Weekly Fishing Report: June 25, 2015
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 06/25/2015 08:00 AM EDT|
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Weekly Fishing Report
June 25, 2015
Weekly Fishing Tip: Using a float while fishing
Floats can be a useful tool for anglers looking to find bigger fish while also producing a relaxing fishing opportunity while sitting back and letting the gear work its magic.
Using a float, such as a traditional bobber, classic teardrop or oval-shaped option, will allow fish to have time to check out your bait up close and decide if they want to take a bite.
Anglers will also need to decide between using a spring-type fixed bobber or a slip bobber. A slip bobber offers you more flexibility because it can move up and down the line – depending on where you put a stopper.
This tip was adapted from Michigan Outdoor News.
Click on the links below to jump to the report section that interests you most:
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Southwest Lower Peninsula
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Upper Peninsula
Water levels are high around the state and caution needs to be used by boat and shore anglers. Watch for floating debris. The high water levels may slow catch rates in some areas but could also help shore anglers.
Lake Erie: Walleye were caught by those trolling in 22 to 26 feet near the Sputnik, around Stony Point and the West Sister Islands in Ohio waters. Crawler harnesses are working well as are spoons tipped with crawlers. Yellow perch numbers were picking up for those using minnows. Waters on the Michigan side were muddy but clearer water can be found in Ohio waters. Surface temperatures were up near 70.
Lenawee County: Panfish anglers on Devils Lake continue to do well along the shallow flats in the morning and moving out to the weed beds and drop-offs in deeper water during mid-day. A few anglers did well trolling for pike in the weedy flats with spinners or hard plastics. A few muskie were caught in Lake Hudson when trolling or casting crank baits and muskie lures. Bass fishing remains good throughout the entire lake system. Try natural colored soft plastic worms and top water baits. Panfish anglers are reporting good numbers but smaller fish.
Detroit River: Water levels are high but the water is clearing up. Shore anglers are doing well with the higher water levels. A few walleye were caught in the lower Trenton Channel by those drifting crawlers and leeches. Those bowfishing have done well on carp and bass anglers are catching fish. A few muskie were caught at the south end.
Lake St. Clair: Still has good smallmouth bass fishing even with the fish scattered in waters five and 12 feet deep. The mayfly hatch is well underway so surface action for bass can also be very good when the conditions are right. Walleye fishing remains spotty with a few fish showing up for anglers trolling south of Huron Point, off the 400 Club, along the shipping channel and in area of the Dumping Grounds. Muskie anglers have been finding fish over the weed beds off Selfridge, the Salt River and also along the edge of the North Channel where it opens into the lake. Trolling in Ontario waters has been good for muskie with the occasional large bass or pike also in the mix. White bass and largemouth bass continue to found near the mouth of the Clinton River and at the Metro Park off Huron Point.
St. Clair River: Walleye reports were best from the Marine City area. Successful anglers were fishing during the day with jigs or bottom bouncers and crawlers. Night fishing remained good for whippers. White bass numbers in the lower river have increased so excellent white bass fishing can be found in all three channels. Look for groups of active seagulls diving on minnows that are being chased to the surface by schools of white bass. Water temperature at Port Huron was 59 degrees.
Lexington and Port Sanilac: Boats are trolling for trout and salmon in 60 to 100 feet. The best fishing was in 75 feet. Lake trout are hitting in the bottom 30 feet while steelhead are in the top 30 feet and hitting on lead core, spoons and dipsey divers in bright colors. The lake trout are hitting on anything.
Harbor Beach: Good lake trout catches were reported four to five miles north of the harbor when fishing 40 to 50 feet down in 65 feet with spoons. Good colors were watermelon, green or purple. Steelhead are still hanging around inside the harbor.
Grindstone City: Was slow. Shore anglers are catching pike and smallmouth bass but most were undersize. Try minnows and slip bobbers.
Port Austin: Anglers are searching for walleye but not really catching any yet because the waters are still cold. A few brown trout were caught in 30 feet.
Saginaw Bay: Weather has made this area very spotty and some days unfishable. Overall, catch rates were slow. A few walleye were caught on crawler harnesses out near Buoys 1 & 2 and spoons along the east side of the shipping channel. A few perch were also caught by those trolling. Walleye were caught on crawler harnesses in front of the Bay City Recreation Area in four to 10 feet and off Finn Road in six to eight feet. Best area overall was around Bay Port. Some caught limits while others caught none in the Slot. The fish were scattered off Quanicassee and Fish Point. No anglers were fishing the Hot Ponds.
Saginaw River: Anglers caught channel cats, smallmouth bass and freshwater drum.
Sanford Lake: Was slow and the water was turbid following the recent storms. A few anglers were targeting crappie and bluegill. No walleye to report and only a few pike were caught. Anglers are using minnows and worms.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Few fish have been caught recently due to several storms passing through the area. There has been a lot of rain and many rivers, streams and inland lakes are flooded.
St. Joseph: Boats need to use caution as there are several large trees floating off the north and south piers on Lake Michigan. Perch anglers were catching good numbers of fish in 35 to 40 feet. Boat anglers caught salmon in waters 100 feet and deeper. Most were being caught on spoons. Pier anglers continue to catch lots of freshwater drum. Night crawlers and cut bait worked best.
St. Joseph River: Water levels are very high and there is a lot of debris in the river. Boat and shore anglers need to use extreme caution.
South Haven: Boat anglers need to use caution and watch for floating debris coming out of the river. Trout and salmon were caught in 100 feet. Pier anglers putting crawlers on the bottom are catching freshwater drum. Perch fishing was very slow.
Black River: Is extremely high and full of floating debris. Boats should use caution in the river.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers are fishing 85 to 130 feet for Chinook. They are hitting on blue and purple meat rigs in the morning or green and yellow later. Lake trout were caught on the bottom with dodgers and spin-glo’s. Pier fishing was spotty. Anglers are using shrimp and alewife for steelhead. No perch to report.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are several feet above normal levels. Boat anglers will need to use caution and watch for floating debris. Shore anglers will need to use caution as the banks may be unstable. Flathead and channel catfish have been caught by those using worms, minnows and bluegills below the dam. Large numbers of carp have been caught on worms, shredded wheat and corn. Quite a few gar have also been caught.
Grand River at Lansing: Water levels are high so anglers need to watch for floating debris. Those able to fish have caught carp and catfish.
Looking Glass River: Continues to have high water levels.
Muskegon River: Those fishing the Reedsburg Dam up near Houghton Lake were taking good catches of panfish.
Whitehall: Boat anglers report plenty of lake trout. Try just off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet. Those targeting salmon and steelhead will want to look for the temperature break. Anglers had luck running lines 60 feet down for salmon but targeting the top 20 feet for steelhead. Green and yellow were hot colors. No pier fishing to report.
White Lake: Anglers caught bass in eight feet and bluegills in 16 feet. Anglers reported seeing lots of pike and longnose gar in the shallows.
Cheboygan River: Is still producing some walleye at the mouth. Try crawlers, leeches or body baits.
Rogers City: Has great lake trout fishing with limit catches reported. The water is beginning to warm up so the fish are starting to scatter and were suspended. The best fishing was found in the bottom 10 feet in 40 to 65 feet with dodgers or cowbells with spin-glo’s or green, orange and silver spoons for the fish that are suspended.
The better action was north towards the State Park, Forty Mile Point or south towards Calcite, Swan Bay and Adams Point. Anglers are hoping other species such as Atlantic salmon, Chinook and steelhead will show up with warmer water. Try spoons up higher and faster trolling speeds.
East & West Twin Lakes: Walleye fishing was pretty good in the 14 foot holes on East Twin. One angler caught a 41 inch pike when trolling the deep hole. Walleye fishing was also good on West Twin in the 10 to 12 foot holes. The fish range 15 to 18 inches. Perch fishing is slowly starting to pick up in both lakes with anglers catching fish up to 11 inches. Bass fishing has been really good. Many are catching good size smallmouth and lots of rock bass in five to eight feet off Eagle Point.
Alpena: Walleye fishing continues with a good night bite. The walleyes seem to be on the move so anglers will have to do some searching to find them. The better places to try are Grad Island, Sulphur Island, Scarecrow Island and along the shore at the city beach. Best depths were eight to 20 feet with crawler harnesses and body baits. Good colors were green and purple, green and copper, perch and fire-tiger. Lake trout fishing continues to be good just off the bottom in 60 to 80 feet around Thunder Bay Island. Try Hootchie Mama’s with squid, spin-glo’s and flies or dodgers and cowbells with spin-glo’s.
Thunder Bay River: Is producing channel catfish and freshwater drum. Fish the bottom with night crawlers. Only a couple walleye have been taken off the Ninth Street Bridge when drifting body baits in the current or with crawlers and leeches on the bottom.
Harrisville: Dredging in the harbor is done. Lake trout are here in good numbers. Anglers did very well in 60 to 120 feet straight out from the harbor, north and south. Spoons are working well on downriggers and lead core. Most of the fish are suspended throughout the water column. A wide spread of bait will be the best way to target them. There have been some Chinook and steelhead but numbers are low. Walleye seem to be north of the harbor between Sturgeon Point and the Black River in 20 to 50 feet. Body baits worked best but some were taken on crawler harnesses.
Oscoda: Lake trout can be found straight out, to the north and the south. Most anglers had success in 80 to 150 feet with spoons, cut bait and wobble glow's. Fish are suspended so spread you’re bait throughout the water column.
Au Sable River: Walleye are coming in and most are being caught up river behind the bank and further toward the dam. Crawlers and body baits have produced the most catches. Some good catches of brown trout were reported on the South Branch.
Lake Margrethe: Panfish action has been slow to steady.
Houghton Lake: Is producing walleye and pike. Anglers are trolling or drifting crawler harnesses and leeches along the weed lines.
Lake St. Helen: Is producing panfish, walleye and pike.
Tawas: Walleye fishing was good near the Crib in 18 to 25 feet and along the drop-off in 35 to 70 feet. Try crawler harnesses, spoons and body baits. A lake trout and one Atlantic salmon were also caught. Pier fishing was slow. There was a big mayfly hatch in progress.
Tawas River: Is producing a few channel catfish, pike, smallmouth bass and freshwater drum.
Au Gres: Limit catches of walleye were taken in 30 to 45 feet straight out or to the south towards the shipping channel when using crawler harnesses.
Au Gres River: Is producing channel catfish and freshwater drum.
Harbor Springs: Lake trout fishing was hit-or-miss around Harbor Point. A few were caught about 50 feet down in 150 feet. Smallmouth anglers are still targeting the waters near shore inside the Point and around the harbor when casting artificial baits.
Petoskey: Boat anglers targeting lake trout can typically be found between the breakwall and Bay Harbor. Those fishing the mouth of the river are taking a variety of species including smallmouth bass, rock bass, pike, catfish, suckers, freshwater drum, carp and bullhead. Most of the fish were caught off the D Pier when using worms or casting crank baits and spinners.
Bear River: Had little activity. A couple rock bass were caught near the dam.
Charlevoix: Lake trout fishing has been more hit-or-miss however when the boats find them, they are catching quite a few. The fish are scattered and were caught south of the channel in 60 feet or north of the channel, 80 feet down in 100 feet. Some reported the fish were moving to even deeper waters. Try spoons or dodgers with spin-glo’s. Those jigging in 70 feet near the channel caught a few cisco. Smallmouth bass are in the channel but still not hitting. Walleye fishing in the channel was down but there may still be a few for night anglers to catch. Pier anglers caught a couple lake trout. Freshwater drum and Cisco were caught in the channel. Those fly fishing along the shoreline at Fisherman’s Island State Park have caught carp which are in the shallows and spawning.
Elk River: Smallmouth bass fishing has been fair. Most anglers are using leeches, crawlers, or tube baits.
Traverse City: Lake trout and cisco fishing was good in the East Bay. With surface water temperatures in the 60’s the trout are beginning to move out deeper so try 60 feet or more for lake trout. Smallmouth bass fishing has been good. Males are on the beds. In the West Bay, lake trout fishing was fair in 60 to 100 feet. Cisco and a few whitefish were also caught. Smallmouth bass fishing has been good in the shallows.
Boardman River: Fishing has picked up along the section in Grand Traverse County. Those using flies and spinners have caught the most brown trout and brook trout. A couple large brown trout were caught below Sabin Dam. Bass fishing has slowed below the Union Street Dam. Anglers caught a few rock bass and carp.
Frankfort: Brown trout are still being caught off the piers and by those trolling the harbor with plenty of alewife in the area. The fish are hitting on jointed body baits, Cleo’s and alewife. Chinook salmon were hitting in a wide range of depths from 250 to 500 feet and 60 to 110 feet down. Lake trout were caught on cowbells and spin-glo’s fished just off the bottom in 90 to 200 feet.
Onekama: Lake trout fishing was good right off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet between Onekama and Arcadia. Lake trout up to 21 pounds were caught. Chinook were caught on spoons 50 to 150 feet down in 250 to 300 feet. Lake trout were caught on in the “Barrel”.
Portage Lake: Bass and panfish anglers had a rough week after the short mayfly hatch. Water temperatures are warming and bluegills were moving onto the beds.
Manistee: Fishing was decent with Chinook up to 17 pounds caught 25 to 100 feet down in 100 to 250 feet. There were some good thermal breaks offshore that were producing steelhead in the top 20 feet. A few brown trout were caught off the piers when using alewife or casting spoons.
Ludington: Anglers going offshore to find the thermal breaks are doing well for steelhead and a few lake trout. Orange spoons in the top 30 feet are producing a majority of the fish. Trout and salmon were caught 25 to 100 feet down in 100 to 200 feet when using green meat rigs in the deeper water and orange and green spoons higher up in the water column.
Pentwater: Has plenty of lake trout to catch in 80 to 100 feet. Try fishing about two feet from the bottom. Those looking for steelhead and salmon should look for the temperature break as most of the fish caught were taken in waters 46 to 56 degrees. For salmon run lines 60 feet down or the top 20 feet for steelhead. Yellow and green were the hot colors. There was no pier action.
Pentwater Lake: Channel and shore anglers had no luck but boat anglers reported some nice catches of crappie. Try still-fishing with wax worms.
Copper Harbor: The bite has been slow. Eagle Harbor had little activity. A couple lake trout were caught in waters up to 20 feet deep. The water is still very cold and between 38 and 42 degrees.
Keweenaw Bay: The bite was very slow in the bay and the South Portage Entry. Few anglers caught fish as inclement weather slowed participation and catch rates. In Traverse Bay, those trolling and jigging for lake trout had little success as only one lake trout and two coho were caught.
Lake Gogebic: It appears the large mayfly hatch greatly affected catch rates. The walleye and bass harvested were full of mayflies. Walleye anglers were drifting or still-fishing with minnows and leeches or trolling crank baits and crawler harnesses. A few more were smallmouth bass fishing. Some did well while others had limited success. They are casting lures into the rocky shorelines. The panfish activity was also slow with only a few pumpkinseeds and a couple bluegills caught.
Menominee River: Some panfish are being caught the length of the river by boat and shore anglers. Water flows were still high and fast.
Little Bay De Noc: With the alewife and fly hatches, there is a lot of food out there for the fish. The best walleye catches were still south in the Breezy Point area when trolling in eight to 14 feet. Some have switches to stick baits. Catch rates for perch were spotty at best. Fish were caught off Gladstone beach when using minnows and worms in 18 to 26 feet or the green buoy near the Day’s River in 14 to 20 feet. Smallmouth bass fishing was fair to good on the Ford River but most of the fish were too small. Try casting crank baits, spinners or plastics all through the river.
Big Bay De Noc: Had mostly bass anglers. Catch rates were better but most of the fish were too small. Best area to fish was the head of the bay and over to Porcupine Point in 12 feet with spinners or plastics. At Fairport, it is still a bit early but anglers are catching salmon and steelhead on spoons 30 to 90 feet down in 110 to 160 feet. The reports are mixed with most searching for warmer water.
Marquette: Lake trout anglers had poor results for the week. Some reported three or four fish however most caught none. Some caught fish on spoons and cut bait in waters over 200 feet deep while others caught none. Try north of the white rocks, the Clay Banks, Little Presque Isle, Sand Hole and towards Shot Point. Those jigging reported some limit catches while others reported slow action around Stannard Rock. One 40 pound fish was reported along with some 20 pounders. One nice steelhead and a couple smaller Chinook were caught but most of the salmon action as non-existent. A couple menominee were caught near the mouth of the Carp River but no other species. Try crawlers or small spoons.
Au Train Lake: Had a significant mayfly hatch. Surface water temperatures were in the low to mid 60’s. Those using crawlers and leeches caught suckers and bullhead. The pike action was fair but the majority of fish were undersize. Anglers are casting or trolling spinners, small crank baits and power worms. The weed beds are developing along the shoreline which is where the best pike action was. Walleye were hitting on crawlers in 15 feet but catch rates were still slow.
Munising: Weather has once again limited angler activity. Catch rates were slow for Chinook and coho as anglers were trolling all over in waters between 60 and 200 feet deep. Those using fresh spawn off the dock of the Anna River had decent catch rates but many of the splake were small. The average was one keeper per trip. Water temperatures were in the 40’s.
Grand Marais: Most anglers are trolling the deeper waters about five miles out. Catch rates are good for lake trout with anglers bringing in fish 18 to 30 inches every trip. The whitefish bite has picked up and the fish caught ranged 15 to 22 and between one and three pounds. A single egg works best. A few coho were also caught.
Indian Lake: In Schoolcraft County is producing a few walleye.
South Manistique Lake: Has had excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing all over the lake. Most have been caught using top water lures in the morning and evening, and jigging soft plastics in the afternoon. A few walleye have been reported in the northern end of the lake and along the points of each bay, but overall catch rates were slow. Those targeting bluegill and crappie have done well especially along the weeds in the southwestern bay.
Newberry: Bluegills were on the beds on the inland lakes and many were in the middle of the spawn. Largemouth bass were also starting to spawn. A cold spring delayed the spawn this year.
DeTour: Water temperatures warmed up over the last week and with that came improved catch rates for Atlantic salmon. Anglers are trolling 25 to 28 feet down in 60 feet with four inch green and white spoons. Chinook were caught 25 to 30 feet down in 80 feet around the lighthouse when using chartreuse spin-glo’s. Those targeting lake trout were trolling two miles south of the lighthouse with solid chrome spoons in 80 feet.
Drummond Island: The smallmouth bass fishing was excellent for those casting spinners or small hard baits in three to five feet along the North Shore of Scott Bay. The walleye bite improved for those trolling with planer boards and crawler harnesses from Paw Pointe to Peck Island in four to nine feet. Northern pike and yellow perch have been hard to locate this past week in Scott Bay and Maxton Bay. Pike anglers might want to try trolling their hot spots in deeper water at a slower speed.
Cedarville and Hessel: Perch are in the marina at Hessel but the bite was slow. The best location to try for perch is the Moscoe Channel. Pier anglers continue to target pike and smallmouth bass. Those trolling for pike are fishing Musky Bay, Middle Entrance and Government Bay in eight feet of water. The water is still high and cold so casting in the shallow bays may be more productive.
The Weekly Fishing Report is intended to give anglers an ”idea” of what is going on around the state. Updates for the report come from our DNR Fisheries Creel Clerks (seasonal staff) and field staff as well as DNR Conservation Officers working in in the field. General information when available can be found in the first paragraph for each section of the report. For those looking for specific information on a certain body of water or port, it is safe to say if a certain species is being caught in some waters in the area, more than likely they are being caught in all waters in that section of the state that have that species.
While we would love to include all waters and ports of the state that simply is not possible, especially with more than 11,000 inland lakes, the Great Lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams.
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