Early-summer fishing across Michigan is highly active, with early Chinook salmon (“kings”) hitting well in Lake Michigan (like out of Frankfort and Muskegon) in 120 feet of water. Walleye action is strong on Saginaw Bay and the lower St. Joseph River, while panfish and smallmouth bass are highly aggressive in local inland lakes.
Lake Michigan (Salmon & Trout): Chinook salmon are being taken in 90 to 180 feet of water (30 to 90 feet down) using green and orange spoons, meat rigs, or white flasher-flies. Good catches are reported out of Grand Haven, Muskegon, and Frankfort.
Saginaw Bay (Walleye): Walleye anglers are experiencing solid action, with a mix of nice keepers and smaller fish. Early mornings and evening bites are the most productive.
Inland Lakes (Bass & Panfish): Panfish are on their beds and highly aggressive, while smallmouth bass and northern pike are actively taking crankbaits in the shallows.
