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Anglers across Michigan see shifting patterns as water warms and fish move deeper; walleye, lake trout, and salmon dominate summer activity in this week’s Michigan weekly fishing report.
Late-Summer Brings Mixed Results as Species Shift Depths and Locations
This week’s DNR fishing report sees anglers across Michigan adapting to changing water temperatures and weather as the summer fishing season deepens. From the shores of Lake Erie to the depths of Lake Superior, reports show species adjusting depth, feeding patterns, and location, forcing anglers to shift tactics.
Walleye Action Heats Up in Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie
In the Eastern Saginaw Bay, walleye catches remained steady, especially from the south end up toward North Island and near Sand Point in 16 to 18 feet of water. Crawler harnesses in mixed colors continued to yield solid results.
On Lake Erie, anglers using crawler harnesses on bottom bouncers in 22 to 25 feet east of Stoney Point reported productive days. Green patterns were especially effective. Monroe County anglers also noted rising largemouth bass activity in the Pointe Mouillee and Crystal Waters areas.
Lake Huron Fish Move Deeper as Thermocline Sets In
With a thermocline beginning to form, Lake Huron anglers observed lake trout shifting deeper, but they were still available under 100 feet. Walleye were caught near Charity Island and across the Tawas region.
Mixed Results on Lake Michigan as Salmon Patterns Evolve
From South Haven to Grand Haven, salmon fishing proved inconsistent. Anglers trolling 50 to 90 feet down in 80 to 150 feet of water caught coho, Chinook, and steelhead. Glow spoons and meat rigs saw continued success, while pier fishing remained slow due to warm surface waters.
Northern Lakes and Bays See Bass Bites Improve with Rising Temps
East Grand Traverse Bay experienced an increase in smallmouth bass activity as temperatures rose to 67 to 70 degrees. Anglers using tube jigs and swimbaits reported strong action in shallow flats. Similar success was seen in Ionia, Calhoun, and Clinton Counties with panfish and bass catches on the rise.
Lake Superior Produces Mixed Results as Weather Hampers Access
In the Upper Peninsula, fishing activity varied. Keweenaw Bay produced moderate coho salmon and lake trout catches, while Black River Harbor and Ontonagon reported slow action. Fairport yielded Chinook and steelhead on flashers and spoons, and Au Train anglers saw success trolling for lake trout at 150 to 180 feet.
Northeast Lower Peninsula Offers Deep-Water Trout and Mixed Salmon Bites
Cheboygan and Presque Isle anglers reported good lake trout catches using spin-n-glos and flashers at Reynolds Reef and off Black Point. Salmon and steelhead were present but scattered. Offshore Oscoda and Harrisville anglers targeted trout and salmon in 100 to 180 feet of water using bright spoons and flasher rigs.
Inland Lake Activity Spikes Across Central Counties
Panfish and bass activity improved across Washtenaw, Mecosta, and Newaygo Counties, with inland lakes warming and fish becoming more active. Round Lake, Morrison Lake, and Big Star Lake produced bluegills, bass, and perch, though some lakes reported slow fishing following weed treatments.
Fishing Tip of the Week: Subtle Presentations in Warm Water
As Michigan waters warm and clear, anglers are advised to scale down their tackle. Light lines and natural-colored lures tend to outperform bold presentations, especially during midday hours. Matching the hatch and targeting early morning or dusk can improve catch rates.
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