Weekly Fishing Report - August 9, 2012
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 08/09/2012 08:00 AM EDT
Weekly Fishing Report
August 9, 2012
Weekly Fishing Tip: Fishing for Northern Pike in the Summer Heat
Northern pike are another species that can be especially difficult to catch during the hot summer months. Because these fish are opportunistic feeders they will take advantage of any chance to chow down - so use this to your advantage. Here are a few things you can do to increase your success at catching northern pike this August!
1. Understand northern pike habitats. These fish prefer cool water, spring beds, inlets and deep water so be on the lookout for them when you head out on the water. Take a look at a lake map (paying close attention to areas with sharp drop-offs) of your chosen water body and determine what parts of the lake you'll be most likely to find them. Fish accordingly.
2. Remember that northern pike are visual feeders so chose your bait wisely. Large, willow leaf spinner baits work well in shallow water with lots of cover, as do surface baits. Large spoons can also be enticing and are great for use near weed edges. Northern pike can also be caught on live bait (such as suckers or large shiners).
Want to learn more about fishing for northern pike in Michigan? Check out all the details you need to know on our Michigan Fish and How to Catch Them website.
This tip was adapted from Michigan Outdoor News.
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Southeast Lower Peninsula
Southwest Lower Peninsula
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Upper Peninsula
Storms and cooler temperatures will most likely change the dynamics of fishing. Trout and salmon fishing in the Great Lakes has been very good for the most part.
Lake Erie: Is still producing a few walleye off Fermi and in Brest Bay in 16 to 18 feet of water. Perch have been found in a variety of depths and locations but most were fishing in shallow waters around Stony Point, Brest Bay and the Raisin River Buoys 1 & 2. Those launching from Bolles Harbor found good numbers of perch in 18 feet of water around the E Buoy and 16 feet of water off Toledo Beach.
Huron River: Water levels are low from Huroc Park to the mouth. Most anglers are shore fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish.
Detroit River: A few walleye are still being caught below Sugar Island. Anglers are jigging or bottom bouncing with crawler harnesses. Perch were reported around Rat Island. Good smallmouth bass action near Sugar Island and the Cross Dike.
Lake St. Clair: Had lots of walleye activity in the south end near the Dumping Grounds. Most are drifting crawler harnesses.
Lexington: Perch are hitting five to six miles south in 18 feet of water. Pier anglers have caught northern pike and white bass,
Port Sanilac: Perch fishing is spotty but it can be very good if you happen to be in the right spot. Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught in 60 to 90 feet of water.
Harbor Beach: Salmon fishing is good in 60 to 100 feet of water with spoons, dipeys, downrigger and 5 or 10 colored lead lines with offshore boards. Green, orange with glow ladder back or watermelon were good colors. Fair lake trout fishing in 80 to 120 feet of water with spin-glows, squid or flies near the bottom. Green, orange and black or yellow were good colors. Steelhead were caught on color lines in 50 to 100 feet with the same colors. For downriggers, set spoons 25 to 60 feet down. Brown trout were north and south of the harbor. For walleye, fish north of the harbor at first light in 50 to 70 feet of water with crawler harnesses, small spoons or body baits. For perch, try inside the harbor or south of the port. Pike and bass were hitting on spoons or body baits inside the harbor.
Grindstone City: Lake trout and a couple steelhead were caught just off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet of water. Those trolling crank baits in 35 feet of water were catching and releasing a good number of smallmouth bass.
Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing is pretty much confined to the area north and west of Buoys 1 & 2. Perch are starting to bite around the Spark Plug and the Black Hole. Quanicassee, Sebewaing and Bay Port had few anglers. At Caseville, smallmouth bass were caught off the end of the pier on worms or minnows under a slip bobber.
Flint River: Is producing bluegill and catfish below the Holloway Reservoir Dam.
Mott Lake: Anglers have caught a few small bluegills and the occasional bass.
Lake Fenton: Was producing some large crappie for those fishing in deeper water when boat traffic was light. A couple nice catfish were also caught.
St. Joseph: Anglers are not having much success as perch fishing continues to be slow. Salmon fishing has also slowed. Fish are still being caught in waters 100 feet or deeper but not as many as previous weeks.
St. Joseph River: Is producing a few bass.
South Haven: Salmon fishing slowed however a few fish were still being caught in 80 to 100 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow and perch fishing was slow.
Kalamazoo River: Is producing northern pike and bass. A good number of catfish are being caught on live or cut bait such as bluegills and suckers or crawlers. The bigger fish have been caught at night.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers continue to catch salmon and trout. Spoons worked well. Try orange up high or blue and green in deeper water. Pier fishing remains slow do to the warm water temperatures.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Many are shore fishing or wading with the low water levels. Good numbers of catfish are still being caught below the dam when using live or cut bait such as bluegills or suckers.
Grand River at Lansing: Is producing some nice catfish over at the Moore’s Park Dam and the Smithville Dam near Eaton Rapids. Stink baits, crawlers or small bluegills were the ticket. Those fishing above the dams have caught bluegill on a pink jig with a red worm.
Looking Glass River: Is producing bullhead, bowfin and pike near Babcock’s Landing.
Park Lake: Is producing some panfish.
Muskrat Lake: Is producing some crappie.
Muskegon Lake: Anglers are catching perch near the sand docks in 6 to 12 feet of water. Some were getting limit catches.
Whitehall: Had slow fishing as some were coming back empty handed. Most were heading north or northwest of the port. A few salmon were caught in 150 feet of water. Hot colors were orange, green and blue. Pier anglers caught a few walleye and bluegill on natural baits.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan: Is still producing chinook salmon including an 18 pound fish that was recently harvested. Anglers are using a variety of spoons with silver or green flashers and flies. Good spoons colors were blue, green and yellow or white with a blue nose. In Hammond Bay, anglers are trolling 20 to 30 feet down in 90 feet of water off Nine Mile Point for salmon, steelhead and lake trout. Salmon were caught 25 to 40 feet down in 100 to 120 feet of water off the Biological Station.
Cheboygan River: Small boat and shore anglers are catching smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, rock bass, crappie and northern pike.
Rogers City: Fishing was difficult with east winds and cold water one day or gale force winds out of the northwest the next. If anglers can get out right after the east winds they will catch fish. Try all through the water column in 40 to 120 feet of water. The fish seem scattered but the good news is a lot of baitfish have moved in. Anglers caught chinook, steelhead, lake trout and the occasional Atlantic, brown trout or walleye off Forty Mile Point, Swan Bay, the “Hump” or the Calcite breakwall. Good colors were green, blue, black and white, orange and white, purple, bloody nose or anything that glows early or late.
Presque Isle: Fish straight out, south towards Stoneport or north to the two lighthouses. Chinook were caught deeper near cold water.
Rockport: Is producing lake trout, steelhead, pink and chinook salmon when trolling spoons near Middle Island and Stoneport. Walleye were caught on crank baits or crawler harnesses off Stoneport, False Presque Isle, and Middle Island. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass when using worms.
Alpena: Anglers caught a few yellow perch, rock bass and catfish in the marina. Those heading out in boats caught smallmouth bass in the Thunder Bay when casting crank baits and a few walleye were caught near North Shore.
Thunder Bay River: Smallmouth bass and rock bass are being caught by shore anglers up near the 9th Street Bridge. Worms and artificial leeches did the trick.
Harrisville: Lake trout are 60 to 70 feet down in 80 to 90 feet of water. They are hitting downriggers and dipsey's with spoons, spin-glows and body baits. Steelhead were caught in 60 to 80 feet of water but higher in the water column. Orange and purple were good colors. Salmon were caught in the same depths as the lake trout and were hitting anything green, white or chrome colored.
Oscoda: Is producing a mixed bag of fish. Lake trout were first followed by steelhead and the occasional salmon. Lake trout were caught in 80 to 100 feet of water with spoons, spin-glows and cut bait. Steelhead and brown trout were caught in 60 to 80 feet of water with anything orange. Salmon were hitting on green or dark colors. Those targeting steelhead picked up a few walleye on small spoons.
Higgins Lake: Is still good for rock bass throughout the lake. This is a good fishery for kids. Lake trout and a few whitefish have been caught by those trolling cowbells, body baits and spoons or jigging with sandkickers, cast masters or Swedish pimples. Perch have been caught in water 60 feet or deeper. Smallmouth bass were hitting around Treasure Island and along the drop-offs.
Houghton Lake: Walleye are being caught along the weed beds in eight to 12 feet of water. Bluegills and other panfish were also caught near the weed beds in six to eight feet of water.
Tawas: For walleye, anglers are trolling in 15 to 35 feet of water off Jerry’s Marina and Buoy #2. Some perch were also caught in 15 to 25 feet of water off Jerry’s. Pier anglers caught a good number of northern pike when casting or using live minnows. Perch were caught in the early morning however many were small.
Tawas River: Shore anglers in the lower river caught bass, freshwater drum and catfish.
Au Gres: Walleye fishing is slowing down just like it does every August. Those trolling in deep water north and west of Buoys 1 & 2 are still picking up a few fish as well as those heading straight out from the river and fishing in 25 to 45 feet of water. Perch are starting to bite in 35 feet of water straight out from the river. Catch rates were spotty so move around until you find an active school of fish.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: Was slow with only smallmouth bass caught near Harbor Point.
Petoskey: Salmon were caught straight out from the launch and in Bay Harbor 65 to 85 feet down in 100 to 165 feet of water. Pier anglers caught sub-legal smallmouth bass along with some nice rock bass.
Bear River: More anglers are waiting to catch that first salmon. Most are using flies or spawn. A steelhead was caught at the mouth near the “Bobber Hole.”
Charlevoix: Catch rates for salmon were hit-or-miss. Anglers are fishing 45 to 120 feet down in waters 100 to over 300 feet deep off North Point and “The Can.” Lake trout were caught 100 feet down. Pier anglers caught some nice smallmouth bass when using leeches. Walleye were hitting on crawlers in the early evening.
Lake Charlevoix: Had reports of walleye and some nice smallmouth bass being caught in Oyster Bay. Crawlers worked best.
Traverse City: Boats caught chinook and lake trout. Most of the salmon anglers were running 40 to 90 feet down although depths up to 160 feet were reported. Spoons and flies work best. Smallmouth bass were caught in 15 to 45 feet of water.
Elk River: Those using live bait are catching smallmouth bass and rock bass. Most of the smallmouth were running small.
Boardman River: Catch rates are slow and the fish are running small.
Frankfort: Is producing good numbers of fish 90 to 150 feet down in 150 to 220 feet of water. Meat rigs on dipsey’s or downriggers are getting the most hits. Blue was the hot color and ladder backs were the most popular. Some of the chinook are showing signs that the run is getting close like a hooked jaw and the skin is starting to turn dark but the meat is still pink. Fish are being caught in the harbor, Betsie Bay and off the Elberta wall.
Onekama: Fish have been caught by those heading straight out to 125 feet and working in a north, northwest direction while moving out to 225 feet and fishing 90 to 125 down. Meat rigs caught some nice fish in the 15 to 18 pound range.
Portage Lake: Surface temperature was in the high 70’s so the bluegills and bass were laying low in water 19 to 23 feet deep. Wigglers and leaches are working well for panfish but the bigger ones are being more selective.
Lake Cadillac: Is producing largemouth bass. Pike fishing was fair to good however most of the fish caught were sub-legal. Those fishing in waters 10 to 15 feet deep caught crappie, rock bass, bluegill and a few perch.
Lake Mitchell: Has good bass fishing in the coves. Anglers are using spinner, surface baits or crawlers. Pike and panfish have also been caught.
Manistee: Had good salmon fishing 50 to 100 feet down in 80 to 250 feet of water. Use glow spoons or plugs in the early morning then switch to meat rigs and green flies later. Pier fishing was slow.
Manistee River: Recent rain did push a couple salmon up into the river.
Ludington: Surface water temperatures were still in the low 70’s for the most part. Catch rates are good for salmon and steelhead and consistent for lake trout and brown trout. Try 60 to 120 feet down in 80 to 200 feet of water with green and blue meat rigs or flies. Glow plugs or spoons were best in the early morning.
Pere Marquette River: Also had some chinook salmon moving up into the river. No big numbers yet but the rain and cooler temperatures have a few fish on the move.
Pentwater: Fishing slowed but those heading south and fishing off the dunes caught salmon in 150 feet of water. Fewer steelhead are coming in now. Good colors were green, orange and blue. Pier anglers caught bass and a few perch.
UPPER PENINSULA
Marquette: Lake trout action for the most part was poor to fair with most anglers reporting two to four fish in five hours of fishing. A few did manage limit catches about six miles east towards Shot Point in 200 to 230 feet of water. Fish the bottom 20 feet. Surface water temperatures cooled to the upper 60’s.
Menominee: Is still producing salmon, steelhead and brown trout in 85 to 100 feet of water though the number of fish caught decreased. Anglers traveling past the Whalesback did catch a few in 110 to 120 feet of water. The baitfish are scattered so fish different depths. Walleye were caught in front of Wells State Park when trolling crawler harnesses in 12 to 15 feet of water. Those launching off Stony Point were targeting trout and salmon out near Chambers Island. Catch rates were slow but a few chinook were caught near the bottom in 85 to 100 feet of water.
Menominee River: Is producing smallmouth bass, channel catfish, freshwater drum and the occasional pike when trolling. Walleye were caught but many were small. Try crawler harnesses or rapalas. Shore anglers fishing in the late evening were targeting walleye and smallmouth bass.
Little Bay De Noc: Is still producing some walleye for those trolling or drifting crawlers in 20 to 30 feet of water along the Second and Third Reefs. Catch rates were fair between the Black Bottom and the lighthouse in 14 to 35 feet of water and between the “Fingers” and the Minneapolis Shoals in 25 to 35 feet of water. Perch fishing was fair for those jigging or still-fishing crawlers in 10 to 25 feet of water near Butler Island or 10 to 30 feet off Gladstone Beach.
Ford River: Shore anglers caught smallmouth bass when casting crank baits or top water baits along the bank.
Big Bay De Noc: Walleye seem to be located between the middle and the southern sections of the bay. Smallmouth fishing was excellent as the fish have already started to concentrate south of Garden Bluff and down by Snake Island. This activity is about a month early from previous years. Anglers are drifting along the break with minnows, crawlers or plastic baits 15 to 25 feet down. Fairport had good catches 40 to 90 feet down in 90 to 120 feet of water in the Gap but some were still traveling out to deeper water in search of bigger fish. Try spoons or cut bait.
Au Train: Catch rates for lake trout were poor to fair with most boats averaging only one to three fish in a five hour trip on the flats near Shelter Bay and the shipping channel in 180 to 220 feet of water. The cold front did cool the surface water temperatures to the upper 60’s.
Munising: Boat anglers are targeting lake trout in the early morning on the west side of Grand Island, Trout Bay, Grand Portal Point, Trout Reef and Wood Island. The fish were two to eight pounds and some limit catches were reported for those putting in long hours. Pier fishing was non-existent.
Grand Marais: Had fair to good lake trout action five to seven miles north of the bay in 140 to 220 feet of water. Salmon were caught by those trolling halfway down in 50 to 60 feet of water with purple and gold spoons. The coho were three to four and a half pounds and were feeding on schools of sticklebacks. Chinook were six to eight pounds. Shore anglers caught a few small pike when casting in the weeds.
St. Mary’s River: Walleye are being caught in Raber Bay at Carlton Creek by those fishing just off the weed beds in 12 to 14 feet of water using bottom bouncers with red and white spinner blades and crawler harnesses. Good smallmouth action on the north end of Lime Island around the rock piles in six to eight feet of water when casting tube jigs. A few northern pike were caught off the west side of Kemps Pointe in Fowler Bay when trolling or casting split body baits along the edge of the weeds. Some are targeting perch but few fish were caught. Boat anglers need to watch for rocks and sand bars along the river.
Detour: Is producing a few chinook salmon for those trolling orange and gold spoons 65 feet down in 80 feet of water along the west shore of Drummond Island. Lake trout were caught two to three miles south of the lighthouse in 90 feet of water. Try purple spoons 65 feet down in 90 feet of water. Swedes Point just north of Detour Village is producing some walleye for those trolling bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses with purple and gold spinners. Late evenings were best. Boat anglers around the island need to watch for rocks and sand bars.
Cedarville and Hessel: Perch fishing continues to pick up. Musky Bay and Cedarville Bay are the hot spots. Anglers are also targeting northern pike when still-fishing with chubs.
St. Ignace: Anglers are salmon fishing 40 to 55 feet down between the Coast Guard and the old fuel tank, off the west and southwest shores of Mackinac Island and the northwest and east side of Round Island.
Just a reminder, you can purchase fishing licenses online 24-hours a day!
Enjoy your catch! Eat safe fish! Learn about eating safe, local and healthful fish from our Great Lakes State at www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish.