MIBowhunter
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2002
- Messages
- 2,089
- Reaction score
- 0
Weather dampens state fishing; turkey season in full strut
Lower Peninsula
SOUTHEASTERN LP
Irish Hills Area
Crappie action has slowed around Irish Hills, but bluegills are hitting in the shallows of most area lakes including Wamplers, Devil’s, Clark and Sand. Turkey season is off to a phenomenal start with lots of big gobblers being taken, including one that weighed 26 pounds.
Knutson’s Sporting Goods (800) 292-0857 or (517) 592-2786.
Trenton Area
Walleyes are hitting in the Detroit River. Anglers jigging with shiners are taking limits in the lower Trenton Channel, and action is heating up on the Canadian side of the river, too.
Bottom Line Bait & Tackle (734) 379-9762.
Trenton Lighthouse (734) 675-7080.
Horse Island Tackle (734) 692-9839.
Monroe Area
Fishing has been slow on Lake Erie with light angler pressure. A few white bass and catfish are hitting near the Edison plant. Walleye anglers are faring well in Ohio water between Turtle Island and the Toledo Light House.
Cook’s Sportland (734) 242-0774.
SOUTHWESTERN LP
Coldwater Area
Cool, windy weather has put a damper on fishing, but a few anglers report that bluegills are hitting in the shallows on Coldwater Lake. Turkey season is off to a slow start, too, with high winds keeping hunters out of the field.
Dancing Bear Trading Post (517) 278-4626.
D’s Bait & Tackle (517) 639-3243.
St. Joseph Area
Brisk winds put the clamps on hunting and fishing around St. Joseph last week. Anglers reported that bluegills are invading the shallows on many inland lakes, and a few steelhead are still hitting in the St. Joseph River at Niles. Turkey hunting has been slow.
Halls Bait and Tackle (269) 641-2304
Kalamazoo Area
Steelhead anglers report a pretty good bite on the Kalamazoo River. Anglers are catching fish on spawn and flies from shore. Below the dam, flies and small jigs tipped with wax worms have worked best. Orange has been a hot color. Good catches of channel catfish have been reported both below the dam in the slow current and at the New Richmond boat launch. Suckers also are hitting below the dam. Turkey hunting has been pretty good with lots of birds in the area.
D & R Sports (269) 372-2277
CENTRAL LP
Saginaw Bay Area
Walleye action has been good in Saginaw Bay. Anglers are reporting a decent bite off Linwood Road early in the evening and after dark. Rapalas fished in 10 to 16 feet of water have been producing the best results. Perch action has tailed off, but a few fish are still being caught in 4 feet of water off the Pine River. Turkey hunting has been slow, but action is picking up.
Franks Great Outdoors (989) 697-5341.
Hoyles Marina (989) 697-4415.
Weidman Area
Panfish action has been decent on Stevenson Lake and in the cuts on Littlefield Lake. Most anglers were awaiting the opening of walleye, pike, and muskie seasons before hitting the water. Turkey hunters are enjoying a good early season. Birds were still in bachelor groups on the opener, but were responding to calls.
Schafer’s Bait &Sporting Goods (989) 644-3501.
Holland Area
Browns and a few chinook salmon are hitting in Lake Michigan. The best action is coming in 14 to 17 feet of water. Crankbaits have been producing the best results. Perch are hitting a mile south of Grand Haven in 50 to 60 feet of water. Bluegills are hitting under the dock at Bay Haven Marina on Lake Mack. Turkey season has been good.
American Tackle Outfitters (616) 392-6688.
THE THUMB
Caseville Area
Steelhead and browns are hitting in Lake Huron off the breakwall in Caseville. A few perch are being caught, too. The sucker run is in full force in the Pigeon River, but smelt have yet to show up. A pretty good crappie bite is being reported at Bayshore Marina and in the canals at Sand Point. A few morels are starting to pop, and turkey hunting has been pretty good.
Walsh Gun & Tackle (989) 856-4465.
Port Huron
Fishing has been outstanding at Port Huron and throughout southern Lake Huron with kings, browns, and steelhead moving in. Anglers report good success fishing crankbaits in 10 to 13 feet of water from Port Sanilac south. Anglers also are catching good numbers of walleyes in the St. Clair River. Twister tails and jigs fished from shore are taking fish. The smelt run has been very good. Turkey hunting has been fair, but should get better.
Anderson’s Pro Bait (810) 984-3232
NORTHWESTERN LP
East Jordan Area
Perch fishing has been good on Lake Charlevoix. The best action is coming in Raspberry Bay in 38 to 60 feet of water. Steelhead are hitting spawn and flies in the Boyne River, but fishing has been slow in the Jordan River. Turkey hunters are doing very well and report the best action is coming in the afternoons.
Tom’s Bait & Tackle (231) 536-3521.
Traverse City Area
High winds have put a damper on fishing in East Grand Traverse Bay. Some small perch and some steelhead are hitting in the Elk River near the powerhouse. In the West Bay, anglers have been catching whitefish near the mouth of the Boardman River. Jigs fished in 80 to 100 feet of water have been producing good results. A few steelhead are still being caught in the Boardman River, but the action is tailing off. Turkey hunting has been good.
Grand Traverse Tackle Box (231) 933-6138.
Manistee Area
Steelhead are hitting on the Manistee River at Tippy Dam. Shore anglers have been using spawn and flies, and boat anglers have been using spawn, flies, and plugs. Suckers have moved into Bear Creek and action has been good. Turkey season is off to a good start.
Insta-Launch Marina (231) 723-7718.
Cadillac Area
Crappies are hitting at the causeway connecting lakes Mitchell and Cadillac. There are no reports yet of bluegills moving into the shallows. Turkey hunting has been quiet with high winds putting a damper on activity. A few morels are starting to come up.
Schaefer’s Bait & Sporting Goods (231) 775-7085.
NORTHEASTERN LP
Gaylord Area
Fishing has been spotty at Gaylord with light angler pressure. A few walleyes are hitting on Otsego Lake with Rapalas producing the best results. Success has been fair. Morels are starting to pop. Turkey hunting has been spotty, at best.
Don’s Sport & Marine (989) 732-4157.
Oscoda Area
Walleye fishing has been excellent at the mouth of the Au Sable River. The best results have been on Rapalas trolled at the mouth of the river, and by pier anglers casting Husky Jerkbaits. Anglers drifting crawlers in the river during the day also are catching fish. Steelhead are hitting in the river, with flies and wax worms producing good results. Stream trout anglers report fast water and slow action. Black morels are starting to show up, and turkey hunters report a pretty good season.
Wellman’s Sport Center (989) 739-2869.
Hillman Area
Fishing has been slow on Fletcher Floodaters with cold, wet weather keeping action to a minimum. The trout opener was fair, but hasn’t improved much. Morels are beginning to pop and a little warm weather will help. Turkey season has been fair. Numbers are down and gobblers are henning up early and not coming to the call.
Floodwater Canteen (989) 742-4357.
Tawas Area
Walleyes are hitting in Tawas Bay. Anglers report a good bite on Rapalas fished in 22 feet of water. Salmon and trout are hitting plugs and spoons fished off downriggers in 20 to 50 feet of water. Inland fishing has been slow with light angler pressure. Morels are popping and the area’s turkey hunters report that action is picking up after a slow start.
All Season Sporting Goods (989) 362-4512.
Upper Peninsula
EASTERN UP
Cedarville Area
Splake are keeping anglers busy on Lake Huron. The best action is coming to anglers fishing off the Hessel Dock. Fish are hitting spoons and stickbaits, and shiners suspended under bobbers. Perch fishing has been slow. There’s been no word on morels popping up yet.
Great Outdoors Sport Shop (906) 484-2011.
Pickford Area
Fishing has been slow around Pickford. The highlight of the past week has been the sucker run in the Munuscong River. A fair number of steelhead are hitting in the Carp River with spawn producing the best results. Morels are probably a week or two away.
Wilderness Treasures (906) 647-4002.
Drummond Island Area
Fishing has been slower than slow at Drummond Island. The perch bite has dwindled to a dribble. Most anglers are waiting for the walleye and pike opener on May 15. A few morels are starting to pop.
Johnson’s Sport Shop (906) 493-6300.
St. Ignace Area
An occasional steelhead is being caught in the Carp River. Perch fishing has been extremely slow on Brevoort Lake, but cormorants are plentiful. Brown and brook trout fishing have been slow. There’s been no word yet on morels.
Ace Hardware (906) 643-7721.
CENTRAL UP
Grand Marais Area
Menominee are hitting at the mouth of the Little Two-Hearted River. Worms and spawn have both been producing good results. Anglers trolling spoons and plugs along the shore of Lake Superior report pretty good steelhead and chinook action. Morels are still a few weeks away.
Rainbow Lodge (906) 658-3357
Curtis Area
Sucker fishing is taking center stage in the Curtis area. Anglers report a good sucker bite in Portage Creek as the spring run hits full stride. Most anglers are waiting for the walleye/pike/muskie opener on May 15.
J.R. Sport Shop (906) 586-6040.
Munising Area
A few smelt have been showing up in the Anna River, and dippers report fair success. At the mouth of the Miners River, anglers are taking a few coho. Stream fishing has been slow with fast water running through most streams. Anglers are waiting for the walleye opener to arrive. Morel mushrooms are still a couple weeks away.
Curlys Hilltop Grocery (906) 387-3056.
Escanaba Area
Anglers fishing in Lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc report a decent bite on browns and splake. The best action is coming to anglers fishing off the Ford River and occasionally off Stonington. Steelhead and perch fishing both have been slow, but a few smelt were being netted at the Fish Dam River last week. Turkey hunting has been pretty good with lots of birds in the area. There haven’t been any reports of people finding mushrooms yet.
Bay View Bait & Tackle (906) 786-1488.
BayShore Resort Bait & Tackle (906) 428-2950.
WESTERN UP
L’anse Area
Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Bay has been open for weeks, and lake trout and salmon anglers are dialing in on a pretty good fishery. Anglers trolling in 40 feet or water or less are having pretty good success. The walleye and pike opener should be pretty good. Last week, one angler caught a 40-inch northern while fishing for steelhead with 4-pound test line. The fish was released unharmed.
Indian Country Sports (906) 524-6518.
Bergland Area
Fishing pressure has been light on Lake Gogebic. Most anglers are waiting for the walleye season to open on May 15. Anglers plying the waters of Lake Superior out of Silver City and the Black River Harbor are enjoying good fishing for salmon and lake trout in the shallow water close to shore. Mushrooms are still a couple weeks away.
Maple Ridge Bait & Tackle (906) 575-3545.
Iron River Area
A few small perch are hitting on Chicagon Lake, but most anglers are gearing up for the walleye/pike/muskie opener on May 15. Turkey season has been pretty good with several nice birds falling in the first couple weeks of the season. Stream anglers are fighting high, cold water, but have been enjoying some limited success.
Luckey’s Sport Shop (906) 265-5339.
Lower Peninsula
SOUTHEASTERN LP
Irish Hills Area
Crappie action has slowed around Irish Hills, but bluegills are hitting in the shallows of most area lakes including Wamplers, Devil’s, Clark and Sand. Turkey season is off to a phenomenal start with lots of big gobblers being taken, including one that weighed 26 pounds.
Knutson’s Sporting Goods (800) 292-0857 or (517) 592-2786.
Trenton Area
Walleyes are hitting in the Detroit River. Anglers jigging with shiners are taking limits in the lower Trenton Channel, and action is heating up on the Canadian side of the river, too.
Bottom Line Bait & Tackle (734) 379-9762.
Trenton Lighthouse (734) 675-7080.
Horse Island Tackle (734) 692-9839.
Monroe Area
Fishing has been slow on Lake Erie with light angler pressure. A few white bass and catfish are hitting near the Edison plant. Walleye anglers are faring well in Ohio water between Turtle Island and the Toledo Light House.
Cook’s Sportland (734) 242-0774.
SOUTHWESTERN LP
Coldwater Area
Cool, windy weather has put a damper on fishing, but a few anglers report that bluegills are hitting in the shallows on Coldwater Lake. Turkey season is off to a slow start, too, with high winds keeping hunters out of the field.
Dancing Bear Trading Post (517) 278-4626.
D’s Bait & Tackle (517) 639-3243.
St. Joseph Area
Brisk winds put the clamps on hunting and fishing around St. Joseph last week. Anglers reported that bluegills are invading the shallows on many inland lakes, and a few steelhead are still hitting in the St. Joseph River at Niles. Turkey hunting has been slow.
Halls Bait and Tackle (269) 641-2304
Kalamazoo Area
Steelhead anglers report a pretty good bite on the Kalamazoo River. Anglers are catching fish on spawn and flies from shore. Below the dam, flies and small jigs tipped with wax worms have worked best. Orange has been a hot color. Good catches of channel catfish have been reported both below the dam in the slow current and at the New Richmond boat launch. Suckers also are hitting below the dam. Turkey hunting has been pretty good with lots of birds in the area.
D & R Sports (269) 372-2277
CENTRAL LP
Saginaw Bay Area
Walleye action has been good in Saginaw Bay. Anglers are reporting a decent bite off Linwood Road early in the evening and after dark. Rapalas fished in 10 to 16 feet of water have been producing the best results. Perch action has tailed off, but a few fish are still being caught in 4 feet of water off the Pine River. Turkey hunting has been slow, but action is picking up.
Franks Great Outdoors (989) 697-5341.
Hoyles Marina (989) 697-4415.
Weidman Area
Panfish action has been decent on Stevenson Lake and in the cuts on Littlefield Lake. Most anglers were awaiting the opening of walleye, pike, and muskie seasons before hitting the water. Turkey hunters are enjoying a good early season. Birds were still in bachelor groups on the opener, but were responding to calls.
Schafer’s Bait &Sporting Goods (989) 644-3501.
Holland Area
Browns and a few chinook salmon are hitting in Lake Michigan. The best action is coming in 14 to 17 feet of water. Crankbaits have been producing the best results. Perch are hitting a mile south of Grand Haven in 50 to 60 feet of water. Bluegills are hitting under the dock at Bay Haven Marina on Lake Mack. Turkey season has been good.
American Tackle Outfitters (616) 392-6688.
THE THUMB
Caseville Area
Steelhead and browns are hitting in Lake Huron off the breakwall in Caseville. A few perch are being caught, too. The sucker run is in full force in the Pigeon River, but smelt have yet to show up. A pretty good crappie bite is being reported at Bayshore Marina and in the canals at Sand Point. A few morels are starting to pop, and turkey hunting has been pretty good.
Walsh Gun & Tackle (989) 856-4465.
Port Huron
Fishing has been outstanding at Port Huron and throughout southern Lake Huron with kings, browns, and steelhead moving in. Anglers report good success fishing crankbaits in 10 to 13 feet of water from Port Sanilac south. Anglers also are catching good numbers of walleyes in the St. Clair River. Twister tails and jigs fished from shore are taking fish. The smelt run has been very good. Turkey hunting has been fair, but should get better.
Anderson’s Pro Bait (810) 984-3232
NORTHWESTERN LP
East Jordan Area
Perch fishing has been good on Lake Charlevoix. The best action is coming in Raspberry Bay in 38 to 60 feet of water. Steelhead are hitting spawn and flies in the Boyne River, but fishing has been slow in the Jordan River. Turkey hunters are doing very well and report the best action is coming in the afternoons.
Tom’s Bait & Tackle (231) 536-3521.
Traverse City Area
High winds have put a damper on fishing in East Grand Traverse Bay. Some small perch and some steelhead are hitting in the Elk River near the powerhouse. In the West Bay, anglers have been catching whitefish near the mouth of the Boardman River. Jigs fished in 80 to 100 feet of water have been producing good results. A few steelhead are still being caught in the Boardman River, but the action is tailing off. Turkey hunting has been good.
Grand Traverse Tackle Box (231) 933-6138.
Manistee Area
Steelhead are hitting on the Manistee River at Tippy Dam. Shore anglers have been using spawn and flies, and boat anglers have been using spawn, flies, and plugs. Suckers have moved into Bear Creek and action has been good. Turkey season is off to a good start.
Insta-Launch Marina (231) 723-7718.
Cadillac Area
Crappies are hitting at the causeway connecting lakes Mitchell and Cadillac. There are no reports yet of bluegills moving into the shallows. Turkey hunting has been quiet with high winds putting a damper on activity. A few morels are starting to come up.
Schaefer’s Bait & Sporting Goods (231) 775-7085.
NORTHEASTERN LP
Gaylord Area
Fishing has been spotty at Gaylord with light angler pressure. A few walleyes are hitting on Otsego Lake with Rapalas producing the best results. Success has been fair. Morels are starting to pop. Turkey hunting has been spotty, at best.
Don’s Sport & Marine (989) 732-4157.
Oscoda Area
Walleye fishing has been excellent at the mouth of the Au Sable River. The best results have been on Rapalas trolled at the mouth of the river, and by pier anglers casting Husky Jerkbaits. Anglers drifting crawlers in the river during the day also are catching fish. Steelhead are hitting in the river, with flies and wax worms producing good results. Stream trout anglers report fast water and slow action. Black morels are starting to show up, and turkey hunters report a pretty good season.
Wellman’s Sport Center (989) 739-2869.
Hillman Area
Fishing has been slow on Fletcher Floodaters with cold, wet weather keeping action to a minimum. The trout opener was fair, but hasn’t improved much. Morels are beginning to pop and a little warm weather will help. Turkey season has been fair. Numbers are down and gobblers are henning up early and not coming to the call.
Floodwater Canteen (989) 742-4357.
Tawas Area
Walleyes are hitting in Tawas Bay. Anglers report a good bite on Rapalas fished in 22 feet of water. Salmon and trout are hitting plugs and spoons fished off downriggers in 20 to 50 feet of water. Inland fishing has been slow with light angler pressure. Morels are popping and the area’s turkey hunters report that action is picking up after a slow start.
All Season Sporting Goods (989) 362-4512.
Upper Peninsula
EASTERN UP
Cedarville Area
Splake are keeping anglers busy on Lake Huron. The best action is coming to anglers fishing off the Hessel Dock. Fish are hitting spoons and stickbaits, and shiners suspended under bobbers. Perch fishing has been slow. There’s been no word on morels popping up yet.
Great Outdoors Sport Shop (906) 484-2011.
Pickford Area
Fishing has been slow around Pickford. The highlight of the past week has been the sucker run in the Munuscong River. A fair number of steelhead are hitting in the Carp River with spawn producing the best results. Morels are probably a week or two away.
Wilderness Treasures (906) 647-4002.
Drummond Island Area
Fishing has been slower than slow at Drummond Island. The perch bite has dwindled to a dribble. Most anglers are waiting for the walleye and pike opener on May 15. A few morels are starting to pop.
Johnson’s Sport Shop (906) 493-6300.
St. Ignace Area
An occasional steelhead is being caught in the Carp River. Perch fishing has been extremely slow on Brevoort Lake, but cormorants are plentiful. Brown and brook trout fishing have been slow. There’s been no word yet on morels.
Ace Hardware (906) 643-7721.
CENTRAL UP
Grand Marais Area
Menominee are hitting at the mouth of the Little Two-Hearted River. Worms and spawn have both been producing good results. Anglers trolling spoons and plugs along the shore of Lake Superior report pretty good steelhead and chinook action. Morels are still a few weeks away.
Rainbow Lodge (906) 658-3357
Curtis Area
Sucker fishing is taking center stage in the Curtis area. Anglers report a good sucker bite in Portage Creek as the spring run hits full stride. Most anglers are waiting for the walleye/pike/muskie opener on May 15.
J.R. Sport Shop (906) 586-6040.
Munising Area
A few smelt have been showing up in the Anna River, and dippers report fair success. At the mouth of the Miners River, anglers are taking a few coho. Stream fishing has been slow with fast water running through most streams. Anglers are waiting for the walleye opener to arrive. Morel mushrooms are still a couple weeks away.
Curlys Hilltop Grocery (906) 387-3056.
Escanaba Area
Anglers fishing in Lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc report a decent bite on browns and splake. The best action is coming to anglers fishing off the Ford River and occasionally off Stonington. Steelhead and perch fishing both have been slow, but a few smelt were being netted at the Fish Dam River last week. Turkey hunting has been pretty good with lots of birds in the area. There haven’t been any reports of people finding mushrooms yet.
Bay View Bait & Tackle (906) 786-1488.
BayShore Resort Bait & Tackle (906) 428-2950.
WESTERN UP
L’anse Area
Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Bay has been open for weeks, and lake trout and salmon anglers are dialing in on a pretty good fishery. Anglers trolling in 40 feet or water or less are having pretty good success. The walleye and pike opener should be pretty good. Last week, one angler caught a 40-inch northern while fishing for steelhead with 4-pound test line. The fish was released unharmed.
Indian Country Sports (906) 524-6518.
Bergland Area
Fishing pressure has been light on Lake Gogebic. Most anglers are waiting for the walleye season to open on May 15. Anglers plying the waters of Lake Superior out of Silver City and the Black River Harbor are enjoying good fishing for salmon and lake trout in the shallow water close to shore. Mushrooms are still a couple weeks away.
Maple Ridge Bait & Tackle (906) 575-3545.
Iron River Area
A few small perch are hitting on Chicagon Lake, but most anglers are gearing up for the walleye/pike/muskie opener on May 15. Turkey season has been pretty good with several nice birds falling in the first couple weeks of the season. Stream anglers are fighting high, cold water, but have been enjoying some limited success.
Luckey’s Sport Shop (906) 265-5339.
