09-27-2007, 09:24 AM
Upper Peninsula:[/url]
Anglers on Copper Harbor are catching a few splake.
The walleye fishing is improving on Lake Gogebic. The best fishing is found on the north and south ends of the lake, in water ten to 15 feet deep. The perch and smallmouth bass fishing on the lake is fair.
Around Marquette, the salmon fishing is fair to good on the Carp and Dead rivers. The best fishing is found at the mouths of the rivers. Anglers on the Upper Marquette and Lower Marquette harbors are catching a few salmon and lake trout, when the weather allows boaters to get out. The perch and walleye fishing ranges from fair to good on both Little and Independence lakes.
Out of the Escanaba area, the smallmouth bass and pike fishing is fair on Little Bay de Noc. The walleye action has been slow for the most part this past week, the exception being near the mouth of the Cedar River. Anglers trolling at night are reeling in good numbers of marble eyes. The salmon fishing is fair near the mouth of the Ford River.
By Manistique, the salmon and steelhead fishing is good on the Manistique River. The perch fishing ranges from fair to good on Indian Lake. In the Sault Ste. Marie area, the perch fishing is improving on the St. Marys River. The walleye fishing is fair to good and the perch action is fair.
On Munuscong and Raber bays, the walleye fishing is very good. The pike and musky action is improving.
By Drummond Island, the perch fishing is good on Maxton, Scott, and Whitney bays, in water 17 to 22 feet deep. The bass fishing is fair on the bays and anglers are also reeling in an occasional pike.
And at St. Ignace, fishing activity this week is slow.
Northwest:[/url]
Out on Little Traverse Bay near by Harbor Springs the salmon fishing is fair.
By Boyne City, the perch fishing is good on Lake Charlevoix. Both minnows and wigglers are being used as bait. The salmon action is good on both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. The salmon fishing in the Boyne River is fair.
East Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City is producing some very good whitefish fishing. Anglers are using jigs. The salmon fishing is fair on both the east and west arms of Grand Traverse Bay. Anglers along the Boardman River are catching a few salmon. The bass fishing is good on Lake Ann and Cedar Lake.
The Betsie and Platte rivers near Frankfort are producing some very good salmon fishing. The salmon fishing on Lake Michigan is fair, when the weather allows anglers to get out.
Anglers on Manistee Lake by Manistee are catching good numbers of salmon. The salmon fishing is fair along the Big Manistee River. The salmon action on Lake Michigan is slow, mainly because strong winds have been keeping anglers off the lake.
In the Kalkaska area, the smallmouth bass fishing is good on Lake Skegemog. The bass are mainly hitting on spinner baits. Anglers on Lake Bellaire are catching good numbers of perch and walleye.
Around Gaylord, the trout fishing is very good on sections of the Au Sable, Black, Manistee, Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers. On Otsego and Bradford lakes, anglers are reeling in a few bass and walleye.
And at Cadillac, the pike fishing is good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The northerns are mainly hitting on spinner baits. The smallmouth bass fishing is improving on both lakes. Anglers on Lake Cadillac are catching a few smallmouth bass. The bluegill fishing is fair on both lakes.
West:[/url]
Lake Michigan near Ludington is producing excellent salmon fishing. The best fishing is found in water about 60 feet deep. The salmon fishing is very good on the Pere Marquette River.
Out of the Pentwater area, the salmon and steelhead fishing is fair on Lake Michigan, when the weather allows anglers to get out. A few salmon have moved into the Pentwater River.
Around Muskegon, the salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. The fish are found 60 to 80 feet below the surface in water up to 140 feet deep. The salmon fishing ranges from fair to good on the Muskegon and White rivers. The bluegill fishing is fair on Muskegon Lake, with the best fishing found along the edges of the weed beds in the lake.
And at Baldwin, the bluegill fishing is spotty on the inland lakes. Anglers along the Pere Marquette River are catching a few salmon. The water levels in the river are low, and that is limiting the fishing action.
Southwest:[/url]
In the Holland area, the perch and salmon fishing is fair off the pier on Lake Michigan. Out on Lake Macatawa anglers are catching a few bluegill and an occasional walleye.
By Benton Harbor, the salmon fishing ranges from slow to fair on the St. Joseph River.
Around New Buffalo, the salmon and largemouth bass fishing is fair on the Galien River. On Lake Michigan, the perch action is fair.
Out of the Kalamazoo area, the smallmouth bass fishing is very good on Morrow Lake. The bass are hitting on both crank and spinner baits. The bluegill fishing is good on both Cora and Little Paw Paw lakes. The largemouth bass fishing ranges from fair to good on Austin Lake. Base Line Lake is producing fair crappie fishing. Anglers along the Kalamazoo River, by the Allegan Dam, are reeling in a few salmon and steelhead.
And at Three Rivers, the bluegill, crappie and perch fishing ranges from fair to good on both Corey and Long lakes. Anglers on Clear Lake are catching a few bluegill and crappie. Harwood Lake is producing fair bluegill, crappie and perch fishing.
Northeast:[/url]
By Alpena, the salmon fishing is fair along the Thunder Bay River, with the best fishing found near the Ninth Street Dam. During the morning hours, anglers on Hubbard Lake are catching a few perch, with minnows being the preferred bait.
Out of the Grayling area, the walleye fishing is fair on Lake Margrethe. Try targeting water 14 to 18 feet deep, and both crawlers and minnows are being use as bait. The bluegill and perch fishing is improving. Anglers on Frog Lake are catching a few bass and perch. The panfish and bass fishing on Section One Lake ranges from fair to good.
Van Etten Lake near Oscoda is producing some very good perch fishing. The bluegill, catfish, pike and smallmouth bass fishing is good on both Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds. Anglers along the Au Sable River are stating to catch a few salmon.
On Higgins Lake, the perch fishing is improving. Minnows are working well as bait in water 14 to 20 feet deep. The lake trout fishing is good on the lake.
Houghton Lake is producing fair to good bass, pike and walleye fishing. The best fishing is found along the weed beds in water 14 to 20 feet deep.
And at Au Gres, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay in water 35 to 40 feet deep. The best spot to cast a line in the water is straight out from the Au Gres River.
East:[/url]
Around Linwood, the perch fishing is improving on Saginaw Bay. The walleye action ranges from slow to fair.
By Bay City, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay near buoys one and two. Anglers along the Quanicassee River are catching a few crappie. In the Saginaw area, the catfish and bass fishing is very good on sections of the Cass, Saginaw and Tittabawassee rivers.
Out from Bay Port, the walleye fishing on Saginaw Bay is fair, the perch action is slow.
Around Harbor Beach on Lake Huron, the salmon action is starting to pick up along the breakwall in the harbor and out in the lake, when anglers are able to get out in their boats.
On the south end of Lake Huron in Port Huron, the walleye fishing ranges from fair to good. Some anglers on the St. Clair River are limiting out, when whipping for walleye at night. A few salmon are also starting to move into the river.
And at St. Clair, the smallmouth bass fishing is fair on the St. Clair River.
Central:[/url]
By Mount Pleasant, anglers on Lake Isabella are catching a few bass.
In the Lansing area, the bluegill fishing is good along the Grand River. A few salmon are showing up at the “point,” where the Grand and Red Cedar rivers meet. The pike fishing at the “point” ranges from fair to good.
And at Jackson, Clark and Vineyard lakes are producing good bluegill fishing. Waxworms are the preferred bait. Anglers on Devils Lake are starting to reel in a few pike. The northerns are starting to show signs of going into their fall feeding patterns.
Southeast:[/url]
The perch action is good on Anchor Bay by Fair Haven. The best area to drop a line in the water stretches from the southwest side of Grass Island to buoy “B.” Anglers are catching bass along around the bay.
Elsewhere on Lake St. Clair, the perch fishing is good in areas between Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. The best fishing is found near weed beds, in water 12 to 15 feet deep. Over on the Canadian side of the lake, the musky fishing is fair.
On the north end of the Detroit River, the walleye fishing is fair near the Belle Isle Bridge. On the south end of the river, the perch action is good around Celeron and Sugar islands. Anglers are reeling in a few walleye between Celeron Island and Grosse Ile. Some steelhead are starting to move into the Huron River.
Out on Lake Erie by Monroe, the perch fishing is good, with minnows being the preferred bait.
Anglers are catching fish by the sputnik, “E” buoy, Luna Pier, Stony Point, the Toledo Lighthouse and the mouth of the River Raisin.
And at Belleville, the bluegill, crappie and smallmouth bass fishing is good on both Belleville and Ford lakes.
[font "Arial, Helvetica"]Thursday, September 27, 2007 [/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica"]Recreational Fishing Report[/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica"]![[Image: fish_reportmap2_23340_7.gif]](http://www.michigan.gov/images/fish_reportmap2_23340_7.gif)
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[url "http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/"][font "Arial, Helvetica"][#000000]Great Lakes temperature map[/#000000][/font][/url]
Anglers are reminded that all Type 1 and Type 2 rivers and streams along with Type A and Type D inland trout lakes will close to fishing on September 30th. Lake trout season in the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron will also close on September 30th. Remember, it is unlawful to snag fish or retain a fish not hooked in the mouth.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Perch anglers were catching an on average of 10 fish per trip out near Buoys 1 and 2, the E-Buoy and near the Sputnik. Most are using perch rigs and minnows right off the bottom in waters 14 to 23 feet deep. A few walleye were caught on crawler harnesses. Channel Cats were caught in the Hot Ponds which are located near Consumers Energy.
Huron River - With the cold front, steelhead could be in by the weekend. A few walleye can still be found near the dam. Bluegills are hitting on wax worms and bass on crawlers.
Lake St. Clair - Bass fishing has been good. Those able to locate schools of baitfish have caught more fish. Perch have been caught off the 400 Club when using shiners just off the bottom.
Lexington - Salmon along with a few pike have been caught in the harbor. Most anglers are casting, but a few are trying spawn under a bobber.
Port Sanilac - Salmon are being taken in the harbor. Perch fishing is still good but not many anglers are targeting them. Fish were taken in 25 to 30 feet of water and limit catches were reported.
Grindstone City - Good numbers of lake trout were caught in 90 to 105 feet of water. Anglers are reminded that the lake trout season on Lake Huron will close on September 30th.
Port Austin - Salmon are being caught off the pier on a daily basis by those casting spoons or bodybaits early in the morning or the last hour of daylight. Lake trout fishing has been very good when trolling in deeper waters.
Saginaw Bay - Perch fishing has improved as water temperatures cool. Fish were caught along the shipping channel from the mouth of the Saginaw River all the way out to Buoys 11 & 12. Some nice 9 to 12 inch fish were caught. Perch were also taken in 18 feet of water north of the Black Hole and off Linwood Marina. Channel cats have been caught near the Hot Ponds.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Salmon and trout fishing have been slow. Perch fishing was spotty.
St. Joseph River - The chinook run is winding down and the fish are turning dark. Boats are trolling from the mouth to the Berrien Springs Dam. Shore anglers are catching fish at the dam. A couple steelhead were caught but the bite was slow.
South Haven - Light numbers of perch were caught in 50 to 60 feet of water south of the piers. Salmon fishing was slow.
Kalamazoo River - Salmon are starting to show up at the Allegan Dam but the better fishing has been in the lower river and the harbor. Smallmouth bass are still hitting and some nice bluegills have been caught.
Grand Haven - A fresh run of chinook salmon have moved in around the pier heads. Boats are trolling J-plugs or fly combos. Pier anglers have caught fish when casting spoons. No perch to report.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - The best action continues to be between 4am and 9am when fishing up near the Sixth Street Dam. Salmon, brown trout and only a couple steelhead have been caught drifting flies or spawn. Salmon can be found on the gravel between Bridge Street and Fulton Street where anglers are casting spinners, Hot-n-Tots, or spoons with red hooks. Walleye along with lots of catfish are still being caught. Bluegills and crappie have been caught at Riverside Park.
Grand River at Lansing - A few salmon were caught below the North Lansing Dam and where the Grand River meets the Red Cedar River. Walleye and catfish along with some very aggressive bluegills have been caught over at Moore's Park. Some big bullheads were caught in south Lansing when fishing near the Waverly Road Bridge. Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge has good smallmouth bass fishing when using chartreuse spinners or tube baits.
Muskegon - Also has a fresh run of chinook salmon that have moved in around the pierheads. Boat anglers looking for steelhead have been trolling out in deeper waters. Pier anglers have caught fish on spoons and spawn. No perch to report.
Muskegon River - Anglers are fishing the lower river and the mouth but catch rates were slow.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - All of the action has been around Swan Bay when shallow water fishing with boards and J-plugs, bombers or spoons. Good colors have been pearl, green, blue, purple or anything that glows early and late. Boats anchored in the bay reported limited success. There are a lot of fish but they spook easily in shallow waters. No fish are running in the river. No salmon to report in the harbor, but look for walleye as there are a lot of minnows in the area.
Rockport - No salmon in the harbor here either. Most of the local small streams in the area are still waiting for the salmon to come in.
Thunder Bay River - Continues to produce fair to good salmon action between the mouth and the Ninth Street Dam.
Harrisville - Lake trout season on the waters of Lake Huron will close on September 30th. Any fish caught after that date must be released immediately. A few 8 to 12 pound chinook were taken in the marina when trolling silver J-plugs. Those trolling outside the marina have caught walleye and pike.
Oscoda - Boat anglers trolling in 10 to 25 feet of water off the mouth of the Au Sable River have caught a few salmon on spoons, rapalas and J-plugs. Pier anglers casting spoons and small Cleo's have caught some fish. Smallmouth bass were hitting off the end of the pier.
Tawas - Boat anglers have caught a few salmon, brown trout, and walleye when trolling in 35 to 60 feet of water. Pier anglers are starting to catch chinook when casting spoons or J-plugs. Perch fishing was slow.
Au Gres - Perch fishing continues to improve in 35 to 47 feet of water along the shipping channel. Many boats are going straight off the mouth of the Au Gres River, and some are running a bit north of the Gravelly Shoals Light.
Au Gres River - A few chinook were caught in the lower river when trolling J-plugs. Off the East Branch, they are taking salmon in the surf and in the lower end of Whitney Drain. Various methods include still-fishing, drifting spawn, or casting a variety of spoons and bodybaits. Bright colors are best. A pink salmon was caught at the Singing Bridge which is very unusual this far south.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout are still being caught when trolling cowbells, bodybaits, or live bait in waters 80 to 100 feet deep. Brown trout and rainbow trout were hitting 20 to 40 feet down in waters 80 to 100 feet deep. Boats are trolling bodybaits or spoons.
Houghton Lake - Those still fishing are catching fish in 8 to 10 feet of water along the edge of the weeds. They have caught walleye, bluegills, crappie and pike.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Petoskey - There are still plenty of silver fish in deep waters 100 to 110 feet deep, but the bite has been slow. Small boats trolling and casting body baits around the marina have caught a few fish early or late in the day.
Charlevoix - Salmon were caught near the Cement Plant when using spawn.
Lake Charlevoix - Perch continue to bite well but plan on sorting out the small ones.
Thumb Lake (Lake Louise) - Anglers have been targeting bass over the last week. Fish ranging from 14 to 16 inches have been caught using spinners, tubes, poppers, rapalas and crawlers.
Traverse City - In the East Bay, salmon fishing has been very good from the Bluffs to the south end of the Bay when trolling spoons, J-plugs, Hootchie Mama's and flies. Limit catches were reported. Pier anglers have done well when casting spoons or bodybaits. Whitefish action was slow but those willing to put in the time have caught fish. Chinook and steelhead have been caught off the mouth of Mitchell Creek. In the West Bay, good salmon fishing off the mouth of the Boardman River. Steelhead are also starting to show up. Lake trout were caught near the gravel pit.
Long Lake - Fishing slowed as the lake has turned over. Walleye were caught on leeches in 10 to 20 feet of water around the islands and off the points. Many were undersize, but some keepers were reported. Perch are hitting on minnows and wigglers in 30 feet of water. Excellent smallmouth bass fishing was reported around the islands. Some trophy largemouth were caught in the shallows.
Frankfort - The better fishing has been off the Elberta Wall or when anchoring in front of the marina. Boats trolling in front of the piers or in 60 to 80 feet of water from the harbor up to Point Betsie have caught a mixed bag of dark and chrome colored fish. Try J-plugs and flies in white, blue, green, pink or glow.
Betsie River - Though catch rates have stared to slow, fish are still being caught from River Road up to the Homestead Dam. The fish here are fairly dark.
Onekama - Trout and salmon catches are starting to slow but a few chrome fish have still been caught on the north end of the Barrel and along the Shelf. Pier anglers have caught a few salmon and pike when casting spoons.
Portage Lake - On days when it has been too rough to fish Lake Michigan, a few chinook, coho, and the occasional steelhead were caught when trolling near the Inn. The salmon caught were dark in color. Catch rates for panfish have started to pick up with some big bluegills and sunfish caught in 30 feet of water. Pike and walleye were caught when trolling crawler harnesses along the weedbeds. Perch were caught in front of the channel.
Manistee - Boat anglers caught fish when trolling in 40 feet of water in the harbor. Those trolling out on the Shelf have caught chinook, coho and steelhead when using J-plugs and flies. Pier anglers have caught chinook along with the occasional steelhead.
Manistee Lake - Anglers had good luck when using spawn or trolling with J-plugs or stick baits.
Manistee River - Salmon fishing in the lower river has been very good. More fish will be showing up in the gravel within the next week or so, especially if the weather stays cool. The peak of the run has not yet occurred.
Lake Cadillac - Has been very good for largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish.
Lake Mitchell - Is also providing some good late season bass and pike fishing.
Ludington - Boat anglers are catching chinook and coho in shallow waters 10 to 50 feet deep. Those going out to waters 100 to 150 feet deep have also caught chinook, coho and steelhead when trolling J-plugs, spoons and flies. Anglers have caught salmon when casting spawn off both piers while the shore anglers have also done well when casting spawn up at the State Park.
Pere Marquette Lake - Salmon have been caught on stick baits.
Pere Marquette River - Salmon fishing should only get better as there are quite a few fish in the lower river. The peak of the run has not occurred yet.
Upper Peninsula
Portage Lake - Fishing has been very slow with only one walleye and a couple sunfish caught. Not many anglers have been out.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair to good walleye fishing around the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers right on the bottom in 14 to 20 feet of water. Walleye measuring 24 to 28 inches were caught off Portage Point when using crawlers or crankbaits 15 to 25 feet down. Small perch were caught east of Butler Island.
Ford River - Shore anglers near the mouth have caught a few salmon when casting spoons or crankbaits.
Big Bay de Noc - Pretty much everyone here is fishing for smallmouth bass. Most are drifting from Snake Island down to Fayette Harbor.
Marquette - Lake trout have been caught in 140 to 170 feet of water north of the white rocks, in the Lower Harbor and near the Sand Hole.
Dead River - Chinook, coho, and now pink salmon are being caught. The run is just starting to pick up speed and could peak in the next week or two.
Carp River - The run has started with chinook, coho and pink salmon being caught.
Chocolay River - Anglers are catching pink salmon.
Au Train Lake - Pike fishing has picked up but not much else is going on.
Munising - A few coho and splake were caught when trolling spoons or spawn off the mouth of the Anna River. One steelhead was also caught.
De Tour - Limited numbers of chinook, coho and pink salmon were caught along both sides of the channel. Those going out to the lighthouse are using blue, yellow and white spoons.
Drummond Island - For perch, try minnows in 12 feet of water around Ashman Island. Northern pike have been caught in Scott's Bay when fishing around Grape Island. Use red eye lures just off the weedbeds in 8 to 10 feet of water.
Cedarville and Hessel - Perch have been caught in 10 to 15 feet of water in Government Bay. Smaller fish were caught in the east end of Hessel Bay and in Musky Bay. Most are trolling or casting with minnows along the weedbeds. Splake and smallmouth bass were caught near the rocky points. Salmon activity has picked up in Hessel Bay. No activity in the rivers yet.
St. Ignace - Those fishing off the city launch are catching a few chinook salmon when casting off the breakwater rocks. Fish were caught on green and white Cleo's or silver J-plugs. Salmon action in the local rivers has been slow.
Anglers on Copper Harbor are catching a few splake.
The walleye fishing is improving on Lake Gogebic. The best fishing is found on the north and south ends of the lake, in water ten to 15 feet deep. The perch and smallmouth bass fishing on the lake is fair.
Around Marquette, the salmon fishing is fair to good on the Carp and Dead rivers. The best fishing is found at the mouths of the rivers. Anglers on the Upper Marquette and Lower Marquette harbors are catching a few salmon and lake trout, when the weather allows boaters to get out. The perch and walleye fishing ranges from fair to good on both Little and Independence lakes.
Out of the Escanaba area, the smallmouth bass and pike fishing is fair on Little Bay de Noc. The walleye action has been slow for the most part this past week, the exception being near the mouth of the Cedar River. Anglers trolling at night are reeling in good numbers of marble eyes. The salmon fishing is fair near the mouth of the Ford River.
By Manistique, the salmon and steelhead fishing is good on the Manistique River. The perch fishing ranges from fair to good on Indian Lake. In the Sault Ste. Marie area, the perch fishing is improving on the St. Marys River. The walleye fishing is fair to good and the perch action is fair.
On Munuscong and Raber bays, the walleye fishing is very good. The pike and musky action is improving.
By Drummond Island, the perch fishing is good on Maxton, Scott, and Whitney bays, in water 17 to 22 feet deep. The bass fishing is fair on the bays and anglers are also reeling in an occasional pike.
And at St. Ignace, fishing activity this week is slow.
Northwest:[/url]
Out on Little Traverse Bay near by Harbor Springs the salmon fishing is fair.
By Boyne City, the perch fishing is good on Lake Charlevoix. Both minnows and wigglers are being used as bait. The salmon action is good on both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. The salmon fishing in the Boyne River is fair.
East Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City is producing some very good whitefish fishing. Anglers are using jigs. The salmon fishing is fair on both the east and west arms of Grand Traverse Bay. Anglers along the Boardman River are catching a few salmon. The bass fishing is good on Lake Ann and Cedar Lake.
The Betsie and Platte rivers near Frankfort are producing some very good salmon fishing. The salmon fishing on Lake Michigan is fair, when the weather allows anglers to get out.
Anglers on Manistee Lake by Manistee are catching good numbers of salmon. The salmon fishing is fair along the Big Manistee River. The salmon action on Lake Michigan is slow, mainly because strong winds have been keeping anglers off the lake.
In the Kalkaska area, the smallmouth bass fishing is good on Lake Skegemog. The bass are mainly hitting on spinner baits. Anglers on Lake Bellaire are catching good numbers of perch and walleye.
Around Gaylord, the trout fishing is very good on sections of the Au Sable, Black, Manistee, Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers. On Otsego and Bradford lakes, anglers are reeling in a few bass and walleye.
And at Cadillac, the pike fishing is good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. The northerns are mainly hitting on spinner baits. The smallmouth bass fishing is improving on both lakes. Anglers on Lake Cadillac are catching a few smallmouth bass. The bluegill fishing is fair on both lakes.
West:[/url]
Lake Michigan near Ludington is producing excellent salmon fishing. The best fishing is found in water about 60 feet deep. The salmon fishing is very good on the Pere Marquette River.
Out of the Pentwater area, the salmon and steelhead fishing is fair on Lake Michigan, when the weather allows anglers to get out. A few salmon have moved into the Pentwater River.
Around Muskegon, the salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. The fish are found 60 to 80 feet below the surface in water up to 140 feet deep. The salmon fishing ranges from fair to good on the Muskegon and White rivers. The bluegill fishing is fair on Muskegon Lake, with the best fishing found along the edges of the weed beds in the lake.
And at Baldwin, the bluegill fishing is spotty on the inland lakes. Anglers along the Pere Marquette River are catching a few salmon. The water levels in the river are low, and that is limiting the fishing action.
Southwest:[/url]
In the Holland area, the perch and salmon fishing is fair off the pier on Lake Michigan. Out on Lake Macatawa anglers are catching a few bluegill and an occasional walleye.
By Benton Harbor, the salmon fishing ranges from slow to fair on the St. Joseph River.
Around New Buffalo, the salmon and largemouth bass fishing is fair on the Galien River. On Lake Michigan, the perch action is fair.
Out of the Kalamazoo area, the smallmouth bass fishing is very good on Morrow Lake. The bass are hitting on both crank and spinner baits. The bluegill fishing is good on both Cora and Little Paw Paw lakes. The largemouth bass fishing ranges from fair to good on Austin Lake. Base Line Lake is producing fair crappie fishing. Anglers along the Kalamazoo River, by the Allegan Dam, are reeling in a few salmon and steelhead.
And at Three Rivers, the bluegill, crappie and perch fishing ranges from fair to good on both Corey and Long lakes. Anglers on Clear Lake are catching a few bluegill and crappie. Harwood Lake is producing fair bluegill, crappie and perch fishing.
Northeast:[/url]
By Alpena, the salmon fishing is fair along the Thunder Bay River, with the best fishing found near the Ninth Street Dam. During the morning hours, anglers on Hubbard Lake are catching a few perch, with minnows being the preferred bait.
Out of the Grayling area, the walleye fishing is fair on Lake Margrethe. Try targeting water 14 to 18 feet deep, and both crawlers and minnows are being use as bait. The bluegill and perch fishing is improving. Anglers on Frog Lake are catching a few bass and perch. The panfish and bass fishing on Section One Lake ranges from fair to good.
Van Etten Lake near Oscoda is producing some very good perch fishing. The bluegill, catfish, pike and smallmouth bass fishing is good on both Cooke Dam and Foote Dam ponds. Anglers along the Au Sable River are stating to catch a few salmon.
On Higgins Lake, the perch fishing is improving. Minnows are working well as bait in water 14 to 20 feet deep. The lake trout fishing is good on the lake.
Houghton Lake is producing fair to good bass, pike and walleye fishing. The best fishing is found along the weed beds in water 14 to 20 feet deep.
And at Au Gres, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay in water 35 to 40 feet deep. The best spot to cast a line in the water is straight out from the Au Gres River.
East:[/url]
Around Linwood, the perch fishing is improving on Saginaw Bay. The walleye action ranges from slow to fair.
By Bay City, the perch fishing is fair on Saginaw Bay near buoys one and two. Anglers along the Quanicassee River are catching a few crappie. In the Saginaw area, the catfish and bass fishing is very good on sections of the Cass, Saginaw and Tittabawassee rivers.
Out from Bay Port, the walleye fishing on Saginaw Bay is fair, the perch action is slow.
Around Harbor Beach on Lake Huron, the salmon action is starting to pick up along the breakwall in the harbor and out in the lake, when anglers are able to get out in their boats.
On the south end of Lake Huron in Port Huron, the walleye fishing ranges from fair to good. Some anglers on the St. Clair River are limiting out, when whipping for walleye at night. A few salmon are also starting to move into the river.
And at St. Clair, the smallmouth bass fishing is fair on the St. Clair River.
Central:[/url]
By Mount Pleasant, anglers on Lake Isabella are catching a few bass.
In the Lansing area, the bluegill fishing is good along the Grand River. A few salmon are showing up at the “point,” where the Grand and Red Cedar rivers meet. The pike fishing at the “point” ranges from fair to good.
And at Jackson, Clark and Vineyard lakes are producing good bluegill fishing. Waxworms are the preferred bait. Anglers on Devils Lake are starting to reel in a few pike. The northerns are starting to show signs of going into their fall feeding patterns.
Southeast:[/url]
The perch action is good on Anchor Bay by Fair Haven. The best area to drop a line in the water stretches from the southwest side of Grass Island to buoy “B.” Anglers are catching bass along around the bay.
Elsewhere on Lake St. Clair, the perch fishing is good in areas between Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. The best fishing is found near weed beds, in water 12 to 15 feet deep. Over on the Canadian side of the lake, the musky fishing is fair.
On the north end of the Detroit River, the walleye fishing is fair near the Belle Isle Bridge. On the south end of the river, the perch action is good around Celeron and Sugar islands. Anglers are reeling in a few walleye between Celeron Island and Grosse Ile. Some steelhead are starting to move into the Huron River.
Out on Lake Erie by Monroe, the perch fishing is good, with minnows being the preferred bait.
Anglers are catching fish by the sputnik, “E” buoy, Luna Pier, Stony Point, the Toledo Lighthouse and the mouth of the River Raisin.
And at Belleville, the bluegill, crappie and smallmouth bass fishing is good on both Belleville and Ford lakes.
[font "Arial, Helvetica"]Thursday, September 27, 2007 [/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica"]Recreational Fishing Report[/font]
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[/font] [url "http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/"][font "Arial, Helvetica"][#000000]Great Lakes temperature map[/#000000][/font][/url]
Anglers are reminded that all Type 1 and Type 2 rivers and streams along with Type A and Type D inland trout lakes will close to fishing on September 30th. Lake trout season in the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron will also close on September 30th. Remember, it is unlawful to snag fish or retain a fish not hooked in the mouth.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Perch anglers were catching an on average of 10 fish per trip out near Buoys 1 and 2, the E-Buoy and near the Sputnik. Most are using perch rigs and minnows right off the bottom in waters 14 to 23 feet deep. A few walleye were caught on crawler harnesses. Channel Cats were caught in the Hot Ponds which are located near Consumers Energy.
Huron River - With the cold front, steelhead could be in by the weekend. A few walleye can still be found near the dam. Bluegills are hitting on wax worms and bass on crawlers.
Lake St. Clair - Bass fishing has been good. Those able to locate schools of baitfish have caught more fish. Perch have been caught off the 400 Club when using shiners just off the bottom.
Lexington - Salmon along with a few pike have been caught in the harbor. Most anglers are casting, but a few are trying spawn under a bobber.
Port Sanilac - Salmon are being taken in the harbor. Perch fishing is still good but not many anglers are targeting them. Fish were taken in 25 to 30 feet of water and limit catches were reported.
Grindstone City - Good numbers of lake trout were caught in 90 to 105 feet of water. Anglers are reminded that the lake trout season on Lake Huron will close on September 30th.
Port Austin - Salmon are being caught off the pier on a daily basis by those casting spoons or bodybaits early in the morning or the last hour of daylight. Lake trout fishing has been very good when trolling in deeper waters.
Saginaw Bay - Perch fishing has improved as water temperatures cool. Fish were caught along the shipping channel from the mouth of the Saginaw River all the way out to Buoys 11 & 12. Some nice 9 to 12 inch fish were caught. Perch were also taken in 18 feet of water north of the Black Hole and off Linwood Marina. Channel cats have been caught near the Hot Ponds.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Salmon and trout fishing have been slow. Perch fishing was spotty.
St. Joseph River - The chinook run is winding down and the fish are turning dark. Boats are trolling from the mouth to the Berrien Springs Dam. Shore anglers are catching fish at the dam. A couple steelhead were caught but the bite was slow.
South Haven - Light numbers of perch were caught in 50 to 60 feet of water south of the piers. Salmon fishing was slow.
Kalamazoo River - Salmon are starting to show up at the Allegan Dam but the better fishing has been in the lower river and the harbor. Smallmouth bass are still hitting and some nice bluegills have been caught.
Grand Haven - A fresh run of chinook salmon have moved in around the pier heads. Boats are trolling J-plugs or fly combos. Pier anglers have caught fish when casting spoons. No perch to report.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - The best action continues to be between 4am and 9am when fishing up near the Sixth Street Dam. Salmon, brown trout and only a couple steelhead have been caught drifting flies or spawn. Salmon can be found on the gravel between Bridge Street and Fulton Street where anglers are casting spinners, Hot-n-Tots, or spoons with red hooks. Walleye along with lots of catfish are still being caught. Bluegills and crappie have been caught at Riverside Park.
Grand River at Lansing - A few salmon were caught below the North Lansing Dam and where the Grand River meets the Red Cedar River. Walleye and catfish along with some very aggressive bluegills have been caught over at Moore's Park. Some big bullheads were caught in south Lansing when fishing near the Waverly Road Bridge. Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge has good smallmouth bass fishing when using chartreuse spinners or tube baits.
Muskegon - Also has a fresh run of chinook salmon that have moved in around the pierheads. Boat anglers looking for steelhead have been trolling out in deeper waters. Pier anglers have caught fish on spoons and spawn. No perch to report.
Muskegon River - Anglers are fishing the lower river and the mouth but catch rates were slow.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - All of the action has been around Swan Bay when shallow water fishing with boards and J-plugs, bombers or spoons. Good colors have been pearl, green, blue, purple or anything that glows early and late. Boats anchored in the bay reported limited success. There are a lot of fish but they spook easily in shallow waters. No fish are running in the river. No salmon to report in the harbor, but look for walleye as there are a lot of minnows in the area.
Rockport - No salmon in the harbor here either. Most of the local small streams in the area are still waiting for the salmon to come in.
Thunder Bay River - Continues to produce fair to good salmon action between the mouth and the Ninth Street Dam.
Harrisville - Lake trout season on the waters of Lake Huron will close on September 30th. Any fish caught after that date must be released immediately. A few 8 to 12 pound chinook were taken in the marina when trolling silver J-plugs. Those trolling outside the marina have caught walleye and pike.
Oscoda - Boat anglers trolling in 10 to 25 feet of water off the mouth of the Au Sable River have caught a few salmon on spoons, rapalas and J-plugs. Pier anglers casting spoons and small Cleo's have caught some fish. Smallmouth bass were hitting off the end of the pier.
Tawas - Boat anglers have caught a few salmon, brown trout, and walleye when trolling in 35 to 60 feet of water. Pier anglers are starting to catch chinook when casting spoons or J-plugs. Perch fishing was slow.
Au Gres - Perch fishing continues to improve in 35 to 47 feet of water along the shipping channel. Many boats are going straight off the mouth of the Au Gres River, and some are running a bit north of the Gravelly Shoals Light.
Au Gres River - A few chinook were caught in the lower river when trolling J-plugs. Off the East Branch, they are taking salmon in the surf and in the lower end of Whitney Drain. Various methods include still-fishing, drifting spawn, or casting a variety of spoons and bodybaits. Bright colors are best. A pink salmon was caught at the Singing Bridge which is very unusual this far south.
Higgins Lake - Lake trout are still being caught when trolling cowbells, bodybaits, or live bait in waters 80 to 100 feet deep. Brown trout and rainbow trout were hitting 20 to 40 feet down in waters 80 to 100 feet deep. Boats are trolling bodybaits or spoons.
Houghton Lake - Those still fishing are catching fish in 8 to 10 feet of water along the edge of the weeds. They have caught walleye, bluegills, crappie and pike.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Petoskey - There are still plenty of silver fish in deep waters 100 to 110 feet deep, but the bite has been slow. Small boats trolling and casting body baits around the marina have caught a few fish early or late in the day.
Charlevoix - Salmon were caught near the Cement Plant when using spawn.
Lake Charlevoix - Perch continue to bite well but plan on sorting out the small ones.
Thumb Lake (Lake Louise) - Anglers have been targeting bass over the last week. Fish ranging from 14 to 16 inches have been caught using spinners, tubes, poppers, rapalas and crawlers.
Traverse City - In the East Bay, salmon fishing has been very good from the Bluffs to the south end of the Bay when trolling spoons, J-plugs, Hootchie Mama's and flies. Limit catches were reported. Pier anglers have done well when casting spoons or bodybaits. Whitefish action was slow but those willing to put in the time have caught fish. Chinook and steelhead have been caught off the mouth of Mitchell Creek. In the West Bay, good salmon fishing off the mouth of the Boardman River. Steelhead are also starting to show up. Lake trout were caught near the gravel pit.
Long Lake - Fishing slowed as the lake has turned over. Walleye were caught on leeches in 10 to 20 feet of water around the islands and off the points. Many were undersize, but some keepers were reported. Perch are hitting on minnows and wigglers in 30 feet of water. Excellent smallmouth bass fishing was reported around the islands. Some trophy largemouth were caught in the shallows.
Frankfort - The better fishing has been off the Elberta Wall or when anchoring in front of the marina. Boats trolling in front of the piers or in 60 to 80 feet of water from the harbor up to Point Betsie have caught a mixed bag of dark and chrome colored fish. Try J-plugs and flies in white, blue, green, pink or glow.
Betsie River - Though catch rates have stared to slow, fish are still being caught from River Road up to the Homestead Dam. The fish here are fairly dark.
Onekama - Trout and salmon catches are starting to slow but a few chrome fish have still been caught on the north end of the Barrel and along the Shelf. Pier anglers have caught a few salmon and pike when casting spoons.
Portage Lake - On days when it has been too rough to fish Lake Michigan, a few chinook, coho, and the occasional steelhead were caught when trolling near the Inn. The salmon caught were dark in color. Catch rates for panfish have started to pick up with some big bluegills and sunfish caught in 30 feet of water. Pike and walleye were caught when trolling crawler harnesses along the weedbeds. Perch were caught in front of the channel.
Manistee - Boat anglers caught fish when trolling in 40 feet of water in the harbor. Those trolling out on the Shelf have caught chinook, coho and steelhead when using J-plugs and flies. Pier anglers have caught chinook along with the occasional steelhead.
Manistee Lake - Anglers had good luck when using spawn or trolling with J-plugs or stick baits.
Manistee River - Salmon fishing in the lower river has been very good. More fish will be showing up in the gravel within the next week or so, especially if the weather stays cool. The peak of the run has not yet occurred.
Lake Cadillac - Has been very good for largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish.
Lake Mitchell - Is also providing some good late season bass and pike fishing.
Ludington - Boat anglers are catching chinook and coho in shallow waters 10 to 50 feet deep. Those going out to waters 100 to 150 feet deep have also caught chinook, coho and steelhead when trolling J-plugs, spoons and flies. Anglers have caught salmon when casting spawn off both piers while the shore anglers have also done well when casting spawn up at the State Park.
Pere Marquette Lake - Salmon have been caught on stick baits.
Pere Marquette River - Salmon fishing should only get better as there are quite a few fish in the lower river. The peak of the run has not occurred yet.
Upper Peninsula
Portage Lake - Fishing has been very slow with only one walleye and a couple sunfish caught. Not many anglers have been out.
Little Bay De Noc - Had fair to good walleye fishing around the Black Bottom when trolling or drifting crawlers right on the bottom in 14 to 20 feet of water. Walleye measuring 24 to 28 inches were caught off Portage Point when using crawlers or crankbaits 15 to 25 feet down. Small perch were caught east of Butler Island.
Ford River - Shore anglers near the mouth have caught a few salmon when casting spoons or crankbaits.
Big Bay de Noc - Pretty much everyone here is fishing for smallmouth bass. Most are drifting from Snake Island down to Fayette Harbor.
Marquette - Lake trout have been caught in 140 to 170 feet of water north of the white rocks, in the Lower Harbor and near the Sand Hole.
Dead River - Chinook, coho, and now pink salmon are being caught. The run is just starting to pick up speed and could peak in the next week or two.
Carp River - The run has started with chinook, coho and pink salmon being caught.
Chocolay River - Anglers are catching pink salmon.
Au Train Lake - Pike fishing has picked up but not much else is going on.
Munising - A few coho and splake were caught when trolling spoons or spawn off the mouth of the Anna River. One steelhead was also caught.
De Tour - Limited numbers of chinook, coho and pink salmon were caught along both sides of the channel. Those going out to the lighthouse are using blue, yellow and white spoons.
Drummond Island - For perch, try minnows in 12 feet of water around Ashman Island. Northern pike have been caught in Scott's Bay when fishing around Grape Island. Use red eye lures just off the weedbeds in 8 to 10 feet of water.
Cedarville and Hessel - Perch have been caught in 10 to 15 feet of water in Government Bay. Smaller fish were caught in the east end of Hessel Bay and in Musky Bay. Most are trolling or casting with minnows along the weedbeds. Splake and smallmouth bass were caught near the rocky points. Salmon activity has picked up in Hessel Bay. No activity in the rivers yet.
St. Ignace - Those fishing off the city launch are catching a few chinook salmon when casting off the breakwater rocks. Fish were caught on green and white Cleo's or silver J-plugs. Salmon action in the local rivers has been slow.