U.P. weekly fishing report
This report is intended to give you an idea of what is going on around the state. Updates come from fisheries staff and conservation officers. With more than 11,000 inland lakes, the Great Lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams, not all locations can be listed. However, it is safe to say if a species is being caught in some waters in the area, they are likely being caught in all waters in that section of the state that have that species.
Fishing Tip:
When it’s very warm out, think about where pike will hide – places with cooler water. These spots include along the thermocline (the layer of water between the deep and surface water), where cold-water streams/rivers flow into lakes or around springs.
Look for bodies of water that aren’t densely populated with pike, so the ones there may have a chance to grow fairly large. Also consider locations that have special regulations like size limits.
Lastly, focus on bodies of water that have a good base of fish that pike feed on – particularly other species that prefer cooler water.
Little Bay de Noc
Perch anglers reported slow to fair fishing, with continued success fishing and drifting minnows. Walleye anglers in the upper bay caught small fish, with occasional keepers. Drifting and trolling harnesses or body baits were the main methods in use. Some larger fish were caught by anglers launching out of the Ford River.
Big Bay de Noc
Yellow perch fishing was fair to good. Perch minnows and worms worked well. Anglers reported smallmouth fishing as good in Ogontz and Garden Bays.
Fairport
No report.
Marquette
Anglers reported the best places for catching lake trout were near the northwest side of the White Islands and trolling out toward Granite Island. Anglers trolling around 80 to 120 feet of water caught the most lake trout near the White Islands, while anglers trolling for lake trout around Granite Rock had the most luck trolling at around 120 to 200 feet of water. Several Chinook and coho were caught as well at around 40 to 100 feet of water from near the Chocolay River toward Shot Point. Yellow tails, silver and pearl multicolored spoons, cowbells, and green and blue flasher flies were good lures for lake trout, while gold spoons, lime green crankbaits, and moonshine glow spoons were good for Chinook and coho salmon.
Au Train
Due to high winds, fishing pressure was low. Anglers who made it out caught near their limit of lake trout, and a few big Chinooks. The best places for anglers to catch fish were near the northeast side of Au Train Island and out toward the Shelter Bay clay banks. Anglers trolling or jigging in around 160 feet of water or trolling along the flats caught the most lake trout. Also, trolling cowbells around 145 feet of water with sucker meat or smelt had good success for some anglers north of Au Train Island. Trolling or jigging bright green/silver spoons, or cow bells with sucker, smelt or white fish bellies were common baits. Green spin and glows at around 80 to 100 feet of water were successful for lake trout out by the clay banks.
Manistique
No report.
St. Ignance
No report.
Keweenaw Bay/Huron Bay
Anglers in both bays saw increased numbers of pink salmon and lake trout caught during fishing trips. Anglers came off Lake Superior with more successful trips in the mornings than in the afternoons. Anglers caught the most fish on a combination of spoons and flasher flies while trolling in about 100 feet of water. Some anglers reported success in shallower water; however, most fish were throughout the water column.
Les Cheneaux/Detour
No report.
Big Traverse Bay/South Portage Canal
Anglers reported large catches of pink salmon and lake trout, with some coho and Chinook salmon caught as well. Most anglers were successful when trolling as well as fishing a wide range of depths but focusing at around 80 feet of water. Larger catches of fish were reported during morning fishing trips. Anglers used artificial bait almost exclusively during these trips.
Pine and Rivers
No report.
Munising Bay
No report.
Grand Marais
No report.
Ontonagon River
Fishing was slow, with average catches of walleye in low numbers. Both trolling and jigging were utilized by anglers and yielded similar levels of success. Recent rains caused deteriorated water conditions, possibly contributing to the slower bite that was reported.
Ontonagon/Silver City/Union Bay
Anglers found good numbers of lake trout along with some coho and Chinook salmon. Trolling artificial lures across a variety of depths was the key to successful trips. Anglers reported a broad dispersion of fish throughout the water column. All times of day yielded similar levels of success.
Black River Harbor
Those fishing from the harbor had good luck, with catches consisting primarily of lake trout. Occasional coho and Chinook salmon were caught in low numbers. Anglers found success at all times of day while trolling artificial lures across a variety of depths.
