel. More fish were found in deep water however the bigger fish were caught in shallow waters. Catfish and freshwater drum continue to hit perch rigs. Walleye fishing was poor. Water temperatures have dropped to the high 70’s and low 80’s with the recent cold front.
Detroit River - Several anglers have been taking bluegill in the lower river along the west side of the Livingston Channel Dike. Walleye were hit-or-miss. Decreasing water temperatures should trigger some activity.
Lake St. Clair - Fishing was slow. Bass are still being caught however perch have not made it into the lake yet.
Lexington - Those trolling are catching trout and salmon. Perch fishing was spotty.
Port Sanilac - Steelhead fishing has been consistent all summer. Shiny spoons on bright sunny days were best. For perch, try 15 to 25 feet of water and keep moving to find active schools.
Harbor Beach - For lake trout, fish north of the harbor in 60 to 120 feet of water. Chinook and pink salmon were caught with the lake trout. Steelhead were in 100 to 140 feet of water and smaller brown trout were caught. Try J-plugs off downriggers, dipsey divers and boards. Walleye are straight out and north and hitting on crawler harnesses, small spoons or body baits. For color try root beer, perch, purple, gold or green and red. Bass and pike are hitting inside the harbor. Try casting small spoons or body baits in shallow waters.
Grindstone City - Those out trolling are catching a good number of lake trout and steelhead along with a few coho, pink salmon and walleye when fishing the bottom third of waters 70 to 140 feet deep.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye action is almost non-existent as it usually tapers off near Labor Day, and this year everything is at least a week or two early. Forage fish born this spring are now large enough to be of interest to predator fish, and the forage base is at its annual maximum in terms of biomass. Couple this with warm water temperatures and you end up with predator fish that are not hungry. Perch were caught near Buoys 1, 2, 11, 12, and 18 and also a few miles east of Spoils Island.
Cass River - Those fishing in Caro did well for panfish with near limits reported.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Is producing a few salmon, mostly chinook and trout when trolling in 60 to 100 feet of water. A fair number of yellow perch were also caught by those still-fishing a couple miles north of the pier in 20 to 40 feet of water.
St. Joseph River - Smallmouth bass fishing remained good with some nice fish caught on crank baits or plastics. Walleye fishing was slow with only a few fish taken by those drifting crawlers.
Kalamazoo River - Remains closed to fishing from Marshall to Morrow Dam until further notice. Clean-up will continue through the fall and most likely into winter.
Duncan Lake - In Barry County was producing some big bluegills.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Has good bass fishing above the Sixth Street Dam. Largemouth were hitting on frogs and smallmouth on tube baits. For walleye, anglers are fishing shallow waters in the early morning. Boats are drifting crawlers down towards Fulton Street and trolling small crank baits back up. Flathead cats are hitting on large white suckers and bluegills. Channel cats prefer cut bait, chicken liver or bad shrimp. Bluegills and crappie were caught all along the river. For pike, try live suckers or large spinners.
Grand River at Lansing - In North Lansing, smallmouth bass were caught below the dam and largemouth bass above it. Largemouth were running on the small side. Over at Moore’s Park, walleye were caught in the early morning or late at night. Catfish were still the target at Portland.
Park Lake - Boat anglers were catching largemouth bass and pike in deeper waters. Shore anglers were taking a few bluegill.
In Jackson County - Inland lakes were producing panfish and bass. In Big Portage Lake, bluegills were found in deep water.
Lake Ovid - Is producing some nice largemouth bass along with panfish.
Reeds Lake - Has good bass fishing with largemouth hitting on top water lures. Pike were also caught.
Murray Lake - In Kent County is producing some muskie. Anglers are using suckers or large body baits 20 to 25 feet down.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The fishing has been slow the last two weeks. The fish are there! We mark them on our electronics. Full graphs but few biting anything. We’re in the “August Funk” and things are hit and miss. Water temperatures are cooling slowly. Things will change for the better.
Crappie fishing is the only bright spot. The heat hasn’t bothered them. Limits are reported from the east side of Cadillac, as well as in the Big Cove on Lake Mitchell. Leafworms, minnows and especially small jigs are hot. Tube jigs in yellow, clear or pink/white have been out fishing live bait. Catching eater size in the 8 -9 inch range. There’s numbers of small ones, you have to cull. The bigger specks tend to stay deeper, closer to the bottom.
There’s still plenty of bass left. Warm water hasn’t bothered them. Mornings, before the sun starts to penetrate is definately the peak time.
Where did the pike go? What about the walleye? They must be together hiding in the deep holes preparing for back to school.
MANISTEE RIVER
Regardless the water temperatures, a few salmon have been reported all the way to Tippy Dam. There’s been a few catches on flies after midnight. We’re told the Little Manistee has good numbers of salmon already.
This is just the beginning.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Summer Going By Fast
The heat wave has passed, but it has been really windy. Look for cooler water temperatures in the Great Lakes, inland lakes and the rivers. Fish deep because that is where you will find the fish that are active and ready to feed. Salmon fishing has been good at Frankfort and Leland.
Warm water seems to be slowing the bite in many shallow lakes. Fish the deeper holes to catch fish in this sunny summer weather
Crickets have been selling good this week so gills are in deep water and crickets are the ticket.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye fishing continues to be slow in the inner bay due to elevated water temperatures. Perch fishing continues to be fair to good along the shipping channel at the Spark Plug at Buoys 11 and 12 and out at Buoys 1, 2 and 18. A few were also taken from the shipping channel near Spoils Island. Perch are hitting minnows, which continue to be in short supply because of the season of the year.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam
Saginaw River- Shore anglers in the lower river are catching some freshwater drum, catfish and the occasional bass.
Whitehall -Salmon fishing has been poor as the fish are scattered.
Wixom Lake has been good for bass with gills being caught
Mullett Lake -Walleye pressure has remained high with anglers having fair success trolling 50 feet down in 80 to 110 feet of water between Round and Red Pine Point. Night fishing has been showing success with anglers catching their three fish limit. Northern pike have been taken near Dodge Point, Long Point and near the Pigeon Bay and Indian River areas in 8 to 15 feet of water using live minnows, crawlers, and crank baits. Bass fishing pressure has still been low. A few smallmouth have been caught near Aloha State Park, Indian River, Pigeon Bay and between Long and Dodge Point in 15 to 25 feet of water on crawlers and tubes. Those targeting yellow perch are fishing near the points, the north sunken island and in the bays in 10 to 30 feet of water using crawlers and minnows. A few trout were taken by those trolling spoons from Red Pine Point to Round Point and near Long Point in 75 to 100 feet of water fishing 20 to 50 feet down. A few cisco have been taken while trolling spoons midwater in 80 to 110 feet while fishing for trout.
Oscoda - Lake trout are being caught in 120 to 150 feet of water, 80 to 90 feet down. A few steelhead have been caught straight out from the river mouth in 65 to 90 feet of water on spoons and flies when used in conjunction with dipsey divers and lead core. Orange is the most productive color, followed by silver and blue.
Higgins Lake - Is producing perch at the Sunken Island or along the drop-offs and towards the table top. Lake trout are being taken in 90 feet of water on the west side of the lake and pike can be found along the southwest corner. Some anglers are targeting bowfin in 15 to 20 feet of water. Houghton Lake - Fishing has slowed with the warm weather, but anglers are still catching walleye, bass and panfish in the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet of water.
Houghton Lake - Walleye anglers caught fish in the weeds along the south shore and along the east side of the Middle Grounds. A good number of fish were sub-legal. Pike anglers are using large sucker minnows in shallow waters near the weeds. Perch fishing was slow however fish were found out near the Middle Grounds. Bluegills were hitting on leaf worms, wax worms or leeches.
Tawas -Pier fishing is slow. Anglers trolling for walleye are getting good catches out near Buoys 4 & 6 and Buoy 2; also in 30 to 65 feet of water off Alabaster and out north of Big Charity Island. An occasional steelhead is being taken along with the walleye.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling has been real good for gills with crickets and waxworms working best. Also walleye are being caught on leeches and crawlers.
Charlevoix -Salmon fishing is starting to pick up with many anglers finding fish from North Point to Fishermen’s Point 70 to 100 feet down during the first or last light hours. Salmon have been taken on glow spoons and white rotators with a green or blue fly. Pine River Channel has slowed, with anglers catching small walleye and bass with the occasional keeper thrown in.
Traverse City -In the West Bay, anglers trolling for salmon are starting to see more steady results. Many have marked fish along the west side of the bay, south of the M-22 launch. Flies or plugs seem to work best. Lake trout and whitefish anglers are catching fish in around 90 feet of water and are doing better in early morning. Along the East Bay, whitefish anglers are catching good numbers of fish targeting waters around 100 feet. Salmon anglers are trolling the peninsula side of the bay and catching few fish. Lake trout anglers are finding spin and glows or peanuts work the best. Smallmouth anglers are still catching a good number of fish from 20 feet and shallower. Elk Rapids shore anglers are seeing good numbers of smallmouth and found leaches or minnows worked the best.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action. I have been fishing there but have not found the fish yet but many are in 50 feet of water.
Portage Lake -Due to warm water, the fish are hanging around the deep water of the buoy or close to where the trees overhang the water. On the south side bluegill are hitting well near the docks in 10 to 15 feet of water. Worms are working best. Bass anglers are having the most luck early morning on wax worms.
Lake Missaukee -Was good for panfish but walleye fishing was slow.
Lake Cadillac -Although both lakes are full of pike. Northerns of any size have been hard to come by. No trouble catching numbers of throwbacks out of weedbeds. Only a few in the over 30 inch range were reported lately. Deeper, colder water for big pike. Rattle Traps in bleeding colors out fished our favorite spinner baits this week.
Lake Mitchell - Panfish numbers also thinned out with the heat. Those doing best fished the 10 - 12 foot range and deeper. Crappies account for the best numbers. They’re still suspending on the city side of Cadillac. Good size sunfish are coming from the southside of Mitchell in front of the Condos. Seeing catches of good meals but earlier easy limits are past.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair walleye fishing near the Black Bottom and south to Breezy Point when trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water. The First and Second Reef were also producing fish for those using crank baits or crawlers, but many were sub-legal. Bass anglers reported good numbers of smallmouth throughout the Bay. Some nice yellow perch were caught by those jigging crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water off the Narrows. Salmon anglers had little to report.
Big Bay De Noc -Had good yellow perch fishing in Garden Bay. Most were still-fishing crawlers in 8 to 12 feet of water. Good smallmouth bass fishing from Kate’s Bay south to Snake Island. Try tube baits in 12 to 30 feet of water. Fairport had good trout and salmon action for those trolling spoons 80 to 145 feet down in 100 to 180 feet of water.
Indian Lake - Most fishing effort was on the north end of the lake. The wind has been high, which made still fishing difficult. Yellow perch were being taken on the north end and near the rock pile in the center of the lake on crawlers. Anglers drifted or trolled with crawler harnesses or drifted gulp minnows for walleye and a few smaller fish were caught. Smallmouth bass were also caught using the same method.
St. Mary’s River -Walleye fishing is still good by the powerhouse to Raber Bay using crawler harnesses and jigs.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are fishing from the Hessel Marina pier for perch, pike and bass. The perch catch is excellent with fish averaging 9 inches. Fishing the early morning hours with crawlers or minnows is best. Boat anglers are fishing in front of Haven Island, the south shore of Hessel Bay and Snows Channel. Perch can also be picked up in the east end of Cedarville Bay and in Moscoe Channel casting stick baits in 8 to 12 feet of water. Dredging has begun at the Cedarville launch, which means the launch will be closed for about 3 months. Anglers may use the public access off Four Mile Block on Musky Bay or the tribal launch on Mckay Bay.
Northwest:
Petoskey - Despite the bay remaining warm, salmon are starting to show up in Little Traverse Bay. Anglers have found salmon scattered in 110 to 150 feet of water from the Petoskey pier head to Bay Harbor. The best action has come on a white or green hoochie with a white, green or red fly.
Charlevoix - Salmon fishing is starting to pick up with many anglers finding fish from North Point to Fishermen’s Point 70 to 100 feet down during the first or last light hours. Salmon have been taken on glow spoons and white rotators with a green or blue fly. Pine River Channel has slowed, with anglers catching small walleye and bass with the occasional keeper thrown in.
Traverse City - In the West Bay, anglers trolling for salmon are starting to see more steady results. Many have marked fish along the west side of the bay, south of the M-22 launch. Flies or plugs seem to work best. Lake trout and whitefish anglers are catching fish in around 90 feet of water and are doing better in early morning. Along the East Bay, whitefish anglers are catching good numbers of fish targeting waters around 100 feet. Salmon anglers are trolling the peninsula side of the bay and catching few fish. Lake trout anglers are finding spin and glows or peanuts work the best. Smallmouth anglers are still catching a good number of fish from 20 feet and shallower. Elk Rapids shore anglers are seeing good numbers of smallmouth and found leaches or minnows worked the best.
Boardman River - Few anglers are reporting, seeing or catching fish. Many anglers are targeting the deeper holes in the river and using live bait for smallmouth and bluegills.
Frankfort - Is active with nice catches of chinook from the Herring Hole and north at the Six Mile Hole fishing to 200 feet. Try glow plugs and lures early in the morning, then switch to meat rigs and spoons with blue after the sun rises. Coho are starting to move into the area.
Betsie River - Fishing is slow with low fishing pressure. A few chinook have entered the river and are showing up at Homestead Dam.
Onekama - Straight out from the outlet to 220 feet and trolling 80 to 150 feet is working well for catching salmon. The early morning catch between 5:00 and 6:30 a.m. is the most productive. Pearl white flashers with green flies are a local favorite, after the morning glows. Chinook are beginning to change colors.
Manistee - Salmon are being taken in 80 to 140 feet of water on glow plugs. No salmon reported yet off the piers.
Ludington - Anglers are catching salmon in 80 to 160 feet of water between the bath house and Big Sable Point on glow plugs and glow spoons.
Portage Lake - Due to warm water, the fish are hanging around the deep water of the buoy or close to where the trees overhang the water. On the south side bluegill are hitting well near the docks in 10 to 15 feet of water. Worms are working best. Bass anglers are having the most luck early morning on wax worms.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Walleye pressure has remained high with anglers having fair success trolling 50 feet down in 80 to 110 feet of water between Round and Red Pine Point. Night fishing has been showing success with anglers catching their three fish limit. Northern pike have been taken near Dodge Point, Long Point and near the Pigeon Bay and Indian River areas in 8 to 15 feet of water using live minnows, crawlers, and crank baits. Bass fishing pressure has still been low. A few smallmouth have been caught near Aloha State Park, Indian River, Pigeon Bay and between Long and Dodge Point in 15 to 25 feet of water on crawlers and tubes. Those targeting yellow perch are fishing near the points, the north sunken island and in the bays in 10 to 30 feet of water using crawlers and minnows. A few trout were taken by those trolling spoons from Red Pine Point to Round Point and near Long Point in 75 to 100 feet of water fishing 20 to 50 feet down. A few cisco have been taken while trolling spoons midwater in 80 to 110 feet while fishing for trout.
Rogers City - Is producing chinook and pink salmon, lake trout, steelhead, brown trout and walleye. Most of the action is straight out and north towards Forty Mile Point and south towards Swan Bay fishing the top 40 feet in 40 to 80 feet of water. Common colors include blue, orange, green, white, glow or any combination
Presque Isle - Good catches are coming in from all directions. Anglers are fishing in 45 to 90 feet of water, fishing the top half. Blue, orange, silver, green and glow combinations are working well. Locate the bait and fish structure for best results.
Rockport - Lake trout are being targeted in 115 feet of water near the Wreck. Anglers looking for salmon are fishing False Presque Isle to the Island in water 60 feet deep, fishing 30 feet down. Dark colors are working well for both areas.
Alpena - Boat anglers were fishing walleye off Sulfur Island in 30 feet of water. The fish are suspended about 7 feet down, hitting on crawler harnesses. A few anglers are also heading 20 miles out to the Humps targeting lake trout on darker spoons. Those fishing the river are catching channel catfish and bass.
Harrisville - Fishing pressure has slowed with the warm weather. Lake trout are out in deep water, about 120 feet in the morning hours and deeper as the day progresses. Lures resembling smelt work the best. Lead core out to 10 colors have been working as well. Steelhead catches are being reported in 70 to 100 feet of water on dipsey divers, lead core and running planner boards with lead core. Orange still works well.
Oscoda - Lake trout are being caught in 120 to 150 feet of water, 80 to 90 feet down. A few steelhead have been caught straight out from the river mouth in 65 to 90 feet of water on spoons and flies when used in conjunction with dipsey divers and lead core. Orange is the most productive color, followed by silver and blue.
Au Sable River - Fishing is slow as dredging is still underway. No reports of walleye being caught, although a few catfish, smallmouth bass and pike have been caught further upriver.
Higgins Lake - Is producing perch at the Sunken Island or along the drop-offs and towards the table top. Lake trout are being taken in 90 feet of water on the west side of the lake and pike can be found along the southwest corner. Some anglers are targeting bowfin in 15 to 20 feet of water. Houghton Lake - Fishing has slowed with the warm weather, but anglers are still catching walleye, bass and panfish in the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet of water.
Tawas - Pier fishing is slow. Anglers trolling for walleye are getting good catches out near Buoys 4 & 6 and Buoy 2; also in 30 to 65 feet of water off Alabaster and out north of Big Charity Island. An occasional steelhead is being taken along with the walleye.
Au Gres - Those trolling for walleye are doing well north of Big Charity Island in 50 to 65 feet of water. A few perch are being caught along the shipping channel in 40 feet of water south of Pointe Au Gres.
Upper Peninsula
Keweenaw Bay - Angler participation was low but the fish bite seemed to pick up at South Portage Entry over the past week. A combination of lake trout, coho and rainbow were taken in 40 to 80 feet of water off Big Reef, Farmers Reef and Newton’s Reef.
Marquette - Action has been good with limits of lake trout reported. The best success has been north of White Rocks and the Sand Hole in 180 to 200 feet of water, with most fish being caught 20 to 30 feet from the bottom. Spoons are providing the best action with choice colors of silver/gold and orange/melon combination. Good catches of lake trout at Stannard Rock with fish averaging 5 to 28 pounds. If you catch a tagged fish, return it to the address located on the tag or contact your local DNRE office for more information.
Au Train - Good fishing action has been reported for lake trout, with fish averaging 3 to 5 pounds. The best areas have been north of the Wood Island Reef and north of Au Train Island.
Munising - Reports relatively slow fishing activity. Fishing within the bay has been poor though there are some scattered reports of decent fishing in Trout Bay. Anglers fishing the Big Reef are seeing good catches of nice sized lake trout. Trolling assorted color spoons remains the most popular method.
Grand Marais - Lake trout fishing has been good when the weather permits, with some limits being reported 5 to 7 miles north of the bay in the shipping channel. Most are fishing in 150 to 200 feet of water using an assortment of spoons. Good catches of lake trout at the Big Reef. Shore angling remains slow.
St. Mary’s River - Walleye fishing is still good by the powerhouse to Raber Bay using crawler harnesses and jigs.
Indian Lake - Most fishing effort was on the north end of the lake. The wind has been high, which made still fishing difficult. Yellow perch were being taken on the north end and near the rock pile in the center of the lake on crawlers. Anglers drifted or trolled with crawler harnesses or drifted gulp minnows for walleye and a few smaller fish were caught. Smallmouth bass were also caught using the same method.
De Tour - Salmon and trout anglers are still trolling both sides of the shipping channel to the red can on the Drummond Island side, to the number 3 green can and to the lighthouse. Chinook, Atlantic and pink salmon, along with lake and rainbow trout are being taken fishing white, black/white combination or green glow spoons, or green, silver flashers with flies. Walleye are hitting upstream in Raber Bay in front of the launch or Karens Resort. Changing colors frequently seems to be assisting the harvest, with pink or yellow/red crawler harnesses being a favorite.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are fishing from the Hessel Marina pier for perch, pike and bass. The perch catch is excellent with fish averaging 9 inches. Fishing the early morning hours with crawlers or minnows is best. Boat anglers are fishing in front of Haven Island, the south shore of Hessel Bay and Snows Channel. Perch can also be picked up in the east end of Cedarville Bay and in Moscoe Channel casting stick baits in 8 to 12 feet of water. Dredging has begun at the Cedarville launch, which means the launch will be closed for about 3 months. Anglers may use the public access off Four Mile Block on Musky Bay or the tribal launch on Mckay Bay.
St. Ignace - Anglers are tolling for trout and salmon on the bay flats from the old fuel tanks to the Coast Guard Station and to the Edison Plant fishing a green spoon with white and yellow scallops, orange crush or flashers and flies. At the Pine River mouth, catfish are being taken on leeches and rock bass on crawlers.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Anglers are catching nice perch out from Stoney Point and Sterling State Park in 24 to 26 feet of water using shiner minnows. Perch are also being taken out from Lake Erie Metropark Marina and Rat Island.
Detroit River - Walleye anglers are having success fishing at night dragging rapalas and pencil plugs on the American and Canadian side and hand-lining the Lower Trenton Channel. Some perch are being taken around the north side of the cross dike, near buoy 3 and the northeast corner of Celeron island.
Lake St. Clair - Warm waters and windy conditions have kept most anglers away. Those who are venturing out are finding a few walleye out by the channel. Muskie action is good in the middle of the lake.
St. Clair River - Fish are being taken jigging in the mornings and afternoons.
Lexington - Good catches of lake trout and steelhead, with the occasional coho, chinook, and pinks while trolling in 80 to 140 feet of water. Try spoons with greens or blues.
Port Sanilac - Perch action has been hit and miss. Try drifting until you find an active school. Most perch have been coming from weed beds in 15 to 35 feet of water.
Caseville - Those trolling for walleye are converging north of Big Charity Island and fishing the Steeples and around the reefs between Caseville and Port Austin. Fish are regularly being taken as deep as 65 to 70 feet. Find water temperatures around 70 degrees and you’ll find the walleye.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing continues to be slow in the inner bay due to elevated water temperatures. Perch fishing continues to be fair to good along the shipping channel at the Spark Plug at Buoys 11 and 12 and out at Buoys 1, 2 and 18. A few were also taken from the shipping channel near Spoils Island. Perch are hitting minnows, which continue to be in short supply because of the season of the year.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Anglers were reporting good catches of coho on the north pier, as well are out in deeper waters. Perch fishing was reported as fair to good.
St. Joseph River - Fishing was slightly better this week but overall on the slow side. Smallmouth bass were being taken on small crank baits. Anglers fishing on the bottom with live bait were catching drum and a few suckers.
Kalamazoo River - Due to the recent oil spill, a section of the river from Marshall to Morrow Dam is closed to all recreational use including fishing until further notice.
Wamplers Lake - Bluegill were biting 12 to 16 feet down in 6 feet of water with crickets being the most popular bait.
Holland - Anglers were catching some nice perch south of the pier in 40 feet of water.
Grand Haven - Trout and salmon are scattered in deep waters. Try fishing 90 to 110 feet down in waters 100 to 130 feet. Windy weather has made pier fishing slow to non-existent.
Grand River at Lansing - Anglers were catching large and smallmouth bass on baby crawlers, minnows and artificial grub tails. Moores Park was producing walleye in the early morning, while those fishing the afternoon were catching bass and catfish.
Muskegon - High wind and rough water has kept anglers away.
Whitehall - Salmon fishing has been poor as the fish are scattered.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The past weeks hot, humid weather kept many anglers off our lakes. The boat launches were empty. No air conditioning out there! Surface water temperatures on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell hit 82 degrees.
Cooler less humid weather has been forcasted. This week the fishermen and the fish will be more comfortable.
The warm water hasn’t bothered the bass. We’re catching large mouths in all depths, 4 to 20 foot. Expect to find them in the shady areas under docks and pontoons. They suspend at the drop offs or hide in the weed lines. This has been one of the best summers for bass in years.
Although both lakes are full of pike. Northerns of any size have been hard to come by. No trouble catching numbers of throwbacks out of weedbeds. Only a few in the over 30 inch range were reported lately. Deeper, colder water for big pike. Rattle Traps in bleeding colors out fished our favorite spinner baits this week.
Panfish numbers also thinned out with the heat. Those doing best fished the 10 - 12 foot range and deeper. Crappies account for the best numbers. They’re still suspending on the city side of Cadillac. Good size sunfish are coming from the southside of Mitchell in front of the Condos. Seeing catches of good meals but earlier easy limits are past.
MANISTEE RIVER
River salmon season is starting. Reports of salmon in the Little Manistee and the Big Manistee. Not many but it’s starting. On the Big Manistee, a few have been caught by the Udell Rollaways and the Pine Creek area. Sharpen the hooks on your Thundersticks, this season is just beginning.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Hot Fishing Report
Warm weather has really changed the fishing patterns as the fish are in deep water and suspended. Most are reporting a tough bite as it has been to hot to fish. It continues to be hot and just like humans; fish do not like hot weather. Look for cooler water temperatures in the Great Lakes, inland lakes and the rivers. Fish deep because that is where you will find the fish that are active and ready to feed. Salmon fishing has been good at Frankfort and Leland.
Above is a rare find as I got to photograph great grey owlet’s from only the second confirmed nest in Michigan
Warm water seems to be slowing the bite in many shallow lakes. Fish the deeper holes to catch fish in this sunny summer weather
Crickets have been selling good this week so gills are in deep water and crickets are the ticket.
Saginaw Bay -Walleye anglers fishing the inner bay are mostly washing worms or catching freshwater drum and catfish instead. Perch fishing was good. Hot spots were a mile east of the Spark Plug, the Black Hole and near Buoys 9, 4, and 2. The fish are hitting mostly on minnows which seem to be in short supply at some of the local bait shops. If you run out of minnows, try worms, a piece of crawler, or vertical jigging with tiny jigs tipped with power baits. Keepers are running 7 to 10 inches. Those fishing straight out from Sebewaing caught perch in the Slot and trollers off Bay Port were fishing the north end of the Slot. Walleye anglers are fishing the deep water off the Flat Rock Reef which is between Caseville and Port Austin. Look for water temperatures in the low 70’s. Channel cats continue to hit shrimp and crawlers in and near the Hot Pond.
Tittabawasse River -Catfish are biting below Sanford and Dow Dam
Saginaw River- Shore anglers in the lower river are catching some freshwater drum, catfish and the occasional bass.
Whitehall -Salmon are hitting in 80 to 140 feet of water.
Wixom Lake has been good for bass with gills being caught
Mullett Lake -A few trout were caught by those trolling spoons 20 to 40 feet down in waters 70 to 100 feet deep from Red Pine Point to Round Point and near Scott Bay. Walleye fishing was fair with fish ranging 15 to 24 inches. Those targeting yellow perch are fishing near the points, the north sunken island and in the bays. Try 10 to 25 feet of water with crawlers or minnows. For pike, try the bays and near the rivers. More anglers are heading out for bass. Smallmouth were caught in 15 to 25 feet of water near the Aloha State Park, the Indian River and between Long Point and Dodge Point when using crawlers or tube baits.
Oscoda -Pier fishing was slow due to dredging in the river. Boat anglers reported good lake trout fishing 10 to 20 feet off the bottom in 90 to 150 feet of water. Green has been a good color. Steelhead are hitting on anything orange. Try 30 to 40 feet down in 60 to 100 feet of water. Walleye have also been caught.
Higgins Lake - Is producing good numbers of rock bass and some were Master Angler status. Perch anglers have caught the occasional 12 to 14 inch fish. Try fishing around the Sunken Island or along the drop-offs. Lake trout were hitting on bombers, rapalas, or live bait just off the bottom in 100 to 120 feet of water. Those fishing the flats on the north end were jigging for lake trout. Try jigs and twister tails, sand kickers, or Swedish pimples with a minnow or a plain hook.
Houghton Lake - Walleye anglers caught fish in the weeds along the south shore and along the east side of the Middle Grounds. A good number of fish were sub-legal. Pike anglers are using large sucker minnows in shallow waters near the weeds. Perch fishing was slow however fish were found out near the Middle Grounds. Bluegills were hitting on leaf worms, wax worms or leeches.
Tawas -Walleye anglers are trolling in 30 to 70 feet of water with a crawler harness near Buoys 4 & 6 or the weedbeds in deeper water by Buoy 2. Some are trolling down toward Alabaster. The fish are scattered so anglers will need to move around and run baits at different depths until you find an active school of fish. Pier fishing was slow except for a few bass and panfish.
Oscoda- Lake trout are in 60 to 150 feet of water and suspended in 10 to 20 feet of water. Fish have been caught on dodgers with spoons. At the end of the pier, walleye have been caught on body baits. Fire-tiger and clown did well.
Foote Dam Pond - Walleye have been caught off the points in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills were also caught.
Lake Margreathe by Grayling has been real good for gills with crickets and waxworms working best. Also walleye are being caught on leeches and crawlers.
Charlevoix -Is producing good numbers of lake trout when fishing spoons and flasher/fly combos just off the bottom in 120 to 150 feet of water. The salmon are scattered. Try 90 to 110 feet down in waters 120 to 200 feet deep.
Traverse City -Along the East Bay, anglers are still targeting 100 to 120 feet of water for lake trout and whitefish. Morning anglers did best north of Yuba Creek. Boaters heading out on the peninsula are reminded that the launch on Center Road is under construction, so be sure to park in designated parking spots only. Few salmon anglers have been out but the number is starting to increase. Shore anglers fishing the Elk Rapids bypass reported fewer fish but the size was bigger. Leeches seem to work best. In the West Bay, anglers are still marking and catching a decent number of lake trout and whitefish south of the island in 100 feet of water. Salmon anglers are putting their time in however few are bringing in fish.
Lake Leelanau - Had steady walleye action. I have been fishing there but have not found the fish yet but many are in 50 feet of water
Portage Lake -Fishing has been very good around the buoy with bluegills, rock bass and sunfish hitting on worms.
Lake Missaukee -Was good for panfish but walleye fishing was slow.
Lake Cadillac - Cadillac is fortunate to have the City Dock. A great place to catch crappies for shore fishermen. Best catches come early or just before dark. Minnows and jig combinations work.
Lake Mitchell - Walleye are showing up in the deeper areas of both lakes. Catches of onesies and twosies are regular. Mostly just legal in the 15; 16 inch range. Catches of undersized, 12 to 14’s are common. The stockers are growing. Not many fishing for walleye.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair walleye fishing near the Black Bottom and south to Breezy Point when trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water. The First and Second Reef were also producing fish for those using crank baits or crawlers, but many were sub-legal. Bass anglers reported good numbers of smallmouth throughout the Bay. Some nice yellow perch were caught by those jigging crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water off the Narrows. Salmon anglers had little to report.
Big Bay De Noc -Had good yellow perch fishing in Garden Bay. Most were still-fishing crawlers in 8 to 12 feet of water. Good smallmouth bass fishing from Kate’s Bay south to Snake Island. Try tube baits in 12 to 30 feet of water. Fairport had good trout and salmon action for those trolling spoons 80 to 145 feet down in 100 to 180 feet of water.
Indian Lake - A good number of yellow perch were caught by those floating a worm under a slip bobber along the drop-off on the west shore and the weedbeds along the north shore. Walleye anglers were starting to catch a few keepers when trolling a crawler harness along the rock pile in the middle of the lake and along the drop-off on the east side. A few pike and smallmouth bass were also caught.
St. Mary’s River -Walleye are still good in Raber Bay, the north end of Lime Island and the west side of Round Island when trolling crank baits in 6 to 12 feet of water. Good walleye action near Carlton Creek where anglers are trolling pink bladed crawler harnesses with red beads. Northern pike were caught off the docks when casting spoons in the evening. Near 9 Mile Road, walleye anglers are trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses in 25 feet of water. Muskie and pike were reported at the north end of Munuscong Bay and Moon Island.
Cedarville and Hessel - Pier anglers in Hessel are fishing for perch, pike and bass. Perch fishing has been excellent with fish averaging 9 inches. Early morning is best with crawlers on the north end of Haven Island, the south shore of Hessel Bay and first or second cut into Snows Channel. Perch can also be picked up off Cedarville, Little Joe Island, Government Bay or the Moscoe Channel when trolling stick baits in 8 to 12 feet of water. Those targeting pike are trolling the south shore of Hessel Bay, Snows Channel and the south shore of Musky Bay with minnows under a bobber or stick baits in 6 to 12 feet of water. Dredging has begun at the Cedarville launch, which means the launch will be closed for about three months.
Northwest:
Traverse City - Along the East Bay, anglers are still targeting 100 to 120 feet of water for lake trout and whitefish. Morning anglers did best north of Yuba Creek. Boaters heading out on the peninsula are reminded that the launch on Center Road is under construction, so be sure to park in designated parking spots only. Few salmon anglers have been out but the number is starting to increase. Shore anglers fishing the Elk Rapids bypass reported fewer fish but the size was bigger. Leeches seem to work best. In the West Bay, anglers are still marking and catching a decent number of lake trout and whitefish south of the island in 100 feet of water. Salmon anglers are putting their time in however few are bringing in fish.
Boardman River - Few anglers are reporting, seeing or catching fish. Those lucky enough to catch anything were fishing in the early morning.
Frankfort - Some nice catches have been reported by those trolling 80 to 135 feet down in 150 to 220 feet of water. Early mornings are the most productive when using anything that glows before daybreak. Some chinook were caught on meat rigs.
Onekama - Straight out from the lighthouse to 200 feet of water and trolling south seems to be the trick for catching trout and salmon. Try trolling just a little bit faster with J-plugs. A few coho were also reported so the fish are moving into the area.
Portage Lake - Fishing has been very good around the buoy with bluegills, rock bass and sunfish hitting on worms.
Lake Missaukee - Was good for panfish but walleye fishing was slow.
Manistee - Salmon have been caught in 90 to 180 feet of water. Try green plugs or anything that glows.
Ludington - Boat anglers are catching salmon and a few trout in 80 to 160 feet of water. Glow plugs and spoons are working early in the morning and late at night. Green has been a good color in flies and spoons.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - A few trout were caught by those trolling spoons 20 to 40 feet down in waters 70 to 100 feet deep from Red Pine Point to Round Point and near Scott Bay. Walleye fishing was fair with fish ranging 15 to 24 inches. Those targeting yellow perch are fishing near the points, the north sunken island and in the bays. Try 10 to 25 feet of water with crawlers or minnows. For pike, try the bays and near the rivers. More anglers are heading out for bass. Smallmouth were caught in 15 to 25 feet of water near the Aloha State Park, the Indian River and between Long Point and Dodge Point when using crawlers or tube baits.
Rogers City - Lots of baitfish have been marked in shallow waters 40 to 65 feet deep. Smelt were found in chinook, coho, pink salmon, lake trout, steelhead and the occasional brown trout. Try 45 to 80 feet down in waters 40 to 120 feet deep with 3 to 5 colors of lead core off planer boards. Good colors were green, blue, purple, or black and white. Anything that glows early in the morning or later before the sun goes down. Some nice steelhead were caught up high in the water column when using bright colors such as orange and silver.
Presque Isle - Anglers are fishing the top half of waters 120 feet deep when heading straight out of the marina or north towards the lighthouses. The key was to find baitfish because the fish seem to be on a feeding frenzy.
Rockport - Was producing coho, pink salmon and steelhead. Pink salmon were caught 90 feet down in 115 feet of water around Middle Island. Coho were 30 feet down in 60 feet of water and some walleye were taken 15 feet down in 35 to 45 feet of water. Crawler harnesses worked best for walleye.
Long Lake - Boat and shore anglers have caught bass and bluegills.
Alpena - A good number of shore anglers were looking for walleye and channel catfish. Sulfur Island was the best fishing location for boat anglers looking for walleye. Most were bringing back a fish or two caught 30 feet down in 60 feet of water when using crawler harnesses, deep divers, or reef runners.
Thunder Bay River - Shore anglers harvested a few channel cats when using worms. Night fishing always produces more catfish but some were caught during the day as well. Bass and walleye were mostly sub-legal.
Fletchers Pond - Was producing some bass and panfish.
Harrisville - Fishing was slow but lake trout were caught 80 to 90 feet down in 90 to 120 feet of water with green the hot color. Steelhead were caught in waters 60 to 150 feet deep. Try orange on lead core, dipsey’s and sliders. Walleye are out deep and hitting on steelhead rigs.
Oscoda - Pier fishing was slow due to dredging in the river. Boat anglers reported good lake trout fishing 10 to 20 feet off the bottom in 90 to 150 feet of water. Green has been a good color. Steelhead are hitting on anything orange. Try 30 to 40 feet down in 60 to 100 feet of water. Walleye have also been caught.
Au Sable River - Dredging continues but should finish up soon.
Higgins Lake - Is producing good numbers of rock bass and some were Master Angler status. Perch anglers have caught the occasional 12 to 14 inch fish. Try fishing around the Sunken Island or along the drop-offs. Lake trout were hitting on bombers, rapalas, or live bait just off the bottom in 100 to 120 feet of water. Those fishing the flats on the north end were jigging for lake trout. Try jigs and twister tails, sand kickers, or Swedish pimples with a minnow or a plain hook.
Houghton Lake - Walleye anglers caught fish in the weeds along the south shore and along the east side of the Middle Grounds. A good number of fish were sub-legal. Pike anglers are using large sucker minnows in shallow waters near the weeds. Perch fishing was slow however fish were found out near the Middle Grounds. Bluegills were hitting on leaf worms, wax worms or leeches.
Tawas - Pier fishing is slow, with a few panfish and perch in the mornings and the occasional walleye taken at night. Boat anglers have taken some fair catches of perch out by the lighthouse in 15 to 25 feet of water. Walleye fishing was still pretty good south towards Alabaster in deep waters.
Au Gres - Walleye fishing is still good if you’re willing to fish in 50 to 70 feet of water out northeast of Big Charity Island. It is a long way out there, but that’s where the fish have gone to escape the warm water temperatures found in the inner bay. Crawler harnesses seem to work best.
Flint River - Was producing good numbers of smallmouth bass and catfish from Flushing to Montrose.
Shiawassee River - Some walleye were caught up near the dam in Corunna
Upper Peninsula
Keweenaw Bay - Fishing was slow so anglers have not done well in the Bay or the South Portage Entry.
Ontonagon - Fishing has been good for salmon and lake trout. Best time to fish was 6-10 a.m. and again in the evening. Most are trolling spoons in 100 feet of water.
Marquette - Had fair fishing with a few limits of lake trout taken north of White Rocks and the Sand Hole in 180 to 200 feet of water.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair walleye fishing near the Black Bottom and south to Breezy Point when trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water. The First and Second Reef were also producing fish for those using crank baits or crawlers, but many were sub-legal. Bass anglers reported good numbers of smallmouth throughout the Bay. Some nice yellow perch were caught by those jigging crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water off the Narrows. Salmon anglers had little to report.
Big Bay De Noc - Had good yellow perch fishing in Garden Bay. Most were still-fishing crawlers in 8 to 12 feet of water. Good smallmouth bass fishing from Kate’s Bay south to Snake Island. Try tube baits in 12 to 30 feet of water. Fairport had good trout and salmon action for those trolling spoons 80 to 145 feet down in 100 to 180 feet of water.
Au Train - Fishing was a bit slow. Lake trout averaging 3 to 5 pounds were caught north of the Wood Island Reef and north of Au Train Island in 150 to 200 feet of water. No reports on salmon or steelhead. Surface water temperatures were 70 degrees in the Bay and the upper 60’s near the Wood Island Reef.
Munising - Lake trout fishing was just average in Trout Bay, near Wood Island and along the Pictured Rocks coastline. Anglers are trolling an assorted color of spoons. Shore anglers reported slow catch rates for splake. Time of day does not seem to make much difference in success rates.
Grand Marais - Lake trout fishing was good with some limit catches reported 5 to 7 miles north of the bay in the shipping channel. Some are also heading west and fishing near Au Sable Point. Most are fishing in 150 to 200 feet of water. Those fishing high lines 50 to 75 feet down caught a few coho and steelhead. Shore anglers targeting pike and perch near the boat launch had little success.
St. Mary’s River - Walleye are still good in Raber Bay, the north end of Lime Island and the west side of Round Island when trolling crank baits in 6 to 12 feet of water. Good walleye action near Carlton Creek where anglers are trolling pink bladed crawler harnesses with red beads. Northern pike were caught off the docks when casting spoons in the evening. Near 9 Mile Road, walleye anglers are trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses in 25 feet of water. Muskie and pike were reported at the north end of Munuscong Bay and Moon Island.
De Tour - Salmon and trout anglers are still trolling both sides of the shipping channel to the red can on the Drummond Island side or the green can to the lighthouse. Salmon were hitting 20 to 35 feet down and trout were about 50 feet down in 100 feet of water. Some large lake trout were hitting past the lighthouse near the Humps. Try white spoons with a red nose, green or purple.
Cedarville and Hessel - Pier anglers in Hessel are fishing for perch, pike and bass. Perch fishing has been excellent with fish averaging 9 inches. Early morning is best with crawlers on the north end of Haven Island, the south shore of Hessel Bay and first or second cut into Snows Channel. Perch can also be picked up off Cedarville, Little Joe Island, Government Bay or the Moscoe Channel when trolling stick baits in 8 to 12 feet of water. Those targeting pike are trolling the south shore of Hessel Bay, Snows Channel and the south shore of Musky Bay with minnows under a bobber or stick baits in 6 to 12 feet of water. Dredging has begun at the Cedarville launch, which means the launch will be closed for about three months.
Carp River - Anglers are catching northern pike using weedless baits.
St. Ignace - Anglers are still targeting trout and salmon between the fuel tanks and the Flats or the Edison Plant and the Coast Guard Station. Try purple spoons with a black ladder or green and silver flashers with a fly or squid. At the mouth of the Pine River, catfish were hitting on leeches and rock bass were caught on crawlers.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Those fishing out of Monroe were doing well for perch with limit catches reported. The odd walleye was also caught. Hot spots to fish were Stoney Point, LaPlaisance Bay and Buoys 1 and 2 of the River Raisin Channel. Perch fishing was also good in 18 to 23 feet of water off Luna Pier and in front of the Fermi Plant. Channel cat action has also been good.
Huron River - Is producing a few northern pike below Flat Rock.
Detroit River - Walleye anglers are having marginal success on the lower end of the river including the Trenton Channel.
St. Clair River - Target the deeper waters for walleye. Fish were caught in both the Middle and the South Channel.
Lexington - Is producing lots of steelhead for those trolling in 60 to 100 feet of water and fishing the top half of the water column. Coho and pinks were also caught.
Port Sanilac - Has fair to good numbers of steelhead in waters up to 130 feet deep. Perch fishing seems to have tapered off.
Harbor Beach - Lake trout were caught in 120 to 140 feet of water north of the harbor. Try using plain spoons off downriggers or ghost dodgers with spin and glows down on the bottom. Best colors have been glow in the dark, white with pink dots, and black. Some nice steelhead were caught in 120 to 140 feet of water with the line back 50 feet off the downrigger and down about 60 feet. Use small lures in bright colors such as orange, pink, yellow and silver or red with green. Walleye were caught straight out and north of the harbor on crawler harnesses, small spoons or body baits. Gold, root beer, perch, purple, green and red were good colors. Start in 25 foot of water and work out to 60 feet until you find fish. Salmon fishing was slow.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye anglers fishing the inner bay are mostly washing worms or catching freshwater drum and catfish instead. Perch fishing was good. Hot spots were a mile east of the Spark Plug, the Black Hole and near Buoys 9, 4, and 2. The fish are hitting mostly on minnows which seem to be in short supply at some of the local bait shops. If you run out of minnows, try worms, a piece of crawler, or vertical jigging with tiny jigs tipped with power baits. Keepers are running 7 to 10 inches. Those fishing straight out from Sebewaing caught perch in the Slot and trollers off Bay Port were fishing the north end of the Slot. Walleye anglers are fishing the deep water off the Flat Rock Reef which is between Caseville and Port Austin. Look for water temperatures in the low 70’s. Channel cats continue to hit shrimp and crawlers in and near the Hot Pond.
Saginaw River - Shore anglers in the lower river are catching some freshwater drum, catfish and the occasional bass.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Salmon and trout were caught with downriggers set 40 to 60 feet down in waters 50 to 120 feet deep. Most anglers caught chinook and steelhead.
St. Joseph River - Overall fishing was slow except for smallmouth bass hitting on small crank baits or minnows. Some were small. A few walleye were also caught however fishing was spotty and the fish were on the small side. Most anglers are using minnows or drifting crawlers.
South Haven - Boats here have also caught chinook and steelhead about 50 feet down in 60 to 80 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow.
Kalamazoo River - Due to the recent oil spill, a section of the river from Marshall to Morrow Dam is closed to all recreational use including fishing until further notice.
Grand Haven - Trout and salmon were caught in 120 to 170 feet of water with downriggers set between 85 feet down and the bottom. Paddles and flies in blue, green and white were good at the deeper depths, while green or glow J-plugs worked higher in the water column.
Grand River at Lansing - Large and smallmouth bass were caught on red worms or crawlers near the North Lansing Dam. At Moore’s Park, catfish were still hitting and some nice bluegills were caught on red worms and crawlers below the dam. Good catfish action near Portland.
Lake Ovid - Bass were caught in shallow waters in the early morning or evening. For bigger bluegills, try fishing near the bottom in deeper water.
Muskegon - The fish cleaning station at Muskegon State Park is open. Boats are trolling anywhere from 65 feet down to the bottom in waters 90 to 220 feet deep. Colder water was found 200 to 220 feet deep. Use paddles and flies or J-plugs here as well. No perch to report.
Muskegon River - Walleye fishing was good at the Hardy Dam Pond. Some were keepers but many were sub-legal.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP 231-775-5412
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
The bite continues! Dispite heavy wind and rain, good catches are common. Our vacationers are happy.
Both large and small mouths are cooperating. Try top water fishing at dawn and dusk for some real fun. During the day the flats hold active fish.
The tooth crritters have been biting all day long. Spinner baits account for most of our pike. White and blends of white are the local favorites on Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac.
For August we’re experiencing better than average pan fishing. Forget the small ones in the shallows. Either lake, the best sizes of gills, sunfish and crappie are being caught in 10 foot and deeper.
Cadillac is fortunate to have the City Dock. A great place to catch crappies for shore fishermen. Best catches come early or just before dark. Minnows and jig combinations work.
Walleye are showing up in the deeper areas of both lakes. Catches of onesies and twosies are regular. Mostly just legal in the 15; 16 inch range. Catches of undersized, 12 to 14’s are common. The stockers are growing. Not many fishing for walleye.