Michigan’s annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend will be observed this Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. On these two days, both residents and non-residents can fish without a license however all regulations still apply. This would be a great opportunity to introduce someone new to the sport of fishing! For a list of statewide events taking place this weekend visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.

All anglers 17 years of age and older are required to have a fishing license.

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Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie: The walleye bite is on fire! Fish were caught in front of Sterling State Park, the Edison stacks, and near the Dumping Grounds off Toledo Beach in 18 to 24 feet. Most were picked up deeper using heavy bottom bouncers and jet divers. A number of large freshwater drum along with a couple white bass, white perch, yellow perch and channel cats were also caught on spoons and bright colored crawler harnesses. Largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass were caught in the marinas and off the rocks when casting tube baits, artificial worms and Ned rigs. A few largemouth bass were caught along the weed lines off Pt. Mouillee and the Hot Ponds near Fermi and Edison.

Halfmoon Chain of Lakes: In Washtenaw County had decent bass fishing but most of the fish were small. A few pike were also caught.

Detroit River: Those trolling a crawler harness and bottom bouncer caught walleye near the mouth. White bass were also caught.

Lake St. Clair: Those targeting walleye were trolling a crawler harness south of the Metro Park. Some are trolling for muskie.

St. Clair River: Was producing some limit catches of walleye however with all the rain, poor visibility has made fishing a bit more difficult.

Lexington and Port Sanilac: Lake trout, Chinook, coho and the odd steelhead were caught when trolling in 40 to 60 feet south of Lexington to north of Port Sanilac. Spoons were the ticket.

Harbor Beach: Trolling slow with small body baits produced walleye and whitefish. Steelhead and lake trout were hitting on spoons in 90 to 110 feet.

Grindstone: Shore anglers still-fishing with crawlers and minnows or casting artificial baits caught smallmouth bass.

Port Austin: Those running crank baits in 15 to 25 feet caught walleye west of the harbor. Smallmouth bass were caught in the Pinnebog River and near the mouth with crawlers or casting tube baits.

Saginaw Bay: Water levels were still very high. Shore anglers off Linwood caught smallmouth bass on tube jigs or when casting spinners. Walleye were taken at the Spark Plug when trolling spoons, crank baits or a crawler harness in 20 to 23 feet and off Finn Road in three to 14 feet with a crawler harness. Off Quanicassee, fish were caught in 10 feet or less and from the southern tip of the Slot to Sebewaing in 12 to 18 feet with a few limit catches reported. A crawler harness was best, but body baits also worked. Orange and purple were good colors. Channel cats were caught in the shallow at night with a crawler. Large and smallmouth bass were caught near shore from Sebewaing to Wildfowl Bay with artificial baits. Some nice pike were also caught. Those bowfishing found carp, gar and goldfish however the deeper water made it difficult to see them.

Saginaw River: Continues to produce channel catfish on worms.

Tittabawassee River: Fishing was hit-or-miss depending on the day. A couple walleye were caught when trolling flicker shads near the M-46 Bridge.

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Southwest Lower Peninsula

Overall: Most of the inland lakes have bluegills and sunfish up in the shallows. Anglers have done well with flies, wax worms or a leaf worm in waters up to eight feet deep. Crappie fishing was good. Largemouth bass were guarding the beds. Aquatic vegetation has sprung up and many lakes have been or are currently being treated. Please report any associated fish kills to the DNR’s Eyes in the Field application. Walleye, pike, bass and suckers have been caught in the rivers.

St. Joseph: Boat anglers were still taking a good number of fish. It seems the salmon have moved slightly north and were caught on spoons in 90 to 120 feet. A few coho were taken in 40 to 60 feet. Pier anglers casting spoons or spinners caught freshwater drum. No perch to report.

South Haven: Boat anglers targeting salmon reported decent catch rates. A mixed bag of trout and salmon were caught in 100 to 130 feet. Spoons were the ticket. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum. Perch fishing was still slow.

Lake Allegan: Bass and bluegills were caught on jigs, spinners, crawlers or leeches.

Grand Haven: Boats are catching a mix of lake trout and Chinook salmon 30 to 120 feet down in 60 to 120 feet. Lake trout were hitting green and yellow spin-glo’s while the salmon were hitting orange, green and blue spoons. CAUTION: Water levels are high and there is water up into the Harbor Island boat launch parking lot, but the docks were still accessible.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels were still up but should recede by the weekend. A fair number of pike, smallmouth bass and channel cats have been caught. Shore anglers caught walleye off the wall.

Grand River at Lansing: Was producing bass, pike, rock bass, channel cats, bluegills and crappie. Good bluegill, crappie and channel cat action between Lansing and Dimondale. In Grand Ledge, pike and smallmouth bass were caught at Fitzgerald Park.

Jackson County: Anglers reported decent catches of panfish, bass and pike on the inland lakes.

Muskrat Lake: Was producing bluegills and crappie.

Morrison Lake: Anglers were getting bluegills and crappie. For walleye, try crawlers or leeches. A few largemouth bass have been caught.

Muskegon: Chinook were caught 30 to 80 feet down in 50 to 120 feet with orange and blue spoons. Lake trout were caught off the bottom when trolling yellow spin-glo’s. Freshwater drum were caught off the pier when casting spoons.

Muskegon Lake: Bluegills were either on the beds or getting ready to move onto the beds. Crappie fishing was been hit-or-miss. Catch rates for walleye are picking up throughout the lake as more fish move in from the river.

Muskegon River: Water levels remain high but should start to recede. There are reports of a mayfly hatch and those fly fishing have caught trout. A good number of smallmouth bass were caught. Further upstream near the Reedsburg Dam, those targeting panfish did well in the Reedsburg Flooding.

White Lake: Was producing bluegill, crappie and a small number of yellow perch.

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Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan: Those trolling spoons in 60 to 80 feet around Poe Reef and Lafayette Point on Bois Blanc Island caught lake trout 19-27 inches and up to nine pounds. There were reports of salmon caught around Mackinac Island and Round Island.

Cheboygan River: Water levels were still too high, and the water is very cold. The dam has one gate closed. A brown trout was caught when drifting spawn at the dam. Anglers caught Atlantic salmon 17-22 inches when drifting worms or casting crank baits. Those drifting a crawler harness or single worm caught walleye. A few smallmouth bass and suckers were taken on worms throughout the river.

Burt Lake: Was producing some walleye.

Rogers City: Lake trout have been caught once they are located but finding them has been the problem. A few Chinook and Atlantic salmon were caught. If the surface water temperatures ever reach 50 degrees, the Atlantic salmon should start to bite. The fish being caught now are in shallow water between the shoreline and 60 feet with lead core and highlines off boards. Downriggers higher in the water column caught lake trout on spoons and body baits. Hot colors were orange and gold, orange and silver, orange and green, blue, silver or chartreuse.

Presque Isle: Those able to get out caught lake trout along with a couple Chinook or Atlantic salmon. The lake trout were suspended in 45 to 55 feet while the salmon were caught in the top 25 of waters up to 65 feet deep with spoons, body baits, attractors and spin-glo’s.

Alpena: The water is still cold, but some areas were approaching the mid 50’s. Lake trout and the occasional Atlantic salmon were caught in 40 to 80 feet between Thunder Bay Island and Rockport when trolling spoons and spin-glo’s. Most of the lake trout were caught near the bottom while feeding on goby and smelt. Walleye were taken inside 20 feet when trolling body baits early or late. A couple nice pike were caught when casting crank baits.

Thunder Bay River: The walleye bite was decent with fish taken by those still-fishing, jigging, drifting crawlers and leeches or when trolling a harness. Smallmouth bass and pike were caught when casting jigs or crank baits. Rock bass, channel cats, bullhead and freshwater drum were hitting on crawlers.

Oscoda: Those trolling spoons or spin-glo’s with attractors caught lake trout in 40 to 70 feet between Three Mile Park and Au Sable Point. Purple, green, black, and glow were good colors. The lake trout were feeding on goby and sticklebacks. Walleye were caught on body baits in the evening. The odd brown trout was caught by pier anglers still-fishing with minnows.

Au Sable River: Walleye were caught from the mouth when drifting or still-fishing with crawlers and leeches. Also try jigs and body baits. Walleye were caught in town and from the holes upstream. Only a couple steelhead were seen. Try a bead under a float. Those casting jigs caught smallmouth bass. The odd Atlantic salmon was caught up near Foote Dam when drifting beads or casting small jigs. Freshwater drum and suckers were taken on crawlers. The South Branch was producing some brown trout.

Crawford County: Fishing has been slow. Cold water temperatures and highwater levels are limiting angler success.

Higgins Lake: Anglers are trying to get out but with the rain and strong winds conditions have not been good. When they can get out, they are trying for lake trout, smallmouth bass and yellow perch.

Houghton Lake: Water temperatures were cool at 63 degrees but should warm by the weekend. For bluegills, try the weed beds near shore. A couple crappie were caught in the canals, but most were out deeper and taken about halfway down in eight to nine feet. Walleye were caught by shore anglers at night. During the day, try jigging the deeper holes. Some have caught bass.

Lake St. Helen: Was producing walleye, pike and panfish.

Tawas: Chinook and lake trout were taken on spoons in 50 to 60 feet near Tawas Point. A couple walleye were taken on body baits in 20 to 25 feet near the artificial reef. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass, freshwater drum and catfish when jigging or still-fishing with crawlers and casting body baits. Lots of carp inside the marina.

Tawas River: Large and smallmouth bass, freshwater drum and catfish were caught when casting body baits or still-fishing with crawlers.

Au Gres: Walleye were taken on a crawler harness or body bait in 25 to 30 feet from Point Lookout to Point Au Gres. A few limits were reported. Those launching out of the Pine River or Eagle Bay Marina caught walleye between the Rifle River and Pinconning in 10 to 12 feet. Incidental catches of jumbo perch, catfish or freshwater drum were also reported.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula

Wilderness State Park: Anglers were getting limits of smallmouth bass out of Goose Bay when casting tube baits, crank baits and soft plastics or when jigging minnows, leeches and worms. Crayfish, goby colored tube baits and live bait worked best. A few pike were taken on crank baits.

Harbor Springs: The midge hatch is bad at all ports! Boat anglers caught lake trout at Harbor Point and to the north. The fish were both suspended or just off the bottom in 110 to 120 feet and were hitting spoons, plugs and spin-glo’s. A few were looking for smallmouth bass but had no luck.

Petoskey: Few boats had been out. The Bear River is still running high and fast. The steelhead action was slow. A couple anglers fishing the mouth of the river and D Pier caught carp, pike, smallmouth bass and freshwater drum.

Charlevoix: Boat fishing was still slow, but a few anglers did manage to get lake trout around North Point in 120 feet. Most fish were suspended about halfway down. In the channel, some cisco were caught by those jigging anything flashy. Smallmouth bass and carp were also seen in the channel.

Lake Charlevoix: The Charlevoix Ironton boating access site closed for construction on June 3. The project has an anticipated completion date of August 16. Until then, anglers can use the launch in Dutchman’s Bay or the municipal launches in Charlevoix and East Jordan.

Traverse City: Anglers found cisco in the East Bay just south of Deepwater Point in 50 to 60 feet, off the M-37 launch, near the State Park, just south of the Acme launch and Elk Rapids in the harbor and near the end of the piers. The Elk River remains slow, but some nice bass were caught with crawlers or leeches from the 3rd platform out to the end of the walkway. Walleye were caught in the evening. A couple nice fish were caught in the kid’s pond. In the West Bay, cisco were caught along the peninsula north of Bryant Park and around Power Island in 50 to 60 feet. Catch rates for bass were hit-or-miss at Northport, Sutton’s Bay and south toward Power Island. The better action was at the mouth of the Boardman River with crawlers or leeches. Carp, suckers and rock bass were caught in the lower river.

Frankfort: The Chinook salmon have arrived in Northern Michigan! Good catches were reported in the top 30 to 50 feet of waters 130 to 150 feet deep. Green and blue were good colors in the early morning.

Onekama: Chinook were caught 60 to 80 feet down in 150 to 170 feet. The best activity was in the early morning and green was the hot color.

Portage Lake: Bass anglers working the beds reported good numbers. Perch anglers are sifting through several small ones.

Manistee: Surface water temperatures inched up to near 50 degrees. Chinook salmon fishing was on fire with most fish taken with spoons 60 to 80 feet down in 150 to 200 feet. A small number of steelhead and lake trout were also caught. Pier fishing is slow.

Hamlin Lake: Crappie were caught in front of Indian Pete’s Bayou when drifting minnows or plastics. The bite in front of the scout camp slowed. Bass anglers did well throughout the lake with mostly largemouth taken. Bluegill fishing remained slow as water temperatures were about 63 degrees.

Ludington: Water temperatures were a bit warmer at 52 degrees. Chinook salmon fishing was on fire here as well with fish taken on spoons and flies 60 to 90 feet down in 140 to 190 feet. The occasional steelhead or lake trout were also caught. Pier fishing has been difficult because of the highwater levels.

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Upper Peninsula

Copper Harbor: A couple splake, steelhead and brown trout were caught by those trolling but most of the splake were small. Eagle Harbor had fewer anglers.

Keweenaw Bay: Had good fishing for Chinook, coho, lake trout, brown trout and splake when trolling flat lines and lead core in the top 15 feet as well as stick baits, spoons or a flasher/fly combo. The best bite was in the morning when trolling throughout the water column.

Marquette: Water temperatures were still cold at 45 degrees. While the bite slowed, anglers were still catching fish. Boats did best near Shot Point in 50 feet or less. Those fishing the Lower Harbor and near the Chocolay River caught Chinook, coho, lake trout, brown trout and steelhead. Those targeting lake trout near Granite Island and the white rocks have done well. Charter boats going out to Stannard Rock caught large fish but fewer fish.

Little Bay De Noc: Water temperatures were still cold in the mid 50’s. Walleye anglers reported the best action near Garth Point in 15 to 30 feet with a crawler harness. Limit catches were reported. Catch rates were fair off Breezy Point in 14 to 20 feet. Fair catches were taken between the Escanaba River and the “Black Bottom” but most fish were too small. Walleye and a few perch were caught at the “Narrows” in 25 to 35 feet with a crawler harness. Smallmouth bass anglers had mixed results. The best areas were Garth Point in eight to 12 feet, Gladstone along the west bank in four to six feet and along the rocky edges at the mouth of the Ford River when casting crawlers or plastics. Good pike action in the Escanaba River with crawlers or crank baits between the mouth and the old train bridge. The Rapid River was producing some walleye.

Manistique River: The fish cleaning station at the boat launch was still down. Steelhead season is coming to an end. The lamprey weir is still in at the dam, so water levels in the lower river were extremely low. Walleye fishing was fair to good from the mouth up to the fast water when drifting crawlers or leeches. A couple smallmouth bass were starting to show up. Catch rates were fair when casting crawlers or plastics.

Manistique Lake: Was producing some walleye.

Munising: A few Chinook and brown rout were taken towards Au Train. The best lake trout action was towards the White Rocks and Wood Island Reef when trolling in 120 feet. The fish caught were perfect eating size. While the coho action slowed, more Chinook were caught on spoons. Coho and lake trout that were caught 30 feet down in 200 feet had bellies full of smelt. Splake fishing was slow for boat and shore anglers. Surface waters were in the mid to upper 40’s in the bay and the low 40’s outside Grand Island.

Grand Marais: Catch rates for coho were slow however more Chinook salmon have been caught along with some big steelhead up to 25 inches and brown trout over seven pounds. Trolling west of the harbor appears to be slightly better in 20 to 30 feet. Lake trout fishing was hot with limits reported. Most fish averaged four pounds and were hitting black and white spoons. Some big lake trout were spotted nearshore in less than 30 feet. Pier anglers reported slower catch rates, but a few limits of whitefish were taken on a single egg.

St. Marys River: Walleye fishing was consistent as water temperatures increase. Pike and smallmouth bass have also been caught.

Detour: Surface water temperature at the Detour Reef was 52 degrees. Prevailing north east winds prevented most salmon and trout anglers from heading out but the few that were able to, did mark fish with lots of bait fish, but could not get a bite. Catch rates should improve as water temperatures get up to between 58 and 62 degrees.

Cedarville and Hessel: The boat launch and parking lot at Cedarville is currently under renovation and there is no access. Boats can launch and fish out of the Hessel Marina and Public Boat Launch. Good pike action in Musky Bay and Snows Channel in the early morning when trolling spoons with a red eye in four to six feet. Bigger fish were caught between Little La Salle Island and Peck Bay when drifting or still-fishing with frozen smelt or large creek chubs 18 inches off the bottom in 14 to 20 feet. Large and smallmouth bass were caught at the mouth of Duck Bay with orange and brown tube jigs in two to four feet. At Hessel, no perch were caught at the finger docks in the marina but splake were caught in the early morning with frozen smelt and spawn 18 inches off the bottom in six to eight feet. For boat anglers, try trolling southwest of the marina from Cube Point to Haven Island and Goat Island with blue and chrome or blue and white stick baits. For pike, try one mile east of the marina when trolling or casting spoons and crank baits around St. Ledger Island and Echo Island both early morning and late evening. Good smallmouth action from 6 pm until dark with brown and green or brown and orange tube jigs off the rocks near the flag at the west end of the pier.

Brevoort Lake: Anglers were getting some walleye.

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Fishing Tip: Stream trout fishing, a forgotten pastime?

We bring you this oldie, but goodie fishing tip from 2014. Courtesy of Mark Tonello, a DNR fisheries biologist out of Cadillac.

It isn’t a secret that Michigan hosts some of the best trout streams in the nation. The surprising thing is how under fished they are.

Anglers can have some fantastic fishing all to themselves on some incredibly beautiful streams if they do their homework. Michigan’s trout streams range in size from jump-across tributaries to the mighty Muskegon, Manistee and Au Sable rivers. While our streams can be busy at times (opening weekend, salmon/steelhead runs, the hex hatch, etc.) they can be utterly devoid of anglers at other times.

Michigan trout streams hold brown, brook and rainbow trout, and they can be caught by all kinds of tackle and techniques, ranging from nightcrawler dunking to spinner tossing or fly fishing. Anglers should check with the Fisheries Division management biologist for the area they wish to fish and the species they wish to target.

Give it a try – you’ll be surprised at how good the state’s trout fishing is and how few people are doing it!

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This report is intended to give you an idea of what is going on around the state. Updates come from Fisheries staff and Conservation Officers. With more than 11,000 inland lakes, the Great Lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams, not all locations can be listed. However, it is safe to say if a species is being caught in some waters in the area, they are likely being caught in all waters in that section of the state that have that species