05-21-2010, 01:00 AM
Weekly Fishing Report
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Recreational Fishing Report
517-373-0908
Great Lakes temperature map
The walleye opener in the Upper Peninsula was off to a slow start. Catch rates should improve as the weather warms. Anglers are reminded to use caution when heading out to fish. Water temperatures are still cold and hypothermia will set in fast.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Recent storms have caused muddy water conditions. Boats are still heading out for walleye. Some have only caught a couple fish while others managed to take limit catches out near the Dumping Grounds.
Kent Lake - Is producing panfish.
Detroit River - Also has muddy water conditions. Walleye anglers are fishing in the lower end of the Trenton Channel.
Union Lake - Is producing some catfish.
Lexington - Water in the harbors between here and Port Sanilac were muddy from wind and waves. Head out far enough to find clear water.
Harbor Beach - Pier anglers caught walleye at night.
Port Austin - Only the pier anglers were out catching walleye after dark. Boats caught lake trout, chinook, coho, pink salmon and steelhead in 20 to 40 feet of water.
Saginaw Bay - Windy conditions are not helping boat anglers. Those fishing off the piers at night did catch walleye when casting crank baits such as rapalas. Water temperatures are still very cold and dangerous should anyone fall in.
Tittabawasse River - Was high and muddy and not really fishable.
Saginaw River - Is also high and muddy but look for improved fishing as water levels recede.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Boats were heading out to 120 to 150 feet of water or deeper for trout and salmon. Pier fishing was slow but should pick up.
St. Joe River - Not many were fishing due to the high water levels.
Grand Haven - Pier anglers were catching walleye on crank baits at night. The better catches came between midnight and 3:00am. Salmon anglers are fishing 40 to 60 feet down in 70 to 110 feet of water with green and white spoons.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - High water levels have made fishing difficult. The walleye bite should pick back up when the waters recede. Catfish action remains good for those using crawlers, cut bait or chicken liver. Millennium Park is a good place for bluegills, crappie and bass.
Grand River at Lansing - The North Lansing Dam is still producing some catfish for those using chicken liver, crawlers or cut bait. Those fishing at Moore's Park have caught catfish and some nice bluegills.
Maple River - Water levels are extremely high. Catfish activity was good for those using stink baits.
Lake Lansing - Bass are hitting on spinners in the shallows.
Jackson - Inland lakes in the area are providing panfish.
Lake Ovid - Catfish are still hitting on small bluegills, crawlers and cut bait. Bluegill and crappie were also starting to bite.
Morrison Lake - Bluegill and crappie were caught in 8 to 12 feet of water. A few fish were starting to move into the shallows. Fish could be on the beds by next week.
Sessions Lake - Also has bluegill and crappie.
Reeds Lake - Is still producing pike, crappie and bluegills.
Muskegon - Pier and boat anglers were taking walleye at night. The better fishing came between midnight and 3:00am when casting or trolling crank baits.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - The walleye opener was a bit difficult due to strong winds. Pike fishing was slow and not many perch anglers. One angler was casting crank baits and tube baits between Needle Point and Dodge Point however no pike were reported.
Rogers City - Lake trout fishing has really taken off with most boats fishing the bottom 5 to 8 feet in waters 25 to 55 feet deep. Try high-lining with cowbells and a little weight to get close to the bottom. Cowbells with spin-glows or dodgers with spin-glows have been the ticket. Atlantic salmon, chinook, steelhead and brown trout were also caught. Spoons and body baits work best. Good colors were blue and silver, green and silver, fire-tiger, orange and green, pink or copper.
Presque Isle - Had good catches of Atlantic salmon between Stoneport and Rockport. Anglers are high-lining with leadcore off planer boards with the same gear and same colors as Rogers City in 40 to 60 feet of water. Try north of the lighthouse.
Rockport - Boat anglers caught lake trout and Atlantic salmon in 25 to 30 feet of water straight out from the launch or north in shallow waters. Green was the hot color. Those fishing Middle Island came back with empty coolers.
Alpena - Anglers on the bay are targeting walleye along the north shore. These fish are still in shallow waters approximately 15 to 25 feet. Anglers in Squaw Bay caught bass in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye fishing is picking up. Anglers are using anything chartreuse or perch style body baits. A couple steelhead were caught near the dam. Pink jigs were hot but fish were also hitting on wax worms, beads and spawn. Brown trout were caught at the dam.
Harrisville - Lake trout were caught in 60 to 70 feet of water by those using cowbells or a variety of spoons. A few walleye were caught off the northeast wall.
Oscoda - Walleye are being caught just off the mouth of the river when trolling crawler harnesses with leeches, body baits or spoons. The fish are decent size and healthy. No steelhead to report.
Au Sable River - Walleye were caught between the boat launch and the mouth.
Higgins Lake - Those trolling have caught lake trout and whitefish when trolling bombers in 85 feet of water on the north end.
Houghton Lake - Anglers are still getting walleye, crappie and bluegills. Some of the walleye are running small. Those doing the catch and immediate release bass fishing have caught some nice largemouth.
Tawas - Pier anglers fishing at night have caught walleye when casting crank baits.
Au Gres - Few boats were out however pier anglers were catching walleye.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Petoskey - Lake trout can be found along the shoreline between the breakwall and Bay Harbor.
Bear River - Lower water levels have slowed the steelhead bite, but anglers will still find other species down near the mouth.
Charlevoix - Anglers are going after lake trout but the bite was slow.
Traverse City - Lake trout have been caught in the West Bay near the mouth of the Boardman River.
Elk River - Anglers may still be able to find an occasional steelhead. The smallmouth bass are usually pretty aggressive this time of year.
Boardman River - Anglers will find good numbers of smallmouth bass. Try using live minnows or shallow diving shads. A few walleye were seen in the weeds near the dam. Try drifting crawlers at night.
Frankfort - Some very nice chinook were caught by those trolling from shore to 70 to 100 feet of water with orange spoons. A few brown trout are still in the area.
Onekama - Chinook salmon were found by those trolling straight out from the breakwalls and fishing near the Shelf.
Portage Lake - Walleye anglers making it out between 10pm and 3am did mange to find about one hour of good fishing. Most are trolling stick baits or body baits along the weed beds near the point.
Manistee - Trout and salmon have been caught by those trolling blue or green spoons in 100 to 200 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow.
Ludington - Salmon and trout have been scattered with fish caught in waters 50 to 250 feet deep. Try running blue spoons or flies.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Fishing was slow with a few small rainbow and browns caught.
Ontonagon - Lake trout fishing was good in 80 to 100 feet of water. Most fish were caught 20 feet off the bottom when trolling orange and green spoons. The morning bite was slow but picked up in the afternoon.
Marquette - Had very good lake trout fishing. Chinook, steelhead and brown trout were also caught by those trolling towards Shot Point and the Sand Hole with cut bait. Limit catches of fish up to 25 pounds were caught around Stannard Rock.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing should start to pick up with warmer temperatures in the forecast. Perch anglers were still fishing near the Day's River and Sanders Point.
Indian Lake - In Schoolcraft County is producing walleye however many were small. Anglers were trolling crawler harnesses or rapalas. A few brown trout in the 18 to 20 inch range were also caught on rapalas. Yellow perch fishing was slow however one 14 inch fish was taken. A few pike were caught but most were small. One nice lake herring was also recorded.
Au Train - Coho and lake trout fishing was spotty. Those that caught fish did so when trolling towards the red rock area and past Au Train Island.
De Tour - Anglers trolling the #3 green can for lake trout, chinook and Atlantic salmon did best with stick baits or spoons. Some nice fish were caught. Good colors were fire-tiger or green with white dots.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are splake fishing off the pier in Hessel. Water temperatures are still averaging 53 degrees which will keep the splake close to shore. Catch rates for pike were fair with lots of smaller fish caught. Anglers are trolling planer boards or casting stick baits.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Recreational Fishing Report
517-373-0908
Great Lakes temperature map
The walleye opener in the Upper Peninsula was off to a slow start. Catch rates should improve as the weather warms. Anglers are reminded to use caution when heading out to fish. Water temperatures are still cold and hypothermia will set in fast.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Recent storms have caused muddy water conditions. Boats are still heading out for walleye. Some have only caught a couple fish while others managed to take limit catches out near the Dumping Grounds.
Kent Lake - Is producing panfish.
Detroit River - Also has muddy water conditions. Walleye anglers are fishing in the lower end of the Trenton Channel.
Union Lake - Is producing some catfish.
Lexington - Water in the harbors between here and Port Sanilac were muddy from wind and waves. Head out far enough to find clear water.
Harbor Beach - Pier anglers caught walleye at night.
Port Austin - Only the pier anglers were out catching walleye after dark. Boats caught lake trout, chinook, coho, pink salmon and steelhead in 20 to 40 feet of water.
Saginaw Bay - Windy conditions are not helping boat anglers. Those fishing off the piers at night did catch walleye when casting crank baits such as rapalas. Water temperatures are still very cold and dangerous should anyone fall in.
Tittabawasse River - Was high and muddy and not really fishable.
Saginaw River - Is also high and muddy but look for improved fishing as water levels recede.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joe - Boats were heading out to 120 to 150 feet of water or deeper for trout and salmon. Pier fishing was slow but should pick up.
St. Joe River - Not many were fishing due to the high water levels.
Grand Haven - Pier anglers were catching walleye on crank baits at night. The better catches came between midnight and 3:00am. Salmon anglers are fishing 40 to 60 feet down in 70 to 110 feet of water with green and white spoons.
Grand River at Grand Rapids - High water levels have made fishing difficult. The walleye bite should pick back up when the waters recede. Catfish action remains good for those using crawlers, cut bait or chicken liver. Millennium Park is a good place for bluegills, crappie and bass.
Grand River at Lansing - The North Lansing Dam is still producing some catfish for those using chicken liver, crawlers or cut bait. Those fishing at Moore's Park have caught catfish and some nice bluegills.
Maple River - Water levels are extremely high. Catfish activity was good for those using stink baits.
Lake Lansing - Bass are hitting on spinners in the shallows.
Jackson - Inland lakes in the area are providing panfish.
Lake Ovid - Catfish are still hitting on small bluegills, crawlers and cut bait. Bluegill and crappie were also starting to bite.
Morrison Lake - Bluegill and crappie were caught in 8 to 12 feet of water. A few fish were starting to move into the shallows. Fish could be on the beds by next week.
Sessions Lake - Also has bluegill and crappie.
Reeds Lake - Is still producing pike, crappie and bluegills.
Muskegon - Pier and boat anglers were taking walleye at night. The better fishing came between midnight and 3:00am when casting or trolling crank baits.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Mullett Lake - The walleye opener was a bit difficult due to strong winds. Pike fishing was slow and not many perch anglers. One angler was casting crank baits and tube baits between Needle Point and Dodge Point however no pike were reported.
Rogers City - Lake trout fishing has really taken off with most boats fishing the bottom 5 to 8 feet in waters 25 to 55 feet deep. Try high-lining with cowbells and a little weight to get close to the bottom. Cowbells with spin-glows or dodgers with spin-glows have been the ticket. Atlantic salmon, chinook, steelhead and brown trout were also caught. Spoons and body baits work best. Good colors were blue and silver, green and silver, fire-tiger, orange and green, pink or copper.
Presque Isle - Had good catches of Atlantic salmon between Stoneport and Rockport. Anglers are high-lining with leadcore off planer boards with the same gear and same colors as Rogers City in 40 to 60 feet of water. Try north of the lighthouse.
Rockport - Boat anglers caught lake trout and Atlantic salmon in 25 to 30 feet of water straight out from the launch or north in shallow waters. Green was the hot color. Those fishing Middle Island came back with empty coolers.
Alpena - Anglers on the bay are targeting walleye along the north shore. These fish are still in shallow waters approximately 15 to 25 feet. Anglers in Squaw Bay caught bass in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye fishing is picking up. Anglers are using anything chartreuse or perch style body baits. A couple steelhead were caught near the dam. Pink jigs were hot but fish were also hitting on wax worms, beads and spawn. Brown trout were caught at the dam.
Harrisville - Lake trout were caught in 60 to 70 feet of water by those using cowbells or a variety of spoons. A few walleye were caught off the northeast wall.
Oscoda - Walleye are being caught just off the mouth of the river when trolling crawler harnesses with leeches, body baits or spoons. The fish are decent size and healthy. No steelhead to report.
Au Sable River - Walleye were caught between the boat launch and the mouth.
Higgins Lake - Those trolling have caught lake trout and whitefish when trolling bombers in 85 feet of water on the north end.
Houghton Lake - Anglers are still getting walleye, crappie and bluegills. Some of the walleye are running small. Those doing the catch and immediate release bass fishing have caught some nice largemouth.
Tawas - Pier anglers fishing at night have caught walleye when casting crank baits.
Au Gres - Few boats were out however pier anglers were catching walleye.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Petoskey - Lake trout can be found along the shoreline between the breakwall and Bay Harbor.
Bear River - Lower water levels have slowed the steelhead bite, but anglers will still find other species down near the mouth.
Charlevoix - Anglers are going after lake trout but the bite was slow.
Traverse City - Lake trout have been caught in the West Bay near the mouth of the Boardman River.
Elk River - Anglers may still be able to find an occasional steelhead. The smallmouth bass are usually pretty aggressive this time of year.
Boardman River - Anglers will find good numbers of smallmouth bass. Try using live minnows or shallow diving shads. A few walleye were seen in the weeds near the dam. Try drifting crawlers at night.
Frankfort - Some very nice chinook were caught by those trolling from shore to 70 to 100 feet of water with orange spoons. A few brown trout are still in the area.
Onekama - Chinook salmon were found by those trolling straight out from the breakwalls and fishing near the Shelf.
Portage Lake - Walleye anglers making it out between 10pm and 3am did mange to find about one hour of good fishing. Most are trolling stick baits or body baits along the weed beds near the point.
Manistee - Trout and salmon have been caught by those trolling blue or green spoons in 100 to 200 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow.
Ludington - Salmon and trout have been scattered with fish caught in waters 50 to 250 feet deep. Try running blue spoons or flies.
Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor - Fishing was slow with a few small rainbow and browns caught.
Ontonagon - Lake trout fishing was good in 80 to 100 feet of water. Most fish were caught 20 feet off the bottom when trolling orange and green spoons. The morning bite was slow but picked up in the afternoon.
Marquette - Had very good lake trout fishing. Chinook, steelhead and brown trout were also caught by those trolling towards Shot Point and the Sand Hole with cut bait. Limit catches of fish up to 25 pounds were caught around Stannard Rock.
Little Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing should start to pick up with warmer temperatures in the forecast. Perch anglers were still fishing near the Day's River and Sanders Point.
Indian Lake - In Schoolcraft County is producing walleye however many were small. Anglers were trolling crawler harnesses or rapalas. A few brown trout in the 18 to 20 inch range were also caught on rapalas. Yellow perch fishing was slow however one 14 inch fish was taken. A few pike were caught but most were small. One nice lake herring was also recorded.
Au Train - Coho and lake trout fishing was spotty. Those that caught fish did so when trolling towards the red rock area and past Au Train Island.
De Tour - Anglers trolling the #3 green can for lake trout, chinook and Atlantic salmon did best with stick baits or spoons. Some nice fish were caught. Good colors were fire-tiger or green with white dots.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are splake fishing off the pier in Hessel. Water temperatures are still averaging 53 degrees which will keep the splake close to shore. Catch rates for pike were fair with lots of smaller fish caught. Anglers are trolling planer boards or casting stick baits.