Weekly Fishing Report: May 26, 2016

Weekly Fishing Report

May 26, 2016

Southeast Lower Peninsula  Southwest Lower Peninsula  Northeast Lower Peninsula  Northwest Lower Peninsula  Upper Peninsula  Great Lakes Temperature Map  Weekly Fishing Tip This coming Saturday, May 28 is the opening day of large and smallmouth bass season on the Great Lakes and all inland waters except Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River and the Detroit River which do not open until the third Saturday in June (6/18).  Those participating in catch-and-release have caught a good number of fish so the opener looks to be very good!   Southeast Lower Peninsula Many lakes in the region have sunfish and bluegill moving up into the shallows as they prepare to spawn.   Lake Erie:  Walleye fishing was hit-or-miss.  Those drifting, trolling and bottom bouncing a crawler harness with copper and purple inline spinner caught fish straight out from Brest Bay and Fermi or off Stony Point in 20 to 25 feet.  Those bowfishing in the lagoons at Sterling State Park caught several carp and goldfish along with a couple gar.  Bolles Harbor had decent catches of crappie and other panfish on a jig and wax worm.  Largemouth bass and pike were caught on spinners and crankbaits.   Huron River:  Anglers continue to catch white perch and a few white bass.   Washtenaw County:  South Lake in the Pinckney Recreation Area was producing bluegills and redear sunfish.  Boat anglers on Ford Lake caught some decent walleye.  Large and smallmouth bass were caught but most were less than 12 inches.     Detroit River:  Walleye fishing remains very good in the upper river but the better success has been from the Ontario side of the river.  White bass fishing was excellent in the lower river where limit catches were taken in the Trenton Channel.  Anglers should find good white bass fishing throughout the entire river this weekend.   Oakland County:  Both Cass Lake and Union Lake experienced a rather large mayfly hatch, so the panfish bite has slowed a bit.  Anglers continue to do well for bass in the shallow sandy flats when using jerk baits or drop shot fishing. If looking for pike or walleye, try the weedy flats and drop-offs in the early morning or evening.  The smallmouth spawn is pretty much done but anglers are reporting largemouth starting to bed now.  Water temperatures are on the rise so the bluegills should be getting ready to spawn.   Lake St. Clair:  Smallmouth bass are nesting and anglers were having a hard time getting a bite.  DNRshocking crews tagged over 400 smallmouth bass near 11 Mile Road.  Anglers are encouraged to report their catch of tagged smallmouth bass using the on-line tagged fish reporting system.  Bass were found near the Metro Park and the Mile Roads and caught in four to six feet on a variety of lures including crankbaits, swimbaits, rattle traps, or green and pumpkin tube baits.  Those targeting them also caught rock bass, white bass and a couple musky.  Yellow perch were caught near Gino’s in five to 10 feet when floating minnows and worms or when jigging minnows.  A few pike were also caught.  On the north end, smallmouth bass were caught south of Selfridge in six to seven feet on blue crankbaits or chartreuse curly tail grubs.  Walleye were also caught in the same area when fishing the shoreline with gold lures or crawler harnesses with gold flashers.   Clinton River:  Has good rock bass action and shore fishing for carp was excellent near the mouth.   St. Clair River:  Walleye fishing has been good in the Algonac area. Jigging and bottom bouncing has been productive during the day, while whipping and wireline trolling were good after dark. The water temperature was 49 to 51 degrees.  Lexington:  Anglers caught a mix of lake trout, brown trout, steelhead and pink salmon which were scattered throughout waters 30 to 90 feet deep.   Port Sanilac:  Was producing trout and salmon.  A couple Atlantic salmon were caught off the outside wall when using large gray shiners under a bobber.     Harbor Beach:  Some nice salmon were caught on spoons 25 to 60 feet down in 110 feet north of the harbor and South of Port Hope.  Best colors were blue and green alewives, and yellow tail spoons. Try spoons on 2, 3, 5, and 10 color lines with offshore boards as well.  Lake trout are still being caught straight out and to the north in 60 to 100 feet with dodgers and spin-glo’s or clean spoons down near the bottom.  A couple steelhead were taken up high in the water column.     Saginaw Bay:  Walleye were caught in seven feet off Pinconning, 14 to 17 feet around the G Buoy, 20 feet off Linwood and eight to 10 feet on the Callahan Reef.  On the east side, the Slot was producing a good number of fish in 16 feet.  Crawler harnesses were definitely out-fishing crankbaits.  Channel cat fishing was good off Sebewaing in five feet.  Carp are in the shallows all over the south end and the east side where those bowfishing have done extremely well.   Saginaw River:  Some walleye were caught in the lower river.  The white bass are done spawning but freshwater drum have moved in as they prepare to spawn.     Tittabawassee River:  Fishing was pretty much concentrated within an easy run of the Center Road launch site in Saginaw Township.  White bass were still being caught on jigs, crankbaits and live minnows.  Upstream of Freeland, catch-and-release fishing for smallmouth bass was very good, and a few walleye were caught.  The spring walleye fishery is pretty much over.   Back to Top Southwest Lower Peninsula Panfish action on the inland lakes is picking up daily with the warm weather.  Crappie and bluegills were on the beds in the shallow lakes and should be on all inland lakes in the area by the weekend.  Bass were on the beds.     St. Joseph:  Salmon fishing improved with anglers catching Chinook and coho on spoons in 100 feet.  Pier anglers caught freshwater drum on crawlers.  Perch fishing was very slow.      South Haven:  Had good salmon fishing.  Anglers were taking both Chinook and coho when trolling spoons in 100 to 130 feet.  Pier fishing was very slow for all species and perch fishing was very slow.   Kalamazoo County:  Indian Lake and Austin Lake were producing a fair to good number of panfish.  Gull Lake was hit-or-miss.  Thornapple Lake:  In Barry County was producing some perch.     Allegan County:  Crappie fishing was good on the inland lakes including Miner and Baseline.  Anglers on Eagle and Duck Lake caught bluegills on red worms.   Grand Haven:  Salmon are being caught between the surface and 120 feet down in 140 to 240 feet.  Anglers were using orange or green spoons with white flies.  Pier anglers are catching a few brown trout and steelhead on alewife.   Grand River at Grand Rapids:  Is producing a few walleye, some catfish and a good number of smallmouth bass.  Crappie were caught in the bayous and backwaters.    Grand River at Lansing:   Has good smallmouth bass fishing.  Try minnows, leeches and crawlers or twister tail grubs and small spinners.  Crappie were caught upstream of Moore’s Park.  A few pike and walleye were still being caught below the dams.  Those targeting panfish have caught some big rock bass. Eaton County:  Sunfish were caught on Narrow Lake, Pine Lake and Lake Alliance.     Muskegon:  Boats are catching Chinook and coho in 160 to 260 feet.  Try fishing the top 120 feet with orange, green or blue spoons.  Muskegon River:  Walleye fishing is picking up and bass are biting well.  Panfish are moving into the shallows.     Whitehall:  Chinook and coho salmon were caught in 120 to 200 feet.  Schools of shiners and alewives have been spotted near the piers and brown trout are feeding on them.  Walleye are still being caught in the channel and from the piers after dark.  Try deep-diving body baits, plastic swimbaits, or a jig and minnow.  Back to Top Northeast Lower Peninsula Cheboygan:  Had good lake trout fishing at Cordwood Point and out by Bois Blanc Island.  Spoons, dodgers and cowbells with spin-glo’s caught good numbers of fish.     Cheboygan River: Smallmouth bass fishing started to pick up for those using live and artificial baits.  Good walleye fishing on crawlers and stick baits after dark.  A few pike, suckers, rock bass and steelhead were caught but it appears most of the steelhead have left the river.    Mullett Lake:  A couple nice pike were caught in Pigeon River Bay when drifting minnows or suckers.  Smallmouth bass anglers are finding lots of fish in the shallow areas but are having a hard time getting them to bite.  Those who had some success were using crankbaits, body baits and tube jigs.  Walleye pressure was still low with a few reports of fish caught when trolling crawler harnesses at dusk.   Black Lake:   Walleye fishing slowed but some pike were caught.   Rogers City:  Boat anglers are taking lake trout, the occasional Atlantic salmon and the stray Chinook salmon.  A few limit catches of lake trout were coming in.  Anglers have to look for them but once found they are cashing in.  Most are fishing just off the bottom in 40 to 70 feet with cowbells or dodgers with spin-glo’s.  The lake trout were suspended so try spoons about halfway down.  Green was a good color.  Pink and Atlantic salmon were caught on bright spoons in the top 30 feet.  Look for structure and a rocky bottom.   Presque Isle:  Had very good Atlantic salmon action.  Try south around Stoneport.  Fish were caught on bright colored spoons in the top 30 feet.  Hot colors were orange and silver, orange and green or orange and gold.  Lake trout were starting to move in shallower.  Try 20 to 60 feet and fish just off the bottom.   Alpena:  Boat, shore and pier anglers had good success in the lake and on the river.  Hot spots were around Grass Island and Sulphur Island especially at night.  Lake trout are starting to head out to deeper water so limit catches were more difficult.    Thunder Bay River:  Still had good steelhead fishing as fish were still making their way up to the dam.  Most are using trout beads and body baits. Montmorency County:  McCormick Lake was producing some brown trout.  Grass Lake had good bluegill catches.  Fletchers Pond was producing a lot of small bluegills.  The boating access site on Fletchers is now open.      Oscoda:  Walleye are starting to come in and the numbers are increasing.  Most anglers are targeting them from the pier while casting body baits or drifting worms and leeches.    Au Sable River:  Steelhead were still coming up into the river.  Anglers are fishing the Foot Dam and High Banks area with spawn, spoons, fly's and spinner baits.  Trout fishing on the South Branch has picked up.  Higgins Lake:   Lake trout are being caught by those trolling in 80 to 100 feet.  Rainbow trout were found in the thermocline in 15 to 40 feet.  No word on perch but those targeting them were fishing in 20 feet in the early morning then moving to 40 to 50 feet later in the day.  Best areas to try are the Sunken and the Main Island.   Houghton Lake:   Fishing improved with limit catches of walleye and crappie reported.  The walleye were hitting mid-day in four to eight feet.  Anglers were casting husky jerks and rapalas while drifting.  Crappie were caught by those floating a minnow out near the Middle Grounds.  Not much on bluegills however it is possible they will be on the beds by the weekend.   Lake St. Helen:  Walleye fishing was a bit slow however anglers were catching good numbers of crappie, pike and bass when using minnows, crawlers and small plastics.  The better fishing was along the north and northwest sections where the winds have blown the warmer water.  For bass, anglers were using a slow presentation with top water lures.  Perch were caught and bluegill fishing should be good by the weekend.    Tawas:  Pier anglers caught walleye at night.  It appears the Atlantic salmon may have moved offshore.  Boat anglers weren’t doing that great in Tawas Bay so many were heading south and catching walleye near Alabaster.     Tawas River:  Is producing a few pike, drum, and smallmouth bass.   Au Gres:  Had a lot of boats when the weather permitted and a good number of walleye were caught but no “boat limits” were reported.  The fish were scattered in anywhere from 18 to 35 feet of water.  Methods varied, but the best pattern is moving from crankbaits to crawler harnesses.  A couple boats went bass fishing around the Charity Islands.  They caught and released as many as 50 good-sized bass per angler!  Tube-baits were the ticket. Back to Top Northwest Lower Peninsula Harbor Springs:  Anglers caught lake trout from Harbor Point to the west.  Some fish were suspended 20 to 40 feet down in 60 feet while others were caught near the bottom in 70 to 80 feet with spoons, flies and peanuts.  Smallmouth bass were spotted in the shallows inside Harbor Point.   Petoskey:  Had good lake trout fishing from the water treatment plant to Bay Harbor. Fish were caught 35 to 55 feet down in 40 to 110 feet.  Some were suspended while others were caught near the bottom.  Spoons and peanuts worked best.  Surface water temperature was 49 degrees.   Bear River:  Steelhead fishing is pretty much done but anglers were still finding the occasional fish when using spawn bags.  Small brown trout, chubs and rock bass were up near the dam.  Anglers caught smallmouth bass, rock bass, bullhead, pike, carp, freshwater drum and chubs off the rocks and the D Pier.  This is a fun place to fish with a worm and bobber.   Charlevoix:  Lake trout fishing was good for boat anglers with many taking limit catches.  The fish were 20 to 35 feet down in waters 50 to 150 feet deep.  Most were fishing North Point however fish were also caught near the cement plant and the State Park.  Spoons, spin-glo’s and peanuts worked best.  Pier anglers caught a few lake trout, smallmouth bass and cisco.  Walleye were caught after dark.     Traverse City:  Catch rates increased with lake trout and cisco caught south and east of the M-37 boat launch in the East Bay.  A fair number of smallmouth bass were caught and released in the bay and below the dam in Elk Rapids.  Lake trout were caught in the West Bay when trolling in shallow waters north of Clinch Park.   Boardman River:  Smallmouth bass were caught below the dam.  Suckers were caught on crawlers.   Leland:  Lake trout were hitting hard.  Suckers could be found in a few creeks.     Frankfort:  Fishing improved.  Those trolling the harbor caught lake trout and brown trout on spoons in the early morning.  Limits of lake trout were taken outside the piers in 25 to 50 feet.  A couple Chinook were caught just off the bottom out deep.   Onekama:  Those trolling bright colored spoons caught a fair to good number of Chinook salmon in 180 to 300 feet.  The fish were caught just off the bottom.  Portage Lake:  Anglers found perch in 40 feet off Lakeshore Road and in five feet while spawning off McGowen Creek near M-22.  Largemouth bass were still on the beds off Schick Creek which is on the east side of the lake.  Bluegills, crappie and rock bass were in the same area.   Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell:  Anglers have been doing well catching pike, walleye, and bass.  Some good crappie reports were starting to come in as well.   Manistee:  The north pier was still closed because of construction on the lighthouse.  Good numbers of lake trout were still coming in and there was an increase in Chinook salmon.  Most fish were caught in 60 to 100 feet.  A small number of brown trout were caught off the piers and good numbers of walleye have been caught at night.  Baitfish are showing up in the harbor.   Manistee Lake:  Large and smallmouth bass were reported in good numbers and both were hitting on rapalas and top-water lures.  A few anglers were targeting walleye but none were reported.  Northern pike numbers were good.  Head towards the Arthur Street Launch and try casting crankbaits.  A couple yellow perch were caught but most did not have much luck.    Big Manistee River:  The spring steelhead run is coming close to the end with only a few late fish hitting a jig and wax worm on the Wellston side at Tippy Dam.  The small brown trout recently stocked were hitting on anything anglers threw at them and the low water levels made sight fishing fun.  Good numbers of white and redhorse suckers were between Tippy Dam and High Bridge and hitting on flies.     Hamlin Lake:  Was producing some walleye and decent panfish action.    Ludington:  Good numbers of lake trout were caught in 40 to 70 feet.  Small numbers of brown trout, steelhead, and Chinook were caught as well.  Baitfish are moving into the harbor.   Pentwater:  Lots of nice lake trout are being caught in 30 to 70 feet.  Chinook and coho were caught out in 150 to 200 feet.   Pentwater Lake:  Pike and smallmouth bass were caught when casting body baits or using shiners near the bottom.  Those seeking walleye caught fish when trolling crawler harnesses or vertical jigging with minnows or leeches. Back to Top Upper Peninsula Walleye fishing should improve by the weekend.  Brook trout fishing on the streams has been good with the warm weather.  Bluegills and bass are just starting to show up in the shallows.   Ontonagon:  Boat anglers caught lake trout, brown trout and coho.    Ontonagon River:  Produced a few walleye with a couple fish over 25 inches.    Lake Gogebic:   Was producing a fair number of walleye 13 to 17 inches.     Keweenaw Bay:  The bite over the last week was up and down.  Those out trolling picked up a few coho, Chinook, lake trout and splake from the first bridge at the Baraga State Park to the mouth of the Falls River and from the Baraga Marina northward to the red rocks.  Most were trolling 15 to 45 feet down in 20 to 60 feet with spoons and body baits.  Hot colors were orange and green.  A few rainbow trout were still being caught in the Falls River but fishing off the Rock Dock was very slow.  The bite was slow in the South Portage Entry with only a few trout and salmon taken near the lighthouse and breakwall.  At Traverse Bay, anglers were trolling for lake trout near Black Point, Gay Point, Big Louie’s Point and near 5-Mile Reef.  Try a foot off the bottom in 130 to 240 feet.  Those jigging did not have much luck.   Menominee River:  Anglers caught walleye when trolling stick baits from the tip of Stephenson Island down to the mouth.  Musky were caught around Boom Island, the docks at Nest Egg Marina and around Stephenson Island.  Shore anglers caught a few walleye on a jig and minnow near the Hattie Street Dam.  Freshwater drum, catfish and a few perch were caught from the Fishermen's platform at the Mystery Ship Launch. Little Bay De Noc:  The walleye opener was very slow.  Most anglers fished the northern parts of the bay.  The best areas were around the Center and the Third Reefs when jigging lead heads with crawlers in 24 feet.  Early morning anglers trolled or drifted stick baits or crawlers in 14 to 27 feet. A few walleye were caught along the Second Reef, the “Narrows”, Gladstone Bay and near the mouth of the Escanaba River.  Smallmouth bass were caught off Garth Point, Gladstone Bay, Hunters Point and south to the Ford River mouth.  The bass were starting to nest so the opener should be good.  Water temperatures were mid 50’s to 60 degrees.  Walleye anglers trolling the reefs caught a good number of pike.        Big Bay De Noc:  The walleye opener was off to a very slow start but smallmouth bass fishing appears to be on track as anglers report nesting fish in Ogontz, Martin Bay, the Fish Dam Rivers area, Garden Bay, Puffy Bay and the South River area.  Most were casting tube baits or spinners in three to eight feet.  The opener should be good.  Garden bay still had a few perch anglers but most of the fish caught were very small.    Marquette:  Fishing has been moderate as some days were better than others.  Lake trout fishing has been good fishing north of the Upper Harbor near the white rocks when trolling in waters up to 200 feet deep.  Coho fishing has slowed as only a few were caught when trolling around the Lower Harbor breakwall.  Anglers are reminded to use caution and watch for commercial fishing nets in the Lower Harbor.      Munising:  Some reported a large mayfly hatch over the last week.  A recent tournament yielded a good number of lake trout with the biggest fish recorded at 37.29 pounds.  Salmon fishing was tough with the biggest Chinook less than 11 pounds.  A few small splake were caught on the Anna River.       Grand Marais:  Pier fishing for whitefish was slow.  Dense fog made it difficult for boat anglers.  The few that were out reported very little action for whitefish and those caught were small at 10 to 12 inches.  Those targeting lake trout did well with most fish averaging two to three pounds.  Fish were caught in 200 to 250 feet however a few boats were targeting the drop-offs in and around 150 to 200 feet near the various reefs located a few miles offshore.    St. Mary’s River:  A few rainbow trout and coho were caught from the Portage Street Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie when drifting four-ounce sinkers with a 12-inch leader and flat fish crankbaits.  Best colors were chrome with blue or burgundy and drifting these baits on the west bank of the canal parallel to the railroad ties seemed to work best.  On the discharge side of Clover Land Electric Power Plant, a few whitefish were caught drifting red hooks with wax worms in 10 to 12 feet just off the current from turbine generators.  Walleye fishing was excellent on the upper reaches of Munuscong Bay.  Anglers can launch from the new boat launch at Kemps Pointe and fish the north end of the bay while trolling small crankbaits at the mouth off the Munuscong River and around Grassy Island.  Orange and chrome hard baits worked for most while others used small crankbaits in four to five feet.  A few walleye 17 to 19 inches were caught off Drummond Island in Scott Bay when trolling the north end in four to six feet from Paw Pointe east to McCormicks Marsh.  Try crawler harnesses with single hooks and small perch colored crankbaits.   Detour:  Has no reports.   Cedarville and Hessel:  Pike fishing within the islands picked up for those using minnows or smelt.  Some also did quite well casting.  All the bays from Moscow Channel to Hessel Bay are producing pike.  Some splake are still being caught in Hessel Bay.  A few perch have showed up in Moscow Channel.   St. Ignace:  Anglers are harvesting good numbers of lake trout near both Mackinac and Bois Blanc Islands.  Cowbells and dodgers with spin-n-glo’s seem to work best.  The fish cleaning station remains closed.  A few walleye and pike were caught by those fishing area rivers with worms, leeches and crankbaits.   Back to Top Fishing Tip: Fishing for muskellunge - a premier challenge Known as “the fish of 10,000 casts,” muskellunge are a tremendous game fish native to Michigan’s lakes and streams. They are a prized catch to many anglers, but present many challenges when trying to do so. But if you do your research and are patient – you too could possibly land a big one! Muskie anglers can choose from a variety of methods such as trolling, casting or still fishing with live bait. Tackle requirements for muskellunge are stouter than equipment generally used for walleyes and bass. Larger, bulkier lures and fish that exceed 30 pounds or more call for heavier lines and stronger rods. It should be noted that muskie fishing success usually requires more dedication and persistence than for other species.

Post Office Fishing

Midway through my twelve hour work day, I decided to detox by getting in a little fishing after work.  I took some time thinking about where I'd go once I was finally off. The first place that popped in my head was behind the main post office on Fort St. The post office is about ten minutes from work and it's never crowded, so I would have a spot to fish. As soon as work was over, I walked to the parking structure and set off to my after work adventure.

I pulled up to the fishing spot to find 50 people in the first 30 yards of the Detroit  Riverwalk, but I was so excited to finally be off work that it didn't even matter. I grabbed my pole and box of bucktails from the backseat and headed to squeeze in where I could. I decided to use a black and white bucktail (pictured above).

My first few cast  didn't get as much as a nibble, but I figured that might be the case. I had to  figure out the depth the fish are sitting at. I know the Detroit River behind the post office quickly drops to well over twenty feet, so I decided to drop my bait to 18 feet to be in the strike zone.  I used a 3/8 ounce jig head which drops at about a foot per second I start counting to eighteen.  Once I hit the count of eighteen, I twitched the rod and "Fish On!" I'd caught my first white bass of the day.  Within five casts, I caught and released 3 white bass.  After about my seventh fish, I had a guy down from me get mad because I was releasing the fish.  "If you're just gonna throw them back you can give them to me!", he says. I replied with a smile and the release of another fish. I didn't really understand the logic behind his attitude because there are plenty of fish in the river to be caught. I fished for a half an hour, but I ended up catching about twenty white bass. Today was a good day...

Thanks for reading and tight lines.

Weekly Michigan Fishing Report: May 19, 2016

Weekly Fishing Report

May 19, 2016

Southeast Lower Peninsula  Southwest Lower Peninsula  Northeast Lower Peninsula  Northwest Lower Peninsula  Upper Peninsula  Great Lakes Temperature Map  Weekly Fishing Tip Surface water temperatures in the Northern Lower and the Upper Peninsula were still on the cold side but with much warmer weather in the forecast, anglers should start catching fish.     Southeast Lower Peninsula Lake Erie:  Even with the rain, wind and cold temperatures anglers were going home with a couple walleye.  Most were fishing near Stony Point, Brest Bay, and La Plaisance Bay when trolling spoons, crawler harnesses, and crankbaits or drifting bottom bouncers.  Purples, pinks, and fire-tiger are still good colors.  Walleye were caught in 18 to 25 feet but a few were found in shallower water.  A few walleye were caught by those trolling crawler harnesses near the Banana Dike.  Those targeting smallmouth bass in La Plaisance Bay had good catches in 10 to 15 feet while casting or jigging tube baits.  Shore anglers fishing the lagoons of Sterling State Park caught channel cats on crawlers and some crappie when floating a jig and minnow.  Huron River:  Anglers were still picking up the occasional steelhead however the majority of fish were on their way out.  Anglers will find lots of white bass and smallmouth bass in the river.   Detroit River:  Anglers are still getting some walleye but the white bass are in thick and that makes it harder to get your line down.  A fair to good number of perch were caught around the docks and marinas however many were throw backs.   Oakland County:  The last blast of cold weather caused some of the bass on Cass and Union Lake to pull off the beds temporarily.  With the warmer temperatures, bass are still being caught along the shallow flats in both lakes.  Those doing best were casting hard jerk baits or crayfish imitations.  Cass Lake had a few good panfish catches in the canals and shallow coves.   Lake St. Clair:  Cooler temperatures slowed the smallmouth bite in the south end of the lake but a few were caught in eight to 10 feet on chartreuse tube baits   Those fishing the bays, canals and off the banks did fairly well for largemouth bass with black and green jig-n-pigs or jerk baits. A good number of pike were taken on chartreuse tube baits.  Fair to good numbers of panfish could be seen along the shoreline on the left side as you leave the Clinton River cutoff launch.  Anglers caught crappie, bluegill and sunfish on crawlers and minnows.  On the north end, bass anglers were targeting the Metro Park and the Mile Roads.  Smallmouth were caught just north of the Harley Ensign launch in five or six feet.  Anglers caught pike.  Those targeting walleye had limited success with a gold crawler harness in seven feet north of Harley Ensign.  Panfish were caught on ice jigs with a worm in seven feet near the Selfridge launch.  Clinton River:  The rock bass run is underway.  The best reports have come from anglers using a 1/16 ounce jig with purple and white tube baits near structure.  St. Clair River:  Walleye fishing was good from Algonac to Port Huron.  Those jigging caught fish during the day while those whipping caught fish at night.   Port Sanilac:  A couple Atlantic salmon were caught from the outside wall.   Harbor Beach:  Lake trout are being taken straight out and north of the harbor in 80 to 110 feet with spin-glo’s or clean spoons just off the bottom.  Hot colors were frog or ghost dodgers with bright yellow, orange and green spin-glo’s or green, blue and perch colored spoons.  A few salmon were found in all directions.  Try 25 to 85 feet down in 45 to 90 feet with orange and black, blue and green alewives, or yellow tail spoons.   A couple steelhead were taken up high in the water column.   Willow River:   Located a couple miles southeast of Grindstone City had smallmouth bass moving into the lower section.  The catch-and-release bass anglers were doing very well.   Saginaw Bay:  Until recently, shore anglers outnumbered boat anglers.  When the weather allowed, boat anglers were fishing off the State Park, Linwood and out near the Spark Plug.  The odd walleye was caught between Sebewaing and Caseville and a couple fish were taken on a crawler harness in the Slot off Quanicassee.  Shore anglers on the Quanicassee River caught a mix of channel cats, rock bass, freshwater drum and carp.  Bow-fishing for carp is starting.   Saginaw River:  Those fishing the lower river took a fair number of walleye between the Liberty Bridge and the mouth.  Shore anglers at Essexville caught some freshwater drum.  Tittabawassee River:  Die-hard walleye anglers are still taking a few, but the bigger news is the white bass run is in full swing. The best fishing is downstream from Freeland, with the area around the Center Road launch producing well. The river was a bit high after the rain so focus on where the water swirls and current breaks.  Small crankbaits, small white jigs & twister tails, small spoons, spinners or minnows under a bobber all work.     Back to Top Southwest Lower Peninsula Panfish action on the inland lakes was fair but should improve with much warmer weather by the end of the week.  Some anglers reported bluegills and crappie moving in to the shallows.    St. Joseph:  Salmon fishing was slow.  Pier anglers using crawlers on the bottom did catch a few catfish and freshwater drum.  No perch to report.   South Haven:  Lake trout fishing continues to be very good.  The most productive water was around 55 feet.  A couple steelhead and salmon were caught but most were lake trout.  Pier fishing for all species was slow.   No perch to report.    Kalamazoo River:  Was still producing some suckers.  Those seeking catfish were using crawlers or cut bait.  For smallmouth bass, try fishing below the dams.      Grand Haven:  Boat anglers found coho 35 to 120 feet down in 170 to 220 feet.  Orange spoons worked best up high in the water column.  Those trolling near the piers caught the occasional Chinook.  A few perch were caught in 40 to 60 feet.    Grand River at Grand Rapids:  Most were waiting for the warmer weather.  Anglers should find smallmouth bass, suckers and catfish.  Check the backwaters for panfish.      Grand River at Lansing:   Had good catch-and-release smallmouth bass fishing below the dams.  Anglers were floating crawlers and shiners.   Muskegon:  Boats trolling off the end of the piers were finding a few Chinook.  Those heading out deep found coho 30 to 120 feet down in 160 to 230 feet when trolling orange spoons.  Pier fishing was slow.   Whitehall:  Boat anglers have caught some Chinook and coho salmon.  Walleye are still being caught by those starting to fish at sunset.  Try deep diving body baits or plastic swimbaits in perch or fire-tiger.   Back to Top Northeast Lower Peninsula Cheboygan:  The fish cleaning station was still closed.  Fishing on the big lake slowed with the cold weather and high winds.  Conditions and catch rates should improve this week.   Cheboygan River:  Is still producing some steelhead and suckers but the bite for both species has slowed.  Walleye were caught on stick baits, crawlers and by those jigging.  Several pike and smallmouth bass were caught throughout the river.    Mullett Lake:  Fishing pressure was light due to high winds.  Those that did manage to get out caught a couple smallmouth bass on tube jigs and crank baits.    Rogers City:  A few lake trout were caught near Seagull Point, Forty Mile Point, Swan Bay or Adams Point.  Try just off the bottom in 60 feet with five colors of lead with spoons and cowbells or dodgers with spin-glo’s near the bottom.     Presque Isle:  Has been producing some really nice Atlantic salmon especially for those heading south towards Stoneport.  Be sure to run your lines off boards and away from the boat.  Good baits were spoons and body baits in orange, green, orange and silver or orange and gold.  Some lake trout were caught just off the bottom in 20 to 80 feet between the lighthouses.  Dodgers or cowbells with spin-glo’s were the ticket.   Alpena:  Those able to get out did catch some walleye in the late evening and before sunrise.  Most were trolling body baits, rapalas, reef runners or hot-n-tot’s in dark colors like black and purple.  Pier and shore fishing were slow but those fishing in the late evening did have some luck.    Thunder Bay River:  Steelhead were still making their way up to the 9th Street Dam.  Fly's, spoons, spinners and body baits worked best.    Oscoda:  Pier fishing was slow with the cold water temperatures.  Some anglers were able to catch a few lake trout in shallow waters.  Those in search of walleye had limited success when casting body baits or drifting crawlers.   Au Sable River:  Steelhead were still moving up into the river in good numbers.  Higgins Lake:   Boats trolling rapalas, bombers and body baits caught lake trout in 80 to 110 feet.  A few perch were caught before the cold and snow last weekend.  Anglers found fish in 40 to 60 feet when using minnows.    Houghton Lake:   Anglers are getting a few walleye here and there when trolling leech rigs or Hot-n-tots in chartreuse or wonderbread.  Crappie were still being caught in the canals just after sunset.  Bigger fish were caught out in the lake but you have to find them.  A few bluegills were caught in the flats on leaf worms.  Bass fishing was good especially for smallmouth when using leeches or crawlers.  Some pike were also caught.    Tawas:  Pier fishing was slow.  A couple Atlantic salmon were caught on large gray shiners.  A few walleye were caught off the pier at night, and also down behind the State Police Post.  The few boats that went out were heading south toward Alabaster.  Tawas River:  Shore anglers caught the occasional bass or walleye.   Au Gres:  Boat anglers trolling in 15 to 35 feet off Whitestone Point, Point Lookout, and Pointe Au Gres caught walleye on crankbaits and crawler harnesses.  Shore anglers at the mouth of the Pine River near Standish caught some freshwater drum and channel cats.  Au Gres River:  Shore anglers fishing the lower river caught a few pike when casting lures or channel cats when still-fishing with crawlers.       Back to Top Northwest Lower Peninsula Petoskey:  High winds kept boats off of the lake.  When the wind allows, boat anglers should still find good numbers of lake trout.   Bear River:  Water levels were receding.  A couple steelhead along with a decent size brown trout were caught on spawn bags and flies.  The “Bobber Hole” was full of brown trout that were just stocked.  Anglers reported chubs and even a rock bass in the river.   Charlevoix:  High winds made fishing difficult but anglers should still find some good lake trout fishing when they can get out.  Pier anglers are picking up a few lake trout.  Some walleye were caught after dark.  Large groups of carp were in the channel.   Traverse City:  Strong winds limited boat anglers but those that did make it out caught lake trout when trolling or jigging in the East Bay.  When they could find them, Cisco were also caught.  As the weather warms up, bass fishing should pick up.   Frankfort:  Had good fishing for those trolling outside the harbor.  They caught good numbers of lake trout on cowbells and bright colored spoons.  Pier anglers caught lake trout and brown trout on spawn.   Portage Lake:  Fishing slowed with the cold weather.  A few largemouth bass and some panfish were caught in the shallows.   Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell:   Walleye were caught by those trolling crawlers or casting rapalas.  Some were starting to catch fish throughout the day while others were targeting them at night.  The crappie and bluegill bite was starting to pick back up with the warmer weather.   Manistee:  Surface temperature readings were 46 degrees.  A small number of Chinook were caught in 60 to 100 feet.  Good numbers of lake trout are still being recorded.  Walleye are being caught at night.  The north pier is closed due to construction on the lighthouse.   Manistee Lake:  Bass anglers reported moderate catches of smallmouth but overall the bite was slow.  Most were using crankbaits along the south end near Stronach.  A fair number of decent size pike were caught.       Big Manistee River:  Catch rates for steelhead were low in all parts of the river.  A few drop-backs were reported in the lower end.  Brown trout and suckers were hitting on flies, minnows and beads up near Tippy Dam.   Ludington:   Surface water temperatures were about 47 degrees.  Some brown trout were caught.  Good numbers of lake trout were taken in 60 to 100 feet.     Pentwater:  Had reports of lake trout being caught near the pier heads in 50 to 70 feet and brown trout in 15 to 30 feet.      Pentwater Lake:  Northern pike and smallmouth bass fishing are starting to heat up in the main lake as well as the channel.  Those casting rapalas or using live and frozen bait have caught some nice fish.   Back to Top Upper Peninsula Keweenaw Bay:  Those trolling for salmon had slower catch rates with only a few coho and the occasional Chinook, rainbow, brown or lake trout taken.  They were trolling 15 to 45 feet down in 20 to 60 feet from the first bridge next to the Baraga State Park and around to the Falls River mouth with spoons and body baits in orange and green.  Those jigging a Swedish pimple and egg on a single hook caught whitefish in 70 to 95 feet.  The South Portage Entry saw a bit of a spike in catch rates for trout and salmon especially near the lighthouse and the breakwall.     Menominee River:  With the musky opener, most anglers were targeting them but catch rates were slow.  One fish was recorded near Stephenson Island.   Little Bay De Noc:  For walleye, the better catches came between the Third and the Center Reefs when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses in 18 to 30 feet but the best catches were for those jigging a crawler in and around 24 feet.  Water temperatures were between 46 and the low 50’s.  A good number of fish were reported between Garth Point and the “Narrows”.  A good number of smallmouth bass were reported near the mouth of the Ford River.  Several anglers had fair catches of perch off Gladstone Beach with crawlers in 25 feet.  A few pike were caught.   Big Bay De Noc:   No word on walleye yet but perch anglers were getting some small fish in Garden Bay.  Good smallmouth action in Garden Bay, South River, Ogontz and near the Fish Dam Rivers for those using plastics, spinners and crankbaits.  Surface water temperatures were 38 degrees.   Marquette:  A few coho, splake and the occasional Chinook were caught on spoons in the Lower Harbor.  Those trolling near the Chocolay and the Carp River had little success but those trolling crankbaits and jigging in the Upper Harbor near the “Bubblers” did manage to catch a few fish.  There are commercial fishing nets in the harbor.  Boat anglers are urged to use caution and watch for buoys marking the nets.   Munising:  Those able to get out did catch a few Chinook and coho.  Surface water temperatures remain in the low 40’s offshore and 42 to 45 degrees nearshore.  No reports of any lake trout but a couple splake were taken by pier anglers.   Grand Marais:  A few boats had limited success when trolling for coho.  Pier anglers targeting whitefish had mixed results.  The better fishing was in the morning and mid-day but no limit catches were reported.  The fish observed have been slightly larger than a few weeks ago and averaged 15 to 16 inches.  Water temperatures were still in the low to mid 40’s.  There was no shore activity at the Sucker River.    St. Mary’s River:  Above the Soo Locks off Sherman Park, a few lake whitefish were caught in the shipping channel near Buoy #8 while fishing for yellow perch.  In Sault Ste. Marie, those trolling in the early morning caught a couple steelhead and Atlantic salmon on the Michigan side near the Power House with orange and black crank baits.  On the discharge side of the Clover Land Power Plant, a few whitefish were taken in 10 feet when drifting wax worms just off the swirling water of the turbine discharge.  Water temperatures were a cold 43 degrees and the water in Munuscong Bay had a brown stain.  The clear water around Moon Island was at 41 degrees.  At the mouth of the Munuscong River and off the State Park, a few rock bass were caught in 6 feet while trolling for walleye.   Cedarville and Hessel:  Perch are still in the Hessel marina.  Splake fishing was good off the pier in Hessel, in Wilderness Bay, and the far west shore of Hessel Bay.  Pike fishing is now open and should be good.   St. Ignace:  Cold windy weather kept boat anglers on shore and slowed activity in area rivers.  Only a few suckers and pike caught.  Those targeting walleye and steelhead reported slow catch rates.   Back to Top Fishing Tip: Save-the-Date for 2016 Summer Free Fishing Weekend Don’t miss your chance to fish for FREE this June as part of the 2016 Summer Free Fishing Weekend. OnSaturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 both residents and visitors can fish without a license. All other fishing rules and regulations still apply. Events are being planned across the state for this summer’s Free Fishing Weekend to provide fun opportunities for those new to the sport to try their hand at landing a big one. If you’d like to see events in your area, visit Michigan.gov/freefishing. Bookmark this page because the list of events is updated each week!  Don’t miss your chance to enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities – fishing – for free this June!

May 2016 Mystery Tackle Box Unboxing

My second Mystery Tackle Box (MTB) has arrived.  With great excitement I opened this box eager to see what was in it.  There were two items in the box that I can't wait to try.  The Savage Gear Armor Tube worm because it's touted to not tear off of your hook as easy as most plastic worms when fished wacky rig style and the Sebile Swingtail Minnowm, because it has a unique weighting system located below the front treble hook. 

Here is a closer look at hte baits that came in my May MTB. 

Can't wait until June to see what comes in that box.  I'm also still debating in if I should start doing MTB Slams.  

Sebile: Swingtail Minnow
Company Description: The Swingtail Minnow is a floating jointed minnow bait offered in three sizes an dnine colors.  Ideal when fishing shallow water, jointed baits cause bass to react, especially when paused intermittently. Cast the bait and retrieve to the desired depth pausing occasionally and allowing the bait to slowly float to the surface. Alter the pause time and rerieval speed to match the fish's activity level.
Colors: Rainbow Trout (available in 9 colors)
Size: 3 1/4" (available also in 2 3/4" and 4")
Weight: available in 1/4oz, 1/2oz, & 5/8oz.
Price: 7.99

Savage Gear: Armor Tube Worm
Company Description: Salt and scent enriched the Armor Tube Worm finally solves the problem with wacky rigging stick worms. No more one fish baits, or baits flying off on a cast after a fish or two. We have placed an armor mesh patch just for wacky rigging. No more tools and O-rings or going through bags of worms in one day.
Colors: Baby Bass (available in 11 colors)
Size: 5.5"
Price: $5.19 (8 pack)

Penetration Hooks: G Hook
Company Description: Designed to fish top water, standing grass and Texas / Carolina rigs. The "G" hook uses the penetration 2/0 design with our lightest wire and the penetration hooks barb. The length of the hook puts it back further on the bait and closer to the body of the bait to help stop short strikes and give better hook sets. The "G" hook is for when you need to finesse fish when you  are in grass or weeds and need to help keep trash from between the hook and the bait. The "G" hook is designed for small diameter baits like the Zoom Trick Wrom, Creme 7 inch ribbon tail, Gambler 7 inch floating worm or the shakey worm.  The low profile will help hide the hook. The"G" will work on a few baits that are longer with the small diameter plastic.  Designed for all plastic worms, lizards, creature baits and soft jerk baits. This hook really works well for the 7 inch and smaller plastic baits.
Size: 2/0
Price: $3.99 (5 pack)
PenHooks

Lucky Craft: Wake Tail
Company Description: The new Wake Tail is part of the next generation of topwater baits from Lucky Craft.  The features of this bait include a ball bearing mounted prop for super smooth action, the weight transfer systerm, which maximizes casting distance, and a feather tail, to create an attack point. This 3.25 inch, 3/8 oz. bait is designed to be wakled, ripped or fished stop and go.  The Wake Tail represents another effective tool that topwater fishermen can add to their aresenal.
Color: Aurora Pro Blue (available in 17 colors)
Size: 3 1/4" & 3/8oz.
Price: $14.99

Bass Munitions: Trip Worm 

Company Description: Beefy trick worm that when rigged on a shakey head will stand up between a 60-90 degree angle.  The floating formula gives this bait an inviting action to bass.  Rocket Fuel Scent is cooked in for extreme underwater scent production.

Color: Green Pumpkin (available in 8 colors)

Size: 7 1/4"

Price: $4.79 (7 pack)

They're Back! White Bass Are Officially Running In The Detroit River

I've been waiting on this day to come since the beginning of the year. What day,you may ask? It's not really a day, but more of a time... It's the beginning of the white bass run.  The white bass run starts right around Mother's Day and ends right after the Mayfly hatch in June. Yes, the stars have aligned, dogs and cats are in harmony across the world and the white bass are in the Detroit River by the thousands, eager to bite anything that looks like a minnow.

I couldn't wait to start chasing the white bass and today was a good beginning to the frenzy that is white bass fishing.  I got down to Elizabeth Park, in Trenton, Michigan just in time to see the sun coming up over Grosse Isle.  I was lucky enough to not have to be into work for a few hours and wanted to start the day off right.  Michigan Headhunter was already there with eight fish on the stringer and a big grin on his face as he was reeling in another.  Yes, white bass fishing brings out the child in all of us.

I wasted no time tying on a chartreuse and white 3/8th oz bucktail jig and casting into the current.  A five count to get the bait into the strike zon, a few twitches of the rod tip and "FISH ON!"  This fish was the beginning of me catching about 35 fish in 40 minutes, most of which I released.  not long after, I had a decent stringer full of fish and plenty of time to make it to work.  Needless to say, it was a perfect beginning to the white bass run.

Thanks for reading and tight lines...

SD State Record Smallmouth Caught on Film

How rare is it that a record class fish is caught on film?  Enjoy!!

A Day of Trout Fishing

Today, I got up excited to get out and get some fishing in.  It's the second day of trout season and I've been excited all night because not only was I going trout fishing, but I would get to fish from my kayak as well.  No cold waders and jockeying for a good spot, just paddling up, anchoring in and fishing.

After having breakfast with the family, I decided to head to Proud Lake with nothing but trout on my mind     

Forty-five mintues later, I parked and unloaded my kayak while watching another guy paddle in.  He said he hadn't caught didn't any trout, which seemed strange at first, but then made sense when he also said he was out at midnight of opening day and the trout had gotten hit pretty hard that evening.
                             

After getting everything situated in my kayak, I paddled upstream to a hole most people overlook when fishing for trout at Proud Lake.
About 7 minutes into my paddle, I rounded the bend to the spot where I wanted to fish only to be greeted by a huge swan's nest with papa swan sitting there eyeballing me.

Although swans are absolutely beautiful, they can also be very aggressive if you get too close.

My initial thought was to find a new spot but, after a couple seconds of watching me, the swan laid his head down as if to say I won't start any ruckus if you don't.  With that, I decided to anchor in about 8 feet from his nest and fish away.  After all, I've had worse fishing partners than this guy.  Besides, having him as a fishing partner might keep other fishermen at bay.

It only took a few minutes to bait up my Berkley Power Bait rod with pink and white berkley trout bait and my it into the water.  It took about 15 minutes of waiting before I caught my first trout measuring 14 1/2 inches. The second trout came a bit later, after I saw it surface about 8 feet to my right, directly in front of my fishing buddy.  So I hurried an reeled in my bait and pitched it about a foot in front of where I saw the fish surface. Thirty seconds later and FISH ON!  This guy wasn't as easy to pull in because I was anchored so closely to some brush and the he decided it was best to run straight towards it.  After playing a mean game of dodge the branches, I had my second trout in the yak and it was time to hit a new spot.

After stringing up my trout I noticed my fishing buddy had decided it was time for a change of scenery. So, I took a minute to admire him as he swam away.  I paddled down stream past a few guys fishing with full stringers and another yak fisherman fighting a stud of a trout. As for me, it was time to get to the blow downs that I knew should be holding a few trout.

I took me a couple of minutes to back my kayak into an area of slack water and get situated once I got to the blowdowns. I cast the power bait under a blowdown only to notice that the current in this area was just too fast to fish in this way.  So, I grabbed my ultra-light ugly stick with the wooly bugger spinner tied on it and started casting.  About 3 cast in I got hit just below a downed tree.  This trout wasn't like the other two. This one decided it wanted to take me for a sleigh ride.  With only two pound test line on the ugly stick, I figured it was best to let take me on that ride, within reason.  After a few minutes of letting the fish tire itself out, I found a good spot to back the yak into and started reeling the fish in.  Two minutes later, I was excitedly talking to the fish for thinking he could get away.

I had reached my limit of fish. So, I left my spot to the two guys wader fishing and headed to the car excited and tired.

Below are the stringer with my days catch and the wooly bugger spinner I was using but in chartreuse and black pattern.  I wish there was a way to put my enjoyment on a stringer to show you that too.  But, this post will have to do.

Thanks for reading and tight lines.