Weekly Fishing Report
July 25, 2013
Weekly Fishing Tip: Great places to target muskellunge in Michigan
Are you interested in targeting muskellunge this summer? Many anglers would place the four water bodies listed on their lists of top spots to visit.
1. Tahquamenon River in Luce County
From below Tahquamenon Falls all the way to Lake Superior produces great muskie fishing.
2. Thornapple Lake in Barry County
Muskies can be found on the east or west ends of the lake. Please note there’s a 50-inch minimum size limit on this lake.
3. Skegemog Lake in Kalkaska County
A good spot to focus on here is the edges of a deep hole that’s off of the entrance to Elk Lake.
4. Lake St. Clair in St. Clair County
Lots of inlets and outlets on this lake provide ideal conditions for muskies.
Don’t forget a non-transferrable Muskellunge Harvest Tag is required to harvest any muskellunge in Michigan. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/muskie.
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
Cooler temperatures will be good for both fish and anglers. Walleye fishing continues to be good in Saginaw Bay and around the Thumb. Inland lakes and rivers are producing bass, pike and panfish.
Lake Erie: The majority of limit catches for walleye have come in deeper waters around West Sister Island which is in Ohio waters. Those fishing in Michigan waters were still taking a fair number of fish when trolling or drifting harnesses and spoons between the Banana Dike and the Bell Buoy or between the Dumping Grounds and the E Buoy. Hot colors were purple, fire-tiger or a perch pattern. The smallmouth bass fishing has been great in 12 to 14 feet of water throughout Brest Bay and the Raisin River Channel.
Detroit River: Was producing some walleye in the lower river between Humbug Island and Celeron Island. Most anglers were using jigs with crawlers. Walleye and smallmouth bass were caught in the Livingston Channel.
Lake St. Clair: Has very good smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers are finding bigger fish in the deeper water. Try the mid-lake area on the Michigan side in waters more than 15 feet deep. Walleye fishing was spotty but some managed to take limit catches when trolling crawler harnesses along the shipping channel and south of Huron Point in water more than 17 feet deep. Muskie fishing was good. Anglers are reminded that warm water temperatures in the lake can result in stressed fish so it is important to limit the time a muskie is out of the water when practicing catch and release. A few yellow perch showed up in Anchor Bay however catch rates were not consistent. Sturgeon season is now open on both Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River. Sturgeon anglers need to obtain a free non-transferable Lake Sturgeon Tag from a license vendor before they go sturgeon fishing.
St. Clair River: Walleye fishing was spotty for the most part. Smallmouth bass were starting to move up into the channels where water temperatures were in the mid-70’s. White bass have slowed down, but walleye anglers are still catching them when jigging or trolling in the delta channels.
Lexington: Has seen a good number of pleasure boats out and about. Pier anglers caught bluegill and rock bass.
Port Sanilac: Catch rates for perch were spotty in 15 to 40 feet of water. Those that caught fish were drifting minnows on perch rigs until they find the fish, then anchor. Coho and steelhead were caught in 85 to 100 feet. Pier anglers caught a few brown trout and pike in the evening.
Harbor Beach: Some limits of walleye have been caught in 20 to 40 feet of water between Harbor Beach and Port Hope. Try small spoons and body baits with offshore boards or crawler harnesses with crawlers. Even those casting body baits in the early morning or late evening caught walleye. Lake trout action was fair in 95 to 130 feet. Brown trout were caught on bright colored spoons or body baits in 25 to 40 feet. Steelhead are hitting on spoons in the top 50 to 60 feet. Hot colors were blue, silver, green or anything bright. Bass and pike were caught close to shore but perch fishing was slow.
Grindstone City: Walleye fishing off the tip of the Thumb is still very good in 30 to 40 feet of water. Boat and shore anglers caught walleye inside the harbor at night.
Port Austin: Has excellent walleye fishing in 25 to 30 feet of water near Hat Reef and other reefs. Pier anglers caught walleye and catfish in the evening.
Saginaw Bay: The west side is still producing walleye pretty much everywhere including the Spark Plugs, both the Saganing and Pinconning Bars, the Black Hole, off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River, and two to three miles northeast of Spoils Island. On the east side, walleye fishing in the Slots has slowed. Most boats from Quanicassee, Sebewaing and Bay Port are crossing The Bar and heading to deeper water on the other side. For those that do not want to go that far, walleye are being caught along the edge of the weed beds in Wildfowl Bay. At Caseville, boats are doing well off Oak Point, north of the Charity Islands, and the reefs between Caseville and Port Crescent State Park.
Saginaw River: Small boats trolling Hot-n-Tots in the lower river are still getting some walleye. Shore anglers at Smith Park in Essexville caught bass and catfish.
Shiawassee River: Is producing a few bass that were keepers. Small panfish have been caught in the backwaters.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Is producing the occasional steelhead or perch but overall fishing was slow. Boat anglers managed to catch a few salmon in 100 feet of water when using spoons. A few perch were caught south of the piers in 25 feet. Pier fishing was slow.
South Haven: Perch fishing was still good with decent catches in waters as shallow as 18 feet or as deep as 30 feet north or south of the piers. Boat anglers said fishing was a challenge for trout and salmon. Those that were lucky enough to catch fish did so when trolling spoons in waters 120 feet or deeper.
Kalamazoo River: Is producing a few walleye up near the Allegan Dam.
Holland: Salmon have been caught in 120 to 170 feet although the action was best in 120 to 140 feet. Downriggers were set at 60 to 110 feet. Anglers are using 250 coppers. More fish were caught on flies than spoons. Warm water around the piers has limited fishing. No perch to report.
Grand Haven: Anglers are catching salmon in 70 to 200 feet of water however they did best in 125 to 180 feet. A good number of salmon were more than 20 pounds. Downriggers were 45 to 95 feet with 150, 225 or 300 coppers. Use small spoons in blue, yellow, orange or blue and green. Fish were also caught on white paddles with mirage flies. Pier anglers were casting for smallmouth bass. No perch to report.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is producing catfish for those fishing off the bridges. Flatheads up to 35 and 40 pounds have been caught. Most are using suckers, bluegills or fresh cut bait. A fair to good number of pike were caught on sucker minnows. Smallmouth bass are hitting on tube baits, crank baits, crawlers, leeches and soft shell crabs. Millennium Park was good for bass and bluegills. Those fishing up near the dam have caught the occasional summer steelhead.
Grand River at Lansing: Those fishing below any of the dams have caught channel catfish and smallmouth bass. Look for bluegill and crappie in the backwaters.
Looking Glass River: Is producing some pike and bowfin. Anglers will also find largemouth bass, bluegill and the occasional perch.
Muskrat Lake: Was producing some crappie.
Maple River: Is producing some catfish and the occasional walleye.
Reeds Lake: Anglers caught some nice largemouth bass when using top water baits. Blue or white with chartreuse was a good color.
Muskegon River: Is producing a good number of smallmouth bass for those casting spinners, tube baits or poppers along the rocks and near the drops. Walleye fishing was steady with some limit catches taken in Hardy Pond.
Whitehall: Most anglers have caught Chinook and coho along with the occasional lake trout or steelhead west of the pier, out from Duck Lake and several miles to the north. Try 50 to 60 feet down in 100 to 150 feet of water. Lake trout were 80 feet down. Pier anglers caught bass on crawlers and wax worms.
White Lake: Walleye fishing has picked up. For salmon, the hot colors were green, blue, orange or anything that glows.
NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Mullett Lake: Was producing some walleye.
Rogers City: The fish were scattered after the wind but try Seagull Point, Forty Mile Point, the State Park, Calcite Harbor, Swan Bay and Adams Point. Target 50 to 130 feet of water with downriggers, dipsey’s and lead core off planer boards. Put the downriggers about halfway down or look for the thermocline. Good colors were green, blue, black, purple, yellow, orange or anything that glows. Darker colors seem to work better in the warm water.
Presque Isle: Head straight out, north between the lighthouses or south towards Stoneport while looking for structure and baitfish. Set downriggers about halfway down in 50 to 130 feet. Use the same colors as Rogers City. Anything that glows or dark colors seem to work better early and late.
Rockport: Anglers are fishing anywhere from Stoneport down towards the wreck and taking a mixed bag of Chinook, steelhead, lake trout and walleye. Look for salmon in the top 50 feet of waters 80 to 120 feet deep. Walleye anglers are catching fish on crawler harnesses and body baits. Purple was the hot color.
Grand Lake: Was producing some walleye. Try drifting or slow trolling crawler harnesses with bright colored blades around Grand Island.
Alpena: Those fishing Thunder Bay are heading out to deeper water for walleye. Fish have been caught in waters 20 to 50 feet deep near Sulphur Island, Scarecrow Island and North Point. Most are running crawler harnesses and reef runners. Hot colors were pink, purple and chartreuse. Lake trout were caught out further around Thunder Bay Island, the Nordmere Wreck and the Humps. Some caught the occasional steelhead or brown trout.
Thunder Bay River: Has smallmouth bass and freshwater drum.
Harrisville: Anglers found salmon, steelhead, lake trout and walleye all at the same depth. Boats targeting trout and salmon have caught a few walleye. Lake trout were suspended in 80 to 100 feet. Salmon and steelhead were either in closer or out further. Most are using spoons, flies, cut bait or body baits.
Oscoda: Is producing salmon, steelhead, lake trout and a good number of walleye. They are fishing 80 to 150 feet of water with spoons, flies, wobble glows and cut bait. As the water turns over and cooler waters move closer to shore, it will not be long before fish start moving into the river.
Tawas: Those walleye fishing in the bay were heading toward Alabaster and fishing in 30 to 50 feet of water. Walleye anglers also caught several steelhead when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses. Pier anglers caught large and smallmouth bass, rock bass and a couple small perch outside the wall.
Au Gres: Walleye have been caught on the north side of Big Charity Island in 20 to 30 feet of water. Limit catches are still taking place beyond Pointe Au Gres, along the inner bay north of Buoys 1 & 2 and off Point Lookout in 40 feet of water.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: No sign of salmon yet but lake trout have been caught 80 to 100 feet down near Harbor Point. Some were keepers and some were not. Lake trout were also caught near 5-Mile Point.
Petoskey: Those fishing from the D Pier which is near the mouth of the river have caught bluegill and freshwater drum on crawlers and spinners. Small perch were caught inside the piers.
Bear River: Water levels were still quite low. Those fishing for steelhead have not had much luck.
Charlevoix: Angler effort for trout and salmon is starting to pick up. Boat anglers caught lake trout 65 feet down near the can at the Cement Plant and off North Point. Spin-glows worked best. The size of the lake trout is starting to increase. A few salmon were caught however the fish range from a couple pounds all the up to 22 pounds. Try straight out from the channel with spoons or meat rigs 60 to 80 feet down in 120 to 200 feet of water. The last thermocline was between 60 and 70 feet. Lots of smallmouth bass were caught in the channel when using crawlers or leeches.
Traverse City: Lake trout and cisco were caught in 60 to 120 feet of water in the East Bay. A few salmon are beginning to arrive. Smallmouth bass fishing was steady for those using tube baits and plastics near the drop-off in 20 to 40 feet. In the West Bay, lake trout were taken by those trolling or jigging in waters 50 to 120 feet deep. Salmon fishing was limited as the fish are just starting to come in. Smallmouth bass were caught along the drop-off in 30 feet.
Elk River: Had fair smallmouth action however some of the fish caught were good size. Try early morning with leeches, crayfish or scented plastic baits.
Boardman River: Had slow fishing except for a couple smallmouth bass or rock bass taken on crawlers, crank baits or spinner baits.
Frankfort: Chinook are hitting throughout the area with early morning the best when fishing 55 to 85 feet down in 120 to 220 feet of water. The number of fish is down a bit for now but is increasing daily and the size of fish being caught is impressive with several fish in the mid-to-high twenties. Fish are actually breaking lines and straightening swivels so make sure you rig for big fish. Many are using blue and orange magnum spoons early and switching to UV spoons after daylight. Lake trout are hitting on spin-glows bounced off the bottom in 70 to 90 feet.
Onekama: Those fishing the “Barrel” are taking Chinook salmon early and lake trout throughout the day. The Chinook are 50 to 90 feet down in 175 to 250 feet and hitting on UV spoons. Those bouncing spin-glows off the bottom caught lake trout.
Portage Lake: Bass anglers are having some trouble landing the big ones but the bite is good for this time of year. Several large and smallmouth more than four pounds have been reported. Perch are hitting crawlers along the weed beds. Those fishing in the early morning caught bluegill, rock bass and pumpkinseed.
Lake Missaukee: Anglers caught bluegill, pike and bass.
Manistee: When boats can get out, anglers caught salmon near the Ledge and beyond. Try green or glow spoons 30 to 70 feet down in 80 to 160 feet. Coho and steelhead were caught on orange spoons.
Manistee River: Bass were still hitting on crawlers, crayfish, tube baits or plastics. Those fishing the Little Manistee have caught a few salmon.
Ludington: Is producing Chinook about halfway down in waters 60 to 120 feet deep. Use spoons, meat rigs and flies. Hot colors were green, orange or glow. Steelhead and coho were hitting on orange spoons in the top 60 feet.
Pere Marquette River: Is producing a fair to good number of brown trout especially for those fly fishing.
Pentwater: Boat anglers caught salmon in shallow waters 60 to 70 feet deep in the early morning. Some are fishing 50 to 70 feet down in 100 to 120 feet of water near the Silver Lake sand dunes and off the point. They caught a mix of Chinook, coho, steelhead and lake trout.
UPPER PENINSULA
Marquette: Anglers are fishing in 160 to 200 feet of water between the White Rocks and Granite Island. Fish were also caught in 180 feet near the Sand Hole. A couple Chinook salmon were taken in 50 feet or less near the upper harbor and towards Shot Point. Water temperatures were in the low to upper 50’s.
Menominee: Anglers are still waiting for the salmon to start biting. Those fishing out near Washington Island and beyond were lucky to catch one fish.
Menominee River: Walleye are still being caught but many were on the small side. Anglers are catching smallmouth bass, pike and freshwater drum.
Cedar River: Has good smallmouth bass fishing but many were small.
Little Bay De Noc: Walleye fishing was fair. Anglers did best along the “Black Bottom” when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses in 18 to 25 feet. Fish were also caught along the reefs near Kipling in 20 to 30 feet. Perch were caught near Kipling in eight to 14 feet however most of the fish were small. Pike were hitting on spinners in 17 to 25 feet between the Day’s River and Brach’s Cabins. A few smallmouth bass were caught off the mouth of the Ford River by those casting spinners or tube baits in 10 to 15 feet. Salmon were caught 30 to 40 feet down in 50 to 60 feet of water near the Ford River Can.
Big Bay De Noc: Anglers are still taking a fair number of smallmouth bass in Nahma, Kate’s Bay and Garden Bay. Use crank baits, spinners or plastics in 14 to 22 feet of water or go shallow along the weed beds. A few perch were caught in Garden Bay and Fayette Harbor. Most are drifting or still-fishing crawlers in eight to 16 feet of water. Off Fairport, Chinook were caught 30 to 60 feet down in 50 to 110 feet of water when trolling spoons or cut bait.
Manistique Lake: Anglers have caught walleye and pike.
Au Train: Had fair lake trout action with anglers taking three to six fish per boat. Surface water temperatures are in the mid to upper 50’s as opposed to last year at this time when water temperatures were close to 70 degrees.
Munising: Most were fishing early for lake trout in Munising Bay, Trout Bay and Murray’s Bay in waters less than 100 feet deep. Fish up to nine pounds were reported but overall the bite was slow. Pier fishing was light as catch rates for splake were slow.
Grand Marais: Pier anglers targeting whitefish in the early morning were not having much success as most of the fish were in the nine to 12 inch range. Most are still-fishing with a single egg in the early morning or evening. When boats can get out, lake trout were caught five to seven miles north of the bay and the shipping channel in 150 to 250 feet of water. Pike fishing was slow.
St. Mary’s River: Fly hatches were moderate in Raber Bay. A few walleye were caught at Raber Point and Carlton Creek. Most are trolling crawler harnesses near the weed beds in 12 feet of water.
DeTour: Those heading out to the red and green cans or around the lighthouses have caught Chinook and lake trout in the early morning. Try spoons in colors like white with orange dots, green and gold, blue and silver, yellow, green or white. Lake herring and a few
whitefish were on the east side of Long Island.
Drummond Island: Has good walleye fishing in Maxton Bay. Fish were caught in the evening until dark in eight feet of water near Bay Island which is just south of James Island. Most are trolling pencil plugs. Walleye and smallmouth bass were caught in 12 feet of water on the northwest side of Peck Island. Most are jigging crawlers and tube jigs. Pike were caught in six to eight feet around Grape Island in the early morning. Lake herring were still being caught near long Island, Maple Island and Butterfield in 27 to 30 feet of water. The bite may not last much longer as the fly hatches are slowing down.
Cedarville and Hessel: Anglers are still taking a limited number of perch in Hessel Bay, Musky Bay, Cedarville Bay, Snows Channel and the Middle Entrance. Good numbers of pike and bass have also been caught.
St. Ignace: Boat anglers are fishing the backside of Mackinaw Island for trout and salmon. Most are trolling in 150 feet of water.
Comments(1)