NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Alpena: Boat anglers in Thunder Bay reported lake trout fishing as very good in waters 40 to 70 feet deep. Anglers found good catches of Atlantic salmon and a few Chinook salmon around Thunder Bay Island in 50 to 80 feet of water. Spoons in green, watermelon, and oranges had the best results. A few walleye were caught while trolling natural-colored crank baits in anywhere from 12 to 20 feet of water. The waters from Grass Island to Sulfur Island produced better catches in low light conditions and after dark.

Thunder Bay River: Anglers fishing the Thunder Bay River had success when fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and catfish. The mouth of the river up to the 9th Avenue dam was reported to be productive. Walleye were caught primarily in low light conditions while fishing with crawlers and crank baits. Catfish were caught throughout the day and night on crawlers and leeches. Tube jigs and spinnerbaits worked well for northern pike and smallmouth bass. Those fishing the pier reported the walleye fishing as slow. However, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and freshwater drum were all caught while casting crank baits.

Rogers City: Lake trout were reported to be abundant, with anglers doing well once they were able to locate the fish. Good places seemed to be up the lake toward the state park and 40-Mile Point or south toward Adams Point and Swan Bay. The best depths were anywhere from 30 to 70 feet of water. Anglers deployed a variety of techniques such as lead core, dipseys, and downriggers and were running lines all through the water column for best results. Dodgers with Spin-n-Glos and spoons were also used. Good colors were reported to be greens, oranges, blue, yellow, or other bright colors.

Ocqueoc River: Steelhead were reported to be gone. Anglers who used small spinners and body baits while casting did good on smallmouth bass.

Harrisville: Lake trout fishing remained decent, with most fish being caught in 30 to 60 feet of water using spoons and Spin-n-Glos. There were a few Atlantic salmon caught in 20 to 30 feet of water using spoons and long lines.

Hammond Bay: Lake trout should be available. Try fishing in 30 to 60 feet of water and run lines throughout the water column. Dodgers with Spin-n-Glos or spoons should work well.

Oscoda/Au Sable River: Anglers had success walleye fishing in the lower river and off the pier. Drifting crawlers under a deep slip bobber seemed to produce the best results. Walleye were also caught when casting jerk baits. Lake trout fishing remained decent out of Oscoda in 50 to 70 feet of water using spoons and Spin-n-Glos. A few pink salmon and coho salmon were also caught. Steelhead fishing in the Au Sable slowed down, and not many fish were reported to be left in the river.