Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Mother’s Day Fishing Report
Walleye and pike fishing was fair to good and should only get better. Crappie fishing slowed however the bluegill bite has started to pick up and the catfish are active.The “Catch & Immediate Release” bass season for the Lower Peninsula is open. Fishing on the big lakes has been a challenge due to strong winds. Large and smallmouth bass fishing has been good however anglers are reminded these fish must be released immediately. White bass have started to bite in southeast Michigan.
Cold weather and wind have made things tough this week.
New Walleye Regulations for Mullett Lake and Associated Rivers
The new regulations take effect for the 2010 fishing season on April 1. The regulations were developed in collaboration with many of the recreational fishing groups in the area, as well as the Indian River Chamber of Commerce. Changes to the regulations include a change in bag limit and season length for walleye for state-licensed recreational anglers. The regulations cover Mullett Lake proper, the Cheboygan River from Mullett Lake downstream to the Cheboygan Dam, and the Black River from Alverno Dam downstream to its confluence with the Cheboygan River.
In those areas, the bag limit for the harvest of walleye by state-licensed recreational anglers will be three walleye per day. The walleye season for state-licensed recreational anglers on Mullett Lake will be May 15 to March 15.
The State and Tribes have agreed to work together to develop a multi-faceted approach to monitoring and enhancing the walleye population over next five years, through the 2014 fishing season.
The plan includes a collaborative assessment and monitoring program by both the state and the Tribes that encompasses continued creel surveys for the 2010 fishing season, a joint assessment of the entire chain of lakes, and longer term the potential to develop a joint fish stocking effort.
“These changes will protect the adult walleye population in the lake, while offering state-licensed recreational anglers the opportunity to continue harvesting walleye,” said DNR Fisheries Chief Kelley Smith. “Both the State and the Tribes are concerned with the walleye population in the lake, and our plan is to address it together.”
Saginaw Bay - Had good catches of walleye on the calmer days in 16 feet of water off Linwood, 8 to 20 feet of water off the Bay City State Park, around Spoils Island, and on the Callahan Reef. Crawler harnesses are the popular bait. Walleye fishing near Quanicassee was hit-or-miss. Not much activity at Sebewaing however the channel buoys are now in place. Those heading out from Bay Port caught a few walleye out in the Slot. Boat anglers from Caseville are heading south to the Slot or fishing around the buoy off the end of Sand Point.
Tittabawasse River -Walleye fishing here is just about done. A few fish still remain, but most have headed back out to the bay. Anglers are catching and releasing a lot of smallmouth bass, and the white bass runs are starting.
Saginaw River Some walleye are still being caught in the lower river near the Karn-Weadok Power Plant. Fish were caught on jigs with crawlers. This location is a good alternative to fighting the wind out on the bay.
Wixom Lake has a good crappie and gill bite. A few pike and walleye also.
Portage Lake - Perch anglers were out however only small fish in the 5 to 7 inch range were caught. Try wigglers in 15 to 20 feet of water near the mouth. The northern pike opener was good with some nice fish caught in shallow waters when using spoons, body baits or spinners.
Houghton Lake - Walleye are being caught when drifting crawlers and leeches in 4 to 5 feet of water. Minnows work best at night, even in the canals. Bluegill fishing has slowed once again but a few big ones were still caught. Look for crappie in the canals.
Lake Cadillac -Walleye anglers have started to catch a few fish when jigging minnows or casting rapalas. Pike anglers are doing well however many were on the smaller side. Crappie fishing was fair to good in 8 to 12 feet of water. Bluegills have started to bite.
Lake Mitchell - Also has walleye action for those fishing at night. Pike fishing is always good and panfish are being caught during the day.
Big Bay De Noc - Perch fishing was fair in the shallows however the fish have now moved out deeper. South River Bay should be a good area for the bass opener.
Little Bay De Noc - Perch anglers reported fair to good fishing off the sandbar near the Day’s River when still-fishing worms or wigglers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Those looking for panfish have caught smallmouth bass however anglers are reminded that the catch and immediate release bass season does not open until May 15th.
Spring fishing is just getting started. Anglers 17 years of age and older are required to have the new 2010 Michigan Fishing License by April 1st. Strong storms this week have raised water levels in the rivers and that should help those seeking steelhead and suckers. Colder weather by the end of the week will most likely slow the bite for panfish however it should rebound with the next warm up. As we move into spring fishing, anglers are reminded that bass season is closed.The 2010 regulations also go into effect on April 1st. Fishing Guides should be available from all license vendors.
Northwest:
Traverse City - Lake trout fishing has picked up when boats can get out in the West Bay. Those not able to connect with fish in deep water were using spoons in 20 feet of water on the east side of the bay. Perch were hit-or-miss in Suttons Bay. In the East Bay, anglers were starting to mark good numbers of lake trout in 100 feet of water off the public access site.
Elk River - Is producing some steelhead. Perch have moved in by the dam at the bypass and were caught in good numbers by those using a teardrop with a piece of worm or shrimp.
Boardman River - Walleye were seen near the dam but the bite was slow. Anglers might want to try a crawler harness with a blade west of Union Street.
Frankfort - Brown trout have been caught when boats can get out. Most are still trolling body baits.
Lake Cadillac - Walleye anglers have started to catch a few fish when jigging minnows or casting rapalas. Pike anglers are doing well however many were on the smaller side. Crappie fishing was fair to good in 8 to 12 feet of water. Bluegills have started to bite.
Lake Mitchell - Also has walleye action for those fishing at night. Pike fishing is always good and panfish are being caught during the day.
Manistee - Brown trout along with a few salmon have been caught when trolling the shoreline with small spoons or body baits. Pier anglers reported slow catch rates for perch and brown trout.
Ludington - Those able to get out have caught salmon and trout in waters 10 to 30 feet deep. Small green and orange spoons worked best.
Northeastern Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - Walleye fishing remains closed until May 15th. Surface water temperatures range from the low to mid 50’s. Pike anglers are trolling or casting stick baits, crank baits or spoons in Pigeon Bay. Some are still-fishing with minnows. Fish waters 8 to 24 feet deep.
Burt Lake - Is producing some decent catches of walleye.
Rogers City - A few lake trout were caught north and south of the port when fishing in waters less than 30 feet deep. No limit catches to report.
Alpena - Boat anglers fishing Thunder Bay have caught some walleye when fishing the shoreline between the boat launch and the cement plant. Try reef runners 3 to 4 feet down in 12 to 14 feet of water. Walleye were caught along the north shore when trolling in 15 feet of water. Chartreuse was a good color. Most walleye were caught at night when trolling green crawler harnesses or glow-in-the-dark body baits. A few pike were caught and those pre-season bass fishing did well in 10 feet of water with tube baits or minnows.
Thunder Bay River - Steelhead fishing is pretty much done. Most of the fish have turned dark however there was still quite a bit of fishing pressure. Some were drifting yellow beads and wax worms. No walleye were caught but smallmouth bass were.
Otsego Lake - Had fair to good walleye fishing.
Harrisville - Walleye fishing was steady on the wall and for boats fishing close to shore. Body baits and crawler harnesses are working well, fire-tiger or anything with a splash of red caught fish. Steelhead and lake trout are still in close, between 25 to 65 feet of water, straight out and north of the harbor. Salmon were also caught. The fish were good size and healthy.
Oscoda - Morning walleye catches have increased with most anglers catching their limits. Crawlers worked best. Those fishing off the end of the pier caught walleye and steelhead when casting body baits.
Au Sable River - Steelhead anglers are using spawn, flies and wax worms. A few walleye were caught when trolling body baits and crawler harnesses, especially near the mouth. A few suckers can still be found near Foote Dam.
Higgins Lake - Strong winds have limited fishing opportunities however those going out have caught lake trout along the drop-off.
Houghton Lake - Walleye are being caught when drifting crawlers and leeches in 4 to 5 feet of water. Minnows work best at night, even in the canals. Bluegill fishing has slowed once again but a few big ones were still caught. Look for crappie in the canals.
Tawas - Walleye anglers did best down by Whitestone Point in 15 to 30 feet of water or when jigging near the reef. Boat anglers inside the bay caught a few pike and smallmouth bass. Pier anglers were catching and sorting small perch.
Au Gres - A few walleye were caught between Point Au Gres and Point Lookout. Some did well near the Gravelly Shoals. A few were running as far north as Whitestone Point. Try crank baits or meat rigs in 30 feet of water.
Au Gres River - Anglers are starting to pick up some channel catfish. Those fishing the surf at night near the Singing Bridge have caught walleye.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Early morning salmon fishing was good in waters 15 to 25 feet deep. Windy conditions have limited fishing opportunities.
Ontonagon - Lake trout fishing was good along the mud line and for those going out to waters 60 feet deep. Salmon are still showing up but most of the fish caught have been lake trout.
Keweenaw Bay - Catch rates were slow but those willing to put in the time did catch some coho when trolling spoons or body baits 35 to 60 feet down in 40 to 70 feet of water. In Traverse Bay, those jigging for lake trout did well off the stacks in 150 to 170 feet of water.
Marquette - The marinas are now open in both the upper and lower harbors. Those out salmon fishing said the coho action was slow however some nice chinook in the 5 to 7 pound range were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water when trolling from the lower harbor to the Chocolay River. There has been an increase in lake trout, steelhead and chinook over the last week. Limits of lake trout were caught out near Stannard Rock.
Little Bay De Noc - Perch anglers reported fair to good fishing off the sandbar near the Day’s River when still-fishing worms or wigglers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Those looking for panfish have caught smallmouth bass however anglers are reminded that the catch and immediate release bass season does not open until May 15th.
Whitefish River - Steelhead action was slow however a few fish were caught up past the first bridge.
Big Bay De Noc - Perch fishing was fair in the shallows however the fish have now moved out deeper. South River Bay should be a good area for the bass opener.
Au Train -Catch rates for coho continue to be good and lake trout action was fair for those trolling rapalas and assorted spoons from the red rock area to the mouth of the Au Train River. Some nice brown trout along with a few chinook were also caught.
Munising - Coho fishing slowed however windy conditions have impacted angler efforts. Lake trout fishing has started with fair results. Shore and pier anglers have caught the occasional splake or whitefish when using spawn bags or natural baits.
Grand Marais - Pier anglers caught good numbers of whitefish when the weather was good. Boat anglers caught the occasional coho or steelhead.
Manistique Lakes - Perch anglers on both lakes have had some success.
Tahquamenon River - Anglers should be able to catch some steelhead.
St. Mary’s River - Bay De Wausi, of Lake Nicolet is producing some yellow perch in 4 to 6 feet of water when using worms or minnows. A few whitefish were caught by those drifting spawn bags with 4 to 6 ounce sinkers and three way swivels off the Portage Street Bridge.
De Tour - Lake trout anglers were trolling around the #3 Green Can. No Atlantic salmon were seen or recorded. Angler pressure was low even as smaller spawners were entering Albany Creek.
Cedarville and Hessel - Boat anglers are fishing Hessel Bay for splake and Atlantic salmon. Pier anglers and those still-fishing were using spoons and minnows while those trolling were using spoons and rapalas. The splake regulations have changed this year so be sure to review page 11 in your 2010 Fishing Guide. Numerous small perch along with the occasional keeper were caught.
Carp River - Steelhead action did slow however some fish were still being caught at the mouth and up near the McDonald Rapids. Spawn bags or small spinners in silver or gold caught fish.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Boat anglers are catching a few walleye when trolling harnesses near the Fermi Power Plant and the Banana Dike. Good largemouth bass fishing near Pte. Mouillee.
Huron River - Has good large and smallmouth bass fishing for those looking to participate in the catch and immediate release fishing. Most are floating minnows under a bobber. No word on walleye however muskie and pike can be found in the backwaters. Crappie anglers will also want to check the backwaters.
Detroit River - Walleye are heading for the lake so the better fishing has been in the lower river around Humbug Island, Grosse Ile, Calf Island and Celeron Island. Most are trolling harnesses with minnows and crawlers or jigging minnows in 13 to 16 feet of water. Good colors were brown, green, purple and black. White bass are in and have been caught in the Trenton Channel near the Edison discharge. Good largemouth bass action around Celeron Island and Gibraltar.
Lake St. Clair - Anglers have done well when vertical jigging or trolling planer boards. Look for panfish in and around the marinas.
St. Clair River - Catch rates for walleye were fair when vertical jigging or trolling.
Lexington - Those out trolling in 20 to 40 feet of water with spoons or body baits have caught a mix of lake trout, chinook, coho, steelhead, pink salmon and the occasional brown trout.
Port Sanilac - Had the same report as Lexington with boats taking fish in 20 to 40 feet of water.
Harbor Beach - Lake trout fishing continues to be good straight out, north and south of the port. Use medium spoons or body baits off downriggers and offshore boards in 30 to 60 feet of water. Best colors have been blue, silver, purple, and yellow. A few salmon were caught. For steelhead, try bright colors off the boards. Brown trout were caught in shallow waters on small spoons or body baits.
Port Austin - Shore and pier anglers are catching and releasing smallmouth bass.
Saginaw Bay - Had good catches of walleye on the calmer days in 16 feet of water off Linwood, 8 to 20 feet of water off the Bay City State Park, around Spoils Island, and on the Callahan Reef. Crawler harnesses are the popular bait. Walleye fishing near Quanicassee was hit-or-miss. Not much activity at Sebewaing however the channel buoys are now in place. Those heading out from Bay Port caught a few walleye out in the Slot. Boat anglers from Caseville are heading south to the Slot or fishing around the buoy off the end of Sand Point.
Tittabawasse River - Walleye fishing here is just about done. A few fish still remain, but most have headed back out to the bay. Anglers are catching and releasing a lot of smallmouth bass, and the white bass runs are starting.
Saginaw River - Some walleye are still being caught in the lower river near the Karn-Weadok Power Plant. Fish were caught on jigs with crawlers. This location is a good alternative to fighting the wind out on the bay.
Quanicassee River - A few channel catfish were caught by shore anglers.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
Brook trout fishing has been very good on the smaller streams in the region. Fish averaged 10 to 13 inches. Bluegill fishing on the inland lakes is starting to heat up.
St. Joe River - Some steelhead are still being caught up near the Berrien Springs Dam. Look for crappie in the backwaters.
Kalamazoo River - Is producing a few brown trout. Anglers are reminded that a one-mile stretch of the river between the City of Plainwell and the Penn Central Railroad crossing is again closed to the public for final cleanup efforts. The DNRE will utilize buoys and signs to alert the public of the restricted access to the affected part of the river. The closure starts near the northern road ending of 16th Street and Baseline Road and continues northwest toward the city of Plainwell. Access downstream of D Avenue is not recommended as there is no take out point before you reach the closed section.
Grand Haven - Perch fishing has been a challenge as the fish are in small schools which makes locating them and trying to stay in the area difficult, especially during windy conditions. Limit catches were few and far between. Those lucky enough to find some reported fish in the 7 to 12 inch range. Try wigglers south of the pier in 60 to 75 feet of water.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - Anglers are still catching the occasional steelhead. Crappie fishing was good for boat and shore anglers near the Post Office, Amway Grand, and the Museum. Bluegills, rock bass and pike were caught at Riverside Park but the action was a little slower this year. Smallmouth bass were caught below the dam when using crawlers and leeches. At Millennium Park, pike were hitting on spinners and body baits, bluegills on leaf worms and wax worms and crappie on wax worms and minnows. Channel catfish were caught on cut bait and chicken liver.
Grand River at Lansing - The North Lansing Dam has been a good spot for walleye, bass and pike. Moore’s Park is producing good numbers of channel catfish and the point where the Grand meets the Red Cedar is producing pike and catfish. Good numbers of carp have been caught between the North Lansing and the Moore’s Park Dam. Look for bluegill and crappie in the backwaters.
Maple River - Those seeking catfish have caught both channel and flathead near the State Game Area on US-127 and in the town of Maple Rapids. Some big fish have been caught. Crappie fishing has also been good.
Lake Ovid - Continues to produce some nice catfish. A few muskie were caught on small bluegills.
Morrison Lake - Still has good crappie fishing in 8 to 12 feet of water. Minnows work best. Bluegills have started to stage in shallow waters 4 to 6 feet deep.
Wamplers Lake - A few crappie were caught on minnows. Bluegills are starting to move into warm shallow waters during the day. Many are using black spiders tipped with a spike.
Crystal Lake - In Montcalm County is also producing some big crappie. The fish are suspended in roughly 8 to 12 feet of water. The bluegills are starting to move in shallow.
Duck Lake - Anglers are catching more bluegills. Black spiders tipped with a spike were the ticket. No word on walleye activity.
Reeds Lake - Bluegills and crappie were in shallow waters on sunny days. Perch were caught in 15 to 40 feet of water. For pike, anglers were drifting suckers behind the boat.
Thornapple River - Has very good pike fishing near Ada and Cascade. Anglers are using a variety of spinners including large bucktail spinners. Some are drifting suckers behind the boat.
Muskegon - Walleye have been caught up near Hardy Dam.
White River - Had good trout fishing with brown trout ranging from 16 to 18 inches caught up near the Hesperia Dam.
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
Something’s missing. The last couple of mornings the winds have been calm, we haven’t had frost and the rain stops at daybreak. Good for us fishermen and mushroom hunters, both.
This spring trout fishing has been good, even with low water. Live bait and spinners are all effective. Catching mostly browns with a mix of rainbows and brook trout.
Steve Dumont shows off a 21” rainbow he caught on a local stream. There’s more where this one came from.
Both Mitchell and Cadillac are famous for Master Angler size bowfin. Spring’s the time to catch one and hang on.
Chris Somes caught and released a big dog - 30 inches, 8 ½ pounder on Cadillac. Another Master Angler to be caught another day.
Fishing on Saginaw Bay, Ken Kanouse and his boys also caught a Master
Angler. This one an exceptional 30”, 12 `½ pound channel catfish. Everyone will remember this trip.
Our lakes haven’t had much pressure because of the earlier heavy winds. However most of those who went out have done well.
Crappies have and are cooperating. Best chances are on the Cadillac Side. Schools should be found in the 8 to 10’ depths, two to three football fields from the canal. Drift till you find them then anchor. Some bragging size and mixed in the catches.
The first sign of bluegills and sunfish started this weekend.
These and more were caught in the shallows during the warmest part of the day. They gave their location away because they were seen sunning themselves in about a foot of water. No evidence of them being on beds yet. It will happen earlier then normal.
Pike fishing seems to be good anytime on our lakes. The numbers are there but large pike have been hard to find. The largest we’ve seen since the opener was 38 inches. The majority of the catches have been in the 22 to 27 inch range. Big ones are there to be found.
Every ones favorite, walleye are starting to be caught. No pattern, just one or two here or there. Catches we’re aware of have been just before dark. Those catching them don’t give us a lot of detailed information. Some boated jig fishing with minnows or casting Husky Jerk Rapalas.
The 2010 Spring DNR Walleye Survey on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell took place Thursday night April 29th. Electro Fishing boats were used on both lakes. On Lake Cadillac most walleyes were in the 8 to 9 inch range with some up to 16 inches. Better numbers were caught on Lake Mitchell. Similar size ranges were caught but also numbers in the 11 to 12 inch. “The good news is that we appear to have at least three year classes that are either sub-legal or just reaching legal size.” According to Mark Tenello Fisheries Management Biologist. Walleye fishing has a bright future on our lakes.
Get out and enjoy this spring weather - - - Go Fish!
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