Traverse City Record-Eagle

Outdoors

October 20, 2011

Strong winds hamper fishing

FROM WIRE REPORTS ----

LANSING — Strong, gusting winds have made for tough fishing across Michigan. Some anglers still are working the shoreline or in small boats in search of trout, salmon and the occasional walleye, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Traverse City: Perch have been caught on both the East Bay and the West Bay when still-fishing with wigglers or shrimp. A few whitefish were caught by boat anglers in the East Bay when jigging artificial baits in deeper water.

Elk River: Shore anglers continue to catch salmon below the power dam. Some steelhead and lake trout were reported at this location as well. Spawn bags or skein seem to be the bait of choice.

Boardman River: Fish are still being caught even though the run has peaked.

Long Lake: In Grand Traverse County was producing good catches of walleye.

Lake Leelanau: Also had good walleye fishing.

Big and Little Glen Lakes: Are producing good numbers of yellow perch. Smallmouth bass should also be hitting.

Frankfort: Has good steelhead action with both piers producing good numbers of nice fish. Fresh spawn is working best between the elbow and the shoreline.

Onekama: Those fishing outside the north pier have caught some nice steelhead when using fresh spawn in the early morning.

Portage Lake: Perch are still on the quiet side but bass fishing has been very good.

Lake Cadillac: Is giving up some walleye to those fishing along the east side of the lake. Try drifting crawlers and small minnows or slow trolling with rapalas. A few nice perch and some crappie were also caught just before dark.

Manistee: Steelhead are being caught by shore and pier anglers. Try casting orange spoons or using fresh salmon spawn.

Manistee River: Rain did bring some steelhead in and those fly fishing caught some nice fish all the way up to Tippy Dam. As the salmon run winds down, steelhead fishing will pick up.

Ludington: Boats able to get out found trout and salmon in 100 to 200 feet of water when using orange or green spoons in the top 80 feet. Pier and shore anglers are catching steelhead on fresh spawn.

Pere Marquette River: Boat and shore anglers are catching a fair to good number of coho and steelhead.

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