Fishing Michigan

As more anglers turn their attention to hunting, there will be fewer reports, at least until ice fishing season starts. Late fall and early winter are prime time for hungry walleye, pike, and bass. Whitefish should be spawning.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Some yellow perch were caught in 7 to 12 feet of water between Metro Park and Rat Island. A few jumbos were taken along with a couple walleye and muskie. Brest Bay was producing limits of walleye in 16 to 18 feet of water. Fish were hitting on husky jerks, reef runners and big shad raps. Those shore fishing at the Metro Park Marina have caught yellow perch on minnows and bluegills on wax worms. Anglers are reminded to access the marina by taking Lee Road.

Huron River - Steelhead are still being caught especially up near the dam at Flat Rock. Fresh spawn worked best.

Detroit River - Yellow perch have been caught around the islands off Gibraltar and Grosse Ile. Try 6 to 12 feet of water with perch minnows and perch rigs. Walleye have been caught in the lower river on a jig and big minnow. Some are handlining and some are trolling rapalas.

Lexington - Pier anglers were catching perch. They will need to do some sorting but fish ranging from 9 to 11 inches have been caught. Some steelhead were caught but it seems they have moved out of the harbor because of the warm temperatures. Keep in mind, steelhead tend to move in and out, so persistence will pay off in the long run. They were hitting on small spoons, crawlers, minnows, and spawn sacks.

Port Sanilac - Perch fishing was equally good in this harbor but most were fishing at Lexington.

Saginaw Bay - Had very good walleye fishing in the lower part of the Bay. Vertical jigging from boats was the most effective method. Fish were caught in 13 to 16 feet of water when trolling body baits near the sailing buoys.

Tittabawassee River - Anglers reported excellent walleye fishing. Try jigs with minnows or vertical jigging from boats. Small perch were caught at the mouth.

Saginaw River - Is producing some good numbers of walleye. Perch were caught down near the mouth, but many were small.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - Pier anglers are still taking some steelhead. Catch rates for whitefish were very good off both piers when using a single egg. Limit catches were reported.

St. Joe River - Steelhead were still being caught up at the Berrien Springs Dam.

Kalamazoo River - Has steelhead and walleye up near the Allegan Dam.

Grand Haven - When the weather permits, pier anglers are still finding steelhead and whitefish. Try drifting or floating spawn under a bobber.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Steelhead are still being caught up near the dam. Anglers are floating choker bags, drifting flies, back bouncing with spawn or casting plugs off the bridges. Walleye were caught near the bridges when trolling bucktail jigs or drifting crawler harnesses with small blades. Off the east wall, try minnows or artificial worms.

Grand River at Lansing - A couple steelhead were caught up at the North Lansing Dam however no big numbers to report. More fish might be found near Portland or Lyons. Anglers are seeking panfish with the warmer temperatures.

Muskegon - Steelhead have been caught off the piers. Boat anglers took fish when trolling body baits or rapalas that resemble rainbow trout. A few whitefish were caught off the pier but catch rates should improve in the next week or two.

Muskegon Lake - Has resident perch being caught along the edge of the weeds. Pockets of bluegills were reported in 8 to 12 feet of water in the marinas. Walleye were caught along the drop-offs near the channels when using Husky Jerks at night.

Muskegon River - Should be holding some steelhead.

White River - Should have fair to good numbers of steelhead.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Alpena - Whitefish action continues to build as we move further into the month of November. Seek out shallow waters along the reefs where the fish are spawning. Most anglers use small jigs with a single egg under a bobber. Those spearing are heading out after dark.

Thunder Bay River - Anglers are catching steelhead along with some whitefish when floating spawn under a bobber. Those fishing around the marina have caught some perch but the fish were small.

Harrisville - Salmon, steelhead and some brown trout have been caught on spawn, body baits or small spoons. Spawn remains the bait of choice. Walleye were caught off the harbor wall in the early morning or late evening.

Au Sable River - Steelhead are hitting on spawn all the way up to Foote Dam. Whitefish can be found in the lower river and catch rates should continue to improve. Try a small jig with a single egg.

Houghton Lake - No boats have been out but those fishing off shore have managed to catch a couple walleye.

Tawas - Pier anglers are still catching some walleye and steelhead. The better walleye fishing was at night. Lake Whitefish are biting on minnows off the Tawas State Dock, mostly at night.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Traverse City - Boat anglers are catching a few whitefish in both bays but the better action was in the East Bay. Try fishing just off the bottom in 60 to 100 feet of water with jigs or sand kickers.

Long Lake - Anglers are taking a few perch and walleye.

Lake Leelanau - Is also producing some perch and walleye.

Big Glen Lake - Perch were still biting but many were small.

Frankfort - Steelhead and some menominee whitefish are being caught off the pier.

Betsie River - Steelhead fishing is in full swing.

Manistee - A few boats are still going out and catching salmon along with some steelhead in waters 50 to 200 feet deep. Pier anglers and those surfcasting have caught fish. Whitefish were taken off the pier when using a single egg.

Manistee River - The fall steelhead run is in full swing with anglers fishing all the way up to Tippy Dam. The fish should be active and ready to put up a good fight.

Ludington - Steelhead and whitefish are being caught off the pier.

Pere Marquette River - Had fair to good steelhead action.

Pentwater Lake - Offers some good smallmouth bass fishing in the fall. Anglers will also find a few perch and those trolling have a good chance of catching a steelhead or big pike.

Pentwater River - Steelhead were hitting on spawn.

UPPER PENINSULA

Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were down however fish were still being caught when trolling stick baits after dusk in 4 to 22 feet of water off the reefs in Kipling. Those fishing during the day were marking good numbers of fish in 25 to 35 feet of water off the East Bank near Gladstone, but few fish were caught. Several large pike were taken when trolling crank baits north of the Narrows. A fair number of perch were caught on crawlers in 8 to 12 feet of water out from Brach’s Cabins near Kipling.

St. Mary’s River - Some steelhead were caught in the rapids across from the Locks. Good walleye fishing with limit catches reported in Munuscong Bay. Anglers were taking some big fish when trolling rapalas or other deep diving lures.

Water levels on the rivers were high and muddy after the recent rains. Catch rates should improve as the waters recede. Anglers are reminded that November is a good time to fish if you do not like crowds. Fishing starts to take a back seat to hunting and that opens up space on the lakes, rivers, piers, docks and shorelines.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Has been producing some good catches of walleye. Anglers were taking fish larger than 5 pounds when trolling crank baits in 11 to 14 feet of water between Stoney Point and the boat launch at Sterling State Park. Pier anglers at Luna Pier also caught fish. Perch fishing was day by day due to the weather. Try shallow waters 8 to 12 feet deep near Luna Pier, Stoney Point, Bolles Harbor, Lake Erie Metro Park and the north side of the Cross Dike. Try perch rigs with shiners.

Huron River - Is producing a few limits of steelhead even with the higher water levels. Try flies, spawn, wax worms or crank baits. Bluegills are in the backwaters.

Detroit River - Boat anglers are trolling large shad raps or handlining in the lower Trenton Channel for walleye. For perch, try around Sugar Island and Rat Island in 8 to 12 feet of water with perch rigs and shiners. Sort out the small ones.

Lexington - Those fishing in the harbor have caught perch however they are still sorting out the small ones. Steelhead were caught on a variety of things including crawlers, minnows, spawn or spoons.

Port Sanilac - Perch were caught in the harbor but anglers will need to sort out the small ones.

Saginaw Bay - Had some perch activity in the Eagle Bay Marina near Standish and off the beach at Linwood.

Saginaw River - Anglers are most likely fishing the lower river for perch and walleye but no reports have come in.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - Pier anglers are catching steelhead.

St. Joe River - Fishing was difficult with the high water levels. Anglers need to use caution. The salmon runs are essentially over. Steelhead were being caught up near the Berrien Springs Dam.

Dowagiac River - Had high water levels as well. Salmon are done and steelhead have become the main attraction.

Kalamazoo River - Had high water levels. Steelhead and walleye action should resume once the water levels recede.

Grand Haven - Pier anglers are catching steelhead and whitefish.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Water levels were up which means boat traffic should be able to go up near the Sixth Street Dam and the coffer dam. Good numbers of steelhead were reported up near the Sixth Street Dam. Try floating choker bags with yarn on top or wobble glos. Peach cobbler was a good color. Some are back bouncing spawn up and down the river or drifting flies and yarn off the east wall. A few walleye were caught off Fulton Street and the east wall. Try jigs with minnows, bucktails or plastic worms. Some nice crappie were caught in Felix Bayou and near Riverside Park.

Grand River at Lansing - Water levels are elevated here as well. Steelhead are on the move but have not made it up this far. Those fishing over at the Moore’s Park Dam and the North Lansing Dam have caught the occasional walleye and catfish on minnows and crawlers.

Reeds Lake - Boat and shore anglers were catching crappie, bluegill and perch.

Muskegon - Steelhead have been caught off the piers when using spawn. Those surfcasting have also caught steelhead along with a few catfish. Boats are still finding a few chinook and steelhead when trolling from the piers to 40 feet of water.

Muskegon Lake - Is producing some perch however the fish are small. Bluegills can be found in the marinas.

Muskegon River - Is running high and muddy.

Mona Lake - Bluegills have been caught in the southwest cove.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Alpena - Regarding whitefish action, this is the time of year when some good fishing can be had near shore along the reefs. Most anglers use ice fishing jigs and small spawn rigs with light line and a bobber. Whitefish are now spawning and the action should peak in about a week or two. Spearing is now legal during November on the Great Lakes and can be very productive after dark with flood lights. It is too early to hang up the fishing gear because November is a great month for a mixed bag of game and fish.

Thunder Bay River - Some small perch are being caught in the river and around the marina. The first steelhead have shown up with the recent rains. Catch rates for whitefish should be good in the next week or two. Try floating spawn under a bobber for both. The best hook and line fishing on the piers is after dark, but in the rivers it seems to be good during the day as well.

Otsego Lake - Had fair walleye fishing.

Fletchers Pond - Was giving up some big northern pike.

Harrisville - Salmon are still moving into the harbor. Most of the fish are being caught on spawn, body baits and spoons. Blue and silver were the best color combinations. Following the salmon are some steelhead and the occasional brown trout. Spawn has been the bait of choice. A few walleye are being caught off the harbor wall when using body baits.

Oscoda - Pier anglers targeting walleye had good success when using spawn and crawlers.

Au Sable River - A few salmon are left in the river and the steelhead are making their way up and hitting on spawn. Look for whitefish in the lower river.

Higgins Lake - Better weather by the weekend should have anglers out targeting perch. Look for the big perch along the drop-offs in 15 to 25 feet of water.

Houghton Lake - Fishing was slow due to the cold however a warm-up by the weekend could improve catch rates.

Tawas - Pier anglers managed to catch some walleye. Look for whitefish off the dock at Tawas. Try small ice fishing jigs and small spawn rigs with light line and a bobber. No word on perch this week.

Au Gres River - Steelhead are still hitting on spawn bags. Anglers are surfcasting near the Singing Bridge.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Torch Lake - Whitefish spearing has begun as the season opened November 1st.

Traverse City - Whitefish action was slow in both the East Bay and the West Bay. Try perch rigs with minnows just off the bottom.

Boardman River - Some steelhead have been caught however water levels are up. Lake trout have also been caught in the river. Anglers are reminded that lake trout season in the Bays closed on September 30th.

Big Glen Lake - Perch have been caught but anglers will need to sort out the small ones. Smallmouth bass fishing was good in about 20 feet of water.

Platte River - Steelhead are being caught on spawn. Higher water levels will make fishing more of a challenge.

Crystal Lake - Perch have been caught but anglers will need to sort out the small ones. Smallmouth bass fishing has been very good.

Manistee - When the conditions are right, boats are catching salmon and steelhead in 50 to 150 feet of water. Pier and shore anglers are catching steelhead on spawn.

Manistee River - Salmon are basically done and steelhead fishing has been hampered by high water levels. When the waters come down, fishing should be very good with fish distributed throughout the watershed.

Ludington - Boat anglers are still taking salmon and steelhead in 100 to 200 feet of water. Pier and shore anglers are also catching steelhead.

Pere Marquette River - High waters levels slowed the action but catch rates should improve once the water levels recede.

Pentwater River - Anglers were catching steelhead.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay - Anglers trolling for salmon picked up some nice lake trout in front of the Fall’s River in 30 to 70 feet of water. The salmon bite was slow but anglers did manage to catch coho, steelhead and lake trout at the head of the Bay. Spoons and spinners were the ticket. Traverse Bay was producing lake trout near the Buffalo Reef and Gay Point. Anglers were trolling in 15 to 30 feet of water near the bottom but the bite was not consistent.

Fall’s River - Coho, steelhead and even some lake trout have been caught near the Sucker Hole. Anglers had more success on spoons and spinners than spawn or crawlers. Orange, gold and green were good colors.

Marquette - Lake trout action has picked up off the lower harbor breakwall and when trolling between the breakwall and the Carp River. Try 40 to 50 feet of water with orange spinners and green spoons. A few chinook and coho were caught in the harbor but the action was slow. Light numbers of menominee and splake were caught on eggs.

Menominee - Those fishing off the Cedar River at night did well for walleye. Anglers were trolling in 18 to 25 feet of water with a variety of stick baits and rapalas.

Menominee River - Shore anglers are doing well catching walleye up near the Hattie Street Dam. Some limit catches were reported by those using jigs, zip lures, and rapalas. Those targeting trout and salmon had a slow week. The chinook are getting sluggish and not biting and the brown trout were jumping but not biting. Steelhead were close to shore however only a few of those caught were landed. Try yarn with a small hook, spawn or spoons.

Cedar River - There has not been much activity to report. The water was shallow up near the rapids and no fish were visible.

Little Bay De Noc - Is producing fair to good catches of walleye between the Black Bottom and head of the Bay. The better catch rates came when trolling crank baits in 20 to 35 feet of water off the southern end of the Black Bottom or 30 to 40 feet of water off the Second Reef and the Terrace Inn. Evening anglers faired best on the reefs in Kipling when trolling crank baits in 10 to 28 feet of water. Good numbers of large walleye were caught. Good northern pike action off the north end of Saunders Point when trolling in 10 to 23 feet of water.

Big Manistique Lake - Was producing some walleye and perch.

South Manistique Lake - Was producing a few perch and lots of small pike.

St. Mary’s River - Steelhead were caught when trolling. A few small perch were caught around the islands.