Northeast Lower Peninsula

Harrisville: Anglers targeting lake trout still caught a handful of trout in 60 to 80 feet of water. A few Atlantic salmon were caught this week on spoons. A few bass and pike were also caught by anglers fishing in the harbor.

Cheboygan: Boat anglers on Lake Huron primarily targeted lake trout at Poe Reef, with the most productive depths ranging from 40 to 70 feet. Effective lures included orange and green, silver and green, green, silver, white, and chartreuse spoons, as well as spin-n-glos. Reports indicated that Atlantic salmon were occasionally caught in shallower depths while using spoons. In the Cheboygan River, when weather conditions permitted, walleye anglers brought home up to three fish. Boat anglers drifted nightcrawlers or leeches, while shore anglers used deep-diving crankbaits or floated nightcrawlers. Prime walleye fishing spots were found downstream of the Cheboygan Lock to the Cheboygan DNR field station. Additionally, anglers caught large smallmouth bass and rock bass using nightcrawlers, spinnerbaits, or tube jigs.

Tawas/Au Gres: Fishing in Tawas continued to be slow, with only a few boat anglers and a handful of shore anglers reporting catches. Boat anglers managed to catch lake trout, steelhead, bluegill, and Atlantic salmon, but there were no reports of walleye or yellow perch. A few largemouth bass were caught by shore anglers. The slow fishing was attributed to wind and waves, which made it difficult for boat anglers to get out.

In Au Gres, fishing remained good, with anglers reporting catches of walleye and yellow perch. Sheepshead were also caught while trolling with suckers, and white bass and catfish were reported as well.

Oscoda/Au Sable: Anglers fishing in the deeper sections of the lower river, both above and below the US 23 bridge, reported catching walleye. Drifting nightcrawlers and jigging plastics off the bottom have been effective methods. Atlantic salmon were caught by anglers drifting minnows 3 to 5 feet below the surface off the catwalk and pier-head. Offshore anglers continued to find good numbers of lake trout. Atlantic salmon and steelhead were also taken offshore.