Weekly Fishing Report - December 20, 2012
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 12/20/2012 08:00 AM EST
Weekly Fishing Report
December 20, 2012
Weekly Fishing Tip: Ice fishing tips you can use (later) this winter
Although it seems unlikely we’ll have ice, let alone snow, for the holidays…we wanted to offer you some ice fishing tips you can hopefully use this winter.
1. When choosing an auger, consider a hand or battery-powered option. They’re usually easier to haul than the gas-powered version and work just as well. Just remember to keep the blades sharp!
2. Headed out to water more than six feet deep? Don’t forget your slip bobber and a bobber stop! Just remember if it’s freezing out, most slip bobbers won’t work so you may need to fashion something else to work.
3. Regardless of the technique you prefer, consider using more than one to see better success out on the ice.
Want more information on ice fishing? Visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.
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
This will be the last report for 2012. There will be no updates for the next two weeks (December 27 or January 3) due to the holidays. Anglers are reminded that large and smallmouth bass season closes on all waters of the state on December 31. Many are hoping for safe ice by the end of the year so ice fishing can get started.
Lake Erie: Anglers are still getting walleye in Brest Bay. Some limit catches were reported by those using the bigger reef runners or husky jerks. Hot colors were pink, purple or fire-tiger. Some of the fish caught were between 8 and 11 pounds. Boats are launching out of Lake Erie Metro Park or Sterling State Park. Bluegills were caught off the docks in the Metro Park Marina. Try a teardrop with a wax worm. Perch and crappie were caught on minnows.
Huron River: Water levels are low but conditions are good for steelhead. Fish have been caught in the deeper holes.
Detroit River: Perch have been caught near the mouth, off Gibraltar and the border waters off Sugar Island. Anglers are not getting as many fish however some are measuring 12 to 14 inches.
Lake St Clair: While ice fishing is not an option at this time, boat anglers are still heading out for perch. Muskie season closed on December 15. The docks at the DNR boat launch have been removed. Those planning to launch boats will most likely need waders.
Saginaw Bay: Is producing a good number of walleye for boat anglers. Those fishing close to shore caught some perch.
Saginaw River: Walleye are being caught from the mouth all the way up to Wicks Park. Some are drifting shiner minnows while others are using Hot-n-Tots.
St. Joseph: Pier and surf anglers are getting some steelhead along with the occasional whitefish.
St. Joseph River: Should have some fresh steelhead for the taking.
Kalamazoo River: Boat and shore anglers have caught steelhead below the Allegan Dam. They are using spawn or Hot-n-Tots. A few walleye were also caught.
Grand Haven: Pier anglers are catching steelhead along with a few brown trout or whitefish. Those surfcasting are taking fish when floating spawn bags.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Fresh steelhead were caught on size six or eight jigs tipped with wigglers and wax worms or spawn bags. Boat anglers are dropping Hot-n-Tots over the side and then putting a spawn bag on the bottom. Walleye and steelhead have been caught behind the Post Office, off Pearl Street and the walk bridge. Walleye anglers have done well with bucktail jigs and shiner minnows under a bobber. Those fishing off the bridges for walleye are drifting shiners. Pike fishing has been good downtown. Most are using chubs, shiners or body baits. For crappie and bluegill, try Riverside Park or Millennium Park.
Grand River at Lansing: Catch rates were hit-or-miss at the North Lansing Dam. Some channel catfish along with a few small flatheads were caught by those fishing minnows above the Moore’s Park Dam. Good pike action at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. Some are using spinners but more fish were caught on golden shiners.
Morrison Lake: Is producing perch and crappie for those using minnows.
Reeds Lake: Was producing bluegill and crappie.
Muskegon River: Is fishable. Steelhead are still being caught as more move up into the river system.
Thunder Bay River: Has pretty good perch fishing though many are running small. Fish ranging seven to eight inches have been caught using ice jigs with wax worms or minnow rigs. The better fishing was off the 2nd Street Bridge, the River Walk both upstream and downstream of the 2nd Street Bridge and the gas dock in the marina. Some are also catching the occasional steelhead or brown trout.
Oscoda: Pier anglers are getting steelhead on spoons or body baits.
Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead between the mouth and Foote Dam. With a little effort, anglers are finding the spots producing the most fish. High Banks, the Boy Scout Camp and the Rea Road access sites have been active. Spawn is working best however try spoons or body baits at the mouth.
Houghton Lake: Has ice all the way across the lake however the ice is not safe. Those anxious to get out and do some fishing should stay in shallow waters only for safety reasons.
Au Gres River: Is still producing some perch although some were on the small side.
Not much is happening in this region of the state. Some lakes have a little ice, but there is no safe ice yet. Steelhead fishing is basically the only game in town right now.
Betsie River: Continues to produce some steelhead.
Big Manistee River: Is fishable and should have a fair to good number of steelhead including some fresh fish. Many are fly fishing below Tippy Dam.
Little Manistee River: Is producing steelhead and the occasional brown trout however the river will close to fishing on January 1 and will reopen on April 1.
Pere Marquette River: Should still have some good steelhead fishing. Those fly fishing seem to catch more fish.
Newberry: Ice is forming on the inland lakes in the region however there is no safe ice yet. Deep snow from the upcoming storm will only insulate the ice and slow the freezing process.
Revenue from fishing and hunting license sales supports DNR activities to enhance Michigan’s natural resources. These license sales also increase federal revenue to the State of Michigan for the management of these resources. Please help support Michigan’s abundant natural resources by purchasing a fishing and hunting license each year. 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.