This coming Saturday, June 17th marks the opening of bass season on Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River and Detroit River. Good walleye fishing was reported in Southeast Michigan. Anglers fishing the inland lakes in the southern portions of the Upper Peninsula have caught fair to good numbers of bluegill, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.
 

Lake Erie - Walleye fishing has picked up from the mouth of the Detroit River to Sterling State Park, with limit catches reported. Fish are being caught in 20 feet of water with crawler harnesses and various lures. A few fish were taken at the southern end of the lake at the usual hot spots such as Bolles Harbor, E buoy, Dumping Grounds, Luna Pier, and Turtle Island. Good catches were taken in 20 to 27 feet of water near Stony Point, the Fermi Power Plant and east of Brest Bay. Most are trolling harnesses, spoons, Hot-n-Tots or Wiggle Warts. Weekend anglers launching at Sterling or Bolles Harbor should expect long lines at the launch sites. Large freshwater drum and white bass can be found from Point Mouillee south. White perch are hanging out around Sugar Island and the Five Mile Light while northern pike prefer Stony Island.

Detroit River - Good walleye fishing from Trenton all the way down to Lake Erie with limit catches reported. Anglers are reminded that the possession limit is 5 fish. Bright colored jigs with a brown plastic worm or a real crawler have caught fish.

St. Clair River - Walleye fishing continues to be very good, especially from Algonac up to Lake Huron. Boat anglers are trolling with crawler harnesses off Port Huron. Walleye have also been caught in both the Middle Channel and the North Channel. Chinook and steelhead are in the lower end of Lake Huron feeding on minnows.

Black River - Anglers have caught smallmouth bass on spinners and leeches.

Lakeport - A few perch are being taken on minnows.

Port Sanilac - Good perch fishing was reported in 30 to 40 feet of water. Pier anglers are taking mostly rock bass, bluegills and a few smallmouth bass. Salmon and trout fishing were spotty in the big lake as the fish are scattered. Those trolling have caught a few chinook, pink salmon, steelhead and lake trout.

Harbor Beach - Salmon fishing is slow. Try fishing straight out and north of the harbor in 80 to 120 feet of water with spoons and dodgers. Green and yellow were good colors. Good lake trout fishing in 120 feet of water using cut bait fished near the bottom. Steelhead and yellow perch fishing were slow. Northern pike and bass fishing continues to be good inside the harbor when casting spoons or body baits.

Port Austin - Anglers are trolling for walleye west of the port near Hat Point Reef. Warmer weather should bring in the salmon and lake trout.

Saginaw Bay - Very good walleye fishing from various locations around the inner bay using crawler harnesses. Local hotspots include just west of the Spark Plug, the Callahan Reef, the Coreyeon Reef and the Slot off Sebewaing. A good number of boats are fishing just off the mouth of the Saginaw River and the Quanicassee River.
 

St. Joseph - Steelhead were caught by pier and boat anglers. Chinook salmon can be found out in deeper waters. Walleye fishing slowed with the cooler weather but should pick back up with warmer weather. Yellow perch were caught off the end of the north pier and from boats fishing in 25 to 40 feet of water.

St. Joseph River - Steelhead have been caught near the mouth when still-fishing with alewife or shrimp. Those fishing near the Berrien Springs Dam are targeting steelhead and smallmouth bass when casting spinners.

South Haven - Pier fishing has been slow with a few summer run rainbow trout caught in the early mornings. Perch are biting in 24 to 60 feet of water while fishing just off the bottom with minnows.

Kalamazoo River - Walleye fishing slowed this week, but anglers have caught northern pike. Those fishing up near the Allegan Dam have caught bluegill and rock bass. Smallmouth bass were caught on tube baits and spinners.

Grand Haven - Pier anglers are using cooked shrimp or alewife for chinook, steelhead, brown trout and lake trout, but catch rates were slow. Boat anglers have caught a few small chinook and steelhead in front of the pier heads. Lake trout were caught around the nets when fishing off the bottom. Bring a measuring tape, as many of the fish are under the legal size limit, which is 20 inches. Yellow perch are starting to move in closer to the piers.

Grand River at Grand Rapids -Those wadding the river caught steelhead in the deeper holes. Shore anglers caught crappie on fathead minnows, while the bluegills are hitting on wax worms and crawlers. Northern pike were caught on big shiner minnows. Channel cats are being caught on crawlers, chicken liver, magic baits and dip baits. Flathead catfish are being taken off the bridges using bluegills and gizzard shad. Boat anglers are fishing above the log jams for flathead catfish. Smallmouth bass are hitting hard on soft shell crabs.

Reeds Lake - Perch are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water. Those seeking crappie are fishing behind the Firehouse.

Grand River at Lansing -Smallmouth bass and bluegills are being taken on the west side of the North Lansing Dam using leeches. Walleye and bluegill activity was reported at the Moore's Park Dam.

Muskegon - With water temperatures on the cold side, fishing has been slow. Those boats going out 10 miles or more have caught some chinook and lake trout 100 to 175 feet down in waters 300 to 350 feet deep.

Muskegon Lake - Bluegills have been caught in the channel. While beds can be seen around the lake, they are from the smaller fish, as the large bluegills are still in waters 8 to 10 feet deep. Those fishing the north side of the lake have taken some nice yellow perch on minnows. Bass have also been caught in the shallows on spikes, wigglers, crawlers and spinner baits. Northern pike are hitting on crank baits. Due to all the forage fish in the lake right now, walleye fishing has been very slow.
 

Rogers City - Lake trout can be found about 5 feet off the bottom in waters 60 to 90 feet deep near Sea Gull Point and south towards Adams Point. The salmon are scattered all over the lake. Sea Gull Point has been a good spot with good structure and bait fish. Try fishing the upper half of the water column in waters 50 to 90 feet deep with spoons, flashers and flies. Green has been the best color followed by silver, chartreuse, blue, and purple.

Presque Isle - Lakers are still the main target species when fishing the bottom 5 to 10 feet in waters 20 to 70 feet deep in the North Bay and off North Albany Point. Fishing south towards Stoneport has also been productive. Anglers can find some nice chinook salmon in the area, but not in big numbers. Fish averaging 5 to 10 pounds have been caught.

Alpena - Boat anglers fishing the big water are struggling. Those going out for walleye are doing okay when trolling around the islands. Orange,gold, black, yellow, green and fire-tiger rapalas were hot. Those searching for salmon were trolling east off Scarecrow Island and straight out from North Point in 60 to 75 feet of water. Though fish were marked, catch rates were slow. Some are trolling out near the Nordmeer Wreck.

Thunder Bay River - Boat anglers are trolling for walleye both night and day. Most are using an assortment of baits and lures including Hot-n-Tots, crawler harnesses and spinner baits. Some nice 15 to 17 inch fish have been caught when trolling from Fletcher's on down. Shore anglers have done quite well along the lower stretch of the river behind the DNR Office and near the launch site. Channel cats are hitting on crawlers.

Hubbard Lake - Silver has been the hot color for walleye and bass. The better fishing seems to be in the bay between Doctors Point and Churchill Point. The walleye can be found close to shore or near the drop-offs. Bass are hitting on worms and various artificial baits.

Harrisville - Lake trout were caught in 90 to 130 feet of water when trolling spoon. Fish have been caught either right on the bottom or suspended in the water column.

Oscoda - Lake trout have been caught when trolling spoons with attractors in waters 60 to 80 feet deep. A few chinook and pink salmon have also been caught. Pier anglers have caught walleye on crawlers in the early morning. Freshwater drum, catfish and rock bass have also been caught.

Tawas - Boat anglers are getting some walleye when trolling out near Buoy 2 and down towards Alabaster in 25 to 35 feet of water. Body baits and crank baits worked best. Smallmouth bass, rock bass and the occasional walleye were also caught.

Au Gres - Has good walleye fishing with limit catches reported. Fish ranging from 15 to 18 inches have been caught about 3 miles out from the mouth of the Au Gres River. Crawler harnesses in 30 to 35 feet of water worked best. Those looking for bigger fish should try out near the Charity Islands.

Au Gres River - Shore anglers caught channel catfish, walleye, crappie, and bass.

Houghton Lake - Is in the mist of a May-fly hatch. Panfish catches were slow as the fish appear to be suspended in 6 to 8 feet of water. Anglers reported fair walleye fishing 3 to 4 feet down in waters 8 to 10 feet deep. Leeches on slip bobbers or slow trolling with crawlers seemed to work best.
 

Charlevoix - Fair to good lake trout fishing in waters 60 to 90 feet deep in front of Magnus Park and the Big Rock. Most of the fish caught were over 8 pounds, but quite a few smaller ones have also been caught and released.

Lake Charlevoix - A good number of anglers have been fishing for walleye from the access site at Dutchman's Bay to the park in East Jordan. Fish ranging from 12 to 24 inches were caught when trolling in 15 to 20 feet of water. Walleye were also taken near Young State Park and the Ironton Channel in 10 to 20 feet of water. Northern pike and smallmouth bass are hitting on minnow plugs when trolling around the points and drop-offs. Boat anglers trolling for trout are fishing the entire water column of waters 15 to 80 feet deep in Horton Bay, Oyster Bay, Hemingway Point, and the launch site at Charlevoix. Channel catfish ranging from 14 to 24 inches have been caught in 15 feet of water. Freshwater drum and rock bass have also been caught.

Leland - Fishing has been very good for both chinook and lake trout. Anglers are taking fish off the first bank and on the northern side of North Manitou Island. Spin Doctors or Hootchie Mamas with flies were productive. Smallmouth bass continue to spawn in the harbor, and anglers have done well using crawlers and jigs. Large numbers of carp can also be found in the harbor.

Glen Arbor - Anglers are catching chinook salmon off Pyramid Point, Sleeping Bear Point and on the west side of South Manitou Island. Spoons and cut bait rigs worked best.

Glen Lake - Good fishing with shore anglers taking yellow perch at the Narrows. Fish up to 12 inches are being caught on crawlers and leeches. Smallmouth bass up to 5 pounds were caught on body baits in the shallows of Little Glen Lake.

Traverse City - Boat anglers on the East Bay have caught good numbers of lake trout in 70 feet of water along the South Bank. Spoons and cowbells were the ticket. A few chinook salmon were also taken in shallow waters 15 to 30 feet deep. Fair whitefish action off Deepwater Point. Wigglers and spawn fished in 60 to 70 feet of water produced the most fish. On the West Bay, a fair number of lake trout were caught along the Brush Grounds and the White Walls in 70 to 110 feet of water. Whitefish are hitting on wigglers and spawn in 70 feet of water.

Frankfort - Fishing has remained steady, with a few chinook salmon and lake trout taken in waters 100 to 125 feet deep along the Shelf and near the Herring Hole. Pier fishing has been slow as good numbers of alewife are still hanging around.

Onekama - Boat anglers have been doing well straight out from the piers or up near the Saddle in waters 80 to 130 feet deep. Pier anglers have caught lots of rock bass off both the north and south piers.

Portage Lake - Walleye and bass have been caught along the edge of the weeds. Bluegill and rock bass have been caught on the east end of the lake.

Manistee - Fishing was slow with most boats heading 12 to 19 miles out to catch steelhead. Boat anglers fishing inside the harbor have managed to catch some chinook, but patience was the key. Pier anglers have had no luck.

Lake Cadillac - Crappies are still biting near the Junior High School in 6 to 8 feet of water. The bluegills and pumpkinseed are on the beds. Try the south shore along M-55 in 3 to 4 feet of water using jigs with plastic tails and worms.

Lake Mitchell - Good numbers of largemouth bass have been caught either suspended in deep waters or on the beds. Bluegills were caught in shallow waters on both the north and south ends of the lake. Black crappie were taken along the weeds in 6 to 10 feet of water east of Little Cove.

Ludington - Has been slow, as northwest winds have moved all the warm water south of the port. Boat anglers did manage to take some steelhead and lake trout between the pier heads and the projects in waters 270 feet deep or more.

Lake Gogebic - Walleye have been caught when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses upstream from the marina.

Keweenaw Bay - Reported excellent walleye fishing. Anglers have been fishing an hour before dark with leeches and a slip bobber. Bass fishing has also been excellent. Anglers are casting rattle traps, crank baits and spinner baits into the shallow waters near shore.

Lake Michigamme - Boat anglers are trolling orange, gold, white and purple spoons. Try 30 to 65 feet down in waters 50 to 70 feet of water between Sand Point and Carla's Cafe on US-41, or between the L'Anse Marina and the Township Park. Chinook, coho and lake trout have been caught when slow trolling. Some are jigging for lake trout in 150 to 200 ft of water near Newton's Reef. In Traverse Bay, lake trout were caught when jigging in 140 to 250 feet of water using jigs and cut bait.

Lake Michigamme - Anglers have caught walleye when casting, trolling or still-fishing with live bait. Leeches, minnows, and crawlers worked best when fishing near the rocky areas or near the islands. Rock bass were caught in shallow waters. Northern pike are hitting on both live and artificial baits along the south end of the lake as well as near the islands. Smallmouth bass have also been caught.

Menominee River - Walleye have dominated the catch over the last week in the lower river. The better catches came from the Train Bridge downstream to the Ogden Street Bridge. Northern pike, musky, and freshwater drum were also caught. Fair catches of yellow perch were taken off the piers in the Menominee Marina and near the Lighthouse while still-fishing with worms or crawlers. Boat anglers trolling about a mile north in waters 15 to 20 feet deep reported fair catches of walleye.

Green Bay - Off Menominee and Marinette, boat anglers have caught some trout and salmon about 4 miles south of the Menominee River. Salmon were caught 2 to 4 miles north of the Whaleback Shoal.

Cedar River - Walleye have been caught from the M-35 Bridge downstream to the mouth when fishing in the late evening. Smallmouth bass and northern pike have been caught near the marina.

Little Bay De Noc - Walleye fishing slowed, but fish were still caught at night. Try fishing the head of the bay around Garth Point with crawlers and stick baits in 8 to 18 feet of water. Good numbers of large fish were reported just off the mouth of the Ford River in 8 feet of water. The better catches were taken on crawler harnesses. Some are jigging or drifting crawlers in 10 to 20 feet of water near the mouth of the Escanaba River while others are drifting crawlers and stick baits near the mouth of the Whitefish River. Those fishing off Gladstone Beach caught fish when jigging crawlers in 8 to 23 feet of water. Good smallmouth bass fishing just south of the Ford River along the weed lines.

Big Bay De Noc - The only walleye reports came off Porcupine Point where anglers were trolling or drifting crawlers in 10 to 18 feet of water. Cooler weather had the fish suspended in waters 10 to 18 feet deep. Good smallmouth bass fishing along the shoreline. Try using spinners, jigs or crank baits in 4 to 8 feet of water in Puffy Bay. Salmon fishing at Fairport continues to improve when trolling 45 to 80 feet down in waters 45 to 120 feet deep.

Marquette - Boat anglers have caught lake trout in waters 140 to 200 feet deep in the Upper Harbor. Some reported taking light numbers of chinook salmon, lake trout, and splake near the breakwall in the Lower Harbor.

Au Train / Munising - Slow fishing over the last week for chinook and coho. A few lake trout were taken, but catch rates were inconsistent. Shore and pier anglers have caught several smaller splake, but a few lucky anglers have managed to catch and land a few legal fish.

Munuscong - Anglers have caught a few scattered walleye on crawler harnesses with black, pink or purple blades.

De Tour - Is still the hot spot when it comes to catching chinook and atlantic salmon. A few lake trout have also been caught when trolling from the Shipping Channel to the #3 Green Can and around the Lighthouse. Lures in color the color combinations gold and green or blue and green have worked best.

Drummond Island - Some nice walleye along with light numbers of yellow perch have been caught in Scott's Bay and Maxton Bay.

Cedarville / Hessel - Excellent northern pike fishing in Cedarville Bay, Duck Bay Snows Channel and off the pier at Hessel. Most are trolling or casting with shiners and a variety of lures. A limited number of yellow perch have been caught in the Moscoe Channel.