Weekly Michigan DNR Fishing Report: March 31, 2016

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Weekly Fishing Report

March 31, 2016

Southeast Lower Peninsula  Southwest Lower Peninsula  Northeast Lower Peninsula  Northwest Lower Peninsula  Upper Peninsula  Great Lakes Temperature Map  Weekly Fishing Tip Anglers are reminded that on Friday, April 1, all anglers 17 years of age and older will be required to have a 2016 fishing license.  Be sure to pick up a copy of the 2016-2017 Fishing Guide (remember it's a two-year guide - so don't throw it away!) when you purchase your license.  River fishing has been good but the inland lakes especially to the north are still too cold.      Southeast Lower Peninsula Lake Erie:  Those out trolling are still taking some walleye from Brest Bay.   Huron River:  Still had some decent steelhead fishing for those using spawn up near the Flat Rock Dam.   Detroit River:  Boat anglers fishing near the Trenton Power Plant were catching a fair to good number of walleye when using jigs with minnows.  Most of the fish caught were smaller, good eating size.  Perch fishing slowed and smaller fish were moving in.  Those willing to put in the time and do lots of sorting might get a few keepers.   Oakland County:  Surface water temperatures were about 46 degrees in most areas on Cass Lake and Union Lake.  Anglers were targeting panfish in the shallow bays and canals.  The crappie bite was slow but will improve as water temperatures warm.  Bass anglers had limited success with the catch and immediate release season when using husky jerks in two to four feet along the breakwalls and shorelines.   Lake St. Clair:  All the DNR boat access sites are open for launching. Heavy rain and high winds have kept the lake turbid.  Good perch and sunfish reports continue to come from the canals and marinas.    St. Clair River:  The recent heavy rainfall and high winds have resulted in muddy conditions. The North Channel and the Marine City access sites will have the docks in and be open for launching on Friday, April 1.  Saginaw Bay:  All area rivers were high, fast and muddy.  Steelhead, sucker and perch fishing in the rivers and cuts at least in the lower ends was pretty much unproductive if not impossible.  Shore anglers at Eagle Bay Marina were taking a large number of small perch.  Fish over seven inches were almost non-existent.  On the east side of the bay, success was pretty limited. A few small perch were caught in the Sebewaing River.  At Mud Creek, the catch rate for keeper perch was one fish per angler hour.  Walleye fishing out in the bay was pretty slow as the water was muddy.    Back to Top Southwest Lower Peninsula St. Joseph River:  Water temperatures were up into the low 50’s which should have produced some good steelhead fishing especially up near the Berrien Springs Dam.    Kalamazoo River:  Water levels were about normal and steelhead fishing was good.  Suckers were also being caught.    Grand Haven:  Boat and shore anglers continue to target steelhead and brown trout.    Grand River at Grand Rapids:  Water temperatures were up near the low 50’s.  Steelhead were still being caught.  Those targeting suckers have done well using worms below 6th Street.   Rogue River:  Continues to produce some nice steelhead in the lower river.   Grand River at Lansing:    A couple steelhead were caught at the point where the Grand meets the Red Cedar.  Anglers were using spawn, a jig and wax worm or spinners.  Steelhead were also caught near the Portland Dam, the Webber Dam and in Prairie Creek near Ionia.    Muskegon Lake:  Is producing a fair to good number of white perch.   Muskegon River:  Water clarity was low and will continue to be with all the run-off and more rain on the way the bite will be slow.   Back to Top Northeast Lower Peninsula Ocqueoc River:  Had a good number of steelhead. Thunder Bay River:  Had a fair number of steelhead.   Au Sable River:  Water levels were high and muddy which usually slows the bite however some fish were still being caught up near the dam.   Higgins Lake:  It appears the lake has finally opened up.  Water temperatures are still pretty cold so no boats were out yet.     Houghton Lake:  Is really in-between seasons and the last snow storm did not help.  Even those fishing the canals were not getting anything.  It could be another couple weeks before water temperatures start to warm up.   Tawas River:  A few suckers were still being caught in the lower river.   Au Gres:  Trolling for walleye was really slow, probably held back by very cold and muddy water.  A couple of lake trout and walleye were taken by shore anglers casting at the end of the breakwall.  Au Gres River:  Steelhead fishing was very slow at the Singing Bridge.  The water was high, fast and muddy.   Rifle River:  Dip-netting for suckers was still in full swing.   Back to Top Northwest Lower Peninsula Torch Lake: Is open and being used by those seeking out salmon and trout.    Traverse City:  A few boats have been out in both the East Bay and the West Bay.   Those jigging have caught cisco and lake trout.   Boardman River:  Was producing some steelhead.     Betsie River:  Steelhead fishing picked up with the warm weather.   Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell:  Have had very little to report.  Water temperatures are still very cold.     Manistee:  Trollers and pier anglers have been catching some steelhead and brown trout when the weather permits.       Big Manistee River:  Steelhead fishing continues.     Ludington:  When they can get out, boat anglers caught steelhead and brown trout.  Pier anglers were also taking some fish.   Pere Marquette River:  Has steelhead.  Cooler weather and rain will once again slow the bite. Back to Top Upper Peninsula The inland lakes still had some ice cover which was not safe.  Some of the backroads were inaccessible due to heavy snow.  Smelt action is still three to four weeks away at least.       Keweenaw Bay:  Salmon were caught in the southern bay off the Falls River and Sand Point Beach.  Steelhead action was still on the light side in the Falls River and the Silver River.   Menominee River:  Walleye are being caught from the Hattie Street Bridge to Stephenson Island by shore anglers using zip lures, stick baits, jigs and plastics.  The best action was early morning or evening.  Walleye and brown trout were caught by those trolling and jigging especially in the Turn Basin.  The 6th Street launch was still iced in but all the other launches were open.   Little Bay De Noc:  Had a couple ice anglers at Kipling and the Escanaba Yacht Harbor, the only two places with ice however conditions were extremely dangerous! The only boat launch that could be used at this time was the Rapid River launch although the dock isn’t in yet and there was a 12 inch heave where the asphalt meets the pad. The Ford River and the Gladstone launches could be open by the end of this week.  Those fishing the Day’s River, Tacoosh and the Whitefish River caught steelhead.  The Ford River is open for shore anglers with the possibility of catching a trout or smallmouth bass.   Marquette:  Both harbors have full access with the docks in.  Cooler temperatures and rain have slowed fishing.  Jigging with cut bait at the bubblers is still providing anglers with coho during the mid-morning and early afternoon. Those trolling artificial baits have caught fish.  Pier anglers using artificial and cut bait in the Lower Harbor caught splake and whitefish.  Those fishing the Carp River were still catching steelhead up to nine pounds even though the water levels were high and muddy.   Au Train:  The dock at the boat launch was still not in and depending on wind direction, loading and unloading a boat may be difficult for those fishing alone.  Catch rates slowed but anglers were still getting some coho, brown trout and steelhead when trolling artificial baits near the Rock River.  A few brown trout were caught on worms near the Rock River.   Munising:  About 90% of the bay was ice free except for 100 to 200 feet of shoreline ice.  Boat use is limited however if southerly winds prevail, the public launch may be open by the weekend.  A few boats were able to launch from the Anna River and Sand Point.  Catch rates for splake, coho and whitefish were hit-or-miss.  Early morning was best for salmon.  Most were using spawn, Swedish pimples and jigs tipped with cut bait.    Grand Marais:  Boat anglers caught two or three fish per trip, mainly coho and steelhead just outside the breakwall and inside the harbor.  Pier fishing was possible on the first section only as ice was still present on the rocks and the end of the pier.   Back to Top Fishing Tip: Fishing the Detroit River Many anglers have their go-to spots for springtime fishing, but how many of you have checked out the Detroit River? According to many, in late March and early April the lower Detroit River is a great location to catch walleye in decent quantities. As April moves on fish head further upriver, but the opportunities are still bountiful.  As many are aware, several of Michigan’s Great Lakes waters have become world famous for walleye. The Lake Erie-Detroit River-Lake St. Clair-St. Clair River system is outstanding, drawing anglers from across the country in spring and early summer – will you be joining them?  For more information for fishing for walleye or any other species, visit the DNR’s Michigan Fish and How to Catch Them website. Back to Top

The Weekly Fishing Report is intended to give anglers an idea of what is going on around the state. Updates come from DNR Fisheries seasonal and field staff, and DNR Conservation Officers. With more than 11,000 inland lakes, the Great Lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams, not all locations can be listed. However, it is safe to say if a species is being caught in some waters in the area, they are likely being caught in all waters in that section of the state that have that species.

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Early Birthday Present Courtesy Michigan Headhunter

I woke up this morning with the intention of running errands early, so I could spend some time with my family. By errands I mean paying bills, but more importantly, making a visit to Andy's Tackle.

Before I could get going, I got a call from my buddy Michigan Headhunter. "Bro, what time are you going down to Andy's this morning?" he asked.

"I'm actually getting ready to go down there now.: I replied, thinking he must be going there too and that I must be way too predictable."Alright I'll see you down there." He said before jumping off the phone. Apparently I'm wasn't the only one with cabin fever.

About twenty minutes later, I walked into Andy's and greeted the owner and Michigan Headhunter who already had a pretty big haul of tackle on the counter. I grabbed some peacock hearl, pro-tec powder paint, and some purple spinner blades and made my way up front to pay for my goods.

When I got to the register I notice Michigan Headhunter's items are still on the counter and he's standing there with a grin on his face. "Bro, happy birthday. I know you've been wanting this rod for a while and here is a reel to go with it." He says bringing an instant smile to my face. Immediately I thanked him for the rod and reel and gave him a bro hug in thanks.

So what rod and reel did he give me as early birthday presents? Well the rod is the Berkley Trout
Dough Series Spinning rod. This is a rod I've been talking about getting for two years, ever since Michigan Headhunter first got his a couple years ago. Unfortunately my frugalness has stopped me from buying this rod a dozen times but Michigan Headhunter decided this year to give me one as a gift despite my frugal ways.

Not only did he give me this berkley rod but he also gave me a Quantum Q-Vex spinning reel. Now this a reel I've used a few times when out carp fishing just the larger version of the one I have now and I love it. I already have it spooled with 6lb braided line and I'm just waiting to have a trout fighting at the other end of the line.

Thanks to Michigan Headhunter for the awesome beginning to my birthday month! Tight lines everyone!!

Michigan Weekly Fishing Report, February 04, 2016

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Weekly Fishing Report

February 4, 2016

Southeast Lower Peninsula  Southwest Lower Peninsula  Northeast Lower Peninsula  Northwest Lower Peninsula  Upper Peninsula  Great Lakes Temperature Map  Weekly Fishing Tip With rain and warmer temperatures especially in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, ice fishing on the inland lakes has become much more dangerous.  Anglers would be wise to stay off the deeper lakes and fish in shallow waters only.  Don’t venture out on lakes that you are not familiar with.  It pays to know depths, where drop-offs are and the location of any inlets or outlets.  River ice was no longer safe.        Southeast Lower Peninsula Huron River:  Steelhead success was marginal at Flat Rock.  Those able to access the river by small boat were taking a few fish out of the deeper holes.  Those fishing below the Belleville Dam caught a couple walleye.     Detroit River:  Ice floes have pretty much put a halt to anglers going out in boats. Oakland County:  Anglers on Cass Lake and Union Lake are advised to use extreme caution especially after the rain and warm temperatures.  Ice thickness will vary from one spot to the next and it may be best to stay in shallow waters.  Those that had been fishing caught a decent number of panfish on wax worms in six to 12 feet.  Those targeting walleye and pike had the best action right before dark when using glow lures and minnows.   Lake St. Clair:  Multiple vehicles went through the ice at Fairhaven.  With the rain and warm temperatures, all the fishable lake ice is pretty much gone.  The canals and marinas will be questionable.  Proceed with extreme caution as ice conditions can change dramatically in a short distance.  The boat ramps at the Harley Ensign Launch are ice free so anglers could launch a boat.   Saginaw Bay:  Most of the ice blew out last week, leaving only shore ice. The only fishable spots left were near Standish and Pinconning; the Pine River/Palmer Road area and off Pinconning Park and Newman Road.  EXTREME CAUTION must be used and travel by ATV is not advised!  Anglers did get some perch from those areas however warm temperatures continue to eat away at the ice.  There may still be some fishing opportunities for perch off Vanderbilt Park near Quanicassee but strictly in shallow water only.  Saginaw River:  The ice was no longer safe but there was still too much in the marinas to launch a boat.   Tittabawassee River:  It was possible to launch boats from the ramp at Gordonville Road south of Midland.  There is open water upstream to the Dow Dam and downstream as far as Freeland.  Boat and shore anglers have been catching walleye on jigs and twister tails or jigs with minnows.  A couple steelhead were also caught.  Back to Top Southwest Lower Peninsula Even though temperatures are dropping at night, warm temperatures during the day coupled with rain are not helping ice conditions.  Constant thawing and refreezing are producing honeycomb ice which is not safe.  Anglers need to use extreme caution.      St. Joseph River:  Anglers are doing well for steelhead downstream of the Berrien Springs Dam.  Walleye were caught further upstream.   Kalamazoo River:  More anglers were out with the warmer weather.  Those fishing spawn, crank baits, or wax worms were taking steelhead below the Allegan Dam.        Grand River at Grand Rapids:  Anglers will need to pay close attention to fluctuating water levels caused by rain, run-off and moving ice.  Steelhead are still being caught up near the 6th Street Dam.  Anglers are using spawn bags and crank baits.  Look for panfish in the backwaters.  Some limit catches were reported in the bayous.   Grand River at Lansing:  Was quiet for the most part.  A few walleye were caught near the North Lansing Dam.  Try shiners under a bobber or tight lining.   Muskegon River:  The fish are there and those targeting steelhead are finding fish throughout the river including near Croton.  With water levels up a bit, most fish were caught in areas where the water was slower.   Back to Top Northeast Lower Peninsula Black Lake:  The 2016 lake sturgeon fishing and spearing season will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 6.  All anglers must register with the DNR to participate and must also possess a lake sturgeon tag which can be obtained for free at any license vendor.  Grand Lake:  Was producing walleye and perch.  No large numbers but the fish were good size.     Long Lake:  Anglers were catching walleye and perch.  Hubbard Lake:  Walleye and perch were starting to bite in 50 to 55 feet.  Anglers using tip-ups with blues near the bottom had better success.     Van Etten Lake:  Was producing a large number of small perch.       Higgins Lake:  Still has ice fishing however anglers should still be careful and drill their way out as ice thickness varies in some areas.  Lake trout fishing has been very good in 85 to 110 feet when using greys on tip-ups or jigging.  Swedish pimples and big spoons also caught fish.  Good perch fishing in 40 to 60 feet.  Try the area near the church camp.  Trout and pike were caught off the south end.    Houghton Lake:  Ice fishing continues.  Anglers should avoid the areas near inlets and outlets and use caution near the pressure cracks.  Bluegill, crappie and perch have been caught off Saunders Point near the Cut River.  Those using tip-ups caught some big pike measuring 30+ inches.   Lake St. Helen:  Was producing pike and panfish.    Tawas:  Most of the ice blew out leaving only shore ice. The only fishable spots left were the north end of Tawas Bay in the “armpit” and west of Jerry’s Marina but again, extreme caution needs to be used.    Back to Top Northwest Lower Peninsula River fishing remains consistent, although water levels will be rising due to significant melt and rainfall.    Betsie River:  Has steelhead fishing.    Green Lake:  Smelt fishing has been poor.  Numbers are low and the fish are small.          Lake Cadillac:  Has had a good number of anglers fishing mostly for crappies and northern pike.  Tip-ups with large minnows or spearing have done well for pike.    Lake Mitchell:  Ice anglers continue to do well for crappie and the bluegill bite did pick up some.  Anglers are using minnows, spikes and wax worms.  No word on walleye.  Pike are still being caught.   Portage Lake:  Some decent catches of perch and bluegill were reported.       Manistee River:  Has steelhead fishing and those heading out have caught some nice fish throughout the river.  Hamlin Lake:  Anglers are taking bluegills, perch and some walleyes.  Those seeking pike are spearing or using tip-ups with sucker minnows.      Back to Top Upper Peninsula Lake Gogebic:  Had good walleye fishing with some limit catches reported.  Some jumbo perch were also caught.     Menominee River:  The 6th Street Slip was the hot spot for walleye due in part to the lack of ice by the Hattie Street Dam.  Anglers are jigging with a variety of small spoons and jigs tipped with minnows.  Thosefishing the open water near the dam have caught a few rainbow and brown trout when casting small spoons or rapalas.     Little Bay De Noc:  Warmer temperatures were creating a few hazards throughout the Bay especially the southern waters were the ice was not that thick.  Anglers reported minor problems crossing Butler Island in a few areas.  Anglers were fishing north of Gladstone Bay.  Fair walleye catches reported south of the Escanaba River and out from the Power plant in 25 to 35 when jigging raps or sucker minnows on tip-ups.  Use caution in this area which is known for dangerous ice conditions. Fair catches reported from the Center Reef south to the Second Reef in 20 to 35 feet when using tip-ups with sucker minnows.  The number of perch caught has not been high but the fish are averaging eight to 16 inches.  The best areas were between the Second and Third Reefs with minnows or spikes in 17 feet and off the Second reef in 23 to 30 feet.  The head of the Bay reported catches in 10 to 20 feet.  The Escanaba Yacht Harbor had good catches but many were small.  Whitefish anglers started fishing off Sand Point but the ice conditions worsened so no one was fishing.  A few whitefish were caught on minnows in Gladstone in 27 to 35 feet.  The northern pike action was good off the mouth of the Day’s River and the Second and Third Reefs but many were undersize.  Most were using tip-ups with sucker minnows in 14 to 30 feet.  Munising:  Ice conditions in the bay varied and caution needs to be used.  There may also be more open water after the strong winds.  Most anglers were targeting whitefish or splake.  The whitefish are running small.  The keepers were between 12 and 14 inches.  Catch rates for splake were slow and most of thefish were sublegal.  Most are using a single egg but a few were jigging fatheads in 50 to 60 feet.  The ice off Powell Point had areas of open water and was questionable.  The area near the city docks is limited due to tugboats that have been operating on a daily basis. Off the Anna River access, anglers werefishing in about 60 feet and reporting fish within one or two feet from the bottom.  Most were small whitefish and splake.  The area off Sand Point was not safe as there was open water within 100 to 200 feet offshore.     Indian Lake:  In Schoolcraft County was slow for perch and walleye but a fair number of brown trout were caught.     Big Manistique Lake:  Was producing good catches of walleye and large perch.   Brevoort Lake:  Was producing some northern pike and a few walleye.  Water depths vary but most were in 12 to 15 feet.  Minnows worked best.  Anglers still need to use caution.     Munuscong Bay: Was slow for walleye except for the area around Grassy Island.  Perch are pretty much scattered throughout.  The ice east of Roach Point was still “iffy” so use caution when traveling on the ice.  Cedarville and Hessel:  Les Cheneaux and Hessel Bay were good for perch with some nice catches reported.  A few splake were also caught.  Muskie Bay was slow for perch.  Government Bay was very good for pike.  Anglers are still encouraged to use caution on the ice.  Back to Top Fishing Tip: Fishing for walleye, northern pike and panfish this time of year Although many bodies of water aren’t producing the type of ice many winter anglers would like to see there are still numerous tactics they can implement to experience great walleye, northern pike and panfishfishing when they do get out there.  When fishing for walleye, one thing to think about is to look for the right areas within a lake where you can find decent sized fish. Suggested locations include turns, big changes in depth, humps or other places walleyes like to sit tight. Also remember the critical periods of time when walleye are best fished: early and late in the day.  When fishing for northern pike, something to remember is that most of these fish are hiding in weedy areas where they can take cover, yet still find ample food sources. Often times these spots will consist of bays with access to deep water.  And lastly, when fishing for various panfish, it’s important to note that these species typically live just about anywhere so you should work the entire water column when you head out. For those in shallow water, they’ll typically feed for short periods of time in the very early morning and late in the day.  Back to Top

The Weekly Fishing Report is intended to give anglers an idea of what is going on around the state. Updates come from DNR Fisheries seasonal and field staff, and DNR Conservation Officers. With more than 11,000 inland lakes, the Great Lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams, not all locations can be listed. However, it is safe to say if a species is being caught in some waters in the area, they are likely being caught in all waters in that section of the state that have that species.