Northeast Lower Peninsula

Harrisville: Many lake trout were reported this week by anglers fishing in 60 to 100 feet of water with spin-n-glos and spoons reported as working well. Coho salmon and steelhead were caught on high lines. Smaller coho salmon were caught in the harbor by anglers casting small spoons.

Tawas/Au Gres: In the Tawas area, largemouth and smallmouth bass were being caught by boat anglers, but shore anglers had luck as well. Anglers had the most success using artificial lures, but night crawlers had success as well. Few pike were caught by boat and shore anglers with artificial lures. Walleye fishing remained slow with a couple being caught this week on artificial lures and natural bait. Perch fishing remained slow as well with only a few being caught by shore anglers using natural bait. Bowfin, freshwater drum, carp, and catfish were also caught. In the Au Gres area, largemouth and smallmouth bass were being caught by boat Anglers, but shore Anglers were having luck as well. Artificial lures seemed to be working best for the Anglers in this area. Both shore Anglers and boat Anglers were having luck catching pike using artificial lures. Perch and walleye fishing was still slow with few walleye being caught on artificial lures and perch being caught on natural bait. Bowfin, catfish, and drum were reported as caught as well.

Cheboygan: The cleaning station is open for use at the Cheboygan County boat launches. In the Cheboygan River, anglers were catching Steelhead while floating beads at the Cheboygan Dam spillway. Anglers targeting walleye in the river found most success between the drawbridge and the pedestrian walkway bridge, as well as at the dam spillway at night. Walleye boat anglers were drifting night crawler harnesses with oranges, reds, and golds. Shore anglers targeting walleye floated night crawlers or leeches, as well as jigged soft plastics. Smallmouth bass were caught in the mix when anglers were targeting steelhead or walleye.

Oscoda/Au Sable River: Anglers fishing offshore reported lake trout in 50 to 60 feet of water. Atlantic salmon were reported by shore anglers in the lower river. Casting smaller spoons and drifting minnows was popular. Walleye fishing in the lower river and off the pier was reported as decent. Dusk and dawn continued to produce the best bite. Drifting a crawler, jigging plastics and casting deep crank baits was found to be effective. Anglers fishing in the upper part of the river near Foote Dam reported catching steelhead bottom bouncing beads and flies along with fishing beads under a float.

Lake Michigan/Frankfort: Water temperatures were into the low 50s for the first time this past week as brown trout was still being reported being caught on body baits. Lake Trout were moving close, in 40 to 60 feet of water in the early morning and feeding on goby.