Bait-shops in Gladwin and Midland Counties

524 W. Saginaw Rd. Sanford, Mi 48657
989-687-516

.

Has a full line of bait and tackle

Chappel Dam Grocery
4001 Pratt Lake Rd. Gladwin, MI48624
989-426-7503

Has a full line of bait and tackle

4016 S. M-30 Beaverton, Mi 48612
989-435-2517

Has a full line of bait and tackle

Sandys Market
1057 Estey Rd. Beaverton, MI 48612
989-435-2611

Has a full line of bait and tackle

Wixom Lake Gas & Launch

1119 Estey Rd, Beaverton, MI 48612

(989) 435-6567

Has full  line bait and tackle

Family Market
35 W. M-61 Gladwin, Mi 48624
989-426-2441

Has a full line bait and tackle

5003 M-30, Beaverton, MI 48612
989-435-9268

Has a full line of bait and tackle

Larrys Bait and Sport
5449 Round Lake Road Gladwin, Mi 48624
989-426-7205

has a full line of bait and tackle

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Buc’s Fishing Report — 09-13-2025

ON-SITE UPDATE. Recent wind-driven mixing cooled surface water and pushed most salmon tight to pier mouths and harbor entrances; trolling is largely parked and anglers are switching to pier-casting and vertical jigging.MOON & SOLUNAR BITES. Waxing crescent (~43% illum). Major Bite Window (ET): 04:30–06:30 AM. Minor Bite Windows (ET): ~12:00–01:00 PM and ~10:15–11:15 PM.WEATHER BRIEF. Rain and mist in spots with variable nearshore winds — check local marine text before launching.BAROMETER. Traverse City: ~30.15 inHg. Manistee: ~30.22 inHg. Ludington: ~30.10 inHg.HOT SEVEN — PIERS & JIGGING FOCUSFRANKFORT. Pier mouths staging fish; pier-casting spoons and short vertical jig hops producing best at first light.MANISTEE. Vertical jigging and pier action headline — target lake-tailrace seams and deep pools with P-Line 2 oz and 1 oz Luna/Mission glow jigs.LUDINGTON. Pier-casting spoons and small-boat vertical jigging producing near harbor marks and Big Sable points.WHITEHALL. Pier and nearshore jigging producing salmon and steelhead 40–60 ft on glow spoons and tipped jigs.GRAND HAVEN. Pier action light for salmon; most fish marking deeper (70–140 ft) with only a few coho showing on spoons.MUSKEGON (PIER/HARBOR). Piers and the basin producing scattered fish; boats finding fish 80–120 ft and jigging/glow-plugs working where fish are marked.BURT LAKE (MAPLE BAY). Fair for perch and occasional walleye; fish weed edges and points and expect sorting.SALMON RIVER — DETAILED (PRIORITY)MANISTEE RIVER (Wellston / Tippy). Flow ~1,580–1,660 cfs and gauge ~8.75–8.8 ft; warm water keeping many salmon staging at the mouth — fish first light and target tailraces, deep pools and main seams with beads, spawn-sack or float rigs on short leaders.WHITE RIVER (below HESPERIA DAM). Salmon staging in deep pools and tailrace holes below the dam — float-drifts, bead/spawn-sack rigs and short leaders through tailrace seams and plunge pools.BETSIE RIVER. Low flows but heavy staging reported in lower reaches — lots of salmon holding and moving in spurts after rain.BOARDMAN RIVER. Fish staging in deeper holding pools and tailrace sections — work run→pool transitions with subtle float/bead presentations.PERE MARQUETTE / BALDWIN. Baldwin flow ~~430 cfs and Scottville ~~383–389 cfs (low); recent rain bumped gauges slightly — fish remain staged low but upriver pushes are possible after more rain.TIPPY DAM / WELLSTON TAILRACE. Tailrace and downstream pools holding salmon — drift spawn and bead rigs along seams and target deeper tailrace slots at first light.SALMON TACTICS — QUICKPier: Cast spoons and small plugs into the seam and retrieve with short ripping strips; slip-bobber skein in calm, sliding-pyramid or mesh-bag skein in wind/current.Vertical jigging: Let the jig fall to the mark, then use slow 6–24” hops with pauses — tip Mission/Luna/P-Line glow jigs with a pea-size skein piece.River / Tailrace: Fish first light; use 18–30” leaders with beads/spawn-sacks in seams, float-drifts in tailraces, and small skein under a slip-bobber for a subtle, scent-forward presentation.PERCH REPORT — FULL (MINNOWS FIRST)Perch summary: Slow but improving; primary presentation = minnows on perch rigs or slip-bobbers; wigglers or Perch Pounder bottom rigs for deep schools; drop-shot with a crawler chunk as follow-up.WHITE LAKE. Yellow-belly perch on the west end by the channel; bluegill on the Eagles flats — minnows on slip-bobbers.PENTWATER LAKE. Perch around docks and weedlines 6–15 ft — minnows on perch rigs.P.M. LAKE. Perch in coves and docklines 6–14 ft — minnows on perch rigs.MANISTEE LAKE. Perch and bluegill taking minnows and small perch rigs.PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Perch around docks and coves on minnows — best window ~09:00–10:30 AM.CRYSTAL LAKE. Perch on rocky drop-offs and weed edges 8–18 ft — minnows or small jigs.BIG GLEN. Perch on the first break (~40 ft) on wigglers and minnows on Perch Pounders; many are small — sort before keeping.NORTHPORT. A few perch being taken in ~38 ft on weedbeds; no large schools found in the usual hotspots.BOWERS HARBOR. Perch around the launch and breakwall 6–12 ft — minnows on short leaders.SKEGEMOG / TORCH CHANNEL. Perch on weed edges and narrows 6–15 ft — slip-bobber minnows.TORCH LAKE. Perch on structure and ledges 10–25 ft — minnows or short drop-shot.BURT LAKE (MAPLE BAY). Perch and occasional walleye on weed edges and humps 8–18 ft — minnows on slip floats.BLACK LAKE. Perch on flats and weed cuts 6–12 ft — slip-bobber minnows.OTSEGO LAKE. Perch near shallow bays 8–15 ft — perch rigs with minnows.MULLETT LAKE. Perch on weed edges 8–18 ft — slip-bobber minnows.LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Perch along rockpiles and docklines 6–14 ft — short leaders with minnows.LAKE LEELANAU (SOUTH END / CEDAR RIVER). Small perch on the south end by the Cedar River — minnows best.LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Perch on small rigs and minnows.GREEN LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Perch on minnows, small worms or crawler chunks — small slip bobbers.MUSKEGON LAKE. Perch on small minnows, wigglers or Perch Pounder rigs on the bottom; Sand Docks, Bear Lake Channel and Snug Harbor are top spots — electronics help locate schools.HOUGHTON LAKE. North weed bed producing perch — minnows and small perch rigs on slip-bobbers.TOP 15 INLAND LAKES — PIKE, BASS & BLUEGILL (NO PERCH-ONLY LAKES)LAKE CADILLAC. Smallmouth and largemouth around humps and weed edges — drop-shot crawlers, shaky-head plastics and weedless frogs; bluegill on minnows/waxworms.LAKE MITCHELL. Largemouth and panfish near lily pads and stumps — weedless soft-plastics and small jigs.LAKE ST. HELEN. Pike and largemouth in weedy bays — spinnerbaits, bucktails and topwater frogs early; panfish on small jigs.HIGGINS LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout structure — vertical jigs and drop-shot minnows for smallmouth; panfish on small jigs/minnows.FREMONT LAKE. Bass and pike around weedlines and points — spinnerbaits and crankbaits; panfish on minnows.ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout water — vertical jigs and drop-shot minnows.WALLOON LAKE. Smallmouth and largemouth on points and rocks — drop-shot, jerkbaits and medium swimbaits.LAKE MISSAUKEE. Bluegill and largemouth in shallow weedy bays — minnows/waxworms under bobbers.HOLTON LAKE. Bass and panfish around docks and weed edges — small jigs and slip-bobbers with minnows.CRYSTAL LAKE (GREENVILLE). Town lake for panfish and largemouth — small jigs and slip-bobbers.WABASIS LAKE. Public access lake near Greenville producing bass and panfish — spinnerbaits and minnows.LONG LAKE (GREENVILLE). Local favorite with boat access and bass/panfish opportunities — drop-shot and slip-bobbers.SUNRISE LAKE (LEROY). Park lake near LeRoy with bass and panfish — topwater early and small jigs.PENASA LAKE (LEROY). Quiet local lake producing panfish and bass — minnows and small plastics.TAMARACK LAKE (LAKEVIEW). All-sports Tamarack Lake producing largemouth and pike — spinnerbaits and live minnows.TOP 10 UP HOTSPOTS 1. LITTLE BAY DE NOC — Walleye & perch. 2. MUNISING / GRAND ISLAND — Lake trout reefs & ledges. 3. MARQUETTE — Lake trout steep drop-offs. 4. KEWEENAW / COPPER HARBOR — Trout & salmon on rocky points. 5. ESCANABA / BIG BAY DE NOC — Walleye & smallmouth. 6. ST. MARYS RIVER / SAULT STE. MARIE — Salmon & steelhead in current seams. 7. PORTAGE ENTRY / GRAND MARAIS — Lake trout & salmon. 8. TAHQUAMENON BAY / RIVER MOUTHS — Walleye & panfish on weedlines. 9. DRUMMOND ISLAND / LES CHENEUX — Smallmouth & walleye. 10. AU TRAIN / FORD RIVER AREA — Trout, walleye & perch on points/narrows.LIVE BAIT PRO TIP. For pier anglers cast a glow spoon and use a short ripping retrieve into the seam; for vertical jigging let the jig fall to the mark and use slow 6–24” hops with a pause — tip jigs with a pea-size skein piece for extra scent.TIGHT LINES — BAITMAN OUT#LiveBait #bucsbait #pierfishing #jigging #perch #tightlines See MoreSee Less

Buc’s Fishing Report — 09-13-2025

ON-SITE UPDATE. Recent wind-driven mixing cooled surface water and pushed most salmon tight to pier mouths and harbor entrances; trolling is largely parked and anglers are switching to pier-casting and vertical jigging.

MOON & SOLUNAR BITES. Waxing crescent (~43% illum). Major Bite Window (ET): 04:30–06:30 AM. Minor Bite Windows (ET): ~12:00–01:00 PM and ~10:15–11:15 PM.

WEATHER BRIEF. Rain and mist in spots with variable nearshore winds — check local marine text before launching.

BAROMETER. Traverse City: ~30.15 inHg. Manistee: ~30.22 inHg. Ludington: ~30.10 inHg.

HOT SEVEN — PIERS & JIGGING FOCUS
FRANKFORT. Pier mouths staging fish; pier-casting spoons and short vertical jig hops producing best at first light.
MANISTEE. Vertical jigging and pier action headline — target lake-tailrace seams and deep pools with P-Line 2 oz and 1 oz Luna/Mission glow jigs.
LUDINGTON. Pier-casting spoons and small-boat vertical jigging producing near harbor marks and Big Sable points.
WHITEHALL. Pier and nearshore jigging producing salmon and steelhead 40–60 ft on glow spoons and tipped jigs.
GRAND HAVEN. Pier action light for salmon; most fish marking deeper (70–140 ft) with only a few coho showing on spoons.
MUSKEGON (PIER/HARBOR). Piers and the basin producing scattered fish; boats finding fish 80–120 ft and jigging/glow-plugs working where fish are marked.
BURT LAKE (MAPLE BAY). Fair for perch and occasional walleye; fish weed edges and points and expect sorting.

SALMON RIVER — DETAILED (PRIORITY)
MANISTEE RIVER (Wellston / Tippy). Flow ~1,580–1,660 cfs and gauge ~8.75–8.8 ft; warm water keeping many salmon staging at the mouth — fish first light and target tailraces, deep pools and main seams with beads, spawn-sack or float rigs on short leaders.
WHITE RIVER (below HESPERIA DAM). Salmon staging in deep pools and tailrace holes below the dam — float-drifts, bead/spawn-sack rigs and short leaders through tailrace seams and plunge pools.
BETSIE RIVER. Low flows but heavy staging reported in lower reaches — lots of salmon holding and moving in spurts after rain.
BOARDMAN RIVER. Fish staging in deeper holding pools and tailrace sections — work run→pool transitions with subtle float/bead presentations.
PERE MARQUETTE / BALDWIN. Baldwin flow ~~430 cfs and Scottville ~~383–389 cfs (low); recent rain bumped gauges slightly — fish remain staged low but upriver pushes are possible after more rain.
TIPPY DAM / WELLSTON TAILRACE. Tailrace and downstream pools holding salmon — drift spawn and bead rigs along seams and target deeper tailrace slots at first light.

SALMON TACTICS — QUICK
Pier: Cast spoons and small plugs into the seam and retrieve with short ripping strips; slip-bobber skein in calm, sliding-pyramid or mesh-bag skein in wind/current.
Vertical jigging: Let the jig fall to the mark, then use slow 6–24” hops with pauses — tip Mission/Luna/P-Line glow jigs with a pea-size skein piece.
River / Tailrace: Fish first light; use 18–30” leaders with beads/spawn-sacks in seams, float-drifts in tailraces, and small skein under a slip-bobber for a subtle, scent-forward presentation.

PERCH REPORT — FULL (MINNOWS FIRST)
Perch summary: Slow but improving; primary presentation = minnows on perch rigs or slip-bobbers; wigglers or Perch Pounder bottom rigs for deep schools; drop-shot with a crawler chunk as follow-up.

WHITE LAKE. Yellow-belly perch on the west end by the channel; bluegill on the Eagles flats — minnows on slip-bobbers.
PENTWATER LAKE. Perch around docks and weedlines 6–15 ft — minnows on perch rigs.
P.M. LAKE. Perch in coves and docklines 6–14 ft — minnows on perch rigs.
MANISTEE LAKE. Perch and bluegill taking minnows and small perch rigs.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Perch around docks and coves on minnows — best window ~09:00–10:30 AM.
CRYSTAL LAKE. Perch on rocky drop-offs and weed edges 8–18 ft — minnows or small jigs.
BIG GLEN. Perch on the first break (~40 ft) on wigglers and minnows on Perch Pounders; many are small — sort before keeping.
NORTHPORT. A few perch being taken in ~38 ft on weedbeds; no large schools found in the usual hotspots.
BOWERS HARBOR. Perch around the launch and breakwall 6–12 ft — minnows on short leaders.
SKEGEMOG / TORCH CHANNEL. Perch on weed edges and narrows 6–15 ft — slip-bobber minnows.
TORCH LAKE. Perch on structure and ledges 10–25 ft — minnows or short drop-shot.
BURT LAKE (MAPLE BAY). Perch and occasional walleye on weed edges and humps 8–18 ft — minnows on slip floats.
BLACK LAKE. Perch on flats and weed cuts 6–12 ft — slip-bobber minnows.
OTSEGO LAKE. Perch near shallow bays 8–15 ft — perch rigs with minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Perch on weed edges 8–18 ft — slip-bobber minnows.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Perch along rockpiles and docklines 6–14 ft — short leaders with minnows.
LAKE LEELANAU (SOUTH END / CEDAR RIVER). Small perch on the south end by the Cedar River — minnows best.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Perch on small rigs and minnows.
GREEN LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Perch on minnows, small worms or crawler chunks — small slip bobbers.
MUSKEGON LAKE. Perch on small minnows, wigglers or Perch Pounder rigs on the bottom; Sand Docks, Bear Lake Channel and Snug Harbor are top spots — electronics help locate schools.
HOUGHTON LAKE. North weed bed producing perch — minnows and small perch rigs on slip-bobbers.

TOP 15 INLAND LAKES — PIKE, BASS & BLUEGILL (NO PERCH-ONLY LAKES)
LAKE CADILLAC. Smallmouth and largemouth around humps and weed edges — drop-shot crawlers, shaky-head plastics and weedless frogs; bluegill on minnows/waxworms.
LAKE MITCHELL. Largemouth and panfish near lily pads and stumps — weedless soft-plastics and small jigs.
LAKE ST. HELEN. Pike and largemouth in weedy bays — spinnerbaits, bucktails and topwater frogs early; panfish on small jigs.
HIGGINS LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout structure — vertical jigs and drop-shot minnows for smallmouth; panfish on small jigs/minnows.
FREMONT LAKE. Bass and pike around weedlines and points — spinnerbaits and crankbaits; panfish on minnows.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout water — vertical jigs and drop-shot minnows.
WALLOON LAKE. Smallmouth and largemouth on points and rocks — drop-shot, jerkbaits and medium swimbaits.
LAKE MISSAUKEE. Bluegill and largemouth in shallow weedy bays — minnows/waxworms under bobbers.
HOLTON LAKE. Bass and panfish around docks and weed edges — small jigs and slip-bobbers with minnows.
CRYSTAL LAKE (GREENVILLE). Town lake for panfish and largemouth — small jigs and slip-bobbers.
WABASIS LAKE. Public access lake near Greenville producing bass and panfish — spinnerbaits and minnows.
LONG LAKE (GREENVILLE). Local favorite with boat access and bass/panfish opportunities — drop-shot and slip-bobbers.
SUNRISE LAKE (LEROY). Park lake near LeRoy with bass and panfish — topwater early and small jigs.
PENASA LAKE (LEROY). Quiet local lake producing panfish and bass — minnows and small plastics.
TAMARACK LAKE (LAKEVIEW). All-sports Tamarack Lake producing largemouth and pike — spinnerbaits and live minnows.

TOP 10 UP HOTSPOTS
 1. LITTLE BAY DE NOC — Walleye & perch.
 2. MUNISING / GRAND ISLAND — Lake trout reefs & ledges.
 3. MARQUETTE — Lake trout steep drop-offs.
 4. KEWEENAW / COPPER HARBOR — Trout & salmon on rocky points.
 5. ESCANABA / BIG BAY DE NOC — Walleye & smallmouth.
 6. ST. MARYS RIVER / SAULT STE. MARIE — Salmon & steelhead in current seams.
 7. PORTAGE ENTRY / GRAND MARAIS — Lake trout & salmon.
 8. TAHQUAMENON BAY / RIVER MOUTHS — Walleye & panfish on weedlines.
 9. DRUMMOND ISLAND / LES CHENEUX — Smallmouth & walleye.
 10. AU TRAIN / FORD RIVER AREA — Trout, walleye & perch on points/narrows.

LIVE BAIT PRO TIP. For pier anglers cast a glow spoon and use a short ripping retrieve into the seam; for vertical jigging let the jig fall to the mark and use slow 6–24” hops with a pause — tip jigs with a pea-size skein piece for extra scent.

TIGHT LINES — BAITMAN OUT
#LiveBait #bucsbait #pierfishing #jigging #perch #tightlines

Buc’s Fishing Report — 09-13-2025

ON-SITE UPDATE. Recent wind-driven mixing cooled surface water and pushed most salmon tight to pier mouths and harbor entrances; trolling is largely parked and anglers are switching to pier-casting and vertical jigging.MOON & SOLUNAR BITES. Waxing crescent (~43% illum). Major Bite Window (ET): 04:30–06:30 AM. Minor Bite Windows (ET): ~12:00–01:00 PM and ~10:15–11:15 PM.WEATHER BRIEF. Rain and mist in spots with variable nearshore winds — check local marine text before launching.BAROMETER. Traverse City: ~30.15 inHg. Manistee: ~30.22 inHg. Ludington: ~30.10 inHg.HOT SEVEN — PIERS & JIGGING FOCUSFRANKFORT. Pier mouths staging fish; pier-casting spoons and short vertical jig hops producing best at first light.MANISTEE. Vertical jigging and pier action headline — target lake-tailrace seams and deep pools with P-Line 2 oz and 1 oz Luna/Mission glow jigs.LUDINGTON. Pier-casting spoons and small-boat vertical jigging producing near harbor marks and Big Sable points.WHITEHALL. Pier and nearshore jigging producing salmon and steelhead 40–60 ft on glow spoons and tipped jigs.GRAND HAVEN. Pier action light for salmon; most fish marking deeper (70–140 ft) though a few coho are coming to spoons.MUSKEGON (PIER / HARBOR). Piers and the basin producing scattered fish; boats finding fish 80–120 ft and jigging/glow-plugs working where fish are marked.BURT LAKE (MAPLE BAY). Fair for perch and occasional walleye; fish weed edges and points and expect sorting.SALMON RIVER — DETAILED (PRIORITY)MANISTEE RIVER (Wellston / Tippy). Flow ~1,580–1,660 cfs and gauge ~8.75–8.8 ft; warm water keeping many salmon staging at the mouth — fish first light and target tailraces, deep pools and main seams with beads, spawn-sack or float rigs on short leaders.WHITE RIVER (below HESPERIA DAM). Salmon staging in deep pools and tailrace holes below the dam — float-drifts, bead/spawn-sack rigs and short leaders through tailrace seams and plunge pools.BETSIE RIVER. Low and dropping flows keeping fish in lower reaches and mouths — target deeper runs, undercut banks and seam breaks and watch gauges for rain-driven upriver pushes.BOARDMAN RIVER. Fish staging in deeper holding pools and tailrace sections — work run→pool transitions with subtle float/bead presentations.PERE MARQUETTE / BALDWIN. Baldwin and lower Pere Marquette entries staging fish — beads, spawn-sack and floated skein presentations working when fish are present.TIPPY DAM / WELLSTON TAILRACE. Tailrace and downstream pools holding salmon — drift spawn and bead rigs along seams and target deeper tailrace slots at first light.SALMON TACTICS — QUICKPier: cast spoons and small plugs into the seam and retrieve with short ripping strips; slip-bobber skein in calm, sliding-pyramid or mesh-bag skein in wind/current.Vertical jigging: let the jig fall to the mark, then use slow 6–24” hops with pauses — Mission / Luna / P-Line glow jigs tipped with a pea-size skein piece.River/tailrace: fish first light; use 18–30” leaders with beads/spawn-sacks in seams; float-drifts in tailraces.PERCH REPORT — FULL (MINNOWS FIRST)Perch summary: Slow but improving; primary presentation = minnows on perch rigs or slip-bobbers; wigglers or Perch Pounder bottom rigs for deep schools; drop-shot with a crawler chunk as follow-up.WHITE LAKE. Yellow-belly perch on the west end by the channel; bluegill on the Eagles flats — minnows on slip-bobbers.PENTWATER LAKE. Perch around docks and weedlines 6–15 ft — minnows on perch rigs.P.M. LAKE. Perch in coves and docklines 6–14 ft — minnows on perch rigs.MANISTEE LAKE. Perch and bluegill taking minnows and small perch rigs.PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Perch around docks and coves on minnows.BIG GLEN. Perch on the first break (~40 ft) on wigglers and minnows on Perch Pounders; many are small — sort before keeping.NORTHPORT. Perch on slow flats and docks 4–10 ft — tiny perch rigs with minnows.BOWERS HARBOR. Perch around the launch and breakwall 6–12 ft — minnows on short leaders.SKEGEMOG / TORCH CHANNEL. Perch on weed edges and narrows 6–15 ft — slip-bobber minnows.TORCH LAKE. Perch on structure and ledges 10–25 ft — minnows or short drop-shot.BURT LAKE (MAPLE BAY). Perch and occasional walleye on weed edges and humps 8–18 ft — minnows on slip floats.BLACK LAKE. Perch on flats and weed cuts 6–12 ft — slip-bobber minnows.OTSEGO LAKE. Perch near shallow bays 8–15 ft — perch rigs with minnows.MULLETT LAKE. Perch on weed edges 8–18 ft — slip-bobber minnows.LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Perch along rockpiles and docklines 6–14 ft — short leaders with minnows.LAKE LEELANAU (SOUTH END / CEDAR RIVER). Small perch on the south end by the Cedar River — minnows best.LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Perch on small rigs and minnows.GREEN LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Perch on minnows, small worms or crawler chunks — small slip bobbers.MUSKEGON LAKE. Perch on small minnows, wigglers or Perch Pounder rigs on the bottom; Sand Docks, Bear Lake Channel and Snug Harbor are top spots — electronics help locate schools.HOUGHTON LAKE. North weed bed producing perch — minnows and small perch rigs on slip-bobbers.TOP 15 INLAND LAKES — PIKE, BASS & BLUEGILL (NO PERCH-ONLY LAKES)LAKE CADILLAC. Smallmouth and largemouth around humps and weed edges — drop-shot crawlers, shaky-head plastics and weedless frogs; bluegill on minnows/waxworms.LAKE MITCHELL. Largemouth and panfish near lily pads and stumps — weedless soft-plastics and small jigs.LAKE ST. HELEN. Pike and largemouth in weedy bays — spinnerbaits, bucktails and topwater frogs early; panfish on small jigs.HIGGINS LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout structure — vertical jigs and drop-shot minnows for smallmouth; panfish on small jigs/minnows.FREMONT LAKE. Bass and pike around weedlines and points — spinnerbaits and crankbaits; panfish on minnows.ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout water — vertical jigs and drop-shot minnows.WALLOON LAKE. Smallmouth and largemouth on points and rocks — drop-shot, jerkbaits and medium swimbaits; panfish on small baits.LAKE MISSAUKEE. Bluegill and largemouth in shallow weedy bays — minnows/waxworms under bobbers.HOLTON LAKE. Bass and panfish around docks and weed edges — small jigs and slip-bobbers with minnows.CRYSTAL LAKE (GREENVILLE). Town lake for panfish and largemouth — small jigs and slip-bobbers.WABASIS LAKE. Public access lake near Greenville producing bass and panfish — spinnerbaits and minnows.LONG LAKE (GREENVILLE). Local favorite with boat access and bass/panfish opportunities — drop-shot and slip-bobbers.SUNRISE LAKE (LEROY). Park lake near LeRoy with bass and panfish — topwater early and small jigs.PENASA LAKE (LEROY). Quiet local lake producing panfish and bass — minnows and small plastics.TAMARACK LAKE (LAKEVIEW). All-sports Tamarack Lake producing largemouth and pike — spinnerbaits and live minnows.TOP 10 UP HOTSPOTS 1. LITTLE BAY DE NOC — Walleye & perch. 2. MUNISING / GRAND ISLAND — Lake trout reefs & ledges. 3. MARQUETTE — Lake trout steep drop-offs. 4. KEWEENAW / COPPER HARBOR — Trout & salmon on rocky points. 5. ESCANABA / BIG BAY DE NOC — Walleye & smallmouth. 6. ST. MARYS RIVER / SAULT STE. MARIE — Salmon & steelhead in current seams. 7. PORTAGE ENTRY / GRAND MARAIS — Lake trout & salmon. 8. TAHQUAMENON BAY / RIVER MOUTHS — Walleye & panfish on weedlines. 9. DRUMMOND ISLAND / LES CHENEUX — Smallmouth & walleye. 10. AU TRAIN / FORD RIVER AREA — Trout, walleye & perch on points/narrows.LIVE BAIT PRO TIP. For pier anglers cast a glow spoon and use a short ripping retrieve into the seam; for vertical jigging let the jig fall to the mark and use slow 6–24” hops with a pause — tip jigs with a pea-size skein piece for extra scent.TIGHT LINES — BAITMAN OUT#LiveBait #bucsbait #pierfishing #jigging #perch #tightlines See MoreSee Less

Buc’s Fishing Report — 09-13-2025

ON-SITE UPDATE. Recent wind-driven mixing cooled surface water and pushed most salmon tight to pier mouths and harbor entrances; trolling is largely parked and anglers are switching to pier-casting and vertical jigging.

MOON & SOLUNAR BITES. Waxing crescent (~43% illum). Major Bite Window (ET): 04:30–06:30 AM. Minor Bite Windows (ET): ~12:00–01:00 PM and ~10:15–11:15 PM.

WEATHER BRIEF. Rain and mist in spots with variable nearshore winds — check local marine text before launching.

BAROMETER. Traverse City: ~30.15 inHg. Manistee: ~30.22 inHg. Ludington: ~30.10 inHg.

HOT SEVEN — PIERS & JIGGING FOCUS
FRANKFORT. Pier mouths staging fish; pier-casting spoons and short vertical jig hops producing best at first light.
MANISTEE. Vertical jigging and pier action headline — target lake-tailrace seams and deep pools with P-Line 2 oz and 1 oz Luna/Mission glow jigs.
LUDINGTON. Pier-casting spoons and small-boat vertical jigging producing near harbor marks and Big Sable points.
WHITEHALL. Pier and nearshore jigging producing salmon and steelhead 40–60 ft on glow spoons and tipped jigs.
GRAND HAVEN. Pier action light for salmon; most fish marking deeper (70–140 ft) though a few coho are coming to spoons.
MUSKEGON (PIER / HARBOR). Piers and the basin producing scattered fish; boats finding fish 80–120 ft and jigging/glow-plugs working where fish are marked.
BURT LAKE (MAPLE BAY). Fair for perch and occasional walleye; fish weed edges and points and expect sorting.

SALMON RIVER — DETAILED (PRIORITY)
MANISTEE RIVER (Wellston / Tippy). Flow ~1,580–1,660 cfs and gauge ~8.75–8.8 ft; warm water keeping many salmon staging at the mouth — fish first light and target tailraces, deep pools and main seams with beads, spawn-sack or float rigs on short leaders.
WHITE RIVER (below HESPERIA DAM). Salmon staging in deep pools and tailrace holes below the dam — float-drifts, bead/spawn-sack rigs and short leaders through tailrace seams and plunge pools.
BETSIE RIVER. Low and dropping flows keeping fish in lower reaches and mouths — target deeper runs, undercut banks and seam breaks and watch gauges for rain-driven upriver pushes.
BOARDMAN RIVER. Fish staging in deeper holding pools and tailrace sections — work run→pool transitions with subtle float/bead presentations.
PERE MARQUETTE / BALDWIN. Baldwin and lower Pere Marquette entries staging fish — beads, spawn-sack and floated skein presentations working when fish are present.
TIPPY DAM / WELLSTON TAILRACE. Tailrace and downstream pools holding salmon — drift spawn and bead rigs along seams and target deeper tailrace slots at first light.

SALMON TACTICS — QUICK
Pier: cast spoons and small plugs into the seam and retrieve with short ripping strips; slip-bobber skein in calm, sliding-pyramid or mesh-bag skein in wind/current.
Vertical jigging: let the jig fall to the mark, then use slow 6–24” hops with pauses — Mission / Luna / P-Line glow jigs tipped with a pea-size skein piece.
River/tailrace: fish first light; use 18–30” leaders with beads/spawn-sacks in seams; float-drifts in tailraces.

PERCH REPORT — FULL (MINNOWS FIRST)
Perch summary: Slow but improving; primary presentation = minnows on perch rigs or slip-bobbers; wigglers or Perch Pounder bottom rigs for deep schools; drop-shot with a crawler chunk as follow-up.

WHITE LAKE. Yellow-belly perch on the west end by the channel; bluegill on the Eagles flats — minnows on slip-bobbers.
PENTWATER LAKE. Perch around docks and weedlines 6–15 ft — minnows on perch rigs.
P.M. LAKE. Perch in coves and docklines 6–14 ft — minnows on perch rigs.
MANISTEE LAKE. Perch and bluegill taking minnows and small perch rigs.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Perch around docks and coves on minnows.
BIG GLEN. Perch on the first break (~40 ft) on wigglers and minnows on Perch Pounders; many are small — sort before keeping.
NORTHPORT. Perch on slow flats and docks 4–10 ft — tiny perch rigs with minnows.
BOWERS HARBOR. Perch around the launch and breakwall 6–12 ft — minnows on short leaders.
SKEGEMOG / TORCH CHANNEL. Perch on weed edges and narrows 6–15 ft — slip-bobber minnows.
TORCH LAKE. Perch on structure and ledges 10–25 ft — minnows or short drop-shot.
BURT LAKE (MAPLE BAY). Perch and occasional walleye on weed edges and humps 8–18 ft — minnows on slip floats.
BLACK LAKE. Perch on flats and weed cuts 6–12 ft — slip-bobber minnows.
OTSEGO LAKE. Perch near shallow bays 8–15 ft — perch rigs with minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Perch on weed edges 8–18 ft — slip-bobber minnows.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Perch along rockpiles and docklines 6–14 ft — short leaders with minnows.
LAKE LEELANAU (SOUTH END / CEDAR RIVER). Small perch on the south end by the Cedar River — minnows best.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Perch on small rigs and minnows.
GREEN LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Perch on minnows, small worms or crawler chunks — small slip bobbers.
MUSKEGON LAKE. Perch on small minnows, wigglers or Perch Pounder rigs on the bottom; Sand Docks, Bear Lake Channel and Snug Harbor are top spots — electronics help locate schools.
HOUGHTON LAKE. North weed bed producing perch — minnows and small perch rigs on slip-bobbers.

TOP 15 INLAND LAKES — PIKE, BASS & BLUEGILL (NO PERCH-ONLY LAKES)
LAKE CADILLAC. Smallmouth and largemouth around humps and weed edges — drop-shot crawlers, shaky-head plastics and weedless frogs; bluegill on minnows/waxworms.
LAKE MITCHELL. Largemouth and panfish near lily pads and stumps — weedless soft-plastics and small jigs.
LAKE ST. HELEN. Pike and largemouth in weedy bays — spinnerbaits, bucktails and topwater frogs early; panfish on small jigs.
HIGGINS LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout structure — vertical jigs and drop-shot minnows for smallmouth; panfish on small jigs/minnows.
FREMONT LAKE. Bass and pike around weedlines and points — spinnerbaits and crankbaits; panfish on minnows.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout water — vertical jigs and drop-shot minnows.
WALLOON LAKE. Smallmouth and largemouth on points and rocks — drop-shot, jerkbaits and medium swimbaits; panfish on small baits.
LAKE MISSAUKEE. Bluegill and largemouth in shallow weedy bays — minnows/waxworms under bobbers.
HOLTON LAKE. Bass and panfish around docks and weed edges — small jigs and slip-bobbers with minnows.
CRYSTAL LAKE (GREENVILLE). Town lake for panfish and largemouth — small jigs and slip-bobbers.
WABASIS LAKE. Public access lake near Greenville producing bass and panfish — spinnerbaits and minnows.
LONG LAKE (GREENVILLE). Local favorite with boat access and bass/panfish opportunities — drop-shot and slip-bobbers.
SUNRISE LAKE (LEROY). Park lake near LeRoy with bass and panfish — topwater early and small jigs.
PENASA LAKE (LEROY). Quiet local lake producing panfish and bass — minnows and small plastics.
TAMARACK LAKE (LAKEVIEW). All-sports Tamarack Lake producing largemouth and pike — spinnerbaits and live minnows.

TOP 10 UP HOTSPOTS
 1. LITTLE BAY DE NOC — Walleye & perch.
 2. MUNISING / GRAND ISLAND — Lake trout reefs & ledges.
 3. MARQUETTE — Lake trout steep drop-offs.
 4. KEWEENAW / COPPER HARBOR — Trout & salmon on rocky points.
 5. ESCANABA / BIG BAY DE NOC — Walleye & smallmouth.
 6. ST. MARYS RIVER / SAULT STE. MARIE — Salmon & steelhead in current seams.
 7. PORTAGE ENTRY / GRAND MARAIS — Lake trout & salmon.
 8. TAHQUAMENON BAY / RIVER MOUTHS — Walleye & panfish on weedlines.
 9. DRUMMOND ISLAND / LES CHENEUX — Smallmouth & walleye.
 10. AU TRAIN / FORD RIVER AREA — Trout, walleye & perch on points/narrows.

LIVE BAIT PRO TIP. For pier anglers cast a glow spoon and use a short ripping retrieve into the seam; for vertical jigging let the jig fall to the mark and use slow 6–24” hops with a pause — tip jigs with a pea-size skein piece for extra scent.

TIGHT LINES — BAITMAN OUT
#LiveBait #bucsbait #pierfishing #jigging #perch #tightlines

Hook & Paddle: Michigan’s Real Kayak Fishing Report

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025🌊 Featured Lake of the Week — Fletcher’s Pond (Hillman, MI)Fletcher’s Pond, also called Fletcher Floodwaters, is a 9,000-acre shallow lake created by damming the Thunder Bay River. With a maximum depth of just 10 feet, it’s packed with flooded timber, stump fields, weedbeds, and islands — ideal habitat for kayak anglers.Access & AmenitiesMiller Road DNR Launch (north shore): Public ramp, parking, kayak-friendly.Jack’s Landing (south shore): Cabins, bait, food, semi-private launch.Fletcher’s Landing Resort (south shore): Lodging, bait, dockage, restaurant.Hillman (2 miles west): Gas, groceries, dining.Target SpeciesNorthern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, and pumpkinseed thrive here. Pike and bass dominate the weeds and timber, while panfish are steady along channels and brush.Kayak Hot SpotsNorthwest bay weedbeds.Flooded timber on east/north shores.Island groups and stump fields.Channels connecting backwaters.Tactics in Algae/Sludgy WaterTopwater: Frogs & buzzbaits across mats.Weedless rigs: Texas-rigged plastics, weedless jigs in holes/edges.Timing: Early & late for best low-light bites.Approach: Paddle slow, cast shallow (1–3 ft), and use braid to muscle fish from cover.Tip: Bring extra lures — Fletcher’s eats tackle in the timber.🛶 Featured Kayak & Gear of the WeekKayak: Bonafide XTR 130 — unmatched stability, high weight capacity, new swivel seating. MSRP: $1,799.Gear Highlight: Mission Lures EJ Jig — Traverse City-made, hot for jigging salmon from a kayak. MSRP: $6.99.🎣 Duane & Tiffany’s Pro Tip“For fall perch out of a kayak, start by working weed edges and channels where perch move shallow as water cools. Use a double-hook perch rig with minnows or worm pieces and bounce it along bottom from an anchored or drifting kayak. Light jigs and drop shots work well in 8–20 feet. Perch bunch tight in fall — once you catch a few, stick with the school.” – Duane & Tiffany🏞 Top 15 Popular Big Lakes (Kayak Focus) — Northern MichiganLake Charlevoix: South Arm giving steady smallmouth on rocky points and drop-offs; perch spotty—hunt 25–35 ft breaks.Torch Lake: Lakers and smallmouth best along the east-shore drop-offs in 20–30 ft; walleye scattered at first/last light on stickbaits.Elk Lake: Smallmouth working mid-lake humps and 18–28 ft edges; perch light and roaming—electronics help.Lake Skegemog: Pike and largemouth active around stump fields and weedlines; a few perch showing but bite remains light.Lake Leelanau (South): Perch fair by the Cedar River/south basin in 12–20 ft on minnows; smallmouth along rocky margins.Lake Leelanau (North): Smallmouth steady on points and saddles; perch scattered—check 18–30 ft near weed edges.Crystal Lake (Benzie): Perch holding on weed edges and drop-offs in 8–18 ft; smallmouth cruising sand-to-rock transitions.Big Glen Lake: Perch present around ~40 ft with lots of sorting; bass consistent along remaining green weeds.Little Glen Lake: Kayak-friendly shallow flats producing bluegill/perch on slip bobbers and bass on finesse jigs.Walloon Lake: Smallmouth good on tubes and ned rigs on gravel breaks; perch slow, look 25–35 ft for pods.Burt Lake: Walleye scattered on crawler harnesses along 15–25 ft bars; perch light and moving—cover water.Mullett Lake: Pike reliable on weed edges; smallmouth fair on deeper points, perch bite remains inconsistent.Black Lake: Pike fair with spinners and spoons around cabbage; occasional walleye after dark on shorelines.Long Lake (Grand Traverse Co.): Perch showing on 20–30 ft breaks; smallmouth working wind-blown points.Portage Lake (Onekama): Perch OK near docks/coves on minnows and perch rigs; bass along channel edges and inside weedlines.🐟 Small Lakes for Kayak Fishing (Lower Peninsula)Spider Lake (GT Co.): Bluegill & perch on slip bobbers.Boardman Lake (Traverse City): Crappie & bass near timber.Lake Dubonnet (GT Co.): Panfish staging on weeds.Silver Lake (GT Co.): Bluegill shallow on worms.Duck Lake (Kalkaska): Pike active on weed edges.Lake Ann (Benzie): Bass & panfish moderate.Green Lake (Interlochen): Perch fair on breaks.Long Lake (GT Co.): Smallmouth & perch fair.Otter Lake (Antrim): Panfish steady.Big Bass Lake (Lake Co.): Pike & bluegill producing.⛰ Upper Peninsula Top 10 Lakes (Kayak Focus)Lake Gogebic (Gogebic Co.): Walleye & perch fair, evenings best.Indian Lake (Schoolcraft Co.): Pike steady, walleye scattered.Big Manistique Lake (Mackinac Co.): Perch & pike good.North Manistique (Luce Co.): Bass & bluegill fair.Deer Lake (Marquette Co.): Smallmouth fair.Craig Lake (Baraga Co.): Pike & bass along timber.Shakey Lakes (Menominee Co.): Panfish hot.Lake Independence (Marquette Co.): Pike & perch steady.Twin Lakes (Houghton Co.): Mixed perch & bluegill.Brevoort Lake (Mackinac Co.): Pike & bass active.🚀 Innovations in Kayak Fishing (2025 Spotlight)The FluxJet Electric Jet Kayak stole the show at ICAST 2025, winning “Best in Show” with its 11-foot, 88-lb frame, silent jet drive, and 16-hour runtime. Expect jet propulsion and GPS-linked motors like Garmin’s Force Current to reshape kayak fishing with stealth and power. Portable sonar (like PingLive) and integrated power systems from YakPower and Lowrance make electronics simpler and cleaner for kayak anglers.🧰 Safety Spotlight — Fall Kayak Fishing in Northern MichiganAlways wear a PFD, pack dry clothes, and launch close to your fishing grounds. Cooling water demands caution. Bass & pike are feeding aggressively on weedlines and timber; walleye are hitting stickbaits at dawn. Work drop-offs in 5–10 ft and expect strong bites on plastics and reaction baits. Gloves/hand warmers extend trips when the wind kicks up.🌙 Moon Phase & Solunar Fishing Times (EST)Fri, Sep 12 — Waning Gibbous• Major: 5:31–7:31 AM, 5:55–7:55 PM• Minor: 1:32–2:32 PM, 10:19–11:19 PMSat, Sep 13 — Waning Gibbous• Major: 6:31–8:31 AM, 6:58–8:58 PM• Minor: 2:50–3:50 PM, 11:06 PM–12:06 AMSun, Sep 14 — Last Quarter• Major: 7:32–9:32 AM, 8:02–10:02 PM• Minor: 4:00–5:00 PMMon, Sep 15 — Waning Crescent• Major: 8:34–10:34 AM, 9:05–11:05 PM• Minor: 12:05–1:05 AM, 4:57–5:57 PMTue, Sep 16 — Waning Crescent• Major: 9:33–11:33 AM, 10:04 PM–12:04 AM• Minor: 1:14–2:14 AM, 5:40–6:40 PMWed, Sep 17 — Waning Crescent• Major: 10:28 AM–12:28 PM, 10:58 PM–12:58 AM• Minor: 2:29–3:29 AM, 6:13–7:13 PMThu, Sep 18 — Waning Crescent• Major: 11:18 AM–1:18 PM, 11:47 PM–1:47 AM• Minor: 3:44–4:44 AM, 6:39–7:39 PM📣 Community ShoutoutTag your catches with #HookAndPaddle and mention @UncleBuck the Bait Man for a chance to be featured in next week’s report. See MoreSee Less

Hook & Paddle: Michigan’s Real Kayak Fishing Report

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025

🌊 Featured Lake of the Week — Fletcher’s Pond (Hillman, MI)

Fletcher’s Pond, also called Fletcher Floodwaters, is a 9,000-acre shallow lake created by damming the Thunder Bay River. With a maximum depth of just 10 feet, it’s packed with flooded timber, stump fields, weedbeds, and islands — ideal habitat for kayak anglers.

Access & Amenities

Miller Road DNR Launch (north shore): Public ramp, parking, kayak-friendly.

Jack’s Landing (south shore): Cabins, bait, food, semi-private launch.

Fletcher’s Landing Resort (south shore): Lodging, bait, dockage, restaurant.

Hillman (2 miles west): Gas, groceries, dining.

Target Species
Northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, and pumpkinseed thrive here. Pike and bass dominate the weeds and timber, while panfish are steady along channels and brush.

Kayak Hot Spots

Northwest bay weedbeds.

Flooded timber on east/north shores.

Island groups and stump fields.

Channels connecting backwaters.

Tactics in Algae/Sludgy Water

Topwater: Frogs & buzzbaits across mats.

Weedless rigs: Texas-rigged plastics, weedless jigs in holes/edges.

Timing: Early & late for best low-light bites.

Approach: Paddle slow, cast shallow (1–3 ft), and use braid to muscle fish from cover.

Tip: Bring extra lures — Fletcher’s eats tackle in the timber.

🛶 Featured Kayak & Gear of the Week

Kayak: Bonafide XTR 130 — unmatched stability, high weight capacity, new swivel seating. MSRP: $1,799.

Gear Highlight: Mission Lures EJ Jig — Traverse City-made, hot for jigging salmon from a kayak. MSRP: $6.99.

🎣 Duane & Tiffany’s Pro Tip

“For fall perch out of a kayak, start by working weed edges and channels where perch move shallow as water cools. Use a double-hook perch rig with minnows or worm pieces and bounce it along bottom from an anchored or drifting kayak. Light jigs and drop shots work well in 8–20 feet. Perch bunch tight in fall — once you catch a few, stick with the school.” – Duane & Tiffany

🏞 Top 15 Popular Big Lakes (Kayak Focus) — Northern Michigan

Lake Charlevoix: South Arm giving steady smallmouth on rocky points and drop-offs; perch spotty—hunt 25–35 ft breaks.

Torch Lake: Lakers and smallmouth best along the east-shore drop-offs in 20–30 ft; walleye scattered at first/last light on stickbaits.

Elk Lake: Smallmouth working mid-lake humps and 18–28 ft edges; perch light and roaming—electronics help.

Lake Skegemog: Pike and largemouth active around stump fields and weedlines; a few perch showing but bite remains light.

Lake Leelanau (South): Perch fair by the Cedar River/south basin in 12–20 ft on minnows; smallmouth along rocky margins.

Lake Leelanau (North): Smallmouth steady on points and saddles; perch scattered—check 18–30 ft near weed edges.

Crystal Lake (Benzie): Perch holding on weed edges and drop-offs in 8–18 ft; smallmouth cruising sand-to-rock transitions.

Big Glen Lake: Perch present around ~40 ft with lots of sorting; bass consistent along remaining green weeds.

Little Glen Lake: Kayak-friendly shallow flats producing bluegill/perch on slip bobbers and bass on finesse jigs.

Walloon Lake: Smallmouth good on tubes and ned rigs on gravel breaks; perch slow, look 25–35 ft for pods.

Burt Lake: Walleye scattered on crawler harnesses along 15–25 ft bars; perch light and moving—cover water.

Mullett Lake: Pike reliable on weed edges; smallmouth fair on deeper points, perch bite remains inconsistent.

Black Lake: Pike fair with spinners and spoons around cabbage; occasional walleye after dark on shorelines.

Long Lake (Grand Traverse Co.): Perch showing on 20–30 ft breaks; smallmouth working wind-blown points.

Portage Lake (Onekama): Perch OK near docks/coves on minnows and perch rigs; bass along channel edges and inside weedlines.

🐟 Small Lakes for Kayak Fishing (Lower Peninsula)

Spider Lake (GT Co.): Bluegill & perch on slip bobbers.

Boardman Lake (Traverse City): Crappie & bass near timber.

Lake Dubonnet (GT Co.): Panfish staging on weeds.

Silver Lake (GT Co.): Bluegill shallow on worms.

Duck Lake (Kalkaska): Pike active on weed edges.

Lake Ann (Benzie): Bass & panfish moderate.

Green Lake (Interlochen): Perch fair on breaks.

Long Lake (GT Co.): Smallmouth & perch fair.

Otter Lake (Antrim): Panfish steady.

Big Bass Lake (Lake Co.): Pike & bluegill producing.

⛰ Upper Peninsula Top 10 Lakes (Kayak Focus)

Lake Gogebic (Gogebic Co.): Walleye & perch fair, evenings best.

Indian Lake (Schoolcraft Co.): Pike steady, walleye scattered.

Big Manistique Lake (Mackinac Co.): Perch & pike good.

North Manistique (Luce Co.): Bass & bluegill fair.

Deer Lake (Marquette Co.): Smallmouth fair.

Craig Lake (Baraga Co.): Pike & bass along timber.

Shakey Lakes (Menominee Co.): Panfish hot.

Lake Independence (Marquette Co.): Pike & perch steady.

Twin Lakes (Houghton Co.): Mixed perch & bluegill.

Brevoort Lake (Mackinac Co.): Pike & bass active.

🚀 Innovations in Kayak Fishing (2025 Spotlight)

The FluxJet Electric Jet Kayak stole the show at ICAST 2025, winning “Best in Show” with its 11-foot, 88-lb frame, silent jet drive, and 16-hour runtime. Expect jet propulsion and GPS-linked motors like Garmin’s Force Current to reshape kayak fishing with stealth and power. Portable sonar (like PingLive) and integrated power systems from YakPower and Lowrance make electronics simpler and cleaner for kayak anglers.

🧰 Safety Spotlight — Fall Kayak Fishing in Northern Michigan

Always wear a PFD, pack dry clothes, and launch close to your fishing grounds. Cooling water demands caution. Bass & pike are feeding aggressively on weedlines and timber; walleye are hitting stickbaits at dawn. Work drop-offs in 5–10 ft and expect strong bites on plastics and reaction baits. Gloves/hand warmers extend trips when the wind kicks up.

🌙 Moon Phase & Solunar Fishing Times (EST)

Fri, Sep 12 — Waning Gibbous
• Major: 5:31–7:31 AM, 5:55–7:55 PM
• Minor: 1:32–2:32 PM, 10:19–11:19 PM

Sat, Sep 13 — Waning Gibbous
• Major: 6:31–8:31 AM, 6:58–8:58 PM
• Minor: 2:50–3:50 PM, 11:06 PM–12:06 AM

Sun, Sep 14 — Last Quarter
• Major: 7:32–9:32 AM, 8:02–10:02 PM
• Minor: 4:00–5:00 PM

Mon, Sep 15 — Waning Crescent
• Major: 8:34–10:34 AM, 9:05–11:05 PM
• Minor: 12:05–1:05 AM, 4:57–5:57 PM

Tue, Sep 16 — Waning Crescent
• Major: 9:33–11:33 AM, 10:04 PM–12:04 AM
• Minor: 1:14–2:14 AM, 5:40–6:40 PM

Wed, Sep 17 — Waning Crescent
• Major: 10:28 AM–12:28 PM, 10:58 PM–12:58 AM
• Minor: 2:29–3:29 AM, 6:13–7:13 PM

Thu, Sep 18 — Waning Crescent
• Major: 11:18 AM–1:18 PM, 11:47 PM–1:47 AM
• Minor: 3:44–4:44 AM, 6:39–7:39 PM

📣 Community Shoutout

Tag your catches with #HookAndPaddle and mention @UncleBuck the Bait Man for a chance to be featured in next week’s report.

Breaking News! 5 seats have just opened up for Cisco in the Crisco! Contact me or Mike! Lets do this! See MoreSee Less