Despite temperature drop, fishing still hot
Sat, Nov 28, 2009 
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L A N S I N G ( A P ) — S t e e l h ead and whitefish action continues around the state. Pike and smallmouth bass are feeding actively, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in its weekly fishing report. This is a good time of year to find walleye in the shallows. Check the backwaters for panfish.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joe: Pier anglers were taking good numbers of whitefish when still-fishing with spawn. Fair to good numbers of bass have also been caught.
St. Joe River: Steelhead and brown trout have been caught up near the Berrien Springs Dam by those using spaw, Corkies or Wobble Glo's,
Holland: Pier anglers are targeting steelhead and whitefish.
Grand Haven: Whitefish action continues. Most are floating spawn or wax worms. Steelhead were also caught more so in the early morning or late evening.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Still has pretty good steelhead and walleye action. Shore anglers are floating spawn and boat anglers are trolling rapalas or Hot-n-Tots. Some nice bluegills were caught on the backside of River Front Park.
Grand River at Lansing: Not much in the way of steelhead action except for a few fish caught in Prairie Creek near Ionia. Anglers there use yarn and beads or anything close to an egg imitation.
Looking Glass River: Was producing some nice pike off Babcock's Landing.
Muskegon: Pier anglers reported good whitefish action. Most were casting ½ or æ ounce spoons that are straight, nothing curved. Those fishing along the wall in the channel have also caught whitefish and even a couple salmon when using Hopkins spoons or Kastmasters.
Muskegon Lake: Perch have been caught along the west and southwest portion of the lake in 38 to 42 feet of water. They are hitting on minnows and spikes. Walleye were caught at night in 10 feet of water along the west half of the lake when trolling Husky Jerks.
Muskegon River: Those back bouncing spawn have caught steelhead.
White River: Steelhead have been caught upstream of US-31.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Charlevoix: Anglers were catching some nice perch however the action may not last long. An opportunity that is overlooked this time of year is casting for walleye in shallow waters near shore. Try shallow-running stick baits. Anglers casting from shore or wading the shallows can do very well. Target low-light periods. This fishery should continue until ice-up.
Traverse City: The East Bay is still producing some whitefish. Anglers continue to use Swedish Pimples, Sand Kickers and Elk Rapids jigs. Small perch were caught in the West Bay.
Long Lake: A few perch and some walleye have been caught. Target the walleye in shallow waters while trolling shallow-running stick baits.
Lake Leelanau: Anglers are still heading out for perch and walleye.
Frankfort: Depending on the weather, pier and surf fishing for steelhead and menominee has been good.
Betsie River: Good numbers of steelhead can still be found in the river. Water levels are still low so go with light line and smaller baits or target the deeper holes.
Manistee: Pier fishing and surfcasting for steelhead and menominee has been good at times, depending on wind and wave action.
Manistee River: Steelhead fishing remains good with plenty of fish in the river. Water levels are down and clear which can make the fish spook easily. Try using light line with smaller baits.
Ludington: Pier and shore anglers are still taking steelhead and whitefish.
Pere Marquette River: Is still holding a good number of steelhead however low water levels are making it harder to catch fish.
