High winds wreaking havoc on anglers’ efforts to get out fishing

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Windy conditions continue to hamper efforts. Low water levels in the rivers have opened up the possibility of wading in areas usually not accessible. The inland lakes have bass, pike and panfish. Fall fishing offers some good opportunities for anglers.

Grand Haven:  Fishing on the Big Lake was pretty much impossible. Pier anglers have caught whitefish and steelhead on spawn.

Muskegon River:  Has a good number of salmon. Some are casting small spinners or spoons while others are fly fishing. A fair number of brown trout were caught.

Whitehall:  Boat anglers caught steelhead and the occasional coho in 160 feet of water straight out from the pier.

Manistee:  Had windy weather. Those able to get out during a window of opportunity found trout and salmon in more than 300 feet of water. Try 40 to 90 feet down with orange or green spoons. Pier fishing was slow.

Manistee River:  Salmon and steelhead can still be found below Tippy Dam. Most are fly fishing or drifting a single egg in the deeper holes and along the gravel.

Ludington:  A few trout and salmon were caught 50 to 100 feet down in 200 to 400 feet of water. Try orange or greens spoons along with green flies. Slow pier fishing.

Pere Marquette River:  Salmon have been caught throughout the river, but the fish are turning dark. Steelhead action has picked up as more fish move in.

Pentwater:  When boat anglers can get out, look for steelhead as they are moving in closer to shore. Try the top 40 feet of waters 100 to 150 feet deep. Pier anglers have caught Chinook and steelhead when still-fishing with shrimp.