Northeast Lower Peninsula
Tawas/Au Gres: There was not a ton of fishing by boat anglers. A couple of boats targeted smallmouth bass and had some success. Those fishing from the pier reported seeing smallmouth bass, northern pike, carp, and freshwater drum. Smallmouth and largemouth bass were also caught in the Tawas River.
In Au Gres, boat anglers going out from Au Gres reported the walleye fishing to be hit or miss. Freshwater drum, white bass, channel catfish, occasional northern pike, and quite a few short walleye were caught. Both body baits and crawler harnesses caught fish. Those going out from the Pine River in Standish also reported the fishing to inconsistent.
Alpena: Lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and coho salmon were found in depths of 50 to 70 feet near Thunder Bay Island. Spoons trolled in the upper part of the water column, as well as flashers and Spin-N-Glos, were productive, with green, watermelon, and orange being the most effective colors.
Walleye were found throughout the bay in 15 to 25 feet of water. Black/silver, purple, and chartreuse were productive colors.
A few northern pike and smallmouth bass were caught in Squaw Bay while casting spinnerbaits and tube jigs in 10 to 12 feet of water. Power anglers reported a few bass along with the occasional northern pike and freshwater drum.
Thunder Bay River: A few walleye were caught while drifting leeches in the river as well as smallmouth bass, pike, and catfish. Those targeting catfish did well using crawlers near the holiday inn and Lamar park.
Rockport: Anglers reported very good lake trout action from Middle Island north to Stoneport in depths of 30 to 70 feet. Spoons and Spin-N-Glos worked well throughout the water column. Those targeting the top 30 feet of the water column caught occasional Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon, and steelhead.
Heavy bug hatches caused fish to feed near the surface on calmer days. Standard and medium-sized spoons in green, chartreuse, and white were productive throughout the day.
Cheboygan: The Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex remains closed to the public. Lake Huron anglers were easily obtaining lake trout limits in 40 to 70 feet of water at Poe Reef. Spoons were preferred, but fish occasionally hit Spin-N-Glos and flashers.
In the Cheboygan River, walleye, rock bass, suckers, and the occasional steelhead were reported. Walleye anglers caught between 1 and 5 fish per trip, and it was rare for anyone to go home without at least one walleye. Anglers drifted various combinations of jigs and live bait, while boat anglers drifted nightcrawlers. Boats traditionally targeting walleye occasionally picked up steelhead as well. These species were caught between the State Street draw bridge and the pedestrian walkway bridge.
Rogers City: Lake trout were plentiful, and many anglers limited out. The best fishing occurred in 30 to 70 feet of water. Running lines throughout the water column produced the best results. Attractors with Spin-N-Glos worked well in the bottom 10 feet of the water column. Spoons in green, blue, orange, and yellow also produced good catches.
Lead-core lines, downriggers, and dipsy divers were all effective. Some Atlantic salmon were also caught in the top 30 feet of the water column. Brightly colored smaller spoons proved successful. Atlantic salmon still held around the marina. Anglers found success casting small spoons or body baits.
The cleaning station was opened for the season.
Presque Isle: Lake trout fishing was very good, with most anglers limiting out. The best fishing occurred in 40 to 90 feet of water. Anglers found the most success by running lines throughout the water column. Both spoons and attractors paired with Spin-N-Glos or Spin-N-Glo flies produced good results.
Effective colors included green, blue, white, yellow, orange, gold, and copper. The silver fish bite also picked up, especially for Atlantic salmon, though anglers occasionally caught steelhead, coho salmon, and Chinook salmon as well. Atlantic salmon were primarily found in the top 20 feet of the water column. The other silver species were caught by running lines throughout the water column.
