06-29-2007, 04:14 AM
Fishing continues to be good both on the inland waterways and the Great Lakes. The open season to take both snapping turtles and soft shell turtles in the Lower Peninsula will open on July 1st. Size and possession limits can be found on page 13 in the Michigan Fishing Guide.
There will be a new Fisheries Order phased in beginning June 28, 2007. Fish Order 245 is being implemented to help slow the spread of fish diseases such as Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, otherwise known as VHS. To assist anglers with the new regulations, a fact sheet has been placed on the Fisheries homepage on the DNR website.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Fishing has picked up once again. Walleye have been caught in 18 to 20 feet of water near Fermi and off Stony Point. Walleye were also taken out from Brest Bay when fishing on the Michigan-Ohio border line. Bottom bouncers or dipsey divers used with spoons are producing the most fish. A few yellow perch 8 to 11 inches were caught two miles north of the Sputnik and south of the Detroit River Light. Look for largemouth bass near Bolles Harbor.
Detroit River - Walleye are back in the lower Trenton Channel. Boat anglers are reporting 5 to 9 fish per boat when jigging minnows or leeches from the Edison Stacks to the mouth. Perch fishing has been decent down near the mouth when fishing the weed lines around the islands. Good catches of catfish and smallmouth bass were also reported in the river.
Pontiac Lake - Has a great channel catfish population. Boat and shore anglers are invited to check out this local fishing opportunity.
Lake St. Clair - Has good smallmouth bass and musky fishing, but the walleye fishing has been a challenge.
St. Clair River - Boat anglers are trolling for walleye in the lower river from the mouth of the Bell River down to Algonac. Up near Port Huron, boat anglers are still taking walleye when heading out to Buoy 1 in Southern Lake Huron and drifting back down under the Blue Water Bridge. Crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers were the ticket. Those fishing off the wall have taken some limits when fishing about 18 inches off the bottom near the statue of Thomas Edison. About half a mile south of the bridge, walleye were caught at Pine Grove Park when using small bodybaits and flatfish.
Lexington - Trout and salmon have been caught in 60 to 90 feet of water. Perch anglers are doing well when drifting down towards Lakeport. Try minnows in 20 to 25 feet of water. Pier anglers are taking a mixture of bass and panfish.
Port Sanilac - The perch have not showed up yet. Those trolling are getting lake trout along with the occasional chinook and steelhead in 60 to 90 feet of water.
Harbor Beach - The charter boats have caught good numbers of lake trout.
Grindstone City - Angler activity is picking up with boats catching mostly lake trout. A few chinook salmon were also in the box.
Port Austin - Mostly lake trout for those trolling north or northeast and the walleye anglers are going west toward the Flat Iron reef and other local reefs.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing continues to be excellent with limit catches taken by those willing to stay out and fish for several hours. There is good fishing off the Pinconning Bar, near Buoys 1 & 2, the Spark Plug and the Callahan Reef off Knight Road. Harnesses with purple and gold spinner blades along with fire-tiger or rainbow Hot-n-Tots have worked best. Some 10 to 12 inch perch were taken off the Pinconning Bar. Off Sebewaing, the walleye are straight west of the channel or north of the islands in 9 to 12 feet of water. For Bay Port, walleye are mainly in the Slot outside the islands in 11 to 14 feet of water or right off Sand Point in 22 feet of water. Near Caseville, walleye action is picking up off Oak Point in 30 feet of water.
Saginaw River - A good number of channel cats have been caught. Bass anglers are doing well when using spinner baits in the lower river.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Chinook and coho have been caught on spoons 40 to 70 feet down in waters 80 to 180 feet deep. Pier anglers have caught one or two steelhead in the early morning hours. Perch fishing has been good both north and south of the port in 20 to 25 feet of water. While many were small, some jumbos were caught.
St. Joseph River - Rain is needed as water levels are dropping. A few walleye have been caught throughout the river when drifting or slow trolling with crawlers. Catfish have been caught in some of the deeper holes.
South Haven - Boat anglers are picking up chinook and steelhead 35 to 50 feet down in 70 to 100 feet of water. Lots of perch were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water south of the piers.
Grand Haven - Boat anglers have been fishing 50 feet down in waters 60 to 120 feet deep but the catch rates have been slow. Most fish were hitting on blue and green spoons and green fly combos. Pier anglers have caught freshwater drum and catfish when casting spoons. Small perch were caught off the north pier.
Grand River at Lansing - Walleye are hitting on leeches below the dam at Moore's Park. Bass fishing has been good just about everywhere in the river. Look for smallmouth below the North Lansing Dam. Shore anglers over at Tecumseh Park are catching carp, catfish, bowfin and gar. Try fishing the small backwaters.
Lake Interstate - Located about 2 miles west of Dimondale has good bass fishing. Anglers are using crawlers, leeches or purple and white rubber worms.
Park Lake - Located east of Lansing in Clinton County has good largemouth bass fishing. Purple and white crawlers have caught fish.
Mona Lake - Catfish are being caught in the mornings and evenings. Try using crawlers, stink baits or even shrimp.
Muskegon - Salmon were being picked up in 45 to 50 feet of water as some bait fish moved in, but have since moved back out to waters about 90 feet deep. Flashers and flies are starting to catch fish. Perch fishing was slow.
Muskegon Lake - Even with some alewife still in the lake, anglers are catching walleye and bass. Bluegills can be found in deeper waters about 15 feet deep.
Muskegon River - Brown trout and rainbow trout have been caught up near the Croton Dam. Most are drifting worms or minnows just off the bottom.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - Most of the anglers going out now are fishing for salmon. Catch rates have been spotty as the fish are scattered because of strong winds and the fact that they are moving around looking for food. Anglers fishing from the State Park up past the Forty Mile Point found fish 50 to 70 feet down in waters 70 to 100 feet deep.
Rockport - Anglers are having quite a bit of luck with lake trout, steelhead, and salmon. The fish seem to be suspended 40 to 60 feet down in waters 100 to 250 feet deep. Good fishing around the Nordmeer Wreck.
Alpena - Lake trout and salmon are biting in 100 feet of water.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye action has been good for boat and shore fishing. The better shore fishing was at Lamare Park and the Ninth Street Dam. Worms and body baits are catching fish, but the leeches did best.
Otsego Lake - Is producing fair walleye catches when trolling above the weed beds with crawler harnesses or minnow baits.
Fletchers Pond - Near Alpena, will offer anglers some great panfish and bass fishing opportunities.
Twin Lakes - In Lewiston, are producing some nice walleye.
Harrisville - Good numbers of lake trout were caught on spoons just off the bottom in waters 80 to 120 feet deep. Straight east or north around Sturgeon Point has been productive. A few salmon and steelhead were also caught.
Oscoda - Most of the fishing activity has centered on walleye and catfish. The walleye were taken day or night when drifting crawlers around the piers. Catfish were taken at night and some limit catches were reported. Lake trout were caught in 80 to 100 feet of water.
Tawas - Walleye and lake trout are both being caught when trolling downriggers with body baits or spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water off Tawas Point. Bass fishing is very good inside Tawas Bay.
Au Gres - Excellent walleye fishing continues with a good number of limits taken in 30 to 45 feet of water. Crawler harnesses seem to work best.
Au Gres River - Is producing a good numbers of channel cats.
Higgins Lake - Has fair catch rates for lake trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. Rock bass and smallmouth bass are still hitting on crawlers, minnows and leeches. Perch fishing was just fair.
Houghton Lake - Good walleye fishing continues, but anglers are now drifting crawlers and leeches. The Middle Grounds and the East Bay are still producing fish. Bass fishing has also been very good. The bluegills are done bedding and are hitting on leaf worms, wax worms and leeches in waters 6 to 10 feet deep. The crappie are still in deep waters.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Petoskey - Salmon and lake trout have been caught in Bay Harbor. The salmon are in 45 and 90 feet of water and taking a variety of baits from spoons and flies to cut bait rigs. The lake trout are in 70 to 120 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are showing up in good numbers and are being caught by boat and pier anglers.
Charlevoix - Chinook and lake trout have been hitting off the cement plant. Start trolling shallow then go deep. Anglers are using a variety of baits and colors.
Walloon Lake - Bass fishing is the most popular activity out on the lake, but the catch rate has gone down a bit. Anglers are trolling or casting in the shallow areas or along the drop offs. Bluegill fishing was fair in shallow waters.
Thumb Lake (Lake Louise) - Angler activity has been light with only a few targeting bass while casting tube baits in the shallows or using crawlers in 10 to 15 feet of water. Try the shoreline near the camp, the shallow flats in the East Basin, or the shallow waters on the north end of the West Basin. Bluegill fishing has been fair in waters up to 10 feet deep. Shore anglers have caught perch and rock bass.
Traverse City - While lake trout fishing has been good in the East Bay, the smallmouth bass fishing has been even better with limit catches reported. Whitefish action is improving with a few fish caught on white Swedish Pimples near Mountain Jack's. The West Bay has good lake trout fishing in waters as shallow as 20 feet. Cold water along the east shoreline has the lake trout moving in close to shore to feed. Look for whitefish off Lee Point when fishing just off the bottom in 70 feet of water. Smallmouth anglers are catching lake trout on spinner baits and jigs.
Elk River - The smallmouth bass is the king of the river right now and fishing has been very good. Live bait is best. Channel cats were caught near the drop off.
Boardman River - River fishing has slowed considerably with only a few largemouth, smallmouth, and rock bass taken at the State Street Dam. Crawlers and leeches are working the best. Upstream of the dam, fly fishing has been very good with limit catches of brook and brown trout coming around The Forks and Scheck's Place. Try using Hex flies in the evening before and after dark. Casting spinners and body baits is always an effective method to fool those big brown trout.
Long Lake - In Grand Traverse County reported slower fishing, but fish are being caught. The walleye seem to be suspended over deeper waters 20 to 40 feet deep. Anglers are jigging leeches either a few feet down or about halfway down. Some are using a single hook baited with a leech or minnow about 10 feet under a slip bobber. Boats are trolling crawler harnesses. Lots of smallmouth bass have been caught when casting top water spinner baits around the islands or using tube jigs in deeper waters. The bass have finished spawning and have moved off the beds.
Frankfort - Anglers are catching chinook, lake trout and steelhead in waters 150 to 300 feet deep off the Shelf and north up to Point Betsie. Meat rigs and spoons are working the best right now. Good colors have been yellow, pink, orange and chartreuse. Pier anglers are using alewife rigs to catch brown trout and steelhead.
Onekama - Has better trout and salmon fishing in waters 250 feet deep and beyond. Those trolling green, pink and orange spoons have taken good catches of chinook, lake trout and steelhead either straight out or south of the piers. A few smallmouth bass and northern pike have been caught off the piers.
Portage Lake - Has great bass fishing. Good numbers of large and smallmouth have been caught throughout the lake. Look for the big panfish in deeper waters.
Manistee - Pier anglers are having no luck when fishing for trout and salmon. Those trolling out deep, such as out on the Shelf in 120 feet of water and beyond to 215 feet of water or more are catching mainly steelhead and lake trout.
Ludington - Boat anglers are trolling out in 150 to 200 feet of water for chinook, steelhead and lake trout. Pier anglers have caught smallmouth bass.
Upper Peninsula
Torch Lake - Walleye have been caught in 6 to 10 feet of water along the weed beds. Some are trolling or working the wind swept shorelines with jigs and minnows. Those fishing the cuts between the two lakes reported slow action except for a few bass and pike taken when casting spoons along the shoreline.
West Portage Lake - Walleye anglers have done well when fishing the humps between the Sturgeon River and Chassell. Southwest of Grosse Point, anglers have done well on the North Reef when trolling crawlers, crankbaits or crawler harnesses off planer boards. Some are jigging with half a crawler. Remember, stager your lines and fish at different depths as the walleye are often suspended. Bass fishing was fair when using rubber crawlers or crankbaits in shallow waters along the shoreline and docks.
Paint River - Those fly fishing on the South Branch were doing very well when using standard attracter flies. Worm anglers had poor success rates.
Michigamme Reservoir - Walleye have been caught using jigs with leeches.
Groveland Lake - In Dickinson County, reported that both the largemouth bass and bluegill action is picking up.
Marquette - Lake trout fishing has ranged from good to fair. Most fish are being caught on spoons, cowbells or dodgers and flies in 150 to 200 feet of water. Salmon fishing was slow with those caught taken on spoons and flies in shades of green.
Little Bay De Noc - Between the large mayfly hatch and the alewife, walleye fishing has slowed. Anglers are moving south now and fishing from the Black Bottom down to the Fingers which are located just south of the Ford River. Anglers are jigging crawlers and minnows in 16 to 20 feet of water near the Black Bottom and trolling stickbaits in 16 to 24 feet of water at the Fingers. Off Breezy Point, they are trolling crawlers or stickbaits 5 to 20 feet down in waters 14 to 34 feet deep. Night anglers jigging off Gladstone Beach reported good action but the fish were small. Good smallmouth bass fishing near the mouth of the Day's River and Garth Point when casting surface baits in shallow waters. Good bass fishing south of the Ford River when casting jigs and tube baits just off the weeds in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were still good just outside Garden Bay when jigging crawlers and minnows in 18 to 20 feet of water. Those switching over to stickbaits in the late evening also did well. Good numbers of perch were caught in Garden Bay and Ogontz, but the fish were small. Good smallmouth action in 10 to 20 feet of water off Little Summer Island. Salmon action is picking up off Fairport when trolling 60 to 85 feet down in waters 80 to 140 feet deep.
Au Train - Lake trout fishing continues to be good in 150 to 200 feet of water off the backside of Au Train Island. Trolling with spoons, flashers and cowbells have all produced nice catches.
Au Train Lake - Anglers have caught some nice smallmouth bass. Though lots of small pike were caught, a few fish in the 25 to 30 inch range have also been taken.
Au Train River - Few anglers have been out, but those willing to put in the time have caught some brook and brown trout.
Munising - Fishing activity has been light but those venturing out for lake trout did well when trolling north of Grand Island.
Grand Marais - The nice weather has slowed the whitefish action, but anglers are still catching a few in the morning and evening when there is a north or northwest wind. Lake trout anglers are still doing well trolling 3 to 4 miles off shore in 120 to 240 feet of water.
St. Mary's River - Walleye fishing has been good in the lower river just southwest of Lime Island when trolling near Raber Point. Try bottom bouncers trailed by a 30 inch crawler harness over the rock piles in 12 to 20 feet of water in the early morning.
De Tour - The herring are now staging in Potaganissing Bay, which is located on the north side of Drummond Island. Northern pike fishing has been good in Scotts Bay when fishing large minnows or shiners in 8 to 10 feet of water.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are still catching northern pike when trolling rapalas and thundersticks on the east end of Hessel Bay, through Snows Channel, and in the marked channel of Cedarville Bay. Smallmouth bass are hitting in Musky Bay when using dark green or brown tube baits. Limits of lake herring have been caught in Musky Bay using wax worms on a red, orange or green teardrop in 5 to 11 feet of water. Perch fishing has started to pick up with fish caught in 8 to 10 feet of water in Musky Bay, the east end of Cedarville Bay, and in 4 to 6 feet of water and off the docks at Hessel. A few walleye were caught when targeting pike.
St. Ignace - Chinook, atlantic salmon and lake trout have been caught when trolling from the city launches to the Coast Guard station, the east side of Mackinaw Island and the southwest side of the bridge. Try blue and green spoons or light blue and white flies with silver flashers.
Upper Peninsula:[/url]
Lac La Belle and Lake Gratiot near Copper Harbor are producing fair walleye fishing.
Anglers on Lake Gogebic are catching a few perch in water up to 10 feet deep. The best fishing is found around the weed beds in the lake, with both crawlers and leeches being used as bait.
In the Marquette area, the smallmouth bass and walleye fishing ranges from good to very good on the Dead River Storage Basin. The Greenwood Reservoir is producing good crappie fishing. Anglers on Lake Superior are catching good numbers of lake trout, in water 120 to 160 feet deep. During the evening hours on Little Lake, the walleye fishing is fair.
Out of the Escanaba area, the salmon fishing is improving on Lake Michigan. The walleye fishing is slow on Little Bay de Noc, anglers have to release a lot of the fish that are being caught because they are undersized.
By Manistique, the salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. Anglers on Indian Lake are reeling in a few bass and walleye.
Around Sault Ste. Marie, the whitefish fishing ranges from fair to good on the upper end of the St. Marys River and by the “powerhouse.” Anglers casting a line in the water behind the “powerhouse” are also catching a few salmon. Raber Bay is producing some good walleye fishing. The best times to be out are early in the morning or late in the evening.
The bass and pike fishing is good on Maxton, Scott and Whitney bays around Drummond Island. Anglers on Scott Bay are catching a few walleye. The salmon fishing is fair on the St. Marys River, near the lighthouse.
On the bays near Cedarville, the herring fishing is pretty good. Try using a teardrop tipped with a waxworm or mayfly.
At St. Ignace, the perch and walleye fishing has slowed down on Brevort Lake, due to the mayfly hatch that is underway. Anglers on Moran Bay are reeling in a few salmon.
Northwest:[/url]
By Alanson, the walleye fishing is fair on both Burt and Crooked lakes. On Crooked Lake, the walleye are found near the drop-offs. Anglers on Little Traverse Bay are reeling in good numbers of smallmouth bass.
Out of the Boyne City area, the bass and walleye fishing is good on Lake Charlevoix. The best fishing is found on the east and west ends of the lake and on the South Arm. The salmon fishing is good on Lake Michigan about two miles out from shore.
In the Traverse City area, the smallmouth bass fishing ranges from good to very good on both the east and west arms of Grand Traverse Bay.
Around Frankfort, Crystal Lake is producing good perch, rock bass and smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers on the Lake Michigan piers at Frankfort and Elberta are reeling in a few steelhead.
The salmon fishing is fair to good on Lake Michigan near Manistee. Manistee Lake is producing good pike fishing. Anglers on many of the small inland lakes are catching a few bluegill.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing good panfish and bass fishing. The bluegill fishing is good on Indian and Guernsey lakes. Crickets are working well as bait, in water up to 20 feet deep.
Fly-fishermen near Gaylord are finding some excellent trout fishing on sections of the Black, Manistee, Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers.
At Cadillac, the bass, panfish, and pike fishing is good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. Mornings and evenings are the best times to be out. Anglers on the lakes are also catching a few walleye.
West:[/url]
Out of the Ludington area, the salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. The fish are still scattered and found at various depths. The largemouth bass fishing is good on Hamlin Lake. Anglers on Pere Marquette Lake are catching a few pike.
Around Pentwater, the lake trout, steelhead and king salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. The fish are found in the top 100 feet of water that is up to 240 feet deep. On Pentwater Lake, the crappie fishing is fair. The best spots to fish are near the marinas on the lake.
In the Muskegon area, the bass fishing is very good on Muskegon Lake. The best areas to drop a line in the water are by the edges of the weed beds. The bluegill fishing is good on the lake. Both waxworms and leaf worms are working well as bait. On Lake Michigan, the salmon, lake trout and steelhead fishing is fair. The fish are found 35 to 65 feet below the surface, in water that is up to 110 feet deep.
Chippewa Lake is producing good bass, bluegill and pike fishing. The walleye fishing on the lake is fair.
At Baldwin, the bluegill fishing ranges from fair to good on most of the local lakes. Crickets are the preferred bait. Anglers on Idlewild Lake are reeling in a few pike. The hex hatch is underway and the trout fishing is improving on the local rivers and streams.
Southwest:[/url]
In the Holland area, the perch fishing is good on Lake Michigan in about 30 feet of water. Both minnows and spikes are being used as bait. The salmon fishing on the big lake is fair. Anglers on Lake Macatawa are catching good numbers of bluegill along with a few walleye. The best spots to fish for the gills are around the cement buoys.
Lake Michigan is producing very good perch fishing near Benton Harbor. Minnows are the hot bait. Anglers on the lake are catching a few salmon. The fish are found between 60 and 110 feet below the surface in water that is up to 110 feet deep. Anglers on the St. Joseph River are catching a few walleye.
Around New Buffalo, the perch fishing is very good on Lake Michigan in water up to 30 feet deep. The lake trout and salmon fishing is good in water 60 to 80 feet deep.
Out of the Kalamazoo area, the smallmouth bass fishing is good below the Allegan Dam on the Kalamazoo River. Portage and Sugarloaf lakes are producing good bluegill fishing. Both crickets and worms are being used as bait. Anglers along the St. Joseph River are reeling in good numbers of catfish. The late evening and overnight hours are the best time to be fishing for the catfish. The walleye fishing is fair on Cedar Lake.
At Three Rivers, the bluegill fishing is pretty good on most of the local lakes. The crappie fishing is fair on many of the same lakes.
Northeast:[/url]
Anglers on the Thunder Bay River and on Thunder Bay near Alpena are finding some very good walleye fishing. The preferred bait for anglers on the river are leeches, Rapalas are working well as bait on the bay. Grand and Long lakes are producing good bass and bluegill fishing.
Out of the Grayling area, the trout fishing is fair on sections of the Au Sable and Manistee river systems. Lake Margrethe is producing good smallmouth bass fishing. The walleye and bluegill fishing on Manistee Lake is good.
Around Oscoda, the crappie, perch, pike and walleye fishing is good on Foote Dam Pond. Anglers on Cooke Dam Pond are catching good numbers of bluegill, perch and walleye. Van Etten Lake is producing good perch fishing and fair pike and walleye fishing. Along the Au Sable River, the catfish, smallmouth bass fishing is good.
The perch fishing is reported as being good on Higgins Lake. Minnows are working well as bait in water about 30 feet deep. Mornings are the best time to be out. Anglers on the lake are reeling in a few lake trout.
Houghton Lake is producing good bass, panfish, pike and walleye fishing. The best areas to drop a line in the water are by the weed beds in the lake.
At Au Gres, the walleye fishing is very good on Saginaw Bay, in water 30 to 35 feet deep. Anglers along the Au Gres River are catching a few catfish using crawlers as bait.
East:[/url]
Around Linwood, the walleye fishing is very good on Saginaw Bay, in water up to 20 feet deep. By Bay City, the walleye fishing is good on Saginaw Bay. Mornings are the best time to be out.
Out on the Saginaw and Tittabawassee rivers near Saginaw the bass fishing is reported as being very good. Crawlers are the preferred bait. Anglers are reeling in good numbers of catfish and an occasional walleye on the rivers.
In the Bay Port area, the walleye fishing is very good, out from Sand Point. Anglers along the shoreline are reeling in a few catfish.
On Lake Huron near Harbor Beach, the lake trout fishing is very good. The salmon, steelhead, catfish and bass fishing is fair. The bass and catfish are found in the shallows, close to the shoreline. Outside of the harbor, the perch fishing is improving.
Anglers on Lake Huron near Port Sanilac are catching a few salmon. The perch fishing is fair on the lake between Lexington and Lakeport.
Along the St. Clair River in Port Huron, the walleye fishing is spotty on the St. Clair River from shore, good at night whipping pencil plugs from a boat. Anglers near the mouth of the Black River are reeling in good numbers of smallmouth bass.
And between St. Clair and Marine City the walleye fishing is very good on the St. Clair River. The fish are biting at anytime of the day.
Central:[/url]
On the Grand River near Lansing, the catfish and walleye fishing ranges from fair to good. One of the best areas to cast a line in the water is at Moores Park. The bass fishing is very good on the river and many of the local lakes. Duck Lake is producing good bluegill and largemouth bass fishing.
And around Jackson, the crappie fishing is good on both Vineyard and Wamplers lakes. Minnows are the preferred bait. The bass fishing is fair on many of the local lakes. The walleye fishing is slow on the lakes.
Southeast:[/url]
The bass fishing is good anywhere around Anchor Bay in the Fair Haven and New Baltimore areas. Anglers near Strawberry Island and buoy “B” are starting to catch a few perch. The walleye fishing on the North Channel and the St. Clair River is spotty.
On Lake St. Clair near Metropolitan Beach, the musky and walleye fishing is fair, in water up to nine feet deep. Anglers casting lines into the lake by the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and at the mouth of the South Channel are catching a few perch.
Along the northern end of the Detroit River, the walleye fishing is good, with early mornings being the best time to be out. In the Downriver area, the walleye fishing is pretty good on the Detroit River. The silver bass have moved out of the river, and that is helping walleye anglers. The perch fishing is good at the mouth of the river.
Around Monroe on Lake Erie, the walleye fishing ranges from good to very good near Stony Point, Brest Bay and Toledo Beach. The perch fishing is improving on the lake near the “E” buoy and Luna Pier.
At Belleville, the bluegill and smallmouth bass fishing is good on Belleville Lake. The gills are hitting on waxworms, the bass on crayfish. The crappie and walleye fishing on the lake is fair.
There will be a new Fisheries Order phased in beginning June 28, 2007. Fish Order 245 is being implemented to help slow the spread of fish diseases such as Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, otherwise known as VHS. To assist anglers with the new regulations, a fact sheet has been placed on the Fisheries homepage on the DNR website.
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Lake Erie - Fishing has picked up once again. Walleye have been caught in 18 to 20 feet of water near Fermi and off Stony Point. Walleye were also taken out from Brest Bay when fishing on the Michigan-Ohio border line. Bottom bouncers or dipsey divers used with spoons are producing the most fish. A few yellow perch 8 to 11 inches were caught two miles north of the Sputnik and south of the Detroit River Light. Look for largemouth bass near Bolles Harbor.
Detroit River - Walleye are back in the lower Trenton Channel. Boat anglers are reporting 5 to 9 fish per boat when jigging minnows or leeches from the Edison Stacks to the mouth. Perch fishing has been decent down near the mouth when fishing the weed lines around the islands. Good catches of catfish and smallmouth bass were also reported in the river.
Pontiac Lake - Has a great channel catfish population. Boat and shore anglers are invited to check out this local fishing opportunity.
Lake St. Clair - Has good smallmouth bass and musky fishing, but the walleye fishing has been a challenge.
St. Clair River - Boat anglers are trolling for walleye in the lower river from the mouth of the Bell River down to Algonac. Up near Port Huron, boat anglers are still taking walleye when heading out to Buoy 1 in Southern Lake Huron and drifting back down under the Blue Water Bridge. Crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers were the ticket. Those fishing off the wall have taken some limits when fishing about 18 inches off the bottom near the statue of Thomas Edison. About half a mile south of the bridge, walleye were caught at Pine Grove Park when using small bodybaits and flatfish.
Lexington - Trout and salmon have been caught in 60 to 90 feet of water. Perch anglers are doing well when drifting down towards Lakeport. Try minnows in 20 to 25 feet of water. Pier anglers are taking a mixture of bass and panfish.
Port Sanilac - The perch have not showed up yet. Those trolling are getting lake trout along with the occasional chinook and steelhead in 60 to 90 feet of water.
Harbor Beach - The charter boats have caught good numbers of lake trout.
Grindstone City - Angler activity is picking up with boats catching mostly lake trout. A few chinook salmon were also in the box.
Port Austin - Mostly lake trout for those trolling north or northeast and the walleye anglers are going west toward the Flat Iron reef and other local reefs.
Saginaw Bay - Walleye fishing continues to be excellent with limit catches taken by those willing to stay out and fish for several hours. There is good fishing off the Pinconning Bar, near Buoys 1 & 2, the Spark Plug and the Callahan Reef off Knight Road. Harnesses with purple and gold spinner blades along with fire-tiger or rainbow Hot-n-Tots have worked best. Some 10 to 12 inch perch were taken off the Pinconning Bar. Off Sebewaing, the walleye are straight west of the channel or north of the islands in 9 to 12 feet of water. For Bay Port, walleye are mainly in the Slot outside the islands in 11 to 14 feet of water or right off Sand Point in 22 feet of water. Near Caseville, walleye action is picking up off Oak Point in 30 feet of water.
Saginaw River - A good number of channel cats have been caught. Bass anglers are doing well when using spinner baits in the lower river.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph - Chinook and coho have been caught on spoons 40 to 70 feet down in waters 80 to 180 feet deep. Pier anglers have caught one or two steelhead in the early morning hours. Perch fishing has been good both north and south of the port in 20 to 25 feet of water. While many were small, some jumbos were caught.
St. Joseph River - Rain is needed as water levels are dropping. A few walleye have been caught throughout the river when drifting or slow trolling with crawlers. Catfish have been caught in some of the deeper holes.
South Haven - Boat anglers are picking up chinook and steelhead 35 to 50 feet down in 70 to 100 feet of water. Lots of perch were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water south of the piers.
Grand Haven - Boat anglers have been fishing 50 feet down in waters 60 to 120 feet deep but the catch rates have been slow. Most fish were hitting on blue and green spoons and green fly combos. Pier anglers have caught freshwater drum and catfish when casting spoons. Small perch were caught off the north pier.
Grand River at Lansing - Walleye are hitting on leeches below the dam at Moore's Park. Bass fishing has been good just about everywhere in the river. Look for smallmouth below the North Lansing Dam. Shore anglers over at Tecumseh Park are catching carp, catfish, bowfin and gar. Try fishing the small backwaters.
Lake Interstate - Located about 2 miles west of Dimondale has good bass fishing. Anglers are using crawlers, leeches or purple and white rubber worms.
Park Lake - Located east of Lansing in Clinton County has good largemouth bass fishing. Purple and white crawlers have caught fish.
Mona Lake - Catfish are being caught in the mornings and evenings. Try using crawlers, stink baits or even shrimp.
Muskegon - Salmon were being picked up in 45 to 50 feet of water as some bait fish moved in, but have since moved back out to waters about 90 feet deep. Flashers and flies are starting to catch fish. Perch fishing was slow.
Muskegon Lake - Even with some alewife still in the lake, anglers are catching walleye and bass. Bluegills can be found in deeper waters about 15 feet deep.
Muskegon River - Brown trout and rainbow trout have been caught up near the Croton Dam. Most are drifting worms or minnows just off the bottom.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Rogers City - Most of the anglers going out now are fishing for salmon. Catch rates have been spotty as the fish are scattered because of strong winds and the fact that they are moving around looking for food. Anglers fishing from the State Park up past the Forty Mile Point found fish 50 to 70 feet down in waters 70 to 100 feet deep.
Rockport - Anglers are having quite a bit of luck with lake trout, steelhead, and salmon. The fish seem to be suspended 40 to 60 feet down in waters 100 to 250 feet deep. Good fishing around the Nordmeer Wreck.
Alpena - Lake trout and salmon are biting in 100 feet of water.
Thunder Bay River - Walleye action has been good for boat and shore fishing. The better shore fishing was at Lamare Park and the Ninth Street Dam. Worms and body baits are catching fish, but the leeches did best.
Otsego Lake - Is producing fair walleye catches when trolling above the weed beds with crawler harnesses or minnow baits.
Fletchers Pond - Near Alpena, will offer anglers some great panfish and bass fishing opportunities.
Twin Lakes - In Lewiston, are producing some nice walleye.
Harrisville - Good numbers of lake trout were caught on spoons just off the bottom in waters 80 to 120 feet deep. Straight east or north around Sturgeon Point has been productive. A few salmon and steelhead were also caught.
Oscoda - Most of the fishing activity has centered on walleye and catfish. The walleye were taken day or night when drifting crawlers around the piers. Catfish were taken at night and some limit catches were reported. Lake trout were caught in 80 to 100 feet of water.
Tawas - Walleye and lake trout are both being caught when trolling downriggers with body baits or spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water off Tawas Point. Bass fishing is very good inside Tawas Bay.
Au Gres - Excellent walleye fishing continues with a good number of limits taken in 30 to 45 feet of water. Crawler harnesses seem to work best.
Au Gres River - Is producing a good numbers of channel cats.
Higgins Lake - Has fair catch rates for lake trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. Rock bass and smallmouth bass are still hitting on crawlers, minnows and leeches. Perch fishing was just fair.
Houghton Lake - Good walleye fishing continues, but anglers are now drifting crawlers and leeches. The Middle Grounds and the East Bay are still producing fish. Bass fishing has also been very good. The bluegills are done bedding and are hitting on leaf worms, wax worms and leeches in waters 6 to 10 feet deep. The crappie are still in deep waters.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Petoskey - Salmon and lake trout have been caught in Bay Harbor. The salmon are in 45 and 90 feet of water and taking a variety of baits from spoons and flies to cut bait rigs. The lake trout are in 70 to 120 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are showing up in good numbers and are being caught by boat and pier anglers.
Charlevoix - Chinook and lake trout have been hitting off the cement plant. Start trolling shallow then go deep. Anglers are using a variety of baits and colors.
Walloon Lake - Bass fishing is the most popular activity out on the lake, but the catch rate has gone down a bit. Anglers are trolling or casting in the shallow areas or along the drop offs. Bluegill fishing was fair in shallow waters.
Thumb Lake (Lake Louise) - Angler activity has been light with only a few targeting bass while casting tube baits in the shallows or using crawlers in 10 to 15 feet of water. Try the shoreline near the camp, the shallow flats in the East Basin, or the shallow waters on the north end of the West Basin. Bluegill fishing has been fair in waters up to 10 feet deep. Shore anglers have caught perch and rock bass.
Traverse City - While lake trout fishing has been good in the East Bay, the smallmouth bass fishing has been even better with limit catches reported. Whitefish action is improving with a few fish caught on white Swedish Pimples near Mountain Jack's. The West Bay has good lake trout fishing in waters as shallow as 20 feet. Cold water along the east shoreline has the lake trout moving in close to shore to feed. Look for whitefish off Lee Point when fishing just off the bottom in 70 feet of water. Smallmouth anglers are catching lake trout on spinner baits and jigs.
Elk River - The smallmouth bass is the king of the river right now and fishing has been very good. Live bait is best. Channel cats were caught near the drop off.
Boardman River - River fishing has slowed considerably with only a few largemouth, smallmouth, and rock bass taken at the State Street Dam. Crawlers and leeches are working the best. Upstream of the dam, fly fishing has been very good with limit catches of brook and brown trout coming around The Forks and Scheck's Place. Try using Hex flies in the evening before and after dark. Casting spinners and body baits is always an effective method to fool those big brown trout.
Long Lake - In Grand Traverse County reported slower fishing, but fish are being caught. The walleye seem to be suspended over deeper waters 20 to 40 feet deep. Anglers are jigging leeches either a few feet down or about halfway down. Some are using a single hook baited with a leech or minnow about 10 feet under a slip bobber. Boats are trolling crawler harnesses. Lots of smallmouth bass have been caught when casting top water spinner baits around the islands or using tube jigs in deeper waters. The bass have finished spawning and have moved off the beds.
Frankfort - Anglers are catching chinook, lake trout and steelhead in waters 150 to 300 feet deep off the Shelf and north up to Point Betsie. Meat rigs and spoons are working the best right now. Good colors have been yellow, pink, orange and chartreuse. Pier anglers are using alewife rigs to catch brown trout and steelhead.
Onekama - Has better trout and salmon fishing in waters 250 feet deep and beyond. Those trolling green, pink and orange spoons have taken good catches of chinook, lake trout and steelhead either straight out or south of the piers. A few smallmouth bass and northern pike have been caught off the piers.
Portage Lake - Has great bass fishing. Good numbers of large and smallmouth have been caught throughout the lake. Look for the big panfish in deeper waters.
Manistee - Pier anglers are having no luck when fishing for trout and salmon. Those trolling out deep, such as out on the Shelf in 120 feet of water and beyond to 215 feet of water or more are catching mainly steelhead and lake trout.
Ludington - Boat anglers are trolling out in 150 to 200 feet of water for chinook, steelhead and lake trout. Pier anglers have caught smallmouth bass.
Upper Peninsula
Torch Lake - Walleye have been caught in 6 to 10 feet of water along the weed beds. Some are trolling or working the wind swept shorelines with jigs and minnows. Those fishing the cuts between the two lakes reported slow action except for a few bass and pike taken when casting spoons along the shoreline.
West Portage Lake - Walleye anglers have done well when fishing the humps between the Sturgeon River and Chassell. Southwest of Grosse Point, anglers have done well on the North Reef when trolling crawlers, crankbaits or crawler harnesses off planer boards. Some are jigging with half a crawler. Remember, stager your lines and fish at different depths as the walleye are often suspended. Bass fishing was fair when using rubber crawlers or crankbaits in shallow waters along the shoreline and docks.
Paint River - Those fly fishing on the South Branch were doing very well when using standard attracter flies. Worm anglers had poor success rates.
Michigamme Reservoir - Walleye have been caught using jigs with leeches.
Groveland Lake - In Dickinson County, reported that both the largemouth bass and bluegill action is picking up.
Marquette - Lake trout fishing has ranged from good to fair. Most fish are being caught on spoons, cowbells or dodgers and flies in 150 to 200 feet of water. Salmon fishing was slow with those caught taken on spoons and flies in shades of green.
Little Bay De Noc - Between the large mayfly hatch and the alewife, walleye fishing has slowed. Anglers are moving south now and fishing from the Black Bottom down to the Fingers which are located just south of the Ford River. Anglers are jigging crawlers and minnows in 16 to 20 feet of water near the Black Bottom and trolling stickbaits in 16 to 24 feet of water at the Fingers. Off Breezy Point, they are trolling crawlers or stickbaits 5 to 20 feet down in waters 14 to 34 feet deep. Night anglers jigging off Gladstone Beach reported good action but the fish were small. Good smallmouth bass fishing near the mouth of the Day's River and Garth Point when casting surface baits in shallow waters. Good bass fishing south of the Ford River when casting jigs and tube baits just off the weeds in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Big Bay De Noc - Walleye catches were still good just outside Garden Bay when jigging crawlers and minnows in 18 to 20 feet of water. Those switching over to stickbaits in the late evening also did well. Good numbers of perch were caught in Garden Bay and Ogontz, but the fish were small. Good smallmouth action in 10 to 20 feet of water off Little Summer Island. Salmon action is picking up off Fairport when trolling 60 to 85 feet down in waters 80 to 140 feet deep.
Au Train - Lake trout fishing continues to be good in 150 to 200 feet of water off the backside of Au Train Island. Trolling with spoons, flashers and cowbells have all produced nice catches.
Au Train Lake - Anglers have caught some nice smallmouth bass. Though lots of small pike were caught, a few fish in the 25 to 30 inch range have also been taken.
Au Train River - Few anglers have been out, but those willing to put in the time have caught some brook and brown trout.
Munising - Fishing activity has been light but those venturing out for lake trout did well when trolling north of Grand Island.
Grand Marais - The nice weather has slowed the whitefish action, but anglers are still catching a few in the morning and evening when there is a north or northwest wind. Lake trout anglers are still doing well trolling 3 to 4 miles off shore in 120 to 240 feet of water.
St. Mary's River - Walleye fishing has been good in the lower river just southwest of Lime Island when trolling near Raber Point. Try bottom bouncers trailed by a 30 inch crawler harness over the rock piles in 12 to 20 feet of water in the early morning.
De Tour - The herring are now staging in Potaganissing Bay, which is located on the north side of Drummond Island. Northern pike fishing has been good in Scotts Bay when fishing large minnows or shiners in 8 to 10 feet of water.
Cedarville and Hessel - Anglers are still catching northern pike when trolling rapalas and thundersticks on the east end of Hessel Bay, through Snows Channel, and in the marked channel of Cedarville Bay. Smallmouth bass are hitting in Musky Bay when using dark green or brown tube baits. Limits of lake herring have been caught in Musky Bay using wax worms on a red, orange or green teardrop in 5 to 11 feet of water. Perch fishing has started to pick up with fish caught in 8 to 10 feet of water in Musky Bay, the east end of Cedarville Bay, and in 4 to 6 feet of water and off the docks at Hessel. A few walleye were caught when targeting pike.
St. Ignace - Chinook, atlantic salmon and lake trout have been caught when trolling from the city launches to the Coast Guard station, the east side of Mackinaw Island and the southwest side of the bridge. Try blue and green spoons or light blue and white flies with silver flashers.
Upper Peninsula:[/url]
Lac La Belle and Lake Gratiot near Copper Harbor are producing fair walleye fishing.
Anglers on Lake Gogebic are catching a few perch in water up to 10 feet deep. The best fishing is found around the weed beds in the lake, with both crawlers and leeches being used as bait.
In the Marquette area, the smallmouth bass and walleye fishing ranges from good to very good on the Dead River Storage Basin. The Greenwood Reservoir is producing good crappie fishing. Anglers on Lake Superior are catching good numbers of lake trout, in water 120 to 160 feet deep. During the evening hours on Little Lake, the walleye fishing is fair.
Out of the Escanaba area, the salmon fishing is improving on Lake Michigan. The walleye fishing is slow on Little Bay de Noc, anglers have to release a lot of the fish that are being caught because they are undersized.
By Manistique, the salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. Anglers on Indian Lake are reeling in a few bass and walleye.
Around Sault Ste. Marie, the whitefish fishing ranges from fair to good on the upper end of the St. Marys River and by the “powerhouse.” Anglers casting a line in the water behind the “powerhouse” are also catching a few salmon. Raber Bay is producing some good walleye fishing. The best times to be out are early in the morning or late in the evening.
The bass and pike fishing is good on Maxton, Scott and Whitney bays around Drummond Island. Anglers on Scott Bay are catching a few walleye. The salmon fishing is fair on the St. Marys River, near the lighthouse.
On the bays near Cedarville, the herring fishing is pretty good. Try using a teardrop tipped with a waxworm or mayfly.
At St. Ignace, the perch and walleye fishing has slowed down on Brevort Lake, due to the mayfly hatch that is underway. Anglers on Moran Bay are reeling in a few salmon.
Northwest:[/url]
By Alanson, the walleye fishing is fair on both Burt and Crooked lakes. On Crooked Lake, the walleye are found near the drop-offs. Anglers on Little Traverse Bay are reeling in good numbers of smallmouth bass.
Out of the Boyne City area, the bass and walleye fishing is good on Lake Charlevoix. The best fishing is found on the east and west ends of the lake and on the South Arm. The salmon fishing is good on Lake Michigan about two miles out from shore.
In the Traverse City area, the smallmouth bass fishing ranges from good to very good on both the east and west arms of Grand Traverse Bay.
Around Frankfort, Crystal Lake is producing good perch, rock bass and smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers on the Lake Michigan piers at Frankfort and Elberta are reeling in a few steelhead.
The salmon fishing is fair to good on Lake Michigan near Manistee. Manistee Lake is producing good pike fishing. Anglers on many of the small inland lakes are catching a few bluegill.
Lake Skegemog near Kalkaska is producing good panfish and bass fishing. The bluegill fishing is good on Indian and Guernsey lakes. Crickets are working well as bait, in water up to 20 feet deep.
Fly-fishermen near Gaylord are finding some excellent trout fishing on sections of the Black, Manistee, Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers.
At Cadillac, the bass, panfish, and pike fishing is good on both lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. Mornings and evenings are the best times to be out. Anglers on the lakes are also catching a few walleye.
West:[/url]
Out of the Ludington area, the salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. The fish are still scattered and found at various depths. The largemouth bass fishing is good on Hamlin Lake. Anglers on Pere Marquette Lake are catching a few pike.
Around Pentwater, the lake trout, steelhead and king salmon fishing is fair on Lake Michigan. The fish are found in the top 100 feet of water that is up to 240 feet deep. On Pentwater Lake, the crappie fishing is fair. The best spots to fish are near the marinas on the lake.
In the Muskegon area, the bass fishing is very good on Muskegon Lake. The best areas to drop a line in the water are by the edges of the weed beds. The bluegill fishing is good on the lake. Both waxworms and leaf worms are working well as bait. On Lake Michigan, the salmon, lake trout and steelhead fishing is fair. The fish are found 35 to 65 feet below the surface, in water that is up to 110 feet deep.
Chippewa Lake is producing good bass, bluegill and pike fishing. The walleye fishing on the lake is fair.
At Baldwin, the bluegill fishing ranges from fair to good on most of the local lakes. Crickets are the preferred bait. Anglers on Idlewild Lake are reeling in a few pike. The hex hatch is underway and the trout fishing is improving on the local rivers and streams.
Southwest:[/url]
In the Holland area, the perch fishing is good on Lake Michigan in about 30 feet of water. Both minnows and spikes are being used as bait. The salmon fishing on the big lake is fair. Anglers on Lake Macatawa are catching good numbers of bluegill along with a few walleye. The best spots to fish for the gills are around the cement buoys.
Lake Michigan is producing very good perch fishing near Benton Harbor. Minnows are the hot bait. Anglers on the lake are catching a few salmon. The fish are found between 60 and 110 feet below the surface in water that is up to 110 feet deep. Anglers on the St. Joseph River are catching a few walleye.
Around New Buffalo, the perch fishing is very good on Lake Michigan in water up to 30 feet deep. The lake trout and salmon fishing is good in water 60 to 80 feet deep.
Out of the Kalamazoo area, the smallmouth bass fishing is good below the Allegan Dam on the Kalamazoo River. Portage and Sugarloaf lakes are producing good bluegill fishing. Both crickets and worms are being used as bait. Anglers along the St. Joseph River are reeling in good numbers of catfish. The late evening and overnight hours are the best time to be fishing for the catfish. The walleye fishing is fair on Cedar Lake.
At Three Rivers, the bluegill fishing is pretty good on most of the local lakes. The crappie fishing is fair on many of the same lakes.
Northeast:[/url]
Anglers on the Thunder Bay River and on Thunder Bay near Alpena are finding some very good walleye fishing. The preferred bait for anglers on the river are leeches, Rapalas are working well as bait on the bay. Grand and Long lakes are producing good bass and bluegill fishing.
Out of the Grayling area, the trout fishing is fair on sections of the Au Sable and Manistee river systems. Lake Margrethe is producing good smallmouth bass fishing. The walleye and bluegill fishing on Manistee Lake is good.
Around Oscoda, the crappie, perch, pike and walleye fishing is good on Foote Dam Pond. Anglers on Cooke Dam Pond are catching good numbers of bluegill, perch and walleye. Van Etten Lake is producing good perch fishing and fair pike and walleye fishing. Along the Au Sable River, the catfish, smallmouth bass fishing is good.
The perch fishing is reported as being good on Higgins Lake. Minnows are working well as bait in water about 30 feet deep. Mornings are the best time to be out. Anglers on the lake are reeling in a few lake trout.
Houghton Lake is producing good bass, panfish, pike and walleye fishing. The best areas to drop a line in the water are by the weed beds in the lake.
At Au Gres, the walleye fishing is very good on Saginaw Bay, in water 30 to 35 feet deep. Anglers along the Au Gres River are catching a few catfish using crawlers as bait.
East:[/url]
Around Linwood, the walleye fishing is very good on Saginaw Bay, in water up to 20 feet deep. By Bay City, the walleye fishing is good on Saginaw Bay. Mornings are the best time to be out.
Out on the Saginaw and Tittabawassee rivers near Saginaw the bass fishing is reported as being very good. Crawlers are the preferred bait. Anglers are reeling in good numbers of catfish and an occasional walleye on the rivers.
In the Bay Port area, the walleye fishing is very good, out from Sand Point. Anglers along the shoreline are reeling in a few catfish.
On Lake Huron near Harbor Beach, the lake trout fishing is very good. The salmon, steelhead, catfish and bass fishing is fair. The bass and catfish are found in the shallows, close to the shoreline. Outside of the harbor, the perch fishing is improving.
Anglers on Lake Huron near Port Sanilac are catching a few salmon. The perch fishing is fair on the lake between Lexington and Lakeport.
Along the St. Clair River in Port Huron, the walleye fishing is spotty on the St. Clair River from shore, good at night whipping pencil plugs from a boat. Anglers near the mouth of the Black River are reeling in good numbers of smallmouth bass.
And between St. Clair and Marine City the walleye fishing is very good on the St. Clair River. The fish are biting at anytime of the day.
Central:[/url]
On the Grand River near Lansing, the catfish and walleye fishing ranges from fair to good. One of the best areas to cast a line in the water is at Moores Park. The bass fishing is very good on the river and many of the local lakes. Duck Lake is producing good bluegill and largemouth bass fishing.
And around Jackson, the crappie fishing is good on both Vineyard and Wamplers lakes. Minnows are the preferred bait. The bass fishing is fair on many of the local lakes. The walleye fishing is slow on the lakes.
Southeast:[/url]
The bass fishing is good anywhere around Anchor Bay in the Fair Haven and New Baltimore areas. Anglers near Strawberry Island and buoy “B” are starting to catch a few perch. The walleye fishing on the North Channel and the St. Clair River is spotty.
On Lake St. Clair near Metropolitan Beach, the musky and walleye fishing is fair, in water up to nine feet deep. Anglers casting lines into the lake by the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and at the mouth of the South Channel are catching a few perch.
Along the northern end of the Detroit River, the walleye fishing is good, with early mornings being the best time to be out. In the Downriver area, the walleye fishing is pretty good on the Detroit River. The silver bass have moved out of the river, and that is helping walleye anglers. The perch fishing is good at the mouth of the river.
Around Monroe on Lake Erie, the walleye fishing ranges from good to very good near Stony Point, Brest Bay and Toledo Beach. The perch fishing is improving on the lake near the “E” buoy and Luna Pier.
At Belleville, the bluegill and smallmouth bass fishing is good on Belleville Lake. The gills are hitting on waxworms, the bass on crayfish. The crappie and walleye fishing on the lake is fair.