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Buc’s Fishing Report — 08-28-2025

Prepared by: BaitManON-SITE UPDATE. North winds turned Lake Michigan overnight; surface water is cold after turnover and there is no distinct thermal line. Salmon are staging tight to pier heads and harbor mouths — check pier-heads and docklines first light.Moon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~27% illum). Major Bite Window (ET): 04:29–06:29 AM. Minor Bite Window One (ET): 11:22 AM–12:22 PM. Minor Bite Window Two (ET): 09:57–10:57 PM.Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Cooler false-fall pattern with mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies. Highs in the mid-60s. North to NW winds 10–20 mph with gusts in exposed spots; expect choppy nearshore water after the wind shift.Hot Seven BitesFRANKFORT. Salmon staging at pier heads and harbor mouths; spoons, plugs and meat rigs with herring strips working in low light.MANISTEE. Kings and coho both offshore and right around piers; spoons and flasher/fly combos 80–150 ft plus pier-head plug presentations.LUDINGTON. Pier heads and just outside producing — spoons first light, then meat rigs and plugs as the day warms.WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips in low light and checks at the piers.HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches near structure at dawn.LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges.BURT LAKE. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand HavenCHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing.WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.FRANKFORT. Chinook/coho holding offshore and in harbor mouths; spoons and plugs best early.MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft, with many fish showing near piers in the harbors.LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft; boats and pier anglers both reporting action at pier heads.WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips effective.GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; check sunrise meat rigs and pier mouths.Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 HighlightsHOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.Perch Report — Key Spots (updated tactics: MINNOWS first, DROP-SHOT + crawler chunk second)WHITE LAKE. Perch on shallow flats and weed edges in 6–12 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or slip bobbers are the go-to, with short DROP-SHOT rigs tipped with a crawler chunk as the follow-up.PENTWATER LAKE. Perch around docks and weedlines in 6–15 ft; MINNOWS under slip bobbers first; DROP-SHOT crawlers if fish key on structure.PM LAKE. Perch in shallow coves and docklines 6–14 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs are top choice, DROP-SHOT with crawler chunk works when fish are finicky.MANISTEE LAKE. Perch near inlets and docks 6–12 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and micro perch rigs are most consistent; try DROP-SHOT crawlers as a follow-up.PORTAGE LAKE. Perch on weed edges 8–16 ft; MINNOWS on a short leader under a slip or float, or DROP-SHOT with a crawler chunk.CRYSTAL LAKE. Perch on rocky drop-offs and weed patches in 8–18 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or tiny jigs; DROP-SHOT crawlers when bites slow.BIG GLEN. Perch near shorelines and shallow points 6–12 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and short DROP-SHOTs tipped with crawler chunks.NORTHPORT. Perch around slow flats and docks 4–10 ft; tiny perch rigs with MINNOWS or small slip-bobbers early and late.BOWERS HARBOR. Perch around the boat launch, breakwall and nearshore structure 6–12 ft; MINNOWS on short leaders under floats or small dropshots with a minnow.SKEGEMOG LAKE. Perch on weed edges and narrows 6–15 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS or DROP-SHOT with crawler chunk.TORCH LAKE. Perch on shallower structure and ledges 10–25 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or short DROP-SHOTs with crawler chunk.BURT LAKE. Perch on weed edges and humps 8–18 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or slip floats; DROP-SHOT crawlers for tougher bites.BLACK LAKE. Perch on flats and weed cuts 6–12 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and small plastics; use DROP-SHOT crawlers if needed.OTSEGO LAKE. Perch near shallow bays and state-park point 8–15 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or tiny jigs under a float.MULLETT LAKE. Perch on weed edges and shallow humps 8–18 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and small DROP-SHOT spoons tipped with a minnow.LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Perch along rockpiles and docklines 6–14 ft; MINNOWS on short leaders or micro spoons with a minnow as follow-up.Perch Tackle Notes (publishable line)Best bet — MINNOWS on perch rigs or SLIP BOBBERS. Second choice — DROP-SHOT with crawler chunk. Hardly any spoons used right now; preserved wigglers are a backup. Live wigglers available after 09-01-2025.Top 10 UP HotspotsLITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye and perch producing near Black Bottom and the Ford River; troll crawler harnesses for walleye and micro jigs for perch.MUNISING / GRAND ISLAND. Lake trout and occasional salmon around reefs and ledges; troll spoons and fish 60–150 ft.MARQUETTE. Lake trout holding on steep drop-offs; run spoons and flasher/fly rigs in deep water.KEWEENAW / COPPER HARBOR. Lake trout and salmon around rocky points; deep jigging and trolling spoons near structure.ESCANABA / BIG BAY DE NOC. Walleye and smallmouth around river mouths and shoals; crawler harnesses and live bait producing.ST. MARYS RIVER / SAULT STE. MARIE. Strong river-mouth and current-seam action for salmon/steelhead; spawn/egg rigs and small jigs working eddies.PORTAGE ENTRY / GRAND MARAIS. Lake trout and salmon activity around the entry and islands; troll spoons and deep jigging in current seams.TAHQUAMENON BAY / RIVER MOUTHS. Walleye and panfish on weedlines and points; crawler rigs, live minnows and micro jigs productive.DRUMMOND ISLAND / LES CHENEUX. Smallmouth and walleye around rocky points and islands; plastics and slow-trolled crankbaits working.AU TRAIN / FORD RIVER AREA. Lake trout, walleye and perch around points and narrows; spoons, crawler harnesses and small spoons for perch.River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate flows; steelhead and lake-run trout in deeper pools and tailrace — spawn and small beads working.BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows; tailwaters and runs staging fish — eggs and spawn under a float effective.MANISTEE RIVER. Tippy Dam area moving moderate — deeper runs and pool heads holding salmon & steelhead; spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure working.TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish; drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations near bottom getting bites.PENTWATER RIVER. Low/clear flows; small jigs and spawn presentations near riffles producing.WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.BEAR CREEK. Low and clear; fish tight to cover — short leaders and egg/pearl patterns best.PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low/clear flows; trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes — beads, eggs and small nymphs producing.Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and give subtle rod-tip shakes so the bait hovers just above weeds or rock.Tight lines and Baitman out#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightlines ... See MoreSee Less

Fishing Report — 08-27-2025

Prepared by: BaitManMoon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~14% illum). MAJOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 4:29 AM – 6:29 AM and 4:44 PM – 6:44 PM. MINOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 11:22 AM – 12:22 PM and 9:57 PM – 10:57 PM.Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Partly sunny with a cooler false-fall pattern; highs mid-60s to low-70s and light northwest winds 5–12 mph. Expect spotty showers possible in some areas this afternoon/evening.Hot Seven BitesFRANKFORT. Chinook and coho showing in deeper water; spoons, meat rigs and herring strips behind medium flashers are producing.MANISTEE. Kings and coho offshore; spoons and flasher/fly combos in the 80–150 ft range working well.LUDINGTON. Early spoons then meat rigs later — fish from about 30–100 ft depending on current.WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips getting bites at low light.HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches around structure at dawn.LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges.BURT LK. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand HavenCHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing hits.WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.FRANKFORT. Chinook/coho holding offshore; spoons and meat rigs best early.MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft; spoons and flasher/fly rigs producing.LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft; morning spoons then meat rigs later.WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips working.GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; sunrise meat rigs producing early.Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 HighlightsHOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate flows and fair clarity — steelhead and lake-run trout holding deeper pools and the tailrace; spawn and small beads working.BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows — tailwaters and runs staging early salmon and steelhead; eggs and spawn under a float producing.MANISTEE RIVER. TIPPY DAM area moving moderate — deeper runs and pools holding salmon/steelhead; spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure effective.TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish — drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations near the bottom getting bites.PENTWATER RIVER. Low, clear flows — try spawn presentations and small jigs near riffles.WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.BEAR CREEK. Low/clear — fish tight to cover; short leaders and egg/pearl patterns working best.PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low, clear — trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes; beads and eggs getting bites.Familiar Bite Update. Herring strips behind medium flashers or paired with tuned meat rigs remain top producing salmon bait across the region.Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and use subtle rod-tip shakes to keep it hovering just above cover.Tight lines and Baitman out.#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightlines ... See MoreSee Less

Oklahoma flathead catfish weighs in at 95 pounds ... See MoreSee Less

Buc’s Fishing Report — 08-26-2025

Prepared by: BaitManMoon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~6% ILLUM). MAJOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): ~2:44 AM – 4:44 AM and ~3:04 PM – 5:04 PM. MINOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): ~9:49 AM – 10:49 AM and ~9:06 PM – 10:06 PM.Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Cooler “false-fall” pattern continues with mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies, spotty showers possible in places, and daytime highs in the mid-60s. Light northwest winds 5–15 mph; calmer in protected bays.Hot Seven BitesFRANKFORT. Chinook and coho showing; spoons, meat rigs and herring strips behind medium flashers producing.MANISTEE. Kings and coho offshore; spoons and flasher/fly combos 80–150 ft are working.LUDINGTON. Early spoons then meat rigs later — fish from 30–100 ft depending on currents.WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips best at low light.HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes taking crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches near structure early.LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers around rock edges.BURT LK. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand HavenCHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing.WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft.FRANKFORT. Chinook/coho holding offshore; spoons and meat rigs best early.MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft; spoons and flasher/fly rigs proving productive.LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft with morning spoons and midday meat rigs.WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips working.GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; sunrise meat rigs producing.Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 HighlightsHOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate, clear flows — steelhead and lake-run trout holding pools and tailrace; spawn and small beads working well.BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows — tailwaters and runs staging fish; eggs and spawn under a float producing bites.MANISTEE RIVER. TIPPY DAM area moving moderate — deeper runs and pool heads holding salmon & steelhead; spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure working.TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish — drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations effective near the bottom.PENTWATER RIVER. Low, clearer flows — try spawn presentations and small jigs near riffles.WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.BEAR CREEK. Low and clear — fish tight to cover; short leaders and egg/pearl patterns best.PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low, clear flows — trout and staging steelhead in deep holes; beads and eggs getting bites.Familiar Bite Update. Herring strips behind medium flashers or paired with tuned meat rigs remain top producing salmon bait across the region.Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and use subtle rod-tip shakes to keep it hovering above weeds/rock.Tight lines and Baitman out.#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightlines ... See MoreSee Less

Congratulations Josh Johnson!!!

While fishing with his oldest brother, Isaac ,Josh had fun catching fish , Isaac was good at netting his fish plus driving the boat.The two had alot fun and making great. memories. Taking after Grandpa" Gary Johnson "and their Dad, Mitch. I'm sure Gary's enjoying watching them from Heaven plus I'm excited watching them enjoying the great outdoors . ... See MoreSee Less

35-pound, 10-ounce Chinook salmon from Lake Michigan ... See MoreSee Less

Buc’s Fishing Report — 08-25-2025

Prepared by: BaitManMoon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~6% ILLUM). MAJOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 2:03–4:03 AM and 2:23–4:23 PM. MINOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 8:46–9:46 AM and 8:48–9:48 PM.Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Mostly cloudy with spotty showers possible this afternoon and evening. HIGHS mid-60s. LIGHT northwest winds 5–15 mph.Hot Seven BitesFRANKFORT. Chinook and coho showing in deeper water; spoons, meat rigs and herring strips behind medium flashers working best.MANISTEE. Kings and coho offshore; spoons and flasher/fly combos in the 80–150 ft range producing fish.LUDINGTON. Early spoons then meat rigs later — fish from about 30–100 ft depending on current.WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips are getting bites in low light.HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches along structure at dawn.LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges.BURT LK. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand HavenCHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing consistent hookups.WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho holding offshore; spoons and meat rigs best during early light.MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft; spoons and flasher/fly rigs producing.LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft; morning spoons then meat rigs during the day.WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips effective.GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; sunrise meat rigs producing early.Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 HighlightsHOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate, clear flows; steelhead and lake-run trout holding deeper pools and tailrace; spawn and small beads producing.BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows; tailwaters and runs are staging fish — eggs and spawn under a float effective.MANISTEE RIVER. Tippy Dam area moving moderate flows; deeper runs and pools holding salmon and steelhead — spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure working.TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish; drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations close to the bottom are getting bites.PENTWATER RIVER. Low, clearer flows; try spawn presentations and small jigs near riffles for early pushes.WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks with steadier flows holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.BEAR CREEK. Low and clear; fish tight to cover — short leaders and egg/pearl patterns work best.PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low, clear flows; trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes — beads, eggs and small nymphs producing.Familiar Bite Update. Herring strips behind medium flashers or paired with tuned meat rigs remain top producing salmon bait across the region.Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and use subtle rod-tip shakes to keep the bait hovering.Tight lines and Baitman out.#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #fishingreport #tightlines ... See MoreSee Less