Fishing takes back seat to deer hunting

Fri, Nov 20, 2009    to del.icio.us

LANSING (AP) — Angler numbers continue to drop as many pursue hunting, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in its weekly fishing report. Some are preparing for the onset of ice fishing season. Those looking for whitefish will want to get out there as the action continues to improve daily.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

St. Joe: Pier anglers are still taking some steelhead and the whitefish action continues to build. Spawn was the bait of choice.

St. Joe River: Steelhead were caught upstream between Jasper Dairy and Berrien Springs. Fresh fish were still being caught. Try orange Hot-n-Tots or spawn.

Grand Haven: Some fresh steelhead are still being caught off the piers. Try floating spawn or casting rapalas, body baits or small spoons. Fair to good numbers of whitefish have been caught.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Anglers are still catching steelhead when using a white jig with wax worms or spawn. Most are floating over the holes or back bouncing. Fair to good walleye action near Futon Street and the off the east wall when using paddle tail grubs. Glow in the dark worked well. Those fishing Riverside Park were catching crappie and bluegill.

Muskegon: Daytime anglers have caught steelhead off the pier when casting spoons or floating spawn. Whitefish have also been caught by pier and boat anglers in the early morning or late evening.

Muskegon Lake: The northwest corner was giving up some nice bluegills. Perch have been caught around the lake however most were small. Night anglers caught a few walleye near the Bear Lake Channel and along the drop-offs when trolling crank baits. Clown and perch patterns worked best.

White Lake: Those fishing the channel have caught whitefish. Hot colors were gold, orange, silver or glow in the dark.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Betsie River: Water levels are low and clear however steelhead are still being caught. Target the deeper holes until water levels come back up.

Manistee: Had good steelhead fishing off the piers and in the surf.

Manistee River: Steelhead fishing remains good however the water levels are low and clear. The fish are easily spooked during low water levels and that makes them harder to catch. Anglers will want to target the deeper holes and runs which support plenty of wood cover.

Ludington: Pier anglers are still taking steelhead and some whitefish. Try floating spawn or wax worms under a bobber.

Pere Marquette River: Had fair to good steelhead action. Low water levels here are also making it harder to catch fish. Fish the deeper holes until we get some rain.

Pentwater River: Is still producing some steelhead.