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Greg Alsip fromLake Leelanau Narrows Resort caught these nice walleye on Lake Leelanau.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: Anglers are getting a few chinook, steelhead or lake trout but they are working to get them. Try straight out from the harbor, south towards Swan Bay and Adams Point or north and west near the State Park and Forty Mile Point. Most are fishing halfway down in waters 40 to 150 feet deep with spoons, plugs and flashers with squid or flies. Good colors were blue and silver, orange and silver, orange and green, black and white, purple, green or chartreuse.

Presque Isle: The better fishing was straight out from the red can and north between the two lighthouses in 45 to 130 feet of water.

Rockport: Walleye were caught however anglers need to move around to find them. Most are using crank baits but crawler harnesses may also be a good choice. The fish are scattered throughout the water column. Salmon were caught 40 to 70 feet down in 100 to 200 feet. Spoons worked best.

Alpena: Most of the walleye were caught both north and south of the bay. The fish are scattered throughout the water column. Lake trout were caught out near the Humps. Anglers are trolling deep with spin-glows behind flashers.

Thunder Bay River: Gave up a few smallmouth bass and rock bass.

Harrisville: Few anglers have been out. A couple chinook were caught by those casting spoons in the harbor. This seems a bit early but the cool water temperatures may jump start the pier fishing. Walleye seem to be moving in from deeper water. More boats are fishing north of the harbor and near the Black River. Late night was best for walleye in 25 to 100 feet when using spoons, crawler harnesses and body baits.

Oscoda: Catch rates were slow as the fish were scattered.

Au Sable River: Steelhead should be making their way in especially with the cooler water temperatures. Catfish have been caught in good numbers in the late evening. Crawlers and minnows worked best. Walleye catches were slim and most of the fish were on the small side. A good number of smallmouth bass are in the river.

Higgins Lake: Those trolling spoons, body baits, cowbells and rapalas continue to catch lake trout. Those jigging Swedish pimples, sand kickers and small spoons just off the bottom have also caught fish. Perch anglers are still taking some fish around Treasure Island and the Sunken Island. Rock bass are everywhere.

Houghton Lake: Catch rates were slow but a few walleye were caught. Cooler water temperatures have the bluegill in 6 to 8 feet.

Tawas: Those trolling are heading out past Buoy #2 to waters 35 to 45 feet deep. Some are fishing around Tawas Point and up near Au Sable Point in 80 feet. Walleye were suspended 25 to 50 feet down. In Tawas Bay, a few walleye were caught on crawler harnesses in 20 to 25 feet off Jerry’s Marina.

Au Gres: Still has a good number of walleye anglers. A few limit catches were taken by the die-hards. Some are heading straight out from the mouth of the river to waters 25 to 35 feet deep but catch rates were slow. Others are traveling anywhere between 2 and 9 miles south of Pointe Au Gres. A few were perch fishing in 35 to 40 feet off the hotel but most of the fish caught were small.

Au Gres River: Is producing a good number of catfish and some freshwater drum.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Harbor Springs: Most of the boat anglers were fishing around Harbor Point in 180 to 200 feet of water. The salmon were up higher in 60 to 80 feet but the lake trout were deeper at 100 to 120 feet. Spoons were the ticket.

Petoskey: Few fish were seen or caught off the breakwall, the D-Pier, or at the Bobber Hole. A couple salmon were caught between the pier and the water treatment plant. Salmon and lake trout were caught 90 feet down in 120 feet of water with spoons, flashers and flies. One angler managed to land a 27 pound salmon.

Bear River: Chinook and steelhead can be found up near the dam however the big push of fish has not yet occurred. The fish being caught are the typical early ones that come in every year.

Charlevoix: Boat anglers are getting a few salmon but catch rates were still low. The fish caught were over 20 pounds and taken 80 to 100 feet down in 90 to 120 feet between North and South Point. Fish were caught on spoons without dodgers, dipseys and green flies. Salmon, lake trout and cisco were caught off Fisherman’s Island. Lake trout were 70 to 85 feet down in 120 feet and cisco were 80 feet down. Pier anglers caught rock bass and sub-legal smallmouth bass on crawlers, minnows and leeches.

Traverse City: Chinook have been caught in the East Bay. Most were running about 80 feet down, but the fish were scattered. Some were caught just 50 feet down. Numbers are low, but the salmon are very good size, up to 30 pounds. Lake trout and the occasional whitefish were caught. Smallmouth bass fishing was decent in 40 to 50 feet. Try drop-shotting with plastic baits. In the West Bay, salmon were caught by those trolling along the west shore. Try spoons or a Hoochie Mama 50 to 90 feet down in 90 to 200 feet of water. A few lake trout were caught. Those looking for smallmouth bass will want to fish the drop-off in 30 to 50 feet.

Elk River: Anglers have caught smallmouth bass and rock bass on plastics, crawlers, and leeches. There has been rumor of salmon or steelhead being spotted near the power dam.

Boardman River: Fishing was slow with only a few smallmouth bass or rock bass taken. A couple steelhead and salmon were in the river but they will not stay long with the warmer temperatures.

Frankfort: Has good fishing with several chinook salmon weighing in between 22 and 30 pounds. Anglers are heading straight west of the lighthouse to waters 180 to 220 feet and then trolling 55 to 110 feet down while heading north. Fish were caught on splatter back plugs, meat rigs, UV ladder back spoons in green or blue and flies. Coho and steelhead were also caught. Early morning is best.

Onekama: Is producing some fish. Anglers are trolling 60 to 90 feet down in 180 to 220 feet with J-plugs. Those trolling north to the “Barrel” reported lots of baitfish right along with trout and salmon in 60 to 70 feet.

Portage Lake: Those looking for bass and panfish will want to look for an area where the fish are moving in and out of the shallows. Those moving around seem to catch more fish.

Lake Cadillac: Is producing some bluegills along the weed beds. Those fishing near the High School did well for pike and bass. Crappie were a bit scattered but some have taken limit catches.

Lake Mitchell: Has good pike fishing. Try spoons or live bait. Panfish are being caught along the weed beds.

Manistee: Boat anglers found trout and salmon 40 to 90 feet down in 60 to 220 feet of water with glow spoons, plugs or meat rigs. Hot colors were green, red or purple.

Manistee River: Continues to provide very good smallmouth bass fishing. A light number of salmon were reported in the lower river.

Ludington: Trout and salmon were caught anywhere from 60 to 400 feet of water. Early morning was best. Coho and steelhead were taken on glow spoons, plugs or meat rigs. Good colors were green and orange, black and white or red. Freshwater drum were caught but pier fishing is slow.

Pere Marquette River: Has a light run of salmon moving into the lower river, but no big numbers yet as it is still a bit early. Anglers continue to catch a fair to good number of brown trout when casting small spoons or flies.

Pentwater: Fishing was good as salmon and trout moved in closer to shore. Some caught fish in 60 to 80 feet while others did well in 200 feet or more when trolling 50 to 70 feet down with red, orange and glow spoons. Pier fishing was slow.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Keweenaw Bay: Catch rates were hit-or-miss but anglers did manage to catch chinook, coho and lake trout. Fish were caught between Sand Point and the red rocks when using spoons 25 to 75 feet down in 30 to 80 feet. Trolling speeds were between 1.2 and 2.6 mph. Those jigging for lake trout did best out from the pine tree on Pequaming Point. Boats trolling near the Lighthouse, Farmers, Newton’s and the Big Reef took a fair number of coho and lake trout 25 to 70 feet down in 30 to 90 feet. Traverse Bay anglers are jigging for lake trout in 170 to 220 feet off Gay Point and Big Louie’s Point or trolling 60 to 145 feet down in 80 to 150 feet. Fish were also caught near Five Mile and Six Mile Reef.

Marquette: Surface water temperatures are averaging 60 degrees. Most anglers are targeting lake trout because few salmon were caught. They are heading north towards Presque Isle and the Clay Banks and using spoons or flies tipped with cut bait. Lake trout were averaging 4 pounds but a few were up to 12 pounds. A large fish weighing in at 34 pounds was caught last week! Some lake trout were caught out near Stannard Rock.

Menominee: Those heading out to the Whalesback and Green Island for salmon have not had much luck. Many were switching to walleye fishing. They are trolling north and south along the first drop off.

Menominee River: Those trolling crawlers or rapalas have caught smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, catfish and freshwater drum.

Cedar River: Anglers caught some nice smallmouth bass right along with the small ones when drifting crawlers, artificial shad or crayfish.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye fishing was slow. Anglers were trolling or drifting crawler harnesses or rapalas in 18 to 23 feet of water near the mouth of the Escanaba River. When the weather allows, boats were heading south to Round Island, the “Fingers” or the Minneapolis Shoals. Those trolling crank baits in the early morning caught fish in 10 to 18 feet. A few nice perch were taken in 18 to 25 feet off the mouth of the Escanaba River. Perch fishing was fair to good around Butler Island but the fish were smaller. Try minnows or crawlers in 6 to 23 feet.

Escanaba River: Has had the most consistent walleye fishing. Anglers are trolling or drifting crawler harnesses or rapalas.

Big Bay De Noc: Bass fishing was fair off Ansell’s Point and Garden Bluff. Anglers were fishing 6 to 28 feet of water with crawlers and minnows. Some were trolling or drifting crank baits, spinners or plastic baits along the weeds. Ogontz had smaller fish. Perch anglers in Fayette reported several nice catches in the harbor when using crawlers along the weeds in 8 to 14 feet. Those salmon fishing at Fairport picked up the occasional large fish. Some are fishing out deep but most were trolling spoons 60 feet down in 80 to 120 feet of water along the “Gap”.

Au Train: Those targeting lake trout had poor results as few fish were caught. Those salmon fishing had no luck. Anglers were fishing off the Shelter Bay Flats and just east of Au Train Island in 140 to 180 feet.

Munising: Windy conditions have kept anglers at bay. Surface water temperatures were in the low 60’s. Boat anglers targeting lake trout reported slow catch rates while those fishing for chinook and coho reported fair catches. Small splake were also caught. Try Murray’s Bay or Trout Bay in 100 feet of water or less. There was a mixed catch of bass, pike, and perch in the bay and around Grand Island. Those still-fishing off the pier for splake had poor results.

Grand Marais: Also had windy conditions. Boat anglers targeting lake trout were fishing five to seven miles north in the shipping channel in 150 to 250 feet of water. The fish range 2 to 5 pounds. Those targeting coho were fishing east and west of the bay, about halfway down in 50 to 60 feet. Pier anglers targeting whitefish reported very slow catch rates and small fish. Try a single egg in the early morning.

St. Mary’s River: Had good walleye fishing in the shipping channel between the north end of Lime Island and the old Bell Buoy. Most are using crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers. Gold beads and gold spinner blades worked best. Walleye were caught across from the Neebish Island Ferry Dock. Try minnows or small worms just off the weed beds in 8 to 12 feet.

DeTour: Anglers are catching chinook, Atlantic salmon and lake trout between Frying Pan Island, the lighthouse and the #2 red can near Drummond Island. Good colors were white, green or any other color with some white on it.

Drummond Island: Yellow perch are good outside Harbor Island in 8 to 10 feet. Smallmouth bass have been caught near Peck Island. Most are trolling crawler harnesses in 12 to 14 feet.

Cedarville and Hessel: Catch rates for perch picked up around Haven Island in 8 to 12 feet. Some nice catches were reported from the marina dock, the east end of Hessel Bay, Musky Bay, the Middle Entrance and Moscoe Channel. Good pike action in Hessel Bay, Snows Channel, the west end of Musky Bay and Government Bay. Salmon were caught in Yacht Entrance in 70 feet.

St. Ignace: Boat anglers are fishing from the city launch to the flats and over to the Coast Guard Station. Chinook salmon were caught on spoons in white with multi-color strips, blue and white, black and white or green.

Lake Leelanau Narrows Resort now open! The Fish Hook family Amber, Randy, and Greg purchased it 1/8/2013. 4 housekeeping cabins and a 3BR home all available for rent. Boat slips included. Fish On! Still working on a new home for the Fish Hooked tackle business. Please call 231-920-3546 for reservations or questions
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Greg Aslip fishes everyday and will give you great hints on where the fish are. A couple of Greg’s photos from Lake Leelanau last week

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Keweenaw Bay: Those trolling have done well for chinook, coho, lake trout and steelhead when trolling between Sand Point and the red rocks. They are using spoons in black, white, raspberry, chartreuse, gold, blue or anything that glows. Go 25 to 75 feet down in 30 to 80 feet. Near the South Portage Entry, a good number of lake trout, coho and steelhead were taken by those trolling near the lighthouse, Mud Banks, Farmers Reef, Newton’s Reef or Big Reef. Those jigging in Traverse Bay caught lake trout in 170 to 220 feet off Gay Point and Big Louie’s Point. Those trolling took lake trout between Gay Point, Big Louie’s Point and Hermits Cove. Go 60 to 145 feet down in 80 to 150 feet. Salmon were caught 25 to 50 feet down in 30 to 60 feet.

Marquette: Surface water temperatures were in the upper 50’s. Lake trout and coho were caught on high-lines in 200 to 230 feet north of the white rocks and north of Granite Island. Some came in with limit catches of lake trout. Those fishing near Shot Point caught fish in 120 to 180 feet when using spoons and assorted flies with cut bait. Some went out to Stannard Rock and caught fish. In general, the fish averaged 4 to 5 pounds however a few were 20 pounds. The coho were 2.5 pounds and 18 to 20 inches long.

Menominee: Those trolling for salmon north and south of Green Island were not having any luck. A few salmon were caught 60 to 80 feet down in 120 to 150 feet east of Sturgeon Bay. Anglers are picking up some salmon out near Washington Island and Rock Island. Try different colored spoons with flashers 50 to 60 feet down in 120 feet of water. A few boats launching from Stoney Point were fishing near Chambers Island but catch rates were very slow.

Menominee River: Was producing walleye, smallmouth bass and a good number of freshwater drum.

Cedar River: Is producing smallmouth bass, northern pike and freshwater drum. Anglers are drifting crawlers or casting crank baits.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye fishing was still on the slow side. Those fishing the southern waters had fair catches when trolling crawler harnesses in 8 to 14 feet between Round Island and the “Fingers”. Perch fishing was fair to good near Kipling and Butler Island when still-fishing with crawlers in 6 to 23 feet. Smallmouth bass action was fair off the mouth of the Ford River in 6 to 14 feet. Try plastics, crank baits or spinners along the weeds. A few salmon were caught out by the Ford River Can when trolling spoons or cut bait 50 to 65 feet down in 135 feet.

Escanaba River: Walleye anglers trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 25 feet caught fish but many were sub-legal.

Big Bay De Noc: Had no walleye catches to report. Perch fishing was fair when using crawlers in 8 to 24 feet in Fayette Harbor. Smallmouth bass were caught in 8 to 14 feet off Ogontz and in Kate’s Bay when using crank baits or plastics. Salmon fishing off Fairport was fair. Some fished 40 to 60 feet down in 150 feet south of Poverty Island while others fished 50 to 60 feet down in 110 to 300 feet. They are using a variety spoons or cut bait.

Au Train: Surface water temperatures remain cool in the upper 50’s. Northwest winds have made fishing difficult and catch rates were slow. Those able to get out were lucky to get two to five lake trout in five hours of fishing. Try just off the bottom in 150 to 200 feet of water.

Munising: Lake trout were slow and the salmon action was fair to poor. Most are fishing Munising Bay, Trout Bay and Murray’s Bay in waters less than 100 feet deep. A couple coho were caught in Trout Bay. Pier anglers have taken some limit catches of splake when still-fishing with spawn.

Grand Marais: Pier anglers targeting whitefish are still-fishing with a single egg in the early morning. When boats can get out, lake trout were caught five to seven miles north along the shipping channel in 150 to 250 feet. The fish averaged 2 to 5 pounds.

St. Mary’s River: Walleye were caught in Raber Bay near Carlton Creek. Anglers are trolling crawler harnesses with blue blades. Those trolling in 28 to 30 feet along the shipping channel caught walleye when using bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses. Most of the fish were caught between Buoy 25 and the old bell buoy.

DeTour: Chinook, lake trout and steelhead were caught between Frying Pan Island, the #3 green can, the lighthouse and the #2 red can. Anglers are using silver and green flashers with small flies or spoons in black and chartreuse, purple and yellow, white with a red nose, or green with black dots.

Drummond Island: Had good catches of walleye and smallmouth bass in Scott Bay when fishing on the northwest side of Peck Island. A few walleye were caught around Bay Island in Maxton Bay when drifting or jigging crawler harnesses just off the weed beds in 8 to 12 feet. For pike, anglers are trolling or casting chrome spoons in the weed beds around Grape Island. Moving west of Maxton Bay to Sims Point, a few yellow perch were caught in 8 to 14 feet around Arrow Island.

Cedarville and Hessel: Anglers are targeting perch in 8 to 12 feet of water around Haven Island. Some nice catches were reported in front of the marina dock and from the east end of Hessel Bay. Fair catches were taken in Musky Bay, Middle Entrance and the Moscoe Channel. Pike fishing was very good in Hessel Bay, Snows Channel, the west end of Musky Bay, and Government Bay. Most are still-fishing chubs. Bass fishing is good all over. Salmon were fair in the Yacht Entrance in 40 to 70 feet.

St. Ignace: When they can get out, boat anglers are fishing from the old fuel tanks, the flats and the Coast Guard Station. Fish have been caught around the islands. Try green flashers with flies or spoons in purple and pink, white and gold, green, white, and yellow.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Some good catches of bluegill and sunfish have come from inland lakes in the area. Bass and pike catches were decent.

Harbor Springs: Is producing lake trout 100 to 110 feet down around Harbor Point. The occasional salmon was caught up near Five Mile Point. Try blue and chartreuse spoons and blue meat rigs. Those targeting smallmouth bass caught a mix of legal and sub-legal fish when using crawlers, crank baits or tube baits.

Petoskey: Lake trout were the most abundant fish caught however a couple large salmon were also taken. The salmon were 80 to 100 feet down in 120 to 130 feet of water and hitting on spoons in fire-tiger or glow. Baitfish were marked in 70 to 130 feet. Lake trout were caught on spoons 95 to 110 feet down between Bay Harbor and the pier. Those fishing off the pier caught rock bass, a couple bluegill and sub-legal smallmouth bass.

Bear River: It is true; there are some salmon and steelhead jumping at the dam. Fish have been caught by those drifting flies or spawn bags. A couple brown trout were caught but the fish were small. Those fishing down near the mouth caught steelhead on spawn.

Charlevoix: Pier anglers are still catching bass but many are sub-legal. They are fishing near the bottom with crawlers, leeches and minnows. A couple rock bass were also caught. Salmon were caught on spoons 70 feet down near the Cement Plant and North Point. Some heading down to Cathead Bay caught a few fish. Lake trout were caught 100 to 110 feet down in 120 to 140 feet or suspended about 60 feet down in 125 feet of water.

Traverse City: Lake trout were caught in the East Bay by those trolling in 90 to 130 feet of water. Salmon anglers were not taking a lot of fish however the chinook were over 20 pounds. Try spoons, plugs or flies 70 to 90 feet down in 150 feet of water. Those trolling in the West Bay caught lake trout and the occasional chinook salmon in 100 to 130 feet. Depths were variable but most were fishing 50 to 90 feet down. Smallmouth bass were caught near the drop-offs.

Elk River: Anglers have caught some nice smallmouth bass and rock bass on plastics, crawlers, or leeches.

Boardman River: Had a few reports of smallmouth bass and rock bass hitting on crawlers.

Lake Cadillac: Anglers are catching bass, pike and even the occasional walleye. Try spinners, plastics or live bait along the weed beds. Those seeking panfish caught crappie, bluegill, rock bass and a few perch.

Lake Mitchell: Has been good for pike as they are in the beginning of the cold weather feeding frenzy. Those fishing the coves caught pike and bass along the weed beds. Panfish numbers were fair to good.

Manistee: Catch rates for salmon were slow but still improving. Try 25 to 60 feet down in 50 to 120 feet with glow spoons and plugs or green and orange spoons.

Manistee River: Even though it is a bit early, a light number of salmon have started to move up into the river. The Little Manistee is getting an early run of salmon.

Ludington: Catch rates were hit-or-miss. Salmon were found 20 to 70 feet down in 50 to 120 feet. Try running glow plugs and spoons in the early morning. As the sun comes up, switch to orange or green spoons with green flies. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum.

Pere Marquette River: Is getting an early run of salmon. Brown trout are still being caught. Most are fly fishing but a few were casting small spoons.

Pentwater: Had good fishing but the fish have been scattered. Trout and salmon moved closer to shore because of the cooler weather. Some are fishing in 60 to 80 feet while others are heading out to waters 200 feet or deeper. Sliders, copper and dipseys worked well. Hot colors were orange and red.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11, 2013

Summer has past its peak. Shorter days and cooler nights help to cool the water temperatures on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. Some of the best fishing of the year is coming.
Schools of crappie can be found on the East side of Lake Cadillac. Reports of limits say they’re scattered from outside the City Dock to the library. Boat anglers catch them throughout the day, while those fishing from the City Dock say fishing the evenings is the best.
Bluegills have made the weed beds streaching from the boat launch to the Clam River, their home. This area, across from Cadillac High School, has been good for bass and pike also.
Manistee River:
Reports of Salmon catches are coming from the Big and Little Manistee; the early kings are angry and strong. Those catching them say they’re larger than last year. Expect frequent breakoffs.

THere is quite a few salmon in the Little Manistee clear up to Luther, and the fishing has been great with some fish over 20 lbs

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2013

It feels like Fall, that great time of year. Those who were complaining about the past hot, humid weather are now silent. Are they happy?
The East side of Lake Cadillac has been the most consistent place to catch crappies. Regardless of the depth, early mornings find them near the surface. Often they give themselves away splashing as they feed on the surface. As the sun starts to penetrate they go deeper. During the day they tend to suspend about half way between surface and bottom. Electronics make them easy to find. They’re never alone. Catch one and there will be more.
Walleye fishing has been hot and cold. Hot if you catch them. Cold if not. Those trolling crawler harnesses in the deeper areas on Lake Cadillac may catch several one day, then once you think you have the pattern down, it stops.
Those fishing Mitchell use different tactics. They’ve been slip bobber fishing with floating jig heads tipped with leeches. Most are found along the weed beds in 10 to 14 foot depths.
Bass and Pike are being caught on both lakes on the same baits. They live in the weeds and there’s plenty of them. White spinner baits are Cadillac’s favorite, but plastics and crank baits all work. Whole crawlers and leeches have been deadly for the live bait fishermen.

CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL

Happy! Happy! The hot humid temperatures have passed — for now. Cool mornings and warm afternoons make Cadillac, Michigan the place to be, the fish like it also. The bite has been on for most species.

Panfish anglers are finding lots of action. Both Mitchell and Cadillac have areas where the gills and sunfish are still spawning. The edges of weed beds in the 4 to 8 foot depths can be hot.

Crappies have moved to deeper water. The east side of Cadillac is your best bet. They seem to be suspending in the 15/18 foot areas. Early mornings they’re near the surface, but as the sun penetrates they suspend about half way down. Trust your electronics.

Bass numbers are way up. Catch them by intent or by accident fishing other species. Large mouths can’t resist crawlers or leeches. No question the live bait anglers catch most. Those casting artificials do well on the many plastics on the market. Yamamoto senkos have been especially deadly.

Everybody wants to catch walleyes. They’ve been scarce in the traditional deep areas on Lake Cadillac. The crawler harness on bottom bouncers that normally work have been slow. No blade pattern either. However, the bass and pike like any color. The best bet for catching walleyes have been on the north or west side of Lake Mitchell. It’s too weedy to troll. Those catching them are slip bobber fishing with leeches. Fish the open pockets between the weeds. They’re living in the 10 to 15 foot areas. Floating jig heads help your odds.

Catches are being reported at all times a day, not just the evenings. They like the weeds. It’s worth noting that several undersized in the 10 to 12 inch range have been caught. Are these stockers or are they natural?

Pike action has been good. Lots of numbers but most will be hammer handles. They’re fun no matter their size. Most keepers have been in the 27/29 inch range. Good, healthy fish. Casting artificials, your first choice should be spinner baits. Any brand, red and white seems to do well.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2013

Another Free Fishing Weekend has passed. Many who haven’t fished ever or not on a regular basis were able to take advantage of Michigans lakes and rivers. The fish have been eager to cooperate. Some of the best fishing of the year is found in shallows. Fishing from shore is often as effective as in boats. No electronics necessary. Polarized glass make sight fishing easy.

The Pilgrim Village 2013 Free Summer Fishing Contest is off to a good start.

It began May 27th and runs through September 9th. It’s easy and NO ENTRY FEE. See attached rules. The standings as of today are:
Large Mouth Bass – 20″ Ray Posmussen Lake Cadillac
Small Mouth Bass – NO ENTRY AS OF 6/9
Northern Pike – 26″ Justin Nyshult Lake Mitchell
Walleye – 22″ Chad Weston Lake Cadillac
Bluegill – 8 1/2″ Anthony Cech Lake Mitchell
Sunfish – 9 1/2″ Jeff Lash Crooked Lake
Perch – 9 1/4″ John Culp Lake Cadillac
Crappie – 13″ Curtis Crandell Lake Cadillac
Bullhead – 14 3/4″ Adam Freeland Lake Cadillac
Dogfish – 26 3/4″ Josh Flirt Lake Mitchell

The weather is going to warm up this weekend hopefully the gills will be on the beds, bass fishing has been great. Fishing has been slow as weather has hampered people getting out.

t’s here! Michigan’s annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend will be observed this Saturday June 8th and Sunday June 9th. Both residents and non-residents can fish without a license however all regulations still apply. This is a great opportunity for novice anglers to introduce someone new to the sport of fishing.

2013 Summer Free Fishing Weekend Events

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

There were reports of panfish starting to stage for spawning, but that will probably be set back now because of the cold front. The trout streams are running a bit high but fishing can be good on the higher water, especially for those using bait. Along Lake Michigan, rumor has it there are fewer chinook salmon compared to last year however the average size is bigger.

Harbor Springs: Boat anglers might want to try for lake trout near Harbor Point. Look for smallmouth bass around the docks.

Petoskey: Anglers fishing off the pier with crank baits and crawlers caught smallmouth bass. Look for pike, carp or rock bass as well.

Bear River: Has been high and fast. A couple steelhead can still be found up near the dam but most of the fish have spawned. Try spawn bags above the dam.

Charlevoix: Anglers continue to do well for walleye in the channel after dark. The bite usually starts between 10-11pm. Anglers are fishing on the Lake Michigan end of the channel when the current is going out or the Round Lake end when the current comes in. Use deep diving crank baits or a ¾ to 1 ounce jig with a rubber minnow or rubber worm with a twisty tail. The fish were not interested in crawlers or leeches. A couple smallmouth bass were also caught. Boat anglers caught lake trout 80 to 100 feet down in 100 to 220 feet off North Point. Try green and orange spin glows with dodgers or cowbells. A few fish were caught near the can at St. Mary’s Cement.

Traverse City: Lake trout catches were decent for those trolling or jigging in the East Bay. Ciscoes were caught on jigging spoons in 20 to 70 feet of water. Smallmouth action slowed with the cooler weather. The West Bay had fair lake trout fishing. Depths were variable. Those jigging caught lake trout and the occasional whitefish.

Elk River: Smallmouth bass were hitting on crawlers and artificial baits. Catch rates will improve with warmer weather. Steelhead can still be found but most anglers were targeting bass.

Boardman River: Is producing pike, smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, carp and suckers. Try crawlers, leeches or plastic baits for smallmouth.

Frankfort: Brown trout are still hitting between the piers and outside to the elbows. Early morning was best starting about 5am. There is a large number of alewife around the piers. With the cooler than average temperatures, the chinooks are slow to arrive this year.

Portage Lake: Bass anglers are having a great time working the beds and along the drop-offs. Anglers reported good catches of bluegill, crappie, sunfish and pumpkinseed. Crawlers worked best. Walleye have slowed but the pike are becoming more active.

Manistee: Salmon have been caught 50 to 120 feet down in 100 to 200 feet of water. Anglers are using green and blue dolphins or green and blue meat rigs. Pier anglers casting spoons caught a few brown trout.

Lake Cadillac: Bluegills were on the beds. Anglers are using a piece of crawler or leaf worms. Only a few crappie were caught. The pike action was good however the fish are running small. For walleye, anglers are trolling crawler harnesses in 12 to 16 feet of water.

Lake Mitchell: Is producing a few crappie for those using minnows. Bluegills were on the beds. Pike are still hitting but the fish are small. Large bowfin were caught.

Ludington: Salmon action has been hit-or-miss. Fish were caught 60 to 120 feet down in 120 to 140 feet of water with meat rigs or green and orange spoons.

Pentwater: Anglers caught a mixed bag of chinook, coho and steelhead 45 to 70 feet down in 90 to 150 feet of water across from the Silver Lake sand dunes. Blue and green were the hot colors.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: Runoff after the rain not only muddied the water but also raised the surface water temperatures to the high 40’s. Lake trout have been caught off Sea Gull Point, Adams Point and west towards Forty Mile Point. Fish the entire water column or close to the bottom in 40 to 70 feet with cowbells and spin glows or spoons. Hot colors were green, orange, yellow and blue. Chinook, Atlantic salmon and steelhead have also been caught. Pier anglers caught Atlantic salmon. Good colors were orange and gold or chartreuse and silver.

Presque Isle: Had good lake trout fishing in 30 to 60 feet of water with dodgers or cowbells and spin glows. Those high-lining in the shallows did well off Big Lighthouse Point. A couple Atlantic salmon were taken towards Stoneport. Try bright spoons.

Alpena: Those walleye fishing caught a few on crawler harnesses. If fishing for lake trout, try the Thunder Bay Island area.

Thunder Bay River: Is producing smallmouth bass and a few smaller walleye up near the 9th Street Dam. Crawlers and leeches worked best. Anglers may still find the odd steelhead up near the dam.

Harrisville: The lake trout are moving out at a slow pace. Most of the fish caught were suspended in 50 to 80 feet. Average size was 10 pounds. Most are using spoons, flies and body baits with downriggers, lead core and planer boards. Steelhead should be in the area.

Oscoda: Pier anglers are catching walleye in the early morning or late evening however; don’t rule out those overcast afternoons. Crawlers, leeches and body baits were the ticket.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are still moving in however the number of fish is declining. Catch rates were inconsistent. The brown drake hatch should occur in the next week as a few are hatching at this time.

Houghton Lake: Walleye fishing usually picks up between the storm systems. Anglers caught largemouth bass but the bluegill fishing was hit-or-miss. Cooler weather has delayed spawning in much of the state. Some caught rock bass.

Tawas: Pier anglers are catching bass. Those fishing out in the bay caught smallmouth when casting tube jigs. A few walleye were caught in 25 to 30 feet of water. The area is currently seeing a mayfly hatch.

Tawas River: Is producing catfish, bowfin, freshwater drum and even the occasional walleye.

Au Gres: Those trolling for walleye did well in 30 to 35 feet between Pt. Au Gres and Pt. Lookout, south of Pt. Au Gres or North towards the gravelly shoals and the Charity Islands. Bass fishing was good.

Au Gres River: Is producing channel cats but some are trying for walleye.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Keweenaw Bay: Salmon catches were hit-or-miss. When they were hitting, anglers did well when trolling 25 to 60 feet down in 30 to 70 feet of water between the head of the Bay northward to the Keweenaw Bay Roadside Park. Coho and lake trout were also caught. Most were using spoons and trolling between 2 and 2.4 mph. A chinook salmon weighed in at just over 18 pounds. Those trolling the South Portage Entry caught a few lake trout near Farmers, Newton’s and the Big Reef. Chinook and coho were taken 35 to 40 feet down in 40 to 50 feet of water from the Entry south towards the Keweenaw Roadside Park.

Marquette: Had good salmon action with some getting their limit of chinook. The fish were averaging 4 to 8 pounds but a few went as high as 10 to 18 pounds. Good coho action as well with the fish running 1 ½ to 3 pounds. Best areas to fish are still outside the Lower Harbor breakwall and towards the Chocolay River or the Sand River when trolling in 100 feet or less. The occasional coho, steelhead or brown trout were also mixed in. Lake trout were caught as shallow as 50 feet or as deep as 150 feet between Shot Point and Granite Island. The fish are eating sticklebacks. Stannard Rock is producing good numbers of lake trout for those jigging along the breaks. Fish up to 25 pounds were reported.

Menominee: Anglers jigging with minnows are still picking up some nice walleye in Wisconsin waters not far from the mouth. Those trolling crawler harnesses had fair catches. Those launching off the Cedar River were trolling north and south in 12 to 14 feet of water with crawler harnesses or rapalas.

Menominee River: Is producing walleye, catfish, pike and freshwater drum for those casting spoons or rapalas. Those anchoring by the deep holes near the paper mill did well when jigging minnows. A few walleye were caught at night by those fishing off the Cat Walk. They are casting rapalas or jigging minnows.

Cedar River: Anglers caught smallmouth bass when drifting minnows but the fish were running small. Pike were caught down near the mouth. No trout were reported.

Little Bay De Noc: Perch fishing slowed but a few were still caught near Gladstone Beach in 14 to 25 feet or the Kipling Flats in 17 to 28 feet. Fair to good walleye catches reported at the mouth of the Whitefish River in 8 to 12 feet. Crawlers with jig heads or harnesses worked best. The reefs produced a few fish during the day but the better fishing was at night. From the “Narrows” south to the “Black Bottom” was best for walleye. Anglers are trolling or drifting crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water.

Ford River: Had good smallmouth action around the mouth and up to the bridge. Shore and boat anglers are casting tube baits or crank baits.

Big Bay De Noc: A few walleye were caught in Kate’s Bay and out to the “Boot” when trolling stick baits or crawler harnesses in 18 to 23 feet. Smallmouth bass were drawing anglers to Ogontz, South River, the “Sand Pit”, Tylene’s Bay, Kate’s Bay and Garden Bay. Water temperatures are still cold for this time of year. Try plastics or crank baits in 4 to 10 feet of water. Fairport had no salmon reports.

Au Train: Is producing a good number of trout and chinook salmon for those trolling from the Rock River and Shelter Bay to Au Train Point. Most are using spoons or stick baits in water 60 feet deep or less. Gusty north winds cooled the surface water to 40 degrees. Large schools of sticklebacks were reported in the area. Lake trout were common in waters less than 50 feet deep.

Munising: Pier fishing for splake was fair with only a few fish taken by those casting spawn. The fish range 13 to 20 inches. Boat anglers had good results for chinook in the early morning. The average size was 5 pounds. A few splake were also caught. They are trolling spoons in 100 feet of water.

Grand Marais: The upper parking area continues to be blocked with construction debris. Pier anglers have done well taking a mix of whitefish, coho and rainbow trout when using spawn off the end of the pier. The majority of whitefish were small but some caught their limit. Early morning is best. Boats trolling east and west caught coho in less than 20 feet of water. Catch rates for pike were slow.

St. Mary’s River: Had very good walleye fishing up near 15-Mile Road, off Cherokee Beach when trolling crawler harnesses at night in 2 to 4 feet of water. Good perch fishing at Neebish Island directly across from the Neebish Island Ferry Boat. Try minnows in 4 to 6 feet of water.

Drummond Island: Had excellent smallmouth bass fishing off Paw Point in Scott Bay for those casting or jigging tube baits or crank baits in shallow waters about 3 feet deep. Walleye catches were good in Scott Bay when trolling crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers in 4 to 6 feet of water or running planer boards between Paw Point and Peck Island. Bullheads were caught in the shallow waters of Maxton Bay. Smallmouth bass were caught by those casting tube jigs or still-fishing with minnows just north of the DNR launch.

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch have been caught in Cedarville Bay by those using worms in 6 to 8 feet of water near Little Joe Island. Pike fishing remains good throughout the Les Cheneaux Islands. Try still-fishing or casting with chubs. Bass fishing has been very good.

Carp River: Anglers are fishing at the Mackinaw Trail Bridge, the McDonald Rapids and at the mouth. They have caught steelhead, brook trout and brown trout on spinners.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Walleye fishing remains good for most. They are using crawler harnesses or spoons in 18 to 25 feet of water. Fish have been caught in 22 to 24 feet of water between Stony Point and the north end of the Dumping Grounds. Hot colors were orange, purple and chrome. Smallmouth bass were caught throughout Brest Bay and the shallow humps off the River Raisin.

Detroit River: The white bass action has been fast and furious. Fishing is limited with all the white bass but a few perch were caught near Celeron Island and a few walleye were taken near the Ford Yacht Club.

Lake St. Clair: Musky fishing was slow.

St. Clair River: Had good walleye fishing at Port Huron and Algonac. Anglers are jigging or using crawler harnesses. Night fishing was best.

Lexington: Is producing trout and salmon for those trolling spoons in 50 to 60 or 80 to 100 feet of water. A good number of lake trout were caught. Pier anglers caught white bass, rock bass, pike, freshwater drum, smallmouth bass and even a few perch.

Harbor Beach: Some are catching whitefish. For salmon, try straight out and north of the harbor in 40 to 85 feet. For lake trout, try 80 to 100 feet with dodgers and spin glows or spoons just off the bottom. Steelhead were hitting near the surface. Try bright colored spoons with offshore boards. Brown trout were closer to shore. Bass are being caught inside the harbor and close to shore. Keep a towel handy to clear off your line.as the green vegetation is here for a while.

Port Austin: Was producing chinook, coho, steelhead and lake trout in 50 to 100 feet of water. They caught more lake trout than salmon or steelhead. Most are trolling spoons.

Saginaw Bay: Had good walleye action in 5 to 6 feet of water along the Callahan Reef and off the Kawkawlin River when using crawler harnesses or spoons. Walleye were caught off Quanicassee and north of the Slot. It appears the fish are moving out. Good walleye action off Sebewaing for those trolling spoons or crawler harnesses in 11 to 13 feet of water and in Wildfowl Bay when drifting crawlers near the weed line. At Bay Port, walleye were caught out by the islands. Those bowfishing in the shallows are taking a good number of carp. Bird Creek is producing bullhead.

Saginaw River: Those trolling crank baits or crawlers caught walleye between Consumers and the Coast Guard Station.

Quanicassee River: Shore anglers are taking catfish.

Sebewaing River: Is producing a few pike.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Holland: Is producing salmon 40 to 80 feet down in 180 to 220 feet of water. A few chinook were caught 100 feet down. Use green and blue regular size spoons and paddles and flies in white, blue and green. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum.

Grand Haven: Pier anglers are getting alewife with cast nets but the only thing they are catching is freshwater drum. Boat anglers are catching salmon 40 to 80 feet down in 160 to 300 feet of water. Many fish were caught in the 180 to 220 range. Blue and green spoons along with blue, green and white paddles and flies were the ticket. Steelhead are higher in the water and hitting on orange and green spoons.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Smallmouth bass are hitting on crawlers, leeches, soft shell crabs and top water baits. Channel cats are hitting on chicken liver crawlers, leeches and cut bait. Flatheads prefer live bluegill or suckers. Those using leaf worms or wax worms caught bluegill. Crappie and bluegill have been caught at Millennium Park and Riverside Park. Pike are hitting on big spinners, body baits or live suckers.

Grand River at Lansing: When anglers can find them, some decent bluegill and crappie were caught above and below the Moore’s Park Dam. Smallmouth bass were caught below the North Lansing Dam. Crank baits worked better than live bait. For catfish, try cut bait, small bluegills, leeches, crawlers or chicken liver.

Lake Ovid: Was producing a few crappie and some small bluegills. If you find fish on the beds, try rubber spiders.

Reeds Lake: Bass fishing was good and some nice perch were caught in 15 to 25 feet of water near the sunken island.

Muskegon River: Has good trout fishing especially for those fly fishing. A drake hatch is currently underway.

Whitehall: Pier anglers casting blue and silver spoons caught coho, brown trout and some large pike. Boat anglers did best south of Duck Lake in 150 to 200 feet. Try fishing all depths as the fish were scattered.

White Lake: Was still producing bluegill, perch, bass and pike close to the shoreline. Catfish are still hitting in the channel. Anglers are casting crawlers or spoons and running them very close to the bottom.