Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph River: The salmon run is winding down, and more steelhead are moving up into the river. Fish have been caught near the dam at Berrien Springs.

Dowagiac River: Continues to produce salmon and steelhead below the Pucker Street Dam.

Paw Paw River: Is producing the occasional salmon and a few more steelhead.

Black River: Those casting spoons continue to catch the occasional salmon. A couple lake trout were caught on lures, and steelhead were taken when still-fishing with spawn.

Kalamazoo River: As the salmon run winds down, a good number of steelhead are moving up into the river. Try floating spawn, flies and beads up near the Allegan Dam.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: The flow was still above average for this time of year, and the water was a bit stained. The salmon are pretty much done, so more steelhead are starting to move in. Anglers are catching a fair to good number of large steelhead on spawn and beads. The hot color was chartreuse.

Muskegon River: Continues to produce a few salmon, and the number of steelhead starting to show up is increasing. Bass fishing has also been good.

White River: Salmon are still being caught; however, the action is starting to slow. There has been very little activity at the Hesperia Dam.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan River: Had three gates open at the dam, so water levels were high and fast. Fishing slowed, but anglers are still getting a few salmon on crank baits or when drifting skein in the early morning and at dusk. They are also getting steelhead when drifting flies and spawn bags. A 41-inch musky was caught on a crank bait near the dam, and smallmouth bass were hitting soft baits and crank baits.

Thunder Bay River: Continues to produce Chinook, a couple brown trout and the odd steelhead when casting spoons, spinners and crank baits or when floating and drifting skein and spawn bags. Most of the Chinook were very dark, but a few younger fish were still in good shape. The occasional Atlantic salmon was caught on spinners and streamer flies, but most did not want to bite.

Au Sable River: A couple salmon were caught by those drifting spawn, flies and beads. Atlantic salmon were slow to bite, but a couple were taken on streamer flies and spawn bags. Smallmouth bass were caught when casting crank baits and jigs or when using minnows.

Au Gres River: A couple steelhead were caught in the East Branch when drifting spawn at the Singing Bridge.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Bear River: There are still a few fish up at the dam, and those targeting them caught Chinook, coho and lake trout on spawn, artificial eggs, yarn and flies.

Manistee River: Salmon fishing is winding down and the remaining fish are in pretty rough shape. Anglers on the lower river have begun to catch chrome steelhead. Good catch reports were coming from pier and surf anglers on the right day.

Pere Marquette River: Salmon fishing is winding down here as well.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph River: A few bass and walleye were caught by those trolling. There was still a fair number of salmon and steelhead going through the fish ladder at Berrien Springs. Fishing pressure at the dam was low.

Dowagiac River: Had a decent number of salmon. Both salmon and steelhead were caught below the dam at Pucker Street.

Black River: A couple salmon were caught by those casting spoons.

Kalamazoo River: Those drifting spawn or flies caught salmon near the Allegan Dam.

Muskegon River: Rain and cooler temperatures helped push a decent number of salmon up into the river. Some large fish have been taken by those casting crank baits floating skein and beads. Those fly fishing have done well during the day. The occasional steelhead and brown trout were also caught.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan River: Salmon fishing was starting to slow, but anglers still caught some fish at the dam with spoons, crank baits and skein. The better catches came at dusk. Some reported steelhead jumping at the dam but there were no reports of fish caught. Boat anglers targeting smallmouth bass had success with soft baits near the cutter and the ferry parking lot.

Thunder Bay River: Those targeting salmon and trout caught a few Chinook, Atlantic and brown trout when floating or drifting skein, spawn bags, beads and flies, or when casting spoons and crank baits. The Atlantic bite was very slow as the fish were reluctant to hit. Most of the Chinook were dark but a few keepers could still be found. Early morning and evening were best. The occasional walleye was caught on body baits around dusk. Those trolling crank baits caught a couple northern pike. A small number of yellow perch were taken on minnows in the slower water near the mouth, but size and numbers were not consistent.

Au Sable River: Chinook salmon were caught by those drifting flies and spawn bags or casting spoons and spinners. The condition of the fish was deteriorating, and the numbers weren’t great. A couple steelhead entered the river and the odd fish was taken on spawn bags behind the beds. Atlantic salmon numbers were increasing, but the bite remained slow. A couple were taken on spinners or flies, but spawn bags, skein and beads should also take fish. Those casting jigs and crank baits down near the mouth caught the occasional walleye, pike and smallmouth bass. Water temperatures below Foote Dam dropped into the high 50’s. Anglers swinging and stripping streamers between Mio and McKinley Bridge caught brown trout.

Tawas River: A few walleye were caught at night when casting body baits at Gateway Park. Chinook salmon were seen but none were caught.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Bear River: Did see a push of salmon after the heavy rain and anglers managed to land a couple Chinook and coho. Many were turning quite dark however a few fresh fish were also hooked. Anglers were using spawn, artificial eggs, yarn and flies. A few lake trout showed up over the last week.

Betsie River: Was producing a fair number of coho.

Manistee River: Continued to produce some salmon though the fish are quite dark.

Pere Marquette River: Water levels were receding in the upper stretches, but the lower stretches were still high. Anglers continue to catch some large Chinook. The rain will certainly help not only the salmon, but the fall steelhead runs as well.

Upper Peninsula

Manistique River: Was too fast to fish near the dam after all the rain. There were a lot of hook-ups in the fast water, but few were landed. Many of the large salmon were quite dark but the younger fish were still somewhat silver. Most were fishing the “Bass Hole” area and reported fair to good catches of Chinook, steelhead and brown trout when casting spawn, skein or crank baits. Fly anglers were casting yarn, flies or beads.

Two Hearted River: Continued to produce some coho.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph River: Should still have salmon and trout especially up near the dams.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Anglers were getting salmon at the 6th Street Dam. Perch and panfish activity picked up especially in the bayous. Salmon fishing picked up on the Rogue River as well.

Grand River at Lansing: Coho were caught at both the Portland and Webber Dams. Those targeting bass were also getting a few fish. Perch and bluegill were caught near Gale Road.

Muskegon River: More salmon were starting to show up with fresh fish being caught up near Croton Dam. Salmon and catfish were caught at the mouth. Those fishing in Mecosta County caught perch near the Davis Bridge. Walleye, pike and bass were caught in Hardy Pond near Brower Park.

White River: Had salmon including some fish in the North Branch.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan River: Anglers caught a few Chinook salmon at the dam when drifting skein or casting spoons both early morning and at dusk. The recent heavy rain may have pushed more salmon up into the river. A few fish jumping near the dam were quite dark. Smallmouth bass were caught on worms and crank baits near the DNR office.

Thunder Bay River: A couple Chinook and the odd coho were caught in early morning by those floating skein or casting spoons, thunder sticks and rattle traps. Fish were present, but slow to strike. A couple nice smallmouth bass were caught by those casting crank baits.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Bear River: Fishing slowed with the warm weather but should have picked back up. Salmon were caught up near the dam by those using spawn, artificial eggs and flies.

Boyne River: Had a few salmon including some large fish.

Leelanau County: There were reports of the occasional salmon in Shalda Creek off Good Harbor Bay and in the Crystal River which flows from Glen Lake. The number of fish was minimal and angler activity was low.

Manistee River: While the warm-up may have slowed catch rates, salmon were still moving up into the river and will continue to do so especially with any rain and cooler temperatures. The peak of the run typically occurs in the first week of October.

Pere Marquette River: Salmon were still running and could be found in the South Branch in Oceana County.

Upper Peninsula

Marquette: Fishing is starting to pick up as anglers were getting coho, steelhead, brown trout, lake trout and even a couple Chinook salmon near the river mouths and between the White Rocks and Granite Island. Salmon were found in 30 to 60 feet and lake trout in 100 to 160 feet however few limit catches to report. Surface water temperatures were in the low 60’s. A small number of fish were still being caught in the Chocolay, Carp and Dead rivers. The Chocolay and Carp rivers produced coho.

Manistique River: Good numbers of brown trout were caught up near the dam with beads, yarn or spawn. Chinook, coho and pink salmon were reported in the same area and anglers were also using crank baits or skein. Two gates up near the dam were open so the flow was fast but fishable. Boat anglers were trolling crank baits where the fast water meets the slower water or when anchoring near the holes and casting spawn.

St. Martin Bay: A good salmon run was taking place in both Nunns Creek and the Carp River.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph: The Chinook and coho runs have begun! A lot of coho and steelhead moved through the Berrien Springs fish ladder this past week with a few Chinook starting to trickle in. Pier anglers caught a few salmon and steelhead, with the most productive technique being the casting of spoons and spinners.

Kalamazoo River: The salmon runs have begun here as well!

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Both coho and Chinook were running.

Muskegon River: There were some Chinook salmon, but fish could be lethargic following the sea lamprey treatment that occurred on September 9.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan River: Anglers tried for salmon while drifting skein and casting crank baits and spoons. Very few Chinook were caught. A few undersized smallmouth bass were caught on worms and crank baits.

Au Sable River: Below Foote Dam, a few smallmouth and rock bass and freshwater drum were caught while still fishing or floating crawlers. The occasional walleye and smallmouth bass were caught while trolling cranks at the river mouth. Waters below Mio Dam cooled to the low 60s and high 50s. Flies imitating the white fly hatch, streamers and mousing at night can be effective this time of year.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Overall: It’s all about the salmon in this neck of the woods! Rivers like the Pere Marquette, Manistee and Betsie are seeing good runs of Chinook salmon. Pierheads were producing in Ludington, Manistee and Frankfort while Pere Marquette Lake, Manistee Lake and Betsie Bay provided good options for small boat trollers, jiggers and those casting lures or fishing with spawn.

Bear River: The flow was at a good level this past week. A lot of salmon (both Chinook and coho) ran mid-week, but not many fish were caught at the dam. Most anglers were using spawn, artificial eggs and flies

Platte River: Coho have arrived!

Manistee River: Chinook and coho were both there!

Pere Marquette River: A good run of Chinooks had begun.

Upper Peninsula

Manistique River: Salmon were in the river, but numbers were low. Fair catches of brown trout were reported when trolling or casting by the spill-over wall.

Two Hearted River: Coho salmon runs during the past week were light. Water temperatures were in the mid-50s in the river and upper 50s on Lake Superior. Anglers saw a few fish trickling in the river, but with cold northerly winds and cold nights, fish should begin their push.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Some coho were starting to show up and were moving through the fish ladder. Fair to good smallmouth fishing continues.

Grand River at Lansing: The Grand Ledge, Portland and Webber dams have been opened for the fall.

Muskegon River: Was starting to see some salmon. Attention Anglers: the Muskegon River will be treated for sea lamprey on September 9. Anglers should avoid the river until September 11.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan River: Had one chute open at the dam. Anglers started salmon fishing with spoons and crank baits but no harvest to report. Those drifting worms and leeches caught walleye ranging 12-19 inches, smallmouth bass, rock bass and a few perch, though most of the smallmouth bass were undersize.

Thunder Bay River: Had a few reports of Chinook salmon caught near the 9th Street Dam and Lamarre Park when casting spoons. Those still fishing or drifting crawlers caught smallmouth bass, rock bass and freshwater drum.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Bear River: Water levels were up a bit and there was a push of salmon up to the dam. Both Chinook and coho were caught with spawn, artificial eggs and flies.

Betsie River: Chinook salmon are starting to run as anglers are reporting good numbers of large fish throughout the river.

Manistee River: Salmon fishing has begun as fish were caught in the lower river. Water temperatures were favorable with the cooler weather.

Pere Marquette River: Was starting to see more some salmon moving up into the river as water temperatures were favorable with the cooler weather. The better fishing was in the lower reaches.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is still producing some steelhead though the run is slowing.

Rogue River: Steelhead were spawning.

Muskegon River: Has high water levels but was still fishable. A good number of steelhead are in the river including fresh fish. Anglers have found fish up near Croton Dam. Those fly fishing are using nymph patterns.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Sturgeon River: Water levels are extremely high, and the current is fast. A couple steelhead were caught when drifting worms or spawn in the holes near Wolverine but those bottom bouncing worms near Wolverine Park caught no fish.

Cheboygan River: Water levels were very high and fast which makes steelhead fishing very difficult. A few fish were caught on spawn, spoons or wax worms. Spawn bags worked best. A few walleye and one pike were caught and released by those targeting steelhead.

Ocqueoc River: Should have plenty of steelhead.

Thunder Bay River: Those drifting and floating beads and spawn have taken steelhead, suckers, and the occasional brown trout. The flow was high with one or two of the gates open which is bringing more fish into the river daily.

Au Sable River: Water levels were high, and the lower portions were somewhat dirty. Steelhead and the occasional Atlantic salmon have been caught by those drifting and floating beads, spawn, flies or stripping and swinging streamers. The bite was hit-or-miss but a good number of fish were present. A couple chrome Atlantic’s were caught at the mouth and in town with minnows, spawn or body baits. A nice brown trout was caught near Foote Dam. Suckers were increasing in number.

Au Gres River: Steelhead anglers are finding fish well upstream in the East Branch. At the Singing Bridge, those surf casting for walleye at night have done well.

Rifle River: Those fishing upstream have caught steelhead.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Petoskey: On the Bear River, water levels were high at the dam, but a couple steelhead were caught on spawn, beads or flies.

Traverse City: In the Elk River, steelhead fishing remains slow. On the Boardman River, only a couple steelhead were taken when drifting spawn and beads.

Manistee River: Steelhead fishing was a little more difficult due to high water levels, but a few fish were caught. Anglers are hoping the levels will be down somewhat by the trout opener this weekend.

Upper Peninsula

Chocolay River: Had slow fishing as water temperatures were below 40 degrees. A few brown trout have been caught but there were no reports on any steelhead taken.

Manistique River: Steelhead anglers reported good catches up near the dam when casting spawn. Several nice brown trout were also reported. There were two gates open at the dam which raised the water levels by three feet, so the water was very high and fast.

Two Hearted River: Is difficult to fish due to high water levels. Fish are likely in the river, but conditions will limit success greatly.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph River: Steelhead fishing was pretty good up near the Berrien Springs Dam. Anglers were leaving the piers to go fish near the dam. Spawn worked best.

Kalamazoo River: Had a good number of anglers targeting steelhead below the Allegan Dam.

Rabbit River: Had steelhead anglers in Hamilton.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead fishing continues up near the 6th Street Dam. The cold front will slow the bite but will also prolong the run and keep fish in the river a little longer. Anglers are using a little bit of everything including spawn, flies, crawlers, spinners or a jig and wax worm. A good number of suckers were caught.

Grand River near Lansing: A fair number of smallmouth bass were hitting on minnows near the North Lansing Dam. Crappie were caught in Eaton Rapids. No word on steelhead here however fish have been caught near Ionia in Prairie Creek. Sucker fishing has been good.

Muskegon River: Some nice steelhead were caught in the deeper holes. Good perch fishing was noted in Hardy Dam Pond though water levels were down which made it difficult to launch a boat.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Cheboygan River: Those drifting spawn bags near the dam and walk bridge caught a couple steelhead up to 24 inches.

Sturgeon River: A couple anglers fishing spawn bags and worms at the park in town caught steelhead and brown trout. Anglers were also found off the Rondo Road Bridge and White Road.

Indian River: Those drifting spawn bags caught some steelhead behind McDonalds.

Au Sable River: The steelhead action picked up with fresh fish caught throughout the river. Anglers did well when drifting or floating spawn, wax worms, beads and flies such as small streamers and nymphs. Atlantic salmon were caught in the lower half by those drifting spawn and beads.

Tawas River: Shore anglers fishing at the mouth caught a couple of steelhead and brown trout. Night anglers caught a few walleye.

Au Gres River: Surf anglers down at Whitney Drain caught a couple steelhead and one odd brown trout when floating spawn bags off the mouth. Steelhead were caught further up in the river as well.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Bear River: Those targeting steelhead reported very slow catch rates with only a few small fish taken. There was low angler activity at the dam.

Manistee River: The steelhead bite slowed with the colder weather. Try slow drifting over the deeper holes in the lower river.

Upper Peninsula

Chocolay River: Fishing was slow with only a couple steelhead or brown trout caught near the M-28 Bridge and down near the mouth. Most were floating spawn bags. Quite a few anglers were out however only a few caught fish.

Manistique River: Steelhead fishing is just getting started. Anglers reported steelhead and brown trout from the dam south to Dewey’s Bass Hole and over to the high dam spill over. Most were casting spawn bags or Berkley honey worms. The boat launch is open however you do have to watch for floating ice.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph River
Is producing steelhead and suckers. Steelhead are moving quickly through the ladders, and good catches were reported below the Berrien Springs Dam. The camera at the fish ladder is up and running and can be viewed at https://paddleandpole.com/berrien-springs-fish-cam.

Black River
Was producing coho and steelhead. 

Kalamazoo River
Was producing a good number of steelhead. Try drifting beads, spawn or wobble glo’s.
 
Grand River at Grand Rapids
Is producing steelhead up near the 6th Street Dam. Suckers also have been caught. The ladders are open, and fish were on the move. 

Rogue River
Is producing steelhead.
 
Muskegon River
The number of steelhead continues to increase. Fish were found in the deeper holes.  At the mouth, fish were caught near the Veterans Park.

White River
Is producing some steelhead and suckers. Steelhead were caught closer to Hesperia. 

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Ocqueoc River
Anglers caught a couple steelhead. 

Thunder Bay River
Had steelhead and Atlantic salmon. 
 
Au Sable River
Steelhead and Atlantic salmon fishing has picked up in the lower river for those wading or boat fishing. 

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Betsie River
Steelhead fishing was hit or miss, as anglers had multiple catches one day and very few the next. 
  
Manistee River
Is producing fresh steelhead in the lower river.    
     
Pere Marquette River
Is producing steelhead.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph River: Steelhead have been caught near the Berrien Springs Dam. Anglers reported a good number as well as some large fishing being caught.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has high water levels and a swift current which made steelhead fishing a bit more difficult. Steelhead fishing should be good by the weekend.

Rogue River: Was high however water levels should recede by the end of the week.

Grand River near Lansing: The fish ladders are now open.

Muskegon: Pier anglers are out targeting steelhead and brown trout.

Muskegon River: Had very high-water levels at Newaygo and Bridgeton which will make fishing almost impossible. Hopefully the levels will drop by the weekend so the trout anglers can get out.

White River: May be a better option for steelhead fishing as water levels here tend to go up and down much faster. The North Branch would also be a good place to fish.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Tawas River: The lower river was opening-up. A couple steelhead and suckers were caught on spawn.

Au Gres: Had poor ice conditions.

Au Gres River: The lower end of Whitney Drain below the Singing Bridge had a little open water where a couple steelhead were caught.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Overall: All rivers in the area had extremely highwater levels which makes for difficult fishing conditions. If we do not get any more rain, conditions should improve by the weekend.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph River: The steelhead bite improved with the warmer weather. Those fishing during the cold spells were targeting the deeper holes.

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead fishing improved during the warm up however the return of cold air will once again slow the bite. Most were still targeting fish up near the Allegan Dam.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Continues to produce steelhead especially during the warm up. Anglers were drifting and floating spawn, beads and flies.

Muskegon River: Continues to produce some steelhead both in the shallows and the deeper holes. The water had a slight stain after the snow melt so flashy patterns seem to work best.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Manistee River: Anglers continue to catch some good size steelhead right along with a few coho. Spawn, beads and flies were the ticket.

Little Manistee River: Anglers are reminded that the Little Manistee will close to fishing on January 1 and will not re-open until April 1.

Pere Marquette River: Those fly casting picked up a few more fish this week.