Although lower water levels in rivers have made trout fishing challenging, it looks like steelhead are still biting across the Northwest Lower and Upper Peninsula. The occasional walleye and perch are biting, but catch rates remain low.
All anglers 17 years of age and older are required to have a fishing license. If you’re headed out fishing, please do your part to keep yourself and others safe by following COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines. Go fishing only if you’re feeling well. Practice proper social distancing (at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live in your household) and keep a face-covering handy for when social distancing cannot be maintained. Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
Lake Charlevoix:Â Anglers are trying for perch, but catch rates were slow.
Kalkaska County: Those targeting walleye on Manistee Lake had success with a crawler harness or crankbait an hour or two after dark. Most were 17-20 inches.
Traverse City:Â Those fishing the West Bay caught a few perch in Northport Bay.
Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell:Â Those casting from shore were still getting a few walleye.
Manistee River:Â Steelhead fishing continues to be decent. On the upper river, the best fishing was upstream of the CCC Bridge. With the cloudy weather, blue winged olives were being used along the banks in the quiet water.
Upper Peninsula
Manistique River:Â Anglers reported steelhead near the Papermill Dam.
St. Marys River:Â Musky and walleye fishing were good in Munuscong Bay.