TAWAS/AuGRES: Strong winds kept most boat anglers off the water. Those who ventured out returned with an average of five walleye per boat. A few anglers targeted yellow perch and caught a few keepers, but no limits were reported. Largemouth bass were caught out of the Tawas River and off the state dock, though fishing overall remained slow.
OSCODA/AuSABLE: Anglers trolling in 120 to 160 feet of water had fair lake trout fishing using spoons and Spin-N-Glos. Walleye were caught in 80 to 160 feet of water while trolling 20 to 40 feet down; small spoons and nightcrawler harnesses produced some fish. Anglers fishing from the pier and catwalk caught channel catfish using nightcrawlers on the bottom.
HARRISVILLE: Anglers targeting lake trout did well in 180 to 200 feet of water while trolling spoons and Spin-N-Glos. A handful of steelhead were taken on spoons in 120 to 160 feet of water. Anglers casting spinners in the harbor reported catching a few northern pike.
ALPENA: Fishing activity was minimal over the past week. A few boat anglers targeted walleye in 30 to 50 feet of water, though anglers reported slow fishing with fish scattered across Thunder Bay.
THUNDER BAY RIVER: Catfish were caught in good numbers from the armory up to the 9th Street Dam. Cut bait and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom were productive. A few small smallmouth bass and northern pike were caught using spinners and crankbaits. Anglers reported no success targeting walleye.
ROGERS CITY: Salmon arrived in good numbers, though weather conditions dictated angler activity. The most productive bites occurred at first and last light, with anglers fishing primarily off Swan Bay. Anglers deployed lead core lines of varying lengths, downriggers, dipsy divers, and copper wire to cover the entire water column. The best depths were 40 to 90 feet of water. Salmon held in shallower water early and late in the day, moving deeper during midday. Anglers used an assortment of spoons, J-Plugs, flasher-fly and squid combinations, and flashers with meat rigs. Productive colors included green, blue, chartreuse, black, white, UV white, pearl, and glow patterns. While the focus remained primarily on salmon, activity also extended north along US-23 toward 40 Mile Point.
PRESQUE ISLE: Salmon and trout fishing remained slow, lake trout were caught deep at the hump. The most productive depths were 120 feet of water and deeper near the bottom using spoons or attractors paired with Spin-N-Glo lures or Spin-N-Glo flies. A few anglers targeted fish around Stoneport and False Presque Isle with some success. Walleye anglers did well during evening and after dark while trolling body baits or crawler harnesses. The best depths were 30 to 65 feet of water, with anglers targeting the top 35 feet.
ROCKPORT: High winds reduced angler activity over the past week. Anglers had mixed results targeting walleye, with fish scattered throughout the water column in 20 to 100 feet of water. Anglers who found success reported the best results on deep-diving crankbaits in natural and green patterns.
Fishing Tip: Looking for some fun? Go fishing this fall!
Ask many anglers and they’ll tell you fall is a wonderful time to go fishing as fish prepare for the colder months by ramping up their feeding efforts. Most will target salmon, walleye, perch, panfish and bass and see much success when doing so.
Salmon
Many fish will return very hungry to their natal streams throughout this month. Check out Michigan.gov/FishID on the DNR’s website for tips on spots to locate them.
Walleye
Large schools of this species will move from the Great Lakes inland. By the end of September these fish will really be biting. Visit Michigan.gov/Walleye to learn more about techniques for targeting them.
Perch
Both Lake Michigan and Lake Erie provide great opportunities for perch fishing during the fall as the large schools head to shallow water. Check out Michigan.gov/FishID to find some great spots to fish for them.