Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Friday

November 20, 2009

Angler numbers dip, hunting takes over

LANSING -- Angler numbers continue to drop as many pursue hunting, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday in its weekly fishing report. Some are preparing for the onset of ice fishing season. Those looking for whitefish will want to get out there as the action continues to improve daily.

Traverse City: Some whitefish are still being caught in the East Bay by those using Swedish Pimples, Sand Kickers and Elk Rapids jigs. Perch anglers were fishing the West Bay.

Long Lake: Perch are still being caught by boat anglers.

Lake Leelanau: Anglers are still heading out for perch and the occasional walleye.

Frankfort: Steelhead and whitefish are still being caught off the pier. Those surfcasting have also caught fish.

Betsie River: Water levels are low and clear however steelhead are still being caught. Target the deeper holes until water levels come back up.

Manistee: Had good steelhead fishing off the piers and in the surf.

Manistee River: Steelhead fishing remains good however the water levels are low and clear. The fish are easily spooked during low water levels and that makes them harder to catch. Anglers will want to target the deeper holes and runs which support plenty of wood cover.

Ludington: Pier anglers are still taking steelhead and some whitefish.

Try floating spawn or wax worms under a bobber.

Pere Marquette River: Had fair to good steelhead action. Low water levels here are also making it harder to catch fish. Fish the deeper holes until we get some rain.

Pentwater River: Is still producing some steelhead.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are hitting on spawn all the way up to Foote Dam. Whitefish are in the lower river and hitting on a small jig with a wax worm or a single egg. Some walleye have also been caught.

Higgins Lake: Had no fishing activity to report. Anglers are hunting or waiting for ice fishing season.

Tawas: Whitefish action continues off the State Dock. Fish have been caught just off the bottom in the early morning and at night. Anglers are still finding light numbers of steelhead and the occasional walleye.

Rifle River: Had reports of steelhead being caught.

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