Wednesday, July 30, 2025

7/30/25 Northeast Lower Peninsula, Michigan Fishing Report

 



Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan: Anglers targeting salmon in Lake Huron trolled along the northeast and southeast points of Bois Blanc Island. Salmon anglers primarily used various combinations of flashers or dodgers with spoons or flies. Meat rigs had higher success rates. In the Cheboygan River, anglers caught walleye, freshwater drum, bass, and panfish. Shore anglers targeting walleye used drop-shot rigs with worms or jigged soft plastics. Worms were used to catch drum, bass, and panfish, while spinnerbaits were also successful for bass fishing. Productive areas for targeting these species included the area beside the pedestrian walkway bridge by the baseball fields, the State Street drawbridge near the Cheboygan DNR field office, and along the parking lot by the Plaunt’s Transportation ferry.

Tawas/Au Gres: In Tawas, bad weather at the beginning of the week kept people away. However, once conditions improved, fishing picked up, with limits caught in about 60 to 80 feet of water using artificial baits. Yellow perch, catfish, and freshwater drum were also caught while trolling for walleye. Walleye fishing remained relatively slow due to very hot weather and rough waves. In Au Gres, those who went fishing had some luck, averaging about four fish per boat, with some anglers getting close to their limits. In addition to walleye, anglers caught freshwater drum, catfish, a few yellow perch, a white perch, and a steelhead.

Oscoda/Au Sable: Anglers targeting lake trout picked up fish in 150+ feet of water and around the second set of humps. Spin-N-Glos, flasher flies, and spoons were effective while targeting the bottom 50 feet of the water column. A handful of coho salmon and steelhead were caught in 100 to 170 feet, with most being taken on spoons trolled higher in the water column. Anglers fishing from the catwalk or pier caught smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, and the occasional channel catfish. Cut bait or crawlers on the bottom were effective for catfish, while leeches on a drop shot rig were popular for smallmouth.

Harrisville: Lake trout were being caught in 150 to 220 feet of water, with limits being taken. Green Spin-N-Glos and spoons were productive while targeting the bottom 30 feet. A few Coho and Steelhead were caught in 120 to 150 feet while trolling orange or bright spoons 20 to 60 feet down. Occasionally, walleye were caught while targeting salmon and trout.

Rogers City: There was a lot of wind last week, which frequently changed the water temperatures. Anglers paid close attention to wind directions that brought in cooler water and took advantage of those conditions while the cold water was present. The fish bite improved when that occurred. Salmon began coming in on a regular basis. The evening bite was much better than the morning bite. Anglers caught salmon to the south, near Swan Bay and Adam’s Point, and reeled in a few near Forty Mile Point. The best depths were between 65 and 120 feet of water, with lines running throughout the water column producing the best results. Spoons, flasher-flies, and meat rigs all caught fish. Productive colors included green, blue, orange, white, and black, with glow patterns working well early and late in the day. It was a late salmon bite overall.

Presque Isle: The water was warm, and the thermocline dropped deeper. Lake trout were hitting in water 120 feet and deeper, with anglers fishing near the bottom. Walleye were taken in 30 to 60 feet of water using crankbaits. Anglers ran lines throughout the water column, with the most productive depths ranging from 80 to over 150 feet. Most anglers fished between the lighthouses, Black Point, the farm, and the humps. Spoons, flashers, and flies were the primary baits used. Productive colors included green, blue, orange, white, and glow patterns early and late in the day.

West Grand Traverse Bay: Anglers targeting smallmouth bass reported the bite as tough the past week. A few bass were caught by anglers fishing near structure in 20 to 30 feet of water while casting swim baits or tube jigs. Those targeting Chinook salmon found success in the early morning while trolling in 100 to 140 feet of water. Most fish were suspended at roughly 60 to 70 feet. Lake trout and occasional steelhead were caught in front of the whitewalls while trolling in 100 to 130 feet of water. Water temperatures hovered between 74 and 78 degrees throughout the bay.

East Grand Traverse Bay: Smallmouth bass were caught by those casting tube jigs or drop shot rigs in 10 to 25 feet of water. Finding shallow breaks with larger boulders provided anglers with the best success. Those targeting lake trout in Elk Rapids had success while trolling in 90 to 120 feet of water. Anglers reported Chinook salmon being caught suspended at roughly 50 feet in the northern areas of the bay. Smallmouth bass were caught in the Elk River, but anglers reported the bite to be slowing down as water temperatures increased. Temperatures throughout the bay ranged between 73 and 76 degrees.

Port Austin: Walleye fishing was decent, although there were few limits; catches of five to eight fish per boat were common. Anglers found walleye while fishing Osceloa Reef in 30 feet of water, Flat Rock Reef in 35 feet, and east of the lighthouse in 40 feet. Both nightcrawler harnesses and body baits produced fish, with a slight edge going to the nightcrawler harnesses.

Grindstone: Walleye fishing was slow, with a few being caught straight out in 30 to 40 feet of water.

Harbor Beach: Some walleye had just started to be caught straight out in 35 feet of water while trolling with body baits. Smallmouth bass were also caught in decent numbers in the harbor by casting various artificial baits.

Port Sanilac: Anglers reported steelhead being caught, along with some incidental walleye, trolling in 90 to 140 feet of water.

Lexington: Slow fishing overall; some anglers reported walleye early in the week but but fishing became slow over the weekend.

Alpena: Tournament fishing for the festival brought in many walleye from Thunder Bay. Lake trout numbers were low, although it appeared most tournament anglers were targeting walleye. Very few steelhead came in, and only two brown trout had been caught, according to the tournament results. Many anglers trolling were still unintentionally catching freshwater drum.

Rockport: Very little tournament fishing out of Rockport with a couple walleye reported. A few shore anglers were trying to cast for a few minutes but not getting any bites.

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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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 Northwest Lower Peninsula, Michigan Fishing Report

       

      Northwest Lower Peninsula

      Charlevoix: Anglers targeting bass on the piers reported some smallmouth. Fishing live bait on the bottom seemed to produce some results. 

      Little Traverse Bay: Anglers fishing the Bear River reported Chinook salmon and some coho salmon making their way up the river. Fishing beads, spawn, and flies while bottom bouncing produced results. 

      Frankfort: Following the high winds, anglers reported excellent numbers of steelhead off the north and south piers. Better numbers and limits came off the south pier near the second ladder, and fresh spawn worked well. Young coho salmon were also being reported out near the elbow. Anglers noted that the morning bite seemed to be most productive.

      • For a list of bait and tackle shops in the Frankfort area: Click Here!

      Onekama: Anglers fishing off the south break wall reported some steelhead activity in the early morning hours on spawn. 

      Manistee: Overall fishing was slow. Anglers who were pier fishing reported catching a few steelhead on spawn.

      • For more public lakes to fish in Manistee County: Click Here!

      Ludington: A couple steelhead and coho salmon were reported to have been caught from the piers while using spawn. 

      Leland: Poor weather conditions kept boat anglers off the water. Pier anglers reported catching a few Chinook and coho salmon while float fishing skein.

      West Grand Traverse Bay: Boat anglers who were targeting cisco found success trolling silver spoons near Power Island and whitewalls in approximately 100 feet of water. Anglers who tried their luck for perch throughout the bay had unsuccessful trips. No fishing activity was reported from the piers.

      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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      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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      Wednesday, September 13, 2023

      9/13/23 Southeast, Michigan Fishing Report

       



      Southeast Lower Peninsula

      Lake Erie: Yellow perch fishing was slow; however, anglers did catch them near the east buoy on minnow rigs. Walleye fishing was also reported as slow. Anglers caught good-sized smallmouth bass using artificial lures in Breast Bay. 

      • 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: Anglers caught walleye in the north channel while dragging crawler harnesses. Smallmouth bass anglers did well by Grassy Island and the New Baltimore area. They also reported good smallmouth bass fishing near Brandenburg boat launch a mile and a half to 2 miles from shore. Perch anglers had the most success near the St. Clair Lighthouse and buoys 26, 27 and 28 at the mouth of the south channel. A few walleye were caught by these buoys as well. The perch were deep and in at least 20 feet of water. Anglers were starting to catch muskie and northern pike near the mouth of the Clinton River. The south end was very slow for smallmouth bass fishing, although some anglers caught a few in 15 to 20 feet of water near the 400 Club.

      • For a more accurate report on Lake St. Clair I suggest reaching out to the people at Sportsmen's Direct  as their weekly LSC fishing report is usually far more in depth.  Phone: (586-741-6052)
      • Macomb County Bait Shops: Click Here!

      Saginaw Bay: Weather limited fishing activity, but those who made it out found a few yellow perch in 8 to 10 feet of water out from Quanicassee. Anglers did, however, have to move around and sort through many small fish to find keeper-sized fish. Anglers fishing for walleye off Quanicassee reported fishing as slow.

      Bayport: Anglers caught some largemouth bass and northern pike in Wildfowl Bay. Anglers did best when casting various artificial baits in 2 to 7 feet of water.

      Sebewaing: Anglers reported catching a few northern pike in the Sebewaing River while casting artificial baits.

      Lower Saginaw Bay: Anglers reported catching yellow perch at the Sparkplug in 23 feet of water using perch rigs. Yellow perch averaged 7 to 10 inches in size. The lower part of the Saginaw River produced yellow perch as well.

      Port Sanilac: Anglers caught a few walleye from the break wall in the evening while casting body baits and spoons. Anglers trolling for salmon and trout were heading out to deep water in around 125 to 145 feet of water. Anglers who used lead core and downriggers caught lake trout and steelhead. A few steelhead were caught in front of the harbor in 40 feet of water while using planer boards and lead core.

      Port Austin: Smallmouth bass were caught from the break wall and along the Bird Creek when anglers were casting a variety of artificial lures.


      Harbor Beach: Anglers reported that fish were scattered in many depths due to changing water temperatures. Smallmouth bass and walleye were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water, with a few cohos caught in that water as well. Anglers who were trolling with lead core and body baits found success. Anglers who were trolling in 100 to 130 feet of water caught some lake trout close to the bottom with downriggers and caught steelhead with a five-color lead core. A few smallmouth bass were caught from the break wall when casting with artificial lures. 

      Lexington: Pike were caught from the beach area and around the docks while casting artificial lures, with an occasional walleye early in the morning while casting body baits.


      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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