🎣 Buc’s Fishing Report — Sunday, October 26, 2025

Presented by Buc’s Aqua Farms Inc.⸻🌅 BAIT MAN’S MORNING BRIEFBait Man here — yesterday was a beautiful fall day with hardly any wind and lots of folks back out on the water. Most were chasing perch and walleye.I was at Lake Leelanau at the Bingham Landing and saw three or four boats out — one walleye fishing and the others working minnows and wigglers for perch on the south end. Big Glen had quite a few boats out too, with perch fishing steady in 35 to 40 feet. Long Lake by Traverse City had a few guys going with crawlers and minnows. The recent rain has helped the rivers, and a few steelhead are starting to show up.John Ratcliff had a great day on East Grand Traverse Bay catching cisco and even a bonus salmon and lake trout (which had to be released since the season is closed). It was simply a perfect Saturday to be on the water.⸻🌦️ INLAND WEATHER — NORTHERN MICHIGAN (TRAVERSE CITY AREA)Today: Clouds with scattered showers this morning then partly sunny this afternoon. High 50 °F. Winds NW 10–20 mph with gusts to 25.Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low 39 °F.Tomorrow (Mon): Cooler with a mix of sun and clouds. High 47 °F.Barometer: 29.59 inHg and steady.Water Temps: Inland mid-40s °F; rivers 43–46 °F.Moon Phase: Waning Crescent (10 % illum.)Bite Windows (EST): Major 10:40 AM–12:40 PM · Minor 5:10–6:10 AM and 5:20–6:20 PM.⸻🌊 RIVER FLOWS & CONDITIONSManistee River (Tippy Dam): 1 610 cfs · Steelhead moving in behind dark kings on beads and spawn.Pere Marquette River (Baldwin): 515 cfs · Few bright steelhead in gravel seams.Betsie River: Good color with leaves; kings thinning but steelhead holding in deeper holes.Boardman River: Pools fishing best with light stain.White River (Hesperia): Steelhead below the dam on skein and wax worms.Bear Creek: Steelhead bite improving as water clears.Elk River: Fresh steelhead near the dam.Platte River: Few coho remain; steelhead just starting to nose in.Manistique River (U.P.): 780 cfs; mix of coho and early steelhead below the dam.⸻🐟 PERCH REPORTBig Glen Lake: Good bite in 35–40 ft on minnows and wigglers.Little Glen Lake: Deeper schools off breaks.Lake Leelanau: South end steady on minnows and wigglers.Torch Lake: Fair on drops near Deepwater Point.Lake Charlevoix: Nice fish near Ironton and Oyster Bay.Crystal Lake: Fair south end drops 25–30 ft.Portage Lake: Consistent 18–22 ft on minnows and wigglers.White Lake: Perch active in weeds and channel edges.P.M. Lake (Ludington): Evening bite for quality fish.Manistee Lake: Light bite on small minnows.Muskegon Lake: Perch roaming 45–50 ft mud flats.Burt & Mullett Lakes: Good off Maple Bay and Aloha.Grand Lake (Alpena): Weed points producing.Drummond Island Bays: Steady perch and walleye on minnows, worms, and wigglers.⸻⚡ WALLEYE REPORTLong Lake (Traverse City): Evening bite on minnows and crawlers.Burt & Mullett: Slow drift 15–25 ft producing.Lake Margrethe: Good along breaks and shallows.Manistee Lake (Kalkaska): Evening jig bite steady.Lake Mitchell & Cadillac: Sunset weedlines holding fish.Hamlin Lake: 20 ft bite on jigs and minnows.Drummond Island: Walleye steady in Scotts Bay.⸻🪣 SMALLMOUTH BASS REPORTTorch Lake: Up to 6 lb fish on live suckers.East Grand Traverse Bay: Consistent 3–5 lb bass on dropshots.Elk Lake: Swimbaits and jerkbaits working.Walloon Lake: Craw tubes on ledges.Green & Duck Lakes: Steady on swimbaits and plastics.Skegemog Lake: Early and late minnow bite holding strong.⸻🧭 UPPER PENINSULA RIVERSSt. Mary’s River: Steelhead and coho near the locks.Manistique River: Coho strong; steelhead building.Two Hearted River: Chrome fish in deep holes.Tahquamenon River: Coho below falls; few steelhead.Carp River (St. Ignace): Coho fading; steelhead arriving.Escanaba River: Coho steady early and late.Ford River: Steelhead below dam.Au Train River: Steelhead in deep runs.Black River (Gogebic): First chrome caught this week.⸻🧭 UPPER PENINSULA LAKESLittle Bay de Noc: Walleye strong on reefs at dusk.Big Bay de Noc: Smallmouth excellent; perch fair.Indian Lake: Good perch in 12–15 ft on wigglers.North & South Manistique: Mixed panfish and walleye.Au Train Lake: Perch and pike along weed edges.Milakokia Lake: Pike steady.Muskallonge Lake: Pike and perch both biting.Deer Lake: Evening walleye bite strong.Baraga Lake: Good post-rain walleye action.Gogebic Lake: Perch hitting mud flats 20–25 ft.Michigamme Res.: Walleye on main points.Peavy Pond: Walleye and pike on jigs.Bewabic Lake: Good panfish bite.Camp 7 Lake: Clear-water bite steady.Thunder Lake: Pike and perch consistent.⸻🌅 SAGINAW BAYPerch action is improving steadily in the 15–20 ft zone from Linwood to Sebewaing, with anglers getting 10–13 inch fish on minnows and perch rigs. The Slot Zone and East Side Reefs have also produced occasional walleye when winds allow, crawler harnesses and slow crankbaits working best. Look for the bite to build as the week cools and pressures steady.⸻🎯 HARRISON • CLARE • GLADWIN • MIDLAND COUNTY LAKESBud Lake: Bluegill steady.Arnold Lake: Crappie light bite in brush.Cranberry Lake: Bluegill strong near shore.Sutherland Lake: Pike and panfish active.Lake Thirteen: Excellent bluegill action.Lancer Lake (Gladwin): Crappie light bite.Pratt Lake: Bass and pike on edges.Ross Lake: Walleye and crappie below dam.Secord Lake: Bluegill good.Beaverton Lake: Consistent crappie bite around structure.⸻🧠 LIVE BAIT PRO TIPCooler water means go-to baits: minnows for walleye, wigglers for perch, and nightcrawlers for panfish. Fish slow and close to bottom for steady action through late fall.⸻Fish smart, fish hard, and tight lines — Bait Man out. … See MoreSee Less

Photos from NWMI Fishing Club’s post … See MoreSee Less

Photos from NWMI Fishing Club’s post … See MoreSee Less

🚣‍♂️ Hook & Paddle Weekly Kayak Fishing Report

Presented by Buc’s Aqua Farms Inc.October 25, 2025🌬 On the Water This WeekNorthwest winds and frost have dropped surface temps into the mid-40s across Northern Michigan. Weed beds are thinning, perch schools are tightening, and most fish are holding deeper near mud or remaining green cabbage. Calm mornings and low-light periods remain the best windows for kayak anglers.🔥 Hot Yak Bite AlertPerch are stacked deep in East Bay, Burt Lake, and Lake Charlevoix — 35 to 45 feet on small minnows or wigglers. Walleye action stays strong at dusk on Cadillac, Mitchell, and Otsego Lakes with jig-and-minnow presentations. Pike remain aggressive in shallow cabbage on Hamlin, Portage, and Platte Lakes. The deep bite is consistent if you stay vertical and slow.🌊 Lake of the Week – Lake Cadillac & Lake Mitchell (Cadillac, Michigan)Few places capture the essence of fall kayak fishing like Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell, twin waters linked by the narrow Clam Lake Canal. Together, they cover roughly 2,300 acres, surrounded by public land, easy launches, and a full-service bait shop right on the water. They sit at the heart of Cadillac yet still feel like classic Up North water — calm, productive, and rich in structure.Lake Cadillac OverviewAt 1,150 acres with a max depth near 28 feet, Lake Cadillac offers walleye, pike, smallmouth, perch, and panfish. The State Park and Laura Lee’s Landing area on the north shoreline produce walleye and pike, while the south end holds deeper contours perfect for trolling or vertical jigging. Weed beds and rock points bordering 10–15 feet of water consistently hold fish.Lake Mitchell OverviewJust across the canal, Lake Mitchell mirrors Cadillac’s size but runs slightly shallower and weedier — a kayak angler’s dream. The Camp Torenta Point area, Rotary Pavilion, and canal mouth are fall walleye and pike hotspots. Late October brings prime pike fishing, with many in the 22–26 inch range and occasional trophies pushing 15 pounds. Bluegill and crappie suspend in 8–12 feet along outer weed edges, ideal for slip-bobber rigs.Kayak Launch & Access PointsWilliam Mitchell State Park: Central access between both lakes with paved parking and restrooms.Kenwood Park (Lake Cadillac – North Shore): Easy solo carry-down launch.Little & Big Cove (Lake Mitchell – South Shore): Direct access to productive weed lines.Downtown Canal Launch: Short gravel pull-off for quick transitions between lakes.Seasonal Bite & StrategyWalleye: Jig-and-minnow or blade baits near canal drop-offs and State Park points at dusk.Pike: Cast silver spoons or troll shallow cranks along cabbage in 8–12 feet.Crappie & Bluegill: Hold near dying weeds and coves — wax worms or plastics under floats.Perch: Small minnows and wigglers along sandy bottom weed edges.Local Bait & SupportPilgrim’s Village Resort & Fishing Shop📍 181 S Lake Mitchell Dr, Cadillac, MI📞 (231) 775-9727Carries live minnows, crawlers, and seasonal tackle. Owner Steve and his crew share updated fishing conditions daily and cater to kayak anglers with gear, maps, and lodging.These twin lakes deliver the perfect late-season experience: diverse fish, clean access, and calm northern water tailor-made for kayak fishing.🧊 Technique Spotlight – Cold-Water Vegetation DynamicsAs water temps fall below 55 °F, shallow lilies and reeds collapse, but deep-rooted weeds like coontail, pondweed, and cabbage remain oxygen-rich and full of forage.Smallmouth: Work 15–25 ft edges where coontail meets sand.Walleye: Cruise cabbage lines along drop-offs.Perch: Stay tight to remaining green patches holding larvae and invertebrates.If you find live weeds, you’ll find feeding fish.🚣‍♀️ Kayak Spotlight – Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HDBuilt for balance and cold-weather conditions, the Recon 120 HD offers a wide, stable hull and elevated seating for comfort in rough water.Length: 12’2” Width: 38” Weight: 95 lb Retail: $2,999Why it matters: High, dry ride with ample storage for layered gear — perfect for late-fall sessions.🥾 Cold-Weather Gear Spotlight – NRS Boundary BootsMaterial: 5 mm neoprene Height: Knee-high Retail: $149.95Why it matters: Fully waterproof warmth for cold launches, slick ramps, and shallow wades; essential for late-season kayak anglers.🎣 Pro Tip – Dwayne & Tiffany: “Our Elders Say”Our elders say, let the water guide your paddle — the fish will follow.This week that wisdom leads straight to the deep mud lines off Deepwater Point in East Bay, where perch hold in 38–45 ft of water. Use a Perch Pounder or drop-shot rig tipped with live wigglers.Drop until the sinker just taps bottom, lift six to ten inches, then pause — that subtle movement mimics gobies feeding and draws perch all day.Hook wigglers lightly behind the head to keep them lively, and keep your line vertical; dragging spooks fish in clear water. The best bite runs late morning through early afternoon as light reaches the bottom. Add a glow or chartreuse bead — or a sliver of shrimp — to trigger neutral fish.Out here, patience pays. The lake teaches when to move and when to stay still. The water knows the way — you just have to follow.🧭 Northern Michigan Lakes (15)Torch Lake: Perch deep on minnows; smallmouth on gravel shelves.Burt Lake: Walleye off points; perch mid-depth.Mullett Lake: Perch on mud flats; walleye trolling near Cheboygan.Elk Lake: Smallmouth around rock breaks.Long Lake (GT): Evening walleye near islands.Lake Charlevoix: Perch near Elm Point.Big Glen Lake: Deep perch 35–40 ft.Little Glen Lake: Perch on sand-grass beds.Crystal Lake: Perch on inside turns.Platte Lake: Weedline perch 10–12 ft.Portage Lake: Mid-lake perch and pike.Hamlin Lake: Crappie suspended over timber.Otsego Lake: Walleye after dark on jigs.Black Lake: Perch and pike in cabbage.Crooked Lake: Minnows and small jigs steady.🌲 Upper Peninsula Lakes (15)Lake Gogebic: Walleye and perch active on first breaks.Indian Lake: Slip-bobber perch bite evenings.Big Manistique: Walleye trolling islands.Little Bay de Noc: Perch shallow; walleye after dark.Au Train Lake: Perch and crappie at dusk.Lake Antoine: Panfish near docks.Brevoort Lake: Walleye in cabbage.Bond Falls Flowage: Panfish around timber.Michigamme Reservoir: Walleye near flats.Peavy Pond: Perch on stump flats.Portage Lake (Keweenaw): Perch and smallmouth.Lake Independence: Walleye dusk bite.Chicagon Lake: Smallmouth deep.Fortune Chain: Crappie and perch near saddles.Grand Sable Lake: Perch deep; finesse needed.🌾 Southern Michigan Lakes (15)Gull Lake: Deep perch; smallmouth on rock piles.Gun Lake: Bass and crappie in wood cover.Kent Lake: Largemouth early near timber.Union Lake: Walleye on channel edges.Wampler’s Lake: Bass and perch on weeds.Lake Hudson: Crappie on brush.Coldwater Chain: Bluegill and perch deep.Crooked Lake (Delton): Bluegill near pads.Paw Paw Lake: Bass shallow; perch 12 ft.Holloway Reservoir: Walleye along channel.Lake Chemung: Crappie midday.Silver Lake (Waterford): Panfish near docks.Portage Lake (Jackson): Bluegill under pads.Cass Lake: Smallmouth deep.Big Wolf Lake: Bass and panfish tight to cover.🌊 Top 5 Kayak-Friendly Rivers (Week of Oct 25)Manistee River: Steelhead starting to run; spawn and beads effective.Au Sable River: Browns and smallmouth in slow seams.Huron River: Steady smallmouth on jerkbaits.Betsie River: Fresh salmon entering deeper slots.Muskegon River: Walleye and smallmouth on jig-and-minnow combos.🧥 Safety & Clothing ReminderDress for immersion, not comfort. Layer synthetics or wool, wear a PFD at all times, and keep dry clothes sealed in a bag. Cold water is unforgiving — plan ahead and stay safe.🌅 Community ShoutoutTag @UncleBuckTheBaitMan with #HookAndPaddle for a chance to be featured in next week’s report. … See MoreSee Less