Muskie season on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River closed on December 15.  A handful of anglers are still open water fishing however most are waiting for ice.  With the warmer temperatures, anglers may be waiting until the end of January or first part of February. 

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie:  Boat anglers trolling big husky jerks and body baits were catching a decent number of walleye.  A few fish were caught south of Celeron Island but the better action was in Brest Bay. 

Detroit River:  Was still producing yellow perch off the north and south end of Sugar Island in 11 feet of water.  Some were keepers but anglers are sorting through a good number of smaller fish.   

Lake St. Clair:  Had boats out targeting muskie however the season closed on December 15.  Word has it anglers were catching some yellow perch in the canals and private marinas but the fish were small and access for the public is limited unless you have a boat.  The docks are still in at the DNR access sites.   

Saginaw Bay:  Boat anglers continue to take good numbers of walleye.  Boat ramps at the mouth of the Saginaw River and Linwood were busy.  Most were trolling crank baits off planer boards.  Yellow perch were hitting on minnows in the cuts, canals and various river systems around the bay. 

Saginaw River:  Has seen a good number of boat anglers targeting walleye and from the tag returns, they are catching some keepers even though many were small. 

Sanford Lake:  In Midland County was producing some big crappie.  Try minnows or wax worms.

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Southwest Lower Peninsula

Pier and shore anglers continue to catch steelhead.  Those with outboard motors are still trolling in the Great Lakes and catching a few fish.    

St. Joseph River:  Indiana Michigan Power is expanding the Mottville hydroelectric facility and installing new electrical equipment. Due to public safety concerns, the access road to the tailwater fishing area below Mottville Dam will be closed until May 20, 2016.  Refer to attached map.  

Kalamazoo River:  With higher water levels, anglers continue to catch trout.  Steelhead continue to trickle in and most have been caught below the Allegan Dam.  

Grand River at Grand Rapids:  Continues to produce fish for boat and shore anglers.  Most were catching steelhead up near the 6th Street Dam.  Channel and flathead catfish have also been caught.      

Grand River at Lansing:  Is producing some pike and smallmouth bass.  A couple walleye were caught over at Moore’s Park.  Try white of chartreuse swim shads or twister tail grubs in the murky water.  Those fishing above the Lyons Dam and near the Webber Dam have caught steelhead along with the occasional walleye or smallmouth bass when using jigs tipped with spawn or a wax worm.   

Looking Glass River:  Pike anglers are still taking fish.  Most were using small boats at Babcock’s Landing because the bank was flooded.  

Muskegon River:  Water levels were high after the recent rain.  Catch rates for steelhead were consistent before the rain. 

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Here are six simple safety tips to follow while ice fishing: 1. Never fish alone. 2. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. 3. Always test the ice with a spud. 4. Wear a lifejacket. 5. Take a cell phone with you in case you need to call for help (carry it in a plastic baggie). 6. Bring ice picks and a 20-foot length of throw rope with you in case you fall through the ice.

For more information on ice fishing in Michigan, click on the "Ice Fishing/Ice Safety" button at michigan.gov/fishing. 

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