Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Hot weather is altering fish behavior so anglers will also have to change tactics if they want to be successful. Walleye, trout and salmon were found in deeper water in the Great Lakes. Those fishing the inland lakes will want to find the thermocline and fish the deeper cooler waters at dawn and dusk. Those fishing the rivers may have better success after cooler weather returns because game fish are sluggish in this heat.


SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Grand Haven:  Boat anglers have done well for trout and salmon 50 to 80 feet down in 90 to 100 feet of water. Green spinnies along with green and white flies worked best. Pier fishing was slow.

Muskegon:  Boat anglers are catching fish in 70 to 120 feet of water. Most are fishing in the bottom 40 feet with lead core in 10 colors. Orange, blue and silver spoons worked best.

Muskegon River:  Trout fishing was good in Newaygo County, however many of the rainbow trout were sub-legal.

Whitehall:  Was producing good numbers of salmon for those trolling 55 feet down in 150 to 170 feet of water. Steelhead were caught 20 feet down. Blue and orange were good colors. Pier anglers are catching large and smallmouth bass on natural baits or artificial baits that resemble a goby.