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BaitMan’s Weekly Fishing Report

Date: Thursday, August 8, 2025Real lakes, real bait, real bite.🏆 Sponsor of the WeekSanford Sport Shop3783 N West River Road, Sanford, MI 48657Phone: 989 687 5161Website: sanfordsportshop.com🪱 Bait Shop of the WeekTamarac Sports10390 N Greenville Road, Lakeview, MI 48850Phone: 989 352 7677Facebook: facebook.com/TamaracSports🌊 Lake of the Week – Lake LeelanauNorth Basin:Smallmouth bass in 20 to 40 feet on drop shots and tubesWalleye near The Narrows at dawn and duskPerch holding near mid-lake humpsSouth Basin:Panfish active in 8 to 15 feet on wormsWalleye early and late on leeches near AdvanceBass feeding in weeds on topwater baits🔥 Northern Michigan LakesBurt Lake – Walleye biting along the drop-offs on crawler harnessesMullett Lake – Deep trolling producing trout and occasional walleyeBlack Lake – Crappie suspended over deeper weed flatsLake Charlevoix – Smallmouth bass deep, perch in South ArmSkegemog Lake – Walleye over humps, drifting leechesTorch Lake – Vertical jigging for smallmouth in 40 to 60 feetLong Lake (Grand Traverse) – Walleye and perch near breaks and weed edgesLake Leelanau – See above (Lake of the Week)Spider Lake – Bluegill and bass in back coves and fingersLake Dubonnet – Steady pike and panfish on wormsGreen Lake – Deep bluegill bite, vertical jigs in 20+ feetDuck Lake (Grand Traverse) – Perch scattered, smallmouth in rock pocketsBass Lake (near Interlochen) – Weedline bass, early bite on topwaterGlen Lake – Smallmouth along gravel and sand transitionsCrystal Lake – Lakers deep, perch near rocky dropsManistee Lake (Kalkaska) – Walleye early and late, smallmouth deep mid-dayLake Margrethe (Grayling) – Mixed bag of perch, walleye, and pikeBig Bradford Lake (Otsego County) – Panfish with leeches in 10 to 12 ftManistee Lake (Manistee) – Early pike in coves, perch starting to group up🔥 West Michigan LakesPortage Lake (Onekama) – Perch starting to bite in 12 to 18 feetPere Marquette Lake – Salmon moving through early, coho and kings stagingWhite Lake – Pike and perch in mid-depth weedlinesPentwater Lake – Pier anglers getting early salmon hitsSilver Lake – Largemouth in reeds, topwater active at sunriseHamlin Lake – Bluegill deep, evening pike off pointsBear Lake (Muskegon) – Panfish active near lily padsMuskegon Lake – Walleye on crankbaits, some bass on jigsBlue Lake (Muskegon County) – Crappie deep over brush pilesBig Star Lake (Lake County) – Largemouth good near docks, panfish deepWolf Lake (Muskegon County) – Decent panfish bite in 8 to 10 feetLake Cadillac – Crappie bite steady, bluegill slowing in shallowLake Mitchell – Weedline bass active, some early perch bites🔥 Mid Michigan & Saginaw BayHoughton Lake – Walleye early with crawlers, bluegill in 10 feetHiggins Lake – Deep perch with minnows, trout bite slowOtsego Lake – Pike and perch near structureGrand Lake (Presque Isle) – Walleye in the morning, drifting crawlersFletcher’s Floodwaters – Bluegill, rock bass, and northern pikeLong Lake (Alpena) – Bass and perch active near breaksWixom Lake (rebuilding) – Limited access but shore bluegill fishing steadySecord Lake (Gladwin) – Bluegill and crappie consistent with waxwormsLake Lancer (Gladwin County) – Decent perch bite near structureLake Missaukee – Bass near reeds, bluegill in deeper holesLake Mecosta – Walleye trolling near drop-offsChippewa Lake – Panfish near weeds, some early crappie schoolsCroton Pond – Smallmouth and catfish bite during evening hoursHardy Dam Pond – Pike and smallmouth on spinnerbaits🎣 Saginaw BaySaginaw Bay:Walleye in 10 to 14 feet near LinwoodDrifting crawler harnesses still best methodPerch bite showing signs of life near weed clumpsCatfish and bass mixed in around river mouths🐟 Salmon Report – Leland to Grand HavenLeland:Chinook and lake trout near North ManitouBite best in 75 to 90 feet down over 200 feetGreen paddles, meat rigs, and glow spoons workingFrankfort:Strong Chinook bite in 100 to 150 feet of water50 to 65 down on spoons and Familiar Bite meat rigsCoho close to shore early morningManistee:Kings and steelhead scattered 30 to 160 downFlasher-fly combos productive, meat rig slower but steadyLudington:Kings offshore 35 to 140 downBest bites on chrome flashers and spoons in low lightPier action very slowWhitehall and Montague:Mixed king and coho reports in 120 to 160 feetBite inconsistent but improving with east windsGrand Haven:Deep troll bite mid-morning to late afternoon60 to 80 feet down over 150 to 200 ft waterChartreuse and UV flashers with flies or spoons🪱 Familiar Bite Herring Available At:Fish Hook – LelandEmpire Outdoors – EmpireRoy’s General Store – Traverse CityFrankfort Tacklebox – FrankfortDon’s Sporting Goods – ManisteeInsta Launch Marina – ManisteeCaptain Chucks – LudingtonJohnson’s Great Outdoors – MontagueArmstrong’s on the Lake – WhitehallHesperia Sport Shop – HesperiaCrispy Outdoors – Grand HavenJay’s Sporting Goods – Clare and GaylordPilgrim’s Village – CadillacHilltop Sports – Greenville🎯 Deep Water PanfishSlip Bobbers: Waxworms or leeches in 12 to 25 ftDrop Shot: Hover just above structureVertical Jigging: Light tungsten jigs in bluegill podsAnchor Tips: Fluke-style or chain anchor with over 100 ft ropeRod Sensitivity: Use light gear and bite indicators🪱 Bait BreakdownLeeches: Top bait for walleye, smallmouth, and panfishCrawlers: Effective across species, especially on harnessesMinnows: Best for crappie and deeper perchWaxworms: Bluegill, sunfish, and rock bassLive bait delivery: Slip bobbers, vertical jigs, trolling harnesses, and drop shot rigs ... 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BaitMan’s Weekly Fishing Report
Date: Thursday, August 8, 2025
Real lakes, real bait, real bite.
🏆 Sponsor of the Week
Sanford Sport Shop
3783 N West River Road, Sanford, MI 48657
Phone: 989 687 5161
Website: sanfordsportshop.com
🪱 Bait Shop of the Week
Tamarac Sports
10390 N Greenville Road, Lakeview, MI 48850
Phone: 989 352 7677
Facebook: facebook.com/TamaracSports
🌊 Lake of the Week – Lake Leelanau
North Basin:
Smallmouth bass in 20 to 40 feet on drop shots and tubes
Walleye near The Narrows at dawn and dusk
Perch holding near mid-lake humps
South Basin:
Panfish active in 8 to 15 feet on worms
Walleye early and late on leeches near Advance
Bass feeding in weeds on topwater baits
🔥 Northern Michigan Lakes
Burt Lake – Walleye biting along the drop-offs on crawler harnesses
Mullett Lake – Deep trolling producing trout and occasional walleye
Black Lake – Crappie suspended over deeper weed flats
Lake Charlevoix – Smallmouth bass deep, perch in South Arm
Skegemog Lake – Walleye over humps, drifting leeches
Torch Lake – Vertical jigging for smallmouth in 40 to 60 feet
Long Lake (Grand Traverse) – Walleye and perch near breaks and weed edges
Lake Leelanau – See above (Lake of the Week)
Spider Lake – Bluegill and bass in back coves and fingers
Lake Dubonnet – Steady pike and panfish on worms
Green Lake – Deep bluegill bite, vertical jigs in 20+ feet
Duck Lake (Grand Traverse) – Perch scattered, smallmouth in rock pockets
Bass Lake (near Interlochen) – Weedline bass, early bite on topwater
Glen Lake – Smallmouth along gravel and sand transitions
Crystal Lake – Lakers deep, perch near rocky drops
Manistee Lake (Kalkaska) – Walleye early and late, smallmouth deep mid-day
Lake Margrethe (Grayling) – Mixed bag of perch, walleye, and pike
Big Bradford Lake (Otsego County) – Panfish with leeches in 10 to 12 ft
Manistee Lake (Manistee) – Early pike in coves, perch starting to group up
🔥 West Michigan Lakes
Portage Lake (Onekama) – Perch starting to bite in 12 to 18 feet
Pere Marquette Lake – Salmon moving through early, coho and kings staging
White Lake – Pike and perch in mid-depth weedlines
Pentwater Lake – Pier anglers getting early salmon hits
Silver Lake – Largemouth in reeds, topwater active at sunrise
Hamlin Lake – Bluegill deep, evening pike off points
Bear Lake (Muskegon) – Panfish active near lily pads
Muskegon Lake – Walleye on crankbaits, some bass on jigs
Blue Lake (Muskegon County) – Crappie deep over brush piles
Big Star Lake (Lake County) – Largemouth good near docks, panfish deep
Wolf Lake (Muskegon County) – Decent panfish bite in 8 to 10 feet
Lake Cadillac – Crappie bite steady, bluegill slowing in shallow
Lake Mitchell – Weedline bass active, some early perch bites
🔥 Mid Michigan & Saginaw Bay
Houghton Lake – Walleye early with crawlers, bluegill in 10 feet
Higgins Lake – Deep perch with minnows, trout bite slow
Otsego Lake – Pike and perch near structure
Grand Lake (Presque Isle) – Walleye in the morning, drifting crawlers
Fletcher’s Floodwaters – Bluegill, rock bass, and northern pike
Long Lake (Alpena) – Bass and perch active near breaks
Wixom Lake (rebuilding) – Limited access but shore bluegill fishing steady
Secord Lake (Gladwin) – Bluegill and crappie consistent with waxworms
Lake Lancer (Gladwin County) – Decent perch bite near structure
Lake Missaukee – Bass near reeds, bluegill in deeper holes
Lake Mecosta – Walleye trolling near drop-offs
Chippewa Lake – Panfish near weeds, some early crappie schools
Croton Pond – Smallmouth and catfish bite during evening hours
Hardy Dam Pond – Pike and smallmouth on spinnerbaits
🎣 Saginaw Bay
Saginaw Bay:
Walleye in 10 to 14 feet near Linwood
Drifting crawler harnesses still best method
Perch bite showing signs of life near weed clumps
Catfish and bass mixed in around river mouths
🐟 Salmon Report – Leland to Grand Haven
Leland:
Chinook and lake trout near North Manitou
Bite best in 75 to 90 feet down over 200 feet
Green paddles, meat rigs, and glow spoons working
Frankfort:
Strong Chinook bite in 100 to 150 feet of water
50 to 65 down on spoons and Familiar Bite meat rigs
Coho close to shore early morning
Manistee:
Kings and steelhead scattered 30 to 160 down
Flasher-fly combos productive, meat rig slower but steady
Ludington:
Kings offshore 35 to 140 down
Best bites on chrome flashers and spoons in low light
Pier action very slow
Whitehall and Montague:
Mixed king and coho reports in 120 to 160 feet
Bite inconsistent but improving with east winds
Grand Haven:
Deep troll bite mid-morning to late afternoon
60 to 80 feet down over 150 to 200 ft water
Chartreuse and UV flashers with flies or spoons
🪱 Familiar Bite Herring Available At:
Fish Hook – Leland
Empire Outdoors – Empire
Roy’s General Store – Traverse City
Frankfort Tacklebox – Frankfort
Don’s Sporting Goods – Manistee
Insta Launch Marina – Manistee
Captain Chucks – Ludington
Johnson’s Great Outdoors – Montague
Armstrong’s on the Lake – Whitehall
Hesperia Sport Shop – Hesperia
Crispy Outdoors – Grand Haven
Jay’s Sporting Goods – Clare and Gaylord
Pilgrim’s Village – Cadillac
Hilltop Sports – Greenville
🎯 Deep Water Panfish
Slip Bobbers: Waxworms or leeches in 12 to 25 ft
Drop Shot: Hover just above structure
Vertical Jigging: Light tungsten jigs in bluegill pods
Anchor Tips: Fluke-style or chain anchor with over 100 ft rope
Rod Sensitivity: Use light gear and bite indicators
🪱 Bait Breakdown
Leeches: Top bait for walleye, smallmouth, and panfish
Crawlers: Effective across species, especially on harnesses
Minnows: Best for crappie and deeper perch
Waxworms: Bluegill, sunfish, and rock bass
Live bait delivery: Slip bobbers, vertical jigs, trolling harnesses, and drop shot rigsImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

We are happy to share once more that the VHSv Lab Test results have come back NEGATIVE for our latest batch of Atlantic Herring. Additionally, we have received a Michigan State Certification letter that permits us to proceed with the sales of our Familiar Bite Herring Cut-Bait Strips.

Get the "Big One" with Familiar Bite... ... See MoreSee Less

Photos from NWMI Fishing Club's post ... See MoreSee Less

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Northern Michigan Fishing Update – August 7, 2025

Moon Phase & Solunar Peaks (Eastern Time)Moon: Waning nearly full (~90 percent)Major feeding windows: 10 37 AM ET–12 37 PM ET, 10 44 PM ET–12 44 AM ETMinor feeding windows: 2 35 AM ET–3 35 AM ET, 6 24 PM ET–7 24 PM ETWater Temperatures & ThermoclineLake Michigan surface: approx 72 °FInland lakes: low to mid‑70sThermocline: 30–60 ft depth, dropping 5‑7 °F—prime zone for suspended salmon and walleyeWind & ConditionsLight NE‑breeze shifting NW mid‑morning, about 5–9 mph; calm early, haze developing laterLive‑Bait Techniques (Eastern Time)Minor Morning (2 35 AM ET): Lindy rig with live minnow or leech drifted along structure – refresh every 20 minMajor Midday (10 37 AM ET): Drift Lindy rig with leech or crawler through thermocline – use 3–6 ft fluoro leader in clear conditionsMajor Evening (10 44 PM ET): Slip‑bobber + Lindy rig with live leech over drop‑offs under moonlightSalmon Report – Frankfort Manistee Ludington WhitehallFrankfort: Pier anglers hooking Chinook early; offshore salmon and lake trout holding 120–210 ft, bites top 70 ft, spoons slash meat rigs doing wellManistee Ludington: Salmon in 140–250 ft, biting 40–80 ft down behind flashers; meat rigs scoring near structureLeland West Grand Traverse Bay & East Grand Traverse Bay (Adding per request)Leland West Bay: Salmon catching sporadic; best early and late—bait pods up north holding Chinook; lake trout still good on spoons and cowbells at First Bank and WhalebackEast Grand Traverse Bay: Smallmouth bass biting well in 15–30 ft; use tube jigs and live baitTight lines and Baitman out#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing#michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #letsgofishing #fishingreport #gonefishing #tightlines ... See MoreSee Less

Northern Michigan Fishing Update – August 7, 2025
Moon Phase & Solunar Peaks (Eastern Time)
Moon: Waning nearly full (~90 percent)
Major feeding windows: 10 37 AM ET–12 37 PM ET, 10 44 PM ET–12 44 AM ET
Minor feeding windows: 2 35 AM ET–3 35 AM ET, 6 24 PM ET–7 24 PM ET
Water Temperatures & Thermocline
Lake Michigan surface: approx 72 °F
Inland lakes: low to mid‑70s
Thermocline: 30–60 ft depth, dropping 5‑7 °F—prime zone for suspended salmon and walleye
Wind & Conditions
Light NE‑breeze shifting NW mid‑morning, about 5–9 mph; calm early, haze developing later
Live‑Bait Techniques (Eastern Time)
Minor Morning (2 35 AM ET): Lindy rig with live minnow or leech drifted along structure – refresh every 20 min
Major Midday (10 37 AM ET): Drift Lindy rig with leech or crawler through thermocline – use 3–6 ft fluoro leader in clear conditions
Major Evening (10 44 PM ET): Slip‑bobber + Lindy rig with live leech over drop‑offs under moonlight
Salmon Report – Frankfort Manistee Ludington Whitehall
Frankfort: Pier anglers hooking Chinook early; offshore salmon and lake trout holding 120–210 ft, bites top 70 ft, spoons slash meat rigs doing well
Manistee Ludington: Salmon in 140–250 ft, biting 40–80 ft down behind flashers; meat rigs scoring near structure
Leland West Grand Traverse Bay & East Grand Traverse Bay (Adding per request)
Leland West Bay: Salmon catching sporadic; best early and late—bait pods up north holding Chinook; lake trout still good on spoons and cowbells at First Bank and Whaleback
East Grand Traverse Bay: Smallmouth bass biting well in 15–30 ft; use tube jigs and live bait
Tight lines and Baitman out
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing
#michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #letsgofishing #fishingreport #gonefishing #tightlines

Splash of the Paddle

Lake CharlevoixThis week we are on Lake Charlevoix in northern Michigan chasing smallmouth bass, walleye, and perch from the kayakSlip bobbers and live bait rigs are producing in twenty to forty feet of water near drop offs and rocky pointsTry crawlers for bass and perch, or leeches near the river mouthsCircle K in Charlevoix has fresh bait to keep you dialed inFish smarter, kayak quiet, tight linesBait Man out#splashofthepaddle #kayakfishing #lakecharlevoix #livebaitonly #northernmichiganfishing #hookandpaddle #smallmouthbass #walleyefishing #perchfishing ... See MoreSee Less

Northern Michigan Fishing Update – August 5, 2025

🌕 Moon Phase & Solunar Peaks (Eastern Time – Detroit zone)   •   Moon: Waning Gibbous (~86%)—moderately strong activity   •   Major feeding windows: 9:29 AM ET–11:29 AM ET & 9:56 PM ET–11:56 PM ET   •   Minor feeding windows: 1:40 AM ET–2:40 AM ET & 6:15 PM ET–7:15 PM ET  💧 Water Temperatures & Thermocline   •   Lake Michigan (Frankfort area): ~72–74 °F   •   Inland lakes: Stable mid‑70s   •   Thermocline: 30–60 ft depth, where water temp drops ~5–7 °F—prime target layers for salmon and suspended walleye🌬️ Wind & Conditions   •   Early light NE breeze shifting to NW midday, wind 5–10 mph. Calm bays early; haze building later. 🎣 Live-Bait & Live Bait Techniques (Eastern Time)   •   Minor Morning (1:40 AM ET): Lindy rig with live minnow or leech drifted near structure—refresh bait every ~20 minutes   •   Major Afternoon (9:29 AM ET): Drift Lindy rig with leech or crawler through the thermocline; use a 3–6 ft fluorocarbon leader for clarity   •   Major Evening (9:56 PM ET): Slip-bobber setup with Lindy rig and leech near drop-offs under low light conditions🐟 Salmon Report – Frankfort, Manistee, Ludington & Whitehall   •   Frankfort: Pier anglers hooking Chinook early with glow spoons/alewives. Offshore salmon and lake trout holding in 120–210 ft; prime strike zone top 60 ft. Meat rigs, spoons, and flasher-flies are pulling fish consistently.     •   Manistee & Ludington: Salmon in 140–250 ft water; fish responding well to flashers, spoons, and occasional meat rig hookups. Best trolling depth: 40–80 ft down behind dodgers. Pier anglers still catching bass and sheepshead. Tight lines and Baitman out#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing#michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #letsgofishing #fishingreport #gonefishing #tightlines ... See MoreSee Less

Northern Michigan Fishing Update – August 5, 2025
⸻
🌕 Moon Phase & Solunar Peaks (Eastern Time – Detroit zone)
   •   Moon: Waning Gibbous (~86%)—moderately strong activity
   •   Major feeding windows: 9:29 AM ET–11:29 AM ET & 9:56 PM ET–11:56 PM ET
   •   Minor feeding windows: 1:40 AM ET–2:40 AM ET & 6:15 PM ET–7:15 PM ET   
⸻
💧 Water Temperatures & Thermocline
   •   Lake Michigan (Frankfort area): ~72–74 °F
   •   Inland lakes: Stable mid‑70s
   •   Thermocline: 30–60 ft depth, where water temp drops ~5–7 °F—prime target layers for salmon and suspended walleye
⸻
🌬️ Wind & Conditions
   •   Early light NE breeze shifting to NW midday, wind 5–10 mph. Calm bays early; haze building later.  
⸻
🎣 Live-Bait & Live Bait Techniques (Eastern Time)
   •   Minor Morning (1:40 AM ET): Lindy rig with live minnow or leech drifted near structure—refresh bait every ~20 minutes
   •   Major Afternoon (9:29 AM ET): Drift Lindy rig with leech or crawler through the thermocline; use a 3–6 ft fluorocarbon leader for clarity
   •   Major Evening (9:56 PM ET): Slip-bobber setup with Lindy rig and leech near drop-offs under low light conditions
⸻
🐟 Salmon Report – Frankfort, Manistee, Ludington & Whitehall
   •   Frankfort: Pier anglers hooking Chinook early with glow spoons/alewives. Offshore salmon and lake trout holding in 120–210 ft; prime strike zone top 60 ft. Meat rigs, spoons, and flasher-flies are pulling fish consistently.   
   •   Manistee & Ludington: Salmon in 140–250 ft water; fish responding well to flashers, spoons, and occasional meat rig hookups. Best trolling depth: 40–80 ft down behind dodgers. Pier anglers still catching bass and sheepshead.  Tight lines and Baitman out
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing
#michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #letsgofishing #fishingreport #gonefishing #tightlines

Big brown trout 😍 ... See MoreSee Less