Northeast Lower Peninsula

Alpena: Boat anglers had success trolling for walleye in 13 to 17 feet of water from the cement plant to Grass Island. Medium diving crank baits in oranges, purples, and natural colors were all productive. Those trolling spoons from 20 to 40 feet of water had on and off success with brown trout, Atlantic salmon, and the occasional lake trout. Bright colored spoons on 1-3 color lead cores seemed to produce the best results. Those fishing from shore reported hit or miss success with a few brown trout, Atlantic salmon, and the occasional walleye. Swim baits resembling smelt had best results. Blue/silver and green/silver spoons also produced some nice northern pike.

Thunder Bay River: Anglers reported decent numbers of steelhead, suckers, and walleye in the river. Drifting fresh spawn and beads worked best for steelhead, with a few caught on jigs and wax worms as well. Although anglers were getting incidental catches of walleye, the season remains closed in the river until the last Saturday in April.

Harrisville: Steelhead and coho salmon fishing was reported as hit or miss for anglers fishing from the harbor. Anglers who found success were using spawn, minnows or wigglers under a float.

Cheboygan: The Cheboygan city boat launch is available for use, but the Cheboygan County marina boat launches have not been put in yet. The cleaning station is also closed. Steelhead anglers had the most success early in the morning when either drifting beads or bouncing spawn bags near bottom at the Cheboygan Dam spillway. However, in general, steelhead anglers were struggling to catch fish.

Oscoda: Anglers were finding silver fish in 15 to 25 feet of water while using body baits 5 to 10 feet down. FJ11s and Hot n Tots were popular choices among anglers. Anglers fishing the pier head in the early hours of the morning were catching walleye on Bandits and other deep diving body baits (Clown was a hot color). A few Atlantic salmon were caught off the pier. Anglers floating minnows and casting blue/silver and orange/gold spoons reported mixed success for Atlantic salmon.

Au Sable River: A few anglers reported catching Atlantic salmon in the lower river, while those fishing the upper river experienced decent steelhead fishing this past week. Good amounts of fish were taken from Foote Dam down to Whirlpool. Those bottom bouncing beads or black flies seemed to have the most success. 8mm beads in a yellow, milky or peach color worked well for steelhead.

Anticipation is high as the trout opener approaches, and early reports suggest encouraging activity on the water. Following the recent ice storm, anglers should be aware that the river has taken on its share of fallen trees and debris. Currently, there are no known full blockages, but conditions can change quickly. Some familiar stretches may look different this year with new logjams or submerged trees. Please use caution when wading or floating. Utility crews and cleanup teams are still active in the area, so expect some ongoing activity near access points.

With water temperatures still cool, trout will be holding in classic early-season lies–think deeper pools, soft seams, and slower-moving water. Nymphs and streamers have been effective, especially when fished low and slow. Be prepared for changing conditions and check in with local fly shops for the most up-to-date river and hatch reports.

Tawas: Boat anglers who went out of Tawas Bay were going further south and reported picking up a few walleye.

Au Gres: Trolling for walleye was reported to have been slow overall; however, a few anglers were able to catch decent numbers along with an occasional coho salmon or steelhead. Boat anglers heading out from the Pine River in Standish reported increasing catch numbers of walleye compared to the last couple of weeks, along with a few largemouth and smallmouth bass being caught. Shore fishing in the area was slow.