Fishing Michigan

At the recent ICAST sportfishing show, these items were selected from six categories.

• Original Floater Minnow (1936) remains one of the most successful and widely copied hard lures in sportfishing’s history.
  Original and current manufacturer: Rapala
• Spring loaded Bobber (1947) made suspending a baited hook at a desired depth simpler and easier. Even today this item is virtually in every angler’s tackle box.
  Original manufacturer: Nibble Nabber
  Current: Various companies
• Mitchell 300 (1949) was the first commercially successful spinning reel, and is still one of the most common reels used today.
  Original manufacturer: Mitchell
  Current manufacturer: Pure Fishing
• Creme Plastic Worm (1949) changed the sport forever as the first ― and still famous ― long-lasting artificial worm that both looked and felt real.
  Original and current manufacturer: Creme Lure Company
• Closed Face Spincast Reel (1949) made fishing easy and affordable to everyone regardless of age, size, gender and expertise.
  Original manufacturer:  Zero Hour Bomb Company
  Current Manufacturer: ZEBCO Brands
• Lowrance Fish Lo-K-Tor (1957), the “Little Green Box” introduced anglers to the use of sonar in locating individual fish.
  Original Manufacturer: Lowrance Electronics
  Current: Lowrance/Navico
• Monofilament Line (1958) improved the durability, affordability and casting ability of fishing line while reducing its visibility to fish
  Original manufacturer: DuPont Stren
  Current manufacturer: Pure Fishing
• Minn Kota Trolling Motor (1958) was the first electric gear-driven trolling motor gave anglers the ability to quietly maneuver and position their boats.
  Original manufacturer: Minn Kota
  Current manufacturer: Johnson Outdoors
• Fenwick High Modulus Graphite Rod (1972), with its super-sensitive carbon (graphite) fibers, revolutionized the method of making fishing rods and how anglers fished.
  Original Manufacturer: Fenwick
  Current Manufacturer: Pure Fishing
• Shakespeare Ugly Stick (1976), with its special construction, created an affordable, unbreakable and dynamic fishing rod still in use today.
  Original and current manufacturer: Shakespeare

My only complaint is two fold, where are the handline reels that made fishing on the Detroit River famous,  and how could they leave off the old faithful Red and White Daredevle?

 One of my favorite ways to land pike is with the use of a spinnerbait.  Like many other types of baits that are effective, a spinnerbait can be fished in a variety of ways.  Fast, slow, shallow and deep.

Most anglers fish from the drop-offs into the shallows and then retrieve their lures back out to the boat over the deeper water.  A very productive method is to reverse your position when casting.  I picked this up from an In-Fisherman video on muskie tactics yrs ago, and has proven itself many times since then.  Navigate the shallow water edges of an inland lake.  Cast out into the deep, let the spinnerbait sink, give the rod tip a sharp jerk to straighten the bait out, and begin your retrieve.  Often you will get pike that are in the cooler thermoclines to come up and chase your bait.

Excellent walleye fishing continues in and around Saginaw Bay. Boat anglers on the Great Lakes are taking chinook, coho, lake trout and some steelhead. Weather in the Upper Peninsula has been too unstable to support any extended bite.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Walleye fishing picked up recently despite the muddy warm waters. Fish were caught when trolling bottom bouncers with crawlers near the Banana Dike and off Stony Point in 29 feet of water. Spoons caught fish near the E-Buoy. Perch fishing is just getting started in most areas. Crawlers and minnows work best. Large numbers of freshwater drum are hitting just about any type of bait.

Huron River - Bass are still being caught between the dams and panfish are in the backwaters. Carp and catfish continue to hit on crawlers and cut bait. A couple steelhead were caught near the cold water discharge.

Detroit River - A few walleye are still being caught on crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers. Perch fishing has been hit-or-miss.

Lake St. Clair - Walleye fishing was a bit slow however fish are being caught. The fish are scattered so move around. Muskie are still biting.

St. Clair River - Has fair walleye fishing with fish caught between the mouth of the Black River and Port Huron.

Lakeport - Has good perch fishing along the weedbeds.

Lexington - Pier fishing remains good for a variety of warmwater species. Quite a few pike have also been caught inside the harbor.

Port Sanilac - Lake trout and salmon are being taken from 90 to 100 feet of water. Perch fishing is good around the various weedbeds around and north of the harbor in 15 to 20 feet of water. The perch tend to move day to day, so try drift fishing until you find a school of fish or target the rocks or gravelly shoals in 35 to 40 feet of water.

Grindstone City - For walleye, head straight north of the harbor about a mile and fish 30 feet of water. Limit catches were reported.

Port Austin - Walleye anglers will want to go out and fish around the Lighthouse Reef, go west and fish the Flat Rock Reef, or the area around the broken rocks.

Saginaw Bay - Continues to have phenomenal walleye fishing at virtually all possible locations from Au Gres around to Port Austin. Crawler harnesses on bottom bouncers trolled off planer boards are a sure thing, but Hot-n-Tots in various colors are also taking fish. Limit catches are the rule. Anytime the weather is stable and the wind isn’t blowing too hard, expect excellent fishing. Some nice perch were caught in 20 to 23 feet of water north of the Spark Plug which is near Buoys 11 & 12. At Caseville, good walleye catches were reported up by Oak Point.

Saginaw River - Some walleye are still being caught in the lower river when trolling along the edge of the shipping channel and catfish are hitting on live bait.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - Pier anglers caught steelhead during the cooler weather.

South Haven - A few perch were caught in 30 to 90 feet of water.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Pike are still hitting on large sucker minnows. Anglers drifting crawler harnesses or jigging off the bottom are still taking a few walleye in the early morning or late evening. Look for bluegill in the backwaters and crappie near the brush piles. Channel cats are still being caught off the bridges when using live bait such as small bluegills or crayfish.

Grand River at Lansing - Look for panfish in the backwaters. Channel cats are still hitting on live baits.

Lake Delta - On Canal Road is sill producing some good pike action.

Lake Ovid - Anglers are going out for panfish but few reports have come in. Some big catfish are in this lake. Try live bait such as small bluegills.

Muskegon - Salmon fishing has not been real hot but fish are being caught. Try 100 to 160 feet of water with lead core about 50 feet down and downriggers about 60 to 75 feet down. Most are using yellow and silver spoons that glow.

Muskegon Lake - Walleye are being caught along the weed edges but many are running small. A few perch have been caught on minnows. Bluegill fishing was slow as the fish may be suspended in deeper water. Bass are still being caught in shallow waters along the weedbeds and around structure.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Rockport - Good numbers of trout and salmon have been caught around False Presque Isle, Stoneport and Middle Island. Some steelhead were also caught. Good colors have been green and purple.

Alpena - Chinook, coho, and atlantic salmon along with steelhead have been caught. Anglers are limiting out on lake trout while fishing out near the wreck. The salmon seem to be suspended about 50 feet down in waters 80 to 100 feet deep while the steelhead were 30 to 40 feet down in 150 to 300 feet of water. Walleye have been caught and Scarecrow Island was the hot spot.

Thunder Bay River - Anglers are catching the occasional walleye.

Harrisville - Lake trout action was steady when anglers can get out. Catch rates for chinook have been slow but the number of steelhead is up. Boats are fishing straight out from the harbor and one mile north or one mile south in 80 to 120 feet of water.

Oscoda - Light numbers of lake trout and salmon have been caught in 100 feet of water when using yellow tails. Catch rates for steelhead were slow.

Au Sable River - Walleye are still in the river. Anglers are having good success in the morning and evening when drifting natural baits.

Higgins Lake - Lake trout were caught when trolling large cowbells with bombers, body baits or spoons in 85 to 100 feet of water. Some limit catches were reported. Smallmouth bass were caught when drifting in 25 feet of water and there are tons of rock bass being caught.

Houghton Lake - Walleye are still being caught on a crawler harness with a leech or crank baits. Some jumbo perch measuring 12 inches plus have been caught on worms around the Middle Ground and south shore weedbeds. Good bluegill action on the calm days. Crappies were spotty.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey - Anglers are pursuing salmon and lake trout in deep water. Overall success was slow but a few anglers were putting three or four fish in the box. Warm water temperatures have fish anywhere from 90 to 160 feet of water. Anglers report good numbers of baitfish but too many water fleas. Bass have been caught on leeches and crawlers near the drop-offs, piers, and docks. A few walleye were spotted in the channel along with a good number of freshwater drum.

Charlevoix - Salmon, lake trout and even some steelhead have been caught.

Elk Lake - Trout anglers have been fishing from sun up to late morning. Most are trolling the large area from Spencer Bay south to the Whitewater Park and over to the Rex Terrace when using spoons, rapalas and Hot-n-Tots in 45 to 150 feet of water. Walleye anglers were trolling between Bussa Road and Ringler Road but no fish were caught. Smallmouth action picked up with fish caught in 7 to 25 feet of water along the west shoreline from Kewadin to the Western Cove which is north of the Sand Bar, and around the Narrows. In the south end target the waters around Angel Road. Rock bass have been caught in 7 to 10 feet of water. Look for perch along the drop-off southwest of the park and in shallow waters near Kewadin.

Skegemog Lake - The public access site on Baggs Road is still closed. Construction is scheduled to be completed on Friday, July 25th. Smallmouth bass have been caught along the east side near the mouth of the Torch River and the shallow weedy areas. Anglers are casting crank baits, power baits, swim baits, tube baits, crawlers or artificial frogs. Bass anglers have caught a few pike on the south end near the exposed weeds when using spinners, artificial crayfish and lizards. Bluegills and rock bass were caught near the mouth of the Torch River and the access sites.

Big Glen Lake - Trout fishing has picked up with rainbows hitting glow on green and black glow in the dark spoons when trolling in 70 to 100 feet of water. Lake trout are also hitting on spoons bounced off the bottom. Limits of walleye have been caught on minnows. Try fishing the drop-offs for bass.

Fisher Lake - Bluegills are still hitting on worms and a few largemouth bass have been caught from the weedbeds along the shoreline.

Frankfort - Some nice chinook salmon have been caught out on the bank and in deep water from the piers all the way to Betsie Point. Lake trout and coho were caught in waters 130 to 200 feet deep. Water temperatures were warm, so fish deeper in the water column with meat rigs and spoons. Pier fishing was slow due to warm water and the lack of alewife.

Onekama - Fish are being caught south of the piers and near the Saddle. Mixed catches of chinook, lake trout and the occasional brown trout were caught up near the Barrel. Green, blue and white spoons have caught the most fish, but some were using green/white fly combinations along with meat rigs.

Portage Lake - Dredging is still taking place in the channel however walleye fishing in and around the channel has been decent at night. Good numbers of largemouth bass have been caught around the docks and the weed beds. The bigger bluegills along with rock bass and perch have been caught in the northwest corner of the lake and in front of the marina in 15 to 25 feet of water. The mayfly hatch is underway so catch rates are a bit slower, but fish are being caught.

Manistee - Chinook and lake trout were caught 75 to 150 feet down in waters 150 to 250 feet deep when using flashers and flies, J plugs, or magnum spoons. Hot colors are green and blue.

Big Manistee River - Anglers will find a fair number of skamania steelhead up near Tippy Dam. Early mornings or late evenings are best. Trout fishing in the area has been hampered somewhat by high water from continued rains.

Hamlin Lake - Fishing was a bit on the slow side however some limits were taken using wax worms or leaf worms in shallow waters in the South, Middle and North Bayou’s. Bass were caught on live bait or green and purple artificial crawlers.

Ludington - Salmon fishing has been very good over the last week with some 15 to 19 pound fish caught. A few lake trout, steelhead and the occasional brown trout have also been caught. Boats are fishing 75 to 120 feet down in waters 100 to 200 feet deep from the Bath House to the Point with green and blue flies.

Upper Peninsula

Keweenaw Bay - Chinook and lake trout have been caught in 50 to 65 feet of water from the head of the Bay to Sand Point. Lake trout were caught in 160 to 190 feet of water off the Huron Islands. Off Traverse Bay, lakers were taken off Big Louie’s Point, Gay Point and around Rabbit Island. Boats are trolling in 130 to 185 feet of water or jigging in 140 to 170 feet of water. Off the South Portage Entry, they are still fishing in 30 to 90 feet of water near the Mud Flats.

Menominee - Anglers are doing well in the bay when trolling north of Green Island and fishing 50 to 70 feet down in waters 120 to 135 feet deep. Different colored spoons and dipsy divers have produced the most. Smallmouth bass were caught near the lighthouse when fishing off the pier with crawlers or a Mr. Twister.

Menominee River - Is still producing walleye but some are running on the small side. The better fishing continues to be closer to the Hattie Street Bridge when using crawlers with or without harnesses. Lots of freshwater drum, channel cats and rock bass have been caught between the Hattie Street Bridge and the mouth.

Cedar River - Has lots of smallmouth bass but many are small. A few pike were taken near the mouth. A good number of freshwater drum and catfish have been caught when trolling crawlers, crank baits or a Mr. Twister.

Green Bay - The Whales Back has been the hot spot for chinook salmon. Early morning was best however fish have been caught all day long. Different colored spoons, dipsy divers and flies have all done well in 50 to 70 feet of water. Some walleye were caught off the Cedar River.

Little Bay De Noc - Not many anglers have been out because of the mayfly hatch. Most boats have been targeting the southern parts of the Bay between Breezy Point and south to the “Fingers” while trolling crawlers in 18 to 30 feet of water. Some nice pike were caught off Kipling when trolling crank baits in the evening.

Big Bay De Noc - Continues to host walleye action with fair to good reports around the “Boot”, west of Big Bay Shoals and the in the deep water off Garden Bluff. Most anglers are trolling crawlers or stick baits in 20 to 35 feet of water. Several perch were caught near Ogontz when jigging crawlers in 8 to 10 feet of water along the weeds. Off Fairport, salmon catches were up this week but lots of fish were able to get off. Try 40 to 80 feet down in 80 to 105 feet of water.

Marquette - Lake trout fishing has been very good with limit catches reported. Good places to fish have been the Sandhole, White Rocks and Granite Isle. The occasional chinook and coho salmon were also caught.

Au Train - Not many have been out but those trolling in 140 to 160 feet of water on the backside of Au Train Island are getting lake trout.

Munising - Fishing has slowed with only a few splake and northern pike taken off the Anna River dock. A few lake trout were taken off the Grand Island ferry dock.

Grand Marais - Limits of lake trout have been caught but the salmon fishing slowed. For lake trout, fish the channel in 120 to 180 feet of water. For coho and steelhead, fish a high line from 30 to 70 feet down. Pretty much any color is working.

St. Mary’s River - Fishing has been slow along the entire upper river. Even the herring bite was slow due to a moderate fly hatch. Walleye fishing is still slow due to cold water temperatures. Atlantic salmon are hitting on spoons about 10 feet down from the Sugar Island Ferry up to the Edison Power Plant. Try frozen smelt in 10 to 14 feet of water in front of the Edison Plant when targeting atlantic salmon.

De Tour - Trout and salmon action has been good for those trolling from the city launch south to the #3 can and around the lighthouse. Some are heading two miles south of the lighthouse to the Hump. They are using blue or green flies with silver or green flashers, or spoons. Lake herring were caught at Butterfield Island, Macomb Island, Long Island, Arrow Island, Sturgeon Point, Raber Bay, Lime Island and Tenby Bay in Canadian waters. Try a pink, blue or green teardrop with a wax-worm.

Cedarville and Hessel - Perch have been caught off the pier in Hessel and around Haven Island in 15 feet of water. Good pike action however few are targeting them. Try casting from the pier or trolling chubs around the islands. At Cedarville, most are targeting the herring because the bite has been excellent in McKay Bay and Prentice Bay. Use a wax worm or mayfly on a red teardrop.

Pine River - Bullhead and white suckers are hitting on crawlers.

Carp River - White suckers have been caught at the mouth.

St. Ignace - Boat anglers are still trolling for chinook and lake trout, and those targeting the backside of Bois Blanc Island have even caught fish. A nice chinook salmon was caught near Mackinac Island in 90 feet of water. Try orange/yellow or orange/green spoons or a green squid with a flasher. Smallmouth bass are hitting on black/gold body baits on the west side of the bridge.

One thing I do not suggest is water proofing your shanties.  For the most part they are already water resistant from the manufacturer.  So why not give it a little extra protection?

Condensation is the answer here.  Its already bad enough in some cases where the heat buildup inside the shanty can cause water to condense inside your shack.  If  you leave it the way it is from the factory, you get some degree of ventilation.  Look, you are already dressed for winter conditions, so if a little air gets in, so what?  The main reason to fish inside a coop is to stay out of the wind, not to keep you all warm and snugly.  That comes from the wind protection and the amount of clothing you are already wearing.

What is the big deal with a little condensation build-up?  Mold is the biggest reason, which leads to that musty smell, which can lead to some pretty nasty sneezing fits, eye swell and even those raspy dry heaves. I would say a good chunk of the time this won’t bother a lot of folks during the ice season because your shanty is stored in a cold area, but for those who keep them in heated areas.  You don’t go every weekend, mold can build up between trips.  Most of the time the worst cases occur after you put your shelters away for the season,  and isn’t detectable until you open them up for the first part of the season.

So why wait until right before the season starts to approach.  Get the shanties out now, air them out, fix those holes, and maybe make a few modifications while you are at it.

and the Perch fishing isn’t to bad either.

Here is the latest report from Mike and Jason from Matthew’s Bait and Tackle:

The other modification I did to my Fish Trap Pro is something that can be done for 3 bucks or less by anyone, with any make of shanty that has a lip coming out from its base(sled section).

Take any wire rod holder made to fit over the lip of a five or six gallon bucket.  It seems like the easiest brand to track down is made by HT Enterprise,  its either model WRH-1 or -2.  I will Google right now and check.  Its the #2 version, and technically they call it a pail wire rod holder.  There were several site available that carry the item,  but here is the North American Outdoors.  It sells for $2.09, while the other version (WRH-1) sells for $1.99 right below it.

Here is the finished product, then I will get into the simple instructions.

That was up close, here is what it looks like when I back off just a bit.

Some shanties are big enough for three locations, others only big enough for two.  Its really the Individuals preference on locating them.  Easiest method is to sit down inside your coop, and act like you are fishing, then see what possible placement would be the most comfortable for picking up the rod on a bite.  To cover my bases, I made three holes.  One to the left, one to the right, and one in the middle.  I used a dremel or rotary tool to make my cuts.  The bit I used was round and flat,  I chose the width of the bit by examining the width of the rod holder.  You want a snug fit so the holder doesn’t pull out.  Carefully make your cut just long enough so the holder will slide into the hole, you do not want it too loose.

Once completed you can fish with two rods comfortably, or have two rods in the water while you go off and drill some more holes while searching for fish… good luck

Since you have that shanty out, got all your holes fixed, and have let it breathe and dry out, maybe even sprayed some Lysol to kill the germs………what next?

I like my flip-over style shanties for keeping mobile, and staying on fish, but I still like my comfort too.  Here are two simple things you can do with most styles available today on the market.  Cost is minimal,  most likely 8 bucks or a bit less for the most expensive modification.

If its an early morning bite, I like my coffee.  If a group of guys have gathered around for lunch on the ice, I like a pop, and when its time to settle in for a long night of fishing and talking with friends, I like having a couple of beers.  This is the expensive mod I mentioned, yes the $8 one,  so go down to your local marine supplier.   Take a look at their cup holder section.

I am right handed, which means most of the time I am using my right hand to lift a cup, can or bottle.  So I used the flat front section of the brace on my Fish Trap Pro, from CLAM.  This particular type of cup holder mounts flush to the brace, and has folding pincer arms to secure your beverage.  The base of the holder comes down to a 90′ angle sticking out, thats your platform for the drink.  When not in use the arms fold in, the base folds up, and you have a small square that barely sticks out more than an inch from the base. You might have to drill some holes into your base to make this work, and if it comes with screws, they are alright to use, but I prefer two small bolts with lock washers or nylon nuts.

In the dog days of summer,  this is great time to take a look at your ice fishing gear.  Specifically your shanties, open them up and air them out.  While you are at it, take a look for damage.  A hole might have been made last season, or maybe you have rodent damage.  Either way, take advantage of the warm weather to get your repairs done now.

Why mess with your coops during the summer?  Because most of the glues on the market that can be used to patch your holes call for temperatures of at least 70 degrees to be effective.  The best adhesive spray I have found is 3M #77.

What do you use for patch material?  In most cases you can call the manufacturer to send you out a square of material.  This is ideal, because then you get the material to match your shack.  If this,  for some reason is not an option, try going to a local canvas shop and purchase the material necessary.  In extreme conditions, you might be able to take some canvas off a non-essential section of the shanty.  That is a last resort option, and like I mention, most of the companies will send you out the proper material, just tell them how big of a section you need to complete the task.

If you have your coop stored in a small area, take it outside to open up.  Get inside and take a good look for holes while the coop is closed up. Light is the best way to detect any new holes that might have occurred.

Another good reason to do this outside is ventilation.  This is a glue, in a spray form, get as much open air as you can.  It also helps in the drying process.  Do it early enough in the day to have sit out for a good portion of the day to dry properly, specially with the humidity we have had lately.

For some reason, I had some tech problems with this post, so will give it one more try.  fingers crossed.

Southeast Lower PeninsulaLake Erie - Perch have been caught out near the E-Buoy in 22 feet of water. Walleye were caught in the area of West Sister Island. Try bottom bouncers with purple or pink crawler harnesses in about 27 feet of water. Perch were caught in 8 to 14 feet of water out near Rat Island which is off Pte. Mouillee.

Huron River - Anglers are still catching bass. Carp and catfish are hitting on crawlers, crayfish or cut baits.

Detroit River - Has decent walleye action along the edge of the weeds in the lower river. Anglers are handlining with rapalas or drifting crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers in 8 to 14 feet of water. Hot colors were pink, gold or brass. Perch fishing improved with fish caught between Celeron Island and Grosse Ile in 6 to 9 feet of water. Shore anglers are catching bass.

Lake St. Clair - Some nice musky have been caught.

Port Sanilac - Perch fishing was good around the various weedbeds in 18 to 20 feet of water. Lake trout, salmon and some steelhead were hitting about halfway down in 90 to 100 feet of water.

Grindstone City - Anglers trolling for walleye have caught a few large whitefish on crawler harnesses. The fish were averaging five to eight pounds

Port Austin - Continues to offer excellent walleye fishing west of the port on the reefs and around the lighthouse. Crawler harnesses work best. For trout and salmon, head north and northeast of the port to waters 100 to 130 feet deep.

Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing throughout the entire bay area continues to be nothing short of fantastic. When anglers can get out, they are taking limit catches at all ports from Au Gres to Port Austin. Crawler harnesses continue to produce a lot of fish, but Hot-n-Tots were also working.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe River - Walleye, bluegill and crappie have been caught.

Kalamazoo River - Has remained consistent for catfish and walleye from the Allegan Dam to the mouth.

Grand Haven - Fish 110 to 170 feet of water with downriggers set at 60 to 120 feet. Good baits have been green spoons and flies. Pier anglers were catching catfish, carp and freshwater drum.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Pike have been caught in front of the feeder creeks when using a sucker minnow under a bobber. A couple walleye were caught when jigging crawlers right off the bottom. Bluegills are hitting on leaf worms and wax worms and crappie are hitting on minnows. Catfish have been caught off the bridges.

Grand River at Lansing - Some nice bluegills were caught in shallow waters when using red worms under a bobber. Those fishing downtown along the river trail have caught lots of carp when using corn. Some nice channel cats were also caught when using corn, shrimp, crawlers, minnows or small bluegills.

Lake Delta - Located on Canal Road has good pike fishing.

Morrison Lake - Has fair to good bluegill and crappie fishing.

Lime Lake - Near Sparta has rainbow trout hitting wax worms in 15 to 20 feet of water. Anglers are fishing at night with a light.

Reeds Lake - Pike have been caught around the Sunken Island on the northeast end of the lake when using large sucker minnows. Perch and bluegills were caught in 25 to 30 feet of water.

Muskegon - Boat anglers are fishing 100 to 130 feet of water with downriggers set 40 to 100 feet down. They are using 12 color lead core, Double Orange Crush, Blue Sparkle, green and white spin/fly combos or anything green.

Muskegon Lake - Some nice perch were caught on minnows. Those casting tube baits, crank baits, spinners or crawlers around the marinas have caught some bass.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Rogers City - Fishing was decent with a good mix of fish being caught. Chinook, coho, steelhead, lake trout, brown trout, atlantic salmon and even some walleye were caught out from Swan Bay, Adams Point or west towards the Forty Mile Point lighthouse. Try the top half of waters 40 to 90 feet deep with downriggers, lead core with planer boards and dipsey divers. Good colors were blue, green, white, purple, black and white or very bright colors. Orange and silver in the top 25 feet of water has also caught fish. Catch rates for steelhead, coho and pink salmon were good. Head out to 200 feet and fish the top 45 feet.

Rockport - Salmon and lake trout have been caught but no limits were reported. Anglers are fishing straight out of the port, around the Wreck and Middle Island.

Alpena - Fishing has slowed a bit. Walleye action has also slowed on the bay, but anglers are still catching some by trolling with rapalas in 40-50 feet of water.

Thunder Bay River - Walleye action seemed to shut down but bass anglers are catching some nice smallmouth when using crawlers.

Hubbard Lake - Walleye and bass are biting well but the walleye are running small.

Harrisville - Is starting to come to life with steelhead, salmon and lake trout. More and more catches are coming straight out of the harbor in waters 65 to 100 feet deep. Downriggers with spoons and dipsey’s were producing the most fish.

Au Sable River - A good number of walleye are still in the river. Anglers are using crawler harnesses, slip bobbers and body baits. Fire-tiger has been producing limit catches of walleye and some smallmouth bass. Channel cats are hitting on crawlers.

Higgins Lake - The mayfly hatch has been light so anglers are still catching fish. Some nice 12 to 14 inch perch have been caught. Anglers are catching rock bass on crawlers and smallmouth bass on leeches.

Houghton Lake - Word has it the mayfly hatch is done. Anglers are catching walleye on Hot-n-Tots or crawler harnesses with a crawler or leech. Pike are hitting on spinners and the bluegills are hitting on worms or leeches.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Harbor Springs - Salmon and lake trout fishing continue to improve with fish caught on spoons 90 feet down in waters 200 feet deep or more. Check water temperatures because near shore waters are warmer so you may need to fish deeper. Some fish are starting to hit on flies and squid. Look for lake trout in 110 to 130 feet of water along the north shore of Little Traverse Bay.

Petoskey - Lake trout were caught on spoons in front of Bay Harbor. Anglers reported that the fish are eating alewife. Pier and shore anglers are catching smallmouth bass, rock bass and freshwater drum when using worms or leeches.

Elk Lake - For lake trout, anglers are trolling outside of Spencer Bay and south to the Whitewater Park. Try spoons and rapalas in 60 to 160 feet of water. For walleye try the backwaters near Spencer Bay and Kewadin. Bass were caught south of the park, north of the Narrows and in Spencer Bay. Those trolling for muskie are using large crank baits in 30 feet of water from the Narrows to the park. Perch can be found in 8 to 15 feet of water along the drop-off south of the park and near Kewadin, but the fish are small. Rock bass have also been caught.

Skegemog Lake - The public access site on Baggs Road will be closed July 14th through July 25th due to the construction of a new launch pad. Boat anglers can use the Whitewater Park site which requires a fee or the Torch River access site. Surface water temperatures have been about 75 degrees and the bass fishing has been good. Fish the east side near the mouth of the Torch River or the Narrows.

Big Glen Lake - Rainbows are hitting on rapalas in 45 to 65 feet the water. Put out plenty of line as the waters are very clear. Lake trout are out there but you have to look around to find them. Perch were caught on small shrimp.

Fisher Lake - Bluegill are still the favorite target when using worms.

Manistee - Some boats are reporting decent catches of chinook and lake trout when fishing off the Shelf in 100 to 180 feet of water. Try blue and green flies.

Ludington - Catch rates were average and most anglers are fishing in 100 to 200 feet of water between the Bath House and Big Sable Point.

Upper Peninsula

Keweenaw Bay - Anglers have caught a few chinook between the head of the bay and Sand Point. The occasional lake trout was caught. Off Witz Marina, a couple chinook and some lake trout were caught near the Mud Flats and beyond. In Traverse Bay, lake trout were caught when jigging in 200 feet of water off Big Louie’s Point. Near the South Portage Entry, chinook salmon were caught up near the lighthouse and lake trout were caught in 30 to 60 feet of water near the Mud Flats.

Menominee River - Boat anglers are still catching walleye when jigging or drifting with minnows. Shore anglers are targeting walleye but few fish were caught. Boat and shore anglers are catching smallmouth bass, rock bass and channel cats. There are lots of freshwater drum between the Hattie Street Bridge and the mouth.

Cedar River - Smallmouth bass have been caught when drifting crawlers. Lot’s of freshwater drum in the river.

Green Bay - Trout and salmon have been caught near Green Island. Try 50 to 70 feet down in 100 to 130 feet deep. Anglers are heading out early and averaging two to four fish per trip. Brown trout and steelhead have also been caught when using spoons in a variety of colors.

Little Bay De Noc - Walleye were spotty when trolling or drifting crawlers in 10 to 25 feet of water in the evening. Lots of fish were marked in the south end of the bay but few fish were caught. A couple salmon were caught out near the Ford River Can when trolling 50 to 60 feet down in 80 feet of water.

Big Bay De Noc - Had pretty good walleye action with fair catches off Ansell’s Point and Garden Bluff. Try trolling with crawlers or stick baits in 20 to 32 feet of water. Good smallmouth action along the northern bank when casting spinners. Nice perch were caught off Garden Bluff when jigging crawlers in 25 feet of water. Off Fairport, salmon action is getting better by the week. Anglers are taking a mix of chinook, steelhead, brown trout and lake trout. Try spoons or artificial cut baits 60 to 80 feet down in 100 feet of water. The steelhead are closer to the surface.

Marquette - Most anglers are catching lake trout which have been scattered in waters anywhere from 40 to 300 feet deep. The best area to fish seems to be around Granite Island and east of the White Rocks. A few coho were caught near the lower harbor lighthouse in 50 feet of water.

Au Train - Lake trout were caught around the back side of Au Train Island.

Munising - Lake trout were caught around the Wood Island Reef when trolling with artificial baits. Some boats are making the long trip out to the big reef for lake trout. Splake fishing at the mouth of the Anna River has slowed.

Fox River - Has good brook trout fishing in all branches of the river. Cast crawlers into the deeper holes.

Grand Marais - Word has it boat anglers caught lake trout in waters 140 to 270 feet deep. Boats are fishing over the shipping channel and over the Big Reef near Munising. The occasional chinook, coho, atlantic or steelhead were caught when running a high line 30 to 50 feet down. A few whitefish were caught off the pier.

Nawakwa Lake - Walleye and pike have been caught though it seems the walleye have moved to the deeper holes. Try a jig tipped with a leech, crawler or a deep running rapala. Pike are hitting on spinner baits and crank baits along the weeds.

Sucker River - Brook trout are being caught in certain sections of the river

St. Mary’s River - For herring, fish Lake Nicolet and Bay Dewasi while using wax worms in 16 feet of water. Herring have also been caught on the northeast corner of Lime Island. Walleye have been caught when trolling a crawler harness with a bottom bouncer in the early morning just off the Shipping Channel, the southwest corner of Sugar Island and the northwest corner of Neebish Island.

De Tour - Lake trout, chinook and atlantic salmon have been caught near the #3 Green Can and the lighthouse. A few boats headed south two miles and trolled the hump. They were using spoons and medium body baits in firetiger, orange, green and gold or black and silver.

Cedarville and Hessel - Yellow perch have been caught off the pier in the marina at Hessel and around Haven Island in 15 feet of water. Northern pike action has been good but few are targeting them. Try casting from the pier or trolling around the islands with chubs. Herring are the target in Cedarville when fishing McKay Bay or the east end of Government Bay with wax worms or mayflies. Perch can be found in Moscoe Channel, Government Bay and Cedarville Bay.

St. Ignace - Anglers launching from St. Ignace are trolling from the city launch to the Coast Guard Station and the southwest side of Mackinac Island. Chinook salmon have been caught in 55 feet of water using spoons or flashers with a green fly.

You have got to love the Internet, that and dumb luck!

While at the boat and fishing show this spring at the fairgrounds, I had some extra cash burning a hole in my pocket. So I made my rounds walking through the vendor booths.  Some might remember these blades that I picked up while shopping from an earlier blog.

These blades came from DB Fishing, the owner being Daren Bernhardt.  I was given a card after my purchase and some good conversation.  I have visited the site a few times since then, but never was able to find those blades.  www.dbfishing.com       What I did find was a great selection of beads, some really nice spoons for walleye trolling,  and a few areas that were still under construction.  My pet peeve are websites under construction.  But the prices on DB’s site are well worth the minor inconveniences.

To find those blades, I sent an email, and this was reply sent within an day’s time.

If you want to order these blades, the process is a bit tedious, but well worth it.  Use the phone number on the charts.  1st pic is Chart #1 and so forth.  Example would be Chart #1, row #3, 4th one over to the right.  Until they get loaded up to the website,  this is what you have to do to get these really nice looking blades.  Spoons and beads are available online, but if you are calling for the blades, you might as well make a list and order everything over the phone.  You will like what you see, not bad for a guy who used to work for someone else’s mom and pop bait shop on Lake St. Clair.