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Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie: Yellow perch fishing was not yet in full swing. Anglers found success in the mouth of the River Raisin and near the Luna Pier Lighthouse, with both areas being around 18 feet of water. Anglers fishing near the lighthouse had slightly better success. Anglers reported minnows were not as effective as usual, while crawlers produced comparable results for catching perch this week. Gold-colored perch harnesses seemed to be the most productive.

Walleye fishing remained slow in Michigan waters, although a few boat anglers reported good catches directly along the Michigan-Ohio border east of the Sterling launch while using crawler harnesses.

Lower Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing slowed down, though some walleye were still caught 3 to 4 miles northeast of Spoils Island. Anglers launched from Gambill's Landing and Pinconning Park, trolling between the Pinconning Bar and Saganing Bar in 15 to 17 feet of water.

Yellow perch fishing was still slow. Success remained limited, as it is still early, but fishing was expected to improve over the next couple of weeks.

Eastern Saginaw Bay: Walleye fishing slowed down. Anglers continued to fish from the slot to the shipping channel, trolling both nightcrawler harnesses and flicker shads with inconsistent success. The best report received over the past week came from anglers trolling nightcrawler harnesses later in the evening near the spark plug buoy in the shipping channel, which produced some better walleye catches. That was all the information available for the week, as many anglers began gearing up and waiting for a more promising perch report.

Wayne County: The bite slowed down significantly across the county. 

Monroe County: There were some reports of yellow perch caught southeast of Bolles Harbor near the Ohio line using minnows. Fish numbers were low, but one angler reported quality-sized fish.

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Southwest Lower Peninsula

Muskegon: Boat anglers found salmon from the breakwalls out to 90 feet of water. Anglers had the most success in the top 60 feet of the water column, with green and orange spoons producing the best results. A few salmon were also caught on glow plugs during the early morning hours. Pier anglers casting spoons or jigs reported catching a few Chinook salmon during low light conditions.

Grand Haven: The recent winds cooled the water temperatures back down. The best action was from the pierheads out to 80 feet of water. Glow spoons produced well, along with a few glow plugs. Pier anglers reported catching a few salmon and steelhead while using alewives or casting spoons.

South Haven: Boat anglers found salmon, along with a few steelhead, 30 to 70 feet down in 70 to 110 feet of water. Green spoons and flies produced well. Pier anglers reported steelhead action as slow.

St. Joseph: Salmon and steelhead were caught 30 to 75 feet down in 65 to 100 feet of water. A mix of glow spoons and green flies produced decent numbers of salmon. Pier anglers casting spoons in the channel reported catching a few freshwater drum. A couple of steelhead were also caught on shrimp fished under a bobber.

Calhoun County: Panfish anglers on the Kalamazoo River above the Marshall Power Dam reported great fishing.

Eaton County: Panfish angling was good with crawlers and gulp minnows being the most successful on Narrow Lake.

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Northeast Lower Peninsula

Tawas/Au Gres: Anglers reported tough walleye fishing from Standish to Tawas. Some boat anglers returned with fish, but anglers had to stay out all day to catch them. Most walleye were caught on night crawler harnesses in 10 to 14 feet of water south of Point Au Gres. Anglers also caught many white perch, white bass, undersized walleye, and the occasional freshwater drum and channel catfish. Early morning and late evening seemed to be the most productive times of day to fish.

Alpena: Walleye fishing was reported as slow. A few walleye were caught while targeting 25 to 40 feet of water using crawlers and crankbaits. Anglers fishing in Little Bay reported catching lake trout, steelhead, salmon, and the occasional walleye in 90 to 160 feet of water. Flashers fished near the bottom, as well as white, chartreuse, and green spoons, produced the best results. Blue, watermelon, and orange spoons worked well for steelhead in the top 20 feet of the water column, while salmon were caught in the middle of the water column. No activity was observed on the pier.

Thunder Bay River: Walleye fishing was reported as slow, with only a few fish caught on crawlers and leeches. Smallmouth bass and northern pike were caught while casting spinnerbaits and soft plastics. Catfish continued to be caught in good numbers while fishing cut bait and crawlers along the bottom.

Rockport: Anglers did well on lake trout when targeting 110 to 160 feet of water. White and chartreuse flashers and Spin-N-Glos worked well near the bottom of the water column. Steelhead were still found in the top 20 feet of the water column, with gold, green, and orange spoons producing the best results. A few coho salmon and Chinook salmon were caught while fishing the middle of the water column, with green, blue, and black-and-white spoons working best.

Walleye anglers reported fish being scattered in 30 to 100 feet of water. Deep-diving crankbaits, as well as standard-size spoons, produced mixed results between Stoneport and Belle Bay.

Cheboygan: Lake trout and the occasional walleye were caught off Bois Blanc Island and on all major reefs, including Poe Reef, Reynolds Reef, and Spectacle Reef. Lake trout anglers trolled spoons, as well as flasher and Spin-N-Glo combinations, throughout the entire water column. Very few Chinook salmon were caught while trolling spoons and flasher-fly combinations.

In the lower Cheboygan River, anglers reported slow catches of smallmouth bass and rock bass. Anglers floating nightcrawlers had the most success. Others caught occasional smallmouth bass using swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and tube jigs.

Oscoda/Au Sable: Lake trout fishing was decent in 140 to 180 feet of water, with spoons and Spin-N-Glos in white, orange, and green producing the best results. A couple of Chinook salmon were caught in shallower water, ranging from 80 to 100 feet. Steelhead were caught in 80 to 140 feet of water on high coppers and lead core. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass from the pier did well using tubes and leeches. Channel catfish were also caught off the catwalk on nightcrawlers fished along the bottom.

Harrisville: Anglers trolling spoons and Spin-N-Glos in 100 to 150 feet of water reported catching lake trout and walleye. The walleye were suspended 20 to 60 feet below the surface. Anglers fishing in 180 to 200 feet of water also reported finding good numbers of lake trout.

Rogers City: Anglers targeted Chinook salmon, but fishing remained slow, with only a few fish being caught. The best reports came from anglers fishing south between Calcite and Adams Point. Productive depths varied, and the best action occurred during the early morning and late evening hours.

Salmon were scattered throughout the water column, so anglers found success by running lines at various depths. Anglers used a variety of regular-size and magnum spoons, meat rigs, J-plugs, and flashers paired with flies or plastic squids. Productive colors included green, blue, white, and glow patterns, especially during low light conditions.

A few lake trout and walleye were mixed in with angler catches. Overall, the bite remained tough over the past week, as salmon numbers did not increase in the area.

Presque Isle: Lake trout fishing was good. Lake trout moved into deeper water unless colder water pushed them closer to shore. Anglers found success fishing areas such as the Hump, the Farm between the two lighthouses, and south toward Presque Isle and Stoneport. Running lines throughout the water column produced the best results, especially for anglers targeting salmon.

Occasional steelhead, Chinook salmon, and coho salmon were also caught. High lines produced many incidental catches of walleye. Anglers used flashers with Spin-N-Glos and Spin-N-Glo flies, along with a variety of regular-size and magnum spoons. Attractors paired with flies and squids were also effective for targeting silver fish. Productive colors included green, blue, black, purple, white, and orange, especially higher in the water column.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula

Manistee: Anglers targeting Chinook salmon found them in 50 to 140 feet of water, straight out and south of the port, while trolling plugs, flasher-fly combinations, and spoons in the top 60 feet of the water column. Steelhead were also mixed in with catches. Anglers fishing the piers for Chinook salmon caught limited numbers while using alewives, casting spoons, and jigging spoons.

Ludington: Chinook salmon were caught to the southwest in 70 to 100 feet of water, northwest in 100 feet of water, and around Big Sable Point in 100 to 120 feet of water. Anglers targeting Chinook salmon focused on the top 50 feet of the water column while using spoons, flasher-fly combinations, meat rigs, and plugs. Anglers targeting Chinook salmon from the piers caught limited numbers while casting crankbaits and spoons. A few freshwater drum were also caught.

Charlevoix: Boat anglers reported the temperature break was around 40 to 60 feet down. Those who had success found salmon while trolling 60 to 80 feet down in 100 to 150 feet of water. Flasher-fly combinations and spoons produced the best results. Pier anglers reported slow but steady smallmouth bass fishing while using natural bait on bottom.

Little Traverse Bay: Boat anglers targeting salmon reported a slow bite while trolling 60 to 80 feet down in waters deeper than 100 feet. Those who found success reported that spoons and the occasional meat rig produced the best results. Anglers targeting lake trout had some success trolling along the bottom near 9-Mile Point and west of Harbor Springs over "the humps."

East Grand Traverse Bay: Anglers fishing out of Elk Rapids caught lake trout while trolling approximately 80 feet down in 100 to 120 feet of water. A few Chinook salmon were also caught. White and green flasher-fly combinations produced the best results. Anglers trolling around Old Mission also caught good numbers of lake trout in 70 to 130 feet of water. Water temperatures throughout the bay hovered between 70 and 73 degrees. Smallmouth bass were also caught in the Elk River.

West Grand Traverse Bay: Chinook salmon were caught by anglers trolling in 100 to 140 feet of water along the west bank just north of Elmwood Marina. Lake trout and the occasional steelhead were also caught. Water temperatures hovered between 69 and 73 degrees.

Leland: Anglers targeting Chinook salmon reported excellent fishing. Anglers who were able to fish near the North Manitou Islands along the east shore started their troll around the docks in 200 to 250 feet of water. The best depths for presenting baits were between 100 and 150 feet of water. Productive baits included blue, green, red, and white spoons, blue and green flasher-fly combinations, and natural or artificial meat rigs.

A few anglers began targeting salmon and trout on First Bank, though reports were mixed regarding successful trips. Shore and pier anglers reported catching small rock bass using worms and bobbers.

Frankfort/Lake Michigan: Very good numbers of Chinook salmon were reported by anglers fishing during the early morning and late evening hours. Anglers trolling in 90 to 220 feet of water and targeting the top 40 to 90 feet reported that spoons produced the most strikes, though plugs also began producing fish. Coho salmon arrived in the area, and anglers reported numerous missed strikes and lost fish. A few coho salmon were successfully landed. Steelhead were reported in the top 30 feet of the water column, with orange spoons producing the best results in deeper water. Anglers jigging in the bay reported light catches during the evening bite.

Onekama/Lake Michigan: Anglers heading straight out and setting up in 160 to 220 feet of water reported catching Chinook salmon, steelhead, lake trout, and coho salmon while targeting the top 80 feet of the water column. The Barrel remained quiet, as most anglers focused their efforts along the drop-offs.

Northport/Suttons Bay: Fishing effort increased as more boat anglers reported fair harvest rates for lake trout. Anglers targeted lake trout while jigging near Stoney Point, Omena Bay, and the surrounding areas of Northport. White and gold small spoons produced the best results. A few trolling anglers targeting salmon who headed out of Suttons Bay on a north troll near shore reported successful trips.

Mecosta County: The bite slowed on inland lakes for anglers targeting panfish. Anglers continued to report catching a few walleye on the Muskegon River.

Newaygo County: Anglers reported success targeting smallmouth bass on the Muskegon River downstream from Croton Dam. Inland lakes were slow for panfish, as fish moved off from their spawning beds.

Oceana County: Lake Michigan fishing was excellent for limits of Chinook salmon and some steelhead around the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, with fish beginning to push north. A drop in water temperatures brought Chinook salmon into shallower water, and anglers began their trolling efforts in 60 feet of water before moving out to 160 feet as the day progressed. Inland fishing remained slow.

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Upper Peninsula

Little Bay de Noc: Walleye anglers reported fair fishing south of Little Bay de Noc and near portions of Green Bay. Shoals adjacent to deep water were the primary areas of focus. Anglers trolling used slim-profile crankbaits and crawler harnesses. Perch anglers reported slow fishing.

Munising: Boat anglers reported a slow bite in the bay and around Grand Island, catching a few splake, Chinook salmon, and lake trout while trolling and jigging. Anglers fishing near the Anna River mouth also reported a very slow bite but managed to catch a few splake on spinners and spoons. Lake trout was reported as hit or miss in Munising area. 

Ontonagon River: The river experienced fair to low angling effort over the past week. Anglers reported catching walleye in varying numbers. Lake sturgeon were also caught by anglers fishing with natural baits. Anglers reported success when trolling and jigging. Shore anglers reported catching low numbers of walleye, rock bass, and lake sturgeon. Early morning hours were the most productive time of day for catching these fish.

Ontonagon/Silver City/Union Bay: Angling effort out of Ontonagon was fair over the past week. Effort from the Silver City and Union Bay access sites was lower in comparison. Anglers reported catching lake trout in fair to good numbers. In addition, some coho salmon and brown trout were caught, though less frequently. Anglers reported trolling in waters ranging from 80 to 180 feet deep to find these fish.

Black River Harbor: Angling effort from the harbor was low over the past week. Reports included fair catches of lake trout. Anglers reported trolling in waters ranging from 80 to 200 feet deep to find these fish. Shore anglers within the harbor boundaries reported occasional catches of white suckers.

St. Ignace: Anglers reported catches of walleye, perch, and rock bass on the Pine River. Walleye were caught while drifting leeches, and low numbers of perch were caught while floating nightcrawlers. At the Carp River cement footing pier and river mouth, minimal catches of smallmouth bass, walleye, and pike were reported. Walleye and smallmouth bass were caught while drifting leeches, while body baits produced results for pike.

Grand Marais: Boat anglers did well on lake trout when trolling and jigging for them. Boat anglers trolling also reported catching a few Coho Salmon.

Manistique: Anglers fished south of Manistique and near the Garden Peninsula, targeting drop-offs and shallow points extending into deeper water. Anglers trolled with planer boards, weighted lines, divers, and downriggers, typically using spoons or flasher-fly combinations. Water temperatures fluctuated significantly throughout the week due to high winds. Anglers reported more bites on lures fished higher in the water column, 60 feet or less.

Marquette: Most anglers began trolling north of White Rocks toward Granite Rock and the Clay Banks in 120 to 160 feet of water or jigging in 80 to 140 feet of water around structure near White Rocks and the surrounding islands of Presque Isle. Anglers caught fish throughout the water column, but the larger lake trout still appeared to be holding deeper, with many found in around 200 feet of water.

Some anglers headed out to Sand River and Shot Point, where they reported decent lake trout fishing. Fish in those areas were found in slightly shallower water, with 120 feet proving to be the most consistent depth.

Au Train: Fishing remained slow due to weather conditions. Anglers stayed around similar depths compared to the previous week, targeting 120 to 180 feet of water. All lake trout caught were reported to be near the bottom of the water column.

Keweenaw Bay/Huron Bay: Anglers reported fair to poor fishing over the past week, with catches consisting of a mixed bag of coho salmon, splake, and lake trout. Anglers also reported catching a few smaller Chinook salmon. Most anglers trolled spoons and flasher-fly combinations, while some jigged for lake trout and reported a fair bite. Most lake trout were caught on natural presentations in waters 150 to 200 feet deep.

Lake Independence, Big Bay: Fishing activity increased more with most anglers primarily targeting walleye. Anglers did best jigging in 10 to 12 feet of water using natural bait.

Traverse Bay/Portage Entry: Anglers trolling near structure in 80 to 120 feet of water reported catching good numbers of lake trout and a few coho salmon while using spoons and flasher-fly combinations. Most fish were caught near the bottom. Anglers jigging for lake trout reported a fair bite while using both natural and artificial baits, with most fish being caught in 100 to 140 feet of water.

District 2 Counties: Walleye, pike, and panfish fishing was slow with not many anglers keeping fish. Atlantic salmon were caught throughout the St. Mary’s River system.

Schoolcraft County: Walleye fishing slowed down on inland lakes. Salmon fishing was reported as good.

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Fishing tip: Fishing deep for post-spawn bluegill

After spawning, bluegills will move to deeper water for the rest of the summer, and larger bluegills can be hard to locate. They can be found living near the top of the thermocline (the layer of water between the deep and surface water), where water temperatures approach 69 degrees. Depending on the lake, this depth usually will be somewhere between 12 and 18 feet.

To locate this depth, either use a lake thermometer, available at most larger tackle stores, or contact the nearest DNR office. If the lake has a public access site, fisheries biologists will have surveyed it and will have a temperature-oxygen profile of the lake. This chart will identify the depth with a temperature near 69 degrees.

Try fishing at this depth, where the 69-degree temperature is close to the bottom – usually at the deep edge of weed beds. Use light line (4-pound test or less) tipped with a white ice-fishing teardrop jig baited with a wax worm. Some anglers use slip bobbers, while others fish European-style with very long fiberglass poles. Early morning and dusk are most productive.

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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 nearly 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.