News file photo of a man fishing in the Thunder Bay River.

ALPENA – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources released its weekly fishing report for the Alpena area and as the ice melts, fishing should begin to heat up.

On the Thunder Bay River, cold temperatures slowed the runoff in the river. Anglers had success catching steelhead from the Ninth Street Dam downstream to Lamar Park. Drifting beads and spawn were the most productive methods on and off throughout the day. Anglers also had success drifting small jigs with wax worms.

Anglers reported that fishing for Atlantic salmon was slow. While fish were seen, very few were caught. Stone flies and spinners in gold, green, silver, and orange had some success early and late in the day.