The Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Hey anglers, too warm to hunt? Then grab your fishing gear and take advantage of some late fall and early winter action. Low, clear water in pretty much all the rivers is making steelhead fishing a bit more difficult, but the fish are there. Concentrate on the deeper holes and the lower stretches until we get some rain. Pier and surf anglers are getting steelhead and whitefish. Those fishing the inland lakes have caught bluegill and perch on wigglers.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Grand Haven: A few whitefish are being caught off the pier at night. Anglers are using a single egg or wax worm on the bottom or jigging small spoons.

Muskegon: Night anglers are catching whitefish off the piers. Most are jigging small spoons or putting a single egg or wax worm on the bottom.

Muskegon River: Water levels are very low so steelhead fishing has become hit-or-miss. The better fishing may be downstream or in the deeper holes when floating spawn. Those fly fishing have done well with streamers.


NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

If fishing the inland lakes in the region for bluegill, perch, crappie, walleye, pike and bass, anglers will want to try a variety of lures and baits such as spinners, rapalas, minnows, wigglers, crawlers, leaf worms, wax worms or leeches.

Manistee: Pier and surf anglers are catching a few fish.

Manistee River: Low, clear water is hampering steelhead fishing. Needless to say, the better fishing will be in the deeper holes or in the lower river. Try drifting or floating spawn or flies.

Ludington: Pier and surf anglers are catching a few fish. Early morning or late evening are best especially with the warmer temperatures.

Pere Marquette River: Has steelhead however low water levels continue to challenge anglers. Try back bouncing or drifting spawn and flies across the deeper holes. Some are using bright colored spoons or yarn.