Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

6/3/26 Southwest Lower Peninsula, Michigan DNR Fishing Report

 

Southwest Lower Peninsula


South Haven: Salmon anglers reported another good week of fishing. The salmon fishing got tougher the last couple of days; 75 to 100 feet of water was the most consistent. Standard sized spoons worked best. Pier anglers caught a few steelhead and a decent number of freshwater drum. Most of the fish were caught on shrimp or alewife. Perch fishing pressure was very low.

St. Joseph: Salmon fishing was slow with fish being reported as spread out. Anglers caught fish from 55 feet of water out well beyond 120 feet of water. The most consistent water was around 80 feet. Pier fishing was steady. Steelhead were caught on shrimp as well as live bait and by casting.

Nearby Bait Shops Include: 
Fishin Hole (269) 982-3474
Tackle Haven (269) 925-0341
Great Lakes Tackle  (269) 208-6178
Fishing Hole 2 (269) 468-7522 

Note: At any time you can view the Berrien Springs fish ladder cam by go to this link or following their youtube channel. Subscribing to their channel helps fund the fish ladder cam. 

St. Joseph River: Good numbers of walleye were caught in the lower St Joseph river by anglers trolling crank baits and drifting crawlers. 

Muskegon: Salmon fishing slowed down slightly over the past week but a fair number were still caught. Salmon were scattered in 60 to 220 feet of water with the best action reported in 70 to 140 feet of water. Green and orange spoons worked well with a few caught on white flasher-flies.

  • For a more accurate report on the Muskegon Lake & the Muskegon River I suggest reaching out to the people at Snug Harbor Outfitters. Phone: (231-719-0759)

Grand Haven: Boat anglers noticed the salmon action slowing down over the past week. They still caught a fair number of salmon in addition to a few steelhead 30 to 100 feet down in 60 to 140 feet of water. Spoons did the best in the colors of orange, yellow, and green. Pier anglers targeting steelhead found the action to be slow. Anglers casting the in the channel for freshwater drum caught a few on silver spoons.


For more bait shops in the southwest lower peninsula follow the links below:
Berrien County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Allegan County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Ingham County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Branch County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Barry County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Montcalm County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Kalamazoo County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Kent County Bait Shops: Click Here!

Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southwest Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

Allegan County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Barry County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Calhoun County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Cass County Public Lakes: Click Here! 
Kalamazoo County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Oceana County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Ottawa County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Van Buren County Public Lakes: Click Here!
Barry County Public Lakes: Click Here!

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Wednesday, August 27, 2025

8/27/2025 Southeast, Michigan Fishing Report

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie: Yellow perch were caught out from the River Raisin in about 15 feet of water. However, they were not being caught in limit numbers yet, as they had only just started to come in with the cooling water temperatures. Unfortunately, the larger perch were still holding out and had not yet entered Michigan waters, so it was still slightly early to catch the bigger ones in great numbers. Water temperatures had dropped to the mid-70s, but once they reached the 60s, the perch came in en masse. Anglers were using perch spreaders with minnows to catch the early ones. Vegetation had thinned out a bit. Walleye were caught at the mouth of the Detroit River to the north, on crawler harnesses & trolling spoons. **I've specifically seen people catching walleye trolling michigan stinger spoons or similar spoons" Not much action was reported with smallmouth or largemouth bass this week.

  • If you're planning on fishing out of Sterling State Park or the Brest Bay area you can pick up tackle from the nice people at Jeff's Bait & Tackle

  • If you're planning on fishing any of the canals near Lake Erie Metro Park or Point Mouillee State Game Area you can get all of your bait & tackle needs met at  Bottom Line Bait & Tackle.
Detroit River:  Visibility on the river is pretty good at about 5 feet or more.  No heavy grass is flowing down the river at this time making jigging or bottom fishing  easier.  I've only seen a couple of reports of people dragging harnesses and jigging the river with success but not enough to verify a consistent bite.  Shore fishermen are still picking up channel catfish throughout the river on live night crawlers or any preferred catfish baits.  Large sheepshead and smallmouth bass are also taking night crawlers but larger fish are biting crayfish.  **If you're looking for crayfish, try Moes Bait Shop**. 

Port Sanilac: Boat anglers trolling for salmon and trout picked up a few walleye and lake trout in 100 to 130 feet of water. The anglers marked a lot of fish in about 80 feet of water, but getting a bite was tough.

Port Austin: Smallmouth bass and a few pike were caught in the bird creek inside the harbor area casting spinners and using night crawlers.

Quanicassee/Caseville: Fishing pressure was light. A few perch were caught straight out of Sunset Marina in the slot, in 15 feet of water. It was slow going, though, with anglers fishing all morning and doing a lot of sorting to keep seven to eight perch.

Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

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    8/27/25 Southwest Lower Peninsula, Michigan DNR Fishing Report

     


    Southwest Lower Peninsula

    South Haven: Boat anglers targeting salmon had fair success this week. Quite a few fish were caught, but conditions were challenging. Fish were taken from 35 feet of water out to well past 120 feet of water, mostly on spoons. The catch consisted primarily of Chinook salmon and coho salmon. Pier fishing was decent as well. Anglers were catching coho salmon and steelhead, using spinners and spoons, as well as shrimp fished under bobbers. Perch fishing was very inconsistent. There were a couple of good days, but things became more difficult after lake temperatures dropped.

    St. Joseph: Boat anglers had decent salmon fishing this week. The fish were very spread out, with most boats targeting around 70 feet of water. Most fish were caught on spoons. Pier fishing was decent as well. The action was slow at first but improved when the temperature dropped. Fishing could have been better, but rough lake conditions limited opportunities. Most fish were caught on spoons and spinners. Perch fishing was pretty good, though it slowed down when lake temperatures dropped. Anglers were targeting around 30 feet of water.

    Nearby Bait Shops Include: 
    Fishin Hole (269) 982-3474
    Tackle Haven (269) 925-0341
    Great Lakes Tackle  (269) 208-6178
    Fishing Hole 2 (269) 468-7522 

    Note: At any time you can view the Berrien Springs fish ladder cam by go to this link or following their youtube channel. Subscribing to their channel helps fund the fish ladder cam. 

    Muskegon: Anglers caught salmon from inside the basin out to 80 feet of water. Glow plugs and glow spoons worked well. Pier anglers caught a few salmon while casting glow spoons.

    • For a more accurate report on the Muskegon Lake & the Muskegon River I suggest reaching out to the people at Snug Harbor Outfitters. Phone: (231-719-0759)

    Grand Haven: Boat anglers caught decent numbers of salmon from the pierheads out to 80 feet of water. Glow spoons and glow plugs worked best. Pier anglers caught salmon on alewives and while casting glow spoons.


    For more bait shops in the southwest lower peninsula follow the links below:
    Berrien County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Allegan County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Ingham County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Branch County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Barry County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Montcalm County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Kalamazoo County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Kent County Bait Shops: Click Here!

    Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southwest Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

    Allegan County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Barry County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Calhoun County Public Lakes: Click Here!

    Cass County Public Lakes: Click Here! 
    Kalamazoo County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Oceana County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Ottawa County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Van Buren County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Barry County Public Lakes: Click Here!

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    8/27/25 Northeast Lower Peninsula, Michigan Fishing Report

     


    Northeast Lower Peninsula

    Cheboygan: Unstable weather and strong winds limited fishing activity on Lake Huron. In the Cheboygan River, anglers caught smallmouth bass, rock bass, freshwater drum, and the occasional walleye and salmon. Worms were the most common bait used for these species. For smallmouth bass, natural-colored or white soft plastic swimbaits produced good results. Crankbaits and spinners had some success with walleye. Good areas to target these species included beside the pedestrian walkway bridge by the baseball fields, the State Street drawbridge by the Cheboygan DNR field office, and along the parking lot by the Plaunt’s Transportation ferry. Early-run salmon were at the Cheboygan pier and Cheboygan dam spillway. Before sunrise and just after sunset were the best times to catch salmon. At the Cheboygan pier, anglers cast spoons, while anglers at the Cheboygan dam floated or bottom bounced spawn.

    Oscoda/Au Sable: Walleye were taken in good numbers while trolling crawler harnesses or Jr. spoons on three to seven colors of leadcore in 80 to 130 feet of water. Anglers trolling spoons and targeting salmon 60 feet down in 110 to 120 feet caught a handful of Atlantic salmon, coho salmon, and the occasional Chinook salmon this week. Orange and black/red spoons reportedly performed well. Walleye were also caught on larger spoons by anglers targeting salmon. Earlier in the week, anglers fishing from the pier—when the lake had flipped and cold water was close to shore—caught a couple of coho salmon and one chinook salmon while casting glow spoons before sunrise. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass off the pier also did well, casting small paddle tails and drop shots with plastics.

    Harrisville: Lake trout were caught in 170 to 250 feet of water by anglers targeting the bottom while trolling Spin-N-Glos and spoons. Walleye, coho salmon, and the occasional steelhead were caught on five to seven colors of leadcore in 80 to 120 feet while trolling spoons.

    Presque Isle: Mixed bag fishing produced Chinook salmon, lake trout, a few steelhead,


    walleye, and the occasional coho salmon. The best places to fish were straight out, between the lighthouses, north of the lights off North Bay and Black Point, or south toward Stoneport. The most productive depths were 60 to 120 feet of water. Running lines throughout the water column yielded the best results. Anglers used spoons, flashers with flies and squids, J-plugs, and meat rigs. Effective colors included green, white, blue, black, and glow patterns — especially early and late in the day. There were large numbers of baitfish in the area, and targeting them proved effective as well.

    • For more public lakes in Presque Isle county: Click Here!

    Alpena: A few anglers reported walleye catches from the lake, but I didn’t see any salmon or trout on the days I was there. Many anglers on the river had success with smallmouth bass and freshwater drum and were still reporting many goby catches.

    Rockport: Anglers trolling out at Rockport reported a few walleye, lake trout, and steelhead catches, but no limits reached.

    Rogers City: After the big blow, anglers were expected to find salmon staging close to Swan Bay. The best depths were from the bay shallows out to 50 feet. The most effective tactic was to run J-plugs and body baits off planer boards. There were also fish out deeper. Running lines throughout the water column produced the best results. A mix of spoons, flashers with flies and squids, meat rigs, and J-plugs worked well. Good colors included green, white, black, blue, and glow patterns—especially early and late in the day. With the disrupted and warm water, the bite was suspected to be best before sunrise and after sunset. Anglers who chose not to fish Swan Bay reported that the area near 40 Mile Point yielded some immature Chinook salmon, lake trout, and walleye. There were large numbers of baitfish present. The best strategy was to troll around the bait, as fish were actively feeding on it.

    Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:


    Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Northeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

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    Wednesday, July 30, 2025

    7/30/25 Southwest Lower Peninsula, Michigan DNR Fishing Report


     

    Southwest Lower Peninsula


    South Haven: Salmon fishing was productive this week, with anglers primarily catching Chinook salmon alongside a few coho salmon and steelhead. The most successful fishing occurred around 95 feet of water, though some anglers also experienced good results near 115 feet. The bite was predominantly on spoons, while some of the larger salmon were caught using meat rigs. Pier fishing was slow across all species, and perch fishing remained sluggish as well.

    St. Joseph: Salmon fishing was decent this week, with the fish spread out across a wide range, as anglers targeted waters from 90 to well beyond 110 feet. Rotators tipped with flies or meat rigs proved to be the most productive methods. The catch consisted of a mixed bag of Chinook salmon and coho salmon. Early mornings and late evenings were the most productive times to fish. Pier fishing remained slow for all species, while perch fishing was highly inconsistent.

    Nearby Bait Shops Include: 
    Fishin Hole (269) 982-3474
    Tackle Haven (269) 925-0341
    Great Lakes Tackle  (269) 208-6178
    Fishing Hole 2 (269) 468-7522 

    Note: At any time you can view the Berrien Springs fish ladder cam by go to this link or following their youtube channel. Subscribing to their channel helps fund the fish ladder cam. 

    Muskegon: Salmon action was good for boat anglers. The best action was 60 to 100 feet down in 100 to 160 feet of water. A mix of glow plugs, glow spoons, green rotator/fly combinations, and meat rigs all worked well. Pier anglers caught a few freshwater drum on casting spoons.

    • For a more accurate report on the Muskegon Lake & the Muskegon River I suggest reaching out to the people at Snug Harbor Outfitters. Phone: (231-719-0759)

    Grand Haven: Boat anglers found good numbers of salmon in 100 to 160 feet of water. Glow plugs, meat rigs, and rotator/fly combinations worked best 50 to 90 feet down. Pier anglers caught a fair number of bass on drop shot rigs and live bait.

    For more bait shops in the southwest lower peninsula follow the links below:
    Berrien County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Allegan County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Ingham County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Branch County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Barry County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Montcalm County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Kalamazoo County Bait Shops: Click Here!
    Kent County Bait Shops: Click Here!

    Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southwest Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

    Allegan County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Barry County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Calhoun County Public Lakes: Click Here!

    Cass County Public Lakes: Click Here! 
    Kalamazoo County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Oceana County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Ottawa County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Van Buren County Public Lakes: Click Here!
    Barry County Public Lakes: Click Here!


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    7/30/2025 Southeast, Michigan Fishing Report

     



    Southeast Lower Peninsula

    Eastern Saginaw Bay: Due to the very hot weather and some storms over the weekend, activity was limited, and fishing was slower than in previous weeks. Those fishing around Caseville were able to catch a few walleye off Oak Point in 30 to 40 feet of water and out by the Charity Islands. In the eastern inner bay around Quanicassee, anglers were still getting walleye straight out and off Callahan Reef in 11 to 13 feet of water. Those who headed out deeper between the bar and the shipping channel were also able to find a few walleye. crawler harnesses performed better than body baits during the week, although both caught fish.

    Lake Erie: Walleye appeared to have moved to very deep waters, with anglers catching fewer than they had earlier in the month. Some walleye were still hanging around directly east of Stony Point near the Michigan–Ohio border. Anglers caught them by bottom bouncing crawler harnesses. Yellow perch remained elusive. A few more anglers targeted them in Michigan waters but without much luck. The catfish bite was reported good.

    • If you're planning on fishing out of Sterling State Park or the Brest Bay area you can pick up tackle from the nice people at Jeff's Bait & Tackle

    • If you're planning on fishing any of the canals near Lake Erie Metro Park or Point Mouillee State Game Area you can get all of your bait & tackle needs met at  Bottom Line Bait & Tackle.

    Lower Saginaw Bay: Walleye were caught two miles east of the sparkplug while trolling with crawler harnesses in 22 feet of water. Trolling just north of the black hole in 20 feet of water with crawlers also produced fish. Buoys 1 and 2 produced some walleye as well, with trolling in 24 to 26 feet of water being effective. A few smallmouth bass were caught around Spoils Island by casting crankbaits along the rocks.

    Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:  

    Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

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      Wednesday, October 16, 2024

      10/16/24 Southeast Michigan Fishing Report

       


      Southeast Lower Peninsula

      Detroit River:  The bait fish have moved in close to shore and with them have come the walleye.  Anglers are catching walleye at night on jigs with dark colored plastics, while daytime anglers are catching fish on natural presentations. A few atlantic salmon are being taken from the river on with jig and plastics by anglers targeting walleye.

      Lower Saginaw Bay: Walleye appeared in the lower part of the Saginaw River, and a few boat anglers managed to catch some while jigging blade baits or using soft plastics. Yellow perch were caught by anglers near buoy 1 in 26 feet of water, as well as near the Sparkplug. Anglers reported that these fish averaged 8 to 12 inches in size.

      Eastern Saginaw Bay: Windy conditions and slow fishing limited angler activity on the eastern side of the bay. Anglers around Quanicassee reported slow fishing for both walleye and yellow perch. Fishing from Sebewaing to Caseville was similar, with very few boat anglers out for yellow perch and walleye, and slow fishing reported. Anglers targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass were catching fish on a variety of artificial baits. Shore fishing was slow with mostly small perch and panfish. Anglers that put in a half day’s effort or more were able to sort through enough small fish to get a meal.

      Lexington: Fishing was reported to have improved, with anglers catching an occasional steelhead and Atlantic salmon around the docks at the Lexington State Harbor while casting spoons and spinners.

      Port Sanilac: A mix of coho salmon, steelhead, and an occasional Atlantic salmon were caught sporadically throughout the day by anglers. Using smaller artificial lures and bobber fishing with nightcrawlers and wax worms were common choices among anglers.

      Harbor Beach: A few coho salmon were caught using a variety of artificial lures from the break wall and near the boat launch area. Spinners were a popular choice among anglers.

      Lexington: Bluegill were caught by anglers using nightcrawlers. A few northern pike were caught on artificial lures. Anglers were catching a few steelhead, coho salmon, and an occasional Atlantic salmon while casting spinners, Cleos, and still fishing with bobbers and night crawlers or wax worms.

      Lake Erie: Yellow perch remained east of Stony Point, however anglers noted that they moved slightly in to around 24 feet of water. Anglers were catching them with both night crawlers and live minnows on perch spreaders. Red beads seemed to work best. Largemouth bass were active off the docks at Bolles Harbor and were biting on soft plastic lures. Smallmouth bass were caught on soft plastic dropshot rigs along the rock wall near the Sterling State Park beach. Catfish were caught in the discharge waters of the DTE power plant. 

      • If you're planning on fishing out of Sterling State Park or the Brest Bay area you can pick up tackle from the nice people at Jeff's Bait & Tackle

      • If you're planning on fishing any of the canals near Lake Erie Metro Park or Point Mouillee State Game Area you can get all of your bait & tackle needs met at  Bottom Line Bait & Tackle.

      Lake St. Clair: Fishing activity was reported as slow. Prior to the windy conditions, anglers
      were catching panfish near Selfridge. Small artificial lures in natural baitfish colors on slip bobbers worked well. Low numbers of perch were caught from the shipping channel near the St. Clair Lighthouse and in the mouths of the middle and south channels. Small muskellunge were caught near the spillway. Very few anglers headed to Grosse Point and Ford Cove due to high winds, however those that went reported perch in 13 to 15 feet of water. Anglers reported catching walleye between the spillway and the Metropark in 13 to 15 feet of water as well. Anglers who caught walleye in the channel mouths caught them in 19 feet of water.10/16/24 


      Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:  

      Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

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        10/16/24 Northeast Lower Peninsula, Michigan Fishing Report

         


        Northeast Lower Peninsula

        Cheboygan: Salmon were reported to be in high numbers at the Cheboygan Dam spillway; however, anglers had a tough time catching fish. Anglers were primarily catching Chinook salmon with the occasional pink salmon, coho salmon, or steelhead mixed in. Those drifting natural baits such as spawn saw the best results, however, other good options were beads, minnow crank baits, and spoons. 

        Rogers City: Poor weather conditions kept anglers off the water.

        Alpena: Angling pressure was reported as slow. A few boat anglers ventured in Thunder Bay with no success. Others targeted perch along the pier and harbor docks with only a few small fish found.

        Thunder Bay River: Chinook salmon were still present in good numbers. Anglers had success drifting spawn and beads. Fire tiger, chartreuse, and blue/silver body baits were also productive. Those using spawn reported a few steelhead and Atlantic salmon showing up as well. Perch anglers below 2nd Avenue bridge reported no luck.

        Rockport: A few anglers tried for Chinook and coho salmon with only a few caught. Chartreuse and white crank baits caught a few fish along with green, gold, and orange spinners.

        Oscoda: Anglers fishing off the pier at night started to pick up some walleye when casting flicker shads. A few coho and Atlantic salmon were caught by anglers casting spoons off the pier early in the morning.

        Au Sable River: Steelhead and Atlantic salmon were caught throughout the lower river when casting spinners, floating spawn/beads, and streamer fishing. Most Atlantic salmon were caught on spinners or flies resembling a minnow. Chinook salmon were caught below Foote Dam by anglers floating skein or spawn bags. 

        Harrisville: Chinook and coho salmon were caught by anglers floating skein 3 to 4 feet down early in the morning or at dusk inside the harbor from the gas docks. Fish were caught throughout the day, but the bite seemed the slow. Steelhead were also caught out of the marina by anglers casting little Cleos. 

        Black River: Anglers who were casting pink arctic spinners early in the morning picked up a couple coho salmon. Chinook salmon were caught when floating skein and beads. Anglers had the most success when casting spoons or spinners in the morning.

        Au Gres: A few walleye were caught north of Charity Island when trolling or casting crawlers and crank baits. Other anglers were able to get a few fish heading south out from the mouth. Bluegill and other panfish were caught by anglers at Eagle Bay Marina.

        Tawas: Windy conditions kept most boat anglers off the water. Chinook salmon and a few coho salmon were caught at the Tawas River mouth on various baits including spawn, spinners, spoons, and Rapalas. Chinook salmon and steelhead were also caught at the Singing Bridge when fishing the river and in the surf. 

        Below are links to bait shop listings organized by county:


        Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Northeast Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

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