Fishing Michigan

Salmon runs on the west side of the state are at or near peak conditions. Anglers looking for the number of fish passed at the weirs can call the Little Manistee Weir at 231-775-9727 (ext) 6072 and the Platte River Weirs at 231-775-9727 (ext) 6073. Anglers should note that the message is changed only when we handle fish.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - A few perch were caught off the Fermi Power Plant and Stony Point.

Huron River - Steelhead are slowly coming into the river. Fish were caught up at the dam and near the bridge on Telegraph Road. Right now they are hitting on Mepps and Rooster Tail spinners, flies or a jig and wax worm. Those fishing the backwaters of Huroc Park found some nice bluegills.

Detroit River - Has had low angler participation because of the weather. There was a report of a few walleye caught in the Trenton Channel near Harrison Park. No word on perch this week.

Lake St. Clair - Perch were caught but not n big numbers. Those fishing in Anchor Bay caught some muskie.

Lexington - Boat anglers trolling spoons in waters 30 to 70 feet deep have caught a limited number of salmon and steelhead. Salmon were starting to come into the harbor where pier anglers are targeting them with body baits or spoons. They have also caught the occasional steelhead or northern pike. Perch fishing was slow.

Port Sanilac - Boats trolling closer to shore have picked up a few salmon or steelhead. Shore anglers have caught an occasional steelhead. No perch fishing.

Harbor Beach - Did not have much in the way of boating activity. Salmon and steelhead fishing were slow. A few walleye were caught however overall activity has been slow since lake trout season closed.

Port Austin - Salmon and steelhead fishing were slow.

Saginaw Bay - Anglers managed to pick up a few walleye when trolling crawler harnesses in front of the Hot Ponds. The remaining ports had little effort for walleye. A few perch are being taken in or near the shipping channel. Bay Port and Caseville were quiet.

Quanicassee River - Small perch were caught but overall the action was slow.

Sebewaing River - Anglers caught some perch however they were working hard to get a dozen keepers.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe River - Fish are in the river however catch rates were slow. Anglers are using a variety of lures and natural baits but few fish were caught. Try the deeper holes up near Berrien Springs Dam or down near the mouth.

Paw Paw River - Is producing a few salmon.

Grand Haven - Rumor has it some steelhead were taken off both the north and south piers.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Salmon action has slowed but a few fresh fish were still being caught up near the dam and off the east wall when drifting small spawn bags. Fish were also caught off the Fulton Street Bridge when back bouncing spawn bags. The occasional walleye was caught by those back trolling Hot-n-Tots or rapalas off the Fulton, Blue, Walk and Pearl Street bridges. Pike were hitting on spoons and crappie were caught near the bridge at Riverside Park and Bridge Street.

Grand River at Lansing - The salmon are here and anglers are catching some fish. The hot spot was the point where the Grand meets the Red Cedar followed by the North Lansing Dam and Portland. Anglers are reminded that snagging in not a legal method of take for any species including trout and salmon. Check out the North Lansing Dam for channel cats.

Looking Glass River - Look for hungry pike along the weed beds as this is the time of year these fish go on a feeding frenzy.

Muskegon River - Salmon are in the river and hitting on flies, spawn, or spoons. Some fish were spotted on the beds up near Newaygo. Not many steelhead yet.

White River - Salmon can still be found between Hesperia and Pine Point. Catch rates should only get better in the next week or two.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan River - Fish have been caught from the mouth all the way up to the Cheboygan Dam.

Mullett Lake - Anglers this past week were getting a few perch on the north end of the lake when using minnows.

Ocqueoc River - Salmon can be found throughout the river system. Try spawn, flies, spoons, body baits or plugs.

Rogers City - A few boats anchored in the bay had limited success when casting Cleo’s and fire-tiger body baits. There should be some silver fish in 40 to 70 feet of water. Pier and shore fishing was slow. Anglers are reminded of the spawning closure on the Swan River.

Grand Lake - Is producing some perch. For bass, try crawlers or spinners around the islands.

Alpena - Boating traffic has ceased for the most part. Shore anglers might still find a few walleye near the launch or the marina.

Thunder Bay River - Has been seeing all the action. The bite is slow but the salmon that have been caught are larger than last year measuring 28 to 30 inches. Shore anglers have been taking chinook on rubber eggs, flies, and rattletraps. Blue and silver or black and chrome were good colors. Pink flies have also taken fish. Boat anglers caught fish on Hot-n-Tots. A few pink salmon were also caught.

Fletcher’s Pond - Was yielding some pike and bass.

Harrisville - Salmon are slowly coming into and around the harbor and hitting on spawn or spoons. Blue and silver were the hot colors. A few walleye were caught on crawler harnesses or body baits.

Oscoda - Salmon are slow coming into the river but pier anglers have managed to catch a few fish. Walleye are still being caught but the numbers are down.

Au Sable River - After the rain, salmon were sighted all the way up to Foote Dam.

Higgins Lake - No word on perch however catch rates should start to improve soon. Fishing has taken a back seat to small game and bow hunting however it might be a good idea to bring a fishing pole for when the perch start biting.

Tawas - Pier anglers are catching a few perch from the floating docks. A couple walleye were caught from the outside pier. A few salmon are jumping in the harbor but not biting.

Tawas River - Fish up in the river are turning dark but anglers might be able to find some fresh fish down near the mouth.

Au Gres - Has been very slow with no perch caught and no walleye effort reported.

Au Gres River - Those surfcasting near the Singing Bridge had limited success for salmon, lake trout and steelhead. Any lake trout caught must be released immediately because the season closed on September 30th.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey - Anglers are showing up in good numbers however fishing was generally slow. There are fish in the big lake however the number seems to be dwindling. Anglers were trolling J-Plugs, thundersticks, rapalas, rattle traps, spoons or spawn. Good colors were green and white, pearl, silver or fire-tiger. Water temperatures have cooled and the steelhead are beginning to show up around the piers. A few fish were caught on spawn.

Charlevoix - Boat anglers are still taking a few fish but not many. Pier anglers are catching the occasional steelhead on spawn or smallmouth bass on crawlers.

Lake Charlevoix - A few perch were caught on minnows.

Lake Bellaire - Surface temperatures have dropped to the mid 50’s. A few walleye anglers were out but no fish were recorded. Smallmouth bass action was slow except for a couple fish caught in 5 to 15 feet of water near the northern drop-off, the mouth of the Intermediate River and near the Grass River outlet. Try artificial worms, tube baits or spinners. A few pike were caught on stick baits tube baits or artificial worms. A few perch were caught on crawlers near the mouth of the Intermediate River however the fish were small. No muskie to report.

Elk River - Salmon fishing continues to pick up. Try spawn bags, yarn or body baits.

Boardman River - The salmon run here is near peak. Try fresh eggs or yarn under a bobber and fish the deeper holes. Pink or red were good colors. Those willing to put in the time will catch a few fish.

Platte River - Continues to provide some good salmon action.

Frankfort - Windy weather has hampered fishing however those able to get out on the better days have caught young chinook and steelhead in 80 to 150 feet of water when fishing along the Shelf. Pier fishing was slow but the occasional steelhead and brown trout have started to make their way in closer to shore. Try spawn in the early morning.

Betsie River - Rain continues to push fish into the river. Anglers have caught salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. Most are fishing between the US-31 Bridge and the Homestead Dam.

Portage Lake - Catch rates for walleye and panfish were slow. Those seeking largemouth and smallmouth bass did well in 7 to 9 feet of water. Anglers trolling for pike found success in the late afternoon. A few perch were caught in deep water.

Manistee - Light numbers of salmon and steelhead have been caught in waters 50 to 150 feet deep however the better steelhead action was out in waters 300 to 400 feet deep. Try the top 40 feet with orange or red spoons. Pier fishing was slow with only an occasional steelhead taken.

Manistee River - Salmon fishing is in full swing with fish actively spawning on the gravel. Light numbers of steelhead have been caught in the lower stretches. No word on pier fishing or surfcasting although that action should begin soon.

Ludington - Boat anglers were still catching a few salmon and steelhead in waters 100 to 200 feet deep. Green and orange were good colors. Pier and shore fishing continues to be slow.

Pere Marquette River - The salmon run is in full swing with good numbers of fish on the gravel. Look for steelhead in the lower stretches. Pier and shore fishing were slow. Look for steelhead fishing to pick up in the next couple of weeks.

UPPER PENINSULA

Keweenaw Bay - Angler participation was down due to rain and windy conditions. Those able to get out did manage to catch a few coho. In Traverse Bay, pier anglers were starting to pick up a few coho along with the occasional lake trout. Try Cleo’s or big spinners.

Falls River - Anglers are catching coho on spawn, crawlers, spinners and Cleo’s.

Marquette - Lake trout have started to move into shallow waters less than 70 feet deep just outside the lower harbor. There was rumor of a few coho caught outside the lower harbor area.

Carp River - Salmon action has picked up.

Chocolay River - Salmon action here picked up in the upper river.

Dead River - Action is still spotty with a few chinook and pink salmon reported.

Menominee - Those trolling spoons north and south of the river have caught a few chinook, steelhead and brown trout. Blue and silver were good colors. Up near the Cedar River, walleye were caught at night off Deadmans’ Point. Some nice walleye along with a few bass were caught as far south as Hayward Bay by those using rapalas, crawler harnesses or stick baits.

Menominee River - Smaller brown trout and steelhead were caught up near the dam by those wading near the rocks in the middle. Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution when wading that close to the gates as the rocks are slippery. A nice brown trout weighing in at 15.5 pounds was caught on spawn near the rocks on the Michigan side. Walleye are being caught from the Cat Walk after dark when using jigs with crawlers, zip lures, or rapalas.

Little Bay De Noc - Walleye were caught by those trolling stick baits in 9 to 15 feet of water around the island that is south of the Ford River. Lots of small walleye were caught between the Escanaba River and the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers in 10 to 25 feet of water. A few perch were taken in the Narrows when jigging minnows in 18 to 30 feet of water.

Ford River - Salmon are in however high water levels lowered the catch rates.

Big Bay De Noc - Had fair to good catches of smallmouth bass as the fish are congregating along the break between Fayette and Snake Island. Some nice fish were caught when drifting minnows 15 to 30 feet down. Off Fairport, a couple salmon were caught when trolling spoons 40 to 90 feet down in 110 to 130 feet of water.

Munising - Those out for salmon found the action to be hit-or-miss when trolling out from the Anna River. Pier fishing was also slow.

Grand Marais - When they can get out, boats are still trolling in front of the Sucker River but catch rates were slow. Those fishing off the piers also reported slow action with just a few fish taken each day.

Munuscong Bay - Walleye action was slow however a few fish were caught in 35 feet of water near the north bound channel marker when trolling bottom bouncers with red spinner blades and crawler harnesses. A few muskie were caught around Moon Island when jigging artificial baits or crawlers in 6 to 8 feet of water.

De Tour - Had limited fishing pressure however those going out and targeting salmon are trolling the shipping channel to the #3 Green Can and fishing 60 feet down with yellow flies and silver flashers. De Tour Point is producing a few walleye. Try crawler harnesses or stick baits. Upstream, a few walleye were caught on pink and pearl beads when fishing off Swedes Point and the west side of Pipe Island.

Drummond Island - Small schools of perch were found on the south side of Ashman Island. Strong winds have the waters stained in Scott Bay.

Cedarville and Hessel - Pier anglers off Hessel are catching a few smallmouth bass and some small pike. Splake are also present, but the season is closed. A few chinook were harvested by anglers casting spoons. Hessel Bay is producing light numbers of perch in 14 feet of water. In the Snows Channel, anglers are casting spinner baits in shallow waters for smallmouth bass. Musky Bay and the Middle Entrance are producing a few perch. Early morning is best with minnows in 5 to 12 feet of water.

Carp River - Is providing some action with chinook and pink salmon caught by shore anglers at the mouth when casting spawn or blue, silver and orange stick baits. Beds have been spotted in the deeper holes up near McDonald Rapids.

Nunn’s Creek - Salmon are present however anglers must wade or fish from shore in the waters of Lake Huron. Anglers are casting black stone flies.

St. Ignace - Boat activity was low however shore anglers near the ferry docks have caught a few chinook when casting spoons, small Cleo’s or silver and green J-Plugs.

Rain is needed to push more fish into the major river systems. The drowned river mouth lakes are holding fish but it has been tough to get them to bite. Anglers are reminded that lake trout season on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron will close on September 30th. On the inland waters, all Type 1 and Type 2 rivers and streams along with Type A and Type D trout lakes will also close to fishing on September 30th.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Strong winds have hampered fishing. Perch were caught on minnows in 20 feet of water off Bolles Harbor. Boats were averaging about 20 fish per trip. A few walleye were taken near the shipping channel while trolling spoons and crank baits.

Huron River - Bass are hitting on spinners and catfish on shrimp. A couple steelhead were caught near the coldwater discharge.

Detroit River - Perch are moving up into the mouth of the river. Anglers were doing well using perch rigs with shiners in 6 to 11 feet of water around the islands. Walleye are in the river and hitting on jigs with worms near Sugar Island and in the Trenton Channel near Gibraltar. Smallmouth bass are hitting on crayfish and imitation goby.

Lexington - Those heading out deep have caught some salmon and steelhead. Lake trout are still hitting in 90 to 150 feet of water. Perch can be found in 40 to 45 feet of water all the way up to Port Sanilac, but the action was spotty. Keep moving until you locate a school of fish.

Harbor Beach - Salmon are being taken out in the 90 to 140 foot of water. Try Spin Doctors, action flies and magnum spoons 125 to 225 feet back. Good colors were black with glow, gold, green or blue. In the early morning, try trolling body baits or J-Plugs in the channel. Steelhead action continues to get better. Use bright pink, yellow and orange lures 150 feet behind the offshore boards, downriggers or dipsey’s. Target the top 35 to 50 feet and try trolling faster than usual. Lake trout action is still good straight out and north in waters 80 to 130 feet deep. For walleye, head straight out and north of the harbor with crawler harnesses, Hot-n-Tots or medium spoons. Best colors were copper, orange, green, and yellow, straight or with small blades in front. Perch fishing is slow but do try 30 to 60 feet of water down near the cemetery, Wagner Park, and near the lighthouse.

Port Austin - Boat anglers are catching lake trout in waters up to 150 feet deep. Those heading out further have caught a couple steelhead and walleye. Smallmouth bass were taken in 40 feet of water.

Saginaw Bay - A few perch have been caught around various buoys along the shipping channel. The best thing to do is to keep moving until you find an active school of fish. Walleye were caught near Buoy G which is the sailing buoy off the mouth of the Saginaw River. Good numbers of smallmouth bass have been caught around Spoils Island and catfish are still hitting in the Hot Pond. At Sebewaing, just a few perch were caught in the boat channel. Walleye fishing was slow.

Saginaw River - Shore anglers in the lower river have caught a mix of bass, walleye, carp, catfish and freshwater drum when using crawlers.

Quanicassee River - A few perch and occasional walleye have been caught. Some perch were caught in shallow waters just off the mouth of the river. Sorting will be necessary as there are still lots of small ones for every keeper.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe River - Salmon and trout have been caught by those trolling in the mud lines, between the piers and out in waters 30 to 40 feet deep. Pier anglers are also taking some fish. Early morning is best.

South Haven - Those trolling in 40 to 60 feet of water have caught trout and salmon. Perch were caught in 35 to 40 feet of water.

Grand Haven - Boats were still heading out and fishing in 180 to 245 feet of water. Most were fishing the top 55 feet with spoons. Spring colors seem to work best. A few chinook and coho were caught in the channel and around the piers when casting spoons. No perch to report.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Catch rates were still slow except for some coho being caught in the early morning. They were hitting on flies and spawn. No word on catfish, bass, walleye or panfish.

Grand River at Lansing - A few coho have been caught over at the dam at Moore’s Park and at the point where the Grand meets the Red Cedar. No good numbers yet however rain in the forecast should push more fish up this way.

Lake Lansing - A few largemouth bass and some pike have been caught.

Muskegon - Few fish were in the channel and around the piers. No perch to report.

Muskegon Lake - Anglers jigging around the Sand Docks had some success.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Mullett Lake - A few pike were caught on the southeast end of the lake while bass were hitting on natural and artificial bait along the breaks and at the mouth of the Cheboygan River. Some nice perch have been caught south of Dodge Point and on both the east and the west side of the lake.

Rogers City - Adult salmon have been caught in the outer part of Swan Bay. Until we get a good rain, fish the shallow waters early or late between Calcite Harbor, Swan Bay and Adams Point. Try J-plugs or bombers off planer boards 100 to 150 feet back or spoons off downriggers 4 to 12 feet down. There appears to be a lot of salmon in 45 to 70 feet of water as well. Good colors have been blue and silver, green and yellow, watermelon, pearl pink or black and white.

Rockport - Pier anglers have caught a few salmon, including a nice 35 inch chinook which was taken on a double jointed Cleo. Coho were caught in 60 feet of water near Middle Island, and chinook were caught in 90 feet of water between the launch and the island. Good lake trout action out near the wreck and around the island.

Long Lake - Had fair to good perch fishing.

Alpena - No salmon to report. Lake trout action has been good around Thunder Bay Island in 90 to 100 feet of water. Orange and green were good colors. There was talk of walleye caught around North Point on reef runners and perch style body baits.

Thunder Bay River - Fish were caught in the evening when using glow spoons.

Harrisville - Fish have been caught by shore and boat anglers. Some vary in color but most are silver and range from 12 to 15 pounds. Fish the harbor and out to waters 40 feet deep with spoons or body baits in green or pink. Walleye were caught outside the harbor on spoons intended for salmon.

Oscoda - Boats are still heading out to 40 and 60 feet of water. Early morning was best for chinook and steelhead.

Au Sable River - Is now into the final week of trout fishing on the Type 1 and Type 2 waters. The river has had excellent hatches of Blue-winged Olives and White Flies below Mio. Anglers are catching good numbers of both rainbow and brown trout. Flying ants are producing some good trout action on the mainstream below Grayling.

Lake Margrethe - Had good walleye fishing for those trolling body baits or drifting crawler harnesses.

Higgins Lake - Anglers are targeting lake trout when jigging or trolling out from the Conference Center. A few perch and rock bass are still being caught.

Houghton Lake - Walleye are being caught along the weedbeds when drifting crawler harnesses or trolling body baits.

Tawas - A few salmon were seen jumping inside the harbor early in the morning. A couple fish have been caught when casting spoons or floating spawn under a bobber.

Tawas River - Has light numbers of salmon.

Au Gres - Walleye fishing is pretty slow except for a few caught in 10 to 20 feet of water near the mouth of the river.

Au Gres River - Small boats trolling in the lower river have caught a few nice pike and the occasional walleye. Those surfcasting near the Singing Bridge have caught a few salmon and steelhead when casting spoons or floating spawn bags. Perch fishing was spotty.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey - Salmon have moved in closer so those fishing off the mouth of the river, off the piers and in smaller boats have caught fish. Boats did well with spoons, plugs and squid and shore anglers are casting glow spoons or minnows. Green has been a good color however pier anglers were also using fire-tiger or pink and white. Lake trout are down 80 to 100 feet and hitting green flies behind dodgers.

Lake Charlevoix - Perch and smallmouth anglers are taking fish.

Lake Bellaire - Good numbers of walleye have been caught by those trolling or jigging in the south and northwest arms, the Narrows and near Fisherman’s Paradise. They are trolling crawler harnesses and stick baits or jigging with leeches and crawlers in 8 to 40 feet of water. The fish range from 14 to 30 inches. Bass were caught in 8 to 25 feet of water near the northern flats and along the drop-off near the access site. Try artificial worms, tube baits, spinners or crank baits. Pike were hitting on spoons or stick baits in 15 to 30 feet of water in the northwest arm. Several perch between 4 and 9 inches have been caught on minnows and crawlers in 5 to 20 feet of water near the mouth of the Intermediate River. Some bluegills were caught.

Traverse City - Salmon action in the East Bay has been slow. Whitefish were caught in the southern portions when jigging in 100 to 200 feet of water. In the West Bay, salmon have started to congregate at the mouth of the Boardman River. Try white and fire-tiger J-Plugs or jointed rapalas with green and white flasher/fly combos.

Elk River - Salmon and steelhead are slowly moving into the river. Try drifting spawn or casting body baits.

Boardman River - Salmon and steelhead are starting to come into the river. Those using spawn have caught a few fish.

Leland - The northwest end of North Manitou Island has produced limits of fish for those able to get out on the water before daylight. Several fish were in the 10 to 13 pound range. Lakers are always in abundance around the First Bank.

Glen Arbor - The west side of South Manitou Island is still producing some nice chinook in 80 to 110 feet of water in the early morning. Green and blue spoons with flies were taking fish. A couple steelhead were caught in waters up to 60 feet deep.

Frankfort - Fish were caught in the Herring Hole and out on the Shelf when trolling 45 to 55 feet down in 80 to 120 feet of water with spoons and flies. Good numbers of chinook and coho have been caught all the way up into Platte Bay. Pier anglers are catching salmon on alewife rigs. They are still dredging between the piers however anglers can still fish off the very ends.

Betsie River - Recent rain has pushed some more fish into the river, especially in the lower sections. Decent numbers of fish have been caught from the M-22 Bridge to the US-31 Bridge. Anglers are casting squid or drifting spawn.

Onekama - The better catches were coming straight out on the Shelf when trolling spoons or plugs in 100 to 140 feet of water. Anglers were taking good catches of fresh chinook, coho, lake trout and steelhead. Pier fishing was slow due to the lack of baitfish. When anglers can get alewife, catch rates were good.

Portage Lake - Is producing a good mix of largemouth bass and smallmouth bass on the west end of the lake. Panfish are deep and scattered.

Manistee - Boats are still heading out and catching salmon and steelhead in 150 to 300 feet of water. Most fish were caught on orange spoons in the top 60 feet. Pier anglers caught a few fish on glow spoons.

Manistee River - Salmon fishing was a bit slow. There are some fish in the river however warm temperatures and low clear waters are keeping them off the gravel. Rain by the weekend should help but until then, concentrate on the deeper holes in the lower stretches.

Ludington - Boats are catching some salmon and steelhead in 100 to 200 feet of water. For steelhead, try 3, 5 or 8 colors of lead with orange spoons. Pier anglers and those surfcasting near the State Park reported slow catch rates.

Pere Marquette River - The salmon action is slow and not many fish are on the gravel yet. That could change by the weekend but for now, fish the lower stretches.

UPPER PENINSULA

Copper Harbor - Splake are showing up in the harbor but are not actively feeding at this time.

Lac La Belle - Fishing is slow with only a few smallmouth bass and some smaller pike showing up in the shallows.

Keweenaw Bay - Chinook, coho, lake trout and steelhead were caught between Sand Point and Carla’s Restaurant. Try 50 to 70 feet down in waters 60 to 75 feet deep in the morning. In the head of the bay, try 40 to 55 feet down in 60 feet of water. In Traverse Bay, the lake trout bite is steady when slow trolling in 130 to 150 feet of water. Nice fish are still being caught between Big Louie’s Point and Gay Point. Those jigging in 220 to 240 feet of water picked up some lake trout.

Falls River - A few coho were caught on the southwest side of US-41 when casting lures. No chinook or pink salmon were found.

Marquette - Has good lake trout fishing when trolling in 120 to 150 feet of water towards Granite Island and the white rocks.

Chocolay River - There has been reports of salmon caught in the river and just outside the breakwall. The majority of salmon have not moved into the rivers yet.

Menominee - A lot of salmon are jumping near the mouth of the Menominee River however the bite was slow. Those heading out of Stony Point caught a few walleye in 12 to 20 feet of water. Walleye fishing has started to pick up at night off the Cedar River access site. Boats are trolling both north and south of the river with crawler harnesses and rapalas in a variety of colors.

Menominee River - Shore fishing at night for walleye has picked up from the mouth to the Hattie Street Dam. Walleye are being caught on jigs with crawlers, zip lures, and crawler harnesses when trolling. Salmon are starting to come up the river, but only a few have been caught on spawn bags or blue and silver spoons. Sturgeon fishing is still keeping the area near Hattie Street active with lots of fish in the 30 to 40 inch range taken. Anglers are reminded that the minimum size limit is 60 inches and the season will close on September 30th.

Cedar River - Smallmouth fishing slowed between the mouth and the first rapids however lots of rock bass have been caught so this is a good fishery for the kids. No salmon were seen or reported.

Au Train - Lake trout fishing is still good with limit catches reported. The main action has been around the flats and the islands when using jigs tipped with sucker minnows or trolling spoons.

Munising - Has great lake trout fishing in 90 to 170 feet of water. No reports on salmon or steelhead.

Grand Marais - A few salmon were caught in 40 to 80 feet of water. Lake trout fishing is very good for those trolling in waters 170 feet deep. Pier fishing was slow.

Munuscong - Perch were hitting on minnows and crawlers in 11 feet of water just off the boat launch in Raber Bay. Northern pike are hitting in Maud Bay.

De Tour - Anglers trolling the shipping channel to the lighthouse are fishing 30 to 40 feet down during the day and deeper in the evening. They are trolling orange and black or yellow and silver spoons. Lake trout and coho are being picked up 3 to 4 miles south of the lighthouse, past the “Hump” and to the flats. Lake trout are on the bottom and coho are 80 feet down. Try blue and white combination spoons.

Drummond Island - Anglers are now catching 8 to 11 inch perch on the west side of Harbor Island in 22 feet of water. Northern pike are hitting red and white spoons along weed lines at Grape Island. Smallmouth bass action is very good near Moon Island when using rubber jigs or still-fishing crawlers.

Cedarville and Hessel - Those fishing minnows off the pier at the Hessel Marina have caught smallmouth bass, perch and pike. The pike are small. Smallmouth were hitting on spinner baits near the rocks and points of Snows Channel, the east end of Musky Bay, Connors Point and the Middle Entrance. For perch, check out Musky Bay and the Middle Entrance while drifting or trolling small crawler harnesses.

Carp River - Is starting to see some action with a few chinook and pink salmon caught at the mouth while casting red and silver, green and lime or purple and silver spoons. Beds have been spotted in the deeper pools up near McDonald Rapids.

St. Ignace - Anglers fishing from shore near the freighter docks were catching a few chinook. Some were casting silver J-Plugs or small Cleo’s off the rocks.

While most Michiganders are enjoying the nice weather, those expecting to catch fish during the annual fall salmon run are not. The dry warm weather has somewhat stalled the runs however rain in the forecast for next week should be the boost that is needed to get the runs going again.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Perch fishing has been fair with anglers bringing in 20 to 30 fish per boat. Anglers were finding success in waters 22 to 24 feet deep off Stony Point. Better fishing is in the forecast as the number of perch caught and the size of them continues to increase. A couple walleye were caught by perch anglers. Smallmouth bass fishing has slowed but the catfish action has been good.

Huron River - No real numbers of trout to speak of however rain next week should put some fish in the river. For now, concentrate on catfish and carp.

Detroit River - Perch anglers continue to find fish around Sugar Island and Rat Island. For walleye, those back trolling in 16 to 22 feet of water off the Humbug Marina caught fish as well as those handlining east of Celeron Island and near McClouth Steel.

Lexington - Reported decent catches of chinook, lake trout and steelhead along with the occasional walleye. Trout and salmon were caught in 80 to 100 feet of water and walleye were targeted in 60 feet of water. Perch fishing was spotty in 40 feet of water along the weedbeds. A few pike were caught around the piers.

Port Sanilac - Trout and salmon have been caught in waters up to 100 feet deep. Walleye were caught in 60 feet of water and a few small perch were caught.

Harbor Beach - Some nice salmon were taken in 160 to 175 feet of water. Try Spin Doctors, action fly’s and magnum spoons off downriggers or dipsy divers 125 to 225 feet back. Lake trout fishing is still good straight out and north of the harbor. Fish 80 to 100 feet in the morning and move out to waters at least 130 feet deep with spoons or dodgers. Steelhead action continues to get better for those trolling color lines such as pink, yellow and orange. Fish the top 50 to 60 feet of water and if the bite is slow, try speeding up. Walleye action is fair to good straight out and north or the harbor when using a crawler harness, Hot-n-Tots or medium spoons. Start trolling in 40 to 50 feet of water then head out to 60 to 100 feet. Perch fishing is slow.

Port Austin - Limits of lake trout have been caught near the bottom in 120 to 140 feet of water. Steelhead are hitting on highlines. Smallmouth bass anglers were targeting 40 feet of water with artificial lures.

Saginaw Bay - Walleye action has slowed with only a couple fish taken in 14 feet of water off the Pinconning Bar. A few perch were caught on minnows near buoys 8, 15, 16 and 18 or in 15 feet of water off Linwood and near the Spark Plug. Most were 8 to 10 inches but some were closer to the 12 inch range. Catfish are still hitting near the Hot Ponds. A few walleye were caught near Quanicassee when slow trolling crawler harnesses north of the channel. Hot-n-Tots were also taking fish. A few perch were also caught along the weeds in 8 feet of water. Anglers are working hard to keep a dozen but the fish caught were in the 8 to 11 inch range.

Saginaw River - Those fishing near Essexville have caught smallmouth bass when casting tube baits.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe River - The salmon action has slowed due to the warm weather. Those looking for fish will want to target the deeper holes.

Kalamazoo River - Catch rates for salmon have slowed. Look for salmon in the deeper holes. A few walleye were caught in the early morning or late evening.

Grand Haven - Water around the piers has warmed up again so most anglers are fishing out deep for trout and salmon. Try 20 to 90 feet down in 280 to 320 feet of water with 5, 10 or 13 color lead core. The fish are hitting on blue, red and orange spoons. Chinook, coho, and lake trout have been caught however most of the fish taken have been steelhead. Pier anglers should try casting red and orange spoons.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Catch rates have slowed here as well. Cooler temperatures and rain should push a lot of fish up into the river. The occasional fish can still be found near the Sixth Street Dam.

Grand River at Lansing - Catch rates are slow except for the occasional pike or walleye taken. Most are fishing below the North Lansing Dam or the Moore’s Park Dam. We have reports of a single salmon caught at the point where the Grand meets the Red Cedar. Look for more fish next week as the rain moves in.

Rogue River - A few fish have been caught but no big numbers yet.

Reeds Lake - Perch are still hitting and bluegills were suspended about halfway down in waters 30 feet deep.

Muskegon - Also has warm water so boats are heading out deep to 250 to 300 feet of water. Those in smaller boats might be able to catch fish in the early morning around the piers. Warm water is making it hard to catch alewife so pier anglers will want to try casting spoons. Red and orange were good colors.

Muskegon Lake - Few salmon have been caught in the lake.

Whitehall - Has fair to good perch fishing off the piers. Those fishing at night have caught some walleye off the channel walls. Salmon movement has been slow with only a few fish at a time coming through the channel.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Mullett Lake - Water temperatures have warmed 10 degrees since last week, and this has slowed fishing. A few trout have been caught in 90 feet of water and walleye in 10 to 30 feet. Bass and perch could be found in 12 to 35 feet of water.

Rogers City - Swan Bay has been the hot spot. Anglers are fishing shallow 10 to 40 feet deep in the early morning and heading out to deeper waters as the day goes on. J-Plugs and Bombers off highlines and running planer boards did best. The fish are easily spooked in shallow waters. Most are using 5 color lead core with J-Plugs in a variety of colors. Those heading west towards Forty Mile Point and the State Park were also catching a few fish.

Ocqueoc River - Salmon are staging off the mouth.

Rockport - Has good lake trout action out near the wreck in 90 feet of water. Salmon are in close to shore north and south of the port and around Middle Island but catch rates were slow. The fish were stacked up between 20 feet and 70 feet. Water temperatures were 72 degrees.

Harrisville - The salmon are still out deep. Lake trout and steelhead are moving in closer to shore as they seem to be following baitfish. For salmon anglers are trolling spoons or J-Plugs. Good colors were green or blue and silver. Steelhead were been caught on planer boards with lead core. A few walleye were caught in 120 feet of water when trolling body baits.

Oscoda - Shallow water temperatures are near 70 degrees. Salmon anglers are still trolling in 60 to 80 feet of water. A few chinook were caught off the pier however until the water temperatures come down, the fish will stay out deep. Steelhead and lake trout were caught in 40 to 60 feet of water.

Au Sable River - Few fish have gone into the river as it is too warm. A few walleye are still coming into the river and hitting on crawlers or body baits. The White Fly hatch has been good, almost too good as the fish seem to prefer the live flies as opposed to artificial flies.

Higgins Lake - Lake trout action was slow but fish are still being caught. A few perch have also been caught; try 40 to 60 feet of water around the Sunken Island.

Houghton Lake - Walleye, bass and bluegills can be found along the weedbeds in 6 to 10 feet of water.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey - Salmon fishing has been slow for some but a few were doing pretty good overall when fishing 40 to 60 feet down in waters 80 to 130 feet deep with glow spoons and flies or lighted J-Plugs at dawn or dusk. The run is expected to start soon as the fish are turning color. Anglers can see the fish porpoise off the mouth of spawning streams. Watch for rain or strong winds blowing straight into the rivers.

Lake Charlevoix - Perch and smallmouth anglers are taking some fish. For anglers in the smaller boats, salmon are staging in the lake.

Lake Bellaire - Pressure for walleye has declined even though fish are still being caught. Most are trolling a crawler harness or jigging leeches and crawlers in 15 to 40 feet of water. A few bass were caught by those casting artificial worms, tube baits, spinners and crank baits along the east and west drop-offs and in the South Arm. Pike were taken near the mouth of the Intermediate River when casting spinners or jerk baits. A few perch were also caught but the fish were small.

Traverse City - Salmon fishing has been hit-or-miss as water temperatures have jumped in the last week and the fish are scattered. Best action was in the southern portions of the bay when trolling 10 to 90 feet down with plugs and flasher/fly combinations. Salmon fishing in the West Bay is picking up. Try fishing the top 70 feet near the “Hole” with green flashers and flies or white and fire-tiger J-Plugs.

Elk River - There are a few salmon in the river though the bite has been slow.

Boardman River - Light numbers of fish have made there way into the river. The best action has been in the morning when using spawn near the mouth.

Leland - Is still producing some fish however you need to get out there early because the better fishing was between 6:00am and 7:30am. A few limits were taken around the north end of North Manitou Island in 60 to 80 feet of water.

Lake Leelanau - The perch have started to move and limit catches were reported in the bays when using shrimp or wigglers.

Glen Arbor - Chinook fishing slowed but some 2 and 3 year olds are still being caught around the west side of South Manitou Island in 70 to 90 feet when using a combination of flies and spoons. Pyramid Point was good in the early morning in 40 to 60 feet of water.

Glen Lake - Is again producing some nice catches of perch around the point off the marina and along the beds at the north end of Big Glen. Try shrimp or wigglers.

Platte Bay - Has been very good for coho.

Frankfort - Pier fishing was slow however a few chinook and coho were taken on alewife. Those trolling in the bay caught a couple fish off the Elberta wall. Boat anglers fishing 150 to 300 feet of water caught steelhead in the top 20 to 40 feet.

Betsie River - Fish are concentrated in the lower stretches. A few were caught below the Homestead Dam when floating spawn or casting spinners.

Onekama - Anglers are going deep to find fish. Chinook and steelhead have been caught in 200 to 350 feet of water. Most are fishing the Barrel in the early morning then heading out deeper. Pier anglers have caught a few chinook when casting spoons in the early morning.

Portage Lake - Has slow catch rates except some nice bluegills were taken in 25 to 30 feet of water on minnows, wigglers, crawlers or crickets. Lots of perch were caught however many are small. Casting for bass in the morning has produced some decent catches on the west end of the lake. Try spinners or plastic worm rigs.

Manistee - Boat anglers are still heading out deep and catching salmon and trout in 300 to 400 feet of water. Try the top 45 feet of water with orange spoons. A few boats fishing in front of the piers had limited success. Pier fishing was slow.

Manistee Lake - Those trolling have caught some trout and salmon.

Manistee River - Salmon fishing has been slow especially at Tippy Dam. Good numbers of fish came in Labor Day Weekend, but the dry warm weather has the run at a stand still. Salmon remain concentrated in the lower stretches of the river.

Ludington - Salmon have been caught early in the morning in 40 to 80 feet of water when using glow plugs. Boats fishing 150 to 300 feet of water between the Point and the Bathhouse were also catching fish on 3, 5 or 8 colors of lead with orange spoons.

Pere Marquette Lake - Boats trolling the lake have caught light numbers of trout and salmon. Most are using spoons or plugs.

Pere Marquette River - Fish are concentrated in the lower river. Anglers will want to fish the deeper holes until it rains and cools down.

Pentwater - There has been a slow trickle of salmon heading into the river. Pier anglers are catching a few as it appears the fish are holding in the deeper holes near the mouth of the river. Pier anglers caught perch on minnows or cut bait.

UPPER PENINSULA

Copper Harbor - Splake are showing up in the harbor in large schools however there has been little to no fishing pressure.

Eagle Harbor - Lake trout have been caught in 140 feet of water when jigging.

Lac La Belle - Smallmouth bass seem to be the only species being caught right now on live bait in 6 to 10 feet of water. Most have been sub-legal.

Keweenaw Bay - The salmon bite picked up for those trolling between Sand Point and the red rocks for a mix of chinook, coho, and lake trout 50 to 75 feet down in waters 60 to 80 feet deep. Those jigging caught some lake trout in 170 to 220 feet of water but they are moving around to find and catch the really nice fish. A couple coho were taken off the L’Anse Marina on gold and orange Cleo’s. Chinook and pink salmon should start making their way into the Falls River soon. Near the South Portage Entry, lake trout along with a few chinook and coho were caught in 60 to 130 feet of water near the Farmers Reef and the Mud Bank. Traverse Bay is good for lake trout just off the bottom in 130 to 150 feet of water. Those trolling spoons between Gay Point, Big Louie’s and Hermits Cove were catching a few fish.

Marquette - Still has good lake trout fishing and the chinook and coho action is starting to pick up. There were reports of more anglers catching steelhead and brown trout as well. Most are trolling near the harbor, along the “Bubblers” and near the Carp and Chocolay Rivers.

Menominee - The walleye seem to be south of the port and out deep. Some were caught north or south of the river when trolling crawler harnesses at 25 to 40 feet. Salmon action was slow. Up near the Cedar River, a few walleye were caught 90 feet down in 110 to 120 feet of water near the Whaleback Shoal.

Menominee River - Anglers wading near Stephenson and Boom Islands have caught small walleye on crawlers. Shore anglers caught smallmouth bass, rock bass, sunfish and catfish. A few sturgeon were caught and released up near the Hattie Street Dam.

Cedar River - Lots of smallmouth bass are being caught from the mouth to the first rapids when jigging crawlers or casting plugs.

Little Bay De Noc - Finally has some of the best walleye fishing reported this season. Fait to good catches in the southern bay when trolling crank baits or crawlers in 16 to 30 feet of water between the “Fingers” and the Minneapolis Shoals. The best fishing was in the Black Bottom area when drifting or trolling crawlers in 20 to 25 feet of water. A few perch were taken in the Narrows off Saunders Point. Smallmouth bass were caught throughout the bay although the better fishing was in 10 to 20 feet of water off Hunters Point. A few salmon have started to show up at the mouth of the Ford River.

Big Bay De Noc - Has good walleye fishing all the way out to Round Island. Most are trolling stick baits in 20 to 30 feet of water. Good smallmouth action off Ansell’s Point and south to Garden Bluff when casting tube baits or crank baits along the weeds in 20 feet of water. Nahma has fair to good perch action for those jigging minnows in 10 to 18 feet just off the mouth of the Sturgeon River. At Fairport, anglers are still salmon fishing 80 to 125 feet down in deeper waters.

Au Train - Has good lake trout action with fish averaging 3 to 5 pounds. Anglers are trolling spoons or floating jigs tipped with sucker minnows. Hot spots were around the islands or the flats.

St. Mary’s River - Walleye were caught in 35 to 40 feet of water in the shipping channel and south of Twin Island when trolling bottom bouncers with gold blades and crawler harnesses with gold beads.

De Tour - Anglers are trolling the shipping channel to the lighthouse for chinook, lake trout and even a few coho. Most are fishing 30 to 80 feet down in waters 100 feet deep with orange and black or copper spoons.

Drummond Island - Perch fishing slowed however a few smallmouth bass were caught on the north side of Peck Island when using crawlers.

Cedarville and Hessel - A few small pike were caught in the Hessel Marina. Musky Bay and the Middle Entrance are producing pike, perch and smallmouth. Try 10 to 12 feet of water while casting or drifting minnows. In Cedarville Bay and Government Bay, a few perch were caught on minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water.

Carp River - Beds have been seen between the mouth and the McDonald Rapids. Only a few salmon have made their way upstream.

St. Ignace - Anglers are marking fish but only a limited number were caught. Anglers are fishing the flats to the Coast Guard area for chinook and lake trout. They are using silver flashers with purple and white or green fly’s or red and black spoons.

Salmon are moving into the rivers however the big push has not yet occurred. Catch rates on the inland waters should only get better as we move into the fall fishing mode. Anglers are reminded that the season to take both snapping turtles and softshell turtles will close on September 15th, 2009.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Perch anglers are catching fish in 11 feet of water where the warm water discharge used to be off Lake Erie Metro Park and about a half mile east of Stony Point. There are reports of the perch run starting off Colchester which is on the Canadian side of the lake.

Huron River - Smallmouth bass, carp and catfish seem to be the only thing anglers are catching. No reports on trout fishing as it may still be a bit early.

Detroit River - Walleye anglers continue to do well between Sugar Island and the Cross Dike. Those handlining did well east of Celeron Island in 14 to 16 feet of water and near McClouth Steel. Perch are being caught around Sugar Island.

Lexington - Those trolling were taking a variety of trout and salmon in 80 to 100 feet of water. Salmon and steelhead are about halfway down while lake trout are near the bottom. Walleye were caught but the perch were scattered in 40 to 60 feet of water.

Port Sanilac - Boat anglers are catching salmon, steelhead and lake trout. Some are getting the occasional walleye when targeting trout and salmon. The perch were scattered however anglers were taking 10 to 30 fish per boat.

Harbor Beach - Anglers are trolling in 100 to 125 feet of water for chinook and steelhead however more lake trout have been caught. There are rumors of yellow perch being caught southeast of the lighthouse.

Port Austin - Boat anglers are taking limits of lake trout when trolling in 90 to 125 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were caught in 40 feet of water.

Saginaw Bay - Limits of walleye have been caught off Pinconning and Linwood when trolling crawler harnesses or Hot-n-Tots in 12 to 15 feet of water. The action was slower a few miles east of the Spark Plug and the Black Hole. Yellow perch were caught in the shipping channel, around the Spark Plug and near Buoys 9 and 10. Catfish are hitting on shrimp in the Hot Ponds. Near Quanicassee, walleye fishing was slow with boats only taking 1 or 2 fish off the Callahan Reef. Those heading out for perch were taking 12 to 15 fish on average per boat near the Spark Plug. The better walleye fishing was off Sebewaing, but anglers are still working hard to get them. Target 15 feet of water in the Slot off Fish Point and out near the Spark Plug in 32 feet of water. Most are using crawler harnesses but fish were also caught on Hot-n-Tots in the deeper water. A few perch were caught northeast of the Spark Plug. Caseville is quiet except for a few smallmouth bass caught off the breakwall.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - Anglers are catching mostly chinook salmon when trolling in waters about 85 feet deep. Fish the mud lines and between the piers. Perch fishing is slow. Pier anglers were catching a few suckers.

St. Joe River - There is good chinook and coho movement through the ladder at Berrien Springs.

South Haven - The chinook have started to come in. Anglers are catching them in the mud lines and between the piers. Steelhead and perch have also been caught.

Kalamazoo River - Chinook, steelhead and the occasional walleye have been caught from the piers to the Allegan Dam.

Grand Haven - A good number of boats are trolling just outside the piers in the early morning. Pier anglers are catching chinook, coho and steelhead when casting spoon or rapalas in the early morning. A few perch were also been caught.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Anglers are catching chinook, coho, brown trout and steelhead from the piers up to the Sixth Street Dam. They are using spoons, spinners, rapalas, yarn, flies or spawn. Some are drifting Hot-n-Tots or thundersticks. Pike and walleye were caught. Crappie are hitting twister tails and crappie minnows.

Grand River at Lansing - Shore anglers are trying for catfish below the dams. No word yet on salmon in the Lansing area however rain should push some fish up closer. A few fish have been caught near Ionia in Prairie Creek.

Lake Ovid - Anglers are catching catfish and bullhead. For the bigger bluegills, try slow drifting in deeper waters with leaf worms, wax worms or crickets.

Reeds Lake - Perch have been caught around the Sunken Island when drifting leaf worms. At night, some limits were caught on minnows.

Muskegon - Boat anglers are fishing shallow in the early morning and heading out to waters up to 300 feet deep as the day goes on. They are catching chinook, coho and steelhead. Plugs are working in the shallows and spoons out deep. Pier anglers have caught salmon and steelhead in the early morning or late evening. Boats are also fishing in the channel.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Mullett Lake - Anglers have caught pike and perch when still-fishing with crawlers or minnows. Walleye, bass and even a few trout were also caught. Good perch fishing on the west side with some in the 9 and 10 inch range.

Rogers City - Is producing salmon in Swan Bay. Early morning or sunset is the best time in waters 10 to 65 feet deep. In shallow, use planer boards with J-Plugs or bombers. Out deep, fish about halfway down with spoons or J-Plugs. Good colors are orange and silver, green and yellow, watermelon, pearl or glow.

Presque Isle - Anglers are catching salmon straight out of the harbor and north toward the lighthouses while trolling the top half of waters 45 to 90 feet deep.

Rockport - Fishing was still spotty. Salmon and steelhead were found in 15 to 50 feet of water around Bell Bay and the launch. Salmon were halfway down in 40 to 50 feet of water and lake trout were just off the bottom in 110 feet of water near the wreck. Hot colors were chartreuse, black, red and gold. Walleye were taken in Bell Bay when using rapalas or body baits in perch patterns.

Thunder Bay River - Salmon and steelhead have been caught near the Ninth Street Dam. The best fishing has been between 10:00pm and 1:00am for those using black and brown flies or glow spawn.

Harrisville - The salmon are moving into shallow waters 60 to 80 feet deep. The salmon are hitting on silver, blue or gold and the steelhead on orange. Lake trout are hitting on anything white or silver. Walleye were caught in the and around the harbor and north toward Sturgeon Point.

Oscoda - About half the boats heading out were successful. Reports have the fish from the river out to waters 100 feet deep. Lures in blue and silver were catching fish. Those fishing close to shore just north or south of the pier were using planer boards and lead core. Pier anglers have caught some steelhead and walleye on body baits and crawlers.

Au Sable River - A few walleye have been caught in the river. Try body baits or crawlers down near the mouth.

Higgins Lake - A few anglers are still catching lake trout when trolling or jigging. Good numbers of rock bass have been caught over the last week.

Houghton Lake - Walleye are being caught on crawlers or leeches. Some big bluegills have been caught and a few nice crappie were taken on spinner baits. Those out pike fishing have also caught some nice fish.

Tawas - Walleye fishing was slower with a few fish caught near Buoy 2 and down near Alabaster. Pier fishing was also slow with only a few small perch or the occasional walleye taken.

Au Gres - Is producing some limit catches of walleye, mostly north of the Charity Islands in 15 to 40 feet of water. Some are heading south toward Standish and fishing off Eagles Bay Landing. A few limits were taken in 10 to 30 feet of water.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey - Salmon fishing varies from day to day however fish were caught in the bottom 70 feet of waters 120 to 130 feet deep. Good colors for flies and plugs have been blue, purple, green, or white and spoons were green, blue, purple, or black. Mix up your colors with a different color attracter. Try a white spin doctor in front of a purple fly on sunny days. A number of lake trout have been caught.

Charlevoix - Anglers are concentrating on salmon. Most are fishing down 70 feet or more in waters up to 130 feet deep.

Lake Bellaire - Surface temperatures increased to the high 60’s and low 70’s. Walleye anglers are still fishing near the Fisherman’s Paradise Public Access, Northwest Arm and the Narrows. Try trolling crawler harnesses, spoons, and stick baits or jigging with leeches and crawlers in 10 to 35 feet of water. Fish range from 14 to 16 inches. Bass anglers have been casting artificial worms, tube baits or crank baits in 3 to 25 feet of water. Target the drop-offs in the South Arm. Pike are hitting on crawler harnesses or spoons near the mouth of the Intermediate River and the Grass River. Yellow perch ranging from 4 to 13 inches have been caught by those still-fishing in 2 to 16 feet of water in the Northwest Arm and in front of the Intermediate River. Try crawlers or minnows.

Leland - North Manitou Island is still the area to fish as the salmon get ready to run. Boat anglers are starting 45 to 50 feet of water in the early morning and moving out to deeper water as the sun comes up. No reports on the First or Second Banks yet.

Glen Arbor - Fish are moving into shallow waters 60 feet deep off Pyramid Point and right out in front of the boat launch.

Platte Bay - Has good fishing in the West Bay 30 to 80 feet down in 50 to 150 feet of water with black ladderback J-Plugs. Good fishing in the East Bay as well about 30 to 80 feet down in 60 to 120 feet of water.

Platte River - Some fish are up the river and at the mouth. A small run of fish came in over the weekend and there are fish below the weir, mostly coho. Shore anglers casting or fishing spawn were not having much luck yet.

Arcadia - Catch rates have slowed for boat anglers as more fish start running up into the rivers. Those fishing in the early morning have caught salmon in 150 to 400 feet of water when using spoons or J-Plugs that glow.

Lake Cadillac - Anglers are catching largemouth bass, pike and crappie. For bigger bluegills, fish deeper water with leaf worms, wax worms and crickets.

Manistee - Boats have found the salmon and trout to be scattered anywhere from the front of the piers to 400 feet of water. Early in the morning, salmon can be caught using glow plugs in front of the piers. Those fishing the Shelf found fish in the top 60 feet of water. Best colors continue to be green or blue.

Manistee River - Salmon are in the river however cooler weather will bring more fish in. The better fishing has been in the early morning or at night with spoons, crank baits, body baits, yarn or spawn. Fish the deeper holes or up near Tippy Dam.

UPPER PENINSULA

Copper Harbor - Splake are starting to come back into the harbor.

Eagle Harbor - Those jigging have caught lake trout in 220 feet of water. Trolling was slow as it has been hard to find scum lines or temperature breaks.

Lac La Belle - Walleye fishing was good along the flats in 15 to 25 feet of water using crawlers or minnows near the bottom. Smallmouth bass fishing has been good in 10 to 14 feet of water near the weedbeds.

Keweenaw Bay - The better lake trout fishing was in Traverse Bay when trolling between Big Louie’s and Gay Point in 130 to 150 feet of water. Those jigging got limits in 220 to 240 feet of water. Try 1 or 2 ounce jigs with cut bait. Lake trout were caught near the South Portage Entry when trolling spoons in 130 to 160 feet of water.

Paint River - In west Iron County has good brook trout fishing in the South Branch. The trout are running a little small this year but should be good next year.

Peavy Reservoir - Has good pike fishing.

Hagerman Lake - Has good smallmouth bass action.

Marquette - Lake trout picked up between the White Rocks and Granite Island. Standard Rock is still very productive with groups limiting out. Coho are still spotty but anglers are marking fish. Large groups of baitfish have been marked in 140 to180 feet of water. No action to report near the Carp and Dead River.

Menominee - Catch rates were a bit slow with only a few fish caught in 10 to 20 feet of water down near Green Island. Chinook were caught from the pier in the early morning and late evening when casting spoons. Up near the Cedar River, a few chinook were caught near the Whaleback Shoal.

Menominee River - Small walleye were caught by those trolling, fishing off the Cat Walk, and wading near Stephenson and Boom Island. Use crawlers. Sturgeon season on the boundary waters is open from September 5th through September 30th. Anglers are reminded that the possession limit for sturgeon on the river between the Hattie Street Dam and end of the breakwalls in Green Bay is 0 fish. A non-transferable sturgeon tag must be obtained at a license vendor prior to all sturgeon fishing, including catch and release. Successful anglers must tag and register the fish within 24 hours. Fish being released should not be tagged.

Little Bay De Noc - Most of the walleye are still in the southern bay however fish have been caught throughout. Some are trolling stick baits from the mouth of the Escanaba River south to Portage Point and fishing 25 to 30 feet down just off the break. Walleye and perch were caught by those drifting or stillfishing with crawlers off the beach at Gladstone. Northern pike were caught on spinners and spoons fished in 10 to 12 feet of water at the mouth of the Escanaba Yacht Harbor.

Big Bay De Noc - Had fair walleye catches near Ogontz in 14 to 16 feet of water and Garden Bay in 8 to 12 feet of water. Good smallmouth action for those casting crank baits and tube baits in 18 to 25 feet of water. Salmon action off Fairport was down.

Au Train - Has excellent lake trout fishing. A few salmon were caught along the flats, the shipping lanes and around Wood Island in 150 to 170 feet of water.

Munuscong - Anglers are trolling up to the bell and the split in the channel for walleye. Use bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses in lime green and orange.

De Tour - Boats were trolling both sides of the freighter channel to the lighthouse area, some further south as well as to the flats and catching chinook, lake trout and even a couple Atlantic salmon.

Cedarville and Hessel - Pier fishing at the Hessel Marina was slow with only small pike or perch caught. Splake have started coming into the harbor and were hitting on spawn bags. Fish were also caught in Snows Channel and Musky Bay however many were sub-legal. In Cedarville Bay, the best perch action was in 6 to 8 inches of waters when using minnows, leaf worms or crayfish tails.

Carp River - A few anglers are catching chinook using green and white or red and white spoons.

St. Ignace - Anglers fishing from the primitive launch are casting weedless baits. Fire-tiger and lime were good colors. Those trolling have caught a few chinook and lake trout between the bay and the Coast Guard Station when using silver J-Plugs or green and gold spoons.

Salmon and lake trout fishing continues to be good when anglers can get out. Light numbers of salmon have started to move into some rivers however the big spawning run is still a few weeks away. Warmer weather improved walleye fishing.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Huron River - Bass are still hitting on crawlers, crayfish and leeches. Some nice bluegills have been caught near the brick wall up by the dam.

Detroit River - Angler are catching yellow perch on the south side of Sugar and Celeron Islands, and the shipping channel. Some 14 and 15 inch fish have been caught by those using perch rigs with shiner minnows. The walleye bite has picked up in the Trenton Channel.

Lexington - Lake trout are still being caught. Perch anglers are doing well on the various weed beds but anglers will need to move around to locate fish. Pier fishing at all the Thumb ports slowed with only the occasional bass and panfish being caught. Channel catfish are hitting at night.

Port Sanilac - Lake trout and steelhead have been caught in 100 to 125 feet of water. Perch fishing continues on the various weedbeds north of the port.

Harbor Beach - Boat anglers trolling in 100 to 130 feet of water are getting lake trout near the bottom and steelhead near the surface. A few chinook salmon were also caught and walleye were hitting in 25 to 45 feet of water.

Port Austin - Lake trout are hitting 6 to 7 miles north of the lighthouse in 110 to 120 feet of water. Walleyes continue to hit on the reefs west of the port and east to Grindstone City in 25 to 45 feet of water.

Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing is still good around the end of the shipping channel, the dumping grounds west of the shipping channel, the Callahan Reef, and the Slot. If fishing around weedbeds, try trolling crawler harnesses without bottom bouncers in order to keep the bait above the weeds. This works best in 8 to 10 feet of water where the weedbeds are thickest. All ports are still producing fish, but early morning is the most productive. A few perch are starting to show up about a mile west of the Spark Plug in 20 feet of water. Perch were running 7 to 9 inches for the most part, with a few up to 13 inches. Those trolling for walleye were picking up the occasional large perch on crawler harnesses.

Saginaw River - Some walleye are still being caught in the lower river mostly by bait anglers seeking other species. Good catches of channel cats were still coming from the Hot Pond channel.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - Chinook salmon have been caught straight off the piers in 60 feet of water. If the fish have started to stage, pier anglers should start catching them soon. Perch anglers were finding fish in 40 feet of water.

St. Joe River - There have been reports of steelhead in front of the creeks however the bite was slow. A few fish were caught up near the Berrien Springs Dam.

Grand Haven - Boat anglers have been fishing 75 to 100 feet down in waters 90 to 120 feet deep. Catch rates were better in the early morning when using green and white J-Plugs and flies. Pier anglers are still catching catfish and sheephead.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - As salmon begin to trickle in, anglers have caught a few fish up near the Sixth Street Dam in the early morning. Most are floating crawlers under a bobber while others prefer flies or yarn. A few were caught on spoons above the coffer dam. A couple walleye were caught on a crawler harness with glow or red beads and a small #7 split shot. Pike were caught in the early morning near the cold water creeks. Flathead cats are hitting on suckers and channel cats on crawlers. Some big crappies were caught on minnows under Bridge Street and Fulton Street.

Grand River at Lansing - Catfish and yellow bullhead were being caught below the North Lansing Dam. Try chubs, shiners or crawlers. A few walleye were also caught. Catfish and bullhead action should be good below all the dams.

Reeds Lake - Perch were hitting on the northwest side of the Sunken Island. Leaf worms were the ticket.

Muskegon - Anglers are finding chinook, coho, steelhead and lake trout 45 to 60 feet down in waters 75 to 85 feet deep.

Muskegon Lake - Large and smallmouth bass have been caught on crawlers or leeches along the weed beds. Catch rates for walleye were sporadic but fish were caught on spinners and crawlers during the day and Husky Jerks after dark.

Muskegon River - Trout have been caught up near Croton Dam.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Rogers City - Bigger chinook salmon are being caught. Most are averaging 10 to 15 pounds however some are bigger. Most were caught south between Calcite and Adams Point when trolling the top half of the water column. Some are shallow while others could be found in 70 to 110 feet of water. Good colors were green and silver, blue and silver, watermelon, black and white, green or blue. The bite was best right at sun up or right after sunset when using anything that glows.

Presque Isle - Anglers are catching chinook, lake trout and walleye in 65 to 110 feet of water between the lighthouses or straight out from the Red Can at the harbor. Use anything that glows in the top half of the water column. Find structure and baitfish.

Alpena - A few walleye were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water around Thunder Bay Island. North Point is also producing some fish. Reef runners seem to work best.

Thunder Bay River - More anglers are fishing the river and taking home walleye, smallmouth bass and catfish. Most everyone is fishing with crawlers and leeches. Night fishing is best for catfish and walleye. A good number of walleye have been caught around the mouth in 20 to 30 feet of water.

Au Sable River - Fly fishing has been real good this summer. The North Branch and the mainstream have excellent hatches of tiny olives and trico. White flies are starting below Mio and catch rates are very good for rainbow trout.

Higgins Lake - Rock bass have been caught everywhere. Warm weather had the perch hitting out around Treasure Island and the area called the “Table Top”. Lake trout have been caught when trolling cowbells with body baits.

Houghton Lake - Walleye were being caught but catch rates for pike slowed. Smaller bluegills are shallow while the bigger fish were suspended in deeper water.

Tawas - Walleye have been caught near the Steeples, 50 to 70 feet of water off Tawas Point, the reefs northeast of Big Charity Island and down towards Alabaster. Crawler harnesses caught the most fish. Pier and river fishing remains slow, with a few perch, smallmouth bass or rock bass caught.

Au Gres - Had very good walleye fishing in 30 to 35 feet of water off the mouth of the Au Gres River, out around the Charity Islands, and south of the port.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey - Salmon have been caught but the fish are scattered. Anglers have taken fish 95 feet down in 150 feet of water on spoons and flies. A few fish were taken in shallow waters in the early morning or late evening. Pier anglers fishing at night should start catching fish soon. Lake trout have been caught just off the bottom in 140 feet of water.

Charlevoix - Salmon continues to be the focus with fish caught on spoons and flies 95 to 140 feet down in waters 250 to 300 feet deep. Good lake trout action just off the bottom in waters 140 feet deep. Pier anglers should start to catch salmon in the next few weeks. Spawning runs are still a few weeks away.

Lake Bellaire - Walleye anglers are trolling near the access sites and the narrows with crawler harnesses, spoons, or stick baits. Some caught fish when jigging leeches or crawlers. Small to medium bass were caught near the mouth of the river and along the west side of the lake. Anglers are casting tube baits, crank baits or plastics. Pike are hitting on spinners or stick baits in 15 feet of water. Yellow perch were caught but most were small.

Traverse City - In the East Bay, salmon are scattered throughout and the bite has not been consistent. Whitefish were found by those jigging spoons between Deep Water Point and Elk Rapids. In the West Bay, salmon have been caught in the “Hole” off the Boardman River. The better action has been in the early morning or just before dark when trolling flasher/fly combinations in green or white and glow spoons during low light conditions. Good lake trout action on the south side of Marion Island.

Frankfort - Salmon have been caught out deep. Most are trolling meat rigs and J-Plugs in the early morning or late evening. Pier fishing was slow.

Betsie River - Light numbers of salmon were reported in the river but the main run has not yet begun.

Onekama - Fishing has been good straight out in 100 to 200 feet or 320 to 350 feet of water. Many were fishing 90 to 120 feet down with flies in purple/gold or blue/aqua patterns with white or blue flashers, spoons and meat rigs. The Barrel was slow but a few fish were caught in the early morning. Pier fishing was slow.

Portage Lake - Panfish action was a little better however the bluegills and sunfish were still deep. Try crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water near the center of the lake. Anglers trolling at night caught a few walleye on crawler harnesses and those trolling during the day caught pike. Bass fishing has been very good in the morning with good numbers of smallmouth caught on crank baits near the piers and the shipwreck. Largemouth bass were caught on plastics in 7 feet of water along the weed beds.

Lake Cadillac - Warm weather increased the walleye and bass bite, but slowed the pike action. Anglers were trolling, drifting or floating crawlers and leeches in the early morning or late afternoon. Some nice perch were caught.

Lake Mitchell - Pike fishing slowed however panfish were hitting. Bass are hitting on crawlers or leeches and some big sunfish were caught along the south end.

Manistee - Salmon fishing has been good, when anglers can get out. Both the fish and the thermocline are more than 100 feet down. J-Plugs and meat rigs were good in the early morning and late evening. Pier fishing was poor due to warm water however night casting with glow spoons did mange to catch a few chinook.

Manistee River - Trout fishing has been decent below Hodenpyl Dam and Tippy Dam. A few summer steelhead were caught below Tippy. The occasional salmon has been seen however the main run has not yet started.

Ludington - Anglers are catching salmon but the fish are deep. Look for the thermocline. Try spoons, meat rigs or J-Plugs. Pier fishing was slow due to all the warm water. First and last light are the best times for pier anglers to catch chinook. Night anglers casting glow spoons have caught a few fish.

Pere Marquette River - A few salmon have been seen in the river however the main run has not yet started.

UPPER PENINSULA

Lac La Belle - Fishing has been good with walleye caught on crawlers in 25 feet of water along the flats. Smallmouth bass were caught in 12 to 15 feet of water.

Copper Harbor - Lake trout fishing outside the harbor in 200 feet of water has been good. Try spoons near the bottom. Eagle Harbor is producing lake trout out near the scum line. Rainbow trout and salmon were also caught.

Keweenaw Bay - The salmon and lake trout bite was slow but some yellow perch were caught off the Baraga Marina when using night crawlers. Those trolling the South Portage Entry found lake trout in 50 to 70 feet of water when pulling spoons behind planer boards.

Marquette - Had good catch rates for lake trout. There have been more reports of chinook and coho spotted near the Carp and Chocolay Rivers. Those fishing near the mouth of the Dead River caught steelhead.

Iron Lake - Near Iron River is producing some very good smallmouth bass action. Small bluegills were found in the shallows near shore but the adults were suspended in deeper water. A few walleye were found on the deep edge of the weed bed.

Smoky Lake - In Iron County is also producing good smallmouth action in the areas that offer woody cover.

Menominee - Chinook have been caught near Green Island and Chambers Island. Pier anglers in the marina caught small yellow perch on crawlers and minnows.

Menominee River - Fair to good numbers of walleye have been caught when trolling a crawler harness between the mouth and the First Dam.

Cedar River - Chinook, rainbow trout and brown trout have been caught north and south of the river as well as out near the Whaleback. Try 40 to 70 feet down in waters up to 80 feet deep with spoons or dipsy divers with flies or flashers.

Little Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were up for anglers trolling or drifting crank baits or crawlers in 20 to 35 feet of water along the southern sections. Good bass fishing in 14 to 25 feet of water off Stonington and in 10 to 20 feet of water off the mouth of the Ford River. Salmon action was fair in the Aronson Island channel and out by the Ford River Buoy with glow spoons 60 to 70 feet down in 80 feet of water.

Big Bay De Noc - Lots of walleye were marked north of Round Island but few fish were caught. Those able to catch fish were trolling crank baits in 25 to 30 feet of water. Excellent bass fishing in Ogontz, Ansell’s Point and Garden Bluff when drifting or casting tube baits or crank baits in 18 to 33 feet of water. Small perch were caught in Ogontz and Garden Bay. Off Fairport, salmon have been caught out in the “Gap” when trolling glow spoons and flies 60 to 80 feet down in 80 to 90 feet of water.

Au Train - Fishing has been good for lake trout when using jigs with cut bait or trolling spoons around the islands. Water temperatures were in the upper 50’s.

Munising - Limits of lake trout are still being reported however it has been taking a little longer. Salmon and steelhead were also caught on high lines as the fish appear to be suspended about halfway down.

Perch Lake - Which is 25 miles north of Newberry in Luce County will temporarily close the Boating Access Site beginning August 31st through September 17th due to reconstruction of the boat ramp and parking lot. The site will be open for public use during the Labor Day weekend.

St. Mary’s River - A few muskie were caught in Raber Bay when trolling large double bladed spinners with black bucktail hair. Due to the cool water temperatures, the walleye are scattered.

Drummond Island - Yellow perch are being caught in the early morning until 10 A.M. off the Yacht Haven Dock. Most are using worms or minnows. Warmer weather improved the walleye bite in Scott Bay. Anglers did well trolling bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses on the northwest side of Peck Island.

Cedarville and Hessel - Pier anglers at Hessel are still taking some nice pike while those trolling or casting have caught pike, smallmouth bass and perch. Snows Channel and Musky Bay are still good for pike. Warmer water in Cedarville Bay caused an increase in catch rates for perch, but the pike fishing slowed. Those trolling for trout and salmon are still heading out towards Goose Island.

St. Ignace - Those trolling from the old fuel tanks across the bay to the Coast Guard and in front of Bois Blanc Island have caught chinook and lake trout 30 to 70 feet down. Try green combination spoons.