Fishing Report

🎣 Michigan Weekly Fishing Report

🗓️ July 12–18, 2025Presented by Buc’s Aqua Farms Inc.🌐 www.bucsfishingreport.com💥 Sponsor of the Week: Captain Chucks II – Ludington, MI📍 75 N Jebavy Rd, Ludington, MI📞 (231) 843-4458🌐 capt-chuck.com💰 Prize Structure & Field SizeOver 900 boats participated, making it the largest freshwater salmon tournament in the U.S. by field size Chamber Alliance of Mason CountyMajor payouts include up to $10,000+ for Big Boys and Pro divisions, with additional prizes for Youth, Ladies, and Big Fish categories🏅 Tournament Records & StandingsTeam Katch Me registered the tournament’s first-ever 30-lb+ king with a 32.30 lb catch on Day 2 of the Big Boys event The 2024 Big Boys winner, “Hammbone,” claimed the title again in 2025 The Pro division 2025 champion, Team EZ Limits, took home the $20,000 top prize with a two-day total weight of 257.25 lb 🎯 Gear & Depth StrategyKing salmon are staging deep: fish are hitting between 100–140 ft using meat rigs and cowbells near the 250 ft shelf🎣 Ludington Offshore Classic – July 14–20Big Boys Tournament, Ladies Pro/Am, Youth Classic, and the Offshore Classic Pro/Am🎁 Huge cash prizes, weigh-ins, and the kings are running deep!🧃 Bait Shop of the Week: Lyman’s on the Lake📍 6560 W Houghton Lake Dr, Houghton Lake, MI📞 (989) 422-3231💬 “New live bait deliveries every Monday and Friday!”⏱️ This Week in 60 SecondsFish are deep. Salmon are staging offshore, trout are glued to thermoclines, and panfish are crushing waxworms around docks. Weedlines and early mornings are everything. Get out early — and stay mobile.🎯 Top 5 Bites in MichiganLudington Offshore – Kings 100–130 ft down on meat rigsTorch Lake – Lake trout at 95–115 ft on silver flashersFletcher Pond – Topwater frog bite is hot for bassDuck Lake (TC) – Bluegill under docks, bass roaming 10–12 ftHoughton Lake – Walleye active in 10–14 ft at first light🌦️ Weather Outlook & Hatch TrendsAir Temps: 83–91°FSurface Temps: Great Lakes ~66°F, Inland ~72–75°FThermocline: 65–90 ftBug Hatch: Caddis, ants, hoppers — trout rising at dawn and dusk📍 Regional Bite Reports & Tactics🟦 Mid MichiganLakes: Houghton, Budd, Pratt, Lancer, Missaukee, Mitchell, St. Helen, Five Lakes, Dodge, ShamrockWalleye: Houghton & Lancer on spinner harnesses at 10–14 ftBass: Missaukee and Mitchell — jigs near timber and weed bedsPanfish: Wiggins, Five Lakes — wax worms tight to docksCrappie: Pratt & Lancer — slip floats over 8–10 ft brushShamrock: Bass hitting finesse plastics around shaded cover🟨 Northern Mid MichiganLakes: Otsego, Indian River, Sturgeon River, Bellaire, Fletcher Pond, East/West Twin, Crooked, McCormickOtsego: Pike and walleye trolling crankbaitsSturgeon River: Brook and brown trout rising to dry fliesFletcher Pond: Explosive frog bite at dawnMcCormick: Walleye on crawler harnesses in 15–22 ftTwin Lakes: Wax worms for panfish, soft plastics for bassCrooked Lake: Bass cruising structure — use chatterbaits🟥 Upper PeninsulaLakes: Gogebic, Indian Lake, Michigamme, Portage, Chicagon, Au TrainGogebic: Walleye and perch in 12–16 ft on jigsIndian Lake: Pike/walleye off weed edges on stickbaitsPortage/Au Train: Deep trolling for trout & splakeChicagon: Smallmouth working rocky structure🌊 Lake Michigan Shoreline (Port-by-Port)Ludington – Offshore Classic FocusKings running deep (100–140 ft) on meat rigs and paddlesSteelhead suspended (40–70 ft) on orange spoonsLakers on bottom in 160+ ft, slow-rolled cowbellsOther Ports:Manistee/Frankfort: Chrome spoons, 80–120 ftWhitehall/Muskegon: Steelhead and coho in top 50 ftGrand Haven: Lake trout deeper than 160 ftLake Michigan Shoreline – Full Port BreakdownFrom Grand Haven to LelandLudington (Tournament Central):Kings in 100–140 ft down over 250 ft — meat rigs early AMSteelhead suspended 40–70 ft — orange/green spoonsLakers deep, bottom-dragging cowbells in 160 ft+Familiar Bite herring is working the bestManistee: Mixed king/coho bite; chrome spoons and white paddles at 90–120 ftOnekama: Troll the “Barrel” offshore; lakers and steelhead mixed in 100–140 ftFrankfort: Best bite near the pierheads first light; salmon running 70–90 ftLeland: Near Pyramid Point — meat and paddle bite over 180–240 ftWhitehall & Muskegon: Steelhead staging in top 40 ft; lake trout on downriggers 120–180 ftGrand Haven: Deeper water bite 140–180 ft, big paddles and meat rigs producingPier Action (all ports): Bass early on tubes, smallmouth and rock bass on live bait rigs🔷 Traverse City → Mackinaw CityLakes: Torch, Glen, Leelanau, Charlevoix, Elk Lake, Duck, GreenTorch: Lakers 95–115 ft, spoons & flashersCharlevoix: Smallmouth hitting jerkbaits 10–18 ftGlen Lake: Bass active on topwater at duskDuck Lake: Bluegill tight to docks, bass on minnowsLeelanau: Perch and smallmouth 20–30 ft breaksLong Lake by Interlochen has been good for smallmouth bass and walleye best success is slip bobbers and leeches 🟪 Saginaw BayKey Ports: Linwood, Pinconning, Quanicassee, Sebewaing, Bay Port🎯 Tactics & Bite Conditions:Walleye: Strong bite continues in 15–23 ft using crawler harnesses with chartreuse or purple bladesHot Zones: Off the Sparkplug, Callahan Reef, and the SlotDrum & Catfish: Evening action near shallow flats and piers — live crawlers or stink baitsTrolling Tips: Slow speeds (1.1–1.3 mph) have been best; glow blades at dawnWeather Impact: Afternoon chop has helped push active fish shallower🟧 Southwest MichiganCoverage: South Haven, St. Joseph, Paw Paw, Decatur, DowagiacTop Inland Lakes: Paw Paw Lake, Magician Lake, Lake Cora, Corey Lake, Diamond Lake🎯 Tactics & Bite Conditions:Paw Paw Lake: Largemouth bass in 6–10 ft along docks and seawalls, topwater frogs and senkosMagician Lake: Bluegill and crappie tight to structure — jig and bobber combosCorey Lake: Smallmouth in 10–15 ft near rocky transitions, tubes and swimbaits hotSt. Joseph River: Catfish and smallmouth on live bait rigs, especially at current seamsLake Michigan (St. Joe Pier): Steelhead early morning on shrimp and alewives under bobbers🟨 US-131 Corridor (South of M-115)Coverage: Tustin, Leroy, Reed City, Big Rapids, Greenville, LakeviewTop Inland Lakes: Lincoln Lake, Little Muskegon River, Townline Lake, Martiny Chain🎯 Tactics & Bite Conditions:Martiny Chain: Bass biting on spinnerbaits in channel cuts; bluegill on worms near docksLincoln Lake: Decent mixed bag on live bait — perch, small bass, and pikeBig Rapids Area: Little Muskegon River producing smallmouth and rock bass on small plugsTownline Lake: Nightcrawler harnesses drawing in walleye during low light hours … See MoreSee Less

NWMI Kids Fishing Day 2025 – Full Recap

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Today, that purpose was loud and clear.I had the honor of donating the bait for the NWMI Kids Fishing Tournament this morning—and let me tell you, it was powerful. Not just because of the fish caught, but because of the meaning behind each cast. a gathering of young hearts, curious minds, and wide-eyed joy. We weren’t just teaching fishing. We were planting seeds.We weren’t just teaching kids how to fish. We were teaching them how to be patient. How to stay focused. How to believe in themselves.Some caught their very first fish. Others reeled in their personal best. A few walked away with prizes. But every single one of them left with something they’ll carry for life.This wasn’t just an event. It was a ripple of something much bigger.From the moment the rods hit the water, you could feel it—kids learning not only how to cast a line, but how to slow down, stay patient, and connect with the world around them. Some made their first catch ever. Others walked away with full baskets and great memories. But every child left with something far more important: belief in themselves.🏆 Highlights That Hit Home:📍 A girl holding a bluegill on a pink Zebco, beaming like she just won the Bassmaster Classic.📍 A girl holding a new fishing rod with her dad and was all smiles📍 One young angler with a full lineup of panfish, proudly taking home 1st place.📍 Big bass, caught from the dock by a quiet kid who lit up when the fight hit.📍 Families gathered around the station, having a great time bonding with nature and with the kids.📍 Tackle boxes handed out. Rods awarded. Respect earned.🙏 Thank you to…– The NWMI Fishing Club for organizing a day that truly mattered.– The volunteers who showed up early, stayed late, and coached every step.– The parents who made the time to get their kids outside and engaged.– And most of all—the kids. Y’all showed up ready, eager, and focused. You’re the reason I do this.Every kid walked away with a prize… and a new passion.This is what #bucsbait stands for.Real bait. Real purpose. Real change.This is how we pass down the right things—one rod at a time.📸 Photos from Today:– Group shot with all the young anglers and their gear– Kids on the boat mid-fight– Prize table with Zebco rods and plaques– Proud catches—bass, panfish, pike– Dockside learning and family coaching– Volunteers and the NWMI crew doing what they do bestHashtags:#bucsbait #NWMI #NWMIKidsFishing #FishingWithPurpose #livebait #takeakidfishing #CatchMemories #PassTheRod #YouthFishingMatters … See MoreSee Less

Michigan Fishing Report – July 5–11, 2025

Presented by Buc’s Aqua Farms Inc. • www.bucsfishingreport.com🌿 OverviewHot days and cool nights pushed thermoclines deeper across the state. Great Lakes trolling remained productive, with early-morning flashers still dominating. Inland waters produced solid panfish and bass action around vegetation. Look for fish to hold tight to structure with water temps warming into the 70s.🔥 Top 5 Bites – July 5–111. Saginaw Bay – Walleye limits trolling 16–22 ft east of Sparkplug2. Fletcher Pond – Crappie and bass aggressive in shallow brush3. Higgins Lake – Lakers deep at 90–100 ft on flashers4. Glen Lake – Trout holding deep; surface bass bite at dusk5. Otsego Lake – Walleye early, pike chasing spinners near weed edgesNorthern Mid Michigan🎯 Tactics & ConditionsSturgeon River: Brown trout on spinners; dry fly action near coverOtsego Lake: Walleye on bottom bouncers early; pike active near drop-offsFletcher Pond: Crappie in 4–8 ft near brush; topwater bass at duskTraverse City → Mackinaw City🎯 Tactics & ConditionsLake Charlevoix: Smallmouth on jerkbaits; early walleye bite in 18–22 ftGlen Lake: Trout deeper than 100 ft; dusk bass on topwaterDuck Lake: Bluegill shallow under docks; bass cruising shallowsMid Michigan🎯 Tactics & ConditionsHoughton Lake: Walleye in 10–14 ft on spinner harnesses; pike chasing cranksHiggins Lake: Lake trout deep at 90 ft; perch on wigglersLake Missaukee: Bass tight to docks; bluegill on worms near weedlinesNortheast Michigan🎯 Tactics & ConditionsBlack Lake: Pike on spinnerbaits in cabbage; walleye at dawnGrand Lake: Smallmouth active on rocky points; jigs producingLong Lake: Topwater action for smallmouth; trolled cranks for walleyeSaginaw Bay🎯 Tactics & ConditionsBay Area: Walleye steady in 16–22 ft; crawler harnesses hotEvenings: Drum and catfish near the river mouths after dark🌊 Lake Michigan Shoreline – Port-by-Port ReportLelandSpecies: Chinook, lake troutDepths: 70–100 ft for salmon, 140–160 ft for lakersTactics: Early morning bite on flasher/fly combos; mag spoons laterHot Zone: Whaleback and NW trollFrankfortSpecies: Coho, steelheadDepths: 60–100 ftTactics: Orange spoons and dipsey divers producing; 4-color leadcore for steelheadHot Zone: Betsie drop, shelf edgesOnekamaSpecies: ChinookDepths: 100–120 ftTactics: Troll meat rigs low and fast; glow paddles best before sunriseHot Zone: Outside the BarrelManisteeSpecies: Lake troutDepths: 150–170 ft on bottomTactics: Spin-n-Glos behind paddles near thermoclineHot Zone: Straight out from harborLudingtonSpecies: Chinook, cohoDepths: 80–110 ftTactics: Meat rigs early, spoons later; dipsy setups at 60 ftHot Zone: The Trench firing again this weekWhitehallSpecies: SteelheadDepths: 40–70 ftTactics: Bright spoons in top 30 ft; 3-color leadcore bestHot Zone: Pier headlines and southern trollMuskegonSpecies: Chinook, lake troutDepths: 80–130 ftTactics: Glow paddles and meat combos; flasher/fly mid-depthHot Zone: North shelf line edgesGrand HavenSpecies: Lake troutDepths: Bottom at 160 ftTactics: Spin Doctors and cut bait; chrome paddles running hotHot Zone: Sandbar contour west of pier 📍 Complete List of Lakes & Rivers Covered – July 5–11, 2025• Black Lake• Duck Lake• Fletcher Pond• Frankfort• Glen Lake• Grand Haven• Grand Lake• Higgins Lake• Houghton Lake• Lake Charlevoix• Lake Missaukee• Leland• Long Lake• Ludington• Manistee• Muskegon• Onekama• Otsego Lake• Saginaw Bay• Sturgeon River• Whitehall 📸 Photos of the WeekSaginaw Bay Walleye SuccessProud anglers holding up their catch after a morning limit—perfect display of the Bay’s hot walleye bite. Another Saginaw Bay TrophySharp-eyed angler lands a hefty walleye, showcasing the classic “trophy shot” local fishers Duck Lake Bluegill SlabYoung angler nets a beautiful bluegill from Duck Lake—a great example of the ultralight action we reported. Saginaw Bay Spring Limit OutAnother shot of a full limit haul, reinforcing Saginaw Bay’s exceptional walleye bite this week. … See MoreSee Less