High water levels are causing problems around the state. Boating access sites may be temporarily closed due to ramps and parking lots under water so be prepared. Boat anglers need to watch for floating debris and be sure to slow down in areas where no-wake regulations apply.

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

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Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie: Water levels are still extremely high and most of the ramps at Sterling State Park and Bolles Harbor were submerged especially if there is an east wind. Bring boots or waders for launching and be sure to watch your step as the docks can be slippery. Walleye fishing was a bit tougher. The bays off Bolles Harbor and Toledo Beach were less than ideal for fishing because of the considerable weeds and turbid water. Anglers reported clearer water further north in Brest Bay. Walleye were caught close to shore however most limit catches came between Stony Point and the River Raisin in 26 to 28 feet with bottom bouncers, bandits and spoons. Largemouth bass and pike were caught in the shallows near Pt. Mouillee.

Detroit River: Walleye were caught with a jig and piece of crawler. Good smallmouth action was reported, and anglers are still getting a few white bass. Not much to report on the yellow perch.

Lake St. Clair: Anglers on the north end did well trolling for walleye in the shipping channel. Bass anglers had limited luck on Anchor Bay. Smallmouth fishing was somewhat better on the south end especially near Masonic Park where smallmouth bass, rock bass, catfish and walleye were caught in waters surrounding the park. Bass fishing along the Mile Roads was fair. Muskie fishing slowed.

Lexington and Port Sanilac: Smallmouth bass, rock bass and some bluegills were caught from the docks and piers at Lexington. Try minnows and crawlers. Walleye were caught in the evening when casting artificial lures. At Port Sanilac, salmon and trout were scattered in 40 to 90 feet. Those trolling caught steelhead and pink salmon. Atlantic salmon came into the harbor and were caught when casting Cleo’s.

Harbor Beach: Lake trout, steelhead and pink salmon were caught straight out and north of the harbor in 60 to 120 feet with spoons and spin-glo’s. Walleye were caught from the breakwall in the evening when casting jigs with a twister tail or body baits. Smallmouth bass were caught inside the harbor.

Grindstone City: Lake trout and a couple pink salmon were caught with spoons and lead core in 90 to 120 feet.

Port Austin: Not much boat activity. Smallmouth bass were caught from the docks and breakwalls with lures or crawlers.

Saginaw Bay: Walleye were caught out near Buoys 1 & 2 in 30 feet, the Dumping Grounds in 16 to 18 feet and the Spark Plug in 20 to 23 feet when trolling crawlers. Fish were also caught south of the Black Hole in 20 feet with spoons and crank baits. Good walleye fishing along the east side of the bay in 16 to 19 feet from the bottom of the Slot all the way up to North Island. Fish were also found shallower in 12 to 14 feet or suspended off the bottom out deeper in the shipping channel. Anglers had to find them but did well once they did with a crawler harness, spoons or a variety of body baits. Color did not matter. Pike, channel cats, white bass, freshwater drum and a couple yellow perch were also caught. Slow fishing at Caseville with only a couple walleye caught.

Saginaw River: Shore anglers at Essexville were casting crank baits for smallmouth bass at Smith Park. A couple yellow perch were caught on worms.

Flint River: Had fair to good bass fishing in the Holloway Reservoir. Try crawlers, leeches or tube baits. Bluegills, crappie and even a few walleye were caught.

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Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph: The fish were scattered and boat anglers targeting salmon had mixed results. A few salmon and steelhead were caught in 100 feet, but anglers did better in 120 feet when trolling spoons. A couple steelhead were caught off the pier when using shrimp on the bottom. Perch fishing was slow.

South Haven: Had high water around the boat launches. The main access is via Dunkley and that road is closed. Boats need to access the launch from Blue Star Highway. There is a road closed sign however the road off Blue Star Highway is open to the launch. Most of the fishing pressure was south of the piers but catch rates were slow as the fish seem to be scattered in 85 to well past 120 feet and were hitting throughout the water column. Pier anglers caught steelhead on shrimp or alewife under a bobber. Good numbers of freshwater drum and catfish were caught. A couple perch were caught in 40 feet.

Kalamazoo River: Has high water levels which are causing a strong current and floating debris. Emergency managers are recommending anglers stay off the river. Shore anglers need to use caution as the banks are unstable.

Thornapple River: Also has high water levels and a strong current. Boat and shore anglers should wait until water levels recede to safe levels.

Grand Haven: Salmon and trout action slowed a bit. The best action was 30 to 90 feet down in 70 to 130 feet with orange and blue spoons along with green and white flies. A few were also taken on meat rigs. Lake trout were on the bottom and hitting yellow and green spin-glo’s. Pier anglers continue to catch a couple steelhead on shrimp and alewife. Good numbers of freshwater drum were caught on silver spoons and alewife. Caution: Water continues to cover most of the Harbor Island launch parking lot.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are still high but a few more anglers were heading out. Some big flathead catfish and smallmouth bass were caught below the 6th Street Dam. A few walleye were also caught.

Grand River at Lansing: Highwater continues to hamper fishing.

Muskegon: Trout and salmon were caught 40 to 90 feet down in 80 to 130 feet with green, blue and orange spoons. A few lake trout taken from the bottom with yellow spin-glo’s. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum.

Muskegon Lake: Is producing bluegills on the north end where fish were on the beds. Good bass fishing can be found throughout. No word on walleye and few anglers were targeting pike.

Muskegon River: Water levels were still high for this time of year however anglers are picking up a few more bass. Those fishing Hardy Dam Pond caught panfish, bass and even a few walleye. Trout anglers have found fish on the gravel. There is currently a mayfly hatch in progress.

White Lake: Anglers are taking bluegills in five to seven feet however they are sorting through the small ones.

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Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan: Those trolling out near Poe Reef for lake trout in 60 to 80 feet had no luck but those trolling off Lafayette Point at Bois Blanc Island had good catches in 50 to 80 feet. The fish averaged eight pounds.

Cheboygan River: Water levels are still extremely high but chutes 5 and 6 had been shut down which slowed the current. Boat anglers caught walleye drifting worms or a crawler harness. Catch rates were good in the morning. Shore anglers caught smallmouth bass and rock bass when jigging worms at the dam. The average smallmouth was 17 inches.

Rogers City: Limit catches of lake trout have been consistent however some days anglers had to find them first. The fish are feeding heavily on gobies right now so target the rocky areas and fish along the bottom where the gobies are found in 40 to 100 feet. Most were targeting the entire water column for lake trout and salmon. The lake trout were hitting on dodgers and cowbells with spin-glo’s or spoons. The salmon and steelhead were higher up and hitting on spoons. Good colors were orange and gold, green, blue, silver and glow.

Presque Isle: Is producing limits of lake trout in 20 to 30 feet and out deeper to 120 feet. Run lines throughout the water column focusing your deeper lines with lake trout lures such as cowbells and flashers with spin-glo’s. Run higher lines for Chinook, Atlantic and steelhead.

Rockport: Lake trout and the occasional Chinook salmon have been taken by those trolling spoons between Middle Island and the Nordmeer Wreck in 45 to 80 feet. Lake trout were caught throughout the water column with salmon in the upper half.

Alpena: Lake trout and the odd chinook salmon were caught when trolling spoons or spin-glo’s in 50 to 80 feet off Thunder Bay Island and the Nordmeer Wreck. Lake trout were found high and low in the water column. Walleye were taken on crawler harnesses and body baits in 15 to 30 feet off the north shore, in the channel and down near Sulphur Island. The odd brown trout and pike were also taken on body baits in shallow waters. Smallmouth bass were found in Squaw Bay when casting jigs and body baits. Pier anglers caught a couple walleye in the evening.

Thunder Bay River: Anglers caught walleye, smallmouth bass, channel cats, freshwater drum, rock bass and a few small yellow perch on crawlers and leeches. Walleye and smallmouth were also taken on body baits.

Oscoda: Those trolling spoons and spin-glo’s in 50 to 90 feet between 3 Mile Beach and Au Sable Point caught most lake trout near the bottom. The odd steelhead was caught on copper and lead core. Pier anglers caught smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, rock bass, a few channel cats and walleye when still fishing or drifting crawlers. Smallmouth bass and walleye were also taken on deep diving body baits.

Au Sable River: Walleye were caught drifting crawlers in the holes below Foote Dam and at the mouth. Smallmouth bass, channel cats, white suckers and freshwater drum have also been caught. Between Grayling and Alcona, brown trout should be keying in on the brown drake and mayfly hatches. A few pike were caught when trolling body baits in the channel and the main basin of Mio Pond. Smallmouth bass were caught when casting crank baits or jigs in shallow waters of Cooke Pond. NOTE: Dredging operations are currently ongoing below US-23.

Higgins Lake: Some decent size perch were caught on minnows in 30 to 40 feet however anglers were putting in some time to find the schools of fish. Good smallmouth bass action continues along the drop-offs. Lake trout were scattered however fish were found on the bottom in 80 to 100 feet.

Houghton Lake: Water temperatures are coming back up and the fish are becoming more active. Bluegill were caught in eight to 10 feet near Little Round which is north of the south shore weed beds. Catch rates for walleye were slow. Bass have been caught but few anglers were targeting them. Those bowfishing for carp have done well.

Tawas: A few Chinook, lake trout and steelhead were caught on spoons out past Tawas Point in 30 to 50 feet or more. Walleye anglers were heading to Au Gres, but a few fish were caught off Alabaster in 25 to 35 feet with crawlers and body baits. Pier fishing was slow with only a couple smallmouth taken on tube jigs or body baits.

Tawas River: Those using crawlers or casting tube jigs caught lots of smallmouth bass. Catfish and a few perch were caught on crawlers.

Au Gres: Limit catches of walleye were taken in 30 to 45 feet with a crawler harness or body bait. A few were caught out near the Charity Islands as well. Good numbers of smallmouth bass were taken on tube jigs near the islands. Largemouth bass were caught in the Pine River. Walleye along with the incidental perch, catfish, freshwater drum or white bass were caught out from Eagle Bay Marina in 15 to 30 feet.

Au Gres River: Continues to produce catfish for those using crawlers.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula

Wilderness State Park: Anglers have caught several undersize smallmouth bass off Wagoshance Point in Goose Bay. Those fly fishing for smallmouth had luck with green or black streamers. Fish were also caught on worms, leeches and spinners.

Harbor Springs: Boat anglers targeting trout and salmon did well for lake trout around Harbor Point both shallow in 30 to 50 feet and deeper in 100 feet. The deeper fish were suspended just off the bottom. Bass fishing was hit-or-miss.

Petoskey: Had no boat reports. The Bear River was still running high. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, bullhead and carp were caught on worms.

Charlevoix: A few boats were trolling and jigging for lake trout and cisco. Lake trout were caught near Fisherman’s Island in 60 to 80 feet and near North Point in 60 to 100 feet. Cisco were found both deep and shallow from the channel to the cement plant. Pier fishing for cisco slowed but a couple were caught with anything flashy in the early morning. Big schools of carp are in the channel.

Traverse City: Smallmouth fishing was great in shallow waters of the East Bay. Fish were caught south of Old Mission, from M-37 to the State Park and from Acme to Yuba. A couple cisco were caught around Deepwater Point in 50 feet or less. On the Elk River, bass fishing was good at times using swim baits, crawlers and leeches at the dam and off the rocks. Rock bass and freshwater drum along with lots of carp are also in the river. At the kid’s pond, a few leftover rainbow trout were caught. The West Bay was producing cisco in shallow water around the tip of Old Mission Peninsula and near Lee Point. Bass were reported from Bowers Harbor south along the peninsula. On the Boardman River, smallmouth were caught on crawlers or leeches at the dam.

Frankfort: Recent storms blew in cooler water with surface temperatures in the low 40's. Chinook salmon were out deep in 160 to 180 feet in the early morning. Most were trolling green or blue spoons 50 to 80 feet down. Lake trout were hitting up higher. M-22 had standing water at the Betsie River and the Alberta boat launch was inaccessible.

Onekama: Chinook salmon were caught in the top 70 feet of waters 160 to 180 feet deep in the early morning. The bigger fish were taken on meat rigs. The mayflies were in full hatch.

Portage Lake: Bass anglers working the drops reported light catch rates however some good size fish were caught. Panfish and perch numbers were also low. There is an ongoing mayfly hatch and the extremely high lake levels are giving the fish new habitat to venture in.

Manistee: Surface temperature readings were holding near 50 degrees. Fishing was spotty but salmon and lake trout were found in 100 to 220 feet when trolling spoons. Baitfish have moved back into the harbor where pier anglers caught Chinook and steelhead on alewife.

Hamlin Lake: Bluegill and sunfish are on their beds, but fishing was slow as the number caught was in the single digits. Bass fishing remains good with 2-4 pound largemouth caught. Walleye fishing was slow. Water temperatures were about 68 degrees.

Ludington: Chinook, lake trout and steelhead were caught in 100 to 240 feet. Try spoons, flies and meat rigs. Pier fishing was slow.

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Upper Peninsula

Keweenaw Bay: Anglers going out of the South Entry caught a good number of lake trout along with a few brown trout. Some good size fish were caught out of Baraga and in Huron Bay however those fishing Huron Bay had to put in a little more effort to get them.

Marquette: Lake trout fishing is starting to ramp up with most boats catching a few each trip and some getting limits. Salmon fishing slowed with only a few coming in each day but many boats are fishing deeper which could be why. Lake trout of all sizes were caught between the White Rocks and Granite Island in 130 to 200 feet and near Shot Point. The fish are scattered throughout the water column. Those fishing shallow in 50 feet or less caught Chinook, coho, steelhead and the odd lake trout.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers reported fair catches. The best action was near the mouth of the Whitefish River when drifting or trolling a crawler harness in five to 12 feet. Many were too small, but a few limit catches were reported. Perch anglers had fair to good catch rates near the Day’s Rivers with a crawler or minnow in four to 14 feet. Smallmouth bass were caught on plastics in three to five feet near Garth Point and Strawberry Island. Fish were also caught under the brush at the mouth of the Escanaba River and near the large rocks in shallow waters of the Ford River.

Manistique: Very few salmon anglers have been out as most are waiting for the water to warm up. Several fly hatches have taken place creating bug lines for the steelhead.

Manistique River: Had low angler participation for several reasons. First, shore anglers have not fished the lower river near the dam due to lack of flow. Word has it the lamprey weir will be in place all summer. Also, dredging operations have started from the US-2 Bridge to the mouth. Good numbers of largemouth bass were reported along the edge of the river. Alewife have started to enter the river which should bring the walleye back.

Detour: The Atlantic salmon bite slowed as anglers put in some long hours to catch a few. Those that were patient caught Chinook, steelhead and lake trout. Try trolling the west bank of Drummond Island from the first red buoy of the freighter dock south to the Detour Lighthouse with a 4-inch spoon 15 to 35 feet down. Hot colors were orange, chrome and chartreuse. Good lake trout action along the 90-foot flat. Try flashers with a 28-inch leader trailed with white and chartreuse spin-glo’s. Seymour Creek which is located one mile west of Detour Village off Hwy M-134, has been producing nice smallmouth bass when casting from shore.

Cedarville and Hessel: No reports of yellow perch caught in Cedarville Bay, Government Island, or Duck Bay. Try three to four feet with worms or shiners. Anglers are reporting fly hatches at the Middle Entrance, to Cedarville’s Les Cheneaux Islands. Anglers should take note of fly hatches, and the start of an early cisco run. For Hessel, good large and smallmouth bass action in Mackinac Bay with tube jigs and spinners in two to six feet. Reports of new fly hatches have triggered the yellow perch moving into the finger docks at the Hessel Marina. Good pike fishing from the pier in the early morning. Try creek chubs 18 inches off the bottom in seven to eight feet. Good pike fishing straight out from the Hessel Marina at Haven Island in the early morning when trolling a fire-tiger crank bait or dark blue and chrome pencil plug.

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Fishing Tip: What to do when walleyes pick up

We bring you this oldie, but goodie fishing tip from 2014. Courtesy of Tim Cwalinski, a DNR fisheries biologist out of Gaylord.

Walleye fishing is picking up steadily in the large inland lakes in northern Michigan. Some of these lakes include Burt, Mullett, Black, Long, Grand and Hubbard.

Many anglers who fish these lakes over the years are learning that by this time of the year, it is best to troll for walleye with lines that are elevated in the water column. Many think of walleye as a benthic, or bottom, species. While this is true at times, this species will come a long way up in the water column to hit your presentation. More so, they will often suspend in the water column based on forage.

If the mayfly hatch has begun on these lakes, expect to find these fish anywhere from five to 15 feet off the bottom, focusing your crankbaits or crawler harnesses in that region, instead of along the bottom. You might be surprised how well you can do.

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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