NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Au Gres: Snow and cold weather resulted in low fishing pressure. Those who made it out reported catching large numbers of small perch at Palmer Road. However, there were not many keepers.

Oscoda: Pier fishing remained good. Anglers fishing with spawn did well on steelhead from early morning on. Those fishing large minnows on the bottom had success when targeting lake trout. Atlantic and coho salmon were caught from the pier when using crankbaits, spoons, and minnows on bobbers. Natural colored crankbaits worked well, while spoons in green/silver, blue/silver, and golds worked best. Weather permitting, boat anglers had success fishing for lake trout, coho salmon, and Atlantic salmon in 15 to 30 feet of water. Short lead cores off planer boards had the best results using spoons in watermelon, orange, and greens. Slower trolling speeds worked best as water temperatures were around 39 to 40 degrees.

Au Sable River: The river was reported to be producing good numbers of steelhead below Foote Dam when drifting spawn, beads, and wax worms. Early morning was the most productive time of day. Boat anglers targeted the deep runs in the lower portion of the river with moderate success. Plugs, spoons, and fresh spawn were all reported to be productive.

Tawas: Pier anglers reported fishing to be slow and only caught a few lake trout and whitefish. The few boat anglers that made it out reported marking fish but had trouble getting them to bite.