Michigan Weekly Fishing Report Reveals Cold Start but Hot Spots Emerging

Michigan’s April fishing report highlights mixed results due to chilly waters and spring storms. While access challenges persist, anglers are successfully catching coho salmon, steelhead, and walleye in certain areas, particularly along Lake Michigan’s southern shores and the Saginaw River.

Chilly water and spring storms stall many fishing efforts, but coho salmon and steelhead provide action across several Michigan locations.

Michigan’s Anglers Face Challenges and Opportunities in Spring Waters

Michigan Weekly Fishing Report — Caseville Harbor

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s April 16 Weekly Fishing Report, issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides insights into the current fishing conditions, including the Michigan weekly fishing report, showing mixed results for anglers across the state as early spring conditions continue to dictate activity. Wind, high water levels, and lingering ice continue to affect many fisheries, particularly in the Upper Peninsula and on Lake St. Clair. Still, strong catches of coho salmon, lake trout, and steelhead are keeping lines tight for those able to access key areas.

As river levels rise from melting snow and spring rainfall, some inland rivers and streams remain difficult to fish, especially in northern regions. But coastal piers and deepwater trolling are offering solid results for persistent anglers.

Saginaw River, Lower Bay Continue to Produce Spring Walleye

Despite slower action overall, Saginaw River remains a focal point for walleye fishing in Bay City, especially near Veterans Memorial Park and upstream near Zilwaukee. Lead head jigs tipped with soft plastics and minnows led to 3–5 fish per boat during favorable conditions.

Meanwhile, in Lower Saginaw Bay, anglers trolling crankbaits in front of Linwood and around the Sparkplug saw limited success. Wind and water clarity were the key issues across the region, especially near Quanicassee and Caseville, where both walleye and perch reports were minimal.

Strong Salmon Action Along Lake Michigan’s Southern Shores

Lake Michigan ports including South Haven, St. Joseph, and Muskegon reported excellent catches of coho salmon, with some bonus Chinook and lake trout showing up in 20–60 feet of water. Orange-colored spoons and spawn bags were especially effective for both pier and boat anglers.

At Frankfort, anglers noted a noticeable uptick in brown trout numbers, with body baits in shallow waters (10–15 feet) producing fish. Harbor and shoreline trolling were productive, and mornings proved most successful.

Steelhead Running Strong in Northern Rivers

Steelhead fishing remained productive in many northern rivers, including Thunder Bay River, Boardman River, and Bear River. The Tippy Dam area reported a strong push of fresh steelhead just in time for Easter weekend, promising favorable action for those targeting migrating fish with beads and spawn.

In Marquette and Au Train, the focus remained on coho and brown trout, with many anglers trolling around river mouths. Orange and chartreuse jigs and natural bait like night crawlers produced steady action from both boats and breakwalls.

Upper Peninsula Ice Limits Access but Opportunities Opening

In the Les Cheneaux Islands, Detour, and Silver City, access remained limited by ice, unmanned docks, and snow-covered roads. However, warmer temps have opened up Grand Marais and Ontonagon, where shallow trolling for coho and brown trout is starting to pick up.

Anglers at Black River Harbor reported modest success for salmon and lake trout while trolling the shallows. Shore anglers had less luck, though natural bait remained the top option.

Fishing Tip of the Week: Use Spinnerbaits to Target Spring Bass

As water temperatures warm, largemouth and smallmouth bass move into shallow waters near structures. The DNR recommends using spinnerbaits to tempt bass hiding in logs, weed beds, and along rocky shorelines. A slow retrieve near cover can trigger aggressive strikes as bass hunt for prey in warming shallows.

For more tips or to ID your catch, visit Michigan.gov/Fish-ID.

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