As summer here in northern Michigan winds down, the fishing is still in high gear.
It seems like from the start, 2024 has been the most impressive silver fish catching opportunity we have seen in our waters for the while.
Yes, lake trout have been plentiful, but this year was the year of the salmon.
Many people ask how this came to be and it is somewhat simple: In order for us to have the opportunity to catch these kinds of numbers, the fish need to survive the first year when they come down the river as fingerlings.
Somewhere nearby where they enter the big lake, there needs to be small alewife and minnows that fit in a tiny mouth.
When that happens, generally many fish do survive and grow.
Without this food base though, there is immediate mortality, stopping the cycle at that point. Clearly, the management strategies and mother nature are doing a good job!
In recent years anglers have seen growing bait populations showing up on the screens of their electronics.
School of baitfish with big fish around them is as exciting as it gets!
Add some decent weather to the lake and you’ve got a five-star opportunity.
With the fall upon us, many salmon are headed upstream to spawn and then die.
However, many will also become table fare for awhile still. Many anglers are out in force trying their best to trick these salmon and take them home for a tasty meal.
The rivers are loaded with fish and anglers trying to catch them all around northern Michigan as of this week’s report.
Jigging and casting in the harbors and mouths has produced fish.
Anglers are also bobber-fishing with spawn, doing above average.
Boat anglers trolling are having great success on the big water and harbors. Plugs and glow spoons are catching fish pretty good. Trollers pulling attractors with meat rigs are getting good action.
There are still many fish still coming. The cohos are here in force, tangling tackle as they go. Be sure to check your lines for damage!
Over the next few weeks traditionally we should see some good steelhead and 2- to 3-year-old salmon fill in the space of the spawning kings.
We would imagine, based on what has been going on, finding the bait will be the key to finding these fall fish.
We will be getting out the Warrior flutter spoons and standard sizes for these rascals!
There is still time to get out and share this fantastic fishing opportunity!
Good luck and good fishing.