Some of the river systems are experiencing high water levels after all the rain and wet snow this week. Skim ice is starting to appear on some of the inland lakes, especially in the northern sections of the state. It’s that time of year to start getting ready for ice fishing season.

 

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

 

Lake Erie: Shore anglers fishing at the Metro Park Marina were still taking bluegill, perch and the occasional crappie. Try minnows or wax worms.

 

Huron River: Water levels are high after all the rain so anglers should see more steelhead moving up into the river. The better fishing has been near Huroc Park however the water is so high right now that the park is underwater. Those fishing at night caught a few walleye near the west end of Belleville Lake.

 

Detroit River: Water levels are up and will continue to rise with all the run-off after the rain. No word on perch but walleye were caught in the lower Trenton Channel.

 

Lake St. Clair: Fishing activity continues to be minimal as the water is muddy.

 

Lexington: Perch fishing is at a standstill because the harbor is full of shiners. Shore anglers are catching good numbers of steelhead especially in the early morning. They are using a slip-sinker rig and floating spawn bags. Those casting rapalas, cleo’s and crocodiles have also caught steelhead and some brown trout.

 

Port Sanilac: No perch fishing here either due to all the shiner minnows in the harbor, but steelhead fishing has been good.

 

Saginaw Bay: Perch fishing may be a little more difficult as strong winds will cause the fish to scatter. At Port Austin, all the docks at the boat launch have been pulled.

 

Kawkawlin River: Shore anglers are getting some perch in the lower river.

 

Flint River: Those fishing downtown Flint have caught a few bass, walleye and crappie.

 

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

 

St. Joseph River: Water levels are up so anglers could see more fish moving in. Try small spoons in orange and silver or blue and silver, rapalas, small spinners, or floating spawn and wax worms under a bobber.

 

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Has very good steelhead fishing. Those fishing off the wall are floating a wax worm under a bobber. Those fishing on the ladder side are floating spawn just off the bottom.

 

Grand River at Lansing: No word on steelhead in the Lansing area however fish are still being caught all the way up to the Webber Dam when floating spawn or wax worms.

 

Muskegon River: Is producing good numbers of steelhead below Croton Dam. Try casting small spoons, spinners, and rapalas or floating spawn and flies.

 

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA 

 

Alpena: Whitefish are still being caught however the harvest has been less than past years.

 

Thunder Bay River: Anglers are perch fishing in the lower river near the research station. Most of the fish are on the small side about 7 inches but they are getting the occasional bigger fish. Steelhead are in the river but catch rates were slow.

 

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead in the lower river below Foote Dam.

 

Tawas: Perch fishing was reported to be better than usual. Those fishing off the state dock have caught some whitefish but catch rates were on the slow side. Anglers are reminded that the regulations state: No more than three lines per person and a total of six hooks may be used.

 

LOWER PENINSULA

 

Petoskey: Those surfcasting have caught steelhead in the early morning.

 

Boardman River: Is producing some steelhead.

 

Betsie River: Continues to produce steelhead. Try flies, spoons or spawn.

 

Manistee: Those surfcasting or fishing off the piers have caught steelhead in the early morning or evening.

 

Manistee River: Continues with good steelhead action as more fish moved up into the river.

 

Little Manistee River: Is producing steelhead between the Johnson Bridge and Manistee Lake.

 

Pere Marquette River: Has good steelhead action in the lower river. Anglers are drifting spawn or flies.

 

UPPER PENINSULA

 

Menominee River: Those fishing down near the Hattie Street Bridge have caught some walleye after dark.

 

Little Bay De Noc: Those walleye fishing during the day marked good numbers of fish along the north end of the bay but few were caught. Night fishing was still the best option with fish caught by those trolling crank baits along the east side of the Second, Third and Center Reefs. Anglers are now waiting for ice as they anticipate a good winter season for both perch and walleye.