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.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph River: Steelhead have been caught; however, the bite was extremely slow because of the cold water. Try fishing the deeper holes.

Kalamazoo River: Steelhead still are being caught up near the Allegan Dam. Most are floating spawn or a jig and wax worm, back bouncing spawn bags or trolling plugs.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead fishing remains fair. Although the numbers are down from last year, the size of the steelhead has been impressive, with many fish weighing 10 pounds or more.

Muskegon River: Boat anglers still were getting some nice steelhead. Those fishing the deeper holes did a little better than those fishing in shallow waters.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Manistee River: The bite was slow as water temperatures dropped to the mid 30s. Steelhead anglers floating spawn and beads have managed to take a few nice fish. The odd coho also was caught.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

Muskegon River: Steelhead are still being caught though catch rates are spotty. Leech patterns are working in the deeper holes.

White River: Those casting or drifting spawn and beads continue to catch the occasional steelhead or brown trout.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Thunder Bay River: A good number of Atlantic salmon have moved off the beds and were more willing to bite. Some were still up near the dam however a good number were dropping back in the river. Atlantic salmon along with a couple steelhead and brown trout were caught by those drifting or floating spawn, wax worms and beads, casting spoons, stripping streamers or drifting nymphs and egg flies. The steelhead action was relatively slow. The harbor had skim ice.

Au Sable River: Atlantic salmon have moved off the beds and could be found in the holes and around current breaks and structure like downed trees. Only a small number were still on the beds and spawning. The Atlantics were taken when drifting or floating spawn bags, beads, spinners, wax worms or egg flies. The steelhead action was slow with only a few caught. Walleye were taken when casting crank baits near the mouth.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Manistee River: Those braving the cold caught steelhead, but the bite was slow.

Pere Marquette River: Had a slow steelhead bite.

Pentwater River: Some big steelhead were caught however the bite slowed.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

Black River: Shore anglers were still getting some steelhead when drifting or using spawn on the bottom. A few lake trout were also caught.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Steelhead anglers were still getting fish up near the dam. Try small spoons, spinners, plugs, spawn bags or a jig and wax worm.

Grand River at Lansing: Some steelhead were caught between Ionia and Portland. No big numbers but a few fish here and there. Boat anglers were trolling crank baits while shore anglers and those wading were using spawn or flies.

Muskegon River: Steelhead are being caught though the run is still spotty. Fish can be found in both the shallows and the deeper holes. Some are casting spoons, beads and crank baits while others are fly casting. Water temperatures were in the low to mid 40’s.

White River: Is producing steelhead.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Thunder Bay River: Atlantic salmon, steelhead, a couple Chinook salmon, lake trout and brown trout have been caught by those casting spoons, spinners and crank baits or when bottom bouncing and floating beads or spawn bags. Fly anglers stripping and swinging streamers have also taken fish. Some steelhead were moving into the river and the bite picked up. Most of the Atlantic salmon were still spawning but a few are post spawn and were dropping off the beds. Those still-fishing with minnows caught a few small perch.

Au Sable River: Most of the Atlantic salmon were still on the beds but a few hungry post spawn fish have been caught. Steelhead and the odd Chinook were also caught when casting spoons and spinners or when bottom bouncing or floating spawn, flies and beads. Fly anglers were stripping streamers and using egg patterns. A few more fall steelhead were entering the river. A couple large fish up to 10 pounds were caught.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Manistee River: Should still have a decent number of steelhead however with snow and cold temperatures, many are hunting instead of fishing.

Pere Marquette River: Had a few anglers targeting steelhead but the bite was slow.

Pentwater River: Is producing steelhead.

Upper Peninsula

Two Hearted River: Luce County has received several inches of snow over the past week which will make navigation near the river difficult. Steelhead reports have been spotty with a few fish being picked up here and there. Most anglers are targeting fish down near the mouth. Those using small worms with a sinker caught Menominee near the mouth.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

Overall: Steelhead are still moving into the rivers however the waters were running high and turbid because of the recent rains.

St. Joseph River: Look for steelhead at the Berrien Springs Dam. Water temperature was near 48 degrees. Fish have been reported all the way up to Niles and Buchanan as well however upstream movement of fish will drop as the water cools.

Kalamazoo River: Had reports of steelhead up near the Allegan Dam.

Black River: Shore anglers drifting or using spawn on the bottom caught steelhead.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: The water level was up but still fishable. Steelhead are being caught up near the dam. Anglers are using a variety including spawn, plugs, thunder sticks, spinners, small spoons or a jig and wax worm.

Muskegon River: Is producing some nice steelhead especially in the lower river. Catch rates were still spotty but a few more fish were caught after the last rain. Anglers are casting flies, spoons, beads and crank baits.

Continue reading “Michigan DNR Fishing Report for November 7, 2018” →