Family-Outdoors

Michigan offers some fantastic fishing during the fall months – particularly for salmon and steelhead. In fact, now can be the perfect time to target them, if you know where to go and what techniques to use.  Atlantic Salmon Fishing for Atlantic salmon is huge on the St. Marys River; in fact this spot is considered the best recreational Atlantic salmon fishery west of the East Coast. Most anglers troll for this species using downriggers, but other popular methods are fly fishing for them with wet flies or spin fishing for them with plugs, spinners and spoons. Chinook Salmon These fish are often called “kings” and with good reason! Popular spots to target them in the fall include Great Lakes piers, streams along the Lake Michigan coast, or inland streams such as the Manistee (Tippy Dam), Pere Marquette and St. Joseph rivers. Artificial bait is what most anglers use to appeal to this species, but salmon eggs are popular as well.  Coho Salmon This popular species can be ca...

Great Lakes Temperature Map Click on the links below to jump to the report section that interests you most: Southeast Lower Peninsula Southwest Lower Peninsula Northeast Lower Peninsula Northwest Lower Peninsula Upper Peninsula It is that time of year when fishing reports are harder to come by as most anglers turn their attention to deer hunting. Those heading out for the opening day of gun season are reminded to take along a fishing rod! There is no better time of year to enjoy the opportunities of “blast and cast”. Hunt during the day then target steelhead and whitefish in the evening. Already got your deer? Remember late fall and early winter can offer some prime fishing on the inland lakes. You will find big perch, bluegill and crappie as well as walleye, bass and pike. SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie:  Strong winds and gale warnings have limited the opportunities for boat anglers. Pier anglers caught a few walleye when using minnows or bombers off Luna Pi...

Great Lakes Temperature Map Click on the links below to jump to the report section that interests you most: Southeast Lower Peninsula Southwest Lower Peninsula Northeast Lower Peninsula Northwest Lower Peninsula Upper Peninsula Cooler temperatures and rain should push steelhead up into the rivers. Those fishing the inland lakes are finding pike, walleye, bluegills and bass. Catch rates increase during the month of November because fish go on a feeding frenzy before winter comes. SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie:  Perch have been caught off Stony Point, the Fermi Plant and Rat Island, which is the smallest island off the mouth of the Huron River. Huron River:  Is producing some steelhead in the lower river. Detroit River:  Continues to produce a fair number of walleye in the lower Trenton Channel. Perch have been caught on minnows and crawlers around Sugar Island. Lake St. Clair:  Boat anglers are catching muskie when they can get out on the lake...

Great Lakes Temperature Map Click on the links below to jump to the report section that interests you most: Southeast Lower Peninsula Southwest Lower Peninsula Northeast Lower Peninsula Northwest Lower Peninsula Upper Peninsula The October 2013 edition of “Reel in Michigan’s Fisheries” can now be found on our web site. This new online publication highlights work that the Fisheries Division is doing on the inland lakes and streams. To view this publication click here: October 2013 edition .  SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA Lake Erie:  Boat anglers are trolling husky jerks for walleye off the River Raisin Channel in 12 to 16 feet. Perch anglers were just south of the launch at Bolles Harbor and off Stony Point. Rumor has it a couple walleye were caught by shore anglers off Luna Pier and Sterling State Park. Huron River:  Is starting to produce some steelhead. Most of the fish were caught in the deeper holes. Try a jig and wax worm, Hot-n-Tots or spinners. Detroit...

Great Lakes Temperature Map The fall steelhead run always starts about the same time the salmon run is winding down. The fish are starting to show up in bigger numbers. The inland lakes are doing fair to good for bluegill, crappie and perch. Try minnows or crawlers along the drop offs. Click on the links below to jump to the report section that interests you most. Southeast Lower Peninsula Southwest Lower Peninsula Northeast Lower Peninsula Northwest Lower Peninsula Upper Peninsula Southeast Lower Peninsula Lake Erie:  Perch seem to be holding in waters 24 to 26 feet deep southeast of Stoney Point. A few walleye were caught between the beach at Sterling State Park and the mouth of the River Raisin. Crank baits worked best. Water temperatures are dropping at a good rate so catch rates should continue to improve. Detroit River:  Is producing smallmouth bass, a few walleye, and the occasional muskie. For perch, try the Cross-Dike, the south end of Grosse Ile...