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Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lower Saginaw Bay: Anglers found success north of Spoils Island in 11 feet of water trolling with night crawlers as well as west of the shipping channel water trolling with crawlers and crank baits in 20 feet of water. Anglers at Callahan Reef had success trolling with night crawlers in 8 to 12 feet of water. Two miles north of the dumping grounds there was found success trolling with crank baits and crawlers in 18 to 20 feet of water.

Saginaw River: Walleye were reported caught by shore anglers at Veterans Park casting jigs. Reports of crappie from boat anglers around the marina docks in Bay City fishing with a small tube jig under a bobber.

Eastern Saginaw Bay: Windy and stormy weather kept anglers off the bay most days last week. When they were able to get out, walleye were caught in 16 feet of water around Callahan Reef, off Quanicassee, and all along the slot from Sunset Marina to North Island. Anglers also found success targeting walleye along the edges of the bar and out in 20+ feet of water. Crawler harnesses worked well in a variety of colors, and body baits were also successful.

Lake St. Clair: Smallmouth bass fishing was good, but after the recent rain, the water has become cloudy again, and the wind has also had a negative impact. Anglers were able to catch a few smallmouth bass this weekend in 8 to 10 feet of water off Metropark Point and near the 400 Club, where there was some clear water. The fishfly hatch is underway, and the first wave has already emerged, providing plenty of natural food, which has slowed fishing. Anglers reported catching some walleye, but far fewer than before. Good spots to target include the area between the Metropark, the 400 Club, and the mouth of the South Channel. Before the hatch, anglers were catching fish on the east side of the channel, right along the buoys, while trolling with harnesses.

Port Austin Very few lake trout and salmon were reported; those that were, were found in waters over 100 feet deep northeast of the harbor. Smallmouth bass were caught along Bird Creek by anglers casting spinners and tubes.

Harbor Beach: A small number of lake trout, steelhead, and coho salmon were caught in 90 to 130 feet of water east of the harbor using downriggers and spoons. Smallmouth bass were caught inside the harbor by boat anglers casting artificial lures.

Lexington: Smallmouth bass, rock bass, and bluegill anglers had the most success from the docks and along the beach area inside the harbor. Anglers were successful casting small lures and nightcrawlers.

Lake Huron: Due to storms and extreme heat, fishing was at a standstill. A few boats trolled for walleye with crank baits in about 20 feet of water around the lighthouse and towards the west and catching a few fish.

Macomb County: Lake St. Clair saw warming and the weeds becoming taller. Anglers caught bass, walleye, and pike from shore and along the weed beds.

Wayne County: Walleye were caught on the Detroit River with crawler harnesses as well as bottom bouncing.

Monroe County: Channel catfish bite has slowed down in Plum Creek. Anglers reported a few catfish caught throughout their time fishing.   

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Southwest Lower Peninsula

South Haven: Salmon anglers reported moderate success, with the best fishing depth around 70 feet. Anglers caught a few coho salmon and the occasional Chinook salmon. Spoons were responsible for all the catches. Pier fishing for steelhead has been slow, though anglers are catching a few freshwater drum on shrimp.

St. Joseph: Salmon anglers reported a tough week, as the weather kept boats from reaching deeper water. However, some anglers did report catches in 60 to 80 feet of water. Coho salmon and Chinook salmon were reported, with a few steelhead mixed in. Small rotators and flies were working best. Pier fishing remained inconsistent, with a few steelhead being caught on shrimp. Freshwater drum and some catfish were also caught; nightcrawlers and shrimp fished on the bottom produced these catches.

Muskegon: Strong south winds prevented most boats from getting out. Before the winds, salmon fishing was slow. Most of the salmon were caught in 100 to 160 feet of water. Pier anglers caught a few freshwater drum on crankbaits and silver casting spoons.

Grand Haven: Most boats had a difficult time getting out on the water due to the wind. A few salmon were caught in 100 to 180 feet of water. Pier anglers found steelhead action to be slow with the increasing beach temperatures. Freshwater drum action picked up slightly over the past week, with most being caught on green or blue casting spoons.

Clinton County: Fishing was reported slower due to the cooler weather. Channel catfish and panfish were reported on Park Lake as well as bass and panfish on Round Lake.

Eaton County: Panfish bite still steady with bobbers and worms on inland lakes and bass prevalent on the Grand River.

Calhoun County: Panfish were caught in good numbers on lakes and rivers. Reports from anglers of smallmouth bass being caught more frequently on the Kalamazoo River. Smallmouth bass on the Kalamazoo River were plentiful. Panfish were reported on Nottawa Lake.

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Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan: Lake Huron boat anglers targeted lake trout at Poe Reef and Reynolds Reef, with most boats catching their limit. The best depths were reported between 60 and 90 feet. Spin-N-Glos with attractors were the most successful. In the Cheboygan River, boat anglers targeting walleye were most successful an hour before and after sunrise. Drifting nightcrawlers was the go-to method for boat anglers. Deep-diving crankbaits and floating nightcrawlers were the best choices for shore anglers targeting walleye. Most walleye were found downstream of the Cheboygan Lock to the Cheboygan DNR Field Station. Anglers also reported catching rock bass and bluegill along the Cheboygan River.

Tawas/Au Gres: Walleye were reported caught by anglers trolling night crawler harnesses in 40 feet of water in the vicinity of Gravelly Shoals. Anglers reported catching anywhere from 1 to 3 Walleye per boat. In Tawas, a few anglers fished the Charity Islands for walleye but had little success. In Au Gres, fishing remained good, with anglers reporting catches of walleye and yellow perch. Sheepshead were also caught while trolling with suckers, white bass and catfish reported as well.

Oscoda/Au Sable: Anglers fishing offshore still found good numbers of lake trout, although the fish have moved into deeper water. Those targeting silver fish offshore found some success in 50 to 70 feet of water, 30 to 40 feet down, while trolling spoons. A handful of Atlantic salmon and steelhead were taken. Walleye fishing in the Au Sable seemed to cool off this week; however, a few walleye were reported by anglers trolling Flicker Shads and drifting crawlers. Anglers targeting channel catfish off the catwalk or pierhead found moderate success using crawlers and cut bait on the bottom.

Harrisville: Lake trout were caught in 70 to 100 feet of water while targeting the bottom. More silver fish were caught this week than in the previous few weeks, with Atlantic salmon, steelhead, and a couple of Chinook salmon taken on spoons.

Rogers City:  Lake trout fishing remained strong, with many anglers reporting limits. As nearshore waters continue to warm, fish are beginning to move farther out. Lake trout were concentrated around rocky, structured areas, where gobies—one of their preferred food sources—are abundant. Anglers found success in 50 to 80 feet of water. Dodgers paired with Spin-N-Glos, or cowbells with Spin-N-Glos, were among the most effective setups. Fish have also been caught higher in the water column, particularly on regular-sized spoons. Productive spoon colors include green, orange, and blue, often paired with silver, orange, or green accents. Popular fishing areas include straight out from the harbor, west toward Forty Mile Point, and south toward Swan Bay and Adam’s Point.

Presque Isle: Lake trout were still being caught in good numbers, with many anglers reporting limits. Productive areas included fishing straight out from the harbor between the two lighthouses, as well as around Black Point and North Bay. Most lake trout were caught from mid-water depth down to the bottom. Anglers also picked up the occasional silver fish, including Chinook salmon, steelhead, coho salmon, and Atlantic salmon. These fish hit higher in the water column, from mid-depth to the surface. Regular-sized spoons are worked best. Productive color combinations include green, orange, blue, and chartreuse, often paired with silver, yellow, or additional green or orange accents.

Clare County: Anglers caught very good numbers of panfish on Budd Lake. The live bait of choice were waxworms along with small, soft plastic minnows for panfish.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula

Little Traverse Bay: Fishing pressure along the Bear River continued to decrease, with only limited reports of smallmouth bass and walleye. Some fish were caught later in the day using jig heads and brightly colored spinners. Anglers had some success targeting smallmouth bass in 7 to 14 feet of water on the Harbor Springs side of the bay, using bottom-oriented rigs and deep-diving swimbaits.

West Grand Traverse Bay: Poor weather conditions this past weekend kept most anglers off the bay. However, those who did make it out were catching smallmouth bass in 3 to 10 feet of water using drop shots and swimbaits.

East Grand Traverse Bay: Smallmouth bass continued to be caught throughout the bay, though most anglers reported tough fishing conditions due to the windy weather. Those who did find success were casting swimbaits in 3 to 8 feet of water. A few days of strong south winds caused significant fluctuations in water temperatures, which ranged from 47 to 67 degrees, depending on location. Smallmouth bass were also caught in the Elk River by anglers casting swimbaits or drifting worms along the bottom.

Manistee: Fishing was slow overall, but a few king salmon, lake trout, and coho were caught south of town in 100 to 350 feet of water, with most fish coming 50 to 80 feet down on spoons. The fish were scattered and mostly small. On the piers, anglers reported catching sheepshead, bowfin, bass, and pike using body baits and crawlers

Ludington: Strong winds and rough wave conditions over the weekend kept most anglers off the lake. Fishing remained hit or miss, with a few scattered king salmon and some lake trout caught near Big Sable Point in 140 to 300 feet of water, while trolling 40 to 80 feet down with spoons.

Leland: This week’s weather kept fishing activity to a minimum. Strong south winds pushed warmer water into the surrounding areas, with surface temperatures recorded at 59 degrees and 54 degrees at 120 feet of depth. Boat anglers who attempted trolling after the storm reported very few marks on their fish finders and no success in landing any fish. Prior to the storm, anglers had found success jigging for cisco in front of Whaleback.

Charlevoix: Fishing pressure along the Pine River Channel continued to decline, with only limited reports of cisco. Some cisco were caught early in the morning by casting 1 ounce gold, bronze, or silver spoons. Boat anglers reported some success trolling for lake trout in 100 to 150 feet of water around Fisherman’s Island and over elevated humps along the 30-degree line south of Beaver Island.

Frankfort/Lake Michigan: High winds and a small craft advisory over the weekend kept nearly all anglers off the big lake. However, those who made it out reported light catches in 160 to 220 feet of water, fishing 50 to 80 feet down using spoons. Anglers using alewives on the north pier landed a few Chinook salmon and brown trout.

Benzie County: Lake trout, steelhead and Chinook salmon were caught out of Frankfort Harbor. Inland lakes in Benzie County produced bass and rock bass catches.

Wexford County: Fishing was reported decent on Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell. Reports of lakes being very weedy, but anglers caught pan fish in good numbers.

Manistee County: Salmon and lake trout were reported being caught on Lake Michigan.

Oceana County: Panfish were found to be hit or miss on the inland lakes, mostly due to the unusually cold temperatures for this time of year.

Newaygo County: Inland lakes saw more bluegill as water temperatures finally started to warm.

Mecosta County: Walleye have been slow on the Muskegon River for the month of June.  Panfish and bass are picking up on inland lakes with warmer water temperatures.

Osceola County: Panfish were found on beds and the smallmouth bass bite was reported very good.

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Upper Peninsula

St. Ignace: There were no reports of lake trout last week due to inclement weather. When conditions improved, anglers tried trolling spoons or Spin-N-Glos along the northwest and west sides of Mackinac Island at depths between 50 and 80 feet. No salmon were reported. At the Carp River, undersized walleye were caught while floating leeches. At the Pine River, walleye anglers caught at least one fish when trolling nightcrawler harnesses or floating nightcrawlers and leeches. Most boat anglers spent their time near the mouth of the river. Shore anglers also floated leeches, with reports of walleye biting throughout the day. In addition, rock bass, perch, and bullheads were caught by anglers targeting walleye.

Grand Marais: The lake trout bite remained steady for boat anglers trolling and jigging at deeper depths. Boat anglers also reported catching some northern pike in West Bay. Fishing pressure on the break wall slowed down significantly, but the few anglers who fished there reported catching lake whitefish and round whitefish.

Ontonagon River: Fishing efforts on the river were strong over the past week, with walleye reportedly caught in fair numbers. Recent rainfall had left the river cloudy, which slowed fish activity. Most anglers preferred trolling, although some also found success jigging.

Ontonagon/Silver City/Union Bay: Angling efforts from Ontonagon were fair over the past week, while Union Bay and Silver City saw less activity. Recent catches consisted primarily of lake trout, with occasional coho salmon mixed in. These fish were caught by anglers trolling at various depths.

Black River Harbor: Fishing efforts out of the harbor were low over the past week. Reported catches consisted of coho salmon and lake trout in low numbers. Anglers found the best success when trolling across a variety of water depths.

Little Bay de Noc: Walleye anglers reported some success casting jerk baits, using electronics to position their lures close to target fish. Anglers also caught walleye slow-trolling crawler harnesses near drop-offs. Perch anglers found success near reefs and river mouths, as well as locating schools along the deep sides of drop-offs and roaming in basin-like areas.

Big Bay de Noc: Walleye anglers reported slow fishing, but noted large-sized catches. Smallmouth bass anglers reported good fishing with soft plastics. Some anglers noted using a drop-shot rig caught many fish this week, with natural colors being the most productive.

Keweenaw Bay/ Huron Bay: Anglers reported catching good numbers of coho salmon as well as an occasional Chinook salmon in the last week. These were caught trolling spoons and flasher/flies in the upper 50 feet of the water column. Those fishing for lake trout were successful when trolling and jigging both natural and artificial presentations in 50 to 150 feet of water.

Marquette: There were very few anglers around Marquette this week due to heat, wind, and thunderstorms. The coho salmon and Chinook salmon bite remained very slow, with only a few coho salmon reported caught but none seen firsthand. Anglers trolling for lake trout east of the White Rocks toward Granite Island reported catching lake trout high in the water column, in 100 to 130 feet of water. Most of the lake trout were caught around 25 feet down on 5-color spoons.

Au Train: Only one angler report was received in Au Train. This angler had a limit of lake trout in two and a half hours, trolling for lake trout in around 120 to 150 feet deep Northeast of Au Train Island, out in the flats.

Traverse Bay/Portage Entry: Anglers reported catches of lake trout and whitefish while jigging between 80 and 150 feet of water. Anglers reported greater success when using natural bait. Anglers trolling spoons and flasher/flies caught lake trout as well as coho salmon and Chinook salmon. They had the most success in 60 to 90 feet of water.

Les Cheneaux Islands/DeTour: Anglers in Hessel caught perch using worms, minnows, and leeches. Smallmouth bass were also caught off the pier. Boat anglers reported good numbers of smallmouth bass and pike in the shallows of Cedarville and Hessel. In Detour, anglers had success with lake trout when jigging and trolling in the shallows at depths of 80 to 120 feet. Atlantic salmon and Chinook salmon were targeted trolling near the lighthouse. Atlantic salmon were caught on 3-color lead core lines and in the top 20 feet of the water column.

Munising: Anglers fishing off the pier on the mouth of the Anna River had success on splake and northern pike using spoons and spinners. Boat anglers reported a slow bite but did catch some Chinook salmon and lake trout trolling near Grand Island.

UP counties: Walleye and panfish were caught on inland lakes. Walleye and bass were caught at the head of Little Bay de Noc. Salmon and steelhead were caught on Lake Michigan. The St. Mary’s River near DeTour and Drummond Island saw good numbers of Atlantic salmon, and smallmouth bass being caught. While numbers were lower, anglers caught good size perch on Big Manistique Lake.

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Fishing tip: Change Up Your Retrieve!

If the bite is slow, don’t be afraid to vary your retrieve speed or add pauses when using lures. Sometimes a sudden stop-and-go motion or a faster retrieve can trigger a reaction strike from hesitant fish. Experimenting with your presentation can turn a quiet outing into a productive one.

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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.