Michigan Weekly Fishing Report highlights slow to fair catches statewide as water conditions shift during peak summer heat.

Walleye Action Mixed in Saginaw Bay and River Despite Summer Winds

BAY CITY — Issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 7:00 AM on June 18, 2025.

Northeast winds impacted the Saginaw Bay region last weekend, leading to reduced fishing activity. Anglers targeting walleye found limited success. Trolling in 22 feet of water at the dumping grounds yielded a few catches on Sunday, though action was slow overall.

Along the Saginaw River, Veterans Park saw some walleye activity from shore anglers using jigs. Reports from Bay City’s marina area also noted modest crappie success with tube jigs beneath bobbers.

In Eastern Saginaw Bay, boat anglers focused on walleye within the slot limit near Sebewaing and Quanicassee, with larger fish found offshore in deeper water. Shore anglers also landed catfish and the occasional largemouth bass.

Lake St. Clair and Port Huron Waters Offer Some Promising Action

Lake St. Clair anglers reported consistent walleye action near Metropark, with crawler harnesses proving effective. Muskellunge were caught in shallow Anchor Bay waters near the Salt River.

Smallmouth bass fishing has improved in both Anchor Bay and along the mile roads. Anglers found success using goby-style lures and flat worms, especially in 7 to 17 feet of water. Catfish, drum, and northern pike were incidental catches during bass outings.

In Port Austin, limited numbers of lake trout and salmon were reported offshore. However, Bird Creek and harbor areas remained active for smallmouth bass on spinners and tubes.

Thumb Region Lakes and Harbors Show Sporadic Results

Harbor Beach produced small catches of lake trout, steelhead, and coho salmon east of the harbor in deep water. Boat anglers casting artificial lures had success with smallmouth bass inside the harbor.

In Lexington, shore anglers landed bluegill, rock bass, and smallmouth near the beach area, using small lures and nightcrawlers.

Southwest Michigan Salmon Bite Proves Inconsistent

From South Haven to St. Joseph, salmon fishing remains spotty. Coho and Chinook salmon were taken in 65 to 120 feet of water, with small dodgers, flies, and spoons the go-to gear. Pier anglers targeting steelhead reported mixed results, often catching drum on shrimp and nightcrawlers.

Further north in Muskegon and Grand Haven, deep water trolling offered occasional Chinook catches. Anglers off Grand Haven piers landed steelhead using alewives and shrimp.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Sees Slight Uptick in Trout and Walleye

In Cheboygan, anglers focused on lake trout at Poe Reef using colored spoons and spin-n-glos. Cheboygan River provided some walleye and bass action near the DNR field station.

While Tawas fishing remained slow, Au Gres offered a brighter picture with walleye, yellow perch, and sheepshead being caught. Oscoda anglers reported Atlantic salmon and steelhead off piers, while Harrisville saw limited trout and bass activity.

Lake Michigan’s Northwest Coast Delivers Deep Water Rewards

In Manistee and Ludington, trolling between 80 and 350 feet yielded Chinook, coho, and steelhead catches, albeit inconsistently. Pier anglers caught drum, brown trout, and the occasional bowfin on crankbaits and spoons.

At Leland, lake trout were reliable at 57 feet. Chinook salmon were found around North Manitou Island. Farther north in Charlevoix, anglers caught cisco, lake trout, and walleye near the Pine River Channel and Fisherman’s Island.

Upper Peninsula Anglers Catch Salmon and Trout Near Shore and Offshore

In St. Ignace, lake trout were caught behind Mackinac Island, and walleye were active in the Pine River during early morning hours. Grand Marais offered a strong lake trout bite, with limited success for whitefish off the breakwall.

Keweenaw Bay and Huron Bay saw rising chinook salmon numbers. Marquette anglers noted a decline in coho, but lake trout were steady between White Rocks and Granite Rock.

Meanwhile, in Little Bay de Noc, walleye fishing slowed, but yellow perch and smallmouth bass were consistent. Big Bay de Noc anglers caught larger walleye but reported light numbers overall.

Fishing Tip of the Week: Focus on Deep Structures in Hot Weather

As water temperatures climb, fish are moving to deeper, cooler areas. Target drop-offs, weed edges, and submerged rock piles between 18 and 30 feet for better success. Species such as walleye and bass are known to school near these summer refuges.

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