Cool weather is once again hampering fishing conditions around the state, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday in its weekly fishing report.
May 15 marks the opening day for walleye, northern pike and muskellunge fishing on the Upper Peninsula inland waters not otherwise closed to fishing, the waters of the Great Lakes and the St. Mary's River, according to the DNR.
Petoskey: Anglers are targeting other species as the steelhead fishing winds down.
Lake Charlevoix: Perch fishing has been tough as the fish are scattered. Some were caught in 50 to 85 feet of water along the northwest shore however anglers will need to sort out the small ones. Try jigs with minnows or wigglers.
Lake Bellaire: Anglers were trolling between the rivers and along the east side of the lake but no walleye were caught. Pike have been caught near the Intermediate River when using rapalas or sucker minnows. Anglers are targeting bass with spinners, tube baits, stick baits, and grubs in waters two to 15 feet deep.
Traverse City: The East Bay has cold water temperatures and no boats have been out. The West Bay has been good lake trout action between the mouth of the Boardman and Marion Island. Boats are trolling in 70 to 150 feet of water with spoons, peanuts, spin glows, flashers and flies. When trolling, run high lines for steelhead and salmon.
Elk River: Steelhead are still present and fish were caught on spawn, wax worms or wigglers. Remember, the fish are easily spooked when the water is clear.
Boardman River: The bite has been slow however anglers can find a variety of fish in the river such as pike, walleye, suckers, carp, and the occasional steelhead.
Leland: Fishing was slow with only lake trout caught in 60 to 80 feet of water.
Frankfort: Boats trolling in the shallow waters up to Pt. Betsie have caught lake trout and brown trout. Those trolling inside the harbor also caught some brown trout on small spoons or body baits. Hot colors were orange, black, gold and silver. Pier fishing was slow except for a couple brown trout taken on spawn.
Onekama: Anglers trolling in 15 to 30 feet of water south of the port are catching lake trout and brown trout on spoons or body baits. Good colors are orange, silver or blue. Walleye were caught off the piers at night, casting body baits.
Portage Lake: Perch fishing was slow but those trolling for walleye and pike were taking fair numbers of fish. Those trolling or casting were catching pike and those trolling at night found walleye. A few bass were caught on the west side.
Manistee: Brown trout can be found when trolling along the shoreline with body baits in fire-tiger and clown patterns. Perch fishing was slow.
Ludington: The docks are back in at Loomis Street and the fish cleaning station is open. Boats are starting to catch chinook and lake trout in 40 to 80 feet of water when using orange and green spoons. Those trolling along the shoreline with body baits have caught some brown trout. Pier fishing was slow.
Cheboygan River: The river is producing some walleye.
Mullett Lake: Walleye, smallmouth bass and perch were caught on the north end of the lake.
Au Sable River: There is good walleye fishing in the lower river. The water is clear, so the best fishing is at night.
