NORTHWEST
LOWER PENINSULA
Frankfort: Anglers who fished the north pier reported lower numbers of steelhead, and a few coho salmon hitting on spawn. Anglers who trolled between the pierheads reported catching a couple of brown trout in the morning hours on body baits. Anglers reported that fresh spawn seemed to work best.
Manistee: Fishing was reported to be on the slower side. Pier anglers caught mostly steelhead with a couple brown trout in the mix. Those trolling outside the harbor didn’t have any luck as water temps were very cold along the beach.
Ludington: Fishing was hit or miss. Very few brown trout and coho were caught while trolling in the harbor. A couple steelhead were caught off the north pier while using spawn. Water temperatures outside the pier heads and along the beach were very cold.
NORTHEAST
LOWER PENINSULA
Au Gres: Snow and cold weather resulted in low fishing pressure. Those who made it out reported catching large numbers of small perch on Palmer Road, however there were not many keepers.
Oscoda: Pier fishing remained good. Anglers fishing with spawn did well on steelhead from early morning to throughout the day. Those fishing large minnows on the bottom had success when targeting lake trout. Atlantic and coho salmon were caught from the pier when using crankbaits, spoons, and minnows on bobbers. Natural colored crankbaits worked well, while spoons in green/silver, blue/silver, and golds worked best. Weather permitting, boat anglers had success fishing for lake trout, coho salmon, and Atlantic salmon in 15 to 30 feet of water. Short lead cores off planer boards had the best results using spoons in watermelon, orange, and greens. Slower trolling speeds worked best as water temperatures were around 39 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Au Sable River: The river was reported to be producing good numbers of steelhead below Foote Dam when drifting spawn, beads, and wax worms. Early morning was noted to be the most productive time of day. Boat anglers targeted the deep runs in the lower portion of the river with moderate success. Plugs, spoons, and fresh spawn were all reported to be productive.
Tawas: Pier anglers reported fishing to be slow and only caught a few lake trout and whitefish. The few boat anglers that made it out reported marking fish but, had trouble getting them to bite.
SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Saginaw Bay: Due to cold weather, fishing pressure was low. Those who made it out struggled to catch fish. A few panfish and yellow perch were reported to be caught from Sebewaing to Caseville in the marinas and cuts.
Lower Saginaw Bay: Fishing was reported to be slow. Yellow perch anglers caught a few at Finn Road and at the mouth of the Saginaw River. Walleye anglers reported catching a couple in 14 feet of water west of Spoils Island.
Saginaw River: Overall, fishing on the Saginaw River was reported to be good in some locations and slow in others. Bay City saw slow fishing, however anglers fishing in Zilwaukee and Saginaw reported fishing to be decent. In Zilwaukee, anglers averaged anywhere from 4 to 12 walleye per boat when fishing downstream of the Zilwaukee Bridge and upstream near the tugboat. Jigging with a bright color jig head and minnow seemed to work best. Those fishing in Saginaw saw good catches of walleye near First Street, I-675, Rust Avenue Bridge and downstream of Center Street Bridge. Orange jig heads tipped with a minnow was reported to fish well.